In order to run a successful business,
a firm needs to consider what hardware and software to use in order to minimize
costs and compete with other firms. Having the best and most up-to-date
technology can improve worker productivity, increase revenue, reduce costs, and
provide better customer service. I currently work for Allstate Insurance, where
each office is own by an individual agent. There is software provided by
Allstate that contains insurance information for the customers. But, all other
hardware and software is to be updated and purchased by the agency owner. After
talking with the agency owner that I work for I was able to make a small list
of some hardware and software that she had to consider purchasing and or
updating to remain productive. Also, the agency owner is often out of the
office at meetings, conferences, and appointment. New mobile technology allows
her to maintain a constant connection between her and her two offices.
Hardware
1. A major purchase she is making this year for her agency
is a new telephone system (communication
system). This new system will use the telephone number that is calling in and
match it to a phone number on file. If the number is in our system, the
computer will automatically pull up the insured information on the computer
screen allowing us, the employees, to assist the customer faster.
2. A major device used in our office is our All-in-one printer. This printer is
connected to a server, which allows for wireless printing form all computers in
the office, including notebook computers and tablets. The printer also allows
for faxing and emailing documents directly to customers.
3. On a smaller scale, the agency also needs to have a digital camera on hand. This allows us
to take pictures for the customer so that they do not have to worry about
sending it to us. It also allows us to immediately upload the pictures to our
computers and send them to wherever they need to go.
4. Notebooks/Tablets are
an important purchase for the agency. Allstate offers financial services such
as life insurance. The life specialist in the office usually meets clients at
their homes. He needs a way to input the client’s data for the application in
real time. A notebook/laptop allows him access to the application without
requiring the customer to be inconvenienced by requiring them to come to the
office.
Software
5. Insurance leads software
provide and agency with a list of potential new customers. Agents can often
reach consumers while they’re still sitting at the computer and can receive
leads by email, text message, or both. Finding the best lead service/software
is important for the agency owner to grow their business.
6. The new phone system needs to be linked to a database of
client information. We use an online database called eAgent® to create customer profiles and store detailed information
about the customer that can allow us to better assist them. This system can be
accessed form any computer since it is online based (cloud) allowing the agent
to work from any location.
7. Microsoft Office®
is a very important software application to many companies. This one application
is equipped with a suite of different uses. It contains Word (a word
processor), PowerPoint (presentation graphics program), and Excel (spreadsheet
analysis program). It is also important that the agency owner update this
program when newer versions are available to take full advantage of the updates
that are made. Also the new cloud feature that Office offers called Office 365
for business. This allows for access to shared documents and calendars form any
computer in the office and even on mobile devises at any location.
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