The EDRM Model and Where AI Fits

EDRM 2.0 is the current Electronic Discovery Reference Model released by EDRM on September 1, 2026. It places the Information Governance Reference Model as the foundation and groups Identification, Preservation, Collection, and Processing in a Data Acquisition framework. Review remains a focal point, while Production, Presentation, and Disposition describe later handling and use of information. The model also elevates Analysis from a separate box to a continuous activity that can inform decisions across phases. That shift reflects analytics, machine learning, and generative AI, but EDRM does not add an “AI phase.” A system may help identify sources, process data, prioritize review, analyze relationships, or prepare production; the legal and operational checks remain tied to the work being performed. Disposition addresses systematic retention, deletion, transfer, or return after use, subject to legal holds, retention duties, and agreements. EDRM is a conceptual reference, not a required sequence or legal rule. Teams may repeat, reorder, or skip phases depending on the matter, and should adapt the framework to jurisdiction, court orders, proportionality, and client obligations. Earlier EDRM diagrams may not include the same groupings or disposition changes, so identify which version a project references. Use the framework to clarify responsibilities and handoffs, then document the actual process and control points. The current definitions also clarify that Review examines relevance, responsiveness, privilege, confidentiality, privacy, and issue significance; Production delivers information in appropriate formats, and Presentation displays it in legal proceedings. These descriptions help teams map automation to real activities.