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| Time Matters 4.0 | Case Management |
| Time Matters 4.0,
practice management software, is full of pleasant surprises. The advertising for this
release boasts 40 new features and enhancements to the program. It’s impossible to
address them all, so I have focused on two areas: advances in document and practice
management and the synchronization features for the Palm Inc. and Windows CE products. One addition to the program is the “Time Matters Insider.” Designed for the user who is more word processor than practice manager, the “Insider” is a like a miniature version of the information integration features in the parent program. During installation, the “Insider” is inserted into the menus and standard toolbar of your word processors. Then, by clicking on the “Insider” button (or the Time Matters Clipboard from the menu), you obtain access to all Time Matters’ data formattable clipboard options. This facilitates document merges and makes entry of names and addresses for letters simple. Another feature integrating Time Matters into the word processor is the new “Time Matters Save” feature. This also appears on the standard button bar and menu. When using it, you can integrate the document management features of the program. You can save your word processing document, relate it to a client or matter, as well as add a description of your work product. You also can link the product to billing, so client billing becomes facile and routine. My offices’ word processors sometimes became confused using the “Time Matters Save” feature. If you save the same document a few times, using “Time Matters Save” each time, you need to fill in the same information over and over. However, you can continue to save the same document using the word processor “Save” command, or can save additional different versions using the “Time Matters Save” feature. The default folder for saves can be set within Time Matters to be your word processing “Save” folder default. But this feature probably should be tailored for the less sophisticated user. It should default to “Time Matters Save” and then automatically default to your word processor “Save” folder. My word processors also found regular use of the “Time Matters Save” feature made the enhanced search features amazingly capable. Now, in addition to searching the information the program is designed to gather for you, such as names, dates, notes, to-dos and events, the documents tracked by the program and any other documents located on your computer, can be indexed and searched as well. Pre-set indices of searches can be automated and scheduled using the included document index manager. Relating documents to matters and clients can be time consuming. The more scattered your data, the more time consuming the import can be. I learned I was not as organized in my data management as I thought I was, and could benefit from the use of document management features of this program. The import process itself worked without any complications. Once I properly indexed and identified my files, I was able to eliminate searches through multiple directories to locate a document. Another document management addition is the ability to view documents and PDF files from within Time Matters, just as you can in Windows Explorer, with a right click. In the past, when you used Time Matters document automation, if there was information missing on your Contact form, you had to return to Time Matters, fill in the missing information, and start over in your automation process. Now, using the new “Backfill” feature to complete your document, blank fields can prompt you for completion during your merge, saving that data into Time Matters. Time Matters also has added label and envelope printing to its report formats for printing within Time Matters. I have actually been looking for this feature because sometimes I don’t need to do a whole merge or open my word processor just to print an envelope. I have been dedicated to my Palm almost since its inception. I have been satisfied with the past synchronization features of Time Matters with the Palm, but the latest enhancements make me happier. Now, I can define which fields on my Palm match with certain fields in Time Matters. This field setup is available for each conduit including calendars, contacts and to-dos. I have often been frustrated that my Time Matters memos have had to remain on my Palm. Now, I can get memos over to Time Matters, by assigning them to a client or to a Matter reference. I found this a terrific addition. As before, synchronization is painless and complete. There is also plenty of synchronization with CE devices, as well as full compatibility with e-mail, both on the Palm and the desktop. One neat feature is the ability for the program to match received e-mails to contacts in Time Matters. The e-mails can then be saved as a supporting record. Using the document management features of Time Matters, it can be retrieved during pertinent searches. Time Matters includes Personal, Professional, Enterprise and World Editions. The World Edition includes LexisNexis link, which requires a LexisNexis subscription. It tightly integrates with the program for careful tracking of research and data. Time Matters 4.0 is a complex data management package with multiple levels of complexity. |
DataTXT Corp. (800) 328-2898 www.timematters.com Personal Edition: $250; Professional Edition: $350 for first user, $150 each additional user; Enterprise Edition: $900 for first user, $400 each additional user. Windows 95/98/ME/CE/NT 4.0/2000, Linux and Macintosh with Windows emulation. Reviewed by Denise P. Ward, Esq., Grean & Ward, Port Chester, N.Y. PROS CONS VERDICT |
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