Cimplifi & WeWork Build a Consistent, Scalable DSAR Workflow with RelativityOne

How did they do it?

• Replaced inconsistent, litigation-style DSAR processes with a structured, repeatable workflow
• Used advanced analytics and automated workflows within a single RelativityOne workspace to accelerate review readiness
• Reduced review time, improved predictability, and lowered resource demands across case teams

From Resource-Intensive Review to a Structured DSAR Process

Cimplifi – a Relativity partner specialising in legal data services, discovery, and contract analytics – supports organisations navigating complex data-driven matters, including Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).

As client demand for DSAR support grew, the team saw an opportunity to move beyond traditional, resource-intensive approaches toward a more consistent and scalable workflow.

Previously, Cimplifi handled DSAR matters much like litigation: search terms and culling defined the document set, followed by manual review for relevance, confidentiality, and redaction. Before review could even begin, teams often spent significant time spent aligning on process. Once review started, thousands of documents still required manual analysis – sometimes exceeding 100 hours – with multiple stakeholders involved.

As DSAR volumes increased – particularly for organisations with workforces in the UK and EU – the need for a more predictable, repeatable, and efficient approach became clear.

The Turning Point: Building a DSAR Workflow for WeWork

Cimplifi responded by implementing a structured DSAR workflow in RelativityOne, bringing together advanced analytics, search, redaction tools, and automated workflows within a single workspace.

One of the first implementations supported WeWork, where the goal was not only to manage DSARs more efficiently, but also to train the WeWork team to execute structured workflows themselves within RelativityOne.

Working together, the teams designed a structured DSAR process that followed a consistent path:

• An early case assessment (ECA)-to-review workflow
• Cross-referencing multiple search terms sets to validate and refine results
• Organising data sources for tailored treatment
• Automated workflows leveraging structural analytics and deduplication
• Planned review and pre-production workflows to reduce downstream friction

Rather than treating each DSAR as a unique process requiring new decisions at kick-off, Cimplifi established a repeatable framework that standardised culling, analytics, and review preparation. This significantly reduced complexity and allowed project managers to maintain tighter control over execution.

The impact was immediate. From the very first project using the new workflow, Cimplifi saw measurable improvements – with less time required between matter kick-off and review readiness.

A More Efficient DSAR Workflow with RelativityOne

Using RelativityOne, Cimplifi transformed how DSAR matters were approached, including:

• Consistent Culling Strategies: Defined analytics and search workflows reduced review populations and improved predictability
• Centralised Execution: Processing, review, and production all took place within a single workspace
• Automated Workflows: Structural analytics, deduplication, and standardised review paths reduced manual setup and accelerated progress
• Streamlined Collaboration: Fewer meetings and fewer decision points helped case teams start faster

Because the workflow was clearly defined and repeatable, matters could often be executed by a single project manager – reducing reliance on large review teams and simplifying onboarding for counsel and stakeholders.

The Impact: Turning Weeks into Days

The new RelativityOne workflow delivered tangible improvements for Cimplifi and their clients.

Key Outcomes

• Reduced time from project kick-off to review readiness from weeks to just a few days
• Lower review volumes through more predictable and consistent culling
• Freed case teams to focus on higher-value legal work
• Shorter project timelines, contributing to lower hosting and review costs

Beyond efficiency gains, the new approach provided greater confidence and control. By standardising decision-making and embedding repeatable workflows – and enabling client teams like WeWork to execute matters independently – Cimplifi has helped organisations approach DSAR matters with less uncertainty and more consistency across projects.

Looking Ahead: Repeatability and Control at Scale

For organisations facing growing volumes of DSAR requests, consistency and defensibility are as important as speed. RelativityOne enabled Cimplifi to move away from resource-heavy, case-by-case approaches and toward a scalable model where workflows are clearly defined, repeatable, and transferable to client teams.

With analytics, automation, and structured ECA-to-review paths built directly into the process, Cimplifi’s clients can now focus on execution rather than reinventing the workflow for every matter.

Building on the success of this structured approach, Cimplifi plans to continue implementing RelativityOne across its DSAR projects. The ability to manage the entire lifecycle – from culling through review and production – within a single platform provides the flexibility and efficiency needed to support growing client demand.

By combining analytics, automation, structured workflows, and client enablement, Cimplifi has created a model that reduces manual effort while improving consistency and outcomes for every DSAR matter.

"RelativityOne really helps me to drive my matters from soup to nuts. All of the tools are in place, and I can easily implement analytics and get the production out effectively and efficiently."
Daniel Degener, Senior Review Consultant, Cimplifi