What is the first step in a basic processing workflow?

The first step in a basic processing workflow is to create a custodian. This step is essential because custodians are the individuals or entities that hold the data relevant to the case or investigation. By establishing custodians first, you create a framework to identify and manage the data sources from which information will be collected and processed later in the workflow.

Creating custodians helps in maintaining an organized approach, as it allows the team to outline the specific data that needs to be inventoried and processed based on the custodians identified. Having this groundwork laid out not only streamlines subsequent steps but also ensures that the relevant data is captured accurately in preparation for analysis. This foundational step is crucial for effective data management throughout the entire processing workflow.