Mike Russell, Managing Director, Locus Pty Limited and Michael Schniering, General Manager, Dooley & Associates Solicitors

We have recently implemented the new Locus Affinity Platform. The decision to implement Locus Affinity has proven to be a very good one.

Having worked with Locus products for a number of years, we knew that we could rely on Locus' security and integrity. Locus Affinity has allowed us to integrate a number of different systems into a single platform. This has significant benefits of improving quality and efficiency and generally simplifying systems for all users. Locus Affinity provides a depth and breadth of tools for practice management.

One of the key objectives in implementing a new practice management system was to simplify and improve the storage, retrieval and use of information of all of our contacts. Locus Affinity's PhoneBook provides a "one stop shop" for all our contacts, from the partner's hairdresser through to our most important clients and network partners. We have been able to capture detailed information about all of our contacts that assist us managing and developing relationships. Locus Affinity has allowed us to improve our marketing and mail outs to our contacts by being able to filter, sort and utilise information stored in the PhoneBook.

We use Locus' off-the-shelf precedents in conjunction with the data forms and documentation automation features of Locus Affinity to harness the power of the Locus Affinity Phonebook for true integration of data across the system. This means that we enter information into the database only once for it to be used throughout the system. This is a great advantage over having multiple databases with duplicated information.

Having emPower, Locus Affinity Precedents and Document Manager integrated and working with Locus Affinity has brought together these important functions. It is now quicker and easier than ever to automate and improve quality and efficiency in document production and storage.

We had previously used a separate diary and task system and have found great benefit in using the diary and tasks automation tools within Locus Affinity. The integration with our contacts and matters means that entering and retrieving information is straightforward. We were able to set up the diary to suit our needs so that searching and viewing has become simple and easy for everyone.

Our billing systems have improved since the implementation of Locus Affinity. We have been able to customise the bills to suit our look and feel. We can now email invoices to clients and it is quick and easy to change or regenerate a bill. We have improved quality whilst at the same time increasing efficiency.

The ability to customise collection plans to suit our needs, including sending emails and automating reminders has been a significant improvement. We are able to more efficiently follow up our bills on a regular basis and have already observed positive results.

Reporting functions have improved at all levels. The Firm, Department and Fee Earner Profile Reports allow users to "drill down" through information that is presented in an easy to read and logical format. It provides immediate reporting in a simple way. These more advanced and intuitive reports are in addition to a comprehensive set of 'traditional' number based reports. Analysing our people's performance has become quicker and easier through simple to manage budgets and reporting.

Archiving has improved by integrating requests and records of file movements. With Locus Affinity we have been able to move to an online system of archiving. Likewise, Safe Custody is now quick and easy to manage, with easy search and retrieve functions.

Locus Affinity has improved and simplified standard accounting processes such as banking, receipting and processing trust transfers and the automation of the bank reconciliation is a real time saver. Creditors and disbursements are easier to manage with advanced search, filter and processing functions. Our only regret is that we didn't move to Locus Affinity earlier.

Michael Schniering
General Manager
Dooley & Associates Solicitors

For more information about this article, contact Michael Schniering on (02) 9890 4755 or email at mschniering@dooley.com.au

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