eCase Features and Benefits
eCase allows you to log, process, and respond to all your correspondence in one place, helping to ensure consistent responses and minimise duplication of work. Highly flexible, eCase can be easily tailored to fit any organisational structure or case management process, all while ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation.
eCase offers a range of features designed to support and enhance your processes. The information below outlines these features and their benefits.
To learn more or explore specific features in detail, please contact your eCase Experience Group.
| Feature | Description | Benefits | Help |
| Access Controls | Access Controls manage the access to case types based on how a user's account is configured. Specifically their assigned team, case type and role. eCase has two types of access control, enabling greater control of sensitive cases:
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Secure Case Management
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Fine-Grained Access Control (FGAC)
Minimises Risk of Data Breaches
Supports Accountability and Auditability
Reduces Human Error
Simplifies User Experience
Supports Compliance with Information Governance Policies
Centralised and Configurable Control
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| Anonymisation | Case Anonymisation allows you to set up automated anonymisation schedules based on case type. It enables the removal of personal or sensitive information from specific parts of a case, such as contact details, case notes, correspondent notes, email responses, and documents, while retaining the rest of the case for reporting purposes. You also have the ability to anonymise case data on an individual case basis. |
Supports Data Protection Compliance
Customisable Anonymisation Schedules
Selective Data Anonymisation
Preserves Reporting Capability
Manual Anonymisation Option
Reduces Risk of Data Breach or Misuse
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| Automated Reminders | Automated Reminders are a function that allow you to set up automatic follow-up emails for contributions and QA requests. A rule is created in eCase specifying when to send the reminder and which email template to use. These reminders can be scheduled either before or after the target date. The reminder emails can be customised based on the type of contribution or QA, as well as by case type . All chaser emails will be recorded on the contribution or QA. |
Reduces Manual Workload
Customisable Rules and Timing
Tailored by Case and Contribution/QA Type
Consistent and Professional Communication
Full Audit Trail
Improves Timeliness and Accountability
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| Batch Responses | Batch Responses is a feature that allows you to respond to a set of related correspondence cases using a standardised response, which can be tailored to the individual correspondent using mail merge fields. Responses can be sent via email or letter. Each response can be reviewed and tailored to an individual correspondent if required. Once the responses have been sent, the associated cases can be closed in bulk. If a similar request is received in the future, it can be added to the Batch and responded to using the pre-approved response document and email template. |
Efficient Handling of High-Volume, Repetitive Correspondence
Customisation with Mail Merge Fields
Flexible Delivery Options
Quality and Consistency in Messaging
Individual Review and Tailoring
Bulk Closure of Cases
Quick Response to Recurring Requests
Reduces Administrative Burden
Improves Response Times
Supports Transparency and Auditability
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| Bulk Reports | Bulk Reports are used to create multiple bespoke reports tailored to your specific requirements using case data in eCase. Bulk Reports are produced using reusable report templates, ensuring consistency across your reports. Once a template is created, the report can be run at any time. The relevant data is automatically populated based on the predefined report parameters. This helps to improve efficiency as you can run a report at the click of a button. No need to manipulate report/data each time it is run. Standard templates can be shared with multiple teams as the data visibility is governed by access controls. This ensures users only see information they are authorised to view. |
Efficiency Through Reusable Templates
Improved Consistency and Accuracy
One-Click Report Generation
No Manual Data Manipulation Needed
Supports Team-Wide Reporting
Scalable for Regular and Ad-Hoc Reporting
Enhances Productivity
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| Clarification | A clarification request can be processed via eCase. If the original request lacks sufficient information, or, for a Data Protection case, the data subject requires verification, a clarification request can be sent to the correspondent. Depending on the case type the clock can be paused or discarded and will not be recalculated until the information has been received. The case can be moved to an Awaiting Clarification tab, where it will stay until the required information or identification is received. Email templates with standard wording can be created for different scenarios. |
Streamlined Clarification Process
Clock Management Based on Case Type
Organised Case Tracking
Consistent Communication with Email Templates
Improves Case Accuracy and Compliance
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| Contributions |
Contributions are commissioning emails that are sent from eCase to request information from other people in order to complete a case response. You can send a contribution email request from eCase to:
When you send a contribution email from eCase, the request can be tracked. All related communication is stored in one place on the case. Both outgoing and incoming emails are logged, providing a clear record. Different email templates can be used to save time when writing to policy areas. Multiple templates can be created for different scenarios. Having contribution information in eCase, gives you better oversight of which contributions are still open. You can manually chase these requests or use the Automated Reminders feature to chase automatically. Encouraging contributors to use eCase benefits both them and your team. Email templates can include a contribution hyperlink that takes contributors directly to a dedicated contribution response screen in eCase. From there, they can access all case information needed to provide their response. Contributors also have their own Workbasket where they can see all their contribution requests in one place, manage them, or take ownership of team contributions. The workbasket also displays contributor clocks, so contributors can easily see when responses are due. It may not be possible for all contributors to have access to eCase. To make requesting information from these contributors more efficient, eCase allows you to send requests to non eCase users. You can either type in their email address or, if they are a regular contributor, create them as a user on eCase with the contributor privilege. This will reduce the need to type their email address every time. A specific email template for non eCase users can be selected which can prompt them to “reply all’ when responding. If they do “reply all”, eCase automatically attaches the email response onto the contribution. |
Efficient Information Gathering
Trackable and Centralised Communication
Customisable and Time-Saving Templates
Improved Oversight and Case Management
Enhanced Contributor Experience (for eCase users)
Support for Non-eCase Contributors
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| Digest Emails | Digest Emails allow users to schedule automated emails that are tailored to your needs. For example, cases due today, open contributions, and case statistics. Digest Emails can be either:
Digest Email can be configured to send to:
You can define how often and when the emails are sent. Helping you stay ahead of deadlines and detect potential bottlenecks before they escalate. Digest Emails are interactive. Recipients with an active eCase account can select the case reference number to be taken directly to that case within the system. |
Automated, Tailored Updates
Customisable Content and Scheduling
Role and Team-Based Filtering
Improves Visibility and Awareness
Supports Proactive Case Management
Interactive Functionality
Saves Time and Reduces Manual Effort
Enhances Collaboration Across Teams
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| Disclosure Log | The Disclosure Log is an eCase hosted web page embedded on your website and branded in line with your organisation, that allows you to publish responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests, directly to your website. This helps reduce future requests being made regarding the same question, by making previously disclosed information easily accessible to the public. Requesters can be directed to the Disclosure Log to check if their request matches a published response, or even prior to them submitting a request. The Disclosures can be published directly from your FOI, EIR and review cases, making publication a natural part of your case workflow, with no duplication of effort required. If you use eCase Capture for FOI requests, your Disclosure Log can be tied in with your eCase Capture form, helping guide users to existing answers before submitting a new request. |
Reduces Duplicate FOI Requests
Saves Staff Time
Improves Public Access to Information
Proactive Request Management
Seamless Integration with eCase
Custom-Branded to Match Your Website
Supports eCase Capture Integration
Streamlined Publishing Process
Supports FOI Policy and Legal Compliance
Improves Requester Satisfaction
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| Documents |
Documents can be quickly uploaded to the case using a simple drag and drop feature. Any document added to eCase can be amended and modified via the document screen. Audit logs track when documents are uploaded or sent to/from the case and whether they are allowed for release or not. Multiple actions can be performed from the Documents screen, for example:
Folders can be used to help organise case documents. They can also be used to create a zip file of all documents required for an escalation case. The document screen allows you to filter the documents/emails in the case so that you can easily find what you are looking for. You can also search for key words across the documents. The filter will then highlight any documents containing the searched term. |
Centralised Document and Email Management
Easy Upload with Drag-and-Drop
Full Document Editing and Version Control
Comprehensive Audit Trail
Batch Actions for Efficiency
Organise with Folders
Advanced Filtering and Search Capabilities
Improves Collaboration and Transparency
Enhances Compliance and Information Governance
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| Document Templates |
Your document templates can be added to eCase in order to assist users when corresponding with a requester. Templates can include your organisation’s letter heads, contact details and mail merge fields. These templates are maintained by you, giving you full control over versioning and content updates. Temples can be assigned to different case types, specific teams or Ministers. They can be loaded as a normal or pro-forma template. A pro-forma template automatically downloads to the case, with mail merge fields pre-populated. Ideal if you send out a contribution with a draft response document attached. Normal templates are downloaded manually when required on a case. |
Consistency in Communication
Time Efficiency
Customisation by Case Type
Improved Accuracy
Enhanced User Experience
Centralised Template Management
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| eCase Capture including eCase Automate |
eCase Capture is a public-facing digital form designed to enhance your customers’ experience by offering a faster, more user-friendly alternative to traditional contact methods such as email or post. Embedded on your website and branded in line with your organisation, it allows correspondents to submit requests seamlessly. Requests are captured in a structured format, with functionality to verify the user’s email address. The integration with eCase ensures that submissions are either automatically created as a case, or created and allocated based on predefined eCase Automate rules. eCase Automate is a rules engine that allows you to define automated actions for webform cases to streamline your processes and remove time-consuming manual tasks. For example, cases can be automatically acknowledged and allocated to the appropriate teams. eCase Capture complies with all government standards including GDS Service Standards and WCAG 2.1 AA |
Enhanced Customer Experience
Public-Facing and Branded
Structured and Verified Submissions
Automated Case Creation
Smart Allocation with eCase Automate
Reduces Manual Workload
Faster Response Times
Real-Time Integration with eCase
Supports Transparency and Accountability
Fully Compliant with Government Standards
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| eCase Redact | eCase Redact allows users to carry out redactions directly within the eCase system, eliminating the need for third-party tools. It meets National Archives’ standards, ensuring that all redacted content is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. From the Documents screen, users can merge multiple documents in a custom order and apply redactions to the final version. Redactions can be made in black or white, with the option to add comments and specify exemptions or exceptions, where required. For every redacted document, eCase automatically generates:
Redactions can be reviewed and updated at any time. Users can also choose whether to include applied comments and exemptions/exceptions in a summary report. As a built-in feature, eCase Redact saves both time and money by removing the need for external redaction tools, while supporting a secure and efficient document handling process. |
Fully Integrated Redaction Tool
Meets National Archives' Standards
Flexible Redaction Options
Document Merging and Redacting in One Workflow
Multiple Document Versions Automatically Provided
Editable and Updatable Redactions
Optional Summary Reporting
Centralised and Secure Document Management
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| eCase Sync |
eCase sync is a Microsoft Word plug-in that allows users to work within a downloaded document and then sync the updated version back on to the case in eCase. Users are prompted to download files to an eCase sync workspace, ensuring all files are stored in a centralised, consistent location. Fivium will provide an MSI (Microsoft Installer) package for deployment. This installer can be used for individual installations or rolled out across multiple users via Group Policy by your IT team. |
Seamless Document Synchronisation
Centralised Document Storage
Improved Workflow Efficiency
Flexible Installation Options
Enhanced Control and Security
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| Email Scraper | When a new request is emailed into eCase, the email scraping tool will identify case data from the Email. Before creating the case, users have the opportunity to review and amend this information, ensuring accuracy from the start. |
Automated Data Extraction
Improved Accuracy
Editable Before Submission
Faster Case Creation
Simplified Request Intake
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| Email Templates |
You can add standardised email templates with your own wording directly into eCase. This helps to ensure a consistent approach when sending emails from eCase. These templates support both internal communication, for example, notifying team members when a case or contribution is assigned, and external communication with the correspondent. The email templates can include mail merge fields that automatically pull in relevant case information. These can be assigned to specific case types or teams to ensure the right message is used in the right context. These templates are added by you to eCase, with no need to contact support. Giving you the flexibility to create, modify and archive templates that are no longer needed. Easily keeping your eCase system up to date. When multiple email templates are added to a category, you can choose one as a default for the whole category, or set different defaults for an individual case type or types |
Consistency and Professionalism
Dynamic Mail Merge Integration
Improved Control and Flexibility
Tailored to Teams and Case Types
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| Fast Track |
Fast Track is a quick way to log and report on email enquiries that you respond to directly, but still want to track in eCase. It is simple to use, just BCC the fast track email address into your response. This creates a case in eCase with relevant information, for example:
It allows you to monitor trends and volumes for similar enquiries, without having to duplicate your work. Once the case is created, users with the Close Fast Track cases privilege can bulk close the cases. |
Quick and Simple Case Logging
No Disruption to Workflow
Captures Key Information Automatically
Supports Reporting Without Duplicating Work
Improves Visibility of Common Enquiries
Bulk Case Closure
Minimal Training Required
Increases Data Completeness
Supports Flexible Working Styles
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| Feedback |
Feedback allows you to capture the key points of a complaint, document outcomes and record any lessons learnt. In addition to keeping a log of this information on the case, you can also send email notifications out to additional people, with the relevant information captured in the feedback. |
Structured Complaint Logging
Centralised Record Keeping
Easy Information Sharing
Supports Organisational Learning
Integrated with Case Management
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| Field Value Options |
The Field Value Options feature allows the quick addition of relevant choices to drop-down lists on key fields within the Case Details screen. The drop-downs can be customised for each case type. This ensures that the options align with internal terminology and requirements. Users with the Manage Field Value Options privilege can easily create, edit, reorder, and remove options, keeping the lists accurate and up to date while maintaining controlled and consistent customisation of eCase. |
Customisation and Relevance:
Easy Maintenance:
Controlled Access and Consistency:
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| Key Terms | Key Terms can be used on a case to categorise the requested information, enabling you to generate reports and trend analysis based on these categories. As well as reporting, Key Terms allow eCase to suggest similar cases which can be linked so that the case owner can review previous responses. They can also be associated with Standard Lines of policy text. When a relevant Key Term is used on a case, the associated Standard Lines are automatically shown to the case owner so that they can be used in the response. This helps to reduce response times. |
Automated Data Extraction
Improved Accuracy
Editable Before Submission
Faster Case Creation
Simplified Request Intake
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| Linked Cases | When a new case is added to eCase you have the opportunity to search for any previously logged cases that are similar in nature. Similar cases are identified on the Linked Cases screen through shared Key Terms used or matching contact details. This feature allows you to view historical information, provide consistent responses, and identify situations where multiple requests have been submitted by the same correspondent. |
Access to Historical Information
Consistency in Responses
Identify Repeat or Related Requests
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| Mandatory Clearances | Mandatory Clearances allow you to set a rule, requesting a particular level of quality assurance (QA) before a case response can be sent. The response document cannot be sent out via email until the QA level dictated has been approved. These clearances can be applied at any point during the case process. The clearances are highlighted so that the drafter is aware that the people/teams assigned in this area are required to quality check the case response before it can be sent and the case closed. Once the quality checks are approved, the status of the mandatory clearances will update to complete. This allows the response to be sent. |
Enforces Quality Assurance Before Sending
Clear Visibility for Case Drafters
Flexible Implementation
Structured and Accountable Review Process
Supports Compliance and Governance
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| MP | An integration with the Houses of Parliament feed allows eCase to automatically update Members of Parliament (MP) details. No need to spend time updating, for example, after an election. Users with the relevant privileges also have the ability to add in constituency emails and addresses if required. |
Automatic Updates to MP Details
Saves Time and Reduces Admin Workload
Improves Data Accuracy and Reliability
Enhanced Constituent Support
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| Organogram | The Organogram is a representation of your organisational structure, used for reporting, adding users, their roles and controlling access to cases. It is maintained by you, so you can report at organisation, directorate or individual team level. The organogram prepopulates the Team field on Case Details, Contributions and Quality Assurance screens. Eliminating the need for manual entry, ensuring consistency in reporting. Users are assigned roles based on the team and case type they work in. As a result, when selecting a user for any part of the case process, only those with the appropriate role and access permissions for the specified team and case type will appear. |
Accurate Reflection of Organisational Structure
Fully User-Maintained
Enhanced Reporting Capabilities
Streamlined Data Entry
Improved Accuracy and Consistency
Minimises Errors and Rework
Supports Secure Information Handling
Improves Workflow Efficiency
Scalable and Adaptable
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| People | The People screen in eCase provides a detailed view of a user's account. From this screen, you can update user details such as email address, forename, and surname, as well as review their roles, case type access, and any additional privileges. You can also use the People screen to:
This screen offers a central location for managing user access and ensuring account information remains accurate and up to date. |
Centralised User Management
Role and Privilege Transparency
Flexible Access Control
Enhanced Security
Supports Compliance and Auditability
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| Quality Assurance (QA) | As part of your case process, you may need to obtain sign off or clearance that a draft response or other documentation is ready to be sent to the correspondent. In eCase, this is called a quality assurance (QA). Sending a QA request from eCase is the same as sending an email. You can send it to a specific person, multiple people within or across teams, a mailbox or enter an email address manually. You can also attach case documents and add additional text to the message. Using email templates helps save time when drafting these requests. The recommendation is always to use the approve and reject hyperlink mail merge fields within your templates. This allows the QA recipient to respond without needing to sign in to eCase. All outgoing QA emails and responses are recorded and visible within eCase, keeping all related correspondence in one place. Different QA types are available in eCase, which can be tailored per case type. Each QA type is linked to a specific privilege, making it easier to select the appropriate recipient. When a mandatory clearance is set on a case, a QA request of the same type must be approved before the case response can be sent, ensuring that the correct level of check is completed before any communication goes out. |
Streamlined Sign-Off Process
Efficient Use of Email Templates
Centralised Record of Communication
Flexible and Customisable QA Types
Improved Compliance and Control
Supports Collaboration Across Teams
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| Retention | eCase enables you to delete older, complete cases that are no longer required. Freeing up valuable storage space. Retention can be specified per case type. The deletion process can be scheduled to run daily, every Sunday, the 1st day of the month, or triggered manually. Cases that are escalated or linked to cases marked for retention will not be deleted until the final escalated case has reached its retention period, or the linked case has been marked for deletion. You also have the option to retain an individual case on eCase, if required. |
Frees Up Valuable Storage Space
Customisable Retention Rules
Flexible Scheduling Options
Built-in Safeguards for Linked or Escalated Cases
Case-by-Case Control
Supports Compliance and Data Management Policies
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| Roles | To use eCase, users must be assigned specific privileges based on the tasks they perform. For efficiency and consistency, these privileges are grouped into roles that can be assigned to user accounts. Roles ensure that users only have access to the features and case types necessary for their work. They can be fully customised to reflect your organisation’s structure and responsibilities. When a user’s duties change or new tasks arise, you can simply update the role with the relevant privileges - automatically applying the changes to all users assigned to that role. Roles are also essential for role based access control, ensuring that only authorised users can search or view particular case types. Role management is handled internally by your organisation’s superusers, eliminating the need to contact eCase support for updates. |
Task-Based Access Control
Increased Efficiency Through Role Grouping
Easy Role Updates
Supports Access Control Policies
Maintained In-House by Superusers
Enhances Onboarding and Offboarding
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| Searches | All cases entered onto eCase are searchable. There are two ways to search for a case, Search or Case Search. Search is a feature that allows you to search across any text on a case, including correspondent names, postcodes, references (eCase or external), and text within documents such as PDFs, scanned files, and Microsoft Word documents. Case Search is a detailed search screen using multiple fields to search for a case or cases. Search results can be downloaded into a spreadsheet which you can customise to include only the information you need. Saved searches can also be reused for efficiency. Search functionality is privilege based. Users without the appropriate search privileges will not see the Search or Case Search options. If Access Controls are in place, users will only be able to search and view cases they are permitted to access. |
Quick and Comprehensive Text Search
Advanced Filtering with Case Search
Exportable and Customisable Results
Secure and Role-Based Access
Increases Efficiency and Reduces Duplication
Enhances Case Oversight and Monitoring
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| Secure Share | Secure Share allows you to send large and/or sensitive files from eCase via a secure digital link, so that the correspondent can view and download documents securely. This eliminates the need to print and post bulky documents or struggle with email size limits, reducing both cost and complexity. Recipients can verify themselves via email or mobile phone, depending on the contact details you hold for them in eCase. You can view when the recipient has verified their details and when they have downloaded the documents. The Secure Share link can be set with an active time limit that you can specify. If necessary, access to the link can be revoked at any time. Secure Share is branded to match your organisation's website. |
Secure Delivery of Sensitive or Large Files
Reduces Operational Costs
Flexible Recipient Verification
Customisable Access Controls
Track Engagement and Access
Mitigate against Data Breaches by Revoking Access
Improved Correspondent Experience
Organisation-Branded Interface
Supports Compliance and Data Protection
Streamlines Communication Workflows
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| Standard Lines | Standard Lines are lines of prepared text that can be added to eCase and mail merged into a response document, helping drafters save time while ensuring consistent wording. These can be added as a single line of text or full paragraphs. Drafters across your organisation can use the same text as a basis and adapt it as required. By linking a Standard Line to a relevant Key Term, the associated text will automatically appear when that Key Term is applied to a case. This makes it easy to select and include the Standard Line in responses. Standard Lines can be a joint list used by various case types, or can be specific just for your case type. They can be added for go live and updated over time or when new topics become available. |
Time-Saving for Drafters
Consistency Across Communications
Flexible and Adaptable
Smart Integration with Key Terms
Customisable by Case Type
Easy to Maintain and Update
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| Standard Reports | Standard Reports are predefined, official reports typically used for statutory or formal reporting. They require no additional formatting or manipulation, making them ready for immediate use. The report options available will vary depending on your eCase environment. In addition to statutory reports, the Standard Reports section includes Case and User Productivity Reports. The case report can be used to provide insight into the workflow progression of a case. Helping teams monitor case status and identify delays or inefficiencies. The User report is based on the audit log and shows user activity within a given period. Helpful for tracking engagement and performance. |
Ready-to-Use Official Reporting
Saves Time and Reduces Errors
Supports Operational and Strategic Decisions
Supports Oversight and Accountability
Accessible and Easy to Run
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| Tasks | Tasks can be created to monitor and track actions needed on a case, such as lessons learnt. Tasks can be tracked, updated, chased, reassigned and reported on, providing full visibility of outstanding actions. Tasks must be assigned to an active eCase user. The person allocated the task does not need to be the case owner. A task assignment notification email can be sent once the task has been assigned. Tasks can have automated targets, or you can opt to manually set due dates. Tasks can be created on both open or closed cases. If a task is added on an open case, the case can be closed with an open task. This allows users to follow up on tasks that require completion after a response has been sent. |
Improves Case Oversight and Follow-Up
Supports Accountability and Delegation
Automated and Manual Deadlines
Email Notifications and Chasing
Track and Report on Progress
Works Across the Case Lifecycle
Reduces Risk of Missed Actions
Supports Continuous Improvement
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