LexisNexis — Time Matters

In addition to this subwindow, the main interface for the program
provides an icon toolbar for key function areas, including calendaring, contact
management, document management, messaging and time tracking features. Each
of these included modules provides navigation menus and search functions, with
intuitive overview screens, work areas and general process flows. Most time
data-entry functions are accessed via the Navigator, since Time Matters uses
the calendars and schedule features as the primary method of tracking time.
From this screen, users can quickly add billable time and expenses, access contact
lists and projects, generate reports, or attach documents to a client’s
records.

The system’s client/contact management functions offer
good depth, with spreadsheet selection windows that provide extensive sorting,
filter and search options, as well as Power View options that allow for multiple
presentations of client data. Within client records, Time Matters offers the
ability to track an overwhelming amount of detail, with tabbed screens for accessing
a variety of information areas, as well as management of client email and phone
communications, billing, and an audit trail-like timeline that displays all
client activity. Users can also create more than 30 customized data fields.

Billing screens can be accessed either through an individual
client or via the Billing menu, which provides an overview of all billable items,
once again in a spreadsheet view and with several options for sorting and filtering.
These records offer drilldown access to timesheets and other supporting documents.

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS/FEATURES:
The central features of Time Matters are its calendars and scheduling functions,
which offer great user-based customization options, overviews, multi-staff views
and to-do lists, with the ability to quickly turn a calendar item into a billable
timesheet. The scheduling system also includes alerts and reminders, and provides
good due date monitoring. The system’s email and calendaring functions
integrate with Outlook and enable the creation of vCards and iCals from within
Time Matters.

The program’s client/contact management functions, as noted
above, offer extensive data tracking, enabling firms to maintain a good depth
of information. In addition to the capable document management system included
with the program, which includes version control tracking and other tools, Time
Matters also provides excellent communication tracking functions, allowing users
to manage incoming and outgoing traditional mail and courier items, email, phone
calls and faxes, and link these communications to client engagements. The program’s
billing module includes options for invoicing time and expenses, writing items
up or down, editing client visible comments, and creating client letters using
a built-in word processing function.

Time Matters offers remote access for most smartphone users,
supporting iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices. Since LexisNexis is
one of the leading legal research and information providers, the availability
of this research through the Time Matters system is also a valuable feature.

REPORTING:
A comprehensive collection of reports within Time Matters offers users the ability
to track profitability and productivity based on users and clients, as well
as to generate reports for time, expenses, AR, WIPs, projects and YTD summaries.
The programs reports are customizable and can be saved for future use, and offer
the ability to group and filter output. Reports can be saved to PDF, Word and
other formats, and can be easily stored in the program’s document management
system.

INTEGRATION:
Time Matters integrates with IP-based phone systems for one-click calling of
contacts and tracking of calls, as well as with Outlook for numerous purposes,
including client communication tracking, scheduling and contact management.
As previously noted, remote entry functions support iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows
devices. The system also offers integration and data synchronization with QuickBooks,
Timeslips and ACT!

SUPPORT/HELP/UPDATES:
Time Matters includes an extensive number of right-click menu options, from
creating vCards or calendar events from contacts, to customizable program features
such as note fields and report output. The program’s Help menu includes
a traditional index, plus videos, automated program updates and links to online
support, where users have access to a knowledgebase, how-to articles, overviews
of system functions and troubleshooting tools. LexisNexis also offers live and
web-based training options. Technical support is included in system pricing.

RELATIVE VALUE:
Since LexisNexis added most of the features of its former Billing Matters program
into Time Matters, the system has become an excellent and truly comprehensive
practice management suite, providing outstanding communications tracking, document
management, contact management, calendaring, and time and expense management
features. The system is best suited to mid-sized and larger practices with defined
workflow processes.

2009 OVERALL RATING: