The first priority in implementing a new IT program is to ensure that the workflow is maintained without too much disruption. Often there is a well-established system, but each fee-earner has probably developed his or her own way of doing things. It is vital to decide first of all how to standardise on such basic things as fonts and precedents, and once these are decided you can then start to choose your new PC's and printers.
Documents that you need to consider
What other documents are required ?
Do you want to print your own letterhead?
Do you require different paper for continuation sheets?
What copies are required (fee-earner, draft, client etc.) and do you want these words to appear on the copies?
Do you want to use window envelopes or labels for letters?
What other labels required (for larger packets etc.)?
Styles are a very powerful feature of Word that ensure ease of legal document production and consistency in appearance. If you are creating a document from scratch or using a template purchased from the Internet, we can set up for you a customised Style Toolbar that allows you to apply your styles for headings and automatic legal numbering.
Creative Connections can also set up for you what our clients call our "magic button" that converts documents downloaded from the Internet instantly to your house styles. This is a one-off fee and does not require annual renewal.
Is every user to have a printer attached to his or her PC or will you have several shared network printers?
How many trays do the printers have?
Which paper is to be put in which trays?
We recommend that printers are the same make and model and have the same tray setup as far as possible so that they are easy to set up and support.
If however you do have different printers, Creative Connections can set up a printer macro for you that allows users to choose a printer and then the paper is taken automatically from the correct trays.
The above issues are just a sample of the issues you need to consider before you start to order the new PC's and printers. All those parties involved in the implementation must be consulted at the outset, including third party support for specialised software, and at least one person should be appointed to co-ordinate the whole project.
Above all, do not leave the organisation of the training until everything else has been decided. The training is going to be the key to your successful implementation.
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