There’s an old adage that goes, “a business with no sign is a sign of no business.” That’s not quite the case with the Burnaby-based document digitization, image scanning, and data capture firm Micro Com Systems. While visitors to the office may have noticed the distinct lack of signage, there’s actually a very compelling reason that Micro Com Systems embraces its anonymity.
Back in the early 2000s, Micro Com was shortlisted to provide services to a firm that was contemplating adding to its internal scanning capabilities. This company had a very high public profile and needed any potential outsource partner adopt many of its methods and standards to protect its security and confidential information.
Before committing, the organization had their security personnel conduct a thorough and methodical examination of the Micro Com offices, networks, and staff. They made a few minor recommendations, which were quickly implemented. Then they dropped a bombshell—they insisted that all signage be removed from the buildings and vehicles. MCS would be named as a partner, and therefore could become a potential target of this organization’s enemies.
It was a difficult choice. In exchange for a significant volume of new work, all exterior branding and signage would need to be sacrificed. The partners in the company worked very hard to establish and nurture MCS, and they were very proud of their achievements. Ultimately, the opportunity for significant growth won out, the signs were removed and many, many millions of documents were scanned.
Fast forward to 2018, the contract is finished, but there are a surprising number of corporate clients who work with sensitive information and appreciate the added security that Micro Com’s anonymity provides.
It’s a strange twist, but in this case Micro Com’s anonymity has become a big part of the company’s corporate identity. After all, embracing ideas clients like just seems like the smart thing to do.