A file plan is an organizational structure where you apply retention policies and organize records.
A file plan consists of the following elements:
- File plan. The file plan is the highest level placeholder for all elements nested in the organized hierarchy.
- Record category. Place a record category under the file plan level. You cannot nest a category under another record category, but you can place multiple record categories under the file plan level. You associate disposition and cutoff instructions with the record category. All of the children nested under a record category inherit these instructions. You can place a record at this level. You can declare a vital record at this level. You must assign a retention policy to a record category.
- Record folder. Place this element under record categories or under other record folders. You can declare a vital record at this level. You can place records in this level.
- Record. Capture a record to effectively preserve information and categorize it according to a predefined list of values. You can place a record under the record category or record folder elements.