it audit case study examples

Case Studies: IT Audits, IT Security Audits, and Network Security Audits

It security audit company with certified auditors provides it audit and compliance audit services., selected case studies and industry experience, every engagement is unique. we are happy to customize our audit services to your specific needs.

Network Security Audit

A mid-size telephone company with many entities was concerned about network security risks., client situation.

A mid-size telephone company with many entities was concerned about network security. Management wanted an internal and external network security audit of each entity.

Altius IT Solution

Altius IT provided a 50 point, 360 degree view of risks. Our services included an evaluation of:

• Risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk treatment
• Policies, procedures, plans, and related documents
• Use of service providers
• Security of servers, firewalls, and network infrastructure
• Protection against malicious software (viruses, spyware, etc.)
• Security mechanisms and practices
• Controls over removable media and USB devices
• Incident response and business continuity

Altius IT's analysis included a comparison of the organization with security best practices to identify gaps. Altius IT provided a report of findings as well as recommendations, costs, and a prioritized risk response executive summary Action Plan.

Client Benefit

Altius IT’s network security audit documented several areas that placed the organization at risk to both internal and external threats. The prioritized Action Plan helped the telephone company increase security and protect its information assets

Cyber Security Audit

A large county needed assurance that its sensitive information was protected against hackers and other threats..

A county needed assurance that its sensitive information was protected against hackers and other Internet threats. County management was concerned about compliance related issues and wanted assurance its systems were protected against external threats.

Altius IT provided an External Network Security Audit. Our services included a variety of hacker type tools and techniques that identified and evaluated the county’s external risks:

• Firewall – reviewed and analyzed configuration
• External penetration – evaluated vulnerabilities
• Social engineering – determined employee risks
• Phishing – used fake e-mails and USB devices
• False web sites – determined risks
• Policies – evaluated security related policies

Altius IT compared the county with industry benchmarks and determined the type of security infrastructure in place. We tailored our attacks to take advantage of gaps.

Altius IT’s provided an External Network Security Audit Report, a Risk Assessment Report, and a prioritized Action Plan Report of security related recommendations.

Altius IT’s external network security audit documented several areas that placed the organization at risk to external threats. The prioritized Action Plan helped the organization increase security while increasing protection of its information assets.

Web Application Security

A software developer was notified it's application was not secure. a client of the software developer requested a web application security audit..

A software developer provided on-line marketing solutions including web design, content management, and e-commerce solutions. The software developer was notified by a third party that it’s software was not secure. When negative publicity appeared in the media, clients and prospects became concerned and revenue declined. The software developer’s President wanted assurance that its code, with interfaces to internal database systems, was secure and protected from threats.

Emulating the approach used by hackers, Altius IT used a variety of manual and automated tools to perform a controlled real-life attack on the organization's web application and web server for vulnerabilities. Altius IT evaluated the application for over 35,000 types of risks including SQL injection, cross site scripting, buffer overflow, authentication, encryption, JavaScript, and many others. Altius IT provided a Web Application Security Audit Report with our findings, an analysis of vulnerabilities, and solutions to enhance security.

Altius IT’s web application security audit identified several areas that placed the organization at risk to hackers and other external threats. With Altius IT’s report, the organization eliminated software bugs and enhanced security by implementing changes to their code and procedures. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor, Altius IT provided a follow-up web application security audit and verified that the security issues identified in the first audit had been addressed. Altius IT provided the software developer with our Auditor Opinion Letter that the client distributed to their prospects and clients. The organization’s enhanced image and reputation helped it increase revenue both by retaining current customers and by converting new prospects into clients.

Compliance Audit

A large regional hospital needed assurance that health information was protected against unauthorized access. meet hipaa and hitech compliance requirements..

A large regional hospital needed assurance that health information was protected against unauthorized access. The hospital needed to meet HIPAA and HITECH compliance requirements.

Altius IT provided a HIPAA / HITECH Compliance and Security Audit. Altius IT evaluated the hospital's security controls including:

• Administrative Safeguards - policies, procedures, plans, forms, security training, incident response, business continuity
• Physical Safeguards - controls over access to data centers, cameras, EPHI
• Technical Safeguards - firewalls, server configurations, network segmentation, anti-malware, logging, backups

Altius IT’s reports documented several areas that placed the organization at risk to compliance and network related threats. Altius IT's Action Plan Report provided a prioritized risk response plan for the hospital with ways to enhance security, ensure protection of its information assets, and meet compliance requirements.

Altius IT's compliance audit enhanced the hospital's security controls. Management has assurance that systems and data are secure. EPHI is protected from unauthorized access and alteration.

Risk Assessment

A mid-size medical product manufacturer was concerned about the security of a new device. a risk assessment was needed to address concerns about patient confidentiality and the integrity of the product..

A mid-size medical product manufacturer was concerned about the security of a new device. The organization was concerned about patient confidentiality and the integrity of the product.

Altius IT's Risk Assessment inventoried relevant assets and organized the assets into asset categories. We identified specific threats and threat categories and documented vulnerabilities that existed as a result of the threats. Our Risk Analysis evaluated risks and the likelihood of various threat exploits. We identified security gaps that could be exploited by insider and outsider attacks. Altius IT’s Risk Treatment Plan analyzed and documented risk reduction and risk treatment safeguards and controls for each vulnerability. Altius IT's Risk Task List identified preventive, detective, and corrective controls that eliminated or reduced risks to acceptable levels. Residual risks, risks that existed after controls were implemented, were identified, and prioritized so they could be monitored.

Altius IT’s risk assessment documented several product related threats that placed the organization at risk to both internal and external threats. The medical device manufacturer achieved the following benefits:

• Security – security assurance knowing that the product had effective security safeguards and controls.
• Continuity – ability to continue functioning even if the product had been compromised.
• Alerts – remote notifications to appropriate personnel so they could take appropriate actions if the product was compromised.
• Redundancy – ability of the product to continue operating in the event of normal failures.
• Sociability – ability of the product to not interfere with existing systems and devices.

Mobile application security audit

A marketing company needed assurance that a newly developed mobile application was secure. a mobile application security audit was needed to address concerns about the security of the software application..

A marketing company developed a mobile software application for a large international client. Management at the marketing company was concerned about the security of the mobile application.

Altius IT provided a "hand on" security audit of the mobile application. We evaluated security risks related to:

• User use of the device
• Mobile software coding issues
• Interfaces to servers and databases
• Configurations of servers, firewalls, and network segmentation
• Authentication issues
• Backups and recovery

Altius IT's Mobile Application Security Audit Report documented security risks and provided recommendations to enhance security.

Altius IT's mobile application security audit documented recommended changes to enhance security of the mobile application and server environment. The marketing company and the large international client had the peace of mind knowing that the mobile application kept information secure from intruders.

Social Engineering Audit

A mid-size bank was worried about social engineering attacks on its staff. Management was concerned about maintaining customer confidence and meeting compliance requirements.

Altius IT provided a social engineering security assessment. Emulating the approach used by hackers, we manually perform a controlled real-life attack on the bank's staff and measured their response and actions to fake e-mail messages and false web sites. We benchmarked the bank against industry averages and provided the bank with ten recommendations to reduce their risks to social engineering attacks. Altius IT’s social engineering security assessment documented weaknesses in the bank's security education training and awareness programs.

Altius IT's social engineering security assessment helped the bank formalized its security education and awareness training program and supplemented it with frequent reminders to employees, temporary staff, and contractors. Customer satisfaction was increased as a result of the increase in security awareness.

Case Studies

It audits, it security audits, and network security audits.

Unlike a security consultant, Altius IT is certified as a Certified Information Systems Auditor to perform a security audit of your environment and issue reports and recommendations to secure your systems. After your audit, Altius IT's Auditor Opinion Letter and Secure Seal let your clients and prospects know you meet security best practice/compliance requirements.

See our In the News page for video clips of our experts on national television as well as over 40 publications featuring Altius IT. In addition to our auditor certifications we hold many security, technical, and project management credentials. More information is available on our About Us page.

Our comprehensive audit service uncovers gaps in your existing defenses so that you can better:

• Fortify your information systems, applications, and network infrastructure
• Comply with regulatory requirements
• Protect your valuable assets
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Altius IT's services are provided throughout the United States and in selected international countries. Our corporate HQ is located in Orange County California between Los Angeles and San Diego. Contact us and we will help you choose the right audit for your organization.

As of June 1, 2024, Vestige Digital Investigations is part of ArcherHall, a leading digital forensics,  e-discovery, and cybersecurity service provider. The Vestige team that you know and trust will continue to serve you at ArcherHall. Our expanded team, capabilities, and infrastructure will allow us to serve you and your clients even better.

I.t. auditing : sample cases – representative matters.

• Case Studies
• I.T. Auditing : Sample Cases -…

The following audit case studies highlight several matters for which Vestige was retained that involve I.T. Auditing Services. Each of these I.T. audit case studies are real matters that we have worked, but for privacy and confidentiality purposes, any identifying information has been sanitized from our auditing samples. Learn how Vestige LTD has provided assistance in various I.T. auditing cases below.

Publicly Listed Professional Services Firm

Our client, a public company, subject to SEC regulation, had both a robust Internal Audit Department as well as its outside audit firm (one of the Big 4). While the Internal Audit Department had financial auditors on staff and had a handful of individuals that dabbled in I.T. Reviews, it became evident that the level of expertise needed for such a complex environment exceeded their internal resources. Over the years the organization has had to deal with a number of regulatory requirements, including: Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, HIPAA, PCI, and FINRA, to point out a few. Vestige became involved as an extension of this organization’s Internal Audit Department, providing a wide range of I.T. audits and assessments for a number of the organization’s divisions and separate business entities. Reporting through the Internal Audit Department, we were able to closely coordinate our efforts with the financial auditors to provide the organization with an even better overall assessment of the organization’s risks. Beyond that, we provided our client confidence with moving forward on its external audits, knowing that issues were identified and addressed internally in ample time to remediate the controls and show that they had been in-place and working over a period of time. It was even reported to us that the external auditor was able to rely upon much of our work product due to its completeness, accuracy and quality of findings, thereby saving our client substantial fees in having to undergo additional scrutiny and testing by the external audit firm.

Institute of Higher Education

Vestige has complemented the Internal Audit Department of a four year college that caters to more than 30,000 students and has several campuses. The Internal Audit Department is on the smaller side (2-4 auditors) and has no one that specializes in I.T. Auditing. While it is void of this important function within its internal resources, it does have one of the financial auditors who has shown an interest. As a result, not only has Vestige partnered with the University to conduct the I.T. component of its audits, but we have provided some additional ancillary services to assist with the training of this individual. For example, as part of our engagement we have created the audit programs for some of the areas of concentration, as determined by the organization’s risk assessment. Vestige initially conducted an audit of one of these areas, completed our documentation and also created add-on audit programs, custom-tailored to the University, and provided these along with training to the internal resource for them to conduct on-their-own. In this manner, the University is not only gaining Vestige’s expertise as it relates to the identification of risks and the conducting of the I.T. audits, they are also gaining important knowledge and resources to build up their own internal expertise.

Large Conglomerate

For more than 12 years, Vestige has provided outsourced I.T. Auditing to a large ($1B+ revenue) conglomerate. Throughout the years, this organization has maintained its own Internal Audit Department of 8-10 financial auditors. They had previously attempted to recruit, hire and retain IT Auditors, but were never successful at keeping these individuals long enough to gain any of the efficiencies and insight that someone gains by being in the environment an extended period of time. Frustrated with this approach, the conglomerate originally sought our services out to augment the internal I.T. auditor’s experience, to act as a reviewer and to mentor the individuals on the I.T. Auditing side since the balance of the Internal Audit Department was financially-focused. Eventually it became evident that the organization was in a vicious cycle of recruiting, hiring, training and then losing these individuals and turned to Vestige as an outsourced solution providing full I.T. Auditing services as part of its Internal Audit Department and its 20+ individual portfolio companies.

Outside Accounting Firm

As a Public Accounting firm, our client provides external audit functions to thousands of clients. Like so many other regional and local accounting firms, our client has financial auditing expertise, but does not have the internal resources from an I.T. Auditing focus. Since the introduction of the AICPA’s Statement of Audit Standards 94 (SAS.94) in May 2001, reliance upon auditing “around” the technology involved in a financial system is no longer acceptable and auditing firms have had to rely upon and develop expertise in being able to audit the actual technology. As most auditors are financially-focused, there is a wide dearth of expertise as it relates to the I.T. Auditing component. Vestige has complemented these firms’ needs by partnering with them to jointly provide comprehensive audits that focus on the financial and the I.T. components. This has included routine financial audits, but has also included specialized I.T. audits such as SAS70s (deprecated) and SSAE16/SOC-type compliancy reports.

CONTACT US today to discuss how Vestige can assist your Internal Auditing Department with I.T. Auditing .

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Case Study: Critical network issue solved with IT Audit

Kiddi Caru is part of The Childcare Corporation, a UK based organisation with a national reach. They own and run a chain of premium nurseries; designed to provide high quality childcare to pre-school children.

Established in 1998, Kiddi Caru has expanded into multiple regions in England. Kiddi Caru pride themselves on strategically aligning their core business principles to ethical and high quality nursery provision. Their personal and dedicated approach to childcare has led them to become one of the leading nursery chains in the UK. The challenges they faced

In 2015 Kiddi Caru was without a Managed IT Services provider and seeking an experienced hand to guide and manage their IT systems. Lacking the technological understanding and nuances themselves, Kiddi Caru needed help managing their IT as Financial Controller of Kiddi Caru Ian Mackin attributes:

“We’d just migrated to Microsoft Azure to help manage our financials, procurement and payroll. It was going well, but we lacked the expertise and resources internally to manage things. As a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) we don’t have a dedicated IT department to help keep things ticking over. So that’s why we started the search for an experienced and trustworthy IT partner.”

The solution implemented

Their search led them to Advantage Business Systems, an experienced Managed IT Services provider based in the heart of London. Once Ian Mackin and Kiddi Caru got in contact, Advantage conducted a comprehensive audit on the health of Kiddi Caru’s IT networks and infrastructure.

The results of the audit were startling as Advantage’s Managed IT Services Director, Christo van Zyl explains: “When we completed our IT health check, we discovered a fault with Kiddi Caru’s remote access setup in Azure. If left unchecked, it had the potential to cause huge issues for them further down the line.”

van Zyl adds; “We got in touch with Kiddi Caru straight away and advised them of an immediate course of action. Before we knew it, we were onsite with configuring the appropriate Microsoft Azure tunnels to correct this issue.”

Ian Mackin was impressed with the level of service Advantage provided: “We were expecting a routine IT health check when we got the call about the issue with our network and VPN. I was really impressed first of all they found the issue and then acted so quickly to resolve it.”

Looking at the benefits

An IT audit is part of a range of IT Support and IT Consultancy services that Advantage offers to a new customer – something that is often be overlooked by businesses according to Christo van Zyl: “Some organisations don’t place great deal of value on IT audits. In this instance it helped to identify a potentially serious issue that could have had a significant impact on the day to day running of the business.”

Christo added: “It just goes to show that nothing is routine when it comes to your IT. What was supposed to be a preliminary IT check, has helped to highlight a serious problem with their IT systems. It shows the importance of conducting IT audits . They can help to spot issues that you wouldn’t otherwise notice. I certainly am glad I was there to help Ian and Kiddi Caru out.”

Kiddi Caru are now using Advantage for their IT Support. Ian Mackin says: “We have total confidence in their expertise and are more than impressed with their level of service. They are our preferred supplier for Managed Services and IT Support.”

Ian added: “It’s tremendously reassuring for us to have an IT partner like Advantage keeping an eye on our business-critical IT systems. We know that our IT systems and network infrastructure are in good hands, allowing us to focus on continuing to grow our business.”

Advantage Business Systems , a leading Microsoft Business Solutions Partner recently worked with Kiddi Caru Day Nurseries to augment their existing IT infrastructure in an effort to boost organisational productivity.

Key points:

• Advantage came on board to provide Managed IT Services & Support to the business
• IT audit identified a critical network issue
• Advantage worked fast to resolve the issue with the client

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Management, compliance & auditing

• IT auditing and controls – planning the IT audit [updated 2021]

An IT audit can be defined as any audit that encompasses review and evaluation of automated information processing systems, related non-automated processes and the interfaces among them. 

How to perform an IT audit

Planning an IT audit involves two major steps: gathering information and planning, and then gaining an understanding of the existing internal control structure. More and more organizations are moving to a risk-based audit approach which is used to assess risk and helps an IT auditor decide as to whether to perform compliance testing or substantive testing. 

In a risk-based approach, IT auditors are relying on internal and operational controls as well as the knowledge of the company or the business. This type of risk assessment decision can help relate the cost and benefit analysis of the control to the known risk. In the “gathering information” step the IT auditor needs to identify five items:

• Knowledge of business and industry
• Prior year’s audit results
• Recent financial information
• Regulatory statutes
• Inherent risk assessments

A side note on “inherent risks” is to define it as the risk that an error exists that could be material or significant when combined with other errors encountered during the audit, assuming there are no related compensating controls. As an example, complex database updates are more likely to be miswritten than simple ones, and thumb drives are more likely to be stolen (misappropriated) than blade servers in a server cabinet. Inherent risks exist independent of the audit and can occur because of the nature of the business.

In the “gain an understanding of the existing internal control structure” step, the IT auditor needs to identify five other areas and items:

• Control environment
• Control procedures
• Detection risk assessment
• Control risk assessment
• Equate total risk

Once the IT auditor has “gathered information” and “understands the control,” they are ready to begin the planning, or selection of areas, to be audited. Remember, one of the key pieces of information that you will need in the initial steps is a current business impact analysis (BIA), to assist you in selecting the application which supports the most critical or sensitive business functions.

Objectives of an IT audit

Most often, IT audit objectives concentrate on substantiating that the internal controls exist and are functioning as expected to minimize business risk. These audit objectives include assuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA — no not the federal agency, but information security) of information systems and data.

IT audit strategies

There are two areas to talk about here, the first is whether to do compliance or substantive testing and the second is “how do I go about getting the evidence to allow me to audit the application and make my report to management?”  

So what is the difference between compliance and substantive testing?  Compliance testing is gathering evidence to test to see if an organization is following its control procedures. On the other hand, substantive testing is gathering evidence to evaluate the integrity of individual data and other information. 

For example, compliance testing of controls can be described with the following example. An organization has a control procedure that states that all application changes must go through change control. As an IT auditor, you might take the current running configuration of a router as well as a copy of the -1 generation of the configuration file for the same router, run a file, compare to see what the differences were and then take those differences and look for supporting change control documentation. 

Don’t be surprised to find network admins, when they are simply re-sequencing rules, forget to put the change through change control. For substantive testing, let’s say an organization has a policy or procedure concerning backup tapes at the offsite storage location which includes three generations (grandfather, father and son). An IT auditor would do a physical inventory of the tapes at the offsite storage location and compare that inventory to the organization's inventory as well as looking to ensure that all three generations were present.

The second area deals with “how do I go about getting the evidence to allow me to audit the application and make my report to management?” It should come as no surprise that you need the following:

• Review IT organizational structure
• Review IT policies and procedures
• Review IT standards
• Review IT documentation
• Review the organization’s BIA
• Interview the appropriate personnel
• Observe the processes and employee performance
• Examination, which incorporates by necessity, the testing of controls, and therefore includes the results of the tests.

As an additional commentary of gathering evidence, observation of what an individual does versus what they are supposed to do can provide the IT auditor with valuable evidence when it comes to controlling implementation and understanding by the user. Performing a walk-through can give valuable insight as to how a particular function is being performed.

Application vs. general controls

General controls apply to all areas of the organization including the IT infrastructure and support services. Some examples of general controls are:

• Internal accounting controls
• Operational controls
• Administrative controls
• Organizational security policies and procedures
• Overall policies for the design and use of adequate documents and records
• Procedures and practices to ensure adequate safeguards over access
• Physical and logical security policies for all data centers and IT resources

Application controls refer to the transactions and data relating to each computer-based application system; therefore, they are specific to each application. The objectives of application controls are to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the records and the validity of the entries made to them. Application controls are controls over IPO (input, processing and output) functions, and include methods for ensuring the following:

• Only complete, accurate and valid data are entered and updated in an application system
• Processing accomplishes the designed and correct task
• The processing results meet expectations
• Data is maintained

As an IT auditor, your tasks when performing an application control audit should include:

• Identifying the significant application components, the flow of transactions through the application (system) and gaining a detailed understanding of the application by reviewing all available documentation and interviewing the appropriate personnel (such as system owner, data owner, data custodian and system administrator)
• Identifying the application control strengths and evaluating the impact, if any, of weaknesses you find in the application controls
• Developing a testing strategy
• Testing the controls to ensure their functionality and effectiveness
• Evaluating your test results and any other audit evidence to determine if the control objectives were achieved
• Evaluating the application against management’s objectives for the system to ensure efficiency and effectiveness

IT audit control reviews

After gathering all the evidence the IT auditor will review it to determine if the operations audited are well controlled and effective. Now, this is where your subjective judgment and experience come into play. For example, you might find a weakness in one area which is compensated for by a very strong control in another adjacent area. It is your responsibility as an IT auditor to report both of these findings in your audit report.

The audit deliverable

So what’s included in the audit documentation and what does the IT auditor need to do once their audit is finished? Here’s the laundry list of what should be included in your audit documentation:

• Planning and preparation of the audit scope and objectives
• Description or walkthroughs on the scoped audit area
• Audit program
• Audit steps performed and audit evidence gathered
• Whether services of other auditors and experts were used and their contributions
• Audit findings, conclusions and recommendations
• Audit documentation relation with document identification and dates (your cross-reference of evidence to audit step)
• A copy of the report issued as a result of the audit work
• Evidence of audit supervisory review

When you communicate the audit results to the organization it will typically be done at an exit interview where you will have the opportunity to discuss with management any findings and recommendations. You need to be certain of the following: 

• The facts presented in the report are correct
• The recommendations are realistic and cost-effective, or alternatives have been negotiated with the organization’s management
• The recommended implementation dates will be agreed to for the recommendations you have in your report

Your presentation at this exit interview will include a high-level executive summary. 

Your audit report should be structured so that it includes:

• An introduction (executive summary)
• The findings are in a separate section and grouped by the intended recipient
• Your overall conclusion and opinion on the adequacy of controls examined and any identified potential risks
• Any reservations or qualifications concerning the audit.
• Detailed findings and recommendations

Finally, there are a few other considerations that you need to be cognizant of when preparing and presenting your final report. Who is the audience? If the report is going to the audit committee, they may not need to see the minutiae that go into the local business unit report. You will need to identify the organizational, professional and governmental criteria applied such as GAO-Yellow Book, CobiT or NIST SP 800-53. Your report will want to be timely to encourage prompt corrective action.

And as a final parting comment, if during an IT audit, you come across a materially significant finding, it should be communicated to management immediately, not at the end of the audit.

You can find other articles related to IT auditing and controls here .

Ken is President and owner of Data Security Consultation and Training, LLC. He has taught cybersecurity at the JAG school at the University of Virginia, KPMG Advisory University, Microsoft and several major federal financial institutions and government agencies. As CISO for the Virginia Community College System, Ken’s focus was the standardization of security around the ISO 27000 series framework. Writing is one of his passions and he has authored and/or co-authored several courses, including CISSP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, DoD Cloud Computing SRG and a course for training Security Control Assessors using NIST SP 800-53A. Ken has also achieved a number of certifications, including CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CAP, ISSMP, ISSAP, ISSEP, CISM, CISA, CAC, CEH, ISO9000LA, ISO14001LA, ISO27001PA, Security+, CySA+, CASP, CTT+, CPT, GSEC, GSNA, GWAPT, CIA, CGAP, CFE, MCP, MCSA, MCSE and MCT.

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Home / Resources / COBIT / COBIT Case Studies

Cobit case studies.

These testimonials are excerpted from case studies of COBIT. They demonstrate its benefits, common applications and uses. To submit a COBIT case study, email [email protected] .

European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)

11 april 2016.

The IT director of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) undertook a pragmatic approach toward implementing COBIT 5 at the organization beginning in 2014. Taking a practical approach toward implementing a program for governance of enterprise IT (GEIT) based on COBIT 5, ENTSO-E focused on prioritizing the processes, the development of these processes and—most important—the practical issues to overcome during the implementation of a new way of working.

View Case Study

Ministry of Manpower Sultanate of Oman

22 february 2016.

As part of a mandate to implement a national IT infrastructure project and supervise all projects related to implementation of the Digital Oman Strategy while providing professional leadership to various other e-governance initiatives of the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Manpower’s network and information security department and systems and applications development department set out to implement an information security management system across the entire Ministry. Various options for implementing IT governance and available frameworks were categorically and systematically reviewed and, finally, the process engineering group (PEG) recommended COBIT 5, specifically its 5 principles, as the solution for the implementation of GEIT.

Dubai Customs

18 january 2016.

Dubai Customs is responsible for facilitating trade and helps secure the integrity of Dubai’s borders against smuggling attempts. To support business objectives effectively, individual departments within Dubai Customs are encouraged to seek, prepare for and implement global best practices that are relevant to that specific division on their own. Over the years, Dubai Customs has used a number of frameworks and each is managed by individual departments within the organization. Dubai Customs management determined that it would be better to have a single integrated governance framework and system working across the organization that could connect all of the implemented best practices in the organization and deliver value to the entire organization. COBIT 5 was agreed upon as the preferred framework.

Anonymous—shared service center

9 november 2015.

In the summer of 2014, the chief information officer (CIO) of a shared service center (SSC) owned by 3 different, culturally diverse types of companies asked the author to perform an assessment based on COBIT 5 . The most pressing question the CIO needed to answer for his organization’s board of directors (BoD) was, “Are we in control of IT?” One year later, the consultant& rsquo;s goal is to evaluate whether the CIO and the managers of the SSC are making progress in answering the board& rsquo;s question with, “Yes, we are in control of IT because of ….” This article describes the work that had to be done (using combined knowledge of ISO/IEC 38500 , COBIT 4.1 and COBIT 5) to make COBIT 5 more applicable and support the one-year-later assessment at the SSC.

Generali Group

2 november 2015.

In a global company, apart from the different business unit perceptions, there is also an additional issue to be dealt with: language. When an audit methodology is defined, the diversity of stakeholders needs to be taken into account. One of the most significant aspects of an auditor’s work is to try to define a common framework and a common language for all IT auditors. That was the main goal of the IT audit methodology developed in the case of the Generali Group. Years ago, the methodology developed by Generali’s corporate internal audit function was based on COBIT 4.1. This framework was selected for the development of the tasks and activities within all of Generali Group’s IT internal audit departments worldwide. When COBIT 5  was released, the adoption of the new framework was only a matter of time. The migration project was launched in 2014. Through the migration, the adoption of COBIT 5 was found to be a win-win situation for the company. Apart from the expected benefits (common IT audit framework), additional benefits, including alignment with other business units, were realized.

Al Rahji Bank

10 august 2015.

Founded in 1957, Al Rajhi Bank is one of the largest Islamic banks in the world with total assets of SR 288 billion (US $76.8 billion), a paid up capital of US $4.3 billion and an employee base of more than 8,400 associates. With an established base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al Rajhi Bank has a vast network of more than 500 branches, over 100 dedicated ladies’ branches, more than 4,030 automated teller machines (ATMs), 36,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals installed with merchants and the largest customer base of any bank in the kingdom, in addition to 130 remittance centers across the kingdom.

The IT governance function of the bank was newly established in 2014, and the bank needed to comply with regulatory compliance requirements established by the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia. The bank recognized the need to use an integrated model to meet the various needs established, especially compliance and audit requirements, so the bank turned to COBIT.

Saudi Arabian Municipality

25 may 2015.

The Municipality of Eastern Region (MER) based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is a government-owned institution that has been in existence for 50 years. Its main purpose is to serve citizens within the scope of its region. Some of the most prominent services rendered to citizens are health care, sanitation, water, electricity, roads and schools, among others. These services are provided to 7 million residents. All of the information related to these 7 million citizens is managed by the municipality’s IT department.

A massive amount of information is created by the municipality, and managing this information correctly, consistently and efficiently is a challenge. The municipality has to pay proper attention to, and focus on, information management. Thus, the municipality chose to adapt and implement an enterprise governance and service management framework to bring discipline, structure and an organized approach to information management. In this case, the municipality looked to both COBIT 5 and the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Kingdom of Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority

18 may 2015.

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority is focused on ensuring the effective delivery of government services to citizens, residents, businesses and visitors (collectively, the customers). The aim is to improve the lives of a nation’s citizens by doing much more than simply implementing technology.

This involves a broad range of responsibilities and activities owned and performed by multifunctional and multidisciplinary teams across the country, along with the strong leadership needed to implement them. In addition, it involves addressing many challenges—both internal and external. The Information Communication Technology Governance Council (ICTGC), which is chaired by the chief executive officer (CEO) and vice CEO of the eGovernment Authority, wished to implement a basic framework by which key decisions are governed and IT is managed across government entities through an appropriate balanced scorecard (BSC) model. COBIT 5 was chosen as the overarching framework, because it emphasizes the importance of governance and IT management together.

Information Systems Group

Information Systems Group, an IT security consulting services firm for large enterprises in Australia, particularly in the health care, utility and large government sectors, undertook an engagement to evaluate the quality of its client’s implementation of ISO 27001. In this case, IT represented approximately 100 staff members out of a work force of 2,500, so IT initially adopted a pragmatic approach to the application of the standards, which left quite a few gaps when benchmarked against a rigorous technical application of the ISO 27001 standard.

Following the review, the consultancy was asked how it would address these gaps and why doing so would deliver benefits to the enterprise. ISO 27001 pertains to the domain of security, and while it is important, it is only one of many modern businesses areas that need to be addressed. The client had identified that it also wanted to address the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), and it had an existing access control initiative that had good sponsorship. Last, the client’s internal audit division used COBIT and was a significant sponsor for the implementation of ISO 27001. Accordingly, there was a desire to understand how all of these competing initiatives could work together practically.

Anonymous—an organization offering managed print services and document solutions

20 april 2015.

Two years ago in Mexico City, an organization that offers managed print services and document solutions. decided to start an effort to reinforce its governance and management model, starting with strategic planning. For this organization, planning and strategic alignment, among their many different aspects, were something relatively new and out of practice, but necessary in order to continue organizational growth (which was greater than 10-12 percent annually during the preceding 5 years).The decision was made, with the help of a consultant, to create a whole new approach to review and adjust the strategic plan. The initial idea was to choose an alternative way to run the exercise; learning from previous mistakes, revising the original approach and strategies, and combining different techniques and methods, applied in an integrated and simple way, to generate the company’s updated strategic planning. But this time, the exercise would add a particular variant: concepts from COBIT 5, specifically, 2 of the 5 principles and the 7 enablers, in order to reinforce important concepts among the executive group and other organizational areas.

Anonymous—a government organization, a financial institution and a large conglomerate

6 april 2015.

Many organizations need help meeting performance and compliance requirements. A consulting company in the United Arab Emirates worked with three different organizations to help each organization meet its governance, risk and compliance (GRC) requirements. The organizations included a government organization (5,000-plus employees with 170-plus IT staff members), a large financial institution (8,000-plus employees, operating in 3 countries with 250-plus IT staff members) and a large conglomerate (25,000-plus employees, operating in 10 countries with 200-plus IT staff members). In each case, the consultancy determined that the best way to help these clients move from where they were to meeting GRC requirements was by using COBIT 5 .

E-Commerce Website

16 march 2015.

A company based in Lagos, Nigeria, is in the business of sales and distribution of its brand of shoes through physical outlets in the Lagos area. In a bid to expand its operations to areas outside of its physical outlets and to also have a better competitive showing in the Nigerian marketplace, the enterprise’s decision makers decided to use the Internet as the platform of choice to achieve this need. To be able to manage challenges (risk factors) effectively while optimizing costs and still creating value for all stakeholders, the enterprise, with the assistance of a consultancy, chose to seek guidance from the COBIT 5 framework. The enterprise’s needs revolved around realizing benefits from managing the e-commerce web site using optimal resources and making sure all risk associated with hosting the site on the Internet are managed.

Yount, Hyde & Barbour, Part 2

23 february 2015.

The firm looked to use COBIT to organize the IT function using a framework to create efficiency and meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Using the 7 phases outlined in ISACA’s COBIT 5 Implementation , the firm began by identifying the drivers. The 3 major drivers identified were:

• A general disconnect existed between IT and the needs of the professionals.
• IT spending, while within budget, did not align with firm needs.
• IT expectations and demands among the firm’s shareholders varied.

New York State Government Agency

19 january 2015.

Imagine being on the ground floor of a new government agency in the US, first conceived in 1994 and implemented in 2012, with the initial responsibility of developing an information system that would eventually process well over US $1 billion in payments monthly, produce enterprisewide reporting, and be implemented as Software as a Service (SaaS) to more than 85,000 users in 72 external agencies and by more than 100,000 vendors. Further, imagine that your responsibility included ensuring that the fledgling enterprise accomplished this mission while following its documented processes and procedures. Where to begin? How would one know whether existing processes were sufficient? COBIT was selected to be implemented as a holistic framework to manage and govern the software. Until 2012, the enterprise used COBIT 4.1 on a limited basis only. In September 2012, the decision was made by executive management to expand the application of COBIT in a more holistic manner and to adopt COBIT 5 and all 37 processes across the enterprise.

Anonymous—managed service provider

20 october 2014.

This managed service provider offered outsourced IT services for the small to mid-sized market nationally. The data center was a multitenant environment that provided outsourced email, infrastructure, applications, development, project management and service desk functions. The structure was typical to this type of organization in the private sector, with administration, finance, sales and marketing, operations, and IT functions. Security, risk and compliance efforts were largely delegated to IT and were typically discussed only when issues arose. There were several frameworks and standards in use, although their adoption was fragmented. The organization was suffering from what stakeholders called “framework exhaustion,” and, thus, COBIT adoption was expected to be a hard sell but surprisingly was not.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

22 september 2014.

Changing IT service providers is never a simple undertaking. It is even more challenging when the organization making the change is responsible for processing meter reads and supporting the billing of more than four million customers on time-of-use rates. The IESO used COBIT 5 for the procurement of IT services, helping to accelerate the procurement process and improve the contract and how it is managed.

Ecopetrol S.A.

As part of an updated strategy, Ecopetrol S.A., a vertically integrated energy company, began a corporate transformation with the goals of growth and strengthening its internal control system. It knew it needed a clear approach for governance and management of IT services as well as best global reference standards and a framework, so it used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and COBIT frameworks, which helped consolidate strong IT governance practices that were totally aligned with the corporative internal control initiatives.

Over time, business has increasingly advanced the application of IT to meet ever-changing business needs and regulatory requirements. A systematic and continuous improvement program helps an organization focus on “doing things right” and continually improving its effectiveness and efficiency. To successfully meet this need, DuPont recognized that it must leverage a robust, dependable process assessment framework. The COBIT 5 process assessment model (PAM) is evidence-based and enables a reliable, consistent and repeatable assessment in the area of governance and management of enterprise IT (GEIT) to support continuous process improvement.

January 2014

As an early adopter of COBIT 4.1, HDFC Bank’s IT governance journey started almost six years ago, when COBIT 4.1 was just introduced. Almost all of the 34 IT processes defined in COBIT 4.1 were adopted by the bank.

Following COBIT 5’s introduction in April 2012, HDFC Bank took some time to consider a migration. Because the bank has successfully implemented COBIT 4.1 to great benefit, it will not immediately migrate to COBIT 5. However, the seven enablers introduced by COBIT 5 were intuitively adopted by HDFC Bank even before these were popularised in COBIT 5.

Anonymous, Middle East Bank

As a result of its initiative to improve information security with the help of COBIT, a Middle East bank realized several benefits, including:

• Improved integration of information security within the organization
• Informed risk decisions and risk awareness
• Improved prevention, detection and recovery
• Reduced (impact of) information security incidents
• Enhanced support for innovation and competitiveness
• Improved management of costs related to the information security function
• Better understanding of information security

Yount, Hyde & Barbour

October 2013.

With the introduction of COBIT 5, the framework is moving toward a more global application to the enterprise. But, can a smaller organization still take advantage of COBIT 5 to help direct its IT function? This is an account of one organization’s beginning steps toward implementing COBIT 5. Yount, Hyde & Barbour is a mid-sized regional accounting firm with 21 shareholders and 140 employees. The firm has six locations, with at least 20 people working remotely or at a client’s location at any given time. Thus, there is a complexity to the IT function that is greater than the size of the organization would suggest.

The ICT Study of Public Health Institutions in Mexico

Health services are a crucial activity worldwide and reflect the level of awareness and social development of a country. The ICT Study of Public Health Institutions in Mexico was conducted under the sponsorship of Strategic Consulting Information Technology (ConSETI) and Brio Software Mexico (Brio). ConSETI and Brio are using this study to help evolve health services in Mexico. The study includes a gap/risk analysis of the current ICT situation, proposing recommendations that will lead to the improvement and implementation of better ICT objectives in the public health institutions. For this purpose, the sponsors became convinced of the importance of using COBIT 5, recognizing it as the best practice framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT (GEIT), and utilized it for the ICT assessment of public health institutions in Mexico.

In 2009, ISACA developed a strategy focused on becoming the global leader in products and services that support trust in, and value from, information systems. By 2011, having accomplished many of the 2009 goals, ISACA began work on an extension of the 2009 strategy. In recognition of the strategy’s 10-year horizon for completion, it is referred to as Strategy 2022, or S22, for short.

Maitland utilized COBIT to create a shared understanding of information and communication technology (ICT) and its purpose and impact on the enterprise and to increase business oversight and accountability for ICT. Maitland is increasingly using the COBIT framework as a guide to structure and position the enterprise’s thinking in many ICT subject areas. Also, Maitland has found that the governance principles in COBIT are universally applicable—not exclusive to the ICT domain—and is in the process of applying them enterprise wide.

Anonymous or FamilyGrocer

As a regional US grocery chain based in a major metropolitan area, FamilyGrocer (name changed) had experienced rapid growth through new store openings and acquisitions. In light of the risk associated with its consolidated operation, the IT organization received a mandate from the board of directors to formally manage IT-related risk. The mandate specifically called for an initial high-level assessment of IT organizational risk, drawing largely from internal expertise. The board also requested that the IT organization demonstrate an ongoing program to manage risk. As a result, the IT organization conducted a COBIT-based operations workshop to assess its risk management.

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Audit case studies: lessons from real-world audit failures and success stories

If you’re an auditor, you’ve probably achieved your fair share of success stories – perhaps ...

By Nana Obeng & Tom Edwards & Yasmin Wilks

If you’re an auditor, you’ve probably achieved your fair share of success stories – perhaps you’ve witnessed a few failures too.

As the saying goes, we learn from our mistakes, and audit case studies, both failures and successes serve as valuable insight. Real-life audit examples provide us with lessons on what to do and what to avoid, enabling organisations to improve their audit processes. 

Ready to discover some real-world examples? Here’s our pick of a few high-profile cases…

When things go wrong

(1) enron corporation.

The Enron scandal and the subsequent collapse of the Enron Corporation serves as a stark reminder of audit failure and corporate misconduct. Possibly the most high-profile scandal ever unearthed, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 was passed as a result of scandals such as this, WorldCom, Tyco, and Global Crossing.

Enron's auditor Arthur Andersen was heavily criticised for failing to detect fraudulent financial reporting. And lots of lessons can be learned from this example.

Firstly, Enron’s case highlights the importance of auditors maintaining independence from the companies they audit to ensure unbiased assessments. But it also reminds us of the importance of whistle-blower protection – where there are safeguards in place, organisations will encourage openness and provide the confidence for individuals discovering financial irregularities to expose them. And Enron finally emphasises how crucial regulatory oversight is in holding auditors accountable and preventing corporate fraud.

(2) Toshiba

We’ve all heard of Toshiba , a renowned multinational conglomerate, manufacturing a wide variety of consumer and business products. Despite the company’s famous success, this chapter of their story is not one of their finest.

In July 2015, Toshiba experienced an internal audit failure that spotlighted the gap between good corporate governance structure and its practical implementation. It led to Toshiba Corp’s president, Hisao Tanaka, and his two predecessors quitting after investigators found that the company had inflated earnings by $1.2 billion between 2009 and 2014.

Regardless of a sound governance structure, the organisation suffered from a massive financial scandal, highlighting the importance of proactive internal auditing to identify and prevent financial irregularities.

(3) Ernst & Young

Even the largest professional services companies are sometimes at the centre of an audit scandal. And in the case of Ernst & Young , these kinds of scenarios serve as a reminder of the importance of a robust auditing process for even the biggest of players.

EY was fined $11.8 million for audit failures in 2016. USA regulator SEC found that EY’s audit team repeatedly failed to detect fraudulent activity for more than four consecutive years. Additionally, it was reported that EY’s team failed to take effective measures in minimising known recurring tax-related problems.

This case emphasises the critical role auditors play in scrutinising high-risk areas and addressing known deficiencies. And underscores the importance of due diligence and thoroughness in audits.

(4) WorldCom

The WorldCom scandal is another example of a colossal audit failure. Arthur Andersen, the same auditor implicated in the Enron scandal, failed to detect a massive accounting fraud at WorldCom.

What can we learn from this tale? Well, attentive auditing is essential, and auditors need to exercise a blend of vigilance and scepticism when assessing financial statements. This example also points to ethical responsibility, underscoring auditors’ moral and ethical duty to report financial irregularities.

Like Enron, WorldCom’s case was instrumental in regulatory reforms, like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which increased corporate accountability.

Getting it right

(1) apple inc.

Tech giant Apple is widely recognised for its financial transparency and internal controls. Their financial audits consistently reflect strong performance and accountability. Key takeaways from Apple's success include their transparency – Apple publishes detailed financial statements and reports that are easily accessible to the public, building trust with investors and stakeholders. They also have a set of robust internal controls and processes in place, minimising the risk of financial mismanagement or fraud.

The organisation’s MD Tim Cook says , “We do the right thing, even when it’s not easy.”

(2) Microsoft

Microsoft's another great example of a business with transparency and accountability at its core. The tech leader has consistently demonstrated exemplary corporate governance and financial reporting .

Their success highlights several valuable lessons, including the significance of disclosure. Microsoft provides comprehensive financial disclosures, offering investors a clear picture of their financial health. And they’ve also got their finger on the pulse when it comes to  risk management , with practices in place that have been instrumental in ensuring long-term financial stability.

Microsoft carries out consistent and regular financial audits , to maintain trust and transparency with all of their stakeholders.

(3) Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson's another example of a profound commitment to transparency . The healthcare multinational is renowned for its sense of responsibility when it comes to ethical conduct.

Key takeaways include their strong ethical leadership – an essential asset for fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

They also boast hardy compliance programs , proving that investing in this area can help detect and prevent financial misconduct. Stakeholder communication is another factor in Johnson & Johnson’s audit success, and open comms are encouraged to build trust and confidence.

What can we learn from all these case studies? The need for thoroughness, vigilance, transparency, ethical leadership, and continual improvement in auditing are essential. They emphasise the importance of not just having a good corporate governance structure, but also ensuring its effective implementation. And by learning from both successes and failures, we can strive to build a corporate environment that prioritises (financial) integrity and compliance with relevant regulatory, legal, and industry standards – and, of course foster trust and prevent costly failures.

Are you  looking for high-calibre talent  with the skills to protect you from audit mishaps?  Let’s chat  about your needs. Or perhaps you’re an  audit professional  looking to help companies grow their audit capabilities? If you’re looking to progress your career and safeguard an exciting, growing business,  get in touch , or check out our  latest roles . 

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IT Audit Case Study

This case study asks students to play the role of independent auditor and conduct an audit of an organization's entire IT infrastructure, organization and processes based on provided background information.

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16 case study examples (+ 3 templates to make your own)

I like to think of case studies as a business's version of a resume. It highlights what the business can do, lends credibility to its offer, and contains only the positive bullet points that paint it in the best light possible.

Imagine if the guy running your favorite taco truck followed you home so that he could "really dig into how that burrito changed your life." I see the value in the practice. People naturally prefer a tried-and-true burrito just as they prefer tried-and-true products or services.

To help you showcase your success and flesh out your burrito questionnaire, I've put together some case study examples and key takeaways.

What is a case study?

A case study is an in-depth analysis of how your business, product, or service has helped past clients. It can be a document, a webpage, or a slide deck that showcases measurable, real-life results.

For example, if you're a SaaS company, you can analyze your customers' results after a few months of using your product to measure its effectiveness. You can then turn this analysis into a case study that further proves to potential customers what your product can do and how it can help them overcome their challenges.

It changes the narrative from "I promise that we can do X and Y for you" to "Here's what we've done for businesses like yours, and we can do it for you, too."

16 case study examples 

While most case studies follow the same structure, quite a few try to break the mold and create something unique. Some businesses lean heavily on design and presentation, while others pursue a detailed, stat-oriented approach. Some businesses try to mix both.

There's no set formula to follow, but I've found that the best case studies utilize impactful design to engage readers and leverage statistics and case details to drive the point home. A case study typically highlights the companies, the challenges, the solution, and the results. The examples below will help inspire you to do it, too.

1. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Volcanica Coffee and AdRoll

People love a good farm-to-table coffee story, and boy am I one of them. But I've shared this case study with you for more reasons than my love of coffee. I enjoyed this study because it was written as though it was a letter.

In this case study, the founder of Volcanica Coffee talks about the journey from founding the company to personally struggling with learning and applying digital marketing to finding and enlisting AdRoll's services.

It felt more authentic, less about AdRoll showcasing their worth and more like a testimonial from a grateful and appreciative client. After the story, the case study wraps up with successes, milestones, and achievements. Note that quite a few percentages are prominently displayed at the top, providing supporting evidence that backs up an inspiring story.

Takeaway: Highlight your goals and measurable results to draw the reader in and provide concise, easily digestible information.

2. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Taylor Guitars and Airtable

This Airtable case study on Taylor Guitars comes as close as one can to an optimal structure. It features a video that represents the artistic nature of the client, highlighting key achievements and dissecting each element of Airtable's influence.

It also supplements each section with a testimonial or quote from the client, using their insights as a catalyst for the case study's narrative. For example, the case study quotes the social media manager and project manager's insights regarding team-wide communication and access before explaining in greater detail.

Takeaway: Highlight pain points your business solves for its client, and explore that influence in greater detail.

3. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} EndeavourX and Figma

My favorite part of Figma's case study is highlighting why EndeavourX chose its solution. You'll notice an entire section on what Figma does for teams and then specifically for EndeavourX.

It also places a heavy emphasis on numbers and stats. The study, as brief as it is, still manages to pack in a lot of compelling statistics about what's possible with Figma.

Takeaway: Showcase the "how" and "why" of your product's differentiators and how they benefit your customers.

4. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} ActiveCampaign and Zapier

Zapier's case study leans heavily on design, using graphics to present statistics and goals in a manner that not only remains consistent with the branding but also actively pushes it forward, drawing users' eyes to the information most important to them. 

The graphics, emphasis on branding elements, and cause/effect style tell the story without requiring long, drawn-out copy that risks boring readers. Instead, the cause and effect are concisely portrayed alongside the client company's information for a brief and easily scannable case study.

Takeaway: Lean on design to call attention to the most important elements of your case study, and make sure it stays consistent with your branding.

5. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Ironclad and OpenAI

In true OpenAI fashion, this case study is a block of text. There's a distinct lack of imagery, but the study features a narrated video walking readers through the product.

The lack of imagery and color may not be the most inviting, but utilizing video format is commendable. It helps thoroughly communicate how OpenAI supported Ironclad in a way that allows the user to sit back, relax, listen, and be impressed. 

Takeaway: Get creative with the media you implement in your case study. Videos can be a very powerful addition when a case study requires more detailed storytelling.

6. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Shopify and GitHub

GitHub's case study on Shopify is a light read. It addresses client pain points and discusses the different aspects its product considers and improves for clients. It touches on workflow issues, internal systems, automation, and security. It does a great job of representing what one company can do with GitHub.

To drive the point home, the case study features colorful quote callouts from the Shopify team, sharing their insights and perspectives on the partnership, the key issues, and how they were addressed.

Takeaway: Leverage quotes to boost the authoritativeness and trustworthiness of your case study. 

7 . .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Audible and Contentful

Contentful's case study on Audible features almost every element a case study should. It includes not one but two videos and clearly outlines the challenge, solution, and outcome before diving deeper into what Contentful did for Audible. The language is simple, and the writing is heavy with quotes and personal insights.

This case study is a uniquely original experience. The fact that the companies in question are perhaps two of the most creative brands out there may be the reason. I expected nothing short of a detailed analysis, a compelling story, and video content. 

Takeaway: Inject some brand voice into the case study, and create assets that tell the story for you.

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Asana's case study on Zoom is longer than the average piece and features detailed data on Zoom's growth since 2020. Instead of relying on imagery and graphics, it features several quotes and testimonials. 

It's designed to be direct, informative, and promotional. At some point, the case study reads more like a feature list. There were a few sections that felt a tad too promotional for my liking, but to each their own burrito.

Takeaway: Maintain a balance between promotional and informative. You want to showcase the high-level goals your product helped achieve without losing the reader.

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I've always been a fan of Mailchimp's comic-like branding, and this case study does an excellent job of sticking to their tradition of making information easy to understand, casual, and inviting.

It features a short video that briefly covers Hickies as a company and Mailchimp's efforts to serve its needs for customer relationships and education processes. Overall, this case study is a concise overview of the partnership that manages to convey success data and tell a story at the same time. What sets it apart is that it does so in a uniquely colorful and brand-consistent manner.

Takeaway: Be concise to provide as much value in as little text as possible.

10. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} NVIDIA and Workday

The gaming industry is notoriously difficult to recruit for, as it requires a very specific set of skills and experience. This case study focuses on how Workday was able to help fill that recruitment gap for NVIDIA, one of the biggest names in the gaming world.

Though it doesn't feature videos or graphics, this case study stood out to me in how it structures information like "key products used" to give readers insight into which tools helped achieve these results.

Takeaway: If your company offers multiple products or services, outline exactly which ones were involved in your case study, so readers can assess each tool.

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I'm personally not a big KFC fan, but that's only because I refuse to eat out of a bucket. My aversion to the bucket format aside, Contentful follows its consistent case study format in this one, outlining challenges, solutions, and outcomes before diving into the nitty-gritty details of the project.

Say what you will about KFC, but their primary product (chicken) does present a unique opportunity for wordplay like "Continuing to march to the beat of a digital-first drum(stick)" or "Delivering deep-fried goodness to every channel."

Takeaway: Inject humor into your case study if there's room for it and if it fits your brand. 

12. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Intuit and Twilio

Twilio does an excellent job of delivering achievements at the very beginning of the case study and going into detail in this two-minute read. While there aren't many graphics, the way quotes from the Intuit team are implemented adds a certain flair to the study and breaks up the sections nicely.

It's simple, concise, and manages to fit a lot of information in easily digestible sections.

Takeaway: Make sure each section is long enough to inform but brief enough to avoid boring readers. Break down information for each section, and don't go into so much detail that you lose the reader halfway through.

13. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Spotify and Salesforce

Salesforce created a video that accurately summarizes the key points of the case study. Beyond that, the page itself is very light on content, and sections are as short as one paragraph.

I especially like how information is broken down into "What you need to know," "Why it matters," and "What the difference looks like." I'm not ashamed of being spoon-fed information. When it's structured so well and so simply, it makes for an entertaining read.

14. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Benchling and Airtable

Benchling is an impressive entity in its own right. Biotech R&D and health care nuances go right over my head. But the research and digging I've been doing in the name of these burritos (case studies) revealed that these products are immensely complex. 

And that's precisely why this case study deserves a read—it succeeds at explaining a complex project that readers outside the industry wouldn't know much about.

Takeaway: Simplify complex information, and walk readers through the company's operations and how your business helped streamline them.

15. .css-12hxxzz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link, #2b2358);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-gray-warm-1, #fffdf9);}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-12hxxzz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Chipotle and Hubble

The concision of this case study is refreshing. It features two sections—the challenge and the solution—all in 316 words. This goes to show that your case study doesn't necessarily need to be a four-figure investment with video shoots and studio time. 

Sometimes, the message is simple and short enough to convey in a handful of paragraphs.

Takeaway: Consider what you should include instead of what you can include. Assess the time, resources, and effort you're able and willing to invest in a case study, and choose which elements you want to include from there.

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I may be biased, but I'm a big fan of seeing metrics and achievements represented in branded graphics. It can be a jarring experience to navigate a website, then visit a case study page and feel as though you've gone to a completely different website.

The case study is essentially the summary, and the blog article is the detailed analysis that provides context beyond X achievement or Y goal.

Takeaway: Keep your case study concise and informative. Create other resources to provide context under your blog, media or press, and product pages.

3 case study templates

Now that you've had your fill of case studies (if that's possible), I've got just what you need: an infinite number of case studies, which you can create yourself with these case study templates.

Case study template 1

If you've got a quick hit of stats you want to show off, try this template. The opening section gives space for a short summary and three visually appealing stats you can highlight, followed by a headline and body where you can break the case study down more thoroughly. This one's pretty simple, with only sections for solutions and results, but you can easily continue the formatting to add more sections as needed.

Case study template 2

For a case study template with a little more detail, use this one. Opening with a striking cover page for a quick overview, this one goes on to include context, stakeholders, challenges, multiple quote callouts, and quick-hit stats. 

Case study template 3

Whether you want a little structural variation or just like a nice dark green, this template has similar components to the last template but is designed to help tell a story. Move from the client overview through a description of your company before getting to the details of how you fixed said company's problems.

Tips for writing a case study

Examples are all well and good, but you don't learn how to make a burrito just by watching tutorials on YouTube without knowing what any of the ingredients are. You could , but it probably wouldn't be all that good.

Have an objective: Define your objective by identifying the challenge, solution, and results. Assess your work with the client and focus on the most prominent wins. You're speaking to multiple businesses and industries through the case study, so make sure you know what you want to say to them.

Focus on persuasive data: Growth percentages and measurable results are your best friends. Extract your most compelling data and highlight it in your case study.

Use eye-grabbing graphics: Branded design goes a long way in accurately representing your brand and retaining readers as they review the study. Leverage unique and eye-catching graphics to keep readers engaged. 

Simplify data presentation: Some industries are more complex than others, and sometimes, data can be difficult to understand at a glance. Make sure you present your data in the simplest way possible. Make it concise, informative, and easy to understand.

Use automation to drive results for your case study

A case study example is a source of inspiration you can leverage to determine how to best position your brand's work. Find your unique angle, and refine it over time to help your business stand out. Ask anyone: the best burrito in town doesn't just appear at the number one spot. They find their angle (usually the house sauce) and leverage it to stand out.

Case study FAQ

Got your case study template? Great—it's time to gather the team for an awkward semi-vague data collection task. While you do that, here are some case study quick answers for you to skim through while you contemplate what to call your team meeting.

What is an example of a case study?

An example of a case study is when a software company analyzes its results from a client project and creates a webpage, presentation, or document that focuses on high-level results, challenges, and solutions in an attempt to showcase effectiveness and promote the software.

How do you write a case study?

To write a good case study, you should have an objective, identify persuasive and compelling data, leverage graphics, and simplify data. Case studies typically include an analysis of the challenge, solution, and results of the partnership.

What is the format of a case study?

While case studies don't have a set format, they're often portrayed as reports or essays that inform readers about the partnership and its results. 

Related reading:

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Hachem Ramki

Hachem is a writer and digital marketer from Montreal. After graduating with a degree in English, Hachem spent seven years traveling around the world before moving to Canada. When he's not writing, he enjoys Basketball, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing music for friends and family.

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The first article in this series of two on Paper P7 case study questions discussed question style, what to look for in the requirements, how higher-level skills are tested, and the meaning of professional marks within a question requirement. This second article goes through part of a typical Section A case study question, applying the recommended approach described in the previous article. This approach comprises four stages.

Stage 1 – understanding the requirement

The first thing to do is to read and fully understand the question requirement. Here is the requirement we will be looking at in this article:

‘Prepare a report, to be used by a partner in your firm, in which you identify and evaluate the professional, ethical, and other issues raised in deciding whether to accept the appointment as provider of an assurance opinion as requested by Petsupply Co.’ (12 marks)

Note: this requirement includes two professional marks.

Having read the requirement, break it down. You are asked to do two things:

• identify, ie state from the information provided
• evaluate, ie discuss from a critical point of view.

The requirement asks you to consider ‘professional, ethical, and other issues’. This could cover a wide range of considerations, such as:

• ethics: independence, competence, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, assessing integrity
• professional issues: the risk profile of the work requested, the fee – and whether it is sufficient to compensate for high risk, availability of staff, managing client expectations, logistical matters such as timing, legal and regulatory matters – such as money laundering, and (in some cases) obtaining professional clearance
• other issues: whether the work ‘fits’ with the commercial strategy of the audit firm, the potential knock-on effect of taking on the work – such as the impact on other clients, or on other work performed for this client.

You are asked to produce a report, so remember that the professional marks available will be awarded for using the correct format, the use of professional business language, and for presenting your comments as a logical flow culminating in a conclusion.

From reading the requirement, you know that the question scenario will be based on a potential assurance assignment and will be broadly based around acceptance issues.

Stage 2 – reading the scenario

When reading through the detail of the scenario, you should now be alert to information relevant to this requirement. Highlight important points that you think are relevant to the scenario and remember to focus on issues that could affect your acceptance of a potential assurance assignment.

Now read the following extract from the scenario and highlight the salient points – remember to look out for any factors relevant to the ethical, professional, and other issues described above.

Extract: You are a senior manager in Dyke & Co, a small firm of Chartered Certified Accountants, which specialises in providing audits and financial statement reviews for small to medium-sized companies. You are responsible for evaluating potential assurance engagements, and for producing a brief report on each prospective piece of work to be used by the partners in your firm when deciding whether to accept or decline the engagement. Dyke & Co is keen to expand the assurance services offered, as a replacement for revenue lost from the many small‑company clients choosing not to have a statutory audit in recent years. It is currently May 2007.

Petsupply Co has been an audit client of Dyke & Co for the past three years. The company owns and operates a chain of retail outlets selling pet supplies. The finance director of Petsupply Co recently communicated with your firm to enquire about the provision of an assurance report on data provided in the Environmental Report published on the company’s website. The following is an extract from the e-mail sent to your firm from the finance director of Petsupply Co:

‘At the last board meeting, my fellow directors discussed the content of the Environmental Report. They are keen to ensure that the data contained in the report is credible, and they have asked whether your firm would be willing to provide some kind of opinion verifying the disclosures made. Petsupply Co is strongly committed to disclosing environmental data, and information gathered from our website indicates that our customers are very interested in environmental matters. It is therefore important to us that Petsupply Co reports positive information which should help to retain existing customers, and to attract new customers. I am keen to hear your views on this matter at your earliest convenience. We would like verification of the data as soon as possible.’

You have looked at Petsupply Co’s Environmental Report on the company website, and found a great deal of numerical data provided, some of which is shown below in Table 1.

Table 1: Petsupply Co's environmental report – numerical data

Stage 3 – take time to think about the requirement and the scenario

As discussed in the previous article, you must take time and not rush to answer. When evaluating this particular scenario try to think widely about the information provided. Your answer should cover a broad range of issues rather than concentrating on one or two. Your comments must be tailored to the scenario. It is pointless, for example, to write about a general acceptance issue which is not specifically related to Petsupply Co.

It is important to appreciate that few marks will be available for stating the issue. The higher-level skill marks in this question will be awarded for a discussion of why the issue is relevant to the decision about whether or not to provide the assurance service to Petsupply Co. The requirement is to evaluate the scenario and therefore it is crucial to demonstrate an appreciation that there may be two conflicting sides to the discussion.

Table 2 shows an example of a thought process which identifies the issues and explains why each issue is relevant to the requirement; the issues are shown in the order in which they appear in the question.

Table 2: Example of a thought process which identifies issues and shows relevance to the requirement

Table 2 is not an answer, it is a thought process. This is what you should be thinking about after reading through the scenario. The previous article stressed the importance of thinking through the scenario. It may help to jot these ideas down in an answer plan before making a start on your written answer, as this will help you to prioritise the points and give the report a logical flow.

Stage 4 – writing the report

The requirement states that two professional marks are available. As discussed in the previous article, these marks are not for the technical content of the answer, but for the way the relevant points are communicated. The report will be evaluated on the following:

• Use of a report format – a brief introduction, clear separate sections each discussing a different point, and a final conclusion.
• Style of writing – the report is addressed to the partner and so language should be appropriate. You do not need to explain things that would be obvious to a partner, and you must be tactful.
• Clarity of explanation – make sure that each point is explained simply and precisely, and avoid ambiguity.
• Evaluation skills – demonstrate that each point may have a positive and a negative side.

Remember, when answering any question requirement it is quality not quantity that counts. You should make each point succinctly and remain focused on the specific requirement. Questions can be time pressured, but it is important to remember that you should be able to read the requirement, think about it, and write an answer in the time available. This means that there is only a limited amount of time available for actually writing the answer, so keep it short and to the point. Irrelevant waffle earns no marks and will detract from the professional skills evaluation. What follows is an outline report format for this requirement:

Introduction

• Report is internal, addressed to a partner, covering proposed assurance service for existing audit client

Section 1 – ethical matters

• Provision of non-audit service
• Impact on total fee from client
• Competence to perform work – specialised engagement

Section 2 – risk-related matters

• High inherent risk – figures prone to manipulation
• Data highly subjective
• Need to rely on systems put in place by client

Section 3 – commercial matters

• Fee will have to be high enough to compensate for high risk
• Fee may need to compensate for specialists if used
• Strategic fit – assignment in line with commercial goals of Dyke & Co
• Build up experience in non-audit service
• Ascertain whether assignment will be recurring

Section 4 – other matters

• Managing client expectation regarding type of opinion sought
• Managing client expectation regarding timeframe
• Summary of key issues and decision on acceptance

Note: not all of the above points are necessary to secure a pass mark; the marking scheme is also flexible enough to cater for comments that may not appear in the ‘model answer’.

This article shows how to approach one requirement from a typical Section A question in Paper P7. It is important to practise technique by attempting as many questions as possible, starting with the Pilot Paper for Paper P7.

Written by a member of the Paper P7 examining team

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Digital Transformation Case Studies: 3 Successful Brand Examples

Learn how three companies—Walmart, Ford, and Anheuser-Busch InBev—successfully transformed their business through digital initiatives to improve the customer experience.

Originally published on March 30, 2022

3 digital transformation case studies

Overcoming common digital transformation challenges, tips for building a digital transformation strategy, always focus on your customers.

Digital transformation is a process in which a company invests in new digital products and services to position it for growth and competition. A successful digital transformation improves the customer experience and enhances the way a company operates behind the scenes.

During a digital transformation, your business deploys new products and technologies and develops new ways to connect with your customers. Once the investment in digital begins, your business can use feedback and data to identify growth opportunities.

The three case studies below—from Ford, Walmart, and Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev)—show how legendary companies went beyond simply creating an app and truly re-thought how digital transformation efforts supported sustainable growth for the business.

• A digital transformation is a major business transformation that employs technology to meet business goals and fundamentally change how companies operate.
• A digital transformation drives new products and services that improve the customer experience.
• A digital transformation gives you more informative behavioral data and more touchpoints with the customer.
• AB InBev, Walmart, and Ford invested in digital technology to accelerate internal processes and develop new digital products, which gave them valuable data on the customer experience and influenced future business investments.

Here are three examples of digital transformation. These leading companies carefully considered how new technology could generate data that made internal processes more efficient and produced insights about how to grow customer value.

Brewing company AB InBev underwent a digital transformation while compiling its network of independent breweries into a unified powerhouse . One of the team’s priorities was moving all their data to the cloud . By doing so, AB InBev enabled all employees to quickly and easily pull global insights and use them to make data-backed decisions.

For example, more accurate demand forecasting means AB InBev teams can match supply with demand, which is essential for such a large company with a complex supply chain. Access to big data from all the breweries means employees can experiment faster and roll out changes that improve business processes.

Gathering more data and opening up that data to internal teams was just the first step of the process, though. AB InBev capitalized on its digital investments by launching an e-commerce marketplace called BEES for its SMB customers—the “mom-and-pop shops”—to order products from. With the BEES platform, AB InBev found that their small and medium-sized businesses browsed the store on the mobile app and added items to their cart throughout the day. However, they only made the final purchases later in the evening.

Based on this behavioral data, the BEES team started sending push notifications after 6:00 p.m. recommending relevant products, which led to increased sales and greater customer satisfaction. Through these efforts, BEES gained over 1.8 million monthly active users and captured over $7.5B in Gross Merchandise Volume.

By closely monitoring metrics such as user engagement and purchasing patterns on the BEES platform, AB InBev has made a big impact with its marketing strategies and improved customer retention.

Jason Lambert, SVP of product at BEES, credits their success with the hard data that told them how their customers behaved and what they needed: “It turned out to be a thousand times better than any of our previous strategies or assumptions.” BEES used behavioral analytics to respond quickly, changing the buying experience to match the needs and habits of their retailers.

As a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, Walmart began a digital transformation by opening an online marketplace. However, digital transformation is an ongoing process—it doesn’t end at the first website. A digital transformation means companies refocus their operations around digital technology. This usually happens both internally and in a customer-facing way.

To drive more customer value through digital touchpoints, Walmart set up mobile apps and a website to enable customers to purchase goods online. After analyzing customer behavioral information from its app, Walmart added more services such as same-day pickup, mobile ordering, and “buy now, pay later.”

These changes were made to meet customer expectations and improve the customer experience. Walmart’s introduction of a seamless online shopping experience represents a pivotal step in digital innovation, setting new standards for retail convenience and efficiency.

In 2024, Walmart announced an AI-powered logistics product called Route Optimization. This product uses AI to find the most straightforward driving routes, pack trailers efficiently, and reduce miles traveled. In addition to using this product internally, Walmart plans to offer it to other businesses that need to employ more efficient supply chain and logistic processes.

Aside from improving customer experience and logistics, Walmart’s head of mobile marketing , Sherry Thomas-Zon, also notes the importance of data—and access to data—in digital transformations. “Our marketing and product teams are always looking at numbers,” Thomas-Zon said. “It keeps our teams agile despite our size and the increasing amount of data we collect and analyze.”

Ford has embraced several digital transformation initiatives, including using technology to transform and improve manufacturing at one of its biggest automotive factories.

Not having the correct parts available holds up workers and slows down the production process. Ford introduced a material flow wireless parts system so they could track the quantities of different parts and make sure there were enough available. Ford’s use of automation has significantly improved its inventory management process by reducing manual tasks and enhancing worker efficiency.

In 2016, Ford also introduced a digital product for its customers: the FordPass app . It enables Ford owners to control their vehicles remotely. For example, drivers can check their battery or fuel levels and lock or unlock their cars from their phones.

In 2024, Ford took its digital transformation even further when it launched the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience . Key features include personalized vehicle settings, real-time traffic updates, and seamless integration with smart home devices. The platform also provides advanced navigation, remote control of vehicle functions via the FordPass app, and in-depth vehicle health monitoring.

To capitalize on these digital touchpoints, Ford uses data from its app to improve user experiences . With the ability to capture and analyze data in real-time, Ford’s leadership can now make quicker, more informed decisions that directly enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Ford’s success is grounded in the same process as Walmart and AB InBev. They used their digital transformation to gather detailed information about how customers interact with their products. Then, they made data-driven decisions to provide more value.

It’s not called a transformation for no reason. You’re changing the way your business operates, which is no easy feat. Planning and effective change management strategies are key to overcoming digital transformation challenges.

Create a digital transformation strategy roadmap that outlines your integration strategy and details how this will affect your teams, processes, and workflows. Once you’ve created your plan, share it with the entire company so everyone can use it as a single reference point. Use a project management tool that enables team members to get a big-picture overview and see granular details like the tasks they’re responsible for.

It takes time for teams to onboard and move away from what was successful under the previous system, for example, shifting from heavyweight to lightweight project planning. Make sure you factor some breathing space into your roadmap—giving everyone a chance to get used to the new way of operating.

As part of a digital transformation, you’ll want your team to develop new skills as well. Upskill your team by incorporating digital skills into your employee development plans . Provide people with opportunities to learn and then track their progress. Promote platforms like LinkedIn Learning to help your teams understand the nuances of digital transformation and boost their skills.

If you believe there’s an end-state to digital transformation, more challenges will arise. New technology and consumer behaviors are always emerging, meaning digital transformation is ongoing. It’s not something you’ll complete in a week. Rather, it’s a continuous state of experimentation and improvement.

At Amplitude, we refer to this process as digital optimization . If digital transformation brings new products, services, and business models to the fold, then digital optimization is about improving these outputs. Both digital transformation and digital optimization are important—digital transformation signals the start of new investments, and digital optimization compounds them.

Examine how each part of the transformation will affect your customers and your employees. Then, you can be intentional and introduce initiatives that positively impact your business.

Diagnose what you want from a digital transformation first

There are different ways of approaching a digital transformation. Some companies prefer to implement an all-inclusive digital strategy, transforming all parts of their organization at the same time. Others opt for a less risky incremental strategy. Every company is different. To choose the best approach, examine your whole organization and analyze where digital systems could help.

Consider your business goals. Investigate how a digital transformation could impact the customer experience. What new products could you provide? How could you improve your services? For example, you might use artificial intelligence to create a chatbot that reduces customer service wait times—or purchase software that does the same.

You’ll also want to review your business processes. How could a digital transformation speed up your current workflows, improve your operations, or enable more collaboration between teams? Asking these questions lets you challenge the way you operate and will help you identify problems in your organization that you might not have noticed before. For example, perhaps your deliveries are often delayed, and you could make delivery smoother by digitizing elements of your supply chain .

Get cross-team involvement

Though different teams may work separately, your customers are affected by each department. Collaboration elevates everyone’s work because it means people can make informed decisions.

Make sure you get input from all of the right stakeholders when you create your digital transformation strategy. Ask:

• What processes hold you up?
• Where are the bottlenecks?
• What data would be useful for you?

Enable everyone to access the data they need without input from anyone else. Help your employees improve their data literacy . Start by training all your employees to use your organization’s data tools and software. To help everyone in your organization access and analyze data, adopt easy-to-use self-service tools (e.g., an analytics tool and a CRM). Then, lead by example. Provide inspiration by using data storytelling in your presentations to explain the decisions you make.

Encourage collaboration between teams by creating shared resources so they have spaces to present insights and submit suggestions. This could be as simple as creating a Google Doc for brainstorming that multiple teams can access or sharing charts directly within your analytics solution, like with Amplitude Notebooks . Then, you can start to experiment and make improvements to the digital customer experience like Walmart, Ford, and AB InBev did.

Once your digital transformation is moving, a digital optimization strategy is an opportunity to generate growth. Your digital transformation initiatives will continue in parallel, and the process will become a feedback loop:

• Deploy new digital systems and products.
• Analyze the data that comes forth from these investments. Use it to draw insights about your customers or processes.
• Make decisions based on the data and make changes.

Keep customer needs at the heart of your work. Let them guide you as you undergo digital transformation. As you gather more data about how your customers interact with your new digital products, use it to make the experience even better for them. This will lead to more trust and loyalty and, ultimately, more recurring revenue.

To continue your learning about digital transformation and optimization, join an Amplitude workshop or webinar or read our Guide to Digital Optimization .

• MIT Sloan. How to build data literacy in your company
• Ernst & Young. How global supply chain strategy is changing and what comes next
• Datanami. From Big Beer to Big Data: Inside AB InBev’s Digital Transformation
• Predictable Profits. How Ford Embraced Digital Transformation
• APMG International. Heavyweight vs Lightweight Management

About the Author

More best practices.

What is a Data Warehouse?

The guide to data accessibility, what is a product roadmap a definitive guide, new amplitude + snowflake integration delivers the modern data stack, digital optimization vs. digital transformation explained, 6 essential digital optimization skills you need, what is martech full guide and how to build your stack, recurring revenue 101: mrr vs. arr.

Aaron Allen » Insights » 5 Case Studies to Help You Grow in the Restaurant Industry

5 Case Studies to Help You Grow in the Restaurant Industry

With over 2,000 engagements across 100+ countries, Aaron Allen & Associates has helped some of the world’s most recognized restaurant chains, investors, suppliers, and tech companies achieve remarkable growth. We’re sharing five restaurant case studies that showcase how we’ve driven enterprise value and transformed challenges into opportunities.

These examples offer insights into how strategic actions can lead to significant, measurable results….

Our client list, as may be expected, includes many esteemed brands throughout the world. Moreover, our experience means that we have a deep knowledge of the players, market dynamics, trends, and both the micro and macro factors shaping the industry around the globe.  We are restricted by confidentiality agreements and the boundaries of our own ethical sensibilities from disclosing our clients past and present, and therefore do not provide full client lists out of an abundance of caution for discretion.  Below is a brief sampling of some of the initiatives and results we have helped our clients implement and achieve.

Restaurant Case Study #1: Casual Dining Chain Leveraging the Menu as a Catalyst for a Turnaround

Focused on reinvigorating a  casual dining  national brand through  strategic marketing , operational improvements, and executive leadership guidance during critical transition periods.

BACKGROUND AND CHALLENGE

COMPANY STATS:

• Enterprise Value: ~$2b
• Sales: >$1b
• # Units: 100-150 range

Problems identified by AA&A:

• Slow service speeds and long customer wait times
• Highest volume profit centers bleeding the most traffic
• Understaffed in peak periods
• High employee turnover
• Inefficient equipment plans and layouts
• Menu misaligned

ACTION AND APPROACH

Granted special access to extensive data, AA&A utilized advanced data science techniques to identify and address operational bottlenecks and market opportunities.

• Process flows
• Menu ideation
• Signature items
• Capacity assessment
• Productivity benchmarking
• Guest experience assessment
• Price and performance correlation
• Menu merchandizing recommendations

RESULTS AND IMPACT

• Recommendations for  changes in kitchen equipment  leading to faster service and improving returned guests statistics
• Recommendations on ”can’t do at home” items, extensions on customization ability, signature items
• A streamlined menu helped improve margins, with Adjusted EBITDA going from 23% pre-engagement to over 27%

Take Action Today

Restaurant case study #2: multi-brand portfolio strategic mid- and long-term business plan advisory .

The client was a multi-brand, multi-product platform in  Latin America .

COMPANY STATS

• The group had 10-15 brands in LATAM and was backed by one of the most important family offices in the region
• Annual revenue in the $40m-$50m range, ~10% EBITDA

Scope of work:

• 5-year plans and priorities
• Roadmap and critical path
• Budget and CAPEX parameters
• Shared services and infrastructure
• Broad-brush organizational design
• Post-pandemic growth milestones
• Identifying target growth markets
• Brand strengths  and opportunities
• Franchising vs. corporate expansion
• Business model recommendations
• Timelines for expansion

Some of the strategic advice given by AA&A that the company followed:

• M&A: Divest — AA&A recommended divesting brands to focus on the high achievers. The company exited one of the brands identified as a low-margin brand
• 5-year plans are starting to be applied, with remodels happening selectively as well as SG&A, food cost, and labor cost optimization
• Labor cost optimization opportunity in one of the countries
• Opportunity to Optimize corporate SG&A with the divestiture of low-performing brand and units

Restaurant Case Study #3: Commercial Due Diligence and Investment Thesis Validation for Foodservice Tech Company

We supported a middle-market investment group in North America with more than $200m in assets under management investing across more than 20 industries. The company was doing  diligence  for an investment in a restaurant technology company in the U.S.

TARGET COMPANY STATS

• Leading company in its category (top two by sales)
• Had raised a cumulative of close to $100m in funding at the time of the project

Support with custom research to evaluate the market, positioning, and risk of a target company in the foodservice technology space. Insights into the foodservice industry landscape included:

• State of the Industry
• Total Addressable Market
• Competitive Landscape (past, present and future)
• Timelines for Growth, Partnerships
• Consumer Decision Process, Penetration and Retention
• Adoption Rates
• Risk and Relevance for the Technology
• Disruption and Mitigation Strategies
• Forward-Looking Support with Investment Thesis

ADVISE AND IMPACT

• The diligence work from AA&A advised in favor of the investment, with a few yellow flags for competitive threats
• Three years later, the target company had its IPO and raised more than $100m in cash, giving an opportunity to exit the investment and make a return in a short time

Start a Transformation

Restaurant case study #4: qsr operations audit and sales turnaround for  multi-brand f&b group.

Illustrated comprehensive value creation through operational and financial analysis, leading to an IPO and substantial revenue growth. The focus was to streamline operations, ignite growth, and pave the way for a substantial IPO.

• ~20 brands across 15-25 countries and 2,000+ outlets
• Large operator in Food Away From Home and QSR across MENA
• Master franchisee and proprietary brands
• On-site field work, visiting every major market for each brand (1k+ photo observations)
• P&L gap analysis
• Systems gap analysis, accuracy, SOPs assessment
• Location performance cross-section assessment
• Labor analysis
• Purchasing analysis, supplier analysis
• Menu analysis, comps
• Tech stack gap analysis
• Employee survey, morale assessment

This project demonstrates AA&A’s capability to facilitate large-scale strategic overhauls and highlights our expertise in steering companies towards successful public offerings

• Sales Turnaround : Strategic initiatives, particularly in technology and operational efficiencies, led to a +12% boost in same-store sales for the leading brand
• Investment into New Categories : strategic advice to acquire brand rights for high-growth-forecast categories led to the expansion in coffee
• Service Standards : suggestions to improve service, speed, order accuracy, and cleanliness led the company to obtain accolades from the franchisor and improvements in operations compliance scores of 60%
• Productivity improvements : the year after the engagement employee productivity increased by close to 10%

Restaurant Case Study #5: Comprehensive Understanding of the Foodservice Equipment Landscape

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) had questions relative to commercial foodservice equipment purchases, technology/innovation, and restaurant decision-making. The company was looking to get a  comprehensive understanding  of the foodservice equipment (FSE) landscape to decide whether or not to get into the foodservice space at scale.

• $20-$30 billion range in annual revenue
• More than $1 billion adjusted free-cash-flow
• 60k-80k employees range

Insights into the foodservice industry landscape, including:

• Competitive landscape
• Deep dives into competitors’ product portfolio
• Equipment acquisition cycles for restaurant chains
• Restaurant chain typical equipment allocations
• Equipment efficiencies in labor, maintenance, food cost, etc.
• Complexity and variations by type of restaurant segment
• Cost of switching/stickiness
• Restaurant decision-making process (mind of the buyer)
• Decision-making for franchisors vs. franchisees
• Operating model OEM-dealer/distributor

Drawing on our firm’s industry experience, expertise, network, know-how, and know-who, we applied a holistic approach and combined anecdotal, qualitative, and quantitative insights to provide answers and tools:

• Audited the competitive landscape and areas of opportunity
• Surfaced white space and identified gaps existing in the offerings of domestic commercial foodservice equipment providers
• Introduced opportunities for disruption via innovation related to labor automation and alternative formats
• Recommended a dual focus on North America as the biggest segment but also a different market as the fastest-growing
• Inorganic approach to fast growth

About Aaron Allen & Associates

Aaron Allen & Associates  is a global restaurant consultancy specializing in brand strategy, turnarounds, and value enhancement. We have worked with a wide range of clients including multibillion-dollar chains, hotels, manufacturers, associations and prestigious private equity firms.

We help clients imagine, articulate, and realize a compelling vision of the future, align and cascade resources, and engage and enroll shareholders and stakeholders alike to develop multi-year roadmaps that bridge the gap between current-state conditions and future-state ambitions. Learn More.

Global Restaurant Industry Experts

We are focused exclusively on the global foodservice and hospitality industry. You can think of us as a research company, think tank, innovation lab, management consultancy, or strategy firm. Our clients count on us to deliver on our promises of meaningful value, actionable insights, and tangible results. 

Founded and led by third-generation restaurateur, Aaron Allen, our team is comprised of experts with backgrounds in operations, marketing, finance, and business functions essential in a multi-unit operating environment.

How We Help

We bring practical, relevant experience ranging from the dish room to the boardroom and apply a holistic, integrated approach to strategic issues related to growth and expansion, performance optimization, and enterprise value enhancement.

Who We Serve

Working primarily with multi-brand, multinational organizations, our firm has helped clients on 6 continents, in 100 countries, collectively posting more than $200b in revenue, across 2,000+ engagements. 

We help executive teams bridge the gap between what’s happening inside and outside the business so they can find, size, and seize the greatest opportunities for their organizations.

• Strategic Advisory
• Growth & Expansion
• M&A Advisory
• Risk & Relevance
• Private Equity
• Future of Foodservice
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• Due Diligence
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Quick Links

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Category Case Studies in IT Audit

Real-world examples and case studies highlighting various scenarios and challenges in IT audit.

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Determinants of internal audit effectiveness in the public sector, case study in selected Ethiopian public sector offices

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Call for case studies and best practices on addressing tuberculosis in prisons

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme is launching a call for case studies and best practices on addressing tuberculosis (TB) in prisons. This includes provision of services for communicable diseases, with a focus on TB prevention and care provided within prisons, as well as on addressing TB in the context of mobility of people between police holding cells, prisons and the community.

An estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the world’s top infectious killers, accounting for over one million deaths annually. Prisons and other places of detention can be high risk environments for TB transmission due to overcrowding, inadequate infection prevention and control measures, and other determinants such as undernutrition, substance use disorders and inadequate access to health services. The burden of TB disease in prison populations is about 10 times higher than in the general population. In 2019, an estimated 125,105 people in prisons fell ill with TB worldwide, representing about 1% of the global incidence, and only about half of these detected, leaving a large gap of incarcerated people with undiagnosed or unreported TB.

The provision of high-quality health care in prisons, including TB prevention and care, is essential. People in prisons should access health care in the same conditions and of a similar quality as any other person living in the community, throughout their life course. Protecting the human right to health and ensuring universal health coverage are particularly critical in prison settings, where the provision of health services is not always prioritised.

WHO recommendations on TB (prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, testing for HIV and comorbidities, treatment support, and infection prevention and control) are applicable to all settings, including prisons. In addition, WHO has specific recommendations on systematic screening for TB disease in prisons and penitentiary institutions, for both prisoners and prison staff as well as systematic testing and treatment for TB infection, which may be considered for people in prisons as well as other at-risk groups including health workers, immigrants from countries with a high TB burden, homeless people and people who use drugs.

WHO has previously issued guidance on the management of TB in prisons, however there have been significant advances in TB prevention and care since this guidance was issued. The WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme is in the process of updating its guidance on TB in prisons. The purpose of the guidance will be to provide operational guidance on the prevention, management and care of TB in prisons, including when people are transferred between police holding cells, prisons and communities. The new WHO guidance on TB in prisons will also feature several case studies illustrating experiences and best practices in addressing TB in prisons.

These case studies may include examples of interventions that are provided within prisons and police holding cells, such as:

·         TB screening and active TB case finding for people in prisons as well as prison staff;

·         Short course TB preventive treatment and effective management and treatment of TB;

·         Screening, diagnosis and care for co-morbidities or other health related risk factors, such as mental health conditions, substance use disorders, HIV, among other conditions;

·         Contact investigation, outbreak management and TB infection prevention and control;

·         Policies and practices that aim to address the social determinants of TB among people in prisons (such as employment, housing and linkages with social protection services);

·         Collaboration between ministries of health and the ministries responsible for prisons and penitentiary institutions;

·         Policies and practices on promotion of human rights and the human right to health;

·         Building the capacity of prison health staff and inmates to effectively prevent and manage TB;

·         Recording and reporting systems on TB in prison settings, and their linkages to the national TB surveillance system, and

·         Policies or practices that ensure continuity of care when people with TB are transferred between prisons or from prisons to the community.

Through this call, WHO invites country officials, UN agencies, technical partners, and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders within and beyond the health sector involved in the provision of health services within prison settings to submit examples of relevant case studies and best practices to this email address:  [email protected] .

These case studies and best practices should be no longer than 500 words, should feature current examples implemented in the last ten years and should be structured as follows:

·         Background

·         Policy or practice implemented

·         Results achieved as a result of this policy or practice

·         Challenges identified during implementation (and solutions)

·         Way forward/ next steps (as a conclusion)

The deadline for submission of case studies and best practices is  Friday 30 September, 2024 .

All contributors to the selected case studies will be appropriately acknowledged in the WHO guidance on TB in prisons. We thank you in advance for your collaboration, and please do not hesitate to contact us in case of any questions.