Extract from Reveal’s article “Advanced ESI Analysis: Metadata, Timelines & Insights”
Electronic stored information analysis is the structured review of digital records and metadata to determine what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and which actions matter for legal, compliance, privacy, and investigation workflows.
Define the question before you collect data
Are you trying to confirm who saw a policy draft, trace whether a file changed after legal hold, or understand who deleted messages after a complaint? Good electronic stored information analysis begins with focused questions, not broad collection.
Define the custodians, date range, likely data sources, and sensitive categories such as personal data, privilege, or trade secrets. This keeps eDiscovery investigations proportional and reduces noise before review begins.
Preserve first, collect second
Do not begin by exporting random files or screenshots. Preserve source data in a way that maintains integrity. In plain language, metadata is the background information attached to a digital item, such as author, creation time, edit time, recipients, file path, message ID, or version history.
