ERP stands for “enterprise resource planning.” It is the process of integrating your computer network to make your entire organization run more smoothly. In large organizations, the ERP system helps manage scheduling, parts inventory and employee assignments. When computerized correctly, it makes it so that each person and each department can keep running smoothly without having to wait for information from another department or part. What is included in an ERP system? While the components can vary, this is an example of some of the things you can expect with an ERP system: Why would erp for legal firms be relevant to the legal field? Because you have a team and divisions within the team. Legal firms are arguably even more complicated than many other organizations, as lawyers find it necessary to create complex billing reports on their clients. They also have to assign tasks to their staff and spread resources over sometimes numerous areas.
In family law, ERP integration will make communication with your clients much smoother and more responsive. When you schedule an appointment for your client to come into your office, your employees will be able to check on the calendar so that no other employees schedule a client for the same hour. Employees will also be able to check on your calendar if they need to schedule hearings or other case-related appointments. An ERP system will enable your employees to access your calendar. Since your schedule is tied in with the firm’s overall resources, they can instantly see if other lawyers are available for research or other department needs. Family law often has many scheduled appearances, but even more important is having the most current documents for your clients’ cases.
Lawyers can also spend a lot of time filing, always concerned about maintaining client confidentiality. Even the best filing systems are imperfect, so that your office staff can waste precious time looking for missing files and trying to locate them. With an ERP system, all important documents can be scanned into the system and protected there. If someone needs access to it, they can look it up from any computer in the office, on the laptop they take to court, or even on their tablet or smartphone at home. Often, lawyers can look at their financials and have one report to show them that all the bills are being paid well, another has them seeing how many new clients they have signed up this month. If you work for a family law practice, you GET the importance of knowing all your numbers. Not only does it create a consistent, client-friendly way to communicate with your clients, but it helps you to streamline your bill and other financial reports. If you have a busy practice, the numbers can get complicated – especially when you have to break them down by case and matters.
Other advantages of using ERP tools include: The cost for ERP systems has come down so much that even small law firms can afford it. You can, for example, use a cloud-based service, which means you won’t have to buy all the expensive servers, routers and other set-up hardware. By using a SaaS (software as a service) model, you have almost instantaneous access to the services. There are a number of different options for law firms, including: According to a 2016 survey by Clio, most lawyers spend more than one day each week on administration, billable and non-billable. Combining ERP tools with business practices will leave your firm much more efficient and cut down on the stress that keeps so many lawyers from practicing law.
As a recognized authority in family law matters, Scott L. Levine has dedicated his career to helping families come through divorce intact. His work with partners throughout the region provides him with insight on many of the domestic relations problems families face. Balanced and well-rounded, he brings their perspective into the courtroom. Levine & Benjorin, LLC prides itself on being a compassionate, client-centric practice that focuses on reaching the peaceable results that people desire. To learn more, contact Scott L. Levine.
For more information on ERP systems and their benefits, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Enterprise Resource Planning.
