Sunday 25 December 2016

Driving Efficiency Through IoT

The Internet of Things started off as a move toward more data; now it is evolving into a tool for greater efficiency. Recent statistics reveal that the healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing industries, in particular, are showing high IoT adoption rates—and they are realizing significant business value from this move.

For example, the transportation industry will save 117 million barrels of oil over 10 years by using connected vehicles, analyzing energy use, and optimizing route efficiency. Vehicles that are connected to real-time traffic data and emergency services also improve transport safety, keeping the goods and the people they carry away from harm. 

IoT usage in the manufacturing industry is still in its infancy, but a whopping 82% of large companies that have already adopted IoT solutions are now enjoying the many benefits of smart manufacturing. They are able to manage their physical productions more efficiently to prevent interruptions and minimize downtime. They also monitor their inventory on a real-time basis, enabling them to control costs better and in many cases, lower prices.

In the high-speed healthcare field, IoT solutions add a lot of value as they streamline patient processing, shortening wait times and ensuring that people get the care they need immediately. Doctors are now able to do patient checkups remotely via connected devices, thereby reducing (and even eliminating) administrative as well as resource costs associated with scheduling routine visits. Patients receive high quality care without having to take several hours off from work.

There is no doubt that IoT solutions are useful across all industries. Large corporations have started using these tools to drive efficiency and revolutionize their operations—and the trend is quickly being adopted by smaller companies as well. IoT devices and technologies have the power to allow companies of all sizes reduce waste while increasing profits.

CRM for Businesses: More Than Just Technology

Real customer relationship management (CRM) is more than just a software package or “big data”. The most successful companies implement healthy CRM systems that connect and balance technology, process, and people – integrating “big data” into their company’s culture.  Whatever starts in the CRM software must radiate out into the customer experience.

The best CRM software solutions power not only sales, but also the operational workflow of a company. They improve both the quantity and quality of customer interactions, driving value throughout your operations and ultimately improving profitability. With the right CRM solution, companies can ensure maximum value from every stage of the production and sales cycle.

Working with CRM experts allows companies to choose, deploy, and maintain CRM solutions that make sense based on the size, strategic priorities, pace, and workflow of their business. Professional CRM implementers optimize platforms to organize, synchronize, and automate every function in a business. They can integrate sales, customer service, marketing, and technical support teams. CRM experts can implement a solution that can significantly impact efficiency, usability, and security—the factors that are important in achieving maximum value.

Be sure to work with CRM experts who have in-depth experience with many types of commercially available CRM solutions. And if none of these commercial systems are right for your business, they should be able to build you one that perfectly addresses your needs.