Document audit trails or document history indicate to management all the changes that have happened to the document through its life span. Document history can be used to provide key performance indicators in workflow. The ability to see who, how and what has transpired to a document over it's lifespan can greatly reduce errors and liabilities to an organisation. Every industry has some form of privacy legislation or corporate governance. Most DMS systems today should provide at least the minimum:

• date accessed
• by which user
• printed, emailed or faxed
• created a new version or new document
• add notes and/or annotations

Can you afford not to be using DMS?