Introduction to Family Linking
When importing Produced data, you will likely be provided a metadata load file outlining Bates information, document boundaries, email family relationships, and associated metadata for any documents included in the data set. The information provided for email family relationships can be found in the "Unique ID" and "Family ID" (see examples below), and in order to effectively review the data set in Nextpoint, this information must be formatted in a specific manner and then the families linked after import.
The following instructions outline how to properly map family relationships when importing, and visually link emails and attachments in your Nextpoint database. First, a couple of definitions that will help you as you prepare to approach using the Family Linking functionality:
Term |
Description |
|---|---|
Family Linking |
Family linking is the process which links imported (produced) emails and attachments using a set of two fields: "Unique ID" and "Family ID". This takes place after import processing is complete and via DATA Import and by clicking on the batch name to view Batch Details Family Linking. See further instructions below. |
Load File |
An index outlining for Nextpoint processors, which documents to look for, where they are located and allows for the import of all metadata. The two main elements of a load file are the column headers and the coding values. The column headers correspond with document fields in your Nextpoint database which need to be populated with metadata. The coding values in the load file contain the information that will be mapped (sent) to those fields for each document. |
Ranged Image Import |
The typical format is single-page tiff/jpg image files named by their Bates number, together with document-level text files, any included natives, and document breaks & metadata contained in a load file. |
Unique_ID |
A Nextpoint specific value necessary for successful Ranged Image Imports which include email-attachment relationships. When Unique ID and Family ID are an exact match, the document is recognized as the "parent". All other documents with the same Family ID will be linked as children. Unique ID often = Bates Start. |
Family_ID |
A Nextpoint specific value necessary for successful Ranged Image Imports which include email-attachment relationships. This information indicates to Nextpoint where an email family begins and ends. When Unique ID and Family ID are an exact match, the document is recognized as the "parent". All other documents with the same Family ID will be linked as children. Family ID often = BegAttach |
Unique ID/Family ID Pairs |
For the above Unique ID and Family ID, below are the options for custom field pairs for linking. UNIQUE ID / FAMILY ID Alternatively, the built-in bates start field can be used if the begattach custom field is set-up in your database. UNIQUE ID / FAMILY ID |
How to Family Link Load File Imports
Assumptions
- You are importing your produced data set to a Nextpoint Litigation database. You can also import to a Nextpoint Discovery database, but we more commonly see produced data imported to Litigation.
- Your production folder, along with the associated load file has been uploaded to the appropriate database's File Room.
Family Linking
- Follow the steps to select your data for import, navigate the load file mapper, and initiate your import as described in our support topic How to Import Produced Data with a Load File, linked here. If you prefer a video tutorial, click here >>
- Once your import has been initiated, you will receive an email notification when your import is Complete. Click on the link contained within the email, or navigate back to More Data Imports click on the title of the batch you just imported to view the Batch Summary.
- At the bottom right of your Batch Summary page, click
. A sliding menu will appear with checkboxes & headers for Batch, User, Uploaded, Docs (batch number, importing user, upload date, batch document count), and a selection drop-down for your Linking Options.
- Select the batch(es) you would like to Family Link.
- Select the fields Nextpoint should use to link parent emails to their attachments via the "Linking Options" drop-down.
- Click "Family Link Documents"
- Confirm your selection by clicking "Run Family Linking"
- Once linking is complete you will receive an email with a link back to the Batch Summary page where you can download and review a report to ensure the emails and attachments were linked without issue.
A Closer Look at the Family Linking Report
- Nextpoint Database ID and Name in which Family Linking was run.
- The Unique ID and Family ID Linking Option utilized.
- Batches on which Family Linking was run.
- Child linked to its parent document - Will show for all relationships created.
- Nextpoint Database ID and Name in which Family Linking was run.
- The Unique ID and Family ID Linking Option utilized.
- Batches on which Family Linking was run.
- Issues Found
- Details of Issues found
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