Reading Case Management Software Reviews
Case management software reviews can be helpful in finding the right software for your firm. They may also be overwhelming. The key to getting an understanding of the software is understanding the review. As with most things, the devil is in the details. To get the information you are looking for, reliably, be sure to consider the perspective, source, date, and patterns.
Perspective
The first thing to consider is the perspective of the writer. With most reviews, the role of the poster is generally noted, or is at least insinuated by their post. It is critical to understand the role of the writer, if they are an attorney, if they have used the software, and, of course, what they have to gain from the review.
Obviously, the perspective of an attorney who is using or has used the software is a preferred perspective. As a point of comparison, some law blogs, like Lawyerist, provide reviews from their perspective. The writer may have built in biases - deciding what is a preferred approach to various elements, like integrations. They may not have actually used the software, deciding to write a review based on a demo. So while their feedback is helpful, it's critical to understand that it may include individual preference. This is true of all reviews, of course, but it is of critical importance to understand.
Source
Next, consider where you are finding the reviews. Some review congregation sites offer preferential placement of their reviews for a fee. That isn't a bad thing at all, but it is important to understand. As with many review summary sites, there are many software sources included. Most readers will not scroll down very far, unless they are looking for reviews of a specific software tool.
Is the review site focused on law firms? Some review sites offer several categories and businesses, not just law firms. Again, there is no problem in that, but it is another item to consider. Bar Associations, law firm focused sites and online communities, like Reddit, are more likely to include attorney users. What's more, they may have used more than one software option, so their review is based on deeper experiences.
Date
One thing is for sure. Software is constantly changing. As a provider, we are always working to make our software better. So the experience someone had three years ago is almost like an entirely different platform. The more recent the review, the more relevant.
That's not to say that's true for all software providers, but we are lucky enough to compete against some of the best software providers out there. What's even better are users who give their feedback, pointing us in the direction to make the software even better. Be sure to check the dates of the reviews, and weigh the more recent reviews a bit higher than those that are, say over a year or so old.
Identifying Common Trends and Patterns
When reading multiple case management software reviews, it's crucial to identify common trends and patterns. This involves looking for recurring themes, feedback, or features that multiple users mention in their reviews. That includes any comments that are not so great.
Identifying common trends and patterns can help you get a sense of the software's strengths and weaknesses from a broader perspective. It can also give you insight as to how the company works with their users and their overall approach to user support. For most law firms who don't have a technology resource, it's important to work with a firm that consistently delivers on client support.
Making Informed Decisions Based on Reviews
The ultimate goal of reading case management software reviews is to make informed decisions based on the gathered information. By considering the reviewers perspective, source, date, and identifying common trends, you can make a more informed decision about whether a particular software could be the right fit for your organization.
Remember, it's essential to take a balanced approach and consider multiple reviews to get a comprehensive understanding. What works for one organization may not work for another, so it's crucial to align the software's features and capabilities with your specific requirements and goals.
By making informed decisions based on reviews, you can increase the likelihood of choosing a case management software that meets your organization's needs and helps streamline your workflow and processes.
