2016 Review of Conarc iChannel Document Management

• Free mobile app allows users to access documents at any time
• Product can be deployed both on-premises and hosted
• Contains completely integrated document management, workflow, email management, client portals, and CRM capability
• Offers complete integration with Microsoft Office applications as well as other third-party applications

Potential Weaknesses:

• Complex system management would likely require skilled IT staff

Conarc www.conarc.com 770-849-0508

Basic System Functions 5 Stars

iChannel from Conarc is a web-based information management system that is designed for a variety of industries, including CPA firms, Insurance, Health Care, Real Estate, and Schools. Much more than a document management system, iChannel also offers CRM, Workflow, Client Portals, and Email Management functionality in one integrated solution. Designed with an open file structure, iChannel prides itself on its constant software updates, and the fact that they actively poll users for suggestions on what would make the product better.

iChannel supports both in –house or hosted solutions, so users can choose the deployment option that works best for their firm. All documents stored in iChannel are stored in their native format, so users will not have to reformat files in order to store them.

Users can easily edit an existing document in iChannel without having to check out that document, and the ability to link the product to other third party applications allows users to easily link iChannel directly to any and all client and vendor records. iChannel also offers excellent search engine functionality, with system users able to search for a document by entering a single word in the search field, with results appearing in seconds. The product easily supports multiple versions of a single document, and the drag-and-drop function allows users to drag documents from Microsoft Explorer directly into iChannel as desired.

Advanced Management and Archiving Features 5 Stars

iChannel offers users custom index templates as well as document indexing. Mobile integration with iPhone and Android devices and tablets allow users to access documents remotely. The product uses a check-in, check-out process for documents, and iChannel retains a detailed history on all document activity, so management will be able to view which documents have been accessed, and by whom.

Both user and group security measures can be put into place, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to documents. Documents are easily archived for future access, and users can determine what retention period they prefer for all documents. iChannel also offers electronic signature capture and document tagging capability. Because of its ability to link with third party applications, all documents can be linked directly to that application, making it a complete document management system, and eliminating the need to scan items directly into folders.

Client Collaboration Tools 5 Stars

iChannel is a complete information management system, offering Document Management, Workflow, Client Portals, CRM, and Email management. While the focus may be placed on the document management application, all of the other applications flow directly into the document management system, creating a complete management system. Using the Workflow application, users can customize workflow activities while also linking to both existing clients and contacts.

Projects and tasks are easily added, and users can also easily create their own workflow templates, and track both projects and services by client, due date, or project status. iChannel’s portal is linked directly to the document management solution, so shared documents are available through the portal as a live link, versus a copy of the document. This enables the users to share documents easily, and eliminate the possibility of multiple versions of a single document being created.

The portal function in iChannel is completely customized to reflect the needs of the firm utilizing the portal, and firms can easily share documents with other parties as well. The Email manager provides users with a way to easily share documents safely and securely via email. The product offers complete integration with Microsoft Outlook, so users can create an email and send files from within the iChannel document management area, with files sent as an attachment, as a zip file with a password, or with a secure link. Any emails created in iDocument are automatically stored in the appropriate client record. The iChannel Extranet option allows users to share information with clients and other third parties in a safe and secure manner.

Integration 5 Stars

Along with seamless integration between all iChannel applications, the product also integrates with a variety of third party applications, including various accounting products, as well as Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Explorer, as well as a variety of tax and related products such as ProSystem fx. Conarc can also create a link between iChannel and other applications, if a link is not already available.

The product also offers complete integration with a variety of mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, allowing users to access documents and other features from anywhere.

Support/Help 5 Stars

Conarc staff assists new users with product implementation, partnering with staff before, during and after implementation to ensure that the transition runs smoothly. An annual product maintenance fee is approximately 30% of the software cost. Users can access support via the Conarc Support Suite via email, as well as access company news as well.

Summary & Pricing

The complete iChannel suite of applications, including Document Management, Workflow, CRM, Email Management, Secure Email, Client Portal and E-Signature are available for $549 per year, user for up to 30 users. Volume pricing discounts are available to firms with more than 30 users. A onetime fee of $11K is also assessed for a third party Scanning engine, Internal document routing tool and PDF compressor. Product maintenance fees are assessed at 30% of the software cost.

2016 Rating – 5 Stars