NEW! Revised!
AIIM Recommended Practice (ARP1-2006), Analysis, Selection, and Implementation Guidelines Associated with Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS)
(PDF 605 KB)

What is a Standard?
Why have Standards in our industry?
Why is AIIM involved in Standards?
How is AIIM involved in Standards?
How does the process work? How does AIIM produce a Standard?
How do I get involved?

What is a Standard?
stan·dard (st n dərd) n.
[Middle English, from Old French estandard, rallying place, probably from Frankish *standhard : *standan, to stand; see sta- in Appendix I + *hard, fast, hard; see kar- in Appendix I.]

2a. An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
b. An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
5. Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
6a. A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

Why have Standards in our industry?
Standards do alot for our industry; they:

• Promote interchangeability of system components which leads to easier adoption
• Improve performance, increase sales, and grow profits
• Expand markets through better interoperability and increased credibility
• Ensure a better success rate and longer system life through the use of vendor products complying with standards
• Protect vital corporate records and technology investment through interchangeability and open platforms
• Reduce risk by making implementations easier and more successful

• discuss changes in the industry that affect their Standards;
  
• regularly review each accredited Standards for relevance and currency;
  
• form new groups to discuss and draft Standards related to the latest technology practices.

Over 80 of AIIM's standards, recommended practices, and technical reports have been drafted and approved by ANSI.

AIIM holds the secretariat for ISO/TC 171, Document Management Applications and ISO/TC 171 SC2, Document Management Applications, Application Issues.

AIIM is also the administrator for the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC 171, Document Management Applications that represents the United States at international meetings. Participation in this group is limited to individuals who are domiciled in the United States. If you do not live in the U.S. you may participate through your country's standards organization.

How does the process work? How does AIIM produce a Standard?
The volunteer members of the various AIIM Standards committees and working groups each collaborate, research, and bring best practices to the table. The group then drafts a recommended practice. These documents work their way through their committees getting reviewed and revised until the committee and reviewing public agree that the document is ready to be submitted to ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) for their review and approval.

Because these are industry Standards, there are rules and procedures to follow throughout this entire process. But AIIM takes care of the administration of it all, so as a volunteer, you get to concentrate on the creative.

How do I get involved?
Contact:
Betsy Fanning, Director, AIIM Standards Program
301-755-2682
bfanning@aiim.org

Ebony A. Dowtin, Program Coordinator
301-755-2664
edowtin@aiim.org

You may also want to participate in our Standards Focus Group which meets on a periodic basis.