Virtual Network

[kwatt]

Every now an then I get asked about a “network” and God how I hate that term but, it is what it is and everyone understands it.

So, a few days ago I get asked about an insurer using Rapport and plugging into the repairers that we know about. They want to use Rapport to log and manage calls as it’s easy, does all they need etc.

But they want to use “recommended” repairers as well.

That’s easy to do, we pull a feed from the info that all the repairers have provided (engineer search and yes, I keep telling you that’s used by all and sundry) from the database.

They pop in the details, up it comes with a match and presto, those that say they do X brand in Y postcode gets the work. Hence, important that the info you have on there is correct and, don’t lie, you’ll get caught out. Just saying as some have and I can’t be ar***d or have time to fix it for them so, I just remove them completely. I don’t want to have to explain it.

So anyway, that set me to thinking and going back to one of the core reasons I set the engineer search up in its new glorified format I did.

I can, should I want, create a virtual network!

A what? Whatcha on about now crazy Scottish person?

Well…

What can be done is that through the engineer search we can route calls right into a rapport installation, as some of you that use it already know but for the like of this we can route it to email and/or SMS as well.

So, the insurer says they want a whatchamacallit done in where-me-bob and a match is found and it just sends the job to the relevant repairer, with me?

All automatic, takes nanoseconds to do and ends up with the repairer getting relevant work.

All this saves the client from trawling through online searches, Yellow Pages (if that still exists) or whatever to try to find someone to do a call on a whatever, wherever. And, even if it cuts the search time to only having to do that for 10{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} it’s a huge win. For them sure, but for WTA members that we’ve weighted to get the work, also a big win.

In effect, it’s a virtual and unmanaged network in the sense that damned word is used.

After that, I called up Lawrence and Ian, asked if there was an issue with this to whit there was none. I’m guessing nobody will have an issue.

The reason for the post was, to let you all know I’d just done it and I’ll share the details as and when it all kicks off and that, if anything else like this comes up I’m liable to just bite the bullet and say yes, it can be done.

If you use Rapport it’s great, you just see the new call pop up. If not it’s an email, no biggie.

If you have an issue with it please let me know and I can tailor it to drop you out but if I get no gripes, this is how it’ll pan out.

The other reason for letting you all know is that if there’s anyone else you know that may want to do similar, the door is open though each contract or client must be viewed on its own merits. But, a virtual network with no middle man creaming may well be an attractive proposition for many, more money for you guys, better service to the client.

K.

[Author]

Posts