---
title: Explaining Record Retention Guidelines for Businesses
description: When establishing record retention guidelines for businesses, it's important to consider the laws governing your record retention and technology.
image: https://blog.mesltd.ca/hs-fs/hub/380750/file-2619027426.jpg
---

Contact us today! [905-475-9263](tel:+19054759263)

[![MES Hybrid Document Systems](https://blog.mesltd.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Torontodocumentscanning_June2015/MES-Logo-Tagline2.png?width=492&name=MES-Logo-Tagline2.png)](https://www.mesltd.ca)

# Explaining Record Retention Guidelines for Businesses

Posted by [Robert Adshead](https://blog.mesltd.ca/author/robert-adshead) on Mar 20, 2015 9:30:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![explaining-record-retention-guidelines-for-business](https://blog.mesltd.ca/hs-fs/hub/380750/file-2619027426.jpg?width=373&name=file-2619027426.jpg "explaining-record-retention-guidelines-for-business")

When establishing record retention guidelines for businesses, it is important to consider two factors: the laws governing your record retention and the technology that you can use to manage it. That being said, here are the guidelines for record retention that every business in Canada should follow:

 

**Create a system wherein your records cannot be accidentally lost**

Even the most efficient [paper filing system](https://blog.mesltd.ca/3-ways-to-reduce-paper-in-the-office) can result in lost documents. Make sure that you are using a digital document management system to at least back documents up.

 

**Make sure that permanent records are immediately set aside**

One of the worst things that can happen while you are managing records is for a member of your team to accidentally destroy records that you are required to retain by law. To avoid this, immediately set aside and place into [long-term storage](https://blog.mesltd.ca/where-to-find-the-best-long-term-digital-storage) any documents that fall into the following categories:

- Audtitor's reports
- Annual financial statements
- Stock records
- Licenses and patents
- General ledger
- Mortgages and deeds
- General receipts

Depending on your industry, there may be additional permanent record categories. Also, the same logic applies to documents with any sort of retention requirements. For example, all tax documents must be held for possible auditing for at least 6 years. These should have a separate file indicating this.

 

**Implement an efficient record management solution**

This is one of the most important record retention guidelines for businesses that you can follow. Trying to effectively manage your records should not be done manually. This will cause your company to waste a lot of time and make unnecessary mistakes. Instead, make sure to use efficient [record management software](https://www.mesltd.ca/services/document-management/) that will allow you to quickly digitize, categorize, index and manage documents.

 

**Modern record retention is not a local consideration**

For many business, properly adhering to all laws and record retention guidelines for businesses requires you to look beyond the [laws of Canada](https://blog.mesltd.ca/7-things-about-records-management-legislation-your-boss-wants-to-know) alone, and instead consider global regulations. This is because millions of Canadian companies have a presence beyond our borders. If your company is one of these millions, then is critical that you know how regulations are similar and different in varying regions. In most regions, for example, electronic versions of documents require to be retained by law are acceptable. However, many countries in Latin and South America, which are still developing their digital capabilities, only accept hard copies of documents; this can make sharing documents more difficult in some cases.

*Other important facts about record retention guidelines across the globe that you should be aware of include the following:*

- Record retention guidelines for the United States and Canada are very similar.

- The European Union has a front-end approach to records containing personally identifiable information. This means, for example, that as soon as you have finished using a customer's personal information for a business function such as a credit check, you must safely destroy it.

- The Soviet Union has a universal record retention system that breaks nearly every type of record into thousands of groups with specific retention requirements. Few of their laws are industry-specific.

- Many Latin American countries impose specific limitations on how long records can be kept.

- In many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, there are very few laws creating requirements for specific record retention periods.

** **

**Do not make record retention more difficult than it has to be**

At face value, record retention for businesses can seem like a complicated, difficult endeavor. However, when your team has a strong set of guidelines that clarify record retention laws and make use of the [technology available](https://www.mesltd.ca/services/document-scanning/) to make things easier, you can more effectively keep things in order.

[![why your current DMS doesn't work](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/380750/c749ee96-5810-4d3e-a9f3-4c5ab6cf82e7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/380750/c749ee96-5810-4d3e-a9f3-4c5ab6cf82e7)

### You May Also Enjoy Reading:

### Posts by Topic

- [Document Management and ECM (216)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-and-ecm)
- [MES Hybrid Document Systems (156)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mes-hybrid-document-systems)
- [document scanning (128)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning)
- [Records Management (54)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-management)
- [microfilm (43)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm)
- [document management software (41)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-software)
- [paperless office (41)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paperless-office)
- [document scanning services (37)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-services)
- [paperless (33)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paperless)
- [document management solutions (32)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-solutions)
- [Scanners (29)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scanners)
- [document management (26)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management)
- [digital transformation (25)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-transformation)
- [data security (17)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-security)
- [document imaging (17)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-imaging)
- [electronic medical records (16)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/electronic-medical-records)
- [record management (16)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/record-management)
- [Archiving Documents (14)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archiving-documents)
- [Film Scanners (14)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/film-scanners)
- [HR (14)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/hr)
- [document storage (14)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-storage)
- [Archive Writing (13)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archive-writing)
- [accounts payable (13)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accounts-payable)
- [human resources (13)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/human-resources)
- [paper scanning (13)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paper-scanning)
- [Document management company in Ontario (12)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-company-in-ontario)
- [Document management in Ontario (12)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-in-ontario)
- [Electronic Records (12)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/electronic-records)
- [document management system (12)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-system)
- [Document Scanning Services in Ontario (11)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-services-in-ontario)
- [office automation (11)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/office-automation)
- [Book Scanner (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/book-scanner)
- [Cloud Computing (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cloud-computing)
- [Digital Document Services (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-document-services)
- [Document Scanner (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanner)
- [Document Scanning Toronto (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-toronto)
- [digital storage (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-storage)
- [document management company (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-company)
- [paper documents (10)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paper-documents)
- [Document scanners in Ontario (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanners-in-ontario)
- [Workflow (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/workflow)
- [cloud storage (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cloud-storage)
- [information security (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/information-security)
- [microfilming (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilming)
- [online document management (9)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/online-document-management)
- [Document Management Toronto (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-toronto)
- [Document Scanning in Ontario (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-in-ontario)
- [Document management software in Ontario (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-software-in-ontario)
- [Ontario document management (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-document-management)
- [automated workflows (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/automated-workflows)
- [business process automation (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-process-automation)
- [digital archives (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-archives)
- [document scanning solutions (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-solutions)
- [document security (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-security)
- [library scanning (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/library-scanning)
- [microfilm scanners (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanners)
- [records retention (8)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-retention)
- [Microfilm scanning (7)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanning)
- [document indexing (7)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-indexing)
- [microfiche (7)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfiche)
- [records storage (7)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-storage)
- [student records management (7)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/student-records-management)
- [DocuWare (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/docuware)
- [Document Retention (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-retention)
- [ECM (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ecm)
- [aperture cards (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aperture-cards)
- [document management requirements (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-requirements)
- [invoice automation (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/invoice-automation)
- [microfilm scanner (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanner)
- [record retention (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/record-retention)
- [scan to zero (6)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scan-to-zero)
- [ECM Sotware (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ecm-sotware)
- [ECM document management software (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ecm-document-management-software)
- [Ontario record management (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-record-management)
- [Ontario records management (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-records-management)
- [Student Records Management in Ontario (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/student-records-management-in-ontario)
- [accounts receivable (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accounts-receivable)
- [automation (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/automation)
- [book scanning (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/book-scanning)
- [compliance (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/compliance)
- [customer service (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/customer-service)
- [data storage (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-storage)
- [digital documents (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-documents)
- [digital records (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-records)
- [digitizing (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digitizing)
- [document management trends (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-trends)
- [document scanners (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanners)
- [file management software (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/file-management-software)
- [libraries (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/libraries)
- [medical document scanning (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/medical-document-scanning)
- [mes hybrid (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mes-hybrid)
- [paper records management (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paper-records-management)
- [productivity (5)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/productivity)
- [Document Managing Process (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-managing-process)
- [Library Scanners (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/library-scanners)
- [Microfilm Scanning Services (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanning-services)
- [Ontario Library Association Expo (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-library-association-expo)
- [Ontario record management solutions (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-record-management-solutions)
- [Toronto (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/toronto)
- [accounting (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accounting)
- [archives (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archives)
- [archiving documents in Ontario (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archiving-documents-in-ontario)
- [business efficiency (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-efficiency)
- [business processes (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-processes)
- [digitizing library (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digitizing-library)
- [document archiving (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-archiving)
- [document automation (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-automation)
- [document scanning products (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-products)
- [document scanning service (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-service)
- [document workflows (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-workflows)
- [healthcare (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/healthcare)
- [how to scan documents (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/how-to-scan-documents)
- [library (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/library)
- [manual document filing (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/manual-document-filing)
- [protecting paper documents (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/protecting-paper-documents)
- [record management solutions (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/record-management-solutions)
- [records scanning (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-scanning)
- [secure document storage (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/secure-document-storage)
- [shared drives (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/shared-drives)
- [student record management (4)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/student-record-management)
- [Document Management Solutions in Ontario (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-solutions-in-ontario)
- [EMR (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/emr)
- [Efficiency (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/efficiency)
- [FileBound (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/filebound)
- [FileDirector in Ontario (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/filedirector-in-ontario)
- [Financial Document Management in Ontario (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/financial-document-management-in-ontario)
- [High Speed Document Scanners (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/high-speed-document-scanners)
- [Microfiche Scanners (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfiche-scanners)
- [OCR (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ocr)
- [Rollfilm (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/rollfilm)
- [data compliance laws (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-compliance-laws)
- [data preservation (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-preservation)
- [digital (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital)
- [digital imaging (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-imaging)
- [digital mailroom (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-mailroom)
- [document management in Toronto (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-in-toronto)
- [document management systems (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-systems)
- [document management tools (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-tools)
- [document scanning process (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-process)
- [document software (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-software)
- [electronic document management (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/electronic-document-management)
- [file management (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/file-management)
- [filing systems (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/filing-systems)
- [going green (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/going-green)
- [government security (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/government-security)
- [high capacity scanners (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/high-capacity-scanners)
- [information management (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/information-management)
- [invoice processing (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/invoice-processing)
- [micrographics (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/micrographics)
- [organizing files (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/organizing-files)
- [paper usage (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paper-usage)
- [physical records management (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/physical-records-management)
- [record management software (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/record-management-software)
- [records management trends (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-management-trends)
- [scan to pdf (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scan-to-pdf)
- [shared documents (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/shared-documents)
- [the cloud (3)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/the-cloud)
- [Aperture Card Scanners in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aperture-card-scanners-in-ontario)
- [Aperture card scanners (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aperture-card-scanners)
- [Archive Writing in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archive-writing-in-ontario)
- [Are digital images legal (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/are-digital-images-legal)
- [Departmental Scanners in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/departmental-scanners-in-ontario)
- [Digital Transformation in Healthcare (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-transformation-in-healthcare)
- [Disaster Recovery (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/disaster-recovery)
- [Document Scanning Equipment in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-equipment-in-ontario)
- [Document management Hamilton (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-hamilton)
- [Document management software Hamilton (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-software-hamilton)
- [Document scanning Markham (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-markham)
- [E-Forms in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/e-forms-in-ontario)
- [GDPR (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/gdpr)
- [Guiding Principles (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/guiding-principles)
- [Large Format Scanners in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/large-format-scanners-in-ontario)
- [MES Hybrid Document (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mes-hybrid-document)
- [Microfilming Services (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilming-services)
- [Ontario document management systems (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-document-management-systems)
- [Ontario microfilm (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-microfilm)
- [Records Management in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-management-in-ontario)
- [Records Scanning in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-scanning-in-ontario)
- [Toronto Document Management (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/toronto-document-management)
- [Wireless Network Scanners in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/wireless-network-scanners-in-ontario)
- [Workflow Automation (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/workflow-automation)
- [book scanners (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/book-scanners)
- [build a business case (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/build-a-business-case)
- [business growth (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-growth)
- [business strategy (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-strategy)
- [child care modernization (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/child-care-modernization)
- [cloud vs. on-site (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cloud-vs-on-site)
- [converting microfilm to digital images (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/converting-microfilm-to-digital-images)
- [customer service experience (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/customer-service-experience)
- [data theft (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-theft)
- [digital files (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-files)
- [digital organization (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-organization)
- [document management services (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-services)
- [document preservation (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-preservation)
- [document protection (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-protection)
- [document scanning equipment (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-scanning-equipment)
- [mailroom (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mailroom)
- [metadata (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/metadata)
- [microfiche scanner (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfiche-scanner)
- [microfilm readers (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-readers)
- [microfilm scanning in Ontario (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanning-in-ontario)
- [microfilm storage (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-storage)
- [paperless billing (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paperless-billing)
- [process management (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/process-management)
- [questions to ask (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/questions-to-ask)
- [records management legislation (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-management-legislation)
- [reduce paper use (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/reduce-paper-use)
- [share information (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/share-information)
- [small business (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/small-business)
- [sustainability (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/sustainability)
- [workforce mobility (2)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/workforce-mobility)
- [12.12.12 (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/121212)
- [AIIM (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aiim)
- [AODA Compliance (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aoda-compliance)
- [Accessibility (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accessibility)
- [Aperture Card Scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/aperture-card-scanning)
- [Are you considering acquiring the data capture ser (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/are-you-considering-acquiring-the-data-capture-ser)
- [Business Process Improvement (BPI) (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-process-improvement-bpi)
- [CGSB-72.11.93 (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cgsb-721193)
- [CPIN (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cpin)
- [Canon Microfilm (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/canon-microfilm)
- [Canon Scanner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/canon-scanner)
- [Cloud Document Storage (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cloud-document-storage)
- [Company Culture (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/company-culture)
- [Cost Savings (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cost-savings)
- [Data Management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-management)
- [Data Security Compliance (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-security-compliance)
- [Data Storage Solutions (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-storage-solutions)
- [Digital Archiving (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-archiving)
- [Digitization (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digitization)
- [Document Retention Policy (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-retention-policy)
- [Document management software Ontario (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-software-ontario)
- [EMR Integration (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/emr-integration)
- [EMR Systems (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/emr-systems)
- [Electronic Document Management System (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/electronic-document-management-system)
- [Electronic Records Management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/electronic-records-management)
- [File Formats (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/file-formats)
- [FilePrint (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/fileprint)
- [Formatta in Ontario (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/formatta-in-ontario)
- [Fujitsu Scanner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/fujitsu-scanner)
- [HIPAA Compliance (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/hipaa-compliance)
- [Healthcare Document Management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/healthcare-document-management)
- [Healthcare Efficiency (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/healthcare-efficiency)
- [Intelligent Document Processing (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/intelligent-document-processing)
- [MES ViewScan (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mes-viewscan)
- [MP20 (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mp20)
- [Medical Records Scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/medical-records-scanning)
- [Microfiche Digitization (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfiche-digitization)
- [Microfiche Scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfiche-scanning)
- [Microfilm Digitization (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-digitization)
- [Microfilm scanning Markham (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanning-markham)
- [Microfilm scanning services Hamilton (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-scanning-services-hamilton)
- [Microfilming Hamilton (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilming-hamilton)
- [Microfilming in Ontario (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilming-in-ontario)
- [Ontario Document Archiving (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-document-archiving)
- [Ontario Document Scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-document-scanning)
- [Ontario Microfilming (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-microfilming)
- [Paper Waste (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/paper-waste)
- [Patient Care (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/patient-care)
- [Patient Records Management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/patient-records-management)
- [Records Scanning Service (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-scanning-service)
- [Records Storage Facility (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-storage-facility)
- [Records and Information Management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-and-information-management)
- [Scanning Documents (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scanning-documents)
- [Secure Storage (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/secure-storage)
- [Types of EDMS (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/types-of-edms)
- [UScan (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/uscan)
- [ViewScan (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/viewscan)
- [Webinar (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/webinar)
- [Wide Format Scanners in Ontario (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/wide-format-scanners-in-ontario)
- [accounts payable programs (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accounts-payable-programs)
- [accounts payable vs receivable (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/accounts-payable-vs-receivable)
- [alternative to micrographics (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/alternative-to-micrographics)
- [archive (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archive)
- [archive writing services (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archive-writing-services)
- [archive writing system (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/archive-writing-system)
- [books (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/books)
- [business continuity (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-continuity)
- [business records (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/business-records)
- [cheap microfilm prices (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cheap-microfilm-prices)
- [child protection information network (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/child-protection-information-network)
- [content services (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/content-services)
- [cost of document storage (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cost-of-document-storage)
- [cybersecurity (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/cybersecurity)
- [data entry (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-entry)
- [data hoarding (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-hoarding)
- [data indexing (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-indexing)
- [data loss (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-loss)
- [data protection (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/data-protection)
- [departmental scanners (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/departmental-scanners)
- [digital destruction (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-destruction)
- [digital library (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-library)
- [digital office (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-office)
- [digital reel (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/digital-reel)
- [document control (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-control)
- [document imaging services (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-imaging-services)
- [document management resources (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-management-resources)
- [document solutions (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/document-solutions)
- [e-forms software (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/e-forms-software)
- [education (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/education)
- [email retention (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/email-retention)
- [enterprise document scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/enterprise-document-scanning)
- [future of microfilm (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/future-of-microfilm)
- [future of micrographics (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/future-of-micrographics)
- [hospital records management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/hospital-records-management)
- [how much paper do I have (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/how-much-paper-do-i-have)
- [image verification (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/image-verification)
- [information risk (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/information-risk)
- [insurance (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/insurance)
- [life after microfilm (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/life-after-microfilm)
- [manufacturing (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/manufacturing)
- [manufacuring (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/manufacuring)
- [membership records (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/membership-records)
- [mes hybrid document management syste (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/mes-hybrid-document-management-syste)
- [microfilm alternatives (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-alternatives)
- [microfilm products (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-products)
- [microfilm reader printer (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-reader-printer)
- [microfilm replacement (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-replacement)
- [microfilm suppliers (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-suppliers)
- [microfilm toner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/microfilm-toner)
- [moving tips (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/moving-tips)
- [network drive (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/network-drive)
- [network scanner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/network-scanner)
- [network scanners Hamilton (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/network-scanners-hamilton)
- [newspaper scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/newspaper-scanning)
- [on site scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/on-site-scanning)
- [on-site software (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/on-site-software)
- [ontario library association (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/ontario-library-association)
- [payroll (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/payroll)
- [portable scanner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/portable-scanner)
- [process documentation (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/process-documentation)
- [public scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/public-scanning)
- [questions about document scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/questions-about-document-scanning)
- [record scanning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/record-scanning)
- [records management laws (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/records-management-laws)
- [remote access (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/remote-access)
- [remote documents (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/remote-documents)
- [resume screening (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/resume-screening)
- [return on investment (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/return-on-investment)
- [scanning patient files (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scanning-patient-files)
- [scanning services toronto (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/scanning-services-toronto)
- [security (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/security)
- [sharing documents (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/sharing-documents)
- [shredding (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/shredding)
- [spring cleaning (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/spring-cleaning)
- [student information system (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/student-information-system)
- [student records (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/student-records)
- [time management (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/time-management)
- [uman resources (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/uman-resources)
- [version control (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/version-control)
- [wireless network scanners (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/wireless-network-scanners)
- [workplace security (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/workplace-security)
- [zeta book scanner (1)](https://blog.mesltd.ca/topic/zeta-book-scanner)

[see all](https://blog.mesltd.ca/explaining-record-retention-guidelines-for-businesses#)

### Follow Me

<http://www.youtube.com/user/MESHDS><https://www.facebook.com/111892975543895><https://www.instagram.com/meshds><https://www.linkedin.com/company/271217><https://twitter.com/MESHDS>

### Address

200 Amber Street  
Markham, ON L3R 3J8

Phone: 905-475-9263

Email: [info@mesltd.ca](mailto:info@mesltd.ca)

Web: [www.MESLTD.ca](https://www.mesltd.ca)

## Embrace Paperless!

### Call today for your free quote and document management plan

905-475-9263

### or

[Contact us online](https://offers.mesltd.ca/contact-us-today-mes)

Copyright 2020 Hybrid Document Systems Inc. | All Rights Reserved | Lead Generation and [HubSpot Consulting Services](https://www.thinkfuel.ca/why-use-hubspot/) By ThinkFuel Marketing

- [**](http://www.twitter.com/meshds)
- [**](http://www.youtube.com/user/MESHDS)
- [**](https://plus.google.com/b/103237175123037492911/103237175123037492911/posts)
- [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/271217)

![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=217257&fmt=gif)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Robert Adshead",
    "url" : "https://blog.mesltd.ca/author/robert-adshead"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2015-03-20T13:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Explaining Record Retention Guidelines for Businesses",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.mesltd.ca/hs-fs/hub/380750/file-2619027426.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.mesltd.ca/explaining-record-retention-guidelines-for-businesses",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.mesltd.ca/hs-fs/hub/380750/file-600259344.png"
    },
    "name" : "MES Hybrid Document Systems"
  }
}
```