Electronic Document Transfer

EDT is the brainchild of two South Wales companies: Atkinson Lewis and ATK InfrastructureSolutions Ltd. By pooling a wealth of legal and technical expertise, the two companies have created a unique new system for archiving and sharing legal files and documents. EDT (or Electronic Document Transfer) started when the two companies met through the University of Glamorgan. Atkinson Lewis had a number of projects calling for technical enhancements, and required novel solutions - including new bar coding technology to support the collection of hair and blood samples used in childcare cases. As collaborations continued, Atkinson Lewis discovered that Solicitors and Case Managers shared a common problem - controlling the vast amount of paperwork that passes through their hands. David Atkinson, the system's co-creator, says, "For closed cases, archive document and file storage is a drain on office space, or an ongoing cost burden when documents are stored offsite in lever-arch files. "And for live cases, Solicitors seem to spend the whole time photocopying and distributing documents offline. It's not the most efficient working method - and if snail mail causes a hold-up, it can even lead to delays in Court." After consulting with Solicitors, the two companies identified a number of limitations with document sharing and storage systems - including: Security: how to protect confidential files and documents online Forward Sharing: keeping tabs on documents after they've been downloaded Regulations: making sure documents are managed in accordance with rules and protocols Document Archiving: online options for statutory 6-year storage Dual Media: supporting hard copy scanning, plus storage or secure destruction EDT was developed in response to the solicitors' wish-list - effectively creating the antidote to all the old restrictions. The result is a document storage and sharing platform that's fully fit for purpose - maximising efficiency, reducing admin costs and enhancing document security.