Quadrant Updates IntelliChief with Version 1.1

Published: November 14, 2006

by Alex Woodie

Quadrant Software unveiled a new release of IntelliChief, its new "paperless process management" solution for mid size and large companies. IntelliChief version 1.1 delivers enhancements in ERP integration, document workflow, and a new "document packet" feature that acts like a virtual staple, the company says.

IntelliChief is a collection of modules designed to provide a single architecture for automating various front- and back-office business processes, including setting up and executing workflow patterns among employees, scanning paper documents into electronic stores, generating electronic documents from application output, archiving documents for later retrieval, and distributing all sorts of documents and correspondence. The product, which runs primarily on Windows but includes hooks for OS/400-based ERP systems, was initially launched last year, and version 1.1 is its first major revision.

With this release, Quadrant has built a new "integration engine: that serves to simplify and enhance integration capabilities with legacy applications and ERP systems. According to Quadrant, it allows for a single point of entry for integrating with all of IntelliChief modules, including those for fax, e-mail, imaging, workflow, and electronic forms.

Version 1.1 also brings the capability to set document groups to the "document processing profiles" feature in IntelliChief. With the new document group option, users can automatically assign settings to all of the documents related to a single process. For example, a user could define a document group for the purchasing process comprised of requisition, purchase orders, receiving, invoice, and check, and all the documents within this group will follow the rules when it comes to activities, such as scanning, indexing, or archiving, thereby making it easier to access the documents and minimizing user intervention, the company says.

Quadrant has also added a new "track back" feature to IntelliChief's search capability. With this function, users can perform a search, and then track back to find related documents. For example, after searching and finding an invoice, a user can then locate the related purchase order for that invoice and other related documents with only one click. This can be done through any browser window or directly via the user's own ERP application screen, Quadrant says.

Users also benefit from the new document packet feature, which groups captured documents into a single packet (hence the comparison to the virtual staple). This feature kicks in whenever documents are presented together after a search or a drill down.

Lastly, Quadrant has enhanced the audit trail capabilities of its workflow engine to show the complete history of the stages of a particular document over time. This means users can easily see when a given document was routed for approval, when it was e-mailed or faxed, and when it was archived. Quadrant says this feature will help companies comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as other new industry regulations.

Gary Langton, CEO and co-founder of Quadrant, says integration with existing systems is one of the most important aspects of document management systems. "With an increasing number of disparate applications being used by companies of all sizes, integration becomes a nightmare," he says. "A document management solution that does not take this into account is set for failure."

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