A new communication technology for Legal Firms - track billable hours by call, voice, e-mail, fax automatically

ATIO, a leading South African-based information communication technology service provider and a Platinum Elite Interactive Intelligence Partner, has launched a standards-based, all software IP communications system focused on cost containment for the Legal fraternity. The Enterprise Interaction Centre (EIC) solution is a Microsoft-based business communications solution that automatically tracks all billable interactions.“Traditional phone systems do not have the automatic capabilities to monitor, track, record and report daily interactions that most legal associates perform with their clients and as required by legislation. Industry statistics estimate the loss in revenue to be between R14 000 and R35 000 per associate, per month. The EIC solution is more than just a communication system, it is a financial management tool with the ability to account for all legal interaction per associate per month in billable income in just one click” says Andre le Roux, MD, ATIO interactive.
Unlike a traditional telephone system where voice and data rarely merge, the EIC VOIP solution blends all types of communications and interactions on a single network. This is the first solution that is able to combine and completely track voice, e-mail and data communications.“This solution provides a total communications and interaction management platform. Finally, a phone system that can track each call including conference calls, by client, by voice mail, by e-mail, by fax and record them automatically anytime and add that to the client portfolio. To the legal associates, this means you are both the judge and the jury,” says Cindy van Wyk, Business Unit Executive, ATIO.The solution provides the legal organisation with the opportunity to collect billable hours already performed instead of losing thousands per month. The ultimate benefit is the ability to capture enough billable income per associate and provide a detailed client record.“It takes 60 hours to 70 hours a week of office time to generate 2 100+ hours of billable time. Improving communications among in-house and outside counsel, and internal clients is essential to keep projects on track and equally important, to meet and exceed client expectations.” concludes van Wyk.