When does the DeNIST process run in relation to the Include/Exclude file exclusions?

The DeNIST process is designed to run before any file exclusions are applied to the data set. This sequence is crucial because the DeNIST process focuses on removing non-relevant data, specifically files that are known to be useless in the context of legal proceedings or investigations, such as system files and application files that do not contain evidentiary value. By executing this process first, any irrelevant files are eliminated from the dataset, allowing for a more efficient application of the include/exclude criteria thereafter.

This approach ensures that the data being reviewed consists only of potentially relevant files, which aids in streamlining the review process and conserving resources. Running DeNIST at this stage helps to clarify which files are truly necessary and which can be safely excluded, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the subsequent review process.