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Mellott & Mellott Improves Client Service with ProSystem fx Document

(RIVERWOODS, ILL., August 10, 2006) – ProSystem fx Document, a complete document management solution built specifically for today’s CPA firm, provided the key technology for Cincinnati-based accounting firm Mellott & Mellott, P.L.L. to radically reduce its reliance on paper documents and provide better client service. Document is part of the ProSystem fx Office suite from CCH, a leading provider of tax and accounting information, software and services (CCHGroup.com).

Like many accounting firms, Mellott & Mellot’s document management systems evolved over time to encompass a mixture of paper and electronic files, each with its own shortcomings. Paper documents might be misfiled, difficult to locate or sitting on someone’s desk. Then, there were three different client databases, and a client might be Tom in one and Thomas in another.

Two years ago, Managing Partner Donald L. Mellott Jr. charged the firm’s technology department with the responsibility of “taking the firm to the progressive edge of available technology in order to better serve clients and improve efficiencies.”

Less Paper Leads to Better Service

“Our original goal was not to be paperless, but to create, require and keep less paper. The results have been dramatic,” Mellott said.

A savings of 10,000 pounds – five tons – of paper per year is one dramatic benefit of the system built around ProSystem fx Document and other components of the ProSystem fx Office. But less paper tells only part of the story.

For example, in 1998 an audit team returned from a client site with a rented van and an SUV full of audit work papers and copies of documents. Since then, the client has grown by 50 percent and yet this year the audit team returned with all the needed data on a laptop computer and it was backed up on a memory stick.

Mellott noted that it was not just the lack of paper that was important.

“We saved the client significant time and resources and enabled each member of the audit team to access the data they needed in seconds. We improved client service and our own internal processes and operating efficiencies,” said Mellott.

“Mellott & Mellott is an excellent example of how a firm achieves first-class client service and efficient workflows by adopting best-of-breed technology,” Stuart Gill, CCH product manager, observed.

System Enables Remote Access

As a result of the firm’s adoption of ProSystem fx Document, Mellott & Mellott employees can now securely access the entire system remotely. This supports the firm’s flextime policy and enables staff to work from home without having to transport reams of paper back and forth between home and office. And, remote access delivers benefits beyond just convenience.

“Two staff members who suffered serious health problems were able to remain productive while they were recuperating at home,” Mellott noted. “Because of their remote access to the firm’s technology, they remained connected to their duties, their colleagues and their clients. They appreciated the ability to contribute and to keep feeling they were an important part of the team.”

Success Takes Commitment

Mellott attributes much of their success in implementing their new system to their people – both their new employees who are typically computer savvy and adept at searching for data, and their senior management.

“It was recognized that partners would be the most difficult to convert,” Mellott said. “Their commitment and dedication to the program has been critical.”

Also critical was the role of CCH as a partner.

“CCH answered all our questions and provided all the support we needed,” said Mellott

“We’re committed to strategically partnering with Mellott & Mellott and understanding their challenges and requirements to make their goals a reality,” said Gill.

One Mellott & Mellott goal has not only been met, but exceeded. When they defined their initial goals, they set their desired investment breakeven at 36 months. They now calculate their actual investment breakeven at 18 months.

About Mellott & Mellott

Founded in 1956, Cincinnati-based Mellott & Mellott P.L.L. provides expert and comprehensive accounting, auditing, and tax services to privately held companies, not-for-profit organizations, and high net worth individuals. The firm’s five partners are supported by more than 30 professionals and staff.

About CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business (CCHGroup.com) is a leading provider of tax, audit and accounting information, software and services. It has served tax, accounting and business professionals and their clients since 1913. Among its market-leading products are the ProSystem fx Office, CCH® Tax Research Network™, Accounting Research Manager® and the U.S. Master Tax Guide®. CCH is based in Riverwoods, Ill.

Wolters Kluwer is a leading multinational publisher and information services company. The Company’s core markets are health, corporate services, financial services, tax, accounting, legal, regulation, and education. Wolters Kluwer has annual revenues (2005) of €3.4 billion, employs approximately 18,400 people worldwide and maintains operations across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Its depositary receipts of shares are quoted on the Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. For more information, see www.wolterskluwer.com.

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