Few would question the impact technology, computers, and the web have had on today’s commercial landscape. From email to e-commerce, Big Data to the IoT, the web and tech have utterly revolutionized how and where businesses can operate and helped streamline processes in ways never before imaginable.
As the ongoing digitization of business continues apace (also often referred to as Industry 4.0), computers and machines are having a greater impact than ever on business operations and are heralding a new age of automation and increased efficiency. Indeed, today’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are now so advanced that they are replacing many traditional, time-consuming business tasks, helping free up both time and resources.
How automation could transform your firm’s fortunes
If you’re looking for ways to drive greater efficiency in your company (and, let’s face it, what firm isn’t), then read on for ideas on ways AI and automation could transform your firm and cut costs while increasing output.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
Behind your staff, your company’s greatest asset is its customers. However, as important as your clients are, it’s often all too easy to forget the needs of existing customers and instead focus on expanding markets.
The Pareto Principle states that 80% of the consequences come from 20% of the causes which, when applied to sales, means that 80% of your profits come from just 20% of your clients – the so-called ‘vital few’. Providing poor customer care can often sound a death knell for a company so paying close attention to your clients is an essential task if your firm is to survive and thrive.
Today, providing great customer care is easier than ever with the advent of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. A CRM app can track and take care of every stage of the client process – from first contact right through to purchase and after-sales care, freeing up your resources while still maintaining great service.
Payroll applications
If there’s one thing AI apps are particularly adept at, it’s handling time-consuming, repetitive operations – exactly the type of work involved in looking after staff wages. In the majority of firms, employees earn the same wage, paid at the same time each month, with the same tax code and contributions.
Shifting your firm’s staff payments responsibilities to an automated app like online payroll from TriNet could see you removing the monthly burden of processing wages, thereby reducing costs and eliminating this needless drain on resources.
Social media marketing and management
In today’s cut-throat business world, companies need to capitalize on every available marketing channel and build meaningful relationships with clients to foster brand loyalty. While social media has undoubtedly improved and increased the number of ways companies can reach out to customers (both potential and existing), it can still put a heavy drain on time and resources.
Maintaining a quality presence on social media can bring tremendous benefits yet publishing timely and succinct posts can quickly turn into a full-time job. Worse yet, trying to hit the best times to post across the major channels takes almost ninja-like organizational skills.
Rather than getting bogged down with social media management duties, you could remove the burden by investing in social scheduling software that will automate the process of publishing posts across all your accounts. New AI apps can look after everything from publishing posts and images to giving real-time feedback to your campaigns.
