> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.opencrvs.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.opencrvs.org/v1.6/crvs-systems/understanding-crvs.md).

# Understanding CRVS

Before considering to build a CRVS system using OpenCRVS it is important to understand the business domain. There is a lot of helpful material that explains what CRVS is and how it should work and this section highlights a number of useful references. Take the time to review the domain specific material below before proceeding with an implementation of OpenCRVS. 

| CRVS Reference                                                                                          | Description                                                                                                                                                                  | Link                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| (UN) Handbook on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems: Management, Operation and Maintenance | An exhaustive reference of administrative arrangements, operational functions, quality, interoperability and digitisation of civil registration and vital statistics systems | <https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/Standards-and-Methods/files/Handbooks/crvs/crvs-mgt-E.pdf> |
| The Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Digitisation Guidebook (CRVS-DGB)                           | An online resource that provides step-by-step guidance for countries to plan, analyse, design and implement digitized systems and automated processes for CRVS               | <http://www.crvs-dgb.org/en/>                                                                              |


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