Every organization needs records management and a records management program. After establishing a records management program and appointing a records management officer, a retention/control schedule should be developed. As needs for filing system improvement and development become apparent, the following twelve-step strategy is recommended.

Color Coding is the assignment of color to a number, letter or particular item that shows meaning. In filing we assign a color for each number 0 through 9 (numeric file folder labels) and a color for each letter A through Z (alphabetic file folder labels) to aid in filing and retrieval of all types of hard copy files. By putting these colors (letters, numbers and designators) in a particular position on a file folder, file [...]