Often, the most challenging part about managing multiple locations is keeping everyone on the same systems and using the same work methods. Is this always feasible? No, since people’s actions will throw a wrench in any situation. Regarding technology and business communications, though, you can streamline that aspect, improving overall operations.
According to a report from Shep Hyken, 86 percent of customers would switch to a competing brand or company if they found out they provided a better customer experience. The proper telecom solutions will give you all the tools needed to enhance the customer experience so customers aren’t looking to leave.
Telecom solutions have significantly advanced, and what was previously difficult to achieve can now be done relatively easily. By using your internet connection, all of your sites can be run on the same system, simplifying access to information and making it easier to manage your entire customer base. Keep reading to see how Nored Telcom can help keep your entire organization on the same page, technologically speaking.
What is Unified Communications?
Definition and meaning in business communications
Unified communications (UC) is a comprehensive term that refers to integrating various enterprise communication tools, such as voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, presence, and SMS. UC technology allows users to transition effortlessly between different communication modes within a single session, whether on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The growing popularity of UC is part of a broader trend of digital transformation and cloud migration across numerous enterprises.
Often, UC and UCaaS (unified communications as a service) are used interchangeably. Still, UCaaS is a cloud-based solution primarily offered by providers that brings all business communication into a single platform. You can think of it as any other monthly subscription for your business, except this is for your entire communication platform. UCaaS helps businesses save time and money by reducing the need for multiple communication tools and services, and it enhances workflows and business processes. Additionally, businesses drastically reduce their upfront investment when working with a managed service provider (MSP) to implement this telecom solution across your organization. Unified messaging clients within UC systems enable functionalities like click-to-talk and click-to-chat, enhancing user experience.
The power of UCaaS solutions, especially NTCloud, is they’re securely hosted over the internet, eliminating the need for on-site maintenance and technical support. Cloud-based UC solutions are also better at supporting a mobile or hybrid workforce, including connecting businesses with multiple locations. Due to the flexibility of UCaaS, you can now take advantage of these technological advances, which provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for businesses.
Benefits of Unified Communications
Advantages of UC for businesses with multiple locations
UC is often credited with increasing employee productivity; according to a joint study from Qatalog and Cornell University, people spend 59 minutes daily searching for information trapped within programs and applications. UCaaS drives more organic communication, collaboration, and file sharing than legacy, on-premise phone systems.
The specific technologies included in UCaaS, such as video conferencing, are linked to reduced travel costs, greater efficiency, more flexibility, and better customer and employee engagement. Imagine you own five retail stores in a metro area. With a connected customer database, anytime a customer ventures between stores, you can serve them better because you have quick access to their history with your stores. A recent study from Salesforce found that 74 percent of customers expect better personalization when they provide more data. The same goes for employees who work at multiple locations; they have consistency across sites and use the same system throughout, making their jobs monumentally easier than using a legacy communications system.
UCaaS Features and Functions
Operationally speaking, there are real challenges when it comes to a multi-location enterprise. That shouldn’t cause you to pause. Just know that an off-the-shelf system may not fix your problems. You must partner with an experienced solutions provider who can tailor a telecom solution to fit your business.
The connected nature of a UCaaS system allows you to keep all franchise locations under one technology roof for the best management possible while ensuring robust data protection. You could have locations down the street from one another or across the country; distance isn’t a concern, and you get all the tools needed to be available at all your locations, including unified communications solutions.
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Cost-effective VoIP: UCaaS offers a system built for communication. Voice calling isn’t going anywhere and shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. You can enhance customer interactions by adding email and video calling, but the option of how you’ll support those options in your business is up to you. Just know you can incorporate different channels above the cornerstone of voice.
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Meetings and video conferencing: UCaaS offers a video conferencing solution that seamlessly integrates with other communication tools. Users can join meetings by dialing in with a dial-in number and conference ID, and they can also add others by dialing out. Additionally, UCaaS solutions provide advanced audio conferencing features and screen-sharing capabilities.
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Platform integration and extensibility: The goal is to reduce jumping around systems, which isn’t an intuitive experience; UCaaS enables users to access the required tools on almost any device at any time. Moreover, UCaaS solutions provide platform extensibility, allowing businesses to integrate the apps and services they already use.
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Redundancy and remote monitoring: UCaaS is natively cloud-based, which is an added bonus for multi-location organizations because you aren’t restricted by a phone system housed in your corporate office or a single location. Another advantage is that your provider has remote monitoring capabilities to manage the system for any location and keep you up and running. That includes pushing out updates and keeping you informed of potential issues before they can occur.
Importance of UCaaS for Businesses
In the end, UCaaS is an essential upgrade for any business, especially for one with multiple locations, as it provides a single platform for communication and collaboration through unified communications systems. UCaaS offers a range of benefits, including improved communication, increased productivity, and reduced costs, which all provide positive benefits for your business. When you begin the journey of standardizing your communications, that’s the first step of the next chapter of your business. Nored Telcom is here to work with you on that next chapter; contact us today for more information.
