A definition of enterprise information management (EIM)

Enterprise information management (EIM) is the set of business processes, disciplines and practices used to manage the information created from an organization's data as an enterprise asset. EIM functions ensure that high quality information is available, protected, controlled and effectively leveraged to meet the knowledge needs of all enterprise stakeholders, in support of the enterprise mission.

An EIM initiative makes it possible to use appropriate processes, policies and technologies to collect, disseminate and maintain the integrity of critical data across multiple programs in a manner that is equitable and responsive to all aspects of the enterprise. EIM allows an organization to  integrate data across the enterprise, with the primary goal of building a source of enterprise-aligned data for distribution and consumption by all users in the enterprise.

Through the implementation of EIM strategies, today's organizations are able to address the challenges described above and provide more efficient, effective and proactive services to their external and internal information customers. Establishing and maintaining an EIM initiative will enable an organization to realize enterprise-wide integration and alignment goals that are too often missing from current information strategies.