With some courts requesting a mediator URN to be included on court form's, we've developed new FM1, C100, Form A, A1 and B forms along with the LAA CW5 form integration. This saves time completing the forms required by clients.
The integrated email system has received an update, enabling five DocUStore and case documents to be attached to each email. This is linked to the case activity view showing detailed case history.
Progress Mobile receives an update for it's calendar system - enabling a month by month listing of appointments for the mediator.
Progress Mobile is now live! You can now access your cases, diary and to do lists from your smart phone. This incorporates 2 Factor Authentication for additional security. See www.progressmobile.co.uk for more information
New facility to incorporate website links in combined letter / email templates. The link will correctly transform between the different format for letters in Word or emails. When clicked within the auto generated emails, the client or solicitor will be taken to the appropriate website.
Progress Notes has been relsased today, offering a new way of quickly typing up case notes. Once created, a Word version of the note is automatically generated including - the date, case reference, title, setup date and notes. Once in the Word document, these can be easily printed if required.
The system now supports the sending of emails with Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) addresses. These prevent email addresses being seen by other people when sending to multiple recipients. Yet another feature requested by mediators using Progress Mediation to save time.
Mediators with restricted system access previously had to request new solicitors to be added by a system administrator. The addition of a new solicitor button on when linking a solicitor to a client now avoids this.
The case destroy date is used in the to-do list when the case can be destroyed. Progress Mediation calculates the destroy date as either 2/6 years after the case is closed. This date is automatically calculated using the case closed date and checking if mediation has been started.
Where cases are assigned to an outreach location, this drop down also shows the LAA outreach ID number.
The integrated calendar system now supports dual mediator and co-mediator assignment for appointments. This saves time creating two events for each mediator, or updating a single calendar entry if an appointment changes.
We've introduced a new sorting algorithm for the case susmmary and activity pages that lists the case activities in a more chronological order.
To work hand in hand with the new auto archiving LAA submission files, we now provide access to these archived files in an easy to read screen. This prevents mediation services needing to manually store submission reports for validation purposes.
Following the three months of submissions on the new Legal Aid Agency CWA system, we've been watching how mediation services adapt. To make the process of archiving copies of previous returns, we've released a new feature which automatically archives monthly submissions for future reference.
We've updating the case documents section today, providing full Mac compatibility. Uploaded case specific documents can now be accessed and opened in Word, PDF or Excel on Mac computers.
We've launched a new facility for individual case disbursements that allows VAT to be included/excluded. This links with the Legal Aid Agency on-line CWA system, which enables the VAT element of any disbursement to be separately specified for each mediation.
Today we're launching a new outgoing email system. Sending emails from Progress Mediation will now integrate with mediation services outgoing email servers, opening up some exciting features over the coming few months....
The internal invoice reference is now available as a field code. This enables unique WorldPay URL links to be inserted into invoices, which are then generated as both Word and PDF files.
Fix applied to LAA schedule number to compensate for /15 submissions not being accepted by LAA system for current financial year. Reverted back to /14 code.
For services that choose the additional email module, imported emails notications are generated each time an email is automatically imported to a case. These notifications build up over time if not deleted, so we've added a new feature to allow system notification messages to be deleted easily.
Additional client fields have been made available for inclusion in letter templates. Now includes full client/partner information including NI, telephone numbers for creating client MOU.
Updated guide for walking through LAA online submissions released. This clarifies the various files used to validate and upload to the LAA, and additional notes with screenshots for uploading the XML file to the LAA website.
We're delighted to announce LAA on-line submission integration went live this morning. This enables our clients to generate the new LAA formatted bulk upload files from Progress Mediation ready to upload to the CWA portal.
We've developed a new area of the case management tool integrating all the manuals and user guides. These are divided up into manageable guides in sections to act as reference material.
In readiness for the move to LAA on-line submissions, we are pleased to announce that Progress Mediation is ready to commence online submissions. We have successfully generated the new bulk upload files containing mediation information onto the Legal Aid Agency CWA system with 100% validation.
To comply with new LAA client reporting requirements being introduced from 1st March, client/partner input forms have been modified with new disability dropdown menu's. These will capture specific disability types required for new online digital submissions.
Letter / email templates are at the very centre of our case management. Today we've released new field codes, making more case information available in templates at the click of a button.
As part of the new LAA funding for 1st mediation sessions, our monthly report used to calculate work value of LAA cases has been updated. This now includes the additional payment for both parties for 1st mediation session if one of the parties is eligible.
Added checks to the SMS number used for text message - removes unwanted characters if entered. The SMS case activity also now includes the mobile number in notes2 field for quick checking.
Additional checks for the date of proof provided for LAA eligibility. In some cases PM users were entering a date of proof when a client is not eligible. This is now automatically cleared to prevent confusion.
We've incorporated new functionality for invoice generation - enabling mediators or administrators to make changes to existing invoices quickly. This also regenerates PDF or Word versions of the invoices for emailing, except where the invoice is being updated as being paid.
We've turbo charged our quick case search facility, making it quicker to find a specific case using part or all of the reference number, or a client name.
Update to the Case Mediation stage - this now brings together a detailed summary of all mediation sessions created in the activity section with duration and notes.
We now support additional case funding scenarios. Where cases can also be paid for by funding bodies (not including the LAA) we now provide the facility to track these cases.
This provides additional information for the cases included on the LAA work start form.
Changes implemented on April 22nd included an update of the FM1, resulting in the introduction of five new forms. Following client requests, we have now released the partner versions of C100 and Form A official forms.
Progress provides the functionality for uploading case specific documents. This fix prevents users uploading files with invalid characters in the filename which may not be supported by email systems.
To assist Progress Mediation clients with updated forms introduced on 22nd April, we've released new form templates including:- C100, FM1, Form A, A1 and B. The templates provide the pages required to be completed by the mediation service, without needing to print the entire form.
Following the introduction of a simpler government security classification system, we've released updated templates removing the classification statement on form templates for Means7 and Cw5.
We've now added integrated Means7 calculator + forms for the Apple Mac. This enables Progress Mediation users to perform all the calculations, generate the Means7 form without needing to leave the case management system.
When generating client / partner solicitor letters, this new feature checks whether DX information is available. If a DX number has been linked to an address in the solicitor database, then the letter/email template will display the street address and DX number. Alternatively if a DX number is unavailable, the street address and postcode will be displayed. Smart DX support ensures postage costs can be reduced when DX information is available.
Some Progress clients use 3rd party accounting software for non-mediation legal work. This feature enables invoice reference numbers from 3rd party systems to be linked to private invoices in Progress. The new invoice reference can be displayed on invoices or tracked through the reporting system. When payments are received, they can be reconciled between the 3rd party systems and Progress Mediation.
One of the issues with using web-based software compared with more traditional programs, is the user being able to change screens without saving updates. We've now implemented a feature to check for any form changes, then prompt the user before allowing them to move to a different screen.
The case summary screen now indicates whether solicitors have been instructed by Client A/B. This was requested by existing clients to assist in managing cases.
Minor adjustment to work value report, which determines the value of LAA work between two dates.
Progress incorporates a template preview section, enabling users to view letter templates pulling in case specific data for field codes. This has now been updated to support access from Apple computers.
In the official release of Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft have decided to change the browser identification tag - without telling anyone. As a result Progress identified the browser as a non IE browser and therefore reverted to non-standard browser functionality. The detection mechanism has been modified to spot this change.
In our goal to support Apple's new Mavericks operating system, we've released an update for the Quick Case screen. This enables mediators to quickly create a new case with minimal client information, previously only supported by Internet Explorer.
Adjustment to calculator on Part A of Means7 form, preventing scenario of negative total capital.
This provides a quick and easy way to import case related emails for a case. Simply send email to a unique mailbox, adding a case reference in the subject field. Progress reads the mailbox and if messages are found, examines the subject field for matching case reference. If a matching is found on Progress, the emails are automatically imported. Internal messages are sent to all users informing them.
Support has been added for associating a DX address with each solicitor practise. Letter templates can then utilise this field when sending letters to either client or partner solicitors, instead of using the traditional postal address.
This week Microsoft released the development version of Windows 8.1. The objective was to provide developers time to evaluate the software prior to it's official release. We're pleased to announce that Progress Mediation supports Windows 8.1 (running IE 11) with Office 2013. Microsoft will official release Windows 8.1 on the 18th October when our clients will be able to operate the case management software. Instructions will be available from our downloads page.
As part of the requirements of the LAA contract, family mediation services are required to track ratio's of clients attending assessment meetings who proceed to mediation. This new report has been added to the reports section calculates the ratio for a defined date range, also showing the number of private/legal aid cases for the period.
As part of our drive to bring efficiency to case management, today we launched our automated PDF invoice generator. This works in parallel with the creation of Word invoices. Rather than printing onto letterhead, scanning to then send out via email, Progress Mediation automates the whole process. Our clients can send out these invoices as PDF documents via email without needing to post.
The Beta version of our integrated Means7 calculator was initially launched in mid-April, as a means of trialling the eligibility calculations with real client data. Following a review and final testing period this month, we have now launched the Means7 calculator to work alongside the Means7 form. Simply use the calculator to work out if the client/partner is eligible, then print the details directly to the Means7 form.
One of the original requirements for the integrated calendar in Progress Mediation, was supporting viewing appointments in Outlook. We achieved this using special Internet Calendar files (ics). Today we are launching an update, supporting Apple's iPad, iPhone devices, and Windows mobile devices. This enables mediators to view their appointments on mobile phones (with ics file support), without needing to log into the full Progress Mediation website.
Since April 2013, we've been Beta testing our integrated Means7 calculation tool, comparing the results with those obtained using the online LAA calculator. We've now updated it to take into consideration some SMOD calculations, and clients taking part in our Beta tests will be running further tests over the next couple of weeks. Integration of the Means7 calculator will benefit Progress Mediation isers, enabling client assessment data to be stored with the case, and modified if information changes. The data can then be printed directly onto the CIV Means7 form, without the need to use the online LAA calculator.
One of the essential parts of mediation, is for both clients to feel that they are being treated equally. Therefore it is often necessary for information to be sent out to both clients simultaneously. As a result, today we've released an update for our email module, enabling an email to be sent to both cliemts. The simple dropdown, includes various addressee options, now including Client A and B. We're constantly listening for feedback from our clients to ensure Progress Mediation remains the most advanced, and straight forward to use case management system for family mediation.
Progress Mediation links letter templates to cases, enabling letters to be created easily with minimal effort. Field codes are placed in the templates, which bring through information from the client case when triggered for a case. New field codes have been added to provide future dates to be inserted in two formats - either 02/08/2013 or 2nd Aud 2013.
Quick update for the case email activity functionality. This enables activity duration to be updated and passed through to the new email window. Provides the facility to change from default duration to value entered by the user.
New facility added enabling emails to be printed. We may be living in an increasingly digital age, however it's sometimes necessary in the legal profession to print onto paper for the file. Emails sent via Progress and stored within the case activity can easily be printed via a button.
We've now incorporated HTML formatting of emails sent from within Progress - enabling the use of bold, italics, tables, etc for text. This will help clients to see key information within the email which requires a response.
Building on the case linked email system, we've now integrated the docUstore directly with the email system. Mediators or administrators can link docUstore files (similar to Dropbox) with case emails and send directly from within Progress Mediation. In addition, letter templates can be linked in the body of the email and an optional read receipt can be configured. Within a few clicks, personalised emails can be sent for each stage of the mediation process via email. This is listed in the case activity, with hyperlinks to the sent email and attachments.
This feature simplfies creating calendar appointments when a comediator is required. The software automatically creates a duplicate entry in the comediator calendar when the new appointment is created.
Case auto task functionality has been extended to provide extra Customer Relationship Management. Progress Mediation now includes the ability to create automatic tasks using date offsets from the opening of a case and now from a second point after the 1st mediation session. When a new case is created, any auto tasks created with day offsets are generated and shown in the todo list. This new functionality now enables reminders to be automatically added to the todo list as soon as the 1st mediation session activity has been created. These could be financial checks, or reminders just before the case reaches 3 months after the 1st meeting.
New Intake Assessment report now available. As mediation services works in differently ways, we provide reports to assist. During a recent training session, we were asked to help calculate the number of intake assessments carried out by each mediator per month (splitting legal aid / private) plus show co-mediators involved in the assessment. We've therefore created a new report which does just this. It displays the cases with intake assessments between a specific date range, then checking case activities for co-mediators. The information is broken down on a per mediator basis - listing the case references for each.
Need to mailshot solicitors to help promote your mediation service? Progress Mediation now enables you to export all the solicitors stored in the database to an Excel spreadsheet. By using the spreadsheet in Word, you can create a mailshot letter within minutes.
Update for Chinese Wall feature: this prevents users from seeing the list of cases they have been restricted from accessing.
New in-frame administrator calendar. Enables administrators to view the complete set of mediator diaries without creating a popup window. This takes Progress Mediation a step closer to our goal of 100% support for the Apple Mac platform.
New mediator version of LAA Consolidated Work report. This extracts the individual mediator legal aid caseload on a month by month basis. Only intake assessments and mediations applicable for a specific mediator are listed on the report. This is generated in a similar format to the LAA Consolidated Work report.
With more client contact happening using email rather than letter, we've added client email address fields to the Quick Case screen. This means you can quickly get the case up and running, and start directly emailing from within Progress Mediation.
Restricting case access by building a Chinese Wall. Where there is a conflict of interest for a specific mediator for a client case, it is now possible for system administrators to restrict case access - hence the term 'Chinese Wall'. This can be achieved on a user / case level.
New LAA report has been added - this lists cases for a required date range that are included on the monthly Work Start forms. The report breaks down the list of cases into each case type - E.g. All Issues, Child Only, etc
The LAA have issued revised forms for the monthly Consolidated Work and the Work Start forms. These have now been integrated into Progress ready for April 2013 returns.
Editing a child for a specific case, now has direct delete facility in addition to the children listing screen.
The latest revision of the FM1 form is now live. Two versions have been created - one for client and partner. These now include automatic strike through for selecting the Applicant/Respondent on page 3.
Progress Mediation has now been updated to comply with the latest LAR requirements. In addition we've added some extra features and checks to help with compliance - requested by our existing users.
A request came in this afternoon for the means of creating invoices to third parties linked with a case. This could be a grandparent, or local authority will be making payment for an invoice. The feature is now live on the system.
Update to Client and Partner DOB entry providing extra options for date format - as requested.
New editing feature for LSC outreach location numbering. Support has been added to enable system users to change the LSC outreach number for each outreach location. This number is linked to the Consolidated Work form, showing the relevant LSC location number for each mediation or intake assessment.