CommBox manages omnichannel interaction

With millions of people spending more time at home during the coronavirus outbreak, it's not surprising to see businesses step up their online game and expand their digital engagement tools.

Online interaction used to mean offering an email address along with a company's phone number.

Now, more businesses are engaging in what has come to be called omnichannel communication. That means they can interact with customers, vendors and associates using a wide variety of channels, from sms and chat to Twitter and What'sApp.

How do they manage this explosion of communication options? CommBox is one of the leading companies that offer an omnichannel platform, a service that blends these diverse channels into a stream that can be managed from a one unified console.

In addition to handling email and social media channels, the CommBox platform also incorporates call logs, file sharing, audio and video conferencing, support ticketing, knowledge libraries and live chats.

CommBox says its system uses chatbots to instantly take specific actions based on customer requests and sets rules that are triggered by certain keywords or user behavior. Customers can also fill in and sign web forms while they are engaging with agents and staff. The CommBox system can integrate with Salesforce and other popular CRM systems.

For a closer look at CommBox, check out the video below and visit the CommBox website where the company offers free demos. CommBox is also accessible through a number of other channels including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

By: Ric Manning On 4/22/2020

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DigitalCRM has affordable CRM software

So many businesses now use customer relationship management software that I'm surprised to encounter one that doesn't have immediate access to the full history of my purchases and service calls.

With the recent advances on cloud computing, sophisticated sales CRM software is no longer just for the rich and famous.

Take DigitalCRM sales CRM software for example. It's an online customer management tool that offer top-level features for as kittle as $500.

Digital CRM's dashboard includes contact, sales lead and sales force management modules; sales pipeline tracking; and territory management. It also features a suite of reports, analytics forecast tools along with the ability to create newsletters and web forms that produce sales leads.

A Contact Manager process helps users maintain contact, lead, account lists by storing phone numbers, e-mail addresses and other information in a centralized location. The Sales Pipeline view lets managers see the status of current leads, customers won and lost, prospects and proposals.

In addition to online CRM software, DigitalCRM also offers help desk software that includes a knowledgeable, service ticketing, a service dashboard and analytics.

For more details on pricing and features, visit the DigitalCRM website.

By: Ric Manning On 3/17/2019

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Service offers CRM from the cloud

Over the past few months, we’ve had several service calls at our home. Those folks used to carry a notebook or clipboard with forms for one of us to sign when their work was done. Now they pull out a mobile phone or tablet.

I’m seeing companies of all sizes using software like CRM Runner, a cloud-based customer management tool that was built specifically for service providers such as plumbers, electricians and installers.

CRM Runner is an affordable platform that offers the same features as most of the expensive platforms. Because it’s based in the cloud, it can work with any device, including computers, tablets or mobile phones.

The program supports full communication between a company’s administration and its field operations. It has a scheduling module that tracks where and when the field operations are scheduled and an SMS module that will notify customers when service techs will arrive and advises the field staff when there is a change of plans.

Other features include sales lead management, customized estimates, inventory management, and supplier tracking. It will also manage contractors and store their certificates and licenses.

CRM Runner costs $15 per month. You can get more information about the service and sign up for a free 15-day trial at the CRM Runner website.

By: Ric Manning On 1/30/2018

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FyNCRM merges desktop with mobile access

Years ago when I was working for a large national corporation, the sales staff was just getting to know a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program called Salesforce. The software turned out to be a top-drawer application but with a price tag to match.

Now that I’m the head of my own operation, I’ve been looking for a CRM package that fits my size and budget and doesn’t anchor me to a desktop PC.

One of the packages that’s on my list is FyNCRM, a management tool that has been built for today’s mobile world.

FyNCRM integrates with a mobile app called SuiteCRM that works both online and when you don’t have an Internet connection.

Users can take either route - from the app or the desktop - to access daily activities, log calls, SMS, emails and customer data. The two platforms keep data in sync whenever an online connection is available.

The program also includes GPS features to help automate expense tracking and ease the reimbursement process while users are working away from their office.

The FyNCRM mobile app can be downloaded for free and used for 30 days without charge. An Android version is available in the Google Play Store and the company says an iOS version is coming soon.

By: Ric Manning On 1/16/2017

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Fusioo has a CRM system anyone can afford

Not long before I left the large publishing company where I worked for many years, the company rolled pout a customer relationship management tool that would be used in its 100-plus offices across the US.

It was a highly-rated system and I’m sure it cost millions of dollars. But my employer was a big publicly-traded company, so I’m sure they could afford it.

Today smaller operations such as app developers, design shops and marketing agencies can get powerful CRM solutions at prices that they can afford. Fusioo, for example, offers a system that manages customers and projects for less than $10 a month.

The Fusioo system uses a digital framework that includes both customer management tools and a project management tool. Users can build profiles of both current and prospective clients that include contact information along with descriptions of their needs and a history of the company’s interaction with them.

People entered in the CRM platform can be assigned different roles, such as administrator, developer or client. And clients can be given access to the Fusioo system to streamline communication.

Users can customize the system by adding apps to handle tasks such as expense management, issue tracking and job applicants. Fusioo provides a library of ready-made apps as well as a way to create custom apps without writing code.

For more details, check out the Fusioo website where you can get a free 14-day trial account with no credit card required.

By: Ric Manning On 8/22/2016

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4Players app brings CRM to the dating scene

It was about a year ago that my twentysomething nephew gave me a tour of Tinder, the app for speedy connections with the opposite sex. I remember wondering how an active user could keep track of so many flirts, dates and partners.

As it turns out, there’s an app for that. It’s called 4Players and it takes a businesslike approach to managing your social interactions and love life. The foundation is basic CRM - customer relationship management - the technology that lets you organize and profile people with whom you have a relationship. Only this time it’s personal.

Users employ 4Players as they would a sales support tool. They enter a name, photo and contact details plus age, last date, a star rating and the current status of the contact (Flirt, Kiss or Sex).

The app integrates with Whatsapp and Facebook and offers a set of action buttons that will make a call, send a message or plot a location. You might not want to be dating two girls or guys in the same apartment building.

The iOS version includes a date-tracking calendar and a Period Tracker which, according to the 4Plays website, “lets’ you know when is a good time to meet up and when not to piss her off.” A Score feature that will be added soon displays relevant metrics such as Total Dates and Unique Hooks.

The 4Plays app is available as a free download until December in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store. For a closer look, check out the 4Players website and watch the video below.

By: Ric Manning On 8/31/2015

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