Ecoventure
Project Operations
Implementation
Ecoventure Inc. is an Environmental Management Services Agency with a focus on oil & gas applications among other industries needing environmental services.
Ecoventure.ca
Environmental Consulting
Business process analysis and optimization, Digitization of field service forms and paperwork, Cloud migration and data management, Integration of systems across departments, User acceptance testing and training
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, Microsoft Azure (cloud infrastructure and security), Customer relationship management (CRM) system, GPS and location services integration, Power BI (for analytics and dashboards)
Through our assessment, we identified several critical challenges that were impeding Ecoventure's operational efficiency and growth potential:
In this case study, we highlight our partnership with Ecoventure Inc., an environmental consulting firm that was struggling with disconnected systems, manual processes, and data security concerns.
Ecoventure approached us with a critical need to modernize their project management capabilities and improve operational efficiency. Their existing custom-built EcoManager system, while functional for basic needs, had become a limitation rather than an asset as the company expanded. Through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), we collaborated with Ecoventure to assess their digital maturity, identify key pain points, and implement a comprehensive solution that addressed their immediate challenges while positioning them for future growth.
This case study documents our journey with Ecoventure from initial assessment through implementation, highlighting the industry-specific solutions we developed and the transformative business impact achieved.
Ecoventure
Project Operations
Implementation
Ecoventure Inc. is an Environmental Management Services Agency with a focus on oil & gas applications among other industries needing environmental services.
Environmental Consulting
11-50
Business process analysis and optimization, Digitization of field service forms and paperwork, Cloud migration and data management, Integration of systems across departments, User acceptance testing and training
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, Microsoft Azure (cloud infrastructure and security), Customer relationship management (CRM) system, GPS and location services integration, Power BI (for analytics and dashboards)
In this case study, we highlight our partnership with Ecoventure Inc., an environmental consulting firm that was struggling with disconnected systems, manual processes, and data security concerns.
Ecoventure approached us with a critical need to modernize their project management capabilities and improve operational efficiency. Their existing custom-built EcoManager system, while functional for basic needs, had become a limitation rather than an asset as the company expanded. Through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), we collaborated with Ecoventure to assess their digital maturity, identify key pain points, and implement a comprehensive solution that addressed their immediate challenges while positioning them for future growth.
This case study documents our journey with Ecoventure from initial assessment through implementation, highlighting the industry-specific solutions we developed and the transformative business impact achieved.
Our engagement with Ecoventure began with a comprehensive digital needs assessment (DNA) to establish a baseline understanding of their digital maturity across eight key operational indicators. Our methodology included:
Osprey Lodge Holdings
Hospitality business operating mountain chalets in the Canadian Rockies
20+
employees across multiple properties
Value proposition: "For the Rest of Your Life - Plan your stay in the Canadian Rockies with Osprey Resorts"
The Bomb Bar
Manufacturer of handmade bath products with three retail locations in Alberta
1-49
employees across manufacturing and retail operations
Core business: Manufacturing, retail and wholesale bath bombs and related products
Mission Eye Care
Eye care clinic in Calgary offering medical services and retail eyewear
1-49
employees including doctors,technicians, and retail staff
Services include eye exams, specialty contact lenses, dry eye treatment, and sunglasses/eyewear boutique
Through our assessment, we identified several critical challenges that were impeding Ecoventure's operational efficiency and growth potential:
Our Digital Needs Assessment revealed varying levels of digital readiness:
Osprey Lodge
Demonstrated moderate digital adoption in customer-facing systems but lacked integration between their Property Management System and other business tools.
The Bomb Bar
Showed strength in e-commerce but significant gaps in manufacturing process digitization and inventory management.
Mission Eye Care
Had invested in clinical systems but struggled to connect medical operations with retail and customer relationship management
Each industry presented unique challenges to digital transformation:
Hospitality:
- Remote locations with limited connectivity
- Seasonal operations with staffing fluctuations
- Complex guest journey touchpoints.
Manufacturing/Retail:
- Difficulties tracking handmade inventory through production
- Multi-location coordination
- The need to maintain quality while scaling operations.
Healthcare:
- Strict compliance and privacy requirements
- Balancing medical expertise with retail operations
- Coordinating patient journeys across different services.
Assessment Methodology
Our approach began with a standardized yet adaptable assessment process:
Comprehensive Digital Needs Assessment (DNA) to visualize strengths and gaps
Current technology stack mapping and integration analysis
On-site observation of workflows and pain points
Employee technology comfort evaluation
Customer journey mapping using our Five Phases framework
SWOT analysis tailored to each business context
Solution Design
We developed tailored solutions based on several key principles:
Prioritizing systems that addressed immediate pain points while building foundations for future growth
Selecting technologies with strong integration capabilities to reduce silos
Balancing industry-specific requirements with proven, scalable platforms
Creating phased implementation plans that respected business cycles and employee capacity
Establishing clear success metrics aligned with business objectives
Change Management
Recognizing that 66% of digital transformation success depends on human factors, our approach included:
Stakeholder engagement throughout the assessment and design process
Comprehensive training plans for all affected employees
Clear communication of the "why" behind each technology change
Identification of internal champions to support adoption
Documentation of new workflows and processes
Regular check-ins to address emerging challenges
Hospitality
Osprey Lodge
PMS Migration
For Osprey Lodge, we recommended migrating from their outdated Room Master system to MEWS, a modern cloud-based Property Management System. This solution addressed their need for a centralized platform that could function reliably even in remote mountain locations with occasional connectivity issues. MEWS offered features specifically designed for multi-property management, including reservation solutions with drag-and-drop timelines and automation for room assignments.
POS Selection
After a comprehensive comparison of Square, Toast, and Clover POS systems, we recommended Square for its superior usability, mobile compatibility, and offline functionality—crucial for remote mountain locations. Square's integration capabilities with their new PMS system ensured guests could seamlessly charge items to their rooms, while robust inventory management features helped streamline general store operations.
Guest Experience
To enhance the overall guest journey, we implemented Revinate for personalized guest communications. This solution enabled automated pre-arrival and post-stay messaging, targeted marketing campaigns, and integration with guest profiles. By connecting customer APIs with Revinate, Osprey could build unified guest profiles across channels, enabling more personalized service and targeted marketing efforts.
MANUFACTuRING / RETAIL
The Bomb Bar
Inventory Management
For The Bomb Bar's unique handmade product challenges, we implemented a comprehensive inventory management solution through Fishbowl Manufacturing. This system enabled full visibility into their warehouse and manufacturing workflows, with capabilities for tracking raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished goods across their production facility and three retail locations.
Manufacturing Process
We designed a digital solution to formalize their production workflow, implementing Bill of Materials (BOM) tracking for each product recipe, auto-generation of manufacturing orders, and labor costing features. This replaced their manual tracking system and created standardized, scalable processes for their handmade manufacturing operation.
Multi-location Retail
To address their retail challenges, we implemented Square POS+ across all locations with integrated inventory management features. This solution enabled cross-location stock counts, bulk transfers between stores, and synchronized inventory between in-store and online sales channels. The system's mobile inventory counting tool allowed staff to quickly update stock levels using their phones.
HEALTHCARE
Mission Eye Care
Patient Experience
For Mission Eye Care, we implemented Microsoft 365 for Healthcare to consolidate patient booking, forms, staff scheduling, and clinic communication. This created a seamless patient journey from appointment booking through post-visit follow-up. The platform supported virtual appointments and provided a secure patient portal for form submission and communication, significantly reducing administrative workload.
Healthcare Compliance
All solutions were selected with strict adherence to healthcare privacy regulations. Using Microsoft's HIPAA-compliant cloud environment ensured patient data protection while still enabling the team to collaborate efficiently. The system incorporated proper access controls and encryption to maintain compliance without sacrificing usability.
Medical + Retail Balance
We developed a unique approach to bridge Mission Eye Care's dual identity as both a medical provider and retail operation. Their solution allowed the team to smoothly transition patients from clinical care to retail eyewear selection, with integrated access to prescription details and insurance coverage information at the point of sale, facilitating a more natural transition between services.
Streamlined Operations
Enhanced Guest Experience
Revenue Growth
Production Efficiency
Inventory Accuracy
Multi-channel Sales
Enhanced Patient Experience
Retail Conversion
Operational Efficiency
Human Operations
66% of success depends on people, not technology
CHANGE MANAGEMENT CRITICAL
Integration
Connected systems outperform standalone solutions
PRIORITIZE OPEN APIs
Phase Approach
Break projects into manageable components
BUILD MOMENTUM WITH EARLY WINS
Hospitality
Offline capabilities crucial
Intuitive systems for seasonal staff
Personalized guest communications
Manufacturing
Customizable for unique processes
Multi-stage product tracking
Production stage optimization
Healthcare
Stringent privacy compliance
Balance technology & human touch
Medical-retail integration
Our analysis of digital transformation across hospitality,manufacturing, and healthcare shows that success comesfrom balancing universal principles with industry-specificneeds. The most significant gains came from connectingpreviously isolated systems and involving people in thechange process.In all three businesses, integration eliminated redundantwork, reduced errors, and provided leadership withbetter visibility into operations. We consistently foundthat transformation success depends more on peoplethan on technology.
Begin with clear business goals, not specific technologies
Implement in phases to minimize disruption
Select solutions that address your industry's unique challenges
Choose systems that work well together
Invest adequately in training and change management
Build for future flexibility with open platforms
By focusing on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake, organizations of all types can use digital tools to improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen their competitive position.
Ecoventure
Project Operations
Implementation
Ecoventure Inc. is an Environmental Management Services Agency with a focus on oil & gas applications among other industries needing environmental services.
Ecoventure.ca
Environmental Consulting
11-50
Business process analysis and optimization, Digitization of field service forms and paperwork, Cloud migration and data management, Integration of systems across departments, User acceptance testing and training
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, Microsoft Azure (cloud infrastructure and security), Customer relationship management (CRM) system, GPS and location services integration, Power BI (for analytics and dashboards)
In this case study, we highlight our partnership with Ecoventure Inc., an environmental consulting firm that was struggling with disconnected systems, manual processes, and data security concerns.
Ecoventure approached us with a critical need to modernize their project management capabilities and improve operational efficiency. Their existing custom-built EcoManager system, while functional for basic needs, had become a limitation rather than an asset as the company expanded. Through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), we collaborated with Ecoventure to assess their digital maturity, identify key pain points, and implement a comprehensive solution that addressed their immediate challenges while positioning them for future growth.
This case study documents our journey with Ecoventure from initial assessment through implementation, highlighting the industry-specific solutions we developed and the transformative business impact achieved.
Our engagement with Ecoventure began with a comprehensive digital needs assessment (DNA) to establish a baseline understanding of their digital maturity across eight key operational indicators. Our methodology included:
Stakeholder Interviews
Structured interviews operations, sales, departments
Technical Assessment
Analysis of current technology stack and system documentation
Industry Research
Research to identify best practices in environmental consulting
Field Observations
On-site visits to observe and document workflow processes firsthand
Employee Assessment
Evaluation of employee technology comfort and adoption levels
Process Review
Review of current paper and digital forms used in daily operations
Through our assessment, we identified several critical challenges that were impeding Ecoventure's operational efficiency and growth potential:
Operational Inefficiencies
Paper-Based Workflows: Field staff relied on numerous paper forms requiring double and triple handling of data.
Manual Data Entry: Staff routinely entered the same information into multiple systems, increasing error rates.
Email Dependency: Email was the primary conduit for sharing files, creating version control issues.
Limited System Integration: Their custom EcoManager system functioned in isolation from other business tools.
Technology Limitations
Legacy System Constraints: The custom-built EcoManager, while valuable, had evolved to try and serve too many functions for too many people.
Inconsistent Notification System: No reliable mechanism existed to alert employees when information was added or updated.
Limited User Adoption: New employees struggled with EcoManager's functionality, creating a two-tier usage pattern where "power users" could navigate the system effectively while others could not.
Maintenance Challenges: Updates to EcoManager put pressure on specific staff members, creating bottlenecks and single points of failure.
Security Vulnerabilities
Exposed User Credentials: Basic security protocols were absent, leaving user credentials vulnerable.
Email Security Breaches: Previous incidents of email compromise had occurred.
Confidential Information Exposure: Sensitive employee and project information was being transmitted through unsecured channels.
Lacking Multi-Factor Authentication: No two-factor authentication was in place for system access.
Strategic Challenges
Resource Allocation: Limited visibility into resource utilization made efficient scheduling difficult.
Financial Tracking: Project profitability was difficult to assess in real-time due to disconnected financial data.
Employee Capacity: While employees were passionate and committed, their availability to participate in a digital transformation initiative was constrained by existing workloads.
Initial Assessment & Discovery
Stakeholder Interviews with dedicated client project team
Process Mapping to identify inefficiencies and optimization opportunities
Technology Audit of current stack including EcoManager, Sage accounting, Excel-based CRM
Document Review of over 20 different paper forms and digital documents
Solution Selection Framework
Custom Solution: Rebuilding EcoManager on a modern technology stack
Hybrid Solution: Implementing function-specific software for different areas
Enterprise Solution: Deploying a comprehensive platform (Microsoft Dynamics 365)
Each option was evaluated against criteria including cost, implementation timeline, features, integration capabilities, and security enhancements.
Solution Recommendation & Blueprint Development
Enterprise-grade security features addressing immediate vulnerability concerns
Integrated approach that eliminated data silos between departments
Cloud-based architecture enabling remote work and field operations
Scalable platform that could grow with their business
Strong database capabilities essential for an information-based business
Implementation Strategy
Phase One – Foundation & Data Management (1-3 months)
• Active directory update and cybersecurity policy implementation
• Migration of working files to the cloud with proper backup
• Digitization of field service forms
• Initial configuration of D365 Project Operations
• Quick-win deployment of CRM for accounts and contacts
Phase Two – Testing & Training (4-6 months)
• User acceptance testing
• Employee training programs
• Business process integration
• Iterative testing and refinement
Phase Three – Operating & Optimization (6-12 months)
• Phased rollout across departments
• Helpdesk integration for ongoing support
• Implementation of automation and approval workflows
• Finance system integration
• Assessment of additional module needs (e.g., Human Resources)
Field Operations Enablement
Mobile Field Forms: Digitized over 20 paper-based field forms, designed to work offline and sync when connectivity was restored.
GPS Integration: Implemented location tracking for field resources to optimize travel routes and respond quickly to urgent client needs.
Equipment Management: Built custom equipment tracking functionality to monitor specialized environmental testing equipment.
Environmental Project Management
Environmental Compliance Tracking: Configured the system to track regulatory requirements and permits for each project.
Sample Management: Developed custom functionality to track environmental samples from collection through laboratory analysis.
Safety Monitoring: Created dashboards to monitor safety metrics and incident reporting, supporting zero lost-time incidents.
Industry-Specific Pricing Models
Multi-dimensional Pricing: Configured the system to support varied pricing models based on service type, client category, and more.
Time and Materials Optimization: Implemented enhanced time tracking with specialized environmental service codes.
Contract Management: Developed templates for environmental service agreements with provisions for scope changes.
Client Portal Configuration
Regulatory Reporting: Configured client dashboards to highlight compliance status and upcoming regulatory requirements.
Environmental Metrics: Implemented specialized reporting on environmental impact measurements relevant to each client's industry.
Document Management: Established secure document repositories for environmental reports, test results, and certificates.
Operational Efficiency
75% Reduction in Administrative Overhead
90% Decrease in Paper Usage
Streamlined Approvals from days to hours
Financial Performance
8% increase in average project margins
Billing cycle reduced from 15+ to 5 days
5-10% recapture of previously unbilled work
Enhanced Security
Implementation of two-factor authentication
Encryption of sensitive information
Automated compliance tracking
Scalability
30% increase in project volume capacity
Improved geographic expansion capabilities
Flexible service diversification
Forward-
Looking
Roadmap
Near-Term
(6-12 months)
• Integration of Human Resources module
• Development of advanced analytical dashboards
• Implementation of AI-assisted scheduling
• Enhanced mobile capabilities
Mid-Term
(12-24 months)
• Client self-service portal expansion
• IoT integration for environmental monitoring
• Predictive analytics for project estimating
• Advanced document management
Long-Term
(24-36 months)
• AI-powered risk assessment
• Sustainability tracking and reporting
• Integration with environmental regulation platforms
• Expansion of digital capabilities
Our partnership with Ecoventure demonstrates the transformative power of thoughtfully planned and executed digital transformation in the environmental consulting sector. By addressing immediate operational pain points while building a foundation for future growth, we helped Ecoventure convert technology from a limitation to a competitive advantage.
Operational efficiency through streamlined processes
Financial performance improvements
Improved employee satisfaction
Enhanced security protecting sensitive information
Elevated client experience
Scalability for sustainable growth
At Bison & Bird, we believe that digital transformation is not just about implementing new technology but about enabling organizations to better fulfill their purpose. The success of this project reinforces our commitment to partnering with forward-thinking organizations in specialized industries to unlock their full potential through digital transformation.
Ecoventure
Project Operations
Implementation
Ecoventure Inc. is an Environmental Management Services Agency with a focus on oil & gas applications among other industries needing environmental services.
Ecoventure.ca
Environmental Consulting
11-50
Business process analysis and optimization, Digitization of field service forms and paperwork, Cloud migration and data management, Integration of systems across departments, User acceptance testing and training
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, Microsoft Azure (cloud infrastructure and security), Customer relationship management (CRM) system, GPS and location services integration, Power BI (for analytics and dashboards)
In this case study, we highlight our partnership with Ecoventure Inc., an environmental consulting firm that was struggling with disconnected systems, manual processes, and data security concerns.
Ecoventure approached us with a critical need to modernize their project management capabilities and improve operational efficiency. Their existing custom-built EcoManager system, while functional for basic needs, had become a limitation rather than an asset as the company expanded. Through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), we collaborated with Ecoventure to assess their digital maturity, identify key pain points, and implement a comprehensive solution that addressed their immediate challenges while positioning them for future growth.
This case study documents our journey with Ecoventure from initial assessment through implementation, highlighting the industry-specific solutions we developed and the transformative business impact achieved.
Our engagement with Ecoventure began with a comprehensive digital needs assessment (DNA) to establish a baseline understanding of their digital maturity across eight key operational indicators. Our methodology included:
Stakeholder Interviews
In-depth interviews with key stakeholders including from the client team
Technical Assessment
Analysis of the festival's existing operational workflows and pain points
Industry Research
Review of industry research on RFID implementation in event management
Field Observations
Field visits to understand the physical layout and logistical challenges
Employee Assessment
Assessment of employee technology comfort levels to gauge change management requirements
Process Review
Evaluation of multiple RFID solution providers including Intellitix, WRSTBND, and Tappit
Through our assessment, we identified several critical challenges that were impeding Ecoventure's operational efficiency and growth potential:
Manual Ticketing System
Lack of Real-Time Information
Inefficient Operational Processes
Limited Data Collection
Competitive Pressure
Scaling Limitations
Discovery and Assessment
Digital Needs Assessment: The organization scored 2.95 out of 5, slightly below the industry average of 3.19, placing them as a “Digital Intermediary”.
SWOT Analysis: We found strong branding and loyal attendees, but challenges like manual processes and lack of data insights.
Technology Comfort: Team members had mixed digital skills (rated 1–4.5 out of 5), so we adjusted training accordingly.
Customer Journey Mapping: We mapped the full attendee journey and found areas to improve the digital experience.
Solution Design
Vendor Selection: We compared options and chose Tappit for its offline-ready, token-based system with the lowest cost.
Customer Focus: The solution improved the full attendee journey — fast entry, contactless payments, and better post-event follow-up.
System Integration: We planned how to connect RFID with the existing Showpass ticketing system for a smooth rollout.
Change Management: Since people are key to success, we built a training and adoption plan to support staff through the change.
Implementation Strategy
Phase One - Technology Testing
• VIP-only implementation as a controlled trial
• Configuration for show tracking
• Employee workspace customization
Phase Two - Full Deploymen
• Complete RFID system implementation throughout the festival
• Integration with Showpass ticketing
• Comprehensive vendor and staff training
• Development of reporting systems
Phase Three - Experience Enhancement
• Customer information dashboarding
• Development of a customer portal for personalized insights
• Feedback integration for continuous improvement
Token-Based Payment System
Closed-Loop System: Functions without requiring internet connectivity, ensuring reliability in crowded venues
Tokenized Transactions: Allowed attendees to pre-load sampling tokens onto their wristbands, eliminating the need for cash handling
Vendor Simplification: Simplified accounting and inventory management for food and beverage vendors
Vendor Dashboard
Real-Time Metrics: Provided vendors with immediate feedback on visitor numbers and engagement
Comparative Analytics: Enabled vendors to benchmark their performance against historical data
Marketing Optimization: Supplied data to refine marketing approaches for future events
Operational Efficiency
40% fewer staff needed for ticketing/check-in
60% faster entry times
Manual reporting eliminated
Customer Experience
No paper tickets – smooth movement
Shorter lines, more time enjoying the event
Personalized tasting recommendations
Revenue Growth
15–30% higher spend per attendee
Reduced losses from untracked samples
Better vendor & sponsor retention
Long-Term Value
Easy to scale with growth
Stronger position vs. competitors
Foundation for future digital upgrades
Forward-
Looking
Roadmap
Enhanced Analytics
(6-12 months)
• Implement predictive analytics to anticipate attendee behavior and preferences
• Develop AI-driven recommendations for optimal vendor placement and festival layout
• Create dynamic pricing models based on real-time attendance and engagement metrics
Phase Five: Extended Engagement
(12-18 months)
• Develop year-round mobile application for continued customer engagement
• Implement loyalty program integrating festival attendance with local restaurant and retail partners
• Create virtual tastings and events between physical festivals to maintain community engagement
Long-Term
(18-24 months)
• Evaluate potential for geographic expansion with reproducible digital infrastructure
• Explore specialized mini-events targeting specific segments (e.g., craft beer enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs)
• Consider licensing the developed technology platform to other festival organizers
Our partnership with the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival demonstrates the transformative potential of thoughtfully implemented digital solutions in the event industry. By addressing specific operational challenges with tailored RFID technology, we helped modernize a beloved festival while preserving its core character and enhancing the experience for all stakeholders.
Thorough research of client needs and industry best practices
Phased rollout to reduce risk and improve step by step
Attendee-first design for better user experience
Smart integration for added value across systems
For the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, this digital transformation project represents not just a modernization of operations but a strategic repositioning for long-term success in an increasingly digital world. The festival now has the infrastructure to deliver exceptional experiences, gather actionable insights, and grow sustainably for years to come.