SUBSCRIBE TO TMCnet
TMCnet - World's Largest Communications and Technology Community

CHANNEL BY TOPICS


QUICK LINKS




VoiceXML - The Benefits of VoiceXML Extend to the Business and the Consumer

VoiceXML

» More VoiceXML Feature Articles

VoiceXML Featured Article


September 21, 2010

The Benefits of VoiceXML Extend to the Business and the Consumer

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor


Nearly every consumer has interacted with a VoiceXML (News - Alert) or IVR system, even if they didn’t know the proper term for the solution. An IVR system is used in a wide array of industries, including insurance, trucking services, phone service, auto sales, credit cards, telecommunications and so many more.



One of the benefits of VoiceXML and IVR is that it enables a company to take the physical business and expand into other states or globally. Expansion is often necessary in today’s economy in order to drive strong revenue dollars and IVR helps to make that expansion possible. Interestingly, the benefits of IVR do not just extend to the business, but also to consumers.  

IVR benefits consumers by providing easy access to the specific department or branch of the business; the ability to easily check balances; intuitive functions that allow for interaction with the system; the ability to order several items in one call without speaking with a live representative; the option to be transferred to a different department within the organization; and the ability to speak someone’s name and transferred to that individual. 

For the business, IVR extends a number of benefits. In addition, consumers today expect to interact with an IVR instead of a live agent. When a customer query cannot be handled by the IVR, it can be configured to transfer the call to a live agent. This type of customization helps to reduce caller frustration by ensuring customers end up at the right place. Interact, leading VoiceXML and IVR provider, can create customized voice applications tailored to meet any business’s needs with its VoiceXML/CCXML Media Platform.

Interact’s professional services can design any custom app to help businesses improve their efficiency. A recent article from TMC (News - Alert) notes that with “Interact’s SPOT Test Portal, users can develop, test and debug voice applications,” as well as “evaluate the SPOT VoiceXML/CCXML Media Platform without having to download, configure or install any platform software or licenses.”

Measurable benefits for a company using customizable VoiceXML and IVR applications can include money saved on customers who would have gotten frustrated and left; growing the customer base; enjoying greater profits; saving time by getting the caller to the correct department in less time; organize workshops; gain access to statistics on call center operations; gauge staffing needs; and set up voicemails for workgroups and individuals.

A robust IVR system also ensures a customer can always interact with the company, whether anyone is physically in the location. The information and basic tools needed are always at their disposal as an IVR system enables 24x7 service in a global economy. It ensures the company is able to serve its clients no matter the region or time zone.  

The standard rule applies that it is always more economic to protect the customer base than to try and attract new customers. Therefore, a competitive company today must be able to protect its base and keep current customers happy. The benefits of an IVR system not only help in achieving this necessary customer satisfaction, it also ensures a high level is maintained over time.

 


Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Juliana Kenny


» More VoiceXML Feature Articles







Technology Marketing Corporation

2 Trap Falls Road Suite 106, Shelton, CT 06484 USA
Ph: +1-203-852-6800, 800-243-6002

General comments: [email protected].
Comments about this site: [email protected].

STAY CURRENT YOUR WAY

© 2024 Technology Marketing Corporation. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy