Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the difference between Digital Dictation and the analog system I use now?
Digital Dictation is a computer based system. Voice dictation is recorded in a digital format on your computer, Smart Phone, Dictation Hardware, etc. and then passed into your network. The computer network stores the voice files, and the files are transferred to your transcriptionists wherever they may be. The differences between and benefits of digital dictation over analog and tape-based solutions can be compared to email and 'regular' mail. ¬♦
Why should it be important to me that my dictation be handled digitally?
Because the benefits of digital dictation are the same as those from other digital systems in your office, including reliability, speed, efficiency, and economy, and in the digital world, those without the system are at a considerable competitive disadvantage. ¬♦
Simply, digital dictation work flow system provide many many capabilities unavailable in an analog system including, but certainly not limited to: new ways of dictating, management & control over existing work, better audio quality, more efficient transcription, options for integration into other system, option for use of other services. Digital dictation work flow systems reduce your costs and solve logistical problems that tapes cannot overcome.
The key is to use a system that provides these capabilities to their fullest extent within your environment. This ensures all of the potential capabilities, efficiencies and savings are realized to their fullest extent as well. For law firms and corporate legal departments there is only one system built exclusively for your environment - Voice-Flow. ¬♦
What is the difference between Voice-Flow and other digital dictation systems?
Voice-Flow is designed exclusively for the unique needs of law firms. All others are sold primarily in the health care market with a dabbling and new found interest in other industries, including legal. The companies that market these products are now trying to adapt their legacy products to fit the work flow of North American law firms.
On a feature level Voice-Flow offers exclusive capabilities such as:
- Real-time & buffered streaming dictation/transcription
- Structured and nested dictation elements (copy & paste or drag & drop info INTO the audio file)
- True Audio split & the exclusive automatic document re-assembly
- Custom, legal-specific, modules & work flow
- Multi-dimensional subscription-based notification system
- Complete, bidirectional DMS integration
- BlackBerry & iPhone applications with real-time connectivity to core system with live status and file details updates
- Ability to replace ALL dedicated dictation hardware via Voice-Flow For BlackBerry application
- BlackBerry Fleet Management (Voice-Flow For BlackBerry)
- Import from or export to: FTP, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, Exchange/Outlook, Lotus/Notes, GroupWise, SMTP, POP3, Network Folders, voice mail, Integrated Transcription Services and more!
- Full support for Terminal Services (RDP) and Citrix/XenApp (ICA); including session agnostic hardware connectivity and dynamic mapping.
- 100% Centralized system configuration, support, deployment, and management. Seriously, 100%
- A single client application to install, with unified interface
- Automatic Integration Detection and Installation
- Dynamic real-time audio search, reporting and charting engine
...just to name a few. Don't take our word for it, we invite you to contact sales to schedule a live system demonstration, or even a no cost trial. ¬♦
Why is a system designed exclusively for the legal industry important?
Because the way that lawyers work is very different from doctors, insurance and public service.
For example, in healthcare, physicians spend their time seeing a number of individual patients and dictating notes or short pieces of correspondence to referring physicians or reviewing images (as in radiology) and dictating short reports. The subject matter is always medicine, and the work flow is always the same; from physician to transcriptionist to the patient's file, usually as a hard copy. The physician is usually in the office or making rounds at the hospital. The practice usually consists of a small number of physicians associated with each other and supported by several transcriptionists.
An attorney's work is very different. Some attorneys have many
clients with just one matter; some have just one client with many
matters. The subject of those matters is literally as broad as all that
exists. The work flow may require complex correspondence to go to a
seasoned secretary, briefs to go to central word processing, due
diligence summaries to a floater or an outsourced transcription
service, and billing to data entry. One day the lawyer may be in the
office, the another in court in the next county, and the next on a
plane across the country.
Given those stark contrasts in needs, having a solution dedicated to your needs is of critical importance. ¬♦
What about the security of my dictation in a digital system?
Digital Dictation Work Flow Systems in general, but Voice-Flow especially, are much more secure than an analog or desktop only system. Users within a managed system can only see the dictation they've created or been assigned. Even system managers can be held in check per your security requirements. Voice-Flow encrypts all information using Triple AES, supports logical grouping of users, ethical walls and password protected files. Additionally, files stored within Voice-Flow are protected from outside access by integration into your network's security policies.
Despite the many available levels of security the system remains extremely fluid and accessible: Files can be exported to a universal format with the proper permissions. Authors may recall or alter their own dictation at any time. Typists can be given rights to request support or even reassign work from their queue to others. ¬♦
What is the difference between digital dictation and speech recognition?
Digital dictation is the process of digitizing your dictation files and utilizing your computers & computer network to share those digital audio files with a transcription resource. Aside from the computer and digital voice recorders taking the place of tapes and tape players the process of dictation & transcription is essentially unchanged from the analog process.
Speech recognition is the process of having a computer program analyze a digital sound file and translates the sounds, words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs contained within it to text. This process can also be known as speech rec, voice-to-text, computer transcription. Speech recognition is an obvious extension of the digital dictation concept, but requires yet another piece of the puzzle - a digital dictation work flow system.
Voice-Flow is a digital dictation work flow system that supports speech recognition as an optional module. In this capacity Voice-Flow provides access, control, work flow, resource management, reporting, integration & supporting services all in one cohesive package. ¬♦
What is the difference between digital dictation and digital dictation work flow & management?
There is a great deal of difference. Starting to use digital equipment is a very important first step in the process of realizing the efficiencies and productivity that are derived from a work flow and managed solution, such as Voice-Flow.
An unmanaged solution is essentially a series of islands floating out in the middle of your network. A few, manually created & maintained, links between these islands can be established, or you can bloat out your email system with these audio files, but ultimately you have only replaced the pain of tapes with a more expensive gadget. Files can be lost, there is no security, transmitting files can be a manual process, there is no ability to centrally report, reassign and manage the pending work. You still have 'tapes', they just sound better and the equipment costs more.
However, a dictation work flow and management solution, such as Voice-Flow, enables you to view, edit, manage existing work from anywhere in the world and at any stage of the dictation/transcription process. You can route work to internal, external transcription resources, redirect work to speech recognition engines and more all without lifting more than a finger. We are built to work off of a series of rules and work flow defined by your firm and will reduce the amount of effort it takes to turn dictation into a finished product and also open up a whole new realm of dictation creation capabilities. ¬♦
Verdatum - Company
Can you tell me a little about Verdatum?
Verdatum is a private company founded in 2003 by a group of practicing attorney's who saw a serious lapse in dictation products meant to serve the legal community. Taking their first hand knowledge of the dictation/transcription processes; as well as, the varying needs of law firms in general the founders of the company assembled a team of seasoned legal IT and development professionals.
We are based in New York City, NY; 100% of our operations, development, sales and support is done from within the continental U.S.
Verdatum has clients ranging from Global100 firms down to 5 personnel firms.
We are the only Digital Dictation Work Flow Solution provider based in North America and the only one in the world solely dedicated to the legal market.
Our address and contact forms can be found here. ¬♦
What can I expect from Verdatum that I can't expect from other digital dictation companies?
You can expect that 100% of Verdatum's focus and resources, including research and development dollars, will be on legal specific solutions.
You can expect that Verdatum will continue to innovate and drive the market with unprecedented levels of legal specific functionality and legal system integrations.
You can expect that Verdatum will always be based out of and operate from the U.S.
You can expect that our professional services and support personnel will strive to exceed your needs and expectations each and every time you work with them.
You can expect that Verdatum will continue to re-invest in itself as a company, ensuring we are as fiscally responsible and stable as your own firm.
You can expect you will always have direct access to every member of the Verdatum Sales, Support & Management teams at Verdatum.
You can expect Verdatum will continue to solicit and embrace client directives, feedback and needs in the design and execution of software, services and support.
You can expect that for all of these reasons Verdatum will continue to be the market leader in legal voice-based solutions in North America. ¬♦
What support services are available from Verdatum?
The Voice-Flow Support Group is available to all clients with active SMA contracts
Monday through Friday 9 am - 6 pm ET. For those clients without an active SMA Contract, fee-based per incident & hourly support is available.
Our support team is trained to know not only our software, but every component, system and technology we come in contact with or integrate into. Our goal is to exceed your expectations in all aspects of our service & support.
Voice-Flow uses online desktop sharing services, phone, email, Instant Messenger, state of the art support ticket/case systems, online knowledgebase, automated email notification and community forums to ensure you are not only supported but connected, informed and confident.
If additional access to support engineers is required, a Platinum Support Plan is available that offers 24 x 7 x 365 Tier 3 support personnel for an additional cost. Your Voice-Flow sales associate will be able to help you with any questions you have regarding this support option. ¬♦
Where do you sell your software?
While we have been installed around the world, it is typically because of larger clients deploying our solution throughout their international firm. Currently Voice-Flow is primarily focused on the many needs of law firms in the North American market.
We currently focus our sales efforts through our internal sales staff, who can be contacted here. ¬♦
Do you own your own system or are you a reseller/consultant?
We own our system - and that's important.
Because we own our system we have complete and total access to and control over the entire product suite. There are no competing interests, no one to request changes from without guarantees of implementation, no 3rd party investors to mandate product direction, etc. Any vendor you work with must be able to ensure the viability of not only their company, but their product and their dedication to your market. ¬♦
Does Verdatum sell dictation hardware?
Yes we do. While Verdatum is a software company, we strive to offer the best possible service and support to our customers. This includes being a one-stop dictation hardware & accessory reseller in addition to our software & professional services.
Because we are focused on facilitating the sale of our software we sell all of our supported hardware and accessories at rock bottom prices, a happy reality that is a win-win for us all.
To receive pricing on any Verdatum supported dictation hardware or accessory please contact us. ¬♦
Voice-Flow System
Is the system difficult to learn and use?
Not at all. The recorder and player software operates just like a typical desktop machine, and dedicated hardware such as digital voice recorders and foot pedals were designed to look and function like their analog predecessors. Additionally, because Voice-Flow is built to integrate into your existing network and systems; as well as, fit your unique and exact needs there is minimal learning curve and a high percentage of 'out of the gate' understanding & acceptance. ¬♦
What kind of return on investment (ROI) can I expect?
Immediate and substantial. ROI with Voice-Flow can be measured by two distinct metrics: Increased dictation and access to dictation creation options; as well as, streamlined and reduced costs associated with transcribing the influx of dictated work.
Equally as important to the metrics is our ability to make them quantifiable and accessible via Voice-Flow Reporting & Charting systems. This new level of transparency and understanding will allow you to identify with objectivity the performance of your people, and to better manage that performance. It will also allow you to consolidate operations in those areas where it makes economic sense to do so. Document production time from the transcription side will be further reduced, lowering your costs and making your clients more satisfied. ¬♦
What are the server/back-end requirements for Voice-Flow?
The current version of Voice-Flow requires the following for its back-end services:
Processor: 1 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Hard Disk: 50 MB (Install & Logging); plus as needed for audio file storage
NIC: 100/1000 Mbps
Sound Card: Optional
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Server - 2000 SP4; 2003; 2008
Database: Microsoft SQL Server - 2000 SP4; 2005; 2008; SQLExpress 2005 or 2008
Runtime: Microsoft .NET 1.1 (Voice-Flow Mobility Service also requires Microsoft .NET 3.5). ¬♦
What are the client/front-end requirements for Voice-Flow?
The current version of Voice-Flow requires the following for its client applications:
Processor: 750 MHz
Memory: 512 MB 2000/XP; 768 MB Vista/Windows 7
Hard Disk: 100 MB (Install & Logging); as needed for audio file caching
NIC: 100/1000 Mbps
Sound Card: Yes (USB Sound Devices Supported)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000 Pro SP4; XP Pro SP2; Vista, Windows 7 (Note: 32 & 64 bit OS are supported for XP, Vista & Windows 7)
Runtime: Microsoft .NET 1.1 ¬♦
What audio file formats are supported by Voice-Flow?
Voice-Flow uses the 'Verdatum Multimedia Audio' (VMA) as its native format. This format is the proprietary format used by Voice-Flow that enables the world-class DDS features such as Elements, Streaming Dictation, Collaboration Work flow; DMS Integration & Synchronization; Offline Audio Options, and more. The Verdatum VMA format can be exported to several 'universal' formats, such as MP3, DSS and WAV, on-demand or in an automated fashion, when sharing audio content with individuals, systems or services outside of the firm is required.
Voice-Flow also supports all major audio file formats, including: WAV (PCM, aLaw/uLaw, CELP, Philips CELP, RAW), DSS, MP3, WMA, AU, AIF/AIFF, CIF, AMR, OGG and more. These file formats constitute support for the BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm, Windows Mobile smart phones; as well as, Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OSX and Linux Operating Systems. ¬♦
What hardware do you support in Voice-Flow?
Voice-Flow is hardware agnostic, we work to provide you many hardware options. Our supported hardware currently includes:
| Model | Notes | |
| Dictation Hardware | ||
| o Grundig DigtaSonic Series | All USB models | |
| o Grundig DigtaSonic II Series | All USB models | |
| o Grundig DigtaCord Ex | ||
| o Grundig x405, x410, x415, x420 | ||
| o Philips SpeechMike | All USB Models | |
| o Philips SpeechMike II | All Models | |
| o Philips DPM Series | All Models | |
| o Olympus DS 3300, 3400, 4000, 5000 |
Import Only | |
| o BlackBerry (via Voice-Flow For BB) |
All models, OS 4.5+ | |
| Transcription Hardware | ||
| o Any headset compatible with your PC |
||
| o VEC Infinity Foot Pedals |
All USB models | |
| o Grundig Soundbox | ||
| o Philips Foot Pedals |
All USB models | |
| o Olympus Foot Pedals |
All USB models |
The list of supported hardware is updated regularly, if you don't see a device on this list please contact your sales representative to confirm if it is indeed available. ¬♦
Will Voice-Flow allow me to centralize my transcription?
Yes. Distributed environments, i.e. law firms with several offices can now, with the click of a button, immediately send dictation to a central transcription pool, no matter where that pool is located. This compounds the ROI, as transcription management positions in multiple locations can be consolidated. Additionally, transcription pools may now be located in an area where it is economically most advantageous. ¬♦
What systems do you integrate into? What's different about your integrations?
Voice-Flow fully integrates into all of the major Document Management Systems within the legal market. Our integrations are fully implemented, bi-directional access into the target system. We changed the legal DDS market when we offered our first product as a dedicated integration into (named at the time) iManage WorkSite. We integrated into the legal DMS because we understand that, if you use one, saving the transcribed work into it makes too much sense to not do it.
Since our first release to market, about 7 years ago, we have added several other key partners and integrations, including a 'non-integrated' version. The currently available integrations are:
| Product | Version |
| iManage | 7.x |
| Autonomy Interwoven | 8.0 - 8.5 |
| OpenText eDocs (Hummingbird) | DM5.x |
| WORLDOX | GX, GX2 |
| NetDocuments | N/A |
| Stand Alone (non-integrated) | N/A |
Voice-Flow is constantly working on implementing additional integrations. In addition to our DMS capabilities we currently have active projects with Case Management Systems & Time & Billing Systems. If you have a specific product that you'd like to us to consider integrating into just drop us a line here. ¬♦
Do I have to have/use a Document Management System (DMS) with Voice-Flow?
No, not at all. Our integrations are entirely optional, in fact the 'Stand Alone' option, our non-integrated version is the default install. While not connected to your DMS, a 'Stand Alone' configuration still provides 100% of Voice-Flow's functionality and exclusive legal dictation & transcription features; as well as, an option to link into your network file share if applicable. ¬♦
What is the architecture of Voice-Flow?
Voice-Flow is built from the ground up to fit the needs and infrastructure of any
law firm, and any environment. Using a 'N-Tier' architecture of: SQL Database; Server API; Application Server; Client API; Client Application design - Voice-Flow can be effortlessly installed for 5 or 5,000 users. ¬♦
Do you support 'virtualization' or Thin Client computing?
Yes, Voice-Flow supports nearly all virtualization and thin client platforms and
technology on both the server and client, including support for: VMware Server, ESX,
VDI/VDM and its successors, Workstation & Player; MS Virtual Server, PC; Citrix
Presentation Server 3.x and newer; Microsoft Terminal Server. ¬♦
How do you license the system? Where can I get pricing information?
Please keep in mind that all sales are subject to our official, published, terms. For help with specifics please contact us.
Voice-Flow is licensed by named users; each user in the system requires
a license. These licenses can be acquired using our purchase, subscription or Turnkey models.
For details on the licensing option that best fits your needs please contact Voice-Flow Sales for a personal review.
Call: 888-211-9990 or Email us today. ¬♦
What is included with a license?
Please keep in mind that all sales are subject to our official, published, terms. For help with specifics please contact us.
Voice-Flow prides itself on not only being the best solution on the market, but also
the best value. A core license includes full access to:
- Voice-Flow Workflow Service
- Voice-Flow Workflow Database
- Voice-Flow Notification Service
- Voice-Flow Notification Database
- Voice-Flow Web Upload Portal
- Voice-Flow Administrator
- Voice-Flow Audio Console (Record, Player & Manager Modes)
- Voice-Flow Citrix ICA & RDP Client Services
- Voice-Flow Audio Importer
- Voice-Flow Notification Monitor
- Voice-Flow VAD Viewer
- Voice-Flow CMS/DMS & T&B System Integrations (All Available Integrations)
- Voice-Flow Charting Module
- Voice-Flow DB Manager
- Voice-Flow Job Service (System & Work flow Automation; Audio Import & Export Gateway)
- Voice-Flow Active Directory Synchronization Service
- Voice-Flow Audio Backup Service
- Voice-Flow Coverage Console & Service
No other system provides this level of functionality, extensibility, customization and
scalability - at any price. ¬♦
Are any modules licensed separately?
Please keep in mind that all sales are subject to our official, published, terms. For help with specifics please contact us.
Yes, there are optional modules and hardware that are purchased separately,
namely:
- Voice-Flow Mobility Service
- Smart Phone Licenses (BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm OS/WebOS)
- Voice-Flow Data Synchronization Services & Agent
- Voice-Flow Turnkey Server (All Versions)
- Voice-Flow Dial-In-Dictation Appliance (This Option Includes Telephony Card & Line Licensing & SMA Costs)
- Voice-Flow Dial-In-Dictation Telephony Card & Line Licenses
- 3rd Party Hardware
The optional products listed here may also require an SMA contract for support & upgrade access, please contact your Voice-Flow sales associate for details. ¬♦
How is your Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA) structured?
Please keep in mind that all sales are subject to our official, published, terms. For help with specifics please contact us.
SMA is required to receive technical support, product upgrades & feature packs
and access to all user community resources. An SMA contract is valid for 1 year
from the date of purchase and is most commonly calculated based on 18% of the currently published retail price for the product in question. ¬♦
Trial Program
What is Voice-Flow trial program?
The Voice-Flow trial program is a complimentary, no cost - no obligation, way to test drive Voice-Flow within your firm.
We will provide all software and services free of charge for up to 10 users for 4 weeks. Included in this trial is custom work flow & system configuration, training documentation and services, and of course support. Start your free trial today! ¬♦
Why does Voice-Flow offer such a full-featured trial?
We offer this free full system trial for a few reasons....
Because we can: Voice-Flow owns its software & solutions, we don't have to ask permission or pay the upfront fees that resellers and 3rd parties do. We also know that time is money and your investment of time and resources during this trial is capital enough for us.
Because it helps you: Sometimes it's tough to justify and commit to a system without really testing it. We also know that too often the Sun and the Moon are promised during the sales process...but the product never quite delivers everything promised once implemented. That is something we know you'll never experience with Voice-Flow so we're happy to let you 'take it for a test drive'.
Because it sells itself: We are happy to offer this free trial program because of our confidence in our system's ability to meet your needs and solve your dictation / transcription related problems. Within a short amount of time we know you'll come to realize the value, power and efficiencies of Voice-Flow - and, frankly, nothing sells a product more than that.
Start your free trial today! ¬♦
How do I setup a trial of Voice-Flow ?
Setting up a trial is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Tell us who will be in charge of and participating in the trial
- Schedule the delivery of your free trial hardware (or let us know you have your own already) & preconfigured Voice-Flow Server virtual appliance
- Schedule your setup & training services
Once the trial kit arrives you'll be ready to start using the system within an hour! We'll even provide complimentary unlimited access to our support team for the duration of your trial. There is no cost and nothing to lose, start your trial today! ¬♦
What kind of 'server' do I need to do a trial?
The Voice-Flow Trial Kit includes a pre-configured, ready-to-go, virtual appliance. It can be run on any modern laptop, desktop, testing or production server. Don't worry about speed and performance because Voice-Flow is built with efficiency in mind, so the trial kit server requirements are next to nothing! Of course if you have any specific trial setup questions we'd be more than happy to help you - we can even help identify the quickest, easiest and cheapest fit for running the Voice-Flow trial kit appliance, just contact us here. ¬♦

