Different types of data have different needs, often determined by legislation or the meaning of the data. The purpose of the data life cycle model is to safeguard data at every stage of data processing. Life cycle planning is based on the definition of common rules of the data handling. How information is stored, used, shared and ultimately archived or destroyed. 

When data is being collected, for example in project activities, the data life cycle should be planned. The life cycle starts when the data is created or received and ends with its permanent preservation in the form of archiving or destruction. At the end of a project or other data collection, all surplus data should be destroyed from the participants' computers and from the memory locations used, such as network drives or external storage devices. 

• The data life cycle covers all stages of data processing, namely data creation or reception, storage, use, sharing and transfer, archiving or destruction.
  The information lifecycle approach is based on the systematic and risk-based handling and management of information.
  With regard to the information life cycle, it is important to recognise that information assets may be processed in several different locations and on different information systems or hardware. In some cases, data may have its own life cycle in different locations and systems.