Training Is the Key to Successful CMS Implementation

Law firms committed to the successful implementation of new case management software need to understand that training—good, quality training—is mandatory for all employees who will use the system. This cannot be overstated.

Training each staff member so that they know how to utilize the system to its fullest extent will pay rich dividends going forward in terms of time and efficiency.

But, even more than that, it can be said that the success or failure of case management software implementation actually depends on training. Indeed, the lack of training is one of the key reasons why case management system implementations fail.

That is so important, let’s repeat it: the lack of training is one of the key reasons why case management system implementations fail.

Training must be a key part of the case management system rollout. This requires nothing less than a top-down commitment. We have heard how difficult it can be to get an attorney to attend a training session. We’ve also heard of cases where attorneys wouldn’t let their legal staff attend training because important client-related work needed to be addressed. It is the responsibility of the firm to address these internal issues. Ultimately, the message must be conveyed that everyone must attend training sessions.

As for the training itself: Were you and your people trained to work within the complete environment (meaning did you learn how to use the case management system in relation to associated software applications, such as for word processing, document management, email, etc.) or were you only trained in the CMS environment?

Many CMS developers will train you only on the use of their software; in that case, you need to hire another company to fill the gap. There are consultants—there are also so-called integration companies—that have sprung up in this niche to pick up where the developer left off, providing training that covers how the CMS works with your related software systems.

Law firms that have adopted SmartAdvocate^®don’t even have to consider this. The SmartAdvocate^® training team provides complete, thorough training in the total CMS environment. In addition, SmartAdvocate^® itself was designed to actually assimilate to the larger context. Specifically, SmartAdvocate^® offers the fullest integration and compatibility possible with Microsoft Windows and Outlook through the creation and use of add-on tools. SmartAdvocate^® also provides the ability to integrate with QuickBooks Professional.

Training in the complete environment is inherent with SmartAdvocate^® because of its unique features.