Top 7 skip tracing challenges and how our system solves them

Professionals deal with skip tracing challenges on a daily basis. That is because skip tracing can be a complex, time-consuming process involving numerous steps to locate individuals. From managing multiple cases at once to staying organised with critical data, skip tracing teams face various challenges. When we were developing TraceEngine, we wanted to address the major skip tracing challenges and clear up any frustration. Now, our case management tool, – powered by PoloniousEngine – is designed to streamline these challenges and make skip tracing easier, more efficient, and more accurate. Here’s a look at the top skip tracing challenges and how TraceEngine solves them.

Top skip tracing challenges and our solutions

1. Manual information tracking

Keeping track of multiple cases with unique details, client instructions, and updates can quickly become overwhelming, especially when information is spread across different files and formats. Manual tracking increases the likelihood of missing key information or making mistakes, which may decrease the accuracy of the case. On top of that, people may struggle to update one file as multiple individuals may be using it. 

TraceEngine provides a centralised platform for managing all skip tracing cases. With everything from client instructions to subject data, ID photos, and case history accessible on a single screen, skip tracing teams can easily stay organised. This minimises the risk of missed details and makes it easier to handle a high volume of cases without losing track of essential information. 

2. Time intensive reporting

Creating detailed, professional reports and record-keeping can take a long amount of time, especially when skip tracers are manually compiling information from various sources. This time-consuming process reduces productivity and delays responses to clients. The whole process becomes less efficient, and tiring, and honestly, it could be better spent on new cases. 

TraceEngine automatically pulls case details into reports, allowing users to generate professional case reports and client letters with a single click. This feature reduces the time spent on reporting, enabling skip tracers to focus more on finding the right individual and improving client response times.

3. Inefficient workflows

Without a case management tool, skip tracing often involves complex workflows that vary by case, making it challenging to standardise processes. Inconsistent workflows can lead to delays, mistakes, and inefficiencies. Skip tracers have to spend more time looking for details they need from different cases and steps may be skipped unintentionally along the way. This is a challenge that a lot of skip tracers are struggling with. 

To solve this skip tracing challenge, TraceEngine offers skip tracing workflows that are straightforward, consistent, and easy to follow. These workflows simplify the investigation process, ensuring that each case progresses smoothly. From allocating a case to an investigator, entering search results, and generating client reports, TraceEngine’s flexible workflows are designed to help solve cases efficiently while maintaining consistency across the team.

4. Hesitance to try a case management tool due to set up and integration

A skip tracing challenge that is felt across different areas, is how long it takes to set up a new system that will make things more efficient. A new system or software can often be time-consuming and technically demanding, delaying productivity and requiring training before employees can even use it. This can push back case completion and make skip tracers hesitant to want to improve their workflows and record keeping. 

TraceEngine was designed to address this skip tracing challenge. TraceEngine eliminates the need for complex setup procedures. Users can start investigating within minutes, thanks to its ready-to-go workflows specifically designed for skip tracing. With everything already set up, there is no need for skip tracers to spend long amounts of time integrating our system or learning how to use it. New team members can then quickly get up to speed, reducing downtime.

5. Little to no flexibility

Skip tracers may have to visit multiple places during their search. They might need to visit relatives, government agencies or view their cases anytime on the go. Unfortunately, syncing can make that a bit complicated and even beyond that, when they try to find information they look for, Ctrl+F might take a bit longer than they want. 

This was an interesting skip tracing challenge. TraceEngine is cloud-based, accessible through any browser, which means that team members can work from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows for a better workflow, whether working from the office, remotely, or on the go, ensuring that productivity remains high and cases progress no matter where team members are located.

6. Issues in case tracking when working with a team

Skip tracers usually work with a team that will be able to support each other’s efforts. Without a clear view of each case’s status, skip tracers can lose valuable time switching between cases, checking progress, and coordinating updates. This lack of visibility can cause confusion, lead to duplicating work and create misunderstandings that can hinder the progress of a case. 

TraceEngine’s dashboards provide a comprehensive view of case statuses, allowing team members to see exactly where each job is in the process. With real-time tracking and updates, case managers can ensure timely completion and maintain an efficient workflow. Professionals can view case updates without their colleagues needing to highlight them manually. This enables the team to work more productively and allow them to help one another without wasting time.

7. Paying for things you don’t need

Much of the software available for skip tracers at the moment is set up for debt collection services, and involves paying for a full suite of software that you don’t need if your focus is on skip tracing. TraceEngine is designed purely for skip tracing, with all the features you need, and none of the features you don’t need. It is also priced affordably for sole traders and SMBs.

Which skip tracing challenge are you dealing with?

Among the skip tracing challenges, can you find one that you can relate to? If not, tell us what problem your business is dealing with. When we designed our case management system to wanted to solve as many challenges as possible, and we still want to hear from skip tracers, as new challenges constantly surface. 

Get in touch and speak to one of our friendly professionals about the challenges your team is struggling with, and we will show you how we can resolve them. Do not let hesitation mess up with your efficiency: Take a step towards change today.