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The Contact database
You can keep a mass of information on all your contacts whatever type they are. You can categorise these records into other PIs,
lawyers, clients, subjects, personal contacts and so on. Each Contact record can contain a further list of sub-contacts and other additional information for your instant reference. In order that you make PI your very own, there are twenty-two fields on each record that you can define yourself. You can even have one that reminds you who to send Christmas cards to next year! You can also keep an additional database on the Associates of this particular Contact. Each Contact record can be cross-referenced to the Expertises, Repository and Case (Instructions) files databases.
Additional Contact Information
You can keep an unlimited amount of extra information on each Contact such as phone, fax, mobile and pager
numbers, web pages, email addresses, additonal addresses, additional contacts/persons, physical characteristics, aliases (AKAs) and vehicles. You can also keep unlimited amounts of text data/information records
(which you can print out, of course) and pictures/photos in the form of graphic files for each Contact.
The Associates database
This database is really a 'feature' of the Contacts database. Basically, it offers you a way of logging that Fred is an associate
of Charles. When you log this, the reverse is automatically done for you so that Charles becomes an Associate of Fred. This means that if you are searching from Fred, just highlight his Contact file and press the
Associates button and Charles will appear. If you can find Charles, you might be able to trace Fred, right?
The Staff database
A list of your staff or investigators - both in and out of the office - can be kept and cross-referenced to the Contacts, Expertises and the Case
(Instructions) file databases as well as the Repository (to record what staff member is responsible for what item) and the Task Manager.
The Repository
This is a flexible database that records what and where you have stored anything you can think of - maps, photographs, CDs, files,
books etc. - you decide. In fact, anything that can be put on a shelf or in a drawer can be referenced in the Repository! Furthermore, you have up to four user-definable dates to record when it was deposited and so
on. Each repository record is can be cross-referenced to records in the Staff, Contacts and Case (Instructions) files databases.
The Expertises database
A range of expertises (such as disguise, handwriting analysis, bailiff services etc.) can be maintained and cross-referenced
to the Staff and Contacts databases so that you can find people with a particular expertise at the touch of a button.
The Instructions or Case Files database
This database is the very heart of PI. Every Case (Instruction) you receive can be full processed with this
database - record when you were instructed, when you received the documentation, who is on the case, what tasks are to be done and when, who or what the subject is, what the expenditure and fees budget is and so on.
You can determine up to ten individual status's that determine what stage a particular case has reached. And you can cross-reference each case with records in the Contacts, Staff and Tasks databases. If you are a
bailiff or carry out repossessions, there are special sections for you too.
Bailiff Facilities
If you have selected to include bailiff facilities, you will be able to run a simple transaction ledger for each Case (Instruction)
file and produce a transaction report for your client with the touch of a button.
Repossession Facilities
If you have selected to include repossession facilities, you will be able to record all the information you need to do an
efficient repossession - Lease No, Reference (such as Vehicle Registration Number), Date to repossess, Date Repossession done, Disposal Date, Delivery Point, Storage time in both weeks and days and even a photograph
of the item to repossess for easy recognition.
'Work Done' records
You can create as many 'Work Done' records for each Case (Instruction) file as you wish. Each one records the date and what you, or
another investigator, did on that case in both summary and detail. Furthermore, The total time and mileage expended can be calculated and a final cost amount determined. A Client Report can be produced at any time
by the press of a button.
Case Ledger
Clicking the Work Done button on the Cases browse reveals a full Case Ledger for this particular case. Each Work Done record, in
additional to optionally holding a full and brief description of the work done on this particular case on a particular date, can now record expenditure and income amounts on this case. These are categorized
into Hourly Work, Straight Fees, Mileage, Expense, No Charge, Retainer Received, Other Income Received. You have all you need for each of these including the addition of tax. Hourly rate will allow for tenths of
hours often needed when doing court work. All 'outgoing' types can be marked as chargeable or not to cater for the times when an expense has to be paid but can't be charged on to the client. All records in the Case
Ledger are totalled to the Case Budget so that you have comparisons against the budget for Fees. Mileage, Expenses and even Hours.
Furthermore, you can instantly compare the budget and expenditure totals with or without expenses.
Data records
You can keep an unlimited number of Data records connected to each Instruction/Case record.
These data records each keep a large amount of text which you can either type in or cut and paste from MS Word or whatever - ideal for holding notes, witness statements, depositions and so on. These records can be
searched, using both Instant Search and the more powerful Query Wizard.
Pictures
An unlimited amount of pictures in the form of graphics files (BMP, GIF, JPG, WMF or PCX) can be connected to both case (insurance evidence,
crime scene etc.) and contact records (subject photos, vehicles, known associates etc.).
The Task Manager
The Task Manager records all your tasks and 'ToDo's - both now and in the future. It enables you to see, at a glance, all of your
ongoing work, complete with deadlines, and any appointments you've made - it'll even pop up an alarm in time for you to get to your meeting in good time! And, if you want, play a sound file of your choosing when
doing so! You can decide whether you want to see your "What To Do Today" list as soon as you log on or not. Tasks can be given to other users and/or staff members and messages can be sent. Each task record can be
cross-referenced with a particular case (instruction) file too. All tasks, either by staff member or by case, can be printed out.
Internet Access
You can log straight onto your favourite web site directly from within PI by simply clicking on a button on the toolbar. (Of
course, to do this, you will need a modem, browser software and an existing account with a local Internet Service Provider).
Reporting Facilities
We have included most of the reports you might want to print out at any time - most of which include the Query Wizard. If you
should wish to write any additional reports, you can buy the Report Writer which will enable you to do this with ease and simplicity.
Mail Merging with Microsoft Word™
You can perform simple mail merges with ANY Windows version of Microsoft's Word™. From within PI
itself, you can open and close Word, merge one or an entire selection of Contact record(s) into a document to produce a full mailing. With PI, mail merging is a breeze!
Simple Search
Searching for information couldn't be easier in PI. Imagine you know that sometime in the past, you've dealt with a Mr.
Hoskins. All you need to do is type 'Hoskins' into the Search box, and press the 'Search Now' button.
You will be given a list of every record that mentions the word 'Hoskins'. It doesn't matter whether he was the client, a lawyer, the subject, a subcontractor, or even mentioned in one of the free-format 'notes' boxes - they'll all be listed for you, so you can look through them on-screen, or even print out the case details! It's that easy!
Query Wizard
PI's Query Wizard enables you to make very powerful selections of data 'sets' based on criteria that you build up
using a simple 'wizard'. For example, you might want to send a standard letter to all female PI's in a particular town or area. Easy with Query Wizard! Or print a report including only cases that a particular staff
member was involved in over the last two years. Easy with Query Wizard!
The Query Wizard appears on the Contacts and Case (Instruction) files browses, the Microsoft Wordä mail merge and on all reports.
Year 2000 Compliance
PI is 'Year 2000 Compliant' which means that dates are recorded in the correct format to ensure that there will be no mistakes or interruptions of
functionality after midnight on 31st December 1999. (But what's the problem?)
Security & Passwording
PI's security system is very easy yet very powerful. Each 'user' of the program has his or her own unique password. User can
be given the 'key' to the parts of the program you think fit and denied others.
All database records retain Audit Information. This includes which 'user' created the record and when and which user last
amended the record and when.
Backup & Restore Module
Pl
comes with a separate program that backs up and restores your precious data and image files without any extra work from you. You don't have to specify files or think about anything. All you do is run the program and press the Backup button. It tells you how many floppy disks you need and away you go.
Help & Support
PI
has been designed to be very easy to use. We've put lots of effort into it so that you don't have to! Every window has a full page of help, telling you what every entry field is for, in plain English, so you'll never have to wade through a manual again! We've even put large, colourful buttons on the toolbar for the things you'll be using most, so that you don't have to drop down fiddly menus all the time! Furthermore, you can decide to have a Tip Of The Day pop up when you first log on and all our software comes with FREE technical support! There is even a 'Getting Started' manual for those diehards who insist on reading something at bedtime!
The Event Log
Looking like the familiar Microsoft NT Server's Event Log, PI's internal version allows you to browse any error messages you have
ever had while running the program. Perfect for precise technical support.
Configuration Options
PI's configuration Options allow you to tell the program to work the way you want it to.
In fact, there's so much to Professional Investigator that we can't do it justice - why don't you find out for yourself...
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