Typo3 was chosen for the Eco-Emballages sites

When it comes to communicating with different partners, it is important to have reactive tools to ensure consistency with your image. This was the challenge that Smile faced with Eco-Emballages using Typo3, the modular CMS portal. Eco-Emballages, a private company licensed by the state has organised, supervised and supported the sorting of household waste in France since 1992. It helps local authorities to implement selective collections and also helps member companies to design more eco-friendly packaging. Support for selective collection programs and sorting also involves communication. This is why the company has six websites in addition to its institutional site, so that it can better target its markets. But distinction has its limits: with many different sites there are different management tools and different images. The issue of a consistent image was tackled in 2007. Reactivity was also discussed resulting in a strong desire to concentrate on updating content. Hervé Bichot, project manager at Eco-Emballages, knew that it was important to create bridges between different applications and to get rid of many external suppliers. The specifications of the project, given to six consulting agencies, were based on the features of Typo3. The project manager already knew the strengths of this CMS including the management of customised pages depending on the users' identity. The extension of Typo3 through the use of modules was also attractive: management modules integrated into the administration interface - MySql management, LDAP directory management - and user orientated modules - surveys, forums, calendars, newsletters, search etc. The tool also respects current standards: it facilitates access to the site for a visually impaired person for example. It was vital for Eco-Emballages so show its partners that it respected the same standards as them.

A scalable solution

Typo3 is also the CMS that Smile recommended in its tender and attracted the attention of the project manager. He said:" We chose Smile because of their different standpoint. Through their methodology they seemed to be the strongest company technically. We also only wanted one representative: the difference to a communication agency is that Smile offered to support us with the graphical and technical elements of our site. Smile's bid also offered the best value for money." Smile was therefore entrusted to create the visual identity of the sites, their development and interfacing with the internal management system and hosting. For this last point, Smile's project manager recognised the strengths: " Hosting was essential for us. From a methodological standpoint, we test everything during development. It is no surprise then that the delivery process was a lot simpler."

Consistency finally found

The site was launched in July 2007. The graphical redesign was in line with Eco-Emballages and followed a study of each site's processes. Many modules were developed:

• product catalogues with suppliers' accounts;
• job offer modules;
• educational online quiz for young people;
• management of news;
• media library with visual recovery by keyword;
• videos viewed using flashplayer;
• directories with the possibility to export;
• an optimised contact form to provide good service etc.

The site was launched seven months later. Even if two parts of the site are yet to be deployed by the client, the site is already easier to use." We have gained a lot in terms of homogeneity: one address, one visual identity. We share resources for updates which can be carried out simply. Sections can be deleted or added without disturbing the site. News is distributed in real time without multiple entries. We now have a clear view on the number of visitors to our site. This was difficult beforehand due to the different number of service providers." As for the partnership, Hervé Bichot said: " Aside from the flexibility and the reactivity of Smile's project manager, we particularly appreciated the advice, such as for identifying risks and keeping us informed. This collaboration will continue because we want to interface part of our site with our CRM tool. Since then new requirements have emerged: implementation of a blog, survey, forum, counter of clicks for videos etc " It will therefore be a lasting partnership!