guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31

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Page 1: Guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31

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.

Page 2: Guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31

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.

Page 3: Guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31

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.

Page 4: Guilford grou p leveraging the web 7 31

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