# Sheppard Robson CRM
URL: https://www.associativetrails.com/work/sheppardrobsoncrm/
Client: Sheppard Robson
Type: CRM
Summary: Creative Customer Management — How we helped a leading architect manage their customer relationships.

## The challenge

Sheppard Robson, the award-winning architecture practice, already had a sophisticated project and contacts database system they used on a regular basis. However, they felt that a more user-friendly interface would help non-technical staff find information that was important in their day-to-day dealings with clients.

Our brief was to build a usable, web-based interface on top of the existing Planchest installation; with the addition of richer task, event and bid management functionality. A key requirement was to help the management team's strategy and resource planning by giving them quick and easy access to summary information.

## The solution

Integrating directly with the existing databases gave us a great deal of flexibility in how we could display the information, and allowed us to add some helpful new features such as saved searches and user tagging.

In an effort to make summary information more easily accessible, we used charts and calendar interfaces along with print-optimized summary reports.

A simple privilege system means all company staff can read most of the information, but only those that need edit access are given it. However, information only meant for management can be flagged as "privileged" and is hidden from public view.

## The outcome

Harriett Hindmarsh, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Sheppard Robson, explains: "We needed a system that would help us access our business and client information in a useful, logical and efficient way. Associative Trails designed and installed a system that both met and exceeded our brief. We now have a highly efficient, easy to use client management system that performs above and beyond all expectations of a CRM system. I would highly recommend them to any organisation - their listening approach was creative, flexible and intelligent - resulting in a well designed, fit for purpose system used by the whole practice."

Technologies used

Adobe Coldfusion, SQL Server, XHTML, CSS, AJAX.

## Screens
- Company-wide dashboard view: Managers get quick access to summary information, such as overdue actions across projects, bids and contacts.
- Seamless integration with corporate databases: The interface displays information drawn directly from the practice's existing project and contacts databases.
- Monthly summary reports: Print-optimised summary reports and charts make monthly bid and account activity easy to review.
- Bid management: Bid pages track a full history of actions, memos and press coverage alongside submission and team details.
- Comprehensive export functionality: Project listings can be exported to Excel, CSV or a printed format for use outside the system.
- Event and guest list management: The guest list summary shows how many were invited, responded and attended for the event.