
Fabian Tech Tips

How to use iManage Work 10 A Comprehensive Guide
Jan 31
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Supporting and using the iManage document system effectively involves understanding its core features and functionalities. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
Core Features:
iManage offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline document management and enhance collaboration. These include:
Document Storage and Organization: Store various file types, including Microsoft Office files, PDFs, images, and videos. Organize documents by client, matter, or project, going beyond basic folder structures 1.
Microsoft Office and Email Integration: Seamless integration with Microsoft Word and Outlook allows for efficient document creation, editing, and email management within the iManage environment 1.
Version Control: Track changes to documents, maintain multiple versions, and easily revert to previous versions 1.
Search Functionality: Powerful search capabilities allow you to quickly locate documents using keywords, metadata, or filters 2.
Collaboration Tools: Enable multiple users to collaborate on documents, with features like simultaneous editing, annotation, and document review 2.
Security: Robust security measures, including user/group permissions, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption, ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your documents 1.
Mobility: Access your documents from anywhere, on any device, with mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows phones 2.
Using iManage Effectively:
To maximize the benefits of iManage, consider these tips:
Efficient Navigation: Utilize the navigation pane to browse workspaces, folders, and recent documents. Use the "Recent Matters" and "Open/Checked Out Documents" features for quick access 5.
Streamlined Document Handling: Employ the various document opening and saving options, including "Edit," "Save and Sync," "Save as New Version," and "Save as PDF" for efficient workflow 3.
Effective Search Techniques: Master simple and advanced search techniques, including wildcard and Boolean searches, to quickly find the information you need. Utilize search filters and saved searches for recurring searches 3.
Email Management: Integrate iManage with your email system to seamlessly file emails, send and file replies, and manage email attachments within the document management system 3.
Version Control Best Practices: Understand how versions are displayed and organized, recover previous versions, and compare different versions to manage document revisions effectively 6.
Mobile Access: Leverage the iManage mobile app to access, view, and annotate documents on your mobile devices, even when offline 4.
Support Resources:
iManage provides various support resources to help users effectively utilize the system:
Online Resources: Access extensive online resources, including documentation, tutorials, and knowledge base articles, for both IT professionals and end-users 7.
Training: Participate in training sessions to gain a deeper understanding of iManage features and functionalities. Consider bespoke training options for specific needs 6.
Customer Support: Contact iManage customer support for assistance with any issues or questions you may encounter 7.
Implementation and Consulting: Engage iManage experts or partners for assistance with implementation, customization, and ongoing support 8.
By understanding the core features, utilizing effective usage techniques, and leveraging available support resources, you can ensure a smooth and productive experience with the iManage document system.
iManage is a leading document and email management solution designed to help knowledge workers organize, secure, and collaborate on their work product. Trusted by over one million professionals at 4,000 organizations worldwide, iManage offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and ensure compliance1. This report provides an in-depth explanation of iManage's use and support, covering its key features, benefits, and various aspects of its implementation and maintenance.
Research Methodology
To gather comprehensive information for this report, a thorough research process was conducted, involving the following steps:
Official Website Exploration: The official iManage website was examined to gather details about their document management solutions, including their features, benefits, and target audience.
User Resource Discovery: User guides, tutorials, and documentation for iManage document management solutions were identified and analyzed to understand the user experience and support resources available.
External Evaluation: Articles and blog posts discussing the use and benefits of iManage document management solutions were reviewed to gain external perspectives and insights.
Support Options Analysis: Information on the different support options available for iManage document management solutions, including official support channels and partner programs, was gathered and assessed.
User Feedback Collection: Reviews and testimonials from users of iManage document management solutions were collected to understand user satisfaction and identify potential areas for improvement.
Feature and Functionality Examination: In-depth information on the specific features and functionalities of iManage document management solutions was compiled to provide a detailed overview of the platform's capabilities.
Competitive Analysis: Information on how iManage document management solutions compare to other similar solutions in the market was gathered to understand its competitive landscape and key differentiators.
This multi-faceted research approach ensured that this report provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of iManage's document management solution.
Document and Email Management with iManage
iManage's core strength lies in its ability to centralize and organize documents and emails, eliminating the challenges of scattered files and ensuring that all team members have access to the latest versions3. Its advanced search capabilities allow users to quickly locate files using keywords, metadata, or full-text search, saving valuable time and effort3. iManage also offers robust security features, including granular access controls, comprehensive audit trails, and real-time threat monitoring, to protect sensitive information4.
iManage offers solutions tailored to the specific needs of various industries and departments. For instance, in the legal sector, iManage is the trusted partner of 80% of the Global 100 and 77% of the AmLaw 100 law firms5. It provides enhanced security and information barrier management features crucial for law firms. In financial services, iManage helps organizations manage regulated and confidential documents at an enterprise scale, with sophisticated requirements for saving, sharing, and securing documents and emails6.
iManage is available through different hosting options to suit various needs and preferences. iManage Cloud is a comprehensive cloud-based solution that offers secure storage, collaborative features, and advanced search functionalities7. It enables teams to efficiently organize, access, and collaborate on their critical documents from anywhere, without the need to manually manage servers, updates, or patches. Cloud iManage, hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform, provides a modern, scalable, and fully elastic service with continuous processes to streamline the delivery of updates7. This option also offers deeper integration with Microsoft tools, including Microsoft Teams.
Key Features of iManage Work 10
iManage Work 10, the latest iteration of the platform, offers a range of features designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows:
AI-driven Smart Features: iManage Work 10 includes AI-powered features such as Smart Search, Smart Attachments, Smart Sync, Suggested Filing, and Smart Timelines. These features learn user behavior and anticipate needs, making document management more intuitive and efficient8. For example, Smart Search uses AI to learn user search patterns and provide more relevant results, while Smart Attachments suggests relevant documents to attach to emails based on the email content and user history.
Seamless Integration: iManage integrates with popular office software like Gmail, Outlook, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat, allowing users to work within their familiar environments8. This integration enables users to access, edit, and save documents directly from their preferred applications, reducing the need to switch between different programs.
Intuitive Interface: iManage offers a user-friendly interface with contextual searching and organization, enabling users to easily manage emails, documents, folders, and sharing permissions8. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for users who are new to document management systems.
Device-Agnostic Access: Users can access iManage from any device, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, ensuring flexibility and productivity8. This allows users to work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device, without compromising functionality or security.
Enhanced Security: iManage provides comprehensive security features, including touch or facial recognition authentication and advanced threat detection, to protect sensitive information8. These security measures ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive documents and that any suspicious activity is flagged and addressed promptly.
Secure External Collaboration: iManage allows secure sharing of documents with external clients and collaborators, facilitating efficient teamwork8. This feature enables users to share documents with external parties while maintaining control over access permissions and ensuring data security.
Microsoft Teams Integration: iManage integrates with Microsoft Teams, allowing users to access and share iManage content directly within the Teams environment9. This integration enhances collaboration and productivity by providing a centralized platform for teamwork and communication.
iManage Extract: iManage Extract uses AI to automatically extract key information from documents, saving time and improving accuracy10. This feature helps users quickly identify and extract relevant information from documents, such as contract dates, parties involved, and key clauses.
iManage Mobility: The iManage Mobility app enables users to securely access documents directly from their smartphones11. This allows users to work on the go, access documents offline, and stay connected to their work product even when they are away from their desks.
Benefits of iManage for Organizations
iManage offers a range of benefits for organizations of all sizes, particularly those in legal, financial services, and professional services industries:
Improved Efficiency: By centralizing document storage and providing powerful search tools, iManage reduces time spent on administrative tasks, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work3. This can lead to significant time savings and increased productivity across the organization.
Enhanced Security: Robust security features protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches, maintaining client confidentiality and trust3. This is crucial for organizations that handle sensitive information, such as law firms, financial institutions, and healthcare providers.
Regulatory Compliance: iManage's compliance tools help organizations adhere to industry regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues3. This is particularly important for organizations operating in highly regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare.
Seamless Collaboration: iManage enhances collaboration among team members, improving productivity and ensuring everyone has access to the latest information3. This is essential for teams working on complex projects that require input from multiple individuals.
Scalability: iManage is scalable to accommodate the growing needs of organizations of all sizes, from small firms to large enterprises3. This means that iManage can grow with the organization, adapting to its changing needs and ensuring that it continues to meet its document management requirements.
Benefits for Different User Roles
iManage offers specific benefits for different user roles within an organization:
Lawyers: iManage helps lawyers focus on legal work by automating administrative tasks, such as document filing and retrieval2. It also provides powerful search capabilities to quickly find relevant information and precedents, improving efficiency and accuracy in legal research and document drafting.
Legal Assistants: iManage helps legal assistants stay organized and efficient by providing a centralized platform for managing documents, emails, and deadlines12. It also allows them to easily collaborate with lawyers and other team members, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
IT Administrators: iManage provides IT administrators with greater control and security over document management12. It offers granular access controls, audit trails, and security features to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
User Guides, Tutorials, and Documentation
iManage provides a wealth of resources to help users understand and effectively utilize the platform. These resources include:
User Guides: Comprehensive guides provide step-by-step instructions on various aspects of iManage, from basic navigation to advanced features13. These guides cover topics such as document management, email management, search functionalities, and security features.
Tutorials: Video tutorials offer visual demonstrations of iManage's functionalities, making it easier for users to learn and adopt the platform13. These tutorials cover a range of topics, including basic navigation, document editing, and email filing.
Documentation: Detailed documentation covers technical aspects of iManage, including system administration, configuration, and troubleshooting14. This documentation is essential for IT administrators and those responsible for managing the iManage system.
iManage Control Center: The iManage Control Center is a web-based administrative utility that provides a centralized platform for managing the iManage system15. It allows administrators to manage users, groups, security settings, and other system configurations.
iManage Help Center: The iManage Help Center serves as a centralized resource for support, community forums, announcements, and product downloads16. It provides users with access to a wide range of support resources and information.
Support Options for iManage
iManage offers various support options to ensure users have the assistance they need:
iManage Support Team: Users can contact the iManage support team directly via email or phone for assistance with technical issues, troubleshooting, and general inquiries16. The support team is available 24/7 for priority 1 support requests.
iManage Community Forums: The iManage Community forums provide a platform for users to connect, share knowledge, and seek assistance from peers and experts16. The forums offer a valuable resource for users to learn from each other and find solutions to common challenges.
Partner Support: iManage has a network of partners who offer specialized support and consulting services, including implementation, training, and customization17. These partners have extensive experience with iManage and can provide tailored support to meet the specific needs of organizations.
Microsoft Power Automate Connector for iManage Tracker: The iManage Tracker connector for Microsoft Power Automate allows users to automate tasks and workflows related to iManage Tracker10. This connector enables users to further enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows.
Online Resources: iManage provides extensive online resources, including knowledge base articles, FAQs, and video tutorials, to help users find answers to their questions16. These resources offer a convenient way for users to find information and resolve issues independently.
iManage vs. Other Document Management Solutions
Choosing the right document management solution requires careful consideration of various factors, including features, functionality, security, and support. To help you make an informed decision, here's a comparison of iManage with some of its key competitors:
Feature | iManage | NetDocuments | M-Files |
Journaling | Captures all changes automatically 4 | Only indexes official documents 4 | |
Searchability | Supports extensive versioning, allowing access and search of previous versions 4 | Indexes 1 version 4 | Metadata-driven search 18 |
Folder Flexibility | Supports up to 10k folders per workspace 4 | Limited to 500 folders per workspace 4 | Dynamic folders based on metadata 18 |
File Size Limit | Up to 64GB 4 | Limited to 2GB 4 | No file size limit 18 |
External Sharing | Secure sharing with external clients 4 | Can only share from a matter 4 | Secure external sharing with granular permissions 18 |
AI Features | AI-powered email filing, document enrichment 4 | Limited AI capabilities 4 | Advanced AI capabilities, including GenAI 18 |
iManage stands out with its robust journaling, searchability, and folder flexibility. It provides a comprehensive audit trail of all changes made to documents, ensuring that no information is lost and that previous versions can be easily accessed. Moreover, iManage offers greater flexibility in organizing documents with its support for a larger number of folders per workspace. However, M-Files offers more advanced AI capabilities and a metadata-driven approach to document management4. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs and priorities of the organization.
Implementation Considerations
While iManage offers a powerful document management solution, its implementation can present certain challenges. Due to the inherent complexity of iManage, both in terms of the associated IT complexities and the application itself, it is essential to bring on a qualified iManage consultant19. Their expertise will be necessary in planning, implementing, and training your firm on effectively utilizing iManage.
Migrating from existing systems to iManage can also be a complex process19. It requires careful planning, data mapping, and testing to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to workflows. Organizations should allocate sufficient time and resources for the migration process and engage experienced professionals to ensure a successful implementation.
Reviews and Testimonials
iManage has received positive reviews from users across various industries. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, powerful search capabilities, and robust security features12. Some users have highlighted the platform's ability to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and streamline workflows20. However, some users have noted that iManage can have a steeper learning curve compared to more simplistic document management systems12.
Conclusion
iManage is a powerful and comprehensive document and email management solution that offers a range of features and benefits for organizations of all sizes. Its AI-powered tools, seamless integration capabilities, and robust security features make it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and ensure compliance in document management. By carefully considering the implementation challenges and utilizing the various support resources available, organizations can maximize the benefits of iManage and achieve their document management goals.
Works cited
1. iManage Work - Connectors | Microsoft Learn, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/imanagework/
2. iManage - The Association of Legal Administrators, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.alanet.org/legal-management-software-products-services/imanage
3. Modern Document Management for Law Firms: A Deep Dive into iManage DMS, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://bnsasia.biz/modern-document-management-for-law-firms-a-deep-dive-into-imanage-dms/
4. iManage vs NetDocuments Comparision, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://imanage.com/learn-more/imanage-vs-netdocuments/
5. Global Law Firms | Legal Document Management - iManage, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://imanage.com/industry-department/industry/global-law-firms/
6. Document Management For Financial Services | iManage, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://imanage.com/industry-department/industry/financial-services/
7. iManage Document Management - Centralised Legal DMS - Tiger Eye Consulting, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.tigereyeconsulting.com/solutions-services/imanage-document-and-email-management/
8. iManage Work 10: Leading iManage Document Management System - MacroAgility, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.macroagilityinc.com/imanage/
9. iManage Work for Admins - Connectors - Microsoft Learn, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/imanageworkforadmins/
10. iManage Support - Guides, How-To's, Resources | iManage, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://docs.imanage.com/
11. iManage DMS | DMS Benefits - Ascertus, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.ascertus.com/imanage
12. iManage Work Reviews & Ratings 2025 - TrustRadius, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.trustradius.com/products/imanage-work/reviews
13. Ascertus Top Tips - Ep 1 - iManage for Beginners - YouTube, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r0XkrYEy0g
14. Documents - Docs - iManage, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://docs.imanage.com/cc-help/10.4.8/en-US/Documents.html
15. iManage Control Center Help, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://docs.imanage.com/cc-help/
16. Support | iManage, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://imanage.com/resources/success-services/support/
17. iManage Document Management System Support - MacroAgility, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.macroagilityinc.com/imanage-support/
18. Top 10 iManage Work Alternatives & Competitors in 2025 - G2, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.g2.com/products/imanage-work/competitors/alternatives
19. iManage Review | Features, Pricing, Alternatives — 2023 - LexWorkplace, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://lexworkplace.com/imanage-review/
20. iManage Work Customer Reviews 2025 | SoftwareReviews | Enterprise, accessed on January 30, 2025, https://www.softwarereviews.com/products/imanage-work?c_id=297