USE CASE
Information asset management
How Synercon can help
Synercon provides tools, techniques and training for best practice information asset management.
Tools
Our software tool a.k.a. is perfect for building information asset registers. Because there’s no coding involved, a.k.a. makes it easy for non-technical users to get the job done.
The relational database functionality enables you to build relationships and cross-reference other information governance instruments, such as business classification schemes, retention schedules and org structures.
With a.k.a., designs are fully customisable – so you can accommodate all your organisation’s requirements, now and into the future.
Interactive reports deliver functionality that no spreadsheet can match. The inbuilt templates make it easy to publish online in formats that end-users can intuitively understand and navigate.
Search and filtering features and hyperlinked relationships make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for. And with no special training required, adoption is a breeze.
Check out the information asset register Monash University built using a.k.a..
Techniques
Synercon makes building an information asset register easier by providing:
- Quick start tools for data collection
- Best practice designs that meet industry and government standards
- Templates for interactive reports
Training
Synercon provides online training to help you create an information asset register, including:
- A step-by-step guide to help you through the development process
- Product training to help you make the most of a.k.a. when designing and building your information asset register
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an information asset register?
Information asset management is foundational to any information governance program. It helps the organisation understand what assets it holds and manage the associated risks.
At its core, an information asset register is an inventory that details:
- What information your organisation holds
- Where it’s held
- Who’s responsible for it
- Who uses it and what it’s used for
- How critical it is to business
- How long it needs to be retained
- What its security classification is
Because it documents the links between information assets, business requirements and technical dependencies, an information asset register is pivotal to overcoming many of the digital challenges your organisation might face.
What are the benefits of an information asset register?
Because information is core to any business, an information asset register can deliver an impressive range of benefits.
Improved risk management
- Identify vital records to support business and operational continuity
- Identify and protect intellectual property
- Avoid catastrophic operational failures
Improved data protection
- Identify and protect sensitive and personal data
Improved planning
- Preserve digital continuity
- Simplify data migration and server decommissioning
Increased cost saving
- Reduce duplication and redundancy
Increased productivity
- Make staff aware of what information is available and where to find it
- Onboard new employees
Do we need an information asset register?
Maintaining an information asset register isn’t just useful, it’s mandatory in many jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Even when it’s not compulsory, it’s good business practice for any organisation that holds personally identifiable information, privacy protected information, or intellectual property.
An information asset register allows you to understand and manage the risks associated with data and information security. It makes it possible to know what high-value or high-risk information is being held and ensure the organisation is meeting its data protection obligations.
How do I create an information asset register?
Synercon’s online training provides a step-by-step guide to help you through the development process.
It answers some of the most common questions, including:
- What does the process involve?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What data do I need to gather?
- Where do I find the data I need?
Can I create an information asset register in Excel?
It is possible to create an information asset register using a spreadsheet, but it’s laborious and there are a lot of limitations.
In contrast, a database enables links between different data elements and makes it possible to define “many to many” relationships. a.k.a. makes extensive use of link fields, lookup sets and relationships to streamline data entry, eliminate redundancy and ensure consistency.
With this functionality you can create a fully integrated information governance toolkit, linking information assets to business classification schemes, retention schedules, org structures and other instruments.
That’s why purpose-built software like a.k.a. is better than a spreadsheet.
Insights
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