Free or open source case/investigation software
I have an old client who is looking for investigation (or case) management software, but they don't have much of a budget and I don't have time to write anything from scratch for them. They're interested in something free or open source, but I really don't know anything about this kind of software. As they've explained it to me, they don't need anything complex or high-end. They just need a software system that will let them do the following:
- Create and maintain individual case records
- Link or track contacts and associates related with a particular case
- Link investigators who are assigned to a particular case
- Allow for the entry of notes, information, and updates for a particular case
If I had more time, I could probably write something to do the trick for them, but at this point I don't, so I'm looking for existing solutions. Free (or open source, requiring some minor customization work on my part) is preferred. Web-based, Windows, or Mac are all fine. Does anyone have recommendations for this purpose?
- Create and maintain individual case records
- Link or track contacts and associates related with a particular case
- Link investigators who are assigned to a particular case
- Allow for the entry of notes, information, and updates for a particular case
If I had more time, I could probably write something to do the trick for them, but at this point I don't, so I'm looking for existing solutions. Free (or open source, requiring some minor customization work on my part) is preferred. Web-based, Windows, or Mac are all fine. Does anyone have recommendations for this purpose?
While it's for case management, that sounds like there's a lot of commonalities with help desk software.
Are they currently using Microsoft Office, specifically a version that has MS Access?
Are they currently using Microsoft Office, specifically a version that has MS Access?
ASKER
MidnightOne: They've been using Excel. It's not pretty, but it apparently has gotten them this far. One of the things I'm looking at as a possible option is CiviCRM. It looks like it might (kind of) do what they're looking for, so I'm setting up a test site for them to play with.
elorc,
If they are already using MS Excel, why are you ignoring my suggestion about OpenOffice?
They should be able to directly import the work they have already done.
If they are already using MS Excel, why are you ignoring my suggestion about OpenOffice?
They should be able to directly import the work they have already done.
ASKER
Because OpenOffice isn't really the solution they're looking for. They're looking to get away from the spreadsheet system they're using now in favor of a more proper case/investigation management system. Switching from MS Office to OpenOffice really wouldn't be much of a change or improvement.
Thank you for responding.
I will unsubscribe and let others more familiar with the options continue to help you.
I will unsubscribe and let others more familiar with the options continue to help you.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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I've requested that this question be closed as follows:
Accepted answer: 500 points for TheHiTechCoach's comment #a37849570
for the following reason:
This question has been classified as abandoned and is closed as part of the Cleanup Program. See the recommendation for more details.
Accepted answer: 500 points for TheHiTechCoach's comment #a37849570
for the following reason:
This question has been classified as abandoned and is closed as part of the Cleanup Program. See the recommendation for more details.
http://www.openoffice.org/