May 05, 2007 - Ellis Foster
The Skinny
Ellis Foster needed it all.
With a brand unchanged since the 70s, this leading chartered accountant firm wanted to assert its independence with an updated -- but timeless -- look.
Ellis Foster's internal collaboration and scheduling practices were as dated as its print collateral. One person handled all 100 employees' schedules with an inappropriate tool. We freed her time with a custom Web application and a model for distributing time management duties.
The Problems
Outdated image
When approaching the design update, Bento Box had to consider the conservative nature of the organization as well as the style guidelines imposed by its affiliation with Moore Stephens International.
Difficulty with online communications
With an increasingly Web-focused client base, the firm needed a quick and easy way to keep its site up-to-date.
Lack of an internal scheduling tool
Employee sophistication was high, too. Determining schedules required using the corporate billing tool. Managers were demanding a more streamlined, independent way to identify consultant availability.
The Process
We listened
We worked closely with various partners, managers, and the human resources department to develop a deep understanding of the firm's needs and to ensure consensus while refining requirements.
We delivered
Bento Box designed and developed a custom tool based on those requirements and integrated it with Bento Daimio, our online information and sales management system.
We secured their future success
To keep costs down for Ellis Foster, we delivered a digital presentation that demonstrated how an identity system for print and the Web could make expensive test runs and proofs obsolete.
Then we integrated its marketing efforts -- from print to screen, advertising to recruitment. Any type of marketing material can be quickly generated and retain a consistent and complementary design.
Excerpt from Ellis Foster print material presentation. Click to advance through each slide. Requires Apple QuickTime.
The Result
- A refined image that elegantly expands to meet rapidly growing external communication needs
- A flexible print marketing system
- A scheduling tool that gives managers and partners a quick and accurate method of managing employee time