Management system for documents stored electronically

Abstract

A system for managing large quantities of business related documents stored electronically requires little or no reliance on the corresponding hardcopy versions. The management system data includes a processing approach that allows for the creation of documents electronically, i.e., by virtual documents the system users in concert with their everyday business activities--thus overcoming the previous difficulty in implementing paperless office environments. In particular, essentially all documents are stored as system available image files on a central image server. Organization of these image based virtual documents are created during initial document review by the users having review responsibilities in the first instance. During the review process, the system provides a highly intelligent user interface which permits the creation of indexing values corresponding to the document in a highly simplified and intuitive manner. This permits the rapid and burden free preparation of document indices to support useful interaction with the image based virtual document--thus eliminating the need for any supporting hardcopy.