Pratice Manager - Dec/Jan '98

Practice Manager

If your network is set up in a client/server configuration, with the server running Windows NT, and if you are using GroupWise (or Outlook), then have I got a case management system for you. Practice Manager is an impressive program with a number of useful features not available in the other programs reviewed here.

Much of what impressed me about Practice Manager can be attributed to its dynamic link with GroupWise. Unlike some other programs that use a batch processing link, Practice Manager integrates dynamically with GroupWise. For example, when your secretary creates a phone slip in GroupWise, and you later call it up in Practice Manager, you see the actual GroupWise phone slip, not just the exported text. Because of this dynamic link, you enjoy all of the functionality of GroupWise with the added case management features of Practice Manager.

There is much to be said for integrating a vertical application such as case management with a more broad-based application such as GroupWise. In the past, some case management programs offered their own word processing features, but the functionality of these programs could never keep pace with Word or WordPerfect. So it is with "network collaboration" programs such as GroupWise and Outlook. Aside from its excellent group calendaring features, the latest version of GroupWise now includes voice mail, pager integration, imaging and fax integration. It may be some time, if ever, before you see those features in a standalone case management program.

But even ignoring the integration with GroupWise, Practice Manager is a strong program. Tasks can be assigned and tracked through a "workflow" feature. For instance, if you serve a set of interrogatories, you would then just click the workflow button to enter all the dates that flow from that event and begin the tracking process.

Practice Manager is also very strong in terms of document assembly. Through the program's filters and preference settings, you can not only generate standard documents, but you can even specify that a letter to a client gets a salutation and signature block that is different from that used for opposing counsel. Practice Manager can also export to HotDocs.

Practice Manager also does a good job of capturing time and expenses. And while it does not have its own billing features, it will export to several billing programs, including Timeslips, TABS III and Quickbooks Pro.

Other features include caller ID, which automatically calls up the client and file information; the ability to let clients to dial in and check the status of their cases; annotation of scanned documents; and tracking of all revisions of a document.

Practice Manager is a native 32-bit, client/server application. The server must be running Windows NT, although the workstations can be running Windows 95.

Software Co.
(706-353-8496

By Aaron P. Morris

From the Shopper's Guide to Case Management Software - Dec/Jan '98