A Records and Information Governance Firm
Our information governance services help you create transparent and
trustworthy solutions for your information challenges
Kahn specializes in addressing the evolving landscape of records and information management. From the intricacies of remote work environments to the integration of cutting-edge technologies like IoT devices, artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, data lakes, and data warehouses, Kahn is adept at navigating the complexities of modern information ecosystems.
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In today's dynamic business environment, traditional approaches to information-related strategies, policy directives, retention schedules, auto-purge routines, and daily practices fall short. Kahn offers strategic guidance to companies seeking innovative solutions that not only mitigate risks but also effectively manage costs. In a world where information moves at the speed of light and resides in the cloud, adaptability is key.
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Kahn's consulting expertise embraces a holistic perspective, bringing together a diverse team of professionals encompassing business, technology, information management, legal, compliance, and privacy domains. By addressing information challenges from multiple angles, Kahn ensures comprehensive solutions for clients grappling with the complexities of contemporary information management.
Randolph A. Kahn is Named to LatticeFlow Advisory Board
“Randolph’s unparalleled expertise in information governance and compliance is a valuable addition to our advisory board,” said Andre Boisvert, Chairman of LatticeFlow AI. “His insights will be instrumental in guiding our strategies to ensure our AI solutions not only perform at the highest levels but also enable public institutions and private companies to adhere to the strictest standards of legal and regulatory compliance.”
Information Governance Assessment
Kahn offers an Information Governance Assessment that will identify and mitigate risks associated with the management of information. The assessment will review organizational capabilities such as information-related policies, third-party contracts, retention schedules, and training programs. It will assess IT system capabilities related to structured data, unstructured data, AI/ML, third-party storage, and e-communications. Resources offered below to help you get support and funding.
Regulatory Fines Skyrocket
Regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA/CPRA place strict requirements on how businesses must handle personal data. Non-compliance isn’t just bad for reputation—it can result in steep financial penalties. In 2023, GDPR penalties exceeded €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion), signifying the rigorous stance European authorities are taking against data protection violations. In 2023, the SEC charged ten firms with widespread recordkeeping failures, resulting in fines totaling $79 million. This follows a series of similar actions, including over $1.8 billion in penalties imposed in September 2022 for comparable violations. These actions highlight the importance of managing information and the significant consequences of failing to do so.
Gartner Estimates that 80% of Enterprise Data is Unstructured
Managing unstructured data is no longer a choice—it's a business imperative. By adopting automated systems, companies can not only reduce risk and costs but also unlock the full value of their information assets. Kahn Consulting has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to streamline information governance for over two decades. We partner with industry-leading solutions that provide cost-effective, scalable tools to help businesses take control of their unstructured data. Our team of experts bridges the gap between governance policies and cutting-edge automation.
Records Retention Schedules are a Key Component to
Complying with Privacy Laws
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All information in an organization needs to have a predictable end of life. Every organization should have a Records Retention Schedule that is compliant with laws and regulations dictating how long a record must be retained and reflects the business value of the record. Even if the information doesn’t rise to the level of record, it should also have a policy on when it must be disposed of. Given the new privacy laws around the world, it is essential that organizations keep retention and disposal rules current with laws, regulations, and business needs. On a regular basis, organizations need to conduct business profiles to identify new lines of business, new technology that is creating new information, use of biometrics, secondary use of information in AI or BI projects, new revenue streams related to selling data, new jurisdictions they have entered, etc. Business activities change often in today fast moving world, and companies need to keep policies aligned proactively.
Kahn has decades of experience in developing simplified, big-bucket record retention schedules and information governance policies. Give us a call if you want to talk about updating your record retention schedule or policies.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IS DIFFERENT FROM RECORDS MANAGEMENT
What "Information" Should be Retained and for How Long?
Typically, organizations have policies and retention schedules that address what records need to be retained and for how long. At Kahn, we help organizations address the other large volume of information that will never rise to the level of record and non-traditional data that is generated with today's technologies. "All" information needs to be managed and have a pre-defined end of life. Some the most difficult information to manage is unstructured information and much of it is ROT—redundant, obsolete, or trivial. Eliminating ROT will minimize both costs and risks. ​​
CHALLENGES COMPANIES ARE FACING
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, MACHINE LEARNING, DEEP LEARNING, IOT, AIoT, TECHNOLOGY-GENERATED DATA
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There are numerous predictions about the growth and impact of AI, Machine Learning (teaching a tool by using known parameters) and Deep Learning (neural networks that behave like a human brain), and it appears that these technologies will continue to be transformative. The corporate pressure to use AI makes it almost impossible to avoid if your corporation wants to stay competitive. What this means in practical terms is that many businesses are committing to using these powerful tools to transform all kinds of business processes. But as AI changes the way businesses function, there is still a need for regulatory compliance and the need to have evidence of business activities and operations.
But AI can’t be just about “running faster,” as the implementation of AI tools creates unique information issues (i.e., ownership, bias, privacy, retention, etc.). These issues need to be addressed, or they may become costly to your organization.
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OFFICE 365 & GOOGLE WORKSPACE GOVERNANCE
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Microsoft TEAMS, Chats, Recordings, SharePoint, Yammer, Email / Exchange
Google Workspace, Mail, Chats, Vault, Voice, Sites
For most organizations, managing unstructured or semi-structured electronic data is challenging and time-consuming. MS365 and Google provide organizations with features and functionality to better manage their information from a security, privacy, litigation discovery, access, and records retention standpoint, among other things. Getting it set up right will be hugely valuable during normal business times, as well as when litigation strikes. Also, getting policies and rules established upfront will help make the migration process more manageable and valuable. Kahn’s Office 365 and Google Workspace Advisory Services will assist your organization in bridging the gap between technology capabilities and business, governance, and compliance needs and requirements.
KAHN'S MOST RECENT BOOK, PUBLISHED BY
THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (ABA)
The Executive's Guide to Navigating the Information Universe Book
Companies that create and nurture an information culture can better predict their customers' needs, exploit markets, and conjure up new business possibilities. Similarly, companies that have their information act together are better able to protect their legal interest, comply with myriad privacy regulations, and mitigate the pain and inconvenience of discovery in the context of a lawsuit. What matters now is that information - which, for most companies, is the lifeblood that pulses through their corporate veins - allows an organization to exploit business opportunities while being mindful to mitigate risk. ​​To help guide you through the information universe, this easy-to-use primer, written by industry leaders, is a comprehensive guide arranged as twenty distinct Rules that provide an overarching understanding of "everything information" impacting your company, whether or not you know it. Each Rule includes an Executive Takeaway, Background Information, and Business and Legal Implications. Each Rule is self-contained, and you can refer to one Rule as a primer for a select topic or read the book from cover to cover to get the information you need.
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CONTACT US
We welcome anyone to schedule a virtual lunch with one of our experts to discuss any information governance-related topic. This will be an informal discussion to hear our thinking about a topic of interest to you.