Perks of Implementing Cloud-based Phones in the Logistics Sector for 2024: A Complete Guide
The logistics industry deals with multiple inquiries every day. In this case, it is essential to engage them promptly to eliminate the factor of losing customers. If you consider traditional phone systems, they find it challenging to handle numerous conversations simultaneously. This is where cloud-based phone systems are a savior. They are unified communication platforms where the conversations across various channels are integrated. They can be viewed on a single intuitive dashboard. Businesses find this efficient and can improve their operations. This blog lets us learn the benefits of implementing cloud-based phone systems in the Logistics sector. Cloud Phone Systems: An Outline Cloud phone systems help in managing communications over the internet. Be it phone calls, webchats, emails, social media, etc. All the information is stored in the cloud and can be viewed on the dashboard. Here is how cloud phone systems are beneficial for every business: They are super easy to set up and maintain compared to traditional phone systems. They are cost-effective since they don’t require any infrastructure setup. They promote a remote-friendly working environment as there is no physical premise setup required. Cloud phone systems are known for their unique and user-friendly features. Let’s learn about the current challenges faced by the logistics industry and how they can be resolved with cloud phones. Challenges faced by the Logistics sector Here are the primary challenges that every logistics business is facing presently: Losing customer information When using traditional business phone systems, there is a greater chance of missing customer information. The details are recorded on physical records or notepads on the systems. Due to a lack of backup and disaster recovery strategies, customer information can be missed. Extremely expensive business operations When logistic businesses are looking to engage audiences from different parts of the globe, they may make a call using international phone numbers. With traditional phone systems, long-distance calls are expensive and costlier. Poor customer satisfaction Customers often have to wait a long time to have their queries resolved. Traditional phones usually direct the call to the respected agents through various stages, which may lead the customer to disconnect the call and feel frustrated. Lack of customer commitment With long waiting times, customers find it challenging and uncomfortable to state their queries. There is also a chance that the solutions offered by the agents will look unreliable, resulting in customer loss. There is no unified platform to engage customers Customers usually try to communicate with a retail business through any platform that is comfortable for them. It is the business’s responsibility to engage with its customers. Since traditional phones do not have a unified platform, there are chances of missing customers when switching between multiple platforms. How can these challenges be resolved? Here are the various strategies through which the above-discussed issues can be addressed effectively: Real-Time tracking With cloud-based phone platforms, businesses can easily track live and ongoing customer conversations. These conversations can be viewed on the dashboard. Data and other information can also be retrieved quickly, addressing the customer’s query instantly. For instance, if a customer wants to know the status of their order, the agent can find it on their dashboard by just entering the order ID. In this case, the agent will remain productive and improve customer satisfaction. Cost-effective pricing Cloud phone systems work through a stable internet connection, so there is no need for a physical infrastructure. They can avail virtual phone numbers for any country and attract local customers over there. When a business is planning to expand its operations across the globe, it can do it simply by getting a toll-free or a local virtual phone number and establishing its regional presence. This does not cost you hefty when compared with a physical infrastructure setup. Quick redressal Traditional phone systems do not have a feature to reach out to missed customers. With cloud phone systems, businesses can contact the customers who they have missed with a callback feature. Apart from calls, businesses can also reach out to their customers who they have missed on other channels as well. Unified communication channel Cloud phone systems eliminate the need to switch between different channels to engage customers. A unified communication platform comes with various channels, such as phone calls, emails, web chats, social media, etc. Customers may connect with the retail business through any of these platforms. An agent dashboard provides an overview of all these channels, making it easy for customers to address their queries. End to End Customization Cloud-based phone platforms specialize in making customizations based on business operations. If you consider traditional phone systems and planning to add a business line, it will be a daunting task. You need an expert team and other formalities to make this happen. On the other hand, with cloud phones, businesses can add or remove users, phone numbers, or any functionalities with a few clicks. This can streamline business operations and increase their revenues. Must-have noteworthy features for the growing Logistics Industry When a Logistic sector is planning to avail a new phone system, here are a few important features of cloud phone software that should be remembered: Single business number A single business number can help customers remember your brand well. Getting a business number through a cloud phone system makes this possible. You can get a toll-free, local, or virtual mobile/landline numbers based on your business needs and customer expectations. Call Recording The logistics sector should have a feature for recording the calls to evaluate customers’ needs. This call recording can also be used to determine the agent’s performance. With these details, brands can make futuristic decisions. IVR + SMS + WhatsApp As we discussed before, a unified communication platform is an essential when planning to improve your customer experience. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) will effectively direct the calls to the desired agents/teams. Next to the calls, SMS is the most preferred option for contacting with the business.