4 Upgrades Every Modern Call Center Needs

Published on: 12 May 2021 Last Updated on: 02 January 2025
Upgrades Every Modern Call Center Needs

During the past decade, more customers have leaned towards online shopping for both goods and services, creating new trends in customer service needs. As last year’s stay-at-home mandates dictated, many organizations used remote worker integration into the workforce, including those team members functioning as customer experience agents.

With both the customer and the service agent communicating from different locations, technologies have come along to provide easier workflow and accuracy for call center solutions. Here, we will look at 4 upgrades every modern call center needs.

1. Cloud Functionality:

img

For complete integration into the normal workflow, new innovative companies have introduced call center software platforms that include cloud functionality. This is an important aspect of any digital customer service solution, as cloud storage and operations are ideal for both remote functionality and scalability.

While all contact center software includes a few of the same key features, providers such as Bright Pattern are powerful cloud contact center solutions, which is distinctly ideal for mobile app use, remote use, and the option for multiple phone lines and services agents to be connected at the same time without any loss of call quality management.

2. Multiple Phone Lines:

As a perfect complement to the cloud-based structure of a good call center solution, business users should take full advantage of the ability to handle high-volume with multiple phone lines.

The ease of use of the platform allows service agents to perform their duties and be on-call from home, which means a rotating schedule can give your company round-the-clock customer service and quality assurance all day (and night).

With a large number of phone lines and digital channels integrated into your account, someone is always available to answer phone calls from customers in need. For the best customer experiences, multiple available agents ensure faster turnaround and troubleshooting.

3. Mobile App Capability:

img

When weighing the pros and cons of a contact center solution, one of the greatest benefits is the potential for mobile app features. This aspect works in a few different ways.

As the service agent will be plugged into the call center’s interface from a remote location, their own mobile app can notify them of incoming phone calls even while they are away from their post.

Likewise, the most powerful contact center software will provide admin capabilities for your organization’s call center manager to troubleshoot from their own mobile device.

Should there be any discrepancy with the call outcome, the service agent has true “back-up” in the form of a supervisor, who can always hop onto a call for needed assistance.

For the best customer experience, an on-hand call center manager can be a necessity and with a mobile app feature, both the home office and the service agent are readily available to troubleshoot any issue.

4. Live Chat Options:

Although the majority of customer issues can be solved by a service agent via audible phone calls, there are customers that find the phone inconvenient. This can be the case if the customer is at work or in a public place. For that reason, another important feature that an ideal contact center solution should include is live chat functions. The top call center in the Philippines now provides this option to customers for an easier and more convenient support experience.

In a bind, a customer should be able to open their mobile device app or desktop and chat with a service agent until their problem is resolved.

If that service agent is working remotely, their own laptop or desktop dashboard interface should include the option for chat or text communications. Most professional contact center platforms allow the user to access customer history and sales purchases while the call is in progress.

With this option in place, a remote service agent can be enabled to meet every customer inquiry or demand without having to be at a company’s brick-and-mortar location.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Gifting Presents That Support Small Businesses

4 Ideas for Gifting Presents That Support Small Businesses

Supporting small businesses means you’re not just buying a product — you’re investing in the dreams and livelihoods of local artisans and entrepreneurs. Small business owners use the money for a plethora of spending. Very few of them are luxury. This is to make mortgage payments and improve their business all the while supporting their inevitable household expenses. Therefore, by supporting small businesses, and gifting presents with their help, we enable them to keep pouring love into what they do best. Today's world is full of mass-produced everything. So, it’s wonderful to know that there are still people out there who are carefully crafting. Pouring their passion and care into every item they sell. When you shop at a small business, chances are good that the items it offers come with a story. A story about the maker or designer who creates it. About the sources of raw materials or about the community from which it hails. Whatever that story may be, when you give a gift from a small business, you’re giving something special. Something infused with quality, care, and dedication to craft and often an element of tradition as well. Not sure where to start? Fret not! We’ve got plenty of ideas for everyone on your shopping list: 1. Handmade Goods You can’t go wrong with gifting presents made by hand. Yes, your mum would appreciate a one-of-a-kind vase more than any jewelry. Your significant other might enjoy a cozy new knitted sweater this winter. Did you know artisans rarely get paid enough for all their years of practice? Even after producing one masterpiece after another. Not to mention the carefully honed skills poured into each creation? In contrast with fast-fashion factory-produced goods (which often have hefty invisible environmental costs), handmade products are ethical. One produces them with limited quantities on demand using sustainable materials. Think ceramics made by local potters using clay dug meters away. Again, this also produces limited waste compared to mugs created overseas by coal-powered machines. Gift handmade, and your recipient is more likely to end up with a fabulous heirloom-quality object to cherish. So, alongside a great gift, you are also giving something back to the environment. 2. Customized Gifts Customized gifts are a perfect way to show someone that you’ve put extra thought into their present. Plus, small businesses excel in offering these bespoke services.  Whether personalized jewelry, monogram items, or custom art pieces, these gifts are tailored to the recipient’s tastes and preferences. Thus making them truly one-of-a-kind. Small businesses often work closely with their customers to create something special, adding names, initials, or even meaningful quotes to the items. If you were creating a customize get well care package, for example, you can personalize the gift to include the recipient’s favorite comfort items, such as a cozy blanket with their initials or a custom tea blend.  If you’re choosing foods to include, small businesses often offer the flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences. So, make sure to select vegan dishes for vegans or gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.  Many small businesses allow you to mix and match items to create the perfect care package, ensuring that each item resonates with the recipient’s needs and preferences. 3. Locally Sourced Products Locally sourced products are a fantastic way to give gifts that are both thoughtful and environmentally conscious. By choosing items such as gourmet food baskets, artisanal cheeses, or locally roasted coffee, you’re providing high-quality products while supporting the local economy.  Small businesses that focus on locally sourced goods often prioritize sustainability, using ingredients and materials produced nearby, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.  Locally sourced products tend to be fresher and of higher quality, too, as they don’t have to travel long distances before reaching you. Beyond sustainability, locally sourced items carry with them a piece of the community they come from, offering a story that adds depth and meaning to your gift.  When you buy locally roasted coffee or artisanal cheese, you’re tapping into what makes that region unique, whether it’s the rich soil that grows the coffee beans or the traditional techniques passed down through generations to craft the cheese. It’s a way to share a taste of the place and learn about the history and culture behind the product.  4. Experiential Gifts Experiential gifting presents offer a unique and memorable alternative to traditional presents. It focuses on creating lasting experiences rather than just physical items.  Tickets to local events, workshops, or cooking classes are excellent examples of experiential gifts that support local artists, chefs, and instructors. These gifts provide an opportunity to engage with the local community and its vibrant cultural scene. Attending a local event or participating in a workshop can be a great way to support talented individuals and small businesses. This helps foster creativity and contributes to the vitality of the area. So, if you give tickets, consider buying some for yourself too.  Whether it’s learning a new skill, exploring local culture, or enjoying a special event, attending these events is a meaningful way to support local talent. Making a Difference with Your Purchases Making a difference with your purchases extends far beyond the simple act of gifting presents. Supporting small businesses helps sustain the dreams and livelihoods of local entrepreneurs and strengthens the community as a whole. Each purchase contributes to a vibrant local economy, fosters creativity, and promotes sustainability. When you choose to buy from small businesses, you’re making a positive impact that resonates throughout the community. As you plan your next gift-giving occasion, consider thinking small and making every purchase count. Your choices support and celebrate the unique offerings of small businesses. If you’re still unsure of what to choose, a gift card to a local boutique, bookstore, or café is always a thoughtful and flexible option. It encourages recipients to explore and support their local community. Therefore, ensuring that your gift continues to make a difference long after it’s been given. You May Like Also: Financial Plan For Your FIRST Small Business – Low Budget Plan Shipping Mistakes Commonly Made by Small Businesses 6 Top CRM for Small Businesses in 2019

READ MOREDetails

Power Bi Factory Dashboard

The Power BI dashboards offer a variety of visualizations and are great for analyzing data. However, they require advanced technical users and consultants to build and maintain. The system takes data straight from machines, automatically cleans and contextualizes it, and provides ready-to-use Power BI dashboards for different roles in the organization. Product Lifecycle Management Manufacturing operations need to be agile and flexible. Unplanned shutdowns, unforeseen costs, and inefficient production capacity can hurt a business’s profitability. A business intelligence in insurance industry provides constant visibility into real-time data, helping insurance companies make better decisions quickly and effectively. Maintaining the optimum inventory level without disrupting operations is crucial for manufacturing businesses to reduce costs while ensuring product margins. Power BI helps to reduce inventory costs by visualizing the overall turnover rates and defective inventory. It also helps to monitor stock-in and stock-outs of the vendors along with raw material contracts to evaluate supply chain logistics. Sales analysis is a vital aspect for a manufacturing business to understand and improve its performance. Power BI enables manufacturers to visualize the sales growth of their organization with an easy-to-understand visualization. It also enables them to filter and compare sales data based on different segments, years, and dealers. Using the powerful DAX language functions, they can easily find new information and insights to solve complex business problems. Inventory Management Power BI allows businesses to manage inventory in a variety of ways. This can include tracking the supply chain of multiple products and analyzing inventory at warehouses, reviewing short-term cash requirements for renewing stock, and comparing supplier quality and production volume. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to forecast consumer demand and improve financial management through predictive analytics. Manufacturing companies need to closely monitor expenses so they can identify potential savings and develop a sound pricing strategy. Power BI consultants help them do just that by providing real-time data visualization and advanced analytics. Companies use Power BI to mine and analyze all the data they can pull from their accounting and ERP systems. They order the development of dashboards that focus on fulfillment, which helps them deliver orders faster and free of defects. Streamlining operations and processes in this manner results in improved ROI for them. Sales Management Maintaining an optimum inventory level without disrupting manufacturing operations reduces costs and ensures product margins. Power BI helps manufacturers in tracking and monitoring inventory levels with visual dashboards. This allows them to prepare automated reports and alert specific teams for further decision-making. They can also monitor the status of raw material contracts with vendors. This enables them to predict and forecast the inventory levels needed for production and reduces the cost of goods by minimizing the purchase of raw materials. The Sales Analysis Power BI Dashboard visualizes various sales metrics and trends for a sales team over time. This dashboard can be used to measure sales growth and compare performance against the target. This dashboard shows primary and secondary sales details with inventory valuation and provides the ability to filter by segment, year, and dealers to get a comprehensive view of the performance. The Digital Marketing Power BI Dashboard template displays the effectiveness of various marketing campaigns in terms of their Click-through rates and other key indicators. It uses clean and clear data visualization to make the data easily understandable. Production Planning The CEO dashboard is a handy data analytics manufacturing report for the management to keep track of the main trends in production, revenue, cost structure, and other structures of the company. This report helps in making strategic decisions and achieving desired or projected results. Covid-19 Insight Analysis is one of the popular Power BI dashboard project ideas that provides valuable information about the Covid-19 pandemic’s essential parameters, the latest situation, and detailed country-level evaluations. It uses a variety of Power BI dashboard features like a Card for the overview page, Flow Maps, Doughnut Charts, Tree Maps for the case analysis pages, etc. Read Also: What Are The Most Important Insights Which the People Should Know About Coronavirus Health Insurance? 7 Wise Financial Choices That Will Help You Follow Your Budget How to Become Financially Stable Before Age 30

READ MOREDetails
Employee Retention Credit

How to Apply for and Get Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a tax credit that was introduced as part of the CARES Act in 2020 to help small businesses retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. For wages given to qualified employees between March 13, 2020, and December 31, 2021, employers who participate in the ERC are entitled to receive a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per worker. The credit has since been extended and expanded under subsequent legislation, making it an important resource for small businesses that have struggled with the economic impact of the pandemic. As a small business owner, you may be wondering if you are eligible for the ERC and how to go about claiming it. This guide will walk you through the eligibility requirements, calculation, and application process for the ERC. We'll also answer some common questions about credit and provide tips for maximizing your benefit. If you're a small business owner looking for ways to retain your employees and stay afloat during these challenging times, read on to learn how the ERC can help. Eligibility Requirements The eligibility requirements for the ERC are determined by the IRS and are based on several factors, including the size of the business, the impact of the pandemic on the business, and the number of wages paid to employees during the qualifying period. Employers who had a significant drop in gross receipts compared to the same quarter in 2019 were considered eligible for assistance under the CARES Act. This condition was determined by two factors: first, whether the employer had a whole or partial suspension of activities as a result of a government order linked to COVID-19, and second, whether the firm had had a considerable decrease in gross receipts. Subsequent legislation has expanded eligibility to include employers that experienced a decline in gross receipts of at least 20% in any quarter of 2020 or 2021 compared to the same quarter in 2019, among other criteria. It is important for small businesses to carefully review the eligibility requirements for the ERC to determine if they qualify for the credit. This will help ensure that they can maximize their benefits and receive the financial support they need to retain their employees and stay afloat during these challenging times. ERC Calculation The ERC is calculated as a percentage of qualified wages paid to employees during the eligible period. The credit rate is 50% of qualified wages for the first half of 2021 and 70% of qualified wages for the second half of 2021. The maximum amount of qualified wages that can be taken into account for each employee is $10,000 per quarter, which means the maximum credit per employee is $5,000 for the full year. The maximum amount of the ERC is $5,000 per employee for the full year. This means that if an eligible employer pays qualified wages of $10,000 to an employee during the eligible period, they can claim a credit of $5,000 for that employee. To claim the ERC, eligible employers can reduce their federal employment tax deposits or request an advance payment from the IRS. If the credit exceeds the employer's federal employment tax liability, they can request a refund for the excess amount. It's important to note that employers cannot claim the ERC and the same wages for other relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). How To Apply For The ERC?   To apply for the ERC, eligible employers can claim the credit on their federal employment tax returns, including Form 941 or Form 943, for the eligible quarters. They can also request an advance payment of the credit by filing Form 7200 with the IRS. Eligible employers should consult with their tax advisor or accountant to determine the best method for applying for credit. Documentation Required To support their claim for the ERC, eligible employers must maintain documentation that shows the number of employees and the number of qualified wages paid to them during the eligible period. The documentation should also show the impact of the pandemic on the business, such as government orders or significant declines in gross receipts. Deadline To Apply The deadline to apply for the ERC is generally three years from the date the federal employment tax return is filed or two years from the date the tax is paid, whichever is later. Eligible employers should file their employment tax returns and claim the ERC as soon as possible to maximize their benefits. It is important for small businesses to understand the application process for the ERC, including the documentation required and the deadline to apply. Conclusion The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a valuable financial relief option for eligible small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To successfully apply for and receive the ERC, small businesses must meet the eligibility requirements, understand how to calculate the credit, and follow the application process, including providing the necessary documentation. The ERC can provide small businesses with much-needed financial support to retain their employees and sustain their operations during these challenging times. It is important for eligible businesses to take advantage of this program and consult with their tax advisor or accountant for guidance on how to maximize their benefits. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide on how to apply for and get the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for small businesses, eligible employers can receive the necessary financial support to navigate the pandemic and emerge stronger in the future. Additionals: Understanding How Employee Recognition Can Aid Your Consulting Firm Things to Consider When Sourcing Employees for Manufacturing Plants 5 ways employee perks can dramatically enhance your personal life

READ MOREDetails