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::Computerized Case
Management Systems - FAQs
Mission
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| Worksheets | FAQs
- What is the "best"
case management system?
I get asked this question
a lot. First of all, as my friend and co-consultant
Carol Schlein says, "There is no Holy Grail in
case management." Carol's right; what works well
for one firm may not work well for another. You've
got to do your homework and "shop" for a
case management system, one that works for your firm.
Most case management systems do the same things (Rolodex,
Case/Matter Database, Calendaring, Case Diary/Notes,
Document Generation, and Reporting). The differences
between the systems are in how they handle these various
functions.
The worksheets on this
CMS Web site will help you determine what your needs
are and what to look for in a case management system.
Look at several different systems, compare the "flow"
of information between the different CMS functions
and how they'll work within your firm. Compare pricing,
but don't buy the least expensive just because it
is the cheapest.
Whatever system you buy,
you'll be able to do some customization - count on
it. Whether you do it internally or whether you hire
the CMS developer to do it for you will drive the
cost. What you want in the long run is a CMS system
that works the way your firm does.
- Who installs the case
management system?
Depending on the system
you purchase, you may have the capability to install
the system yourself or utilize your internal IT department.
Every system is different. Most firm choose to have
the CMS developer (or their sales consultant) handle
the installation, implementation, customization, and
training. The sales consultant usually works with
the firm for scheduling the implementation. If you
do choose to use a sales consultant, make sure you
check references and experience of that particular
person.
- Who will maintain
the case management system?
Depending on the complexity
of the system, you may be able to maintain the CMS system
internally. If the system is SQL driven, many firms
already have other SQL server systems in place and utilize
the same person(s) to maintain the CMS system. CMS developers
usually release updates several times a year.
By all means, make sure you
purchase a maintenance and support agreement from the
CMS developer. This helps ensure you get the latest
updates and receive technical support directly from
the developer.
- Is there a long learning
curve with a case management system?
It depends on the system
you purchase and the computer literacy level of those
using the system. Computer savvy users may not need
any training at all and can use the system "out
of the box." However, those users are few and
far between. It is worth the investment to have training
conducted by the CMS developer or the sales consultant.
Everyone receives the same training, which helps in
the long run educate all users on how the system works.
Most new users to CMS have
a hard time grasping the concept of a "CMS centric"
desktop as opposed to the "Word processing centric"
desktop that they are used to. Even though law firms
typically do most CMS functions already, putting it
all into one package can, at times, be intimidating.
Having a grand overview of the system and comparing
to how the firm currently works will play well in the
implementation.
- What CMS systems are
available for the Mac?
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