Business is changing.
Forward-thinking companies all over the world are using the latest technology to develop the way they approach everyday problems in innovative ways, from internal communication to customer service strategies, these technological advancements present opportunities to handle even the most mundane tasks faster and more efficiently.
Business Energy comparison specialist Love Energy Savings, spoke to some of the industry’s leading experts to get their thoughts on what’s next for businesses, and how they’ve embraced the tech takeover to change their operations for the better.
How technology is improving team communication
VIA: Remote working
Open communication between team members is generally thought of as the key to efficiency in the workplace. Christopher Fitton is the founder of via.co.uk, a company that has developed a hosted ‘Skype for business’ solution that brings together all platforms (including video calls, emails and instant messages) in one place in an effort to facilitate this sort of open communication especially for progressive teams embracing flexible working:
‘Technology of this kind facilitates more flexible working. Employees are free to work remotely thanks to the central comms platform that means you’re no longer stuck looking for someone’s phone number when they’re out of the office – their number goes with them so they can easily be accessed wherever they are. This will only become more important in the future, as more businesses invest in flexibility for their staff.’
Trello: Project management
Project management platforms such as Trello improve office efficiency through communication, giving teams the opportunity to collaborate online seamlessly, setting deadlines for tasks and updating each other on task progress. Making it easy to see the status of a project at a glance, software like this is quickly becoming an essential communication tool for many modern businesses.
Brightpearl: Inventory management
Using inventory management software is another way to streamline internal processes, allowing businesses to integrate everything into one hub and keep track of sales across various platforms in real time.
Chris Boaz, Head of Marketing at PCA Predict, is a big fan of Brightpearl’s inventory management software, which “consolidates online sales, POS, purchasing, CRM, inventory and financials in a single system combined with automated accounting software to monitor and record purchase orders, profits, revenues and spend”.
How technology is enhancing customer experience
When it comes to delivering excellent customer service, those who embrace the latest technology are the ones leading the way.
Uber: The app that puts you in control
One of the most significant examples from recent times is Uber. By basing their entire business model around a user-friendly mobile app, the company has single-handedly revolutionised the taxi industry. Removing the need to ring a distribution office and giving accurate updates on when a driver is due to arrive means hailing a cab has never been more convenient.
Love Energy Savings: Transparent customer service
The Love Energy Savings ‘Track My Switch’ system does the same for businesses that want to change energy suppliers. A new energy contract can take up to six months to go live, and such a long time without communication can often leave customers confused and uncertain. In 2016, ‘Track My Switch’ was developed to solve these issues.
Making the transferral process as simple as possible, the technology allows business owners to keep a close eye on the progress of their switch in real time thanks to a personalised microsite. An award-winning tracking tool, Track My Switch is an industry first, updating customers at various key points during the switching phase. For those who require verbal confirmation, each prompt also triggers a call from the Love Energy Savings customer care team.
Charlotte Boss, head of marketing at Love Energy Savings says, ‘Through monitoring inbound customer contact and analysing the FAQs, we discovered that more updates are required between sale and live. Our tech gurus developed Track My Switch from the ground up with the needs of the customer in mind.
‘Clarity and transparency are paramount throughout the customer journey, and technology has helped us take our customer experience to the next level. Love Energy Savings customers can now see the progress of their energy switch from start to finish, keeping them up to date at all times and giving them complete peace of mind.’
Chargifi: Wireless charging to attract customers to venues
Another company embracing technological advancement is Chargifi, which provides the technology for businesses from cafes to hotels to offer wireless charging.
Dan Bladen, CEO of Chargifi, sees a huge potential for businesses to connect with customers via their smartphones:
‘Smartphones are intrinsic to our everyday lives, from connecting with family and friends through to booking airline tickets or hotel stays. As such, staying powered up and connected is essential for consumers. For brands, this provides an opportunity to offer a solution in the form of convenient wireless charging. This technology is a new value-added proposition that also provides a seamless experience – with no cables!
‘With the next iPhone rumoured to contain wireless charging capabilities, the adoption of this technology will only increase, and brands need to innovate their spaces to unlock the power of this modern-day must-have amenity to improve customer experiences.’
Further reading on technology in business
