The Cass County Clerk/Register of Deeds' Office is implementing new records management software designed to improve efficiency, security and public access to important county records.

The office will transition to two new systems: AVID, a land records management platform, and APEX, a vital records management system.

Cass County Clerk/Register of Deeds Monica McMichael said the new software will streamline processes for both staff and residents, particularly when ordering vital records such as birth, death and marriage certificates.

The new system will allow residents to order records online and obtain digitally certified copies, creating a more convenient and user-friendly experience for the public.

"The Clerk and Register of Deeds moved away from microfilm and paper copies in 2006 when the offices transitioned to Tyler Technologies software," McMichael said. "We consider the move to Fidlar an upgrade that will once again greatly reduce paper printing in the Clerk/Register's Office and better serve the public."

The Clerk/Register's Office worked with Fidlar Technologies to implement the new systems through data conversion, installation and staff training.

Fidlar Technology will be on site in the Clerk/Register’s Office at 120 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis, on April 8, and will offer training sessions for anyone interested. Those interested in participating in the training should email the Clerk/Register’s Office at clerk@cassco.org. 

AVID Land Records System

With the implementation of AVID, Cass County will utilize the latest technology in land records document management. Key features include:

• Seamless eRecording, allowing documents to be submitted electronically to the county
• Assisted indexing through iNSPECT touch-screen technology, helping reduce the risk of human error when indexing documents
• Advanced reporting capabilities to help the office track key metrics and operational data
• Improved workflow, reducing turnaround times from document submission to recording
• Secure hosted environment, allowing the office to continue functioning in the event of a disaster while protecting document images and data
• Enhanced search tools, including the mobile-friendly Laredo Anywhere and online account access through Laredo Connect

APEX Vital Records System

In addition to AVID, the office is implementing the APEX system for managing vital records, including marriage records. The system will:

• Allow residents to begin the marriage license application process online from home
• Reduce time spent in the office by enabling applicants to validate information at a kiosk and sign documents digitally
• Improve the security and accessibility of vital records through the same hosted environment used by the AVID system

Residents with questions about the new systems may contact the Cass County Clerk/Register of Deeds' Office at (269) 445-4464.