BT brings management of HR records into twenty‐first century: Millions of sheets of paper scanned and shredded in document‐system revamp

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how telecommunication company BT transferred its paper‐based personnel records on to an electronic system.

Design/methodology/approach

Details how the project was managed and the results that have been obtained.

Findings

Shows that BT is seeing improved retrieval times and reduced costs. Some 3.5 million sheets of paper have been scanned, 280,000 kg of paper has been shredded, and 22 rooms previously required for paper‐record storage have been released and reallocated for training.

Practical implications

Demonstrates that BT is also seeing additional benefits, including the ability to monitor access to archive materials and understand retrieval volumes.

Originality/value

Reveals that BT's HR department is now fully compliant with Data Protection Act regulations in the UK, alleviating the threat of prosecution or personal liability for failure to comply with regulations related to employee record‐keeping.

Citation

Lavelle, R. (2007), "BT brings management of HR records into twenty‐first century: Millions of sheets of paper scanned and shredded in document‐system revamp", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 7, pp. 17-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710830423