How technology improves the efficiency of your operations

Even the staunchest Luddites among us find it difficult to deny that technology has delivered progress and growth beyond the wildest imagination of businesses just a few decades ago. Whether it’s ‘in your face’ new tech that looks awesome and gets staff oohing and aahing, or back-office systems that quietly get on with running the company (almost), technology undeniably improves the efficiency of your operations. Let’s take a closer look.

Real-time reporting

The word ‘reporting’ might prompt a yawn, but real-time reporting took the world of data and analytics to a new level. It gathers up-to-the-minute data so that businesses have access to financial, sales and other data as it is happening. Being armed with information to make quick decisions under pressure leads to greater efficiencies.

Real-time reporting also plays a significant role in marketing. Users of Google Analytics have access to Google Analytics Real Time Reporting in which they can view information about their users such as their activity, their location, the number of viewers on site, traffic sources and more. This crucial information shapes marketing campaigns.

Remote working and collaboration

Without advances in technology, businesses would have found the pandemic even more difficult to navigate through, and recovery would be much slower. Systems were migrated to the cloud, and video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom kept teams working together.

Remote working and collaboration technology allow businesses to be more efficient in their staffing and project management. Staff who may be unable to get to the office can work from home to get the job done. Many are now working from home long term which saves the company money in office space and facilities. In addition, many staff enjoy the flexibility to work in their own environment, which can also lead to increased productivity.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the face of digital marketing and creating efficiencies in other departments. As a first touchpoint with a customer, chatbots (or digital assistants) save staffing and administration costs. They also offer a smart representation of the organisation.

Nothing frustrates customers more than being kept waiting. A digital assistant quickly directs enquiries to FAQ pages and connects users with relevant departments. This allows for focus on efficiencies in other areas of the customer journey where human intervention is needed.

Check-in systems

Customer check-in systems in public places such as gyms, hotels and doctor surgeries creates a much improved customer experience. Digital check-in systems reduce waiting times. They also funnel customers through spaces such as foyers and reception areas more efficiently.

Self-service is very much part of our daily experience. A check-in system gives users control and lowers the chances of frustration at staff who are juggling many jobs at once.

Telecoms

Helpdesks, call centres and larger businesses rely on robust telecommunications. The emergence of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which is basically internet calls, has allowed businesses to embrace video calls, instant messaging and file sharing.

VoIP saves money because the business is only paying for the internet connection even though it still offers call forwarding and blocking, and voicemail, along with automatic call distribution and interactive voice recognition. Staff can use VoIP remotely with full access to data.