One of the primary reasons for skyrocketing e-discovery costs is that so many enterprises fail to keep their data organized in the first place. However, by maintaining strict control of electronic discovery data, these organizations can enjoy multiple benefits, from saving on litigation costs to achieving real peace of mind.
1. Lower Data Risk
Scattered data is vulnerable data. When you keep a firmer grip on your e-discovery data, protection capability and levels increase. Companies know where their data is, and are able to track and classify that data, as well as maintain accurate inventory. Knowing where relevant data can be retrieved is an important contributor to adjusting protections accordingly.
2. Greater Flexibility
When control is maintained over e-discovery data, companies and their litigation support teams both enjoy a greater level of flexibility. It’s easier to measure productivity levels within a single department as well as across other teams. Other integral elements of an effective e-discovery strategy, like early case assessment, become easier to carry out and deliver more accurate results.
3. Improved Defensibility
The discovery process is worthless without defensibility. Maintaining strict data control allows for true defensibility: creating a repeatable process, tracking the chain of custody and keeping records of how and when relevant data has been accessed or changed. Putting a system in place to control your data will put an end to questions about defensibility.
4. Saving Big
When data is controlled properly, companies can save both in time and money during the litigation process. Data that’s easy to locate is easy to produce during discovery, preventing many wasted hours sorting through irrelevant gigabytes. Having a plan in place for your data before litigation even starts will drastically reduce e-discovery costs, as well as streamline the process from start to finish.
5. Confidence
There’s an easy way to eliminate the stress associated with inaccurate data sets, conflicting data and lost or missing entries: control your data. Put an end to second-guessing and improve clarity by setting up comprehensive data control procedures. Effective governance will ensure that your workflow complies with any necessary guidelines, and that any relevant data can be retrieved as needed, with a minimum of fuss.
Without a data solution that provides clear control, discovery costs will continue rising unchecked, due to the lost time spent attempting to find relevant data in a disorganized system. By implementing a sound structure for controlling internal data, organizations will see significant savings during litigation, specifically due to the huge reduction in e-discovery costs.