In terms of structure, what should the metadata stored alongside the scanned documents include?

The correct answer includes the necessity of storing all relevant fields such as names and application content alongside scanned documents. This comprehensive approach to metadata is essential for various reasons.

First, having detailed metadata enables easier searching and retrieval of documents. If only a limited set of information is recorded, such as just the applicant's name or the application type, it can create challenges when trying to locate specific documents later, especially in systems that may have a large number of files.

Second, including all relevant fields in the metadata enhances context. When application reviews or audits occur, having detailed information at hand can streamline the process. For example, knowing the application content directly associated with the applicant's name helps facilitate quicker decision-making and improves collaboration among team members who may be working on the same applications.

Furthermore, rich metadata can improve integration with data analytics tools. This allows organizations to glean insights from the documents and perform advanced analytics, which would be limited if only surface-level metadata were retained.

Choosing to store only the applicant's name, application type and date, or just the image location would likely lead to gaps in data usability and hinder effective document management. Thus, thoroughly documenting relevant fields ensures that the content is effectively organized, accessible, and ready for any future requirements or analyses.