INTERFACE INTERACTION PROJECT

INTERACTION PROJECT GOALS...

Fix the existing InterAction database and related problems. Outline how InterAction can be used as firm wide “business development” and “contact management” database that would offer solutions for firm management, attorneys/client relations, Marketing Department services and end-user “address books”. Help the Marketing Department develop applicable tools and integrate database to work with existing applications and macros. Create 'Plan of Action' to clean existing database records and outline data input standards.

WHAT I DID…

Accessed firm wide needs, examined existing database design, assembled and managed InterAction project team, designed new database structure according to current and long term plans and re-configured system settings, installed required InterAction upgrades, worked with IT regarding network requirements, generated firm wide “data input” standards and procedures, created InterAction Administrator position, worked closely with Marketing Department, secured management commitment to project and trained IT support staff and personnel.

The InterAction project was multifaceted and required a full range of project management tasks (an abbreviated list of tasks is shown below). Since the initial installation did not take advantage of InterAction database features and had no real database design, my approach was to look at the project as if InterAction had never been installed, designed or implemented.

As Project Manager, I used management techniques that helped ensure project momentum. In addition, my extensive experience in both the legal industry and Information Technology, as well as database design, contributed to the success of the project.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TASK LIST:

I:     Assessment

•     Reviewed exiting IA installation and database configuration
•     Interviewed key personnel to determine firm’s CMS goals (marketing, management & end-users)
•     Outlined database and internet technical issues with IT and management
•     Drafted project management worksheet and procedures
•     Outlined IA Administrator position and recruited; coordinated system requirements with IT
•     Organized & managed in-house IA team, delegated tasks and established required communications
•     Created in-house IA project newsletter and encouraged end-user communications

II:     Design and Re-configuration of InterAction Database(s)

•     Contacted Interface InterAction to solidify firm’s position
•     Outlined and implemented new database design structure*
•     Created “data input” standards and procedures to ensure data integrity
•     Talked with other law firms regarding InterAction and contact management projects
•     Reviewed “macro” integration issues with IT personnel
•     Arranged for appropriate IA Administrator training (back-end database maintenance)
•     Worked with key IA personnel and IT to make appropriate system upgrades and network migration
•     Presented firm management with projected changes and ultimate design goals
•     Acted as liaison between IT and Management

III:     Testing, presentations and training syllabus

•    Performed pilot testing on new database design with select groups
•    Made appropriate presentations key IT personnel in each office and personnel
•    Trained-the-trainers; created in-house trainer videos; instructed on classroom techniques
•    Recommended several key CMS “services” before rollout (samples for attorney client management)
•    Created end-user training syllabus, material and presentations

IV:     Train-the-Trainer(s) and End-User training

•    Presented initial InterAction attorney training sessions for each Nossaman Office
•    Trained in-house trainers (using the roll-out training program)
•    Created Training Schedules and coordinated with all offices
•    Provided End-User floor-support

V:     Future InterAction Upgrades, InterAction Internet “Portal” Services

•    Work with IT Manager on future database consolidation issues, etc.
•    Recommended future DB migration options using IA Internet Portal services IRIS (after initial roll-out and database     integrity updates)
•    Create and implement reports generated from InterAction into Firmwide Intranet