How a Rapid-Deployment Records Management System Prevents Compliance Nightmares
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Written by Gimmal Product Marketing
A major U.S. utility, American Water, recently announced a cyberattack that forced it to disconnect billing and other critical systems. Although the utility quickly responded and protected its core operations, the incident shines a spotlight on a significant vulnerability that any organization—public or private—can face: disrupted processes and potential regulatory fallout.
The question is, how do you position yourself to handle these challenges swiftly and confidently? Integrating a robust Electronic Document/Records Management System (EDRMS) into your organization’s Microsoft SharePoint environment can be a game-changer. That’s where the joint solution from Gimmal Records and RIMtech’s Catalyst offers a vital edge.
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YouTube Video: How cyber criminals target U.S. water plants
Accelerating EDRMS Deployment Without Breaking the Bank
Traditional EDRMS projects can take months or even years to implement, involving extensive manual configuration and hefty consultancy fees. They’re also prone to misclassification errors, leading to compliance pitfalls. The Gimmal + RIMtech Catalyst solution addresses these issues by:
Automating Much of the Setup
Pre-built SharePoint Online site structures and standardized retention schedules cut down on tedious, error-prone work.
Eliminating Guesswork
The methodology behind Catalyst ensures records are created with pre-defined metadata and classification, reducing the possibility of oversight.
Rapid Time to Value
Sticking to a proven framework means your organization can deploy faster, at a lower cost, and with minimized risk.
Meeting Common Organizational Challenges
Lack of Effective Records Management
Even if you’re not in the utility sector, cybersecurity incidents can lead to service shutdowns, data corruption, and non-compliance. A robust EDRMS ensures your records remain accessible, authentic, and secure—even when external threats strike.
Resource Constraints
Struggling with limited in-house expertise? By leveraging the out-of-the-box structures and automated deployment that Catalyst offers, you can sidestep the usual reliance on extensive (and expensive) consulting hours.
Time and Cost Pressures
Launching an EDRMS from scratch is resource-intensive. The joint solution accelerates the process, keeping budgets manageable and letting your team focus on strategic initiatives rather than wrestling with complex technical setups.
Why SharePoint Online?
From cost-effectiveness to ease of use, many organizations already rely on Microsoft 365—including SharePoint—on a day-to-day basis. By building compliance and records management capabilities directly into the platform you already own, you avoid the need for an entirely new system or extensive custom development.
Catalyst’s Secret Sauce: Pre-Built IA + Software-Ready Retention Schedules
RIMtech’s Catalyst tools come with a robust, proven Information Architecture (IA) and retention schedules that are ready to deploy in SharePoint Online. This setup includes:
1. Pre-defined libraries and metadata columns.
2. Automated handling of case records through Document Sets.
3. Over 500+ activities (and up to thousands more in certain industries) mapped to specific retention rules.
These elements drastically reduce the time it takes to achieve real compliance, removing much of the guesswork that fuels EDRMS project delays and cost overruns.
Minimize Risk and Strengthen Governance—Proactively
No one wants to be caught off-guard by a cyberattack or a compliance audit. In a tense moment—like the one the large U.S. utility experienced—having your records securely stored and organized can make the difference between business continuity and total operational freeze.
With Gimmal Records and RIMtech’s Catalyst:
1. Protect Data Integrity: Safeguard vital records from premature loss or unauthorized tampering.
2. Comply With Regulations: Demonstrate to regulators and stakeholders that you have a consistent, transparent, and effective approach to records management.
3. Audit Readiness: Quickly produce and verify information, no matter how unexpected the request.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
If the utility sector’s recent cyber incident has taught us anything, it’s that calamities strain every facet of your organization—from customer-facing portals to crucial internal processes. Adopting a rapid-deployment EDRMS now can help you avoid being caught off-guard when your systems are targeted or your compliance is questioned.
Get started with Gimmal + RIMtech Catalyst to ensure your organization is prepared, compliant, and efficient—before the stakes get too high. Whether you’re a utility provider, a government agency, or a private enterprise, robust records management is no longer a luxury; it’s your shield against both external and internal threats.
Ready to Learn More?
Get started by filling out the form below, and let us help you leverage your existing infrastructure with minimal disruption. Whether you’re looking for ease of use, a single platform solution, or guidance on information governance, we’re here to assist.
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