Eclipse announces the complete client self-service platform - introducing TouchPoint+

Eclipse Legal Systems, the only Law Society Endorsed provider of legal software solutions, has today announced the release of its next generation client self-service platform.

TouchPoint+ builds upon Eclipse's TouchPoint system - a device-independent and interactive experience for legal service providers, their business partners and clients, which uses real-time data from Eclipse's core Proclaim Case and Practice Management solution.

With TouchPoint+, service providers can now deliver a complete portal experience, seamlessly
utilising their own branding and visual identity, encompassing the
core suite of Eclipse's online communication tools.

Providing access to a huge range of live information, TouchPoint+ is an 'always on, always visible' self-service solution which can be configured to provide as much or as little data and interaction as desired.

TouchPoint+ includes the following communication and self-service features:

• Brandable environment allowing service providers to control imagery and overall visual experience 
• 'FileView Interactive' online matter tracking solution, providing real-time and secure access to relevant data 
• 'SecureDocs' online document delivery and acceptance tool 
• Targeted news feeds, social media links, and cross-selling opportunities 
• Configurable, visual KPI and charting data 

Eclipse's Marketing Director, Darren Gower (pictured), explains: 

"TouchPoint+ builds upon our market-leading TouchPoint platform to provide an even more powerful self-service portal. The ability to brand the TouchPoint+ experience in line with your firm's identity, plus the ready-to-go integration of Eclipse's core online tools, provides a market-leading self-service experience for today's increasingly demanding clients and customers." 

JPS Walker implements Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management system for niche litigation work

New litigation firm, JPS Walker, is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society's sole endorsed provider.

Based in Manchester, the firm has been launched by a team of expert solicitors, and will specialise in niche areas of litigation, including financial mis-selling and holiday claims. The boutique firm aims to maintain traditional values, and with proven success and years' worth of experience within its chosen areas of law, the team will be able to offer a first class client service.

JPS Walker is initially implementing Eclipse's ready-to-go Proclaim Case Management system for Financial Claims and Personal Injury work, facilitating a secure approach to individual client files, and bringing with it a high level of efficiency to operations. To ensure the team benefits from a fully centralised system, JPS Walker is also implementing the integrated accounting toolset which will provide a detailed analysis of the firm's financial management data.

Additionally, the practice has selected Eclipse's secure online document delivery and acceptance tool, SecureDocs, to further complement the system. Not only will this reduce turnaround times, and as a result increase caseload volumes, it will also eliminate the risk of sending confidential information to the wrong recipient.

Following the first phase of implementation, JPS Walker will look to work in conjunction with Eclipse and its dedicated Consultancy team to create a bespoke Holiday Claims system, designing and creating specific workflows and documents to cater for all aspects of this complicated area of law.

Michael Walker (pictured), Founding Partner of JPS Walker, comments:

"In order to effectively stay ahead of the competition - both within our chosen areas of law, and the industry as a whole - we need a powerful practice management system that can deliver robust, yet customisable workflows. Proclaim will provide us with unrivalled accuracy, teamed with the ability to handle the increasing workload anticipated.

"Furthermore, Eclipse's extensive knowledge of the industry means we can be confident in working with the team to create a future-proof solution that will serve to enhance efficiencies and ensure the quality of service remains at an optimum level, even as we grow. We're looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with all at Eclipse."

An appetite for disruption - insurance apps and the industry

How can insurance-based apps disrupt and benefit the industry? 

Over the last decade, the insurance industry has seen a need to change perceptions, particularly when it comes to technological growth. The rapid advancement in technology has taken application development to a new level and there are new huge opportunities for insurance firms to leverage data platforms as a way to improve overall operations and customer service.

To truly benefit and remain relevant, insurers need to start investing in mobile technology as customers are now taking interest in providers that can offer efficient and simple processes - specifically from smartphones, iPads and tablets.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, 62% of insurance executives believe mobile technology will be the key disrupter for the industry, bringing with it a number of benefits:

Simplified claims processing - this proves beneficial to both the customer and agent. Apps have been proven to reduce the workload of the insurer by eliminating a number of time-sapping administrative duties - such as filing forms and collating customer data - allowing them to spend their time acquiring and processing a higher volume of customers.

For consumers, the streamlined process ensures claims are handled quickly and efficiently whilst providing the option to track progress, ultimately putting their minds at ease and simultaneously eliminating the number of 'update' calls to providers.

Increased revenue - providing customer-centric options - such as capabilities to buy new policies, renew existing ones and pay bills bills via smartphones - increases the chances for insurers to generate larger profits. Additionally, a number of apps now enable providers to stay connected 24/7, enabling them to process and complete claims, as well as effectively manage potential customers, all from their phone - further serving to drive customer satisfaction and retention.

Accurate and personalised policies - using telematics and wearable technologies, insurers are able to collate real-time information about a customer's driving behaviour or lifestyle, and therefore accurately assess tailored policies. These technologies serve to encourage consumers to drive safely and/or adopt a healthy way of life by offering discounts, deals or reductions in premiums for 'good behaviour'. In theory, this then enables insurers to save on compensation pay-outs.

To conclude, mobile technology is enabling insurers to maintain profitability. From apps that allow customers to claim damages instantly, through to productivity apps that keep agents connected to the office, this new technology is ensuring risks are mitigated, productivity is increased, customer service is enhanced and operational efficiencies are improved.