In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and accuracy in order processing can make or break a company’s success. Many businesses still rely on manual order processing methods, which are slow, prone to errors, and difficult to scale. However, with the rise of AI-powered order processing software, companies can streamline operations and boost productivity.
One of the leading solutions in this space is Allsop’s AI-powered order processing software, designed to automate workflows, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. Let’s explore why making the shift from manual processing to AI-driven automation is a game-changer for businesses.
The Challenges of Manual Order Processing
Traditional order processing involves multiple steps, such as data entry, verification, stock checks, and invoice generation. When done manually, this process comes with several drawbacks:
– Time-consuming – Employees spend hours inputting and verifying data. – Error-prone – Manual data entry increases the risk of mistakes, leading to order delays or incorrect shipments. – Limited scalability – As order volume grows, manual processing becomes unsustainable. – Customer dissatisfaction – Delays and errors lead to frustrated customers and lost sales opportunities.
The Advantages of Allsop’s AI-Powered Order Processing Software
By transitioning to Allsop’s AI-driven order processing software, businesses can unlock several key benefits:
1. Speed & Efficiency
AI automation eliminates manual data entry by instantly processing and verifying orders. This means businesses can handle higher volumes of orders with minimal human intervention, leading to faster turnaround times.
2. Error Reduction
AI-powered systems minimise human errors by validating order details, checking stock availability, and flagging inconsistencies before they become issues. This results in fewer returns, fewer customer complaints, and smoother operations.
3. Cost Savings
Reducing manual labor lowers operational costs. Businesses can reallocate resources to higher-value tasks like customer engagement and business development instead of spending time fixing order mistakes.
4. Real-Time Order Tracking
Allsop’s AI software provides real-time order tracking and updates, giving businesses and customers full visibility into the order fulfillment process. This improves communication and enhances customer trust.
5. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Allsop’s solution is designed to integrate with your existing CRM, ERP, and inventory management systems, ensuring a smooth transition from manual to automated processing without disrupting your current workflow.
Switching from manual order processing to AI-powered automation isn’t just about keeping up with the latest technology—it’s about staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Allsop’s AI-powered order processing software helps businesses reduce errors, speed up fulfillment, and enhance customer satisfaction, all while saving time and money.
Are you ready to transform your order processing? Contact Allsop Software today to see how their AI-driven solution can revolutionise your business!
Food waste is a massive issue in the food and beverage industry, with restaurants, cafés, and food delivery businesses facing challenges in managing excess inventory, inefficient supply chains, and unpredictable customer demand. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the food produced globally is wasted. While this has serious environmental and economic consequences, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer in minimising food waste through an AI-powered order processing system.
By leveraging AI to predict demand, optimise inventory, and automate decision-making, businesses in the food and beverage sector can significantly cut down on food waste while improving operational efficiency and profitability. In this article, we explore how an AI-powered order processing system can revolutionise waste reduction efforts.
Understanding the Role of AI in Order Processing
An AI-powered order processing system is a smart, data-driven technology that automates and optimises the entire order management workflow. It integrates machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation tools to process customer orders efficiently, ensuring that food businesses align their supply with real-time demand. Unlike traditional order processing, which relies on human estimates and reactive inventory management, AI-driven systems use real-time data to enhance decision-making, ultimately reducing food waste.
1. Demand Forecasting to Reduce Overproduction
One of the primary causes of food waste in restaurants and food businesses is inaccurate demand forecasting. Traditional methods rely on historical sales data and human intuition, often leading to overordering and excess stock. An AI-powered order processing system uses advanced algorithms to analyse factors such as past sales trends, seasonal variations, customer behaviour, and even external elements like weather conditions and local events.
For instance, an AI system in a coffee shop can predict that demand for hot beverages will drop during a heatwave, while smoothies and iced drinks will see a surge. By aligning stock and ingredient purchases with these insights, businesses can avoid excess perishable stock that would otherwise go to waste.
2. Smart Inventory Management for Just-in-Time Ordering
AI-powered order processing systems integrate with inventory management software to track stock levels in real time. This allows restaurants and food suppliers to implement just-in-time (JIT) inventory practices, where ingredients are ordered based on actual demand rather than arbitrary estimates.
For example, if a sushi restaurant uses an AI-driven order system, it can track how much fresh fish is used daily and automatically place precise orders with suppliers, ensuring minimal spoilage. The system can also set alerts for ingredients nearing expiration, prompting businesses to use them in time-sensitive menu items or promotions before they spoil.
3. Dynamic Menu Adjustments to Utilise Surplus Ingredients
AI systems can also recommend dynamic menu changes based on available stock. If a restaurant has an excess of a particular ingredient, the AI-powered order processing system can suggest adjusting the menu to incorporate it in more dishes. This not only reduces waste but also maximises the use of perishable ingredients.
For instance, if a bakery has excess blueberries close to expiration, the AI system can recommend adding blueberry muffins or a limited-time blueberry dessert to the menu. This approach helps businesses creatively use surplus ingredients before they spoil, reducing both food waste and financial losses.
4. Automated Portion Control to Minimise Plate Waste
Another critical area where AI helps reduce food waste is portion control. Many food businesses suffer from excessive plate waste due to oversized portions or inconsistent serving sizes. An AI-powered order processing system can analyse customer ordering habits and feedback to determine the optimal portion sizes that minimise leftovers while still satisfying customers.
For example, if data shows that a significant percentage of customers are unable to finish a particular dish, the AI system can recommend adjusting portion sizes accordingly. Restaurants can also offer portion size choices, allowing customers to order meals that match their appetite, further reducing unnecessary waste.
5. AI-Powered Expiry Date Tracking and Redistribution
AI-driven order processing systems can integrate with inventory tracking to monitor ingredient expiration dates. When the system detects that certain items are nearing their expiry, it can trigger alerts to prioritise their use or suggest donating surplus stock to food banks and charities before it spoils.
Large food chains and supermarkets are already using AI-powered order processing systems to optimise food redistribution efforts. For example, Tesco’s partnership with AI food waste platform “OLIO” ensures that unsold food nearing its expiry date is collected and redistributed to communities in need. Implementing similar strategies in restaurants and food businesses can have a significant impact on food waste reduction.
6. AI-Driven Automation in Supply Chain Efficiency
A major source of food waste occurs within the supply chain due to miscommunication, delays, and inefficiencies in stock replenishment. AI-powered order processing systems facilitate seamless communication between suppliers and food businesses, ensuring that only the necessary ingredients are ordered and delivered at the right time.
By using AI to predict demand and manage supplier relationships, businesses can avoid last-minute bulk orders that may lead to spoilage. AI also helps optimise delivery schedules to ensure perishable items arrive fresh and are stored under optimal conditions, further reducing waste.
7. Enhancing Customer Awareness and Engagement
AI-powered order processing systems can also play a role in educating customers about food waste. By integrating with mobile apps, AI can provide personalised recommendations to customers about portion sizes, sustainable menu options, and promotions on soon-to-expire items.
For instance, food delivery platforms can offer discounts on surplus meals, encouraging consumers to choose sustainable options while preventing unnecessary waste. AI-driven chatbots can also inform customers about food waste reduction initiatives and engage them in eco-friendly dining habits.
8. A Complete AI-Powered Order Management Solution by Allsop Software
At Allsop Software, we understand the importance of reducing food waste while maintaining efficiency and profitability in the food and beverage industry. Our AI-powered order management system provides a complete solution, leveraging demand forecasting, real-time inventory tracking, and automated supplier coordination to ensure businesses only order what they need. With built-in expiry date tracking, restaurants and suppliers can prevent spoilage, while smart redistribution features enable seamless donation of surplus food to charities. By harnessing the power of AI, our system helps businesses eliminate waste, optimise resources, and drive sustainable growth in a highly competitive market.
Businesses can significantly cut down on food wastage while improving profitability and sustainability.
The Future of AI in Food Waste Reduction
The implementation of an AI-powered order processing system is a transformative step in tackling food waste in the food and beverage industry. By leveraging AI for demand forecasting, smart inventory management, automated portion control, and expiry trackingAs food waste continues to be a global challenge, integrating AI-driven solutions in order processing is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. By adopting AI-powered systems, food businesses can create a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective future while making a positive impact on the environment.
With AI leading the way, the future of order processing in the food and beverage industry is not just about efficiency—it’s about sustainability and responsibility.
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, effective order management is the backbone of successful operations. For companies in industries such as food and beverage, manufacturing, and construction, efficient order processing is critical not only to meet customer expectations but also to maintain profitability and sustainability. That’s where the right software for order management comes into play, offering a streamlined, reliable, and data-driven approach to managing customer orders.
But what makes order management software essential? How does it transform operations, and why is the integration of AI (artificial intelligence) a game-changer for businesses looking to stay ahead? Let’s explore.
The Importance of Order Management Software
At its core, order management software ensures that every step of the order lifecycle — from order capture to delivery — is handled seamlessly. A robust system provides visibility, accuracy, and control, empowering businesses to:
Reduce Errors: Manual order entry is prone to mistakes, which can lead to incorrect shipments, delays, or lost sales. Software automates these processes, ensuring orders are accurate and processed efficiently.
Improve Customer Satisfaction: Fast and reliable order processing translates directly into happy customers. A sophisticated system keeps customers informed about their order status and ensures on-time delivery, building trust and loyalty.
Optimise Inventory Management: By integrating inventory data, order management software helps businesses avoid stockouts or overstocking, ensuring the right products are available when needed.
Scale Operations: For growing businesses, managing a higher volume of orders becomes increasingly challenging. The right software scales with your operations, supporting expansion without sacrificing efficiency.
In industries like food and beverage, where demand can fluctuate wildly, having an efficient system is even more crucial. For example, during peak times such as holidays or special events, businesses must handle high order volumes while maintaining accuracy and speed.
The Role of AI in Order Management
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way businesses approach order management. By leveraging AI-driven tools, companies can make their order processing systems faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Here’s how:
1. Enhanced Accuracy
AI eliminates human errors by automating complex and repetitive tasks. For instance, AI algorithms can verify orders for inconsistencies or flag anomalies in real time, preventing issues before they arise. This is particularly useful in the food and beverage industry, where incorrect orders can result in wasted resources or dissatisfied customers.
2. Predictive Analytics
AI can analyse historical order data to predict future demand, helping businesses plan inventory more effectively. By understanding trends, businesses can anticipate peak periods, optimise stock levels, and reduce waste—a critical factor for perishable goods in the food and beverage sector.
3. Personalised Customer Experiences
AI-powered systems can deliver personalised recommendations based on customer preferences and past orders. This not only enhances the customer experience but also encourages repeat business and increases revenue. For instance, a restaurant chain could suggest popular menu items or create custom offers for frequent customers.
4. Process Automation
From order tracking to invoicing, AI automates routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic activities. For example, in the construction industry, AI can streamline order approvals and ensure timely delivery of materials, reducing project delays.
5. Cost Reduction
By optimising workflows and reducing errors, AI-driven systems cut operational costs. Businesses can reallocate resources more effectively, save on labour, and minimise losses from incorrect or delayed orders.
6. Real-Time Insights and Decision-Making
AI provides real-time insights into order statuses, inventory levels, and customer behaviour. This enables businesses to make informed decisions quickly, ensuring smooth operations even during unforeseen challenges.
Allsop: Your Partner in Digital Transformation
At Allsop Software, we understand the unique challenges businesses face when it comes to order management. That’s why we specialise in designing and implementing bespoke software solutions tailored to your needs.
With a focus on digital transformation, we integrate cutting-edge AI technologies to help businesses:
Improve order accuracy and reduce manual errors.
Automate routine processes, saving time and labour costs.
Deliver personalised customer experiences that drive loyalty.
Gain actionable insights through advanced analytics.
Scale operations seamlessly as your business grows.
By choosing Allsop, you’re not just investing in software; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to helping your business succeed in an increasingly digital world. Our software for order management is designed to be both scalable and adaptable, ensuring it meets the unique demands of your business.
The Future of Order Management
As technology continues to evolve, the importance of intelligent order management systems will only grow. Businesses that embrace these innovations will be better equipped to adapt to changing market demands, deliver exceptional customer service, and maintain a competitive edge.
For companies in the food and beverage sector, the right order management software isn’t just a tool – it’s a strategic asset. And with AI at the helm, the possibilities are limitless.
Ready to transform your order management processes? Let Allsop Software guide you on the journey to greater efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, automation has become a game-changer for organisations looking to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
According to McKinsey, a staggering 45% of work activities could be automated using existing technology.
However, when it comes to automating processes in customer service, opinions are divided. While some see it as a cost-saving measure, others fear it may lead to job cuts. It is crucial for company officials to highlight the positive aspects of automation and emphasise how new technologies can enhance employees’ day-to-day tasks.
In this article, we will explore how automation can significantly improve order processes and enhance the overall working life of employees. By leveraging the power of order management software, businesses can effectively address repetitive and manual tasks, optimise operational efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction.
3 Ways to Utilise The Power of Order Management:
Reduce Repetitive Tasks for Enhanced Productivity
Identify Automation Opportunities in Customer Service
Unlock Time for High-Value Work
Reduce Repetitive Tasks for Enhanced Productivity
The Power of Order Management
For most consumers, the customer service team serves as the initial point of contact with a company. However, over 40% of employees in this department spend a significant portion of their workweek on manual, repetitive tasks. Tasks like email management, data collection, and data entry consume valuable time and hinder productivity.
By automating order processes with an order management solution, businesses can minimise errors associated with manual data collection and free up their team members to focus on more meaningful customer interactions. This, in turn, leads to higher customer satisfaction rates.
Identify Automation Opportunities in Customer Service
The Power of Order Management
As awareness about automation grows among customer service teams, employees are increasingly recognising its potential to improve their working lives. In fact, statistics indicate that nearly 70% of workers believe the greatest opportunity for automation lies in reducing time wasted on repetitive tasks.
But what specific tasks can be automated to drive efficiency? At Allsop Software, we have identified three key areas that often impede productive work for our clients:
Data Collection: With the implementation of an order management software, manual data entry becomes a thing of the past. Businesses can now rely on automated data collection processes, ensuring order accuracy and eliminating the need for time-consuming manual entry.
Updates:By leveraging automation solutions, customer service teams can significantly reduce the time wasted on requesting updates and other relevant information. Automated systems can seamlessly fetch the required data, allowing employees to focus on more critical tasks.
Approvals:Collecting approvals and confirmations can be a time-consuming process. However, with the right automation solution in place, businesses can streamline approval workflows and improve overall efficiency.
Unlock Time for High-Value Work
The Power of Order Management
When repetitive tasks are automated, customer service teams gain valuable time to engage with customers on a deeper level and tackle more complex tasks. Studies have shown that nearly 60% of employees estimate they could save six or more hours a week if the repetitive aspects of their jobs were automated. This newfound time can be dedicated to building stronger customer relationships, resolving complex issues, and driving innovation within the organisation.
At Allsop Software, we have developed the Order Management Solution, a comprehensive software designed to eliminate manual repetitive processes and initiate workflow automation. By implementing our solution, businesses have witnessed a quantum leap in customer satisfaction.
One of our clients attested to the benefits of our software, stating, “With the Order Management Solution implemented, we have already noticed remarkable improvements for our customers. Working closely with Allsop Software, we have been able to build on our initial requirements and develop a solution that supports us going forward.”
Conclusion
The Power of Order Management
The adoption of order management software and automation in customer service processes brings immense benefits to businesses. By reducing repetitive tasks, identifying automation opportunities, and unlocking time for high-value work, companies can enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer satisfaction, and empower their employees to focus on tasks that truly matter. Embracing automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s competitive landscape.
Efficient order management is the backbone of a successful business, especially in today’s competitive marketplace. From order placement to delivery, every step must be meticulously managed to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of order management and how Allsop’s innovative software solutions can transform your business operations.
In this blog post, we will discuss its main benefits.
Mastering Order Management
What is Order Management?
The Challenges of Order Management
How Allsop Transforms Order Management
Key Benefits of Using Allsop’s OMS
Why Choose Allsop?
What is Order Management?
Order management encompasses the entire process of receiving, tracking, and fulfilling customer orders. It involves multiple stages:
Order Placement: Customers place orders through various channels like websites, mobile apps, or physical stores.
Order Processing: Orders are received and processed, ensuring all details are correct and inventory is available.
Order Fulfilment: Products are picked, packed, and shipped to customers.
Post-Sale Service: Handling returns, exchanges, and customer feedback.
Managing orders efficiently poses several challenges, including:
Inventory Management: Keeping track of stock levels to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
Order Accuracy: Ensuring that every order is processed correctly and shipped to the right customer.
Timely Fulfilment: Meeting delivery deadlines to keep customers satisfied.
Multi-Channel Sales: Coordinating orders from various sales channels without errors or delays.
Scalability: Adapting to growing order volumes without compromising efficiency.
How Allsop Transforms Order Management
Allsop offers a comprehensive solution to overcome these challenges with its state-of-the-art Order Management System. Here’s how Allsop can help your business:
Centralised Order Processing: Allsop’s OMS centralizes orders from all sales channels, ensuring a unified approach to order management. This eliminates the confusion of managing multiple platforms and reduces the risk of errors.
Real-Time Inventory Management: With Allsop, you gain real-time visibility into your inventory levels. This helps in maintaining optimal stock, preventing overstocking or stockouts, and ensuring you always meet customer demand.
Automated Workflow: Automation is at the heart of Allsop’s OMS. From order receipt to shipment, automate repetitive tasks to reduce manual errors and speed up the fulfilment process.
Scalability: Whether you’re handling hundreds or thousands of orders, Allsop’s scalable system grows with your business. Our OMS is designed to handle increased order volumes seamlessly, ensuring continuous efficiency.
Detailed Analytics and Reporting: Make informed decisions with comprehensive analytics and reporting features. Allsop provides insights into order trends, fulfilment times, and customer satisfaction, helping you optimize your operations.
Key Benefits of Using Allsop’s OMS
Implementing Allsop’s order management solution brings numerous benefits:
Improved Efficiency: Streamlined processes and automation reduce the time and effort needed to manage orders.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Accurate and timely order fulfilment leads to satisfied customers and repeat business.
Cost Savings: Efficient inventory management and reduced manual labour lower operational costs.
Increased Sales: Faster order processing and fulfilment encourage more sales and help you capitalize on market opportunities.
Better Decision-Making: Data-driven insights enable you to make strategic decisions to improve overall performance.
Why Choose Allsop?
At Allsop, we understand that efficient order management is crucial for business success. Our software is designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Here’s why Allsop is the ideal choice for your order management needs:
Customisable Solutions: Tailor the OMS to fit your specific business requirements.
Seamless Integration: Integrate with existing systems like CRM, ERP, and e-commerce platforms for a cohesive workflow.
Dedicated Support: Our team of experts is always available to assist you, ensuring smooth implementation and ongoing support.
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When communicating with potential clients, one of the most common questions we receive is, “My Customer Service team is too small. They cannot provide a sufficient level of support to our wide client base. What can I do?”
We understand this concern and would like to provide you with a more detailed analysis to help you find a solution. The past few years have brought many changes to the labour market, with contact centres being hit particularly hard. Many telesales employees left the UK, while others had to change occupations due to the lack of work for two years. As a result, companies are struggling to fill open Customer Service positions, which can lead to a decrease in customer satisfaction and retention.
According to Food and Engineering magazine, the UK’s labour productivity in the food and drink industry is unremarkable compared to other developed markets in Western Europe. “Food and drink supply chains in peer countries have seen better labour productivity gains over the last decade, leaving the UK behind. This has created a second productivity ‘gap,’ and the UK supply chain may continue to lose ground.”
If you are facing issues with your Contact Centre, it is important to understand that you are not alone in this struggle. However, you need more than this information to improve your business. We can work together to find a solution that fits your unique needs and improves your Customer Service team’s productivity. Let’s explore a few options in this article.
3 Steps to Automate Customer Service Team:
Robotic Process Automation Strategy (RPA).
Training Programmes.
Technology Investments.
Robotic Process Automation Strategy.
We are currently living through the 4th industrial revolution, which is primarily focused on digitisation of manual processes. This transformation is rapidly changing the way technology, industries, and processes operate in the 21st century. One of the key areas of focus is a robotic process automation (RPA) strategy.
Robotic process automation strategy is an essential plan that outlines how a business can streamline its processes and increase productivity through the use of technology. It involves identifying areas within the business that can benefit from RPA and implementing tools and systems to improve efficiency.
RPA strategy is becoming increasingly important for businesses, particularly those with small customer service teams. By automating tasks such as data entry and order processing, businesses can reduce the workload of their customer service team and improve the overall customer experience. Process automation also provides businesses with valuable insights into customer behaviour, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and improve their offerings.
It is essential to recognise that relying solely on traditional methods can result in unexpected drops in demand for your products, or even worse, a decrease in the number of accounts. Such a decline could have a severe impact on your business, especially if your customer service team is ill-equipped to handle the influx of customers who are prepared to leave.
However, with the latest RPA technology, companies can implement AI tools like the Declining Account feature created by Allsop. This feature enables businesses to gain access to a drilled-down dashboard with their customers’ order history, receive notifications when customer behaviour changes, and check the overall trend of their latest products. By tracking customers who are purchasing less this week than their average purchase over the past 13 weeks, businesses can retain customers who are ready to leave.
Moreover, process automation technology provides businesses with better customer service and gives them a competitive advantage. By having a customer portal, businesses can automatically fill and update orders, allowing their team to focus on high-value tasks and re-engage salespeople in other aspects of the business.
This is exactly how businesses can adopt an RPA strategy to improve their overall customer experience and streamline their operations. This technology provides valuable insights into customer behaviour, enables data-driven decision-making, and helps businesses retain customers who are ready to leave. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to embrace change and adopt innovative solutions to remain competitive in the market.
Training Programmes.
Implementing an RPA strategy can significantly improve a business’s overall efficiency, particularly in customer service. However, it’s essential to understand that the strategy’s success depends on whether your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the new technology. For this reason, training programmes are vital and should be a top priority when implementing a process automation strategy.
Training programmes can help bridge the gaps in your team’s expertise and ensure they can effectively use the new tools and systems. By providing training, your team can learn how to collect order information in one place, proceed with orders automatically within seconds, and provide the latest data to your clients. This can significantly reduce your customer service team’s workload and improve the overall customer experience.
Another significant advantage of training programmes is that they can help your team adapt to changes in customer behaviour and provide tailored support. As we mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges faced by businesses today is the shortage of employees in customer service teams. This shortage can have an adverse impact on business operations.
For example, Pret had 40% of its personnel as Europeans. After Brexit, the employees left the country, and the remaining employees were laid off due to the pandemic. As a result, the company now has limited resources, and providing customer service on the same level has become challenging.
However, with the latest technology available, businesses can gain insights into customer behaviour, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and improve their offerings. Customer service teams that are trained to understand and interpret customer behaviour can provide more personalised support, leading to higher customer satisfaction rates.
Moreover, training programmes can also help reduce the learning curve and minimise the time it takes for your team to become proficient in using the new technology. This can lead to faster adoption and implementation of the automation strategy, ultimately resulting in faster ROI.
It’s important to note that training programmes should not be a one-time event. Instead, they should be an ongoing process to ensure your team is up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. Regular training can help your team stay ahead of the curve and provide better customer service.
Especially when leveraging the latest technology, you can provide an extraordinary experience to your customers, even with a limited workforce. This way, the number of people in your team will no longer be a differentiator between good and bad service, and you will be able to provide excellent customer service, irrespective of your team’s size.
Technology Investments.
While we mentioned the need to automate processes, it is essential to do so only when your teams are equipped with modern technologies. Blaming software tools is easy when you have a limited number of team members and want to increase productivity. However, it is unlikely to succeed if they store all customer data in Excel, have poor visibility of orders, and lack an analytics dashboard to make data-driven decisions.
We discovered that74% of FMCG companiesreceive orders by phone and email, manually processing incoming requests, and entering 50 to 100 lines in each order form, leaving them with tedious tasks.
During our research, companies mentioned various issues with collecting orders by phone or email. For example, the main problem was data mistakes.
Due to a high turnover rate in the Customer Service industry, many employees do not have enough experience or have never been trained to input information onto the platform correctly. Therefore, they process orders with errors.
On the other hand, due to the high volume of work, Operation Specialists key in data mistakes, leading to customers receiving incorrect products or a wrong number of goods.
Moreover, poor internal software is likely to be slower, more glitchy, and less reliable than the industry standard, resulting in more instances of customers being placed on hold, and a subsequent increase in overall call times.
This is where technology investments come into play.
With a third of businesses processing orders manually, only 26% of companies use a platform for order management. This automation provides them with better customer service and gives them a competitive advantage.
“We have a customer portal, and we couldn’t imagine our working life without it! Customers place orders that are automatically filled and updated accordingly in our system. It takes almost no time for the platform to fill the form when our orders have between 50 to 100 lines! Our team now deals only with exceptions or orders coming via phone. It allows us to reengage salespeople in other aspects of the business and allows them to take part in high-value tasks.” – Sales Coordinator.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, small customer service teams can pose a threat to Food and Beverage businesses, but with the right strategies in place, they can also be an opportunity.
It is important to understand the challenges facing small customer service teams, such as employee shortages in the industry, and to find solutions that fit your unique needs. Adopting an RPA strategy, implementing training programs, and investing in technology can significantly improve the efficiency of your customer service team and enhance the overall customer experience.
By embracing change and adopting innovative solutions, businesses can remain competitive in the market and provide excellent customer service, regardless of the size of their team.
Do you want to improve customer satisfaction and take your small team to new heights? We have great news for you! We understand that implementing new technology can be daunting, so we offer a free process audit. Reach out to us for more information here.
If you want to know the latest technologies that help companies just like yours, we created a newsletter to provide the latest industry news, tips, and resources to help you succeed in your business endeavours.
Subscribe to it below, and stay up to date with the latest trends and tips to make sure you’re always ahead of the curve.
