Abstract: The various implementations of the present invention are provided as a network computer system configured to allow for automated document linking. A group of documents can be collected into a “case” where the case is a document collection containing electronic images and metadata associated with each image. A case can be created in an “ad hoc” fashion and documents can be added to the case over time by one or more users. The cases or document collections can be electronically connected to third party systems (e.g., an Enterprise Resource Planning or “ERP” system) to provide the ability to connect electronic images and the associated metadata to the appropriate screens and functions of the third party system, thereby allowing the electronic images and metadata to be accessed from within the third party system.