Managed document review is a crucial process in legal, regulatory, and investigative matters. It involves analyzing and categorizing large volumes of documents to identify relevant information and evidence. The science behind effective managed document review relies on various methodologies, technologies, and best practices to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and defensibility. Here are some key components of the science behind it:
Document Preprocessing: Before the review begins, documents often go through preprocessing steps like data deduplication, file format conversion, and language identification. Preprocessing helps streamline the review process, removes duplicates, and prepares the data for further analysis.
Technology-Assisted Review (TAR): TAR, also known as predictive coding or machine learning-assisted review, is a critical element of modern document review. It involves using algorithms to identify relevant documents based on input from human reviewers. Initially, human reviewers code a subset of documents, and the algorithm learns from their decisions to predict relevance in the remaining data set. This iterative process helps improve the review’s accuracy and efficiency.
Continuous Active Learning: A subset of TAR, Continuous Active Learning (CAL) involves an adaptive feedback loop, where the algorithm continuously reevaluates its predictions based on the human reviewers’ coding decisions. It focuses on prioritizing documents that are more likely to be relevant, reducing the number of irrelevant documents that reviewers need to assess.
Quality Control and Sampling: Throughout the review process, quality control measures are applied to assess the accuracy of the review. Sampling techniques are used to monitor the work of human reviewers and the algorithm’s performance. Regular quality checks help maintain consistency and accuracy.
Categorization and Clustering: Documents are often grouped into categories or clusters to streamline the review process. Categorization allows reviewers to focus on similar documents together, ensuring a more efficient and systematic review.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): For complex cases, involving SMEs familiar with the subject matter can significantly enhance the review’s accuracy. SMEs can provide insights into industry-specific terms, concepts, and context, helping reviewers make more informed decisions.
Workflow Optimization: An effective managed document review requires careful planning of the review workflow. Reviewers may start with a broad review to identify key documents, followed by a more targeted review to dig deeper into specific issues. Workflow optimization ensures that the review is efficient and cost-effective.
Training and Guidelines: Proper training of human reviewers is essential to ensure consistency and adherence to review guidelines. Clear and well-communicated guidelines help ensure that all reviewers approach the review process in a standardized manner.
Reporting and Audit Trails: Detailed reporting and audit trails are crucial for transparency and defensibility in legal matters. These records document the review process, the decisions made, and the reasons behind those decisions.
Continuous Improvement: Managed document review is an iterative process, and feedback is essential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the review. Regularly analyzing the review process, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing lessons learned can lead to ongoing enhancements.
By combining advanced technologies, human expertise, and rigorous quality control measures, the science behind effective managed document review aims to achieve a comprehensive and reliable assessment of the documents at hand while minimizing costs and time spent.