Are you considering EPMS but want a few of your questions answered before you take the plunge. Take a look here.
How much does EPMS cost?
It depends on how many licensed users of Time Matters you have at your firm who will be using the system. Because the improvements are made available to all users of your Time Matters database, we cannot differentiate between Estate Planners and others. We charge $1,500 for the base package, which include two users. Thereafter, each additional user is $200.
Do I need Time Matters?
Yes. This should be obvious, but we have had purchasers who have not owned Time Matters. You need to own Time Matters; a Time Matters license is not included. You can own Time Matters Professional or Time Matters Enterprise. You can own Version 8.0 or the newly released V 9.0.
If I have an old Time Matters database, can I use EPMS?
You must have Version 8 or Version 9. If you have an older version, we can provide discounted upgrade licenses and assistance with the upgrade to the most current version of Time Matters. There are many reasons to upgrade; one of them is EPMS. Upgrade services are not included as part of the installation but are sold on a time and materials basis.
How much time will my system be down during installation?
We can schedule the installation after hours and do the training the following day. That way, you will not lose any productive work time. The actual installation should take under an hour.
How does the link with Wealth Transfer Planning work?
You enter create a contact in Time Matters for the Client, Spouse, Children and others using the EPMS form styles, filling in as much data as you can find out in advance. Then you add a client in WTP. On the Client dialog, you do a lookup to Time Matters contact list and import the client data. On the Spouse dialog, you do a lookup and import the spouse's data. For each child and additional party, if they are profiled in Time Matters, you can do a lookup and import.
How easy is it to set up the link?
Basha Systems will setup and test the link before we process your credit card. You will need, of course to have Time Matters and WTP. We will take care of the rest. There is no need to purchase a "datalink" licence from Time Matters since the HotDocs integration tools are built into Time Matters.
Can I use the WTP link without buying the feature package?
No. It is not that we are mean, but the link requires that data be in particular locations on the contact form, with particular options, for the import to work. Yes, you could click on the link, but it would bring in garbage.
If I enter the change the information in Time Matters will it change in WTP?
No. This is a lookup and import function. Once the data is imported into WTP, you can review and change the data. However, those changes are not written back to your Time Matters contact database. You can, of course, open a client file, and reimport the contact data if you have made substantial changes to contract records in Time Matters. We assume that you will use Time Matters for your preliminary client intake. Only after you are engaged, we assume, will you add the client into WTP.
What is the recommended hardware?
You should look at the requirement for WTP and Time Matters. We have no additional requirements. However, these days, we do recommend 1 GB of RAM as a best practice, and either a 2 Ghz processor or a dual core. You will be happy with the results. These specifications, however, are not required.
What software is required?
You will need Time Matters. There is no requirement to have Wealth Transfer Planning. If you don't have WTP, you will not have benefit of the WTP link. However, EPMS is a complete reinvention of Time Matters with which you can manage your estate planning practice. If you use your own templates, or if you use another published system, you can still enter your data in EPMS.
Can I link EPMS to my own HotDocs Templates?
Yes. Time Matters does let you register HotDocs templates for creation as documents from within Time Matters. You will need to use the built-in field mapping for the templates or modify your HotDocs templates to use active integration with Time Matters. For an additional consulting fee, we will work with you to set up the most efficient field mapping so you can use this data with your own templates.
How much time will I save?
Ooodles and oodles. The biggest initial savings will be getting Time Matters setup and configured. But that is only the beginning. With the EPMS powerviews alone, I have found that I save anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute on every contact or matter I view within Time Matters. However, our automation features, lookups, letters, and triggers that automate billing, will make you real money.
Can I save documents from WTP into Time Matters?
Yes. WTP documents, despite the imposing guaranteed unique id ("GUID") are just Word documents (or WordPerfect). You can use the TMSave function on any document to save it into your Time Matters hierarchy.
Can I customize the feature package?
Yes, with a caveat. You can add as many new form styles as you like. However, on the Contact and Matters records using EPMS form styles, you should only change the fields on the "ADDITIONAL" tab marked "RESERVED FOR FIRM". There is a very simple reason. If you change the fields, you will break the import link for WTP. Most of the fields on the contact records is linked to a corresponding field in WTP. You will also break the custom EPMS power views, where the fields are specifically labeled based on the EPMS form styles. Changing the field properties will mean that the information displayed on the form will not match the labels.
How much does customization cost?
Basha Systems offers customization and training on a pre-paid basis. You buy a block of hours: 5, 10, 25 or 50 hours. Depending on the amount purchased up front, the hourly rate drops. Go to http://store.bashasys.com/prco.html.
Can I use the time in my WTP Template Maintenance Contract for customizations of Time Matters?
No. That time is currently limited to customizations of the HotDocs templates supplied with WTP. You will need to purchase pre-paid consulting from our store.
Can I get additional training for my staff?
Yes. Basha Systems has two trainers certified in Time Matters. We generally do remote training using webinars at a time convenient to you. The rates for a Quickstart, Focus Session or Boot Camp are posted on our website at http://store.bashasys.com/trwe.html. The price includes designing a specific course outline of topics specifically for your firm. On-site visits can be arranged at $1,200 per diem plus expenses.
Can I use Basha Systems for supporting my Time Matters database?
Yes. Basha Systems has two Time Matters certified independent consultants. We provide remote support services, including telephone support, database maintenance, assistance with upgrades, and practically anything else you can think of. We don't do hardware.
