f. The Army has drastically changed to support the IMA.
New
organizations and management concepts have been developed to improve
effectiveness and efficiency in development and use of information systems.
The AIA, the fundamental management concept, provides the overall framework
within which all other information management decisions are made. The AIA
seeks to correct problems affecting current information systems and to avoid
future problems by ensuring newly developed information systems are
effectively integrated into it.
2.
IMA Overview.
a. Origins of the IMA.
(1) For years, the Army investigated how to manage information more
effectively.
While studies were conducted and various organizations
attempted various approaches, none accomplished the task. The introduction
of new technology made it even more critical that the Army learn how to
manage its information. The Army met this issue by acknowledging that the
real need was better management of its corporate information, not more
sophisticated technology.
(2) The Chief of Staff, U.S. Army approved the establishment of the
IMA on 9 May 1984. The IMA includes all resources and activities employed
in the acquisition, development, collection, processing, integration,
transmission,
distribution,
retention,
retrieval,
maintenance, access, disposal, and management of information.
b. The IMA consists of five disciplines: automation, communications,
visual information, records management, and printing and publications.
(1) Automation
is
implementing
processes
or
procedures
using
automated electronic equipment in tactical and nontactical environments.
The technologies include, but are not limited to, micrographics, word
processing, copiers, printing, communications, decision aids, and general
purpose data processing.
(2) Communication
is
disseminating
information
through
the
transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images,
sounds or data of any nature using audio, visual, electro-optical, or
electromagnetic systems.
(3) Visual information is using sound and visual material or
processes to communicate information. Visual information includes, but is
not limited to, motion pictures, still photography, television, audio,
graphic art, and audiovisual libraries.
(4) Records management is managing and maintaining documentation. It
includes distribution, use and disposition, storage, declassification, and
the implementation of responsibilities under the Freedom of Information and
Privacy Acts. Media includes
SS0119
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