Contributors are end users who create, possibly file and classify, search, request, and retrieve records. ERK software should make records management functions invisible to the user. This is a two-sided requirement. On the one hand, ERK software should make designating and classifying records as painless and unobtrusive as possible. On the other hand, the software should provide simple but rich capabilities for searching the repository.
Consumers are end users with read-only access.
They may search, request, retrieve, and view records. An estimate of how many records management transactions a typical user might make in one day should be calculated. If an enterprise system is planned, it is important to estimate potential users by business unit and geographic location, in order to make the best decisions about repository replication, application integration, and implementation strategies. Such an analysis is required by the Clinger-Cohen Act .