Our client is a multi-franchise automotive dealership in Connecticut. With 7 locations throughout the state, they were looking to centralize some of their operations to not only save money, but also to provide better customer service and ease of internal communications between franchises. While many employees work at a desktop, a significant number of sales professionals, mechanics, warehouse staff and other team members are constantly on the go. In such a fast-paced environment, when every moment counts, efficient, reliable communications is integral to the company’s success.
They had older Toshiba Strata systems at all 7 locations, each with its own voicemail systems and receptionist.
Business Challenges:
The corporate management team needed to be able to communicate with all franchise locations personnel, but had to have voicemail boxes in all 7 systems- they wanted to be able to share voicemail messages without having 7 different mailboxes, it was a user and administrator’s nightmare.
They needed to be able to provide greater customer service to callers reaching incorrect dealership. If a call came into the Chevy dealership for Ford, they had to instruct the caller to hang up and dial another number. They wanted to be able to pass calls between dealerships seamlessly and not inconvenience the customer
They had to have 7 different receptionists sitting at 7 different locations answering calls after normal business hours during typical sales hours, after 5 pm and weekends. They wanted to be able to answer calls for multiple dealerships from one centralized location off business hours.
Our Custom Solution:
We upgraded their existing Toshiba systems to CTX670’s and CTX100’s and added VoIP networking capabilities over their existing private data network. We gave them one centralized voicemail system- messages could now be easily passed between all employees no matter which dealership they worked for. We implemented a centralized operator and automated attendant, so that during sales only hours, there is only one receptionist who answers for all 7 locations. The distributed architecture of the Toshiba CTX platforms results in a seamless and transparent network that links all of the dealers sites, as a result calls coming into one of the dealership’s office are easily routed to any of the other locations, significantly increasing the efficiency in handling customer calls. Many of their existing Toshiba components from the older DK systems were re-used in the CTX 670 and CTX100 systems, including existing digital telephones and circuit boards, illustrating true investment protection in this custom solution for this successful automotive group.
Posted in Best Telecom Customer Service.
Tagged with Best Telecom Customer Service, business phone system, business telephone service, Centralized Voicemail, communication solution, communications, office phone system, telephone solution, Toshiba, Toshiba phone system, Toshiba Strata System.
By CJ Carlson
– July 30, 2010
How important is IT safety to you? Is this something that crosses your mind often?
If not, then you may want to consider making it more of a priority. If IT issues happen to go unnoticed or are not handled properly, the consequences could potentially be pretty severe. Communications, data backup and network protection all play an integral role in a company’s efficiency and long-term success.
Establishing a jumping off point for your company’s potential success may take time. However, the following tips to reflect upon may help get you started.
Systems have the ability to crash at any point in time due to viruses, theft, hackers, etc. Data can also be misplaced or stolen, but don’t let this scare you. SonicWall CDP Solutions can help your company avoid such disasters. Backup and restoration solutions that are available include:
- Real time/Continuous Data Backup
- Tapeless, Enterprise-level Data Protection
- Offsite Protection for complete disaster protection
- Instant Recovery and File Versions
- Unlimited PC’s
- Compliance with HIPPA, Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Biley
These services can assure your business that your data is safe from intruding hackers and misplaced/stolen data.
Here is something that you and your business may not think about; Firewalls. If you are a small business with a DSL/Cable internet access, you are most likely provided with a small firewall. Do you really want “small” protection for your company? These firewalls may not cut it when it comes down to quality security. Unified Threat Management (UTM) offers edge-of-your-network security features. Anti-virus, anti-spyware, intrusion prevention, enforced desktop anti-virus, content filtering and more are available to keep your security measures in check. SonicWall TZ Series Firewall/VPN/UTM uses the most up to date inspection and protection to protect your business, no matter what size.
Furthermore, OS Patching can contribute to the protection of your company. It is clear to see that unpatched PCs and Servers leave your company’s data vulnerable to intruders. For example, Microsoft releases frequent security updates to keep protection at a high level. Some updates, however, may interfere with other programs currently running on your network, so this is definitely something to consider when implementing your security overhaul.
Outdated systems may be the culprit of system crashes and lost data. It may be beneficial to take a closer look at your company’s network. We can help find what works for your business, whether we install a new security system, or assist with advanced applications to accompany your current support.
Posted in Computer-IT Tips.
Tagged with data, data backup, data security tips, firewall, firewalls, IT, IT issues, IT safety, SonicWall, Sonicwall email security.
By CJ Carlson
– July 26, 2010
The latest Consumer Reports are in for Apple’s newest industry headliner, and the news is sure to leave Steve Jobs and co feeling rotten. Consumer Reports’ engineers confirmed what many unhappy consumers know all to well; the reception is less to be desired. As a matter of fact it is downright awful.
Unfortunately for Apple, a recall seems to be imminent and on the horizon reports Mac-centric Tech blog Cult of Mac. This could potentially devastate Apple’s pristine public image, but given Apple’s loyal following, it may prove to be only a slight speed bump in the company’s history.
The problem in question arose quickly soon after last month’s late release, when users began griping about reception issues when holding the phone a certain way. Apple initially chalked the issue up to user error, and issued a response that echoed what your mother used to say when you told her your elbow hurt if you moved it a certain way; don’t hold it that way.
When a couple weeks went by and the problem showed no signs of subsiding, Apple finally recognized that it had a potential issue on their hands. The first diagnosis from Apple pointed to the software as the culprit, stating that it had been misreporting software reception. Apple also claimed that the problem could be solved by transmitting a retroactive patch to all iPhones.
The fix was dispatched and the problem remained.
Now it is the hardware that Apple has in its cross-hairs and it would seem a recall will be the likely solution to this pesky problem.
Citation: Apple’s iPhone 4 Woes Go Mainstream, Recall ‘Inevitable’, NYtimes.
Posted in Business Life.
Tagged with business phone system, cell phone, cell to tell, communications, hardware, iPhone, telecom, telecommunications, telehone system.
By CJ Carlson
– July 15, 2010
Pilothouse Communications custom communications solutions for your unique business needs.
