subject: Case Management: The Progress Of Handling Cases [print this page] In every kind of investigation, tracking, compliance with best practices and company policy/procedures and an effective workflow are vital components of success. One of the most crucial tools commonly used by law enforcement and internal affairs organizations to enhance the credibility, accountability and effectiveness of investigations are modern case management technology solutions.
Modern investigation tools are designed to meet the endless requirements and demands using efficient, innovative and effective features that mirror the investigation process and guide the investigation, ensuring that the best results are obtained. Investigation and case management systems are the digital form of what drives every investigation around the globe, and are especially efficient methods of increasing the effectiveness of an investigation.
The Case Management Process Model
Every investigating agency has to collect a vast amount of information. It has to prepare this information in every possible format for the convenience of a judgment-making body. In such situations, the presence of a case management system simplifies the entire job. Installation of proper communication and interaction channels with a physical investigation is key to an efficient and effective workflow, and there should be properly laid out rules and mechanisms utilized to gather, share and access all data.
There are essentially three investigation process requirements that every investigative case management solution should meet:
The solution needs to be flexible, able to incorporate detailed and specific requirements by the investigative agencies
The investigative process model adopted in the foundation of the solution should follow the established rules of investigating
There should be proper workflow in place, following best practices to minimize errors and deliver the most trustful and credible solution
Sticking to established and time-tested rules, regulations and processes is crucial in order to get the best results. In a wide variety of issues, such as satisfying legislative requirements, identifying fraud and corruption cases, ensuring accounting standards or preventing money laundering, the presence of process management technologies have been found to be very effective.
D3 Security Management Systems investigation/case management tool has been praised for its adherence and compliance to already laid out systems and has been loaded with many features to prevent users from proceeding to the next investigation level without complying with all the required information demanded by the case. It also checks whether proper maintenance of user access and data changes in the case are taking place or not, and features many other technologies that enhance the credibility of the complete investigation process.
Aspects of Technology that are Critical in Investigation/Case Management Solutions:
Organizations are under pressure to adopt new tools, technologies and methods to increase productivity and effectiveness, while also lowering operational costs. There has been a significant increase in investigative organizations looking for technologies and tools to make themselves and their environments more automated in the last few years. These companies are looking to bring about this change in their organizations, while still maintaining their existing processes and policies. For this reason, customization and flexibility are a key requirement.
Early investigation/case management systems required an organization to follow canned processes that were built into the system, resulting in poor adoption by users, outdated methods and general ineffectiveness. Thus, the only alternative was to build an in-house system. Time and again, these in-house initiatives failed due to a lack of IT resources, changes in IT staff and complexity.
At the heart of modern solutions are flexibility and customization. When it was released back in 2002, the D3 investigation/case management solution shook up the industry by incorporating an easy-to-use administration application, allowing users to customize every aspect of their systems. To this day, the system's flexibly is unmatched.
There is a fierce debate going on in many online and analyst platforms about more efficient and effective tools between case management and business process management. However, these analysts often forget the fact that these two tools are not independent of each other. Automation is an important component of process management, as it establishes a secure and dependable method for communications that is manageable through a single application. Similarly, an effective case management solution helps in creating a proper environment for process design, adherence to workflow modules and the following of company rules.
The invention of newer technologies and the arrival of cutting-edge tools and techniques will also influence the way investigations are carried out. Newer investigation tools, techniques and methods are being introduced to meet the growing challenges that investigative officers have to face while going through various types of digital and cyber content. This is done in view of the rapid rise in crimes and conflicts, with advances in technology and the introduction of new gadgets and various other media and electronic devices making investigations increasingly more difficult. Investigating agencies must now be sharper and more alert than ever before when collecting evidence and information. However, it's also important to note that technological advancements have made the job of tracking and storing evidence and information much easier and more convenient.
There are many elements that are vital in delivering an efficient investigative and case management solution, which the D3 system was specifically designed to address:
Complete and proper investigation
Compliance to laid out rules
Proper workflow management
Web Based for secure access anywhere, anytime
Mobile device enabled for access from the field
Regular reporting
Better data management
Installment of site/location, group and role-based security features
Evidence tracking and monitoring
Updates of performance measurement and internal audits
How The D3 Investigation/Case Management Software Can Benefit Your Investigation:
Shortens the total case investigating processing time
Ensures that state and federal regulations are met
Helps detect emerging trends and effectively manages risk
Helps properly analyze investigations
Helps maintain proper work flow
Simplifies and automates complex investigating processes
Enhances work flexibility and efficiency in the organization
Results in rapid increase in Internet visibility
Improves data security features and addresses privacy policies of the firm
Helps maintain regular audit procedures
Helps increase quality of data by removing errors
Customizable workflow
Above all, the most important benefit of using investigation/case management software is the way the technology strengthens the complete information movement mechanism on a single platform and process. This tool stores complete information in a central location, and also allows for joint accessibility. The combination of all of these benefits and the technologys ease-of-use makes the D3 case management system an essential part of modern investigative success.
