Centralization is an idea that doesn’t play well among people who prefer limited government. It is also not something cryptocurrency enthusiasts appreciate. However, centralization is not always a bad thing. When it comes to case management software, it is actually a very good thing.
The whole idea of centralization in the legal case management software arena is eliminating all of the inefficiencies and overlap of multiple software applications. Imagine a law firm with separate applications for billing, accounting, marketing, case acquisition, and case management. That is five applications all handling separate aspects of the firm’s day-to-day activities.
Everything would be fine if each of the five applications fully integrated with all the others to provide seamless interoperability. But they do not. Furthermore, running a law firm with separate applications often means double and triple entry, conflicting data, unnecessary errors, and so forth.
Centralizing in the Cloud
Combining multiple applications into a centralized solution starts with thinking in the cloud. Selas Technologies, the company behind the NuLaw case management software, explains that the cloud offers the perfect environment for centralization.
Cloud environments give law firms access to considerably more computing resources than local networks. As such, centralized software can be more powerful and robust without skipping a beat. You need the kinds of resources cloud computing offers to truly enjoy all the benefits of centralized software.
Collaboration Made Possible
Combining the concepts of cloud computing with centralization leads to an environment in which collaboration is made possible. Imagine everyone in the back and front offices all working together from the same starting point. Billing may have a slightly different function than accounting, but through centralization they collaborate using the same data. The same can be said for attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff.
Everyone collaborates much more easily because all are using the exact same data in the same environment. Their platform has a built-in communication module so that they can interact with one another without having to go outside the software environment. Advanced tools like automated calendaring and bill tracking are the icing on the cake.
Data Accessible from Anywhere
Centralization made possible via cloud-based software offers additional benefits where remote access is concerned. Let’s say your firm is running NuLaw. As it is a cloud application, no member of the team has to actually be in the office to use it. Attorneys have access to the software from the courthouse. Legal assistants have access even while they are traveling on assignment.
Hosting case management applications in the cloud means attorneys and their staffs are never out of touch. They can access software, communication tools, etc. from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection and a device to get online.
Analytics for Better Planning
Analytics represent an important part of the modern business. Thankfully, centralization facilitates better analytics by combining multiple data points in a single location. Management can bring up the dashboard and immediately see key performance indicators. They can see where the firm has been, where it is, and where it is going.
On-demand, integrated analytics reveal how well case acquisition is going. The data clearly shows which marketing efforts are succeeding and which ones are failing. The list goes on and on. It is made possible because all of the relevant data points are contained in a single, centralized location.
Centralization might not be good for government or cryptocurrency. It is very good for law firms and their case management applications. If you are looking to upgrade your firm’s software, get rid of the multiple applications and centralize with a single, integrated solution.