The Rule Designer is used to create rules for Time and Expense entries. These rules can be used to enforce firm policies or to comply with client-mandated billing rules.
Firm Policy
Firm Policy rules can be established to make sure that certain rules established by your firm are observed in Time and Expense entries. Establishing these policies as Rules is efficient because the rule will be run automatically and items in violation of that rule will be flagged, calling attention to the violation.
Examples of potential firm policy rules are:
- Never use the abbreviation RE: in a narrative. Always spell out the entire word Regarding.
- Never bill less than ½ hour of time for database research.
- Hours worked must always be greater than zero.
The Power of Rules
You should use a Rule to automate the enforcement of firm policies and client-mandated billing rules whenever possible. This preserves your human resources for billable activities.
Client-Mandated Rules
Sometimes, large clients will mandate that bills be submitted following strict guidelines. Sometimes these bills must be submitted electronically and in a certain format. Sometimes they go a step further and reject bills containing line items that violate their mandates.
Examples of Client-mandated rules are:
- Copy charges in excess of 25 cents per copy will be rejected.
- Time entries for non-approved timekeepers will be rejected.
- Time entries for certain Task Codes or Activity Codes will be rejected.
Creating Rules saves time and money for the firm. Preventing non-compliant entries from being entered into the database reduces the amount of time spend editing prebills, which allows the firm to use those resources towards income-producing activities. It can also reduce or even eliminate bill rejections from mandated bills, increasing cash flow.
Why use Rules?
Creating Rules saves time and money for the firm. Preventing non-compliant entries from being entered into the database reduces the amount of time spent editing prebills, which allows the firm to use those resources towards income-producing activities. It can also reduce or even eliminate bill rejections from mandated bills, increasing cash flow.