Technology continues to evolve at a very rapid pace, and many technological changes are designed to help businesses improve their overall customer service level or enhance the customer experience in exceptional ways. If you want to stay at the forefront of technological advances in your industry or market, you must understand how the latest technology is being used to enhance the level of customer service being provided. More than that, you must incorporate modern technology into your operations regularly to benefit from it. By learning more about technological innovations in business environments, you may determine how you can apply different technology applications to improve your customers’ experience.
Saving Money Through the Use of Technology
Some technological advances are helping businesses to save money. While some businesses will use cost-savings in different areas to focus more heavily on product development, marketing and more, other businesses are passing that savings onto their customers in the form of lower product or service costs. One way technology is being used to help businesses save money is through VOIP phone technology. Rather than use a traditional landline for your phones, you could use VOIP technology that transmits conversations over the Internet in a secure, private way. VOIP is much more affordable than paying for multiple business landlines, and the money you save on your business phone bill as a result could be used to improve the customer experience.
Using Cloud-Based Data Solutions
Cloud-based data solutions are most often viewed as benefiting the business itself rather than the customers. For example, cloud-based solutions store files and documents in the cloud so that they can easily be shared or accessed in various locations where you have an Internet connection. However, cloud-based data solutions also provide benefits to your customers. This is generally a safer way to store data than on a server in your own facility that could be destroyed, stolen or hacked. While customers may not realize that you are taking extra steps to safeguard their documents and information by using the cloud, you may be able to reduce or entirely avoid a data theft or loss situation that could cause your customers stress or more significant issues.
Providing Customer Service Through Online Chats
Businesses that range from banks and phone service providers to medical facilities, vet offices and more now offer online chats and messaging through their website. Your customers may enjoy the convenience of quickly chatting with someone to get a quick answer to a question or to schedule service. This may be preferable in many cases to waiting on hold for long minutes for a customer service agent to answer the call. This serves the customers as much as it provides worthwhile call center solutions. Generally, this is a cost-effective way to reduce the burden on your call center staff members and to better serve your customers.
Using Mobile Payment Processing Units
Another way technology is being used by some businesses to better serve clients involves mobile payment processing units. Some of these units turn a cell phone or tablet into a credit card terminal. Others are portable credit card terminals. They may be used at retail stores and restaurants to more quickly accept payments from customers. Even plumbers, HVAC technicians and others who offer on-site services are now using this technology.
Many business owners and managers may discover that new or modern technology can be used in various helpful and even strategic ways. Remember that customers who feel taken care of and valued may be more likely to do business with you again and to recommend you to their friends, co-workers and others. If you are not currently using these technologies or other related technologies in your workplace, consider the implementation of different options in the near future.