What Really Happens During eDiscovery Processing?

Why eDiscovery processing matters?

Legal teams often focus on two bookends of discovery: collecting data and reviewing documents. The step in between, eDiscovery processing, is where much of the cost, risk, and defensibility of discovery is determined.

Processing transforms large, unstructured datasets (emails, chats, mobile data, cloud files) into a lean, defensible, review-ready collection. Without it, teams face higher review costs, missed evidence, or even court sanctions. Done correctly, processing is not just an IT task, it is a legal safeguard.

In today’s digital-first disputes, courts expect ESI (electronically stored information) to be complete, searchable, and defensible. Proper eDiscovery workflow management ensures evidence is preserved, costs are contained, and productions withstand scrutiny.

Breaking down the eDiscovery workflow

Here is how raw data becomes usable evidence:

• Ingestion and Normalization – Collected data is unpacked, standardized, and assigned unique identifiers. Time zones are aligned so emails and chats read in proper sequence.
• Filtering and Culling – System files and irrelevant material are defensibly removed (DeNISTing). Custodians, date ranges, and keywords reduce the dataset.
• Deduplication – Duplicate documents are eliminated globally, ensuring each unique record is reviewed once. This step directly cuts review costs.
• Text Extraction and OCR – All content is indexed for search, with scanned images converted into searchable text
• Audit Trail Creation – Every action is logged, producing reports that stand up to court challenges.
• Exception Handling – Corrupted or encrypted files are identified, documented, and addressed before they can stall review.
• Export and Review Prep – The reduced dataset is securely prepared for legal review platforms.

Common pitfalls in eDiscovery processing

Even experienced teams can encounter costly mistakes if processing is mishandled:

• Corrupted files discovered too late delay productions.
• Time-zone misalignments create inaccurate timelines.
• Over- or under-collection leads to spoliation risk or inflated costs.
• Missed privilege checks result in accidental disclosures.
  
  

The most effective safeguard is a combination of advanced automation, structured eDiscovery workflows, and expert human oversight.

How Array strengthens eDiscovery processing?

At Array, eDiscovery is our largest and most established service line, refined through decades of litigation support. What sets us apart:

• One-Stop Support –Integrated services for collection, processing, managed review, and production reduce risks during handoffs.
• Technology Plus Human Expertise – Our advanced processing engines are guided by experts who manage complex data types including mobile, databases, and cloud systems.
• Defensible eDiscovery Workflows – Every step is logged, with full audit trails, exception reports, and chain-of-custody documentation.

• Responsive Service – Unlike larger providers, Array delivers personal communication and rapid response instead of ticket-based queues.

These strengths ensure legal teams gain measurable benefits: faster case timelines, lower review costs, and defensible outcomes in front of the court.

What this means for legal leaders?

• For General Counsel and Corporate Legal Teams: Confidence that discovery is defensible, deadlines are met, and risks are reduced.
• For Legal Operations Managers: Noticeable cost savings through culling, deduplication, and reduced hosting spend.

• For Litigation Practice Heads: Reliable processing that ensures opposing counsel and the court see accurate, defensible productions.

Practical takeaways for your next case:

• Standardize custodial interviews to avoid missing data sources.
• Confirm time zone normalization before beginning review.
• Request exception reports early to address corrupted or encrypted files.
• Validate deduplication rules (custodian vs. global).
• Align processing specifications with production requirements at the outset.

Next steps

Processing may feel like the middle step, but it often determines litigation outcomes. Legal leaders who treat processing as a strategic safeguard gain stronger defensibility, lower costs, and greater control.

To explore defensible workflows for your matters:

• Visit our eDiscovery processing page
• Find out more about our eDiscovery Services
• Learn how Managed Review connects directly to eDiscovery processing
• Explore additional Array resources on litigation support

Ready to strengthen your eDiscovery workflow? Contact Array’s team to discuss your next matter.