Rapid Assessment Model (DPC RAM)

DPC's Rapid Assessment Model (version 3) (PDF) - This document includes introductory information about the history and structure of the model, details of how it should be used, and the model itself. The document also includes a RAM worksheet that can be printed out and used to carry out a RAM assessment.

DPC RAM assessment spreadsheet (XLSX) - This assessment spreadsheet can be used to record the results of an assessment using DPC RAM. As well as recording your assessment (current and target levels as well as additional context), it also provides visualizations of your results and a new tab which can be used to visualize results over time.

Forward plan template

DPC RAM Forward plan template (DOCX) - This template can be used to create a forward plan based on gaps identified by a RAM assessment. The template can be adapted and edited to suit individual needs.

Translations

Translations of DPC RAM and our other resources are carried out by volunteers within the community. Translations of the current version of DPC RAM will be added to this page as they are made available.

Translations of previous versions of DPC RAM are available. 

See our acknowledgements page for further details on our translators and information on how to contribute.

Changes from Version 2 to Version 3

This version of the Model shows key changes in Version 3 which have been highlighted in yellow.

The PREMIS EC is seeking to fill up 3 vacancies on the Editorial Committee (EC). 

The EC meets monthly, with smaller EC working groups focusing on specific tasks–like outreach, rights statements, and other topics–meet regularly outside of the monthly EC meeting. It would be expected for EC members to be able to devote regular time to committee work. 

Please see the news item for more information. Apply by the end of March. For more information about the current PREMIS EC, please see their webpage. 

Translations

Translations of DPC RAM and our other resources are carried out by volunteers within the community. Translations of the current version of DPC RAM will be added to this page as they are made available.

Translations of previous versions of DPC RAM are also available. 

See our acknowledgements page for further details on our translators and information on how to contribute.

Watch Introductory Video 

This video gives a 10 minute introduction to DPC RAM and includes information on what it is, why we created it and how to use it.

DPC Members are able to access summary information about RAM assessments received from the membership as a whole. 

Log in to the DPC website to view this information.

The DPC’s Rapid Assessment Model (DPC RAM) is a digital preservation maturity modelling tool that has been designed to enable rapid benchmarking of an organization’s digital preservation capability and facilitate continuous improvement over time. 

The DPC RAM model and a spreadsheet for recording and visualizing results can be downloaded here.

Further resources relating to DPC RAM include an introductory video explaining what the model is and how to use it, a 'Level up' resource which provides tips for moving forward with each section of RAM, an FAQ and benchmarking information for DPC Members, and further resources and case studies showing how RAM has been used in the digital preservation community.

	Introduction An introduction to DPC RAM. Watch this short video to find out more about DPC RAM and how to use it.
	Download DPC RAM Download RAM and associated resources. Get a copy of DPC RAM, a worksheet to enter your results and a template to use to create a forward plan. Translations of DPC RAM will also be available here.
	Level up with RAM How to level up with DPC RAM. Find a range of useful tips, resources and case studies to help you make progress with each of the sections of DPC RAM.
	FAQ for DPC Members  DPC Member questions answered. Find out how the DPC uses DPC RAM with its Members, what support you can get from us and what we do with the information you share with us.
	Benchmarking Compare your RAM assessment with other DPC Members (DPC Members only). Use these statistics and reports to see how your RAM assessment compares with other DPC Members.
	Further resources and case studies A list of additional resources and case studies relating to DPC RAM. Use this to find out how others have used DPC RAM.

This model was originally developed in conjunction with the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Do contact us with comments and feedback to help us improve DPC RAM.