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Start Up Requiring Robust Infrastructure – From Planning to Implementation
The 7 Irresistible Qualities of Cloud ERP
Learn why ERP tools are an critical component for many businesses.
Why a Business Continuity Plan is Essential
Learn why your company needs a business continuity plan.
Ransomware 101
If you’re looking for ways to stop ransomware dead in its tracks, the experts at CCS Technology are here to help.
How managed services make the difference
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Cloud Services and the SMB Revolution
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Office 365 Migration Made Easy
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The Advantages of Working with I.T. Pros
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Real-world examples of business intelligence
/in Blog, Productivity /by wpengineSoftware and technology play an ever-increasing role in the business world. One of the most important technologies in today’s business environment is business intelligence software.
Here’s what you need to know about the basics of business intelligence and how some well-known companies have put it to work in their day-to-day operations.
What is business intelligence?
Today, businesses of all sizes have access to mountains of data that were never readily available in the past. Business intelligence (BI) is a way to make sense of what these data points mean and turn them into insights that businesses can use in real-world decision-making.
Using analysis software, BI systems take raw data sets and use them to inform everything from marketing strategies to planning for possible future setbacks.
Want a few examples?
Lowe’s leverages BI
Though the concept itself may seem a bit vague, there are many examples of large businesses putting BI to work to solve concrete problems. One of the earliest examples you’ll find of a large enterprise using BI is Lowe’s, America’s second-largest home improvement store chain.
In 2007, the company started building a new data center in Texas specifically to expand on its already significant business intelligence capabilities. Like many retail chains, Lowe’s uses BI to optimize its supply chain efficiency and reduce the rate of fraudulent returns in its stores.
Starbucks gets in on business intelligent
The Seattle-based coffee chain Starbucks is also a prominent user of BI technology. Through its popular Loyalty Card program, Starbucks is able to amass individualized purchase data on millions of customers. Using this information and business intelligence software, the large coffee company can then predict what purchases and offers an individual customer is likely to be interested in. The company informs customers of the offers it believes they will want to take advantage of via mobile devices.
This system lets Starbucks draw existing customers into its stores more frequently and increase its volume of sales. In this capacity, BI has a use similar to traditional CRM systems. In fact, many businesses choose to combine BI and CRM systems to get the most out of their data.
Amex is big on BI, too
One of the areas of business in which BI has been most effective is the finance industry. American Express has been a pioneer of business intelligence in this sector, using the technology to develop new payment service products and market offers to customers.
Rather impressively, the company’s experiments in the Australian market have rendered it capable of identifying up to 24% of all Australian users who will close their accounts within four months. Using that information, American Express can take effective steps to retain those customers who would otherwise be lost.
BI software also helps the credit card company detect fraud more accurately and thereby protect customers whose card information may have been compromised.
Amazon and business intelligence go hand-in-hand
Last but not least among the companies that use BI is the online retail giant Amazon.
Much like Starbucks, Amazon uses business intelligence technology to personalize product recommendations and market products, but it also uses its BI software tools for logistical business decisions. In fact, in-depth data analysis is what enables Amazon’s massive supply chain to run smoothly.
From optimizing shipping routes to allocating inventory among warehouses, data and BI tools influence practically every step of Amazon’s supply process.
The tip of the BI iceberg
Amazingly, these are just a few of the many uses to which modern business intelligence software can be put. From finance to retail and even in the public sector, BI technology is helping organizations glean useful insights from their data.
If your business has large amounts of customer data but isn’t using it to increase profitability, now is the time to invest in BI software solutions and the IT support needed to implement them effectively.
4 ways a CRM helps you improve customer relationships
/in Blog, Customer Relationship Management, Productivity /by wpengineExcellent customer service is an art. One that can be difficult to master. The good news is there are plenty of tools that can help you better serve your customers.
Our favorite is a CRM.
But CRMs are packed with features. It’s hard to know the best way to use such a robust tool. To help out, let’s explore the high points.
Here are our 4 favorite ways your CRM can help you improve your customer interactions.
#1: Detailed customer dashboards.
When all of your customer data is in a single location, you spend less time searching for individual pieces of information. 360-degree customer profiles centralize customer information so that it’s all available on a convenient dashboard. In a single view, you can see email messages, order history, transactions, previous customer support interactions and more.
When a customer calls, you’ll be able to see every interaction you’ve ever had with them. All without having to dig for information.
#2: Access important information on the go.
Sales representatives need to be able to help customers no matter where they are—at their desks or out on the road. CRM systems are built with mobility in mind.
It doesn’t matter if your employees at a trade show, a client’s office, or in a cab on the way to a meeting. As long as they have an internet connection, your team can stay productive.
#3: Social media management made easy.
More and more CRMs are incorporating social media interaction. Why would you want to link your company’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn account with your CRM? So you can see how social media activity is affecting customer relationships.
For example, a lot of customers will take to social media when they have strong feels about a company. Every mention is an opportunity—even when customers are upset. If you can turn a bad experience into a good one right there in your Twitter feed, you’ll win that customer back as well as every other customer who’s paying attention.
#4: Knowledge at your customers’ fingertips.
Some customers will do absolutely anything to avoid making a phone call. That actually plays to your favor. Sure, you could tell insist that they call or email. Or you could create a knowledge management portal using your CRM.
Wiki-style knowledge management portals enable customers to access FAQs or troubleshooting information all on their own. Many CRM systems also let customers build their own online communities. These are spaces where customers can ask each other for help and provide your business feedback. An IT consultant with CRM experience can help you with setup.
Get the most out of your CRM system.
If you’re not using your CRM to build brand loyalty and enhance your customer service efforts, you’re missing out. These 4 CRM features will allow you to tap into and improve your customer’s experience.
Happy customers are loyal customers. And the more loyal customers you have, the more you’ll be able to grow your business.
4 SMBs that can benefit from a custom mobile app
/in Blog, Productivity /by wpengineWhen it comes to selecting a gaming computer there are two options. Build a custom machine or purchase a pre-built model.
You don’t need a customized computer to play online games. But if you’re looking to optimize your gaming experience, a custom-built machine is the best way to get exactly what you want.
This same idea applies to businesses and custom mobile applications.
There are plenty of pre-designed apps that will likely work for your organization. And some of them, like Office 365, even allow for moderate customization.
But if it’s freedom you’re after, partnering with a professional to build an app for your business is the way to go.
To show just how versatile a custom mobile app can be, we made a list of 4 SMBs that would benefit from one.
1. Schools
Keeping busy students and educators informed about important details and activity is a challenge many educational institutions struggle with. A custom mobile app can bolster school security while also keeping staff, students, and parents in-the-know about on-campus happenings.
Possible features:
2. Real Estate Firms
Realtors need access to local housing market data on the go. A mobile application can provide convenient, reliable access to the property, client and area information they need when and where they need it.
Possible features:
3. Homeowners’ Associations
HOAs are required to keep their residents informed about community issues, activities, and rules. A customized mobile application can help HOAs share relevant updates and encourage participation while giving residents access to basic community and local area information.
Possible features:
4. Healthcare Practices
Thirty-minute doctor’s visits often aren’t enough time to gain a full picture of a patient’s condition. A mobile app can allow patients and doctors to exchange more data on health history, status, and symptoms, helping to better diagnose, manage and customize treatment.
Possible features:
Creating a Custom Mobile App: Next Steps
The bottom line is, custom mobile apps can help a variety of SMBs increase efficiency, mobility, and productivity.
If you think your business would benefit from one, reach out. We’re confident we can design a custom mobile app that incorporates all of the features your business needs to tackle projects and increase customer satisfaction.
Related Blog: Top 3 Signs Your Business Needs a Custom App