Heritage Data Management Systems and Software An Evaluative Study with the Development of an Applied Framework for Heritage Data Management in Egyptian Heritage Institutions

In an era where digital technologies are fundamentally transforming the ways in which data is documented, preserved, and made accessible, the field of heritage management has undergone significant change. Heritage data management has become a vital component in safeguarding cultural heritage. With rapid technological advancement and digital transformation, the need for structured management of heritage data has emerged as an essential tool for preserving the cultural and historical identity of communities.
This study aims to propose a platform for managing heritage data through interactive interfaces that support collaborative data management among heritage institutions in Egypt. It also explores the standards for organizing and digitally preserving heritage data and identifies key systems and software that contribute to heritage data management, examining their functional capabilities and technical features. The study adopts the survey methodology in its descriptive form and utilizes a checklist to evaluate heritage data management systems and platforms.
The study concluded that enhancing integration among various heritage institutions and facilitating access to heritage data are of great importance. It also highlighted several challenges facing heritage preservation institutions in managing heritage data, including the complexity of heritage data, the continuous pace of technological developments, difficulties in data management and sustainability, and the high cost of software development and maintenance. Based on the evaluation criteria, the ARCHES system ranked first among heritage data management systems. The results of the pilot testing of the proposed platform indicated that it possesses the fundamental components that qualify it to serve as an effective tool for heritage data management. Nevertheless, certain aspects still require further development, in addition to the need to simplify data entry interfaces and to provide user training to ensure optimal utilization of the system.
The study recommends the development of a clear digital strategy for heritage data management, including long-term goals and plans for implementing integrated data management systems. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to develop clear and comprehensive standards for heritage data to ensure consistency in data collection, processing, and preservation, thereby facilitating data exchange and reuse across various institutions.