Why Is Hiring A Cell Phone Management Firm A Smart Idea?
Wireless bills are full of complicated information which is time-consuming to interpret and understand. Most managers simply choose to ignore the details and “trust” the wireless provider to bill accurately.
A Cell Phone Management Firm can put understandable and organized information right your fingertips through Billing Analysis, Wireless Optimization, and Customized Reporting. It’s typical for clients to save up to 30% on cell phone services. In addition to the financial savings, clients also realize many hours saved for their IT staff or project manager.
Wireless Optimization Services create these savings without requiring clients to change service providers or reduce usage. These services create a relevant, current and effective strategy, putting real cash back into the client’s wireless budget.
Wireless Optimization Services
Wireless optimization services typically involve three action stages: Analysis, Optimization, and Implementation.
Stage 1: Analysis
Controlling wireless expenditures begins with a detailed analysis from the optimization firm. These management firms apply their powerful solutions tools to create a more efficient wireless program, thus saving the client countless hours and unnecessary expenditures. This results in an effective wireless strategy without changing providers, reducing usage, or changing phoner numbers.
The process begins by working closely with the client’s organization to gather and load billing information into optimization software. Typically, they request a minimum of three months of historic usage information, enabling the firm make accurate recommendations and identify substantial savings.
What is required to begin the process?
- Signed mutual non-disclosure agreement
- Written authorization to analyze your wireless accounts
- Access to historic billing statement information (electronic or printed formats)
Stage 2: Optimization
Management firms invest substantial time and effort into maintaining current information on the plans available from each wireless provider. Combining this information with predictive analysis will identify the best rate plan structure for the client.
An experienced consultant works with the client throughout the optimization process and builds a detailed proposal outlining all of the advantages and the optimization findings. Fees for optimization are typically based upon a percentage of the client’s annual savings. Other options include a per device or project basis.
Stage 3: Implementation
Implementation is the most important stage of this three part optimization process. An efficient and accurate implementation will help the client realize savings as quickly as possible. A skilled team oversees the implementation of the new program following the review and approval of your optimization strategy.
Account Management Services
Support
- Ordering new phones
- Replacing old, lost, or stolen phones
- Ordering accessories
- Activating new services
- Changing rate plans or user names
- Canceling or suspending lines of service
Some managers attempt to handle 10,000 – 15,000 devices by themselves. To provide the best personal support, the best solution is to find a wireless management company whose Account Managers are responsible for an average of less than 5,000 devices, aided by a dedicated support staff, and overseen by a dedicated project manager. The providers that I represent function in this manner.
Monthly Analysis – Typical Process
Proprietary analysis software imports the client’s entire bill into the analysis system. Checks and balances are then made for each individual phone on the account. Items such as the phone number, the individual assigned to the phone, rate plan and cost, taxes, minutes used, long distance, overages and peak/off peak minutes are validated on a monthly basis. Most billing issues, if found, will automatically be resolved.
Detailed monthly billing reviews provide information to the client as to whether any modifications were made or need to be made to the existing plans. Even in a changing work environment, costs will stay under control. Reports are delivered electronically on a scheduled basis to a representative within the client’s organization.
Ongoing Optimization
Coupled with the monthly analysis, optimization recommendations continually keep the client’s rate plans structured as efficiently as possible. This ongoing review process ensures that the organization maintains the most cost effective solution available to its specific needs.
Customized Reporting
Customized reports are typically available through an online account management portal, and multiple customized logins can be set up. If email is a better options, reports can also be sent directly to an assigned inbox. Electronic reports can be modified to represent specific information using a wide variety of criteria including but not limited to:
- Usage by user/department/location/division/region/state
- Individual usage reports delivered via email
- Exception reporting
- Quarterly metric reviews
- Cost allocation by department/location/division/region/state
- Payroll deduction reports
- Zero usage trending
- International call detail
- Help Desk
A Help Desk is usually available and further simplifies the daily administrative tasks related to ongoing wireless phone needs. Whenever a user is experiencing issues or the management team needs assistance ordering new or replacement phones, an expert solution is just a phone call away. Help desk solutions can be modified to integrate directly with an existing help desk and phone systems or you can have a unique toll-free number assigned. Web portals or email support solutions can be designed to fit the organization’s specific needs.
Common Key Features:
- Dedicated Helpdesk available 7:00am – 7:00pm CST
- Unique toll-free number, web and email support processes
- Customized to your organization’s specific business rules
- Voice, Smartphone & Aircard support/troubleshooting
- Special VIP process and escalation criteria
- Fully integrated with ASG Administrative Support
- 24 hour / 7 day solution available
Consolidated Billing
Benefits
-One bill each month for your entire program
-Eliminate costly late fees and interest charges
-Fully integrated with customized reporting services
-Single reporting and remittance date
SEDCOR