Harmeston Consulting supported a law firm through a complex, multi-system upgrade, initially driven by the need to move from iManage 9 to version 10. What started as a straightforward document management system refresh revealed a deeper challenge. The core systems were highly dependent on one another, and two key applications, Workshare Compare and Workshare Protect, had been acquired by another vendor and were being decommissioned. This created a chain reaction that required a coordinated upgrade of three connected tools before the primary platform could be transitioned successfully.

The main objective was to upgrade the firm’s document management system from iManage version 9 to version 10. However, the newer version of iManage was not compatible with their existing tools for document comparison and document protection. To ensure continued functionality, the firm also needed to replace Workshare Compare with Litera Compare, and Workshare Protect with Litera Metadact, so that all systems would work effectively within the new environment.

All three systems were approaching end-of-life support. Workshare Compare and Workshare Protect had both been acquired by Litera and were being phased out. The document management system could not be upgraded without first ensuring compatibility across the comparison and protection tools. Each product had a technical dependency on the others, which meant the upgrades had to be completed in a specific sequence. Any delays or issues in one area would have affected the rest of the project. There was also a need to complete the work with minimal disruption to ongoing business operations.

Harmeston began by mapping out the technical dependencies and planning a phased delivery approach that followed the correct sequence. The first step was upgrading from Workshare Protect to Litera Metadact. This allowed the team to move forward with replacing Workshare Compare with Litera Compare. Once both of these upgrades were in place, the team proceeded with the core upgrade from iManage version 9 to version 10. Throughout the process, Harmeston ensured that planning, communication, and testing were all managed effectively across both technical teams and business stakeholders.

The programme was delivered as a carefully sequenced rollout across all three applications. Each upgrade was completed in the right order, unlocking the next and maintaining stability across the legal tech environment. By the end of the engagement, the client had successfully transitioned to iManage version 10, with Litera Compare and Litera Metadact in place and fully integrated. Harmeston's structured approach ensured the work was delivered efficiently, securely, and without disruption to the firm's day-to-day operations.