TaxBriefs needed a new system to streamline their order process from sales to delivery as their data existed across multiple Excel spreadsheets. An integrated .NET solution was developed that draws together accurate, real-time data from across the business. This has cut administration time by over 15,000 hours annually, increased order completion speed by 134%, and saved £40,000 in costs while improving data accuracy and customer satisfaction.

1. SYSTEMS INTEGRATION CASE STUDY
TAXBRIEFS (CENTAUR MEDIA PLC)
STREAMLINED BESPOKE ORDERS FROM IFAS
CUTTING ADMIN BY THOUSANDS OF HOURS

2. TaxBriefs is owned by
Centaur Media (LSE: CAU),
a London-based business-
to-business magazine and
digital publishing group.
Flagship titles include
Marketing Week,
The Lawyer and
Creative Review.
WHO IS TAXBRIEFS

3. There was no system
to manage the order process
from sale to delivery and
all data existed in multiple
Excel spreadsheets
handled by different
people. The result was
poor data integrity,
accuracy and
availability.
TAXBRIEF’S CHALLENGE AND OUR SOLUTION
We delivered a web-based
system that draws together
accurate, real-time data (sales,
product, pricing, production,
customer, and financial) and
features a new user experience.
The system is accessible round the
clock, securely and remotely.

4. WHAT WE DELIVERED
A custom .NET solution

5. First, we set to understand Taxbriefs’ business model, processes, people, customers and
systems, through a number of internal workshops and interviews. With the database design
locked down, we focused on the ‘quick wins’ in terms of functionality and process, as well
as creating an effortless user experience. Since launch we have delivered several major
upgrades to the system.
»» Business Analysis
»» User Experience
»» Analytics
»» .Net Development
»» DevExpress
»» Microsoft SQL
»» Microsoft .NET
HOW WE DID IT
SKILLS USED TECHNOLOGIES USED

6. THE OUTCOME
40,000 £000s 15 134%
With Excel removed, the business is now enjoying a significant increase in data accuracy,
instant reporting, faster delivery times, happier customers and a drop in labour costs.
The system is regularly enhanced and expanded through our continuous improvement
process and it now includes more channels to market, one of which is mobile.
bespoke IFA
orders
processed
saved in
admin time p.a.
deployments
in 2013
speed increase
in process
completion