guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31
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Real-Time Response Plus Automation
In this information age, rapidly providing information to business customers
can be as important as providing products and services. More and more
companies, banks are a great example, are providing information online.
The web, a vast source of readily available information, has been leveraged
to improve business results . It allows, through specially designed portal,
more efficient and effective interaction with customers, suppliers and
employees. The web allows for more real time communication with the
ability to response rapidly.
To dramatically improve response to customers and achieve effective
automation integrate website with internal systems and data bases. This
enables your company to
Quickly provide information online
The information is likely to be more accurate due to fewer human errors
It automates selected customer service and other processes to reduce
costs;
Creates a centralized software application that can be securely
accessed over the web
Custom developed on-line data access becomes even more powerful. It provides technology solutions, custom built to your
needs to accelerate cost containment, enhance efficiency and improve productivity.
Being on-line can allow employees to be connected to internal corporate systems, enabling processes to work more efficiently.
And especially for global customers, the web offers the convenience of anytime, anywhere access for customers, suppliers
and staff.
Rapidly Changing Technology Landscape
Think back to how business was done a few decades ago. There was no email, Internet, mobile marketing, telecommuting or
smartphones. Now communications are instantaneous, huge amounts of information move through email and the Internet and
powerful tools are in the hands of owners and employees. Innovations in technology have improved operations at companies
of all sizes and helped turn small local businesses into global businesses. It has impacted many facets of business.
Effectively Leveraging the Web Improving Business Results
business driven software solutions
Cell phones have become business necessities for staying in touch, especially with customers.
Smartphones raise the bar . Email, text messaging and social networking have made it easier for
businesses to stay connected with their customer s, suppliers and employees.
Selling and marketing in the Internet Age has changed - from a simple informational website, to
advertising on search engines, to online product sales. Email marketing ,mobile marketing through text
messaging, advertising on mobile applications and offering branded applications that tie customers into
businesses is fast growing.
More and more businesses need to wring every ounce of productivity from operations and technology
tools help employees work more efficiently. Technology is increasing used to save time such as
providing on-line customer service, use of dashboards to highlight specific data, faster computing
power., etc.
Technology brings businesses closer to customers. It give customers a choice of ways to contact the
company. Businesses use email , offer online consults, and equip call centers with the latest equipment
making customer service agents more efficient..
Communication
Sales & Marketing
Productivity
Customer Service
We must also remember that today users are likely to have several devices including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and
tablets. They expect their software to work on any device, instantly, with a consistent user experience.
Integration with internal systems
enhances effectiveness.
Linking Internal Data for Improved Customer Service
Here are some examples from some major companies where opening up internal systems to customers lowered costs AND increased service
A major sign and wholesale awnings manufacturer took the brave leap to open up its pricing to customers. The company sells wholesale awnings to local sign installers. Their 9-person salesforce was spending 70% of their time completing quotes. By allowing customers inside a pricing portal, customers could receive their quote faster and the salesforce could redeploy their hours to prospecting instead of quoting. Industries from diamonds, book printing and more can utilize online interactive price calculators.
UPS estimated that a customer service call to check the status of a package costs over $2 whereas a web inquiry costs around $0.20. Granted, not everyone wants to self-check their package status, but not everyone wants to call in either. Providing multiple channels for customer service can save money and increase customer satisfaction
A major intermodal carrier allows contract drivers to see real-time docking slots, check load status, and automatically enter mileage via iPads.
Wal-Mart is experimenting with geocoding every item in their stores. By sharing the planogram, customers can easy find items as well as map a “route” through the store to find their shopping list.
4. Web-based Data Collection Process
Allows companies to collect customer, supplier/contractors, employee data and automates several steps to reduce costs;
data includes such things as experience, safety records, etc. and other information
5. Tracking & Scheduling System
Allow customers to look up schedule information, self determine when to ship. Provides quick response to customers
plus reduces customer service inquiries
6. Inventory Management Systems
Enables customers to manage their own inventory with special tools and to easily communicate their changing needs
7. Shipment Tracking System
Tracks shipment inception to final delivery; providing information about ‘jeopardy’ situations, causing delivery delays
8. Delivery Time Management Application
Provides users with better estimates on processing and shipment of their orders.
9. On-line Claims Filing Process
Makes it easy for customers to file claims; at the same time automates steps.
10. Publishing Module
Automates subscriptions, client data, and data services.
Adding Functionality and Features to Drive Value Creation
Easy, reliable access to information is valuable. With today’s technology
many features and functionalities can provided for your business depending
on your specific needs.
The 10 more common examples are
1. Mobile Driver / Fleet Communication Applications.
This facilitate a number features that can be new to a business such
as location tracking, pick up / delivery notifications, automatic “alerts”
assignment , notification, document / signature capture. etc.
2. Quick Quote System
Allows customers to request pricing, tender requests, place orders and
track deliveries
3. Document & Signature Transfer
Can be of significant value especially when automatically linked to
invoicing where it speeds up the process and reduce accounts
receivables.
Building Effective Solutions
There are several key factors in leveraging the web
• The importance of providing easy human interfaces cannot be
overstressed
• Customers must find the portals easy and fast to use; must be a
positive experience.
• Customer service issues can be automated to better satisfy
customers – Amazon has raised the bar for everyone – raising
customer expectations.
• These solutions can result in smoother running of internal process
and result in better communication / fewer errors/
• Solutions should minimize duplication of effort like rekeying
information provided on the website to contains costs
• Applications are designed to be flexible so that changes can be
made as business needs evolve.
• Get the benefit of the latest technological advances for greater
productivity
Why Custom Development?
“The software you use for your business should be designed around how your business operates, not the
other way around.”
• A custom application may be the only viable solution to your business process. “Standard” solutions
may not work.
• Can work with legacy systems to extend system life.
• Can improve security when deployed in house or on the cloud
• Easier to train employees; closer to your business processes and your customers’ requirements –
especially if your customers are very demanding – like Walmart and The Home Depot. .
• Can be created and put into use in a relatively short period of time.
Key Languages
Web
Technologies
• Ajax
• JavaScript
• CSS
• jQuery
• Tools to facilitate powerful, web
based interface features and
functionality
• Allows developers to model more
effective user experiences when
using their applications
• Creates efficiency during the
development process to streamline
interface creation efforts
Java
• JSF/Primefaces
• J2EE
• Spring / JSP
• Struts
• Hibernate /
Websphere
• Core Application Development
elements for the Java environment
• Includes frameworks and
components for User Interface
design, relational object and
database mapping, and Enterprise
level application management
Mobile
Technologies
• Objective-C
(iOS)
• Swift (iOS)
• Java (Android)
• Apple Watch
• jQuery Mobile
• Application development
languages for both Android and
Apple iOS platforms
• Includes HTML5 based user
interface systems designed for
smart device accessibility
Microsoft .NET
• VB.NET
• ASP.NET
• C#
• Web Services
• Microsoft approach to Enterprise
level development
• Object and logic languages, web
and windows based user interface
design, application and data
exchange communication
components