Case management versus matter management
26th April 2010
Is there a difference? Opinions can be divided on this but the consensus seems to be that case management has workflow and matter management does not. Linetime take the view that, in reality, things are never quite so black and white. As a result, Liberate Signature Edition has been specifically designed to operate in a way that suits each type of customer.
Users can choose between full automation or completely ad hoc operation. Alternatively, they can opt for a combination of both. This can vary from department to department or even from user to user.
The simplest example may be where customers standardise some basic workflow surrounding case inception and closure. From the user point of view there is no real impact because these processes are largely hidden and automated. From a practice perspective the advantages are huge in that basic procedures are standardised and electronic records automatically kept up to date. With the modern day requirements for compliance and risk management, this is a must have.
Another optional advantage is that a user or department can start using the system in “matter management” mode and shift towards case management in a progressive and organised manner. This means that the system provides significant benefits day one whilst allowing IT staff to concentrate on key procedural areas/departments. This phased approach to implementation means the end result is more likely to fit the user requirement. The system can “evolve” with the benefit of experience and more informed decisions can be made as to how it should be structured.
To assist this process of progressive implementation, Liberate also comes with a comprehensive suite of designer transfer tools. These allow systems to be developed safely in a test environment and only transferred to live when tested and approved. Of course, if the workflows are already established and known then the system can be built to an advanced state right from the start.
So maybe the real answer is that there shouldn’t be a difference at all. Case management and matter management are merely variations and “flavours” of same thing. Liberate Signature Edition recognises this and lets you choose how you want your practice and people to work.
Note: Liberate Signature Edition can operate stand alone or as part of the Liberate practice management suite.