Pack-N-Go Part 1

Over the last 11 years and more than 85 trials, I have a seen, used, and trained hundreds of people on every feature in the software. Of all the features and enhancements of TrialDirector, one of my favorites is the Pack-N-Go feature. This feature allows me to copy my entire case (including all documents, transcripts, video files, and the database) and either move it to a new location or pack a copy of my case and import it on another computer with TrialDirector installed, such as a laptop used for trial.

When using the Pack-N-Go feature, the big question is: What is the difference between the two options in the Pack-N-Go wizard?

1. COPY FILES AND UPDATE CASE DATATBASE
Copy your entire case (including all documents, transcripts, video files, and the database) to a specified location, such as a new network drive. It changes all references in the case database to point to the new location.

VS.

2. CREATE PACKED DATA SET TO IMPORT LATER
Pack a copy of your entire case (including all documents, transcripts, video files, and the database) and import it on another computer with TrialDirector installed, such as a laptop used for trial.

In order to keep this post only moderately long, I am going to discuss the first option of the Pack-N-Go feature. The subsequent post will discuss in detail the second option of the Pack-N-Go.

Option #1 - COPY FILES AND UPDATE CASE DATATBASE

Choosing this option will copy your entire case (including all documents, transcripts, video files, and the database) to a specified location, such as a new network drive. It changes all references in the case database to point to the new location.

There are a few situations where I would choose this option. By far the most common use would be the following scenario:

• You have been working on your case for the last three months in preparation for trial. All of the work has been done on the network while you have been sitting in your office. It is now time to go to trial and you need to copy all of the data from the network drive to the local hard drive on your laptop. You don’t want to delete the data from the network drive because others who remain in the office may need to access the same data while you are at the trial site.

• Another example is if you simply wanted to copy the case data to a different location (i.e. one drive to another).

The important thing to remember is the pathing for each image, transcript, video file, etc is going to be changed to the new location. After deciding to use option #1, you will need to select the new location for your case data.



Pack-N-Go reports the total amount of space required to store your case. Before you continue, ensure the location where you want to save the packed case has enough space. Then, click Browse and select this location. Once you have decided on the location, click Next.



Upon completion, you will notice each of your video files, images, transcripts, etc... are now located in the new location within a folder that has the same name as you case name in TrialDirector. You are now ready to unplug the laptop from the network and go present at trial!

The next post will describe the second option of the Pack-N-Go feature.

If you have any additional questions, please visit our website at: http://www.indatacorp.com/.