Learn how organisations implement document control strategies to manage and protect data in this free online course.

‘Document control’ describes the set of procedures and protocols that guarantee that an organisation’s documents are produced, evaluated, distributed and destroyed systematically. This course explains how to implement document management strategies. We lay out the advantages of document control software, including their ability to save employees time as they use digital files instead of rummaging for real papers in a filing cabinet. The course then outlines the six phases in the life cycle of a document. Each step introduces unique data management practices that define underlying rights and role management.

The course explores document control strategies and tools used to implement good document control governance, starting with the Master Document Register (MDR) and Document Distribution Matrix (DDM). We then explain how documents are numbered and discuss how to design the best possible numeration system. We study various templates and ready-made style and content guides for a range of documents.

The course discusses document control issues that can involve the three pillars: people, process and technology (PPT). We demonstrate how quality control functions as a feedback mechanism. We delve into the role of document control in project management. We compare the role of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors in projects. Finally, the course covers the document review and approval procedures. Document control protocols are important to organisations as they keep information safe, flowing and accessible to sign up for this course to learn how to manage documents professionally and add a valuable new skill to your portfolio.