Distinguish between two related but different functions. What is described here is the ability to create a new Case, for users with Site or Block Licences which authorise them to create empty Cases. There is a different function to Export the Disclosure List into an Openlaw Case which can be copied to other parties.

Case Creator (one of the components of the Add-On called Case Builder)

 

Openlaw Case Creator is one of the components in Openlaw Case Builder.  You can only create a new Case if your licence permits this. You can create as many new licences as remain unused - this information appears on the splash screen when you start.

If you are using a bureau they will probably have created your case for you.

 

The components of Case Creator are:

It is suggested that you put these files in a dedicated directory, possibly one which is out of reach of ordinary users. The PC running Openlaw Case Builder must have had the Openlaw Setup run on it.

Run Openlaw Case Builder. The availability of any of the functions on the tabs shown below depends on what licences have been bought.

After the logon screen

Click on the tab <Create a new Openlaw Case> which brings up the screen shown.

 

The default location for the Case is in a sub-directory below your current directory. You can change this to any location which is accessible to all users of the new Case (or move the Case to such a place later).

 

All you have to do is give a name for the new Case. This can be any name which will be meaningful to the users.  Then press <Create a new empty case>.

An empty Case structure is created in its own sub-directory and with its own executable file, empty database files and licence. If any of your components are out of date you will be told so and must contact your distributing organisation before continuing.

You are asked if you want to copy Case Setup into the new Case directory.

 

Bear in mind that Case Setup can be run from anywhere and that, whilst it must be used to Verify the new Case, it is not a required component in the Case directory. You may prefer to keep it out of reach of users, bearing in mind that it can be used to change user permissions and alter licence defaults for the whole Case (and any other case to which the users have access).

 

If the Manual is missing, you will be told so - it is not a required component for the Case creation.

 

Once the Case creation process is complete, you will see the message shown below.

 

Put the Case directory where it can be accessed by the users and run the Verify function in Openlaw Case Setup.

You can Set Licence Options if you want to customise the appearance and available functions of the Case. You can Setup Users

(but you do not have to unless you want to appoint an Administrator or control access to the Case). The images directory can also be moved - see the section on

Defining Image Sets. Users can start immediately to run the new Case and start adding Items.

If you have been supplied with a ready-coded list from an authorised service provider it will come with its own Setup dedicated to the Case and a set of instructions to go with it.

The other functions available in Openlaw Case Builder are Import from an Openlaw Case and Import from an Access database. One allows two Openlaw Cases to be appended to each other provided they have non-over-lapping Item Numbers. The other allows easy import of data e.g. supplied by other parties from their Disclosure lists. The aim in both cases to reduce the need for retyping existing data. For further information about either of these functions please contact Oxford Law and Computing.