Practice management software review: Digita Contact Manager 2.5

Core functions A basic client data control point and database that makes clever use of the Tracker facilities available in other Digita products. Still awaits a time & fees module.

Cost Basic Contact Manager licence is free, up to the total number of existing Digita licences you hold Contact Manager Plus, including Mail Manager, Batch update, Tracker and Forms tools costs under £100 per user.

Pros
● Modern interface, built from the ground up on Microsoft's .NET architecture rather than being adapted from older code.
● Based around facilities common to other Digita applications such as Reporting tools, Forms Editor and Trackers.
● Tracker Template tool used to define job and project workflow steps and time limits. Trackers automatically populate staff To Do lists.
● Easy to use reporting tool to help users select and filter the data they want to report on.
● On screen document management Wizard can create/modify documents within the system (via Microsoft Word). Mail merges handled via Word templates, or dispatched via email.
● Easy to use user-defined data tools, for example to build in marketing and client profile data.
● Batch update facility for staff and client data - for example to alter relationships when a staff member leaves.

Cons
● Epic development project has not progressed as quickly as potential users hoped.
● Still missing functionality that is available from third parties and rival suites - eg lacks time & fees module: delivery promised in June 2009.
● Microsoft Office integration does not extend to Outlook calendar.