PDF Enhancement to LAWFUSION

01-07-2009

The LAWFUSION software package has recently been enhanced to incorporate a PDF solution. The new enhancement to the software can now alter the format of many types of document including Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Excel®, Laserform®, Crystal Report®, etc. documents. It will then convert these documents into a PDF format, providing a reliable and secure solution when sending these documents in electronic format.

PDF in the Legal Office

Document security is vital to any business sharing information over a network, over an intranet or over the Internet. By using the PDF format, organisations are able to put user-password security at the document level. This allows emailing of documents between people or locations without the fear of an unauthorised person viewing the document.

For an electronic document to be admissible in a court of law, it must be created in a file format that cannot be altered without leaving an electronic footprint. A PDF file is a "read only" document that cannot be altered without leaving an electronic footprint.

Furthermore, the PDF format is practical and economical by allowing the documents to be stored on a company's server. This eliminates the need for additional hardware (except for additional hard drive space) and allows for exceptional integration into any network.

Other Advantages of the PDF Format

• An electronic document converted into the PDF format compresses to approximately 25% of its original size. This size reduction allows the PDF document to open quickly at the workstation and makes it ideal for use on a network, Internet or intranet.
• You can often also combine and merge multiple documents into one single PDF, e.g. spreadsheets, Microsoft® Word documents.
• PDF files are compatible across multiple platforms. PDF files can be opened on basically any system.
• Software to view PDF Files is completely free. Software like Acrobat Reader to open PDF Files can be downloaded for free, and is already installed on most computers.

PDF integration in LAWFUSION

As well as producing and managing a whole variety of different documents, LAWFUSION has the capability of converting them into PDF format. This can be done in a variety of ways and is intuitive in its implementation. For example, the system is capable of assembling a Home Information Pack as a single PDF document with an index when required.

• The LAWFUSION Case Management system ensures you can automatically convert documents into PDF and send them via your e-mail client with just the click of a button.
• The LAWFUSION Document Assembler tool can create one document from many. It allows users to collate numerous documents together and add an index sheet to the front document, creating a single PDF file.
• It includes a “document converter” to convert Microsoft® Word, Excel® and PowerPoint®, PowerPoint®, Laserforms, Crystal reports, etc.

Within LAWFUSION, every letter, document and form generated can also be dispatched automatically or manually by print, fax or e-mail with optional conversion into PDF form if required.

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