Product category:
Manufacturing Management Books, CDs and Videos
News Release from: UK Online for Business | Subject: General company product range
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 September 2002
Free publications launched to help
businesses work
A DTI-led partnership has launched three publications: CRM and supplying electronically, Extranets and supplying electronically, and Personalisation, transforming your business
With 94% of small businesses predicting consumer demand for online goods will increase in the next year and 80% stating suppliers will expect them to be more technically capable, the use of technology within business communication - between customers and suppliers - is key to business growth To help businesses communicate and work more effectively with customers and suppliers, UK online for business, the DTI-led industry/Government partnership, has launched three free publications; CRM and supplying electronically, Extranets and supplying electronically, and Personalisation, transforming your business
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 19 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The jargon-free publications give a practical overview of the information and communication technologies (ICTs) available, providing definitions of the technologies and their benefits, as well as tips on implementation.
Wendy Ashton, UK online for business adviser, commented: "People - whether a customer, supplier or member of staff - are a business' strongest asset.
"Technology can help a business support these relationships.
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"By implementing ICTs, businesses can take simple steps to ensure customers remain loyal and that staff work efficiently - both together and with suppliers." 'CRM and supplying electronically' provides a detailed introduction to customer relationship management (CRM) and guides readers through the decision process in developing an effective strategy for dealing with customers.
The publication shows readers the benefits of CRM and helps them identify if and how they should use it in their business.
'Extranets and supplying electronically' gives an overview of Extranets and the options available to businesses.
Extranets can give a company the ability to exchange information and applications with suppliers, customers and other trading partners, via a secure and direct communication channel, therefore increasing the efficiency of the business process.
The publication lists a number of basic steps which should be taken by a business when considering introducing an Extranet.
Finally, 'Personalisation - transforming your business' looks at why you should place the customer at the heart of your business and how personalising customer communication via technology can help businesses sell more, increase profitability and build customer loyalty.
Kiren Patel, Sales Director at Clarke's Stationers, said: "Our company uses an Extranet to provide tailor-made pricing structures and products for our larger customers and allows account customers a secure private area where they can access products as well as review their records.
"However, it is important to get the balance between technology and people correct as technology can sometimes alienate customers and staff.
Offering a personal service to customers helps overcome this hurdle and the increase in business proves our strategy is working." To order the publications or to find a local UK online for business adviser who can provide impartial advice on trading electronically with customers and suppliers, contact the UK online for business Infoline.
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