The Forms Management Program is responsible for maintaining quality state forms.  This includes maintaining the state form numbering system, maintaining design standards for state forms quality, designing forms that meet the needs of our customers, eliminating duplicate and bootleg forms, and reviewing and analyzing all forms used in state government.

The forms management program is a critical part of an effective records management system. The forms management program for the State of North Dakota was established July 1, 1983, with the enactment ND Century Code (Section 54-44.6). 

Subtopics

• Definition - What Is A Form?
• Inventory of State Forms
• Forms Analysis
• Key Words Used for Form Titles
• Forms Content
• Forms Design
• State Form Numbering System
• Annual Forms Inventory Review
• Universal and Duplicative Forms
• Bootleg Forms
• Forms Filing and Indexing
• Form Design Principles
• Standards for State of North Dakota Forms

Description

Forms management is a cost-saving program designed to reduce the cost of creating, maintaining and distributing information.  Forms standards have been developed as a solid basis for evaluating forms requirements.  Application of these standards will save bottom-line dollars on forms and also improve the efficiency and accuracy of government operations.

Forms - the tools of the paperwork system - are the most widely used type of business record in government and the private sector.  Forms are the chief means of communicating information in a methodical and standardized way.

Forms management, through review, analysis, and application of sound principles of forms design, insures the right form will be in the right place at the right time.

The North Dakota state forms management program includes, but is not limited to:

• Reviewing and analyzing all forms used in state government
• Eliminating forms that are not needed
• Creating new forms if they are needed and justified
• Improving forms for our customers
• Designing forms for maximum efficiency and quality
• Assuring forms integrate into the state's information system
• Combining forms that serve similar purposes
• Simplifying forms to ease the government paperwork burden
• Providing forms that are economical to produce and use
• Changing existing forms when needs change
• Creating a central inventory and classification of all forms
• Stopping the origin of inefficient and unnecessary forms
• Expediting the availability of required forms
• Maintaining standards for forms quality
• Improving the public and employee attitudes about state forms