Xerox and Makeover Team Take Nation's 'Most Outdated Office' from Frumpy to Fabulous
August 2004 (Newstream) -- No longer will employees at Mad Science of Scottsdale have to spend countless hours trying to produce documents, sit in falling-apart furniture or rummage through makeshift filing cabinets. Xerox Corporation's (NYSE: XRX) and Entrepreneur magazine's "Help! My Office is Obsolete!" office makeover contest wrapped up today as they, along with Thom Filicia, interior designer from the Emmy-nominated show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, revealed a dramatic technology and design makeover.
Selected from more than 450 entries representing 48 states, Mad Science of Scottsdale stood out as the "most obsolete office" in terms of technology, business processes and design. Over the last two weeks, Mad Science, a children's science education provider, underwent a complete overhaul and is now modernized with interior design, new furnishings from the HON Company, and new document technology and software.
Before the transformation, Mad Science employees spent long hours producing program materials, struggling with slow inkjet printers, outdated computer systems and a cumbersome office set-up. "It was unproductive and expensive," said Jack Hamlett, co-owner of Mad Science of Scottsdale with his wife, Kathy Hamlett. "Now we can focus on work and easily create everything we need right here in our new functional office."
To kick off the makeover, Xerox consultants visited Mad Science last month to assess its work processes, office technology and document needs. The assessment identified ways to streamline the company's document-intensive processes, like creating course materials, training manuals and promotions fliers - activities that were costing Mad Science thousands of dollars each month in time and materials.
"That's a big hit for a small company," said Diane McGarry, Xerox chief marketing officer. "Small changes in the office can mean big boosts in productivity. What many companies don't realize is that they can uncover hidden costs and save thousands of dollars a year by focusing on the way work flows through their operations."
To allow the Hamletts to grow their business and spend more time in the classroom, Xerox supplied Mad Science with a Xerox WorkCentre(r) Pro 55 advanced multifunction system that prints, copies, faxes, scans and e-mails. In addition, the system's software package allows employees to scan materials they receive from franchise headquarters and customize those documents for use locally. To help with the production of the documents, Xerox provided 15 cartons of different types of its paper as well as label stock, postcards and a unique waterproof paper.
Mad Science also received the Xerox Phaser® 8400 solid ink color printer, which helps employees quickly produce colorful, vivid proposals, brochures, transparencies, stickers and labels.
Xerox supported the installation of an Ethernet network, which gives everyone in the office the option to print to either Xerox device from all workstations. With these new systems, Mad Science is finally able to say goodbye to its 12-year-old fax machine with rolling paper as well as its slow, unreliable inkjet and laser printers.
Other technology improvements include moving Mad Science's files from a computer hard drive to a central repository with the addition of Xerox's DocuShare software, a secure, Web-based document and content management system. This helps Mad Science manage and organize its files, track document versions and boost collaboration among the company's 16 employees. Xerox's 17-inch flat panel display LCD monitors finish off the technology upgrade and add to the sleek new look of the office by taking up less space than traditional PC monitors.
Meanwhile, Thom Filicia and a team of designers from his New York-based firm, Thom Filicia Inc., gave a new look to Mad Science's office space. With color-coordinated, outdoors-inspired khaki and green carpet, shale blue paint, and textured bamboo wallpaper, Mad Science now looks more natural and organic. To reflect the company's interactive nature and adventurous spirit, a world map mural now covers the four walls of the office break room and training room.
"Before, their office was just tragic! But now it's really hip, sophisticated and professional, and it will help inspire them to grow and do more great work," said Filicia, who has been named one of House Beautiful's Top 100 American Designers. "Mad Science's work is so creative and fun, it allowed us to create a really energetic and inviting environment for them to work in."
New office furnishings from The HON Company replaced the old, recycled furnishings that have resided at Mad Science for years, including TV carts as computer stands, kitchen tables as desk space, and a 17-year-old director's chair. HON's award-winning Perpetual line of office furniture, with its clean lines, simplicity and light maple veneers, has defined work areas in the office while adding function and flexibility since the pieces can be moved and reconfigured easily. New storage space has been added, including filing cabinets, drawers and shelving.
"We have been so busy focusing on our business that the office just took on a life of its own," said Jack Hamlett. "It really started to hold us back. With this makeover, our new technology and design is really going to allow us to focus on enhancing our programs and growing our business."
Additional support for the office makeover was provided by BEHR Paints, Constantine Carpet, Environmental Graphics, Pier 1 Imports and SA Maxwell.
