Universal archiving module

NB! UAM v1.0.3.23 is now available - to download UAM scroll down.

The universal archiving module (UAM) is a software created by the National Archives for the preparation and transfer of digital documents extracted from electronic records managements systems. Use of UAM requires the ability of an institution’s ERMS to export documents and their metadata in XML format.

UAM is in accordance with the National Archives' guideline Archives management requirements for digital records (in Estonian).

UAM enables to automate several routine and resource-demanding activities:

to compile manually the archives descriptive hierarchy and to use it repeatedly;
to import data separated from electronic records management system for archival processing;
to use imported data for constructing a description hierarchy manually and automatically;
to process description levels and hierarchy;
to automate collecting of metadata (e.g. metadata of files);
to check automatically the existence of compulsory metadata;
to compile automatically various reports (e.g. inventory, check of the existing files);
to validate the regularity of archives scheme;
to check file formats;
to create document containers in accordance with the National Archives requirements;
to forward created document containers to other institutions (e.g. the National Archives) through Document Exchange Centre (DEC);
to save created document containers on data media chosen by the user.

Technical parametres of UAM:

a client of Windows;
uses .NET framework;
uses programming languages C# and LINQ;
requires SQL (Express) server;
uses JHove component.

Use of UAM in institutions

UAM has been attached to EDHS GoPro Case in Tartu City Government and in the Government Office. Relevant procedures are going on in several ministries.

The National Archives recommends institutions to demand from the providers of ERMS connection of the system with UAM in order to be ready to transfer digital documents to the National Archives should the need arise (get acquainted with the transfer regulations here: archival processing of digital documents (in Estonian). It is most recommended to insert the requirement of the connection with UAM to the technical requirements of upcoming procurements of new ERMS-s.

By downloading the universal archiving module, you agree to the following terms and conditions: software and its parts cannot be decompiled, changed and integrated into other systems without a written permit from the National Archives.

Download UAM software!

Before installing UAM, it is advisable to get acquainted with:

UAM operating instructions (in English);
UAM mounting instructions (in English);
Adjustment instructions on UAM input and compatibility with ERMS (in English).

Click here to:

Install UAM software
Install UAM software migration support
download XML Schemas for UAM input
download XML Schemas for UAM output: archival structure and record container

Try UAM!

We are encouraging to try UAM with a help of this short manual and example files:

short user manual (in Estonian)
arh-file example (in Estonian)
dossier transformation example (in Estonian)

History of UAM - discussions and presentations

On November 15, 2011, Tarvo Kärberg from the National Archives held a presentation A tool for digital archiving - universal archiving module (in Estonian).

On March 16, 2010, a discussion on UAM issues with records managers took place in the Government Office. Presentations held at the discussion:

Kädi Riismaa, Preservation of digital documents and changes in the regulation of records management (in Estonian);
Kädi Riismaa, Alteration of the unified bases of records management rule in 2010 (in Estonian);
Kuldar Aas, Archiving of digital documents (in Estonian);
Targo Tennisberg, Extensibility of UAM2 input (in Estonian).

On June 16, 2009, a discussion with ERMS developers on this topic was held. Presentations made at the discussion:

Kuldar Aas, Archiving of digital documents and UAM (in Estonian);
Targo Tennisberg, Extensibility of UAM input (in Estonian);
Discussion summary (in Estonian).

Sample configuration files can be downloaded here:
UAM_conf.xml and Exportresults.xml