File plans and other classification schemes are critical components of records management implementations. We develop file plans or business classification schemes according to your requirements and implement throughout the organisation.
Our file plans are based on National Archives requirements in various countries, and are designed to ensure that all records are correctly classified, referenced and stored aprropriately. An important component of our file plan development is user training and making sure that the all users understand why the file plan is important, and how to use it correctly. We ensure that the file plans are implementable in any records management or EDRM systems that you may use.
We follow international best practice procedures to analyse the functions of the organisation, the various activities performed within those functions, the transactions conducted and records generated, received or created during the organisations processes.
Contact us for a quotation to develop and implement a file plan in your organisation.
File Plan Development
File plans (also called business classification schemes) are critical components of effective records management and Information Governance. A well-designed file plan ensures records are consistently classified, referenced, stored, found, retained, and disposed of across the organisation—regardless of whether records are paper-based, digital, or stored in multiple systems.
At COR Concepts, we develop and implement file plans according to your organisational requirements and align them with recognised archival and records management principles. Our file plans are designed to be practical for users and implementable in any records management or EDRMS/ECM system you use.
What Is a File Plan?
A file plan is a structured classification system that organises records by the functions of an organisation, the activities performed within those functions, and the transactions that generate records. It provides a consistent way to:
- Classify records and information logically
- Create standard file references and naming conventions
- Improve findability and retrieval
- Support retention scheduling and defensible disposal
- Enable audit readiness and compliance reporting
- Reduce duplication and uncontrolled information sprawl
Why File Plan Development Matters
Organisations often struggle with information scattered across shared drives, email, cloud platforms, and business systems. Without a file plan, records are stored inconsistently, metadata is unreliable, and users create their own informal filing structures—making it difficult to locate records quickly and manage them defensibly.
A properly developed file plan reduces risk and improves operational performance by enabling consistent classification and supporting compliant lifecycle management.
Our Approach to File Plan Development
We follow international best practice methods to analyse your organisation and design a file plan that reflects how work is actually performed. This ensures the structure is logical, scalable, and usable—not just theoretically correct.
Function, Activity, and Transaction Analysis
We analyse the functions of the organisation, the activities performed within those functions, the transactions conducted, and the records generated, received, or created through business processes. This creates a defensible structure aligned to operational reality.
Classification Structure and Numbering
We develop classification levels, naming conventions, and referencing rules that support consistency and future growth. The objective is to create a file plan that users can apply correctly without needing specialist knowledge.
Practical Implementation Design
Our file plans are designed to be implementable in:
- Paper-based filing environments
- Digital shared drives and team sites
- EDRMS and ECM platforms
- Hybrid environments (paper + digital + cloud)
This ensures the file plan remains usable even as technology changes.
Training and Change Management
An important component of our file plan development service is user training. File plans only work when users understand:
- Why classification matters
- How to classify records correctly
- How to apply file references and naming conventions
- What to do when something does not fit (and how to request updates)
We provide practical guidance and support to ensure adoption is sustained and that the file plan becomes part of day-to-day work.
Aligning the File Plan with Retention and Disposal
A file plan is most effective when aligned to retention rules. Classification supports consistent retention, defensible disposal, and audit readiness. If required, we can develop or refine your retention schedule alongside the file plan to ensure end-to-end lifecycle control.
Related service: Consulting Services What Is Information Governance (IG)?
Who This Service Is Designed For
Our file plan development service is ideal for organisations that:
- Do not have a file plan or have an outdated file plan
- Have inconsistent filing practices across departments
- Need to improve records control, findability, and audit readiness
- Are implementing an EDRMS/ECM platform and require a classification structure
- Want a practical structure supported by training and implementation support
Related service: EDRMS and ECM Systems Consulting
What You Receive
- A business-aligned file plan / classification scheme
- Clear naming conventions and referencing rules
- Guidance for implementation in your environment and systems
- User training and practical support for adoption
- Recommendations for governance, maintenance, and change control
Talk to Us About File Plan Development
Contact us for a quotation to develop and implement a file plan in your organisation. We’ll help you create a practical classification scheme that supports compliant records management and sustainable Information Governance.