2021 Customer Strategy & Planning Speakers

This collaborative and professional partnership has revolutionised back office operations and enhanced customer experiences at Vitality Health. The deployment of Verint Operational Manager has given visibility, streamlined processes, improved data analytics, and facilitated better demand planning. The outcome was not only a substantial increase in operational efficiency but also a significant reduction in customer complaint resolution times, reduced from two months to 72 hours. A strong sense of professionalism and a governance framework has been key to delivering and demonstrating the success of this implementation.
 

Collaboration and joint ownership of the plan has been key to the success of the implementation of a WFM solution, tailored to the aviation industry. This has supported LBA’s passenger growth and service delivery expectations and enabled a consolidation and centralisation of their planning and forecasting functions. There is now a clear view of workload and staffing levels, this has enabled data-led decision making to improve operational performance, queues in security have been reduced and SLAs with airlines are being met, all helping the airport to bounce back post pandemic.

A consultative approach from SVL identified that Calabrio would provide Hoover Candy with a tool that not only reduced manual processes but also delivered self-service functionality for agents to have more control over their schedules. SVL worked closely with Hoover Candy to plan the roadmap forthe roll out to focus on areas that would get buy in from internal stakeholders early in the process and to resolve technical issues with some of the key interfaces. Open communication and a deep understanding of their clients’ needs has been key to the success of this relationship.

In a strategic partnership with Sabio, DHL Express UK embarked on transforming its resource planning and employee engagement, addressing staffing inconsistencies and inefficiencies. By overhauling their Workforce Management system, focussing on accuracy, optimisation, and schedule flexibility, they achieved significant improvements in forecast accuracy, resource efficiency, and employee satisfaction. Sabio took time to understand DHL, and their service goals, and worked hard to support and upskill the team at DHL. These efforts led to marked cost savings, showcasing the value of leveraging technology and innovation in the logistics industry.

A mature and established partnership between QStory and Jet2holidays delivered an extremely successful intraday automation implementation, which has been a great enabler for Jet2holidays homeworking model. Once they had a better visibility of their absence, QStory supported Jet2holidays with the establishment of a centralised absence management function SMART. The QStory policy of retaining 30% of developer time to be available to work on customer requests has been a real enabler for this change, ROI and stakeholder impact has been positive. Jet2holidays are so delighted that QStory were awarded one of their coveted supplier awards.

Driven by a goal to discover whether NICE’s NEVA technology could be used to support scheduling activities, NICE and BT Group worked together as one team to design a solution. By adopting NICE’s NEVA technology, they were able to reduce the number of interdependent systems, remove transactional work, and create new skills and career development opportunities for schedulers to learn robotics. This venture was built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals, and created a new use case for NEVA which works for BT Group and which NICE can share with their customers.

miPerform and Northumbrian Water have been working in partnership since 2020 to redefine the boundaries of client and technology collaboration. At the heart of this partnership is a joint vision to deliver customer service excellence through empowering agents and enabling self-management, through deployment of an innovative toolset that supports peer-to-peer benchmarking, gamification, transparency, and fairness of reward. The operational background of the team at miPerform has been key to success; they understand what is important, combined with rapid response times, shared goals and an openness to learning and challenge. This is a very successful and embedded partnership.

This open and trusting partnership has delivered on the selection and configuration of the best fit interaction analytics platform for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Davies, through their Managed Analytics service trained the team and helped them to identify priorities, and scale problems to ensure that they did not try to do too much all at once, and ROI was achieved. A process issue affecting one vulnerable customer was identified, queries revealed the extent of the customer base that could be affected by this flaw, this enabled them to make a change to the process, improving services for their most vulnerable customers. Results include a reduction in verbal complaints of 15%, a reduction in AHT by 35 seconds, and a speed up of the investigation process from 14 days, to just one day.

In a strategic collaboration, global retailer TJX and Davies revolutionised employee onboarding, focussing on decentralised training and soft skills. Incorporating digital learning and aligning with cultural values, they achieved a 300% investment return, which included a reduction in the glide path to productivity in the contact centre from 8 weeks to 6 weeks. This partnership not only enhanced employee engagement and customer service for TK Maxx and HomeSense but also established new benchmarks for training excellence, an increase in empathy and rapport with customers with a positive impact oncustomer loyalty.

This strong, responsive, and mature partnership has delivered the first ever integration of the OPX back-office system with NICE, and the first integration that NICE has had with a back-office system. Student Loans now has full visibility of staff across the estate, allowing for the dynamic allocation of staff to different roles based on changing needs and operational priorities. Frequent and transparent communication at many levels, and easy access for the SLC team with CMS developers really helped to deliver a solution that meets their customers’ needs. ROI is very impressive, with £925k in year one and savings of up to £3.6m per annum.

A cohesive and genuine partnership underpinned the introduction of an employee engagement platform. Both teams worked very closely, even before contracts were exchanged and Ocado became a design partner of Centrical.bThe vision for the launch was to reduce the complexity for leaders, it was important that this was not just another link to follow, another set of data or another system to log in to. During the design partner program, they worked closely to understand the key requirements of Ocado’s QA programme, and how Centrical could support this directly within the platform. QA was not an existing feature, but through their close partnership, this new feature was brought to life and the Centrical system rapidly became a one stop shop for all employee engagement, performance management, rewards and recognition, and quality management, allowing the platform branded internally as ‘Mint’ to become an integral tool to the business.

Through partnering with Business Systems to implement Calabrio, Motorway has experienced significant improvements in their WFM and Planning operations. These include substantial improvements to adherence, equivalent to 30 FTE per week, a considerable increase in the efficiency of internal processes such as holiday requests, and the fostering of an overall more positive work environment resulting in greater employee satisfaction and improved customer service. Through innovative problem-solving and dedicated teamwork, they overcame challenges in integrating systems, delivering significant operational improvements and financial benefits. Shared goals and a willingness to “walk in their customers’ shoes” were key elements of this successful partnership – we understand that Neil did get a good price for his car!

Katie enhances business efficiency by expertly utilising Management Information (MI) to align with stakeholder needs. She champions incremental changes and fosters collaboration between data analysts and operational teams, ensuring MI insights translate into actionable strategies. This approach not only improves decision-making and productivity but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement. Her leadership exemplifies how insightful, collaborative efforts can lead to significant organisational benefits, demonstrating the critical role of effective MI application in operational success.

Chantal’s leadership journey at Macmillan Cancer Support showcases her transformative approach to management. Transitioning from a single Data Analyst Insights team to leading three specialist teams, she exemplifies embracing change, fostering trust, and leveraging technology for organisational improvement. Her strategy prioritises people, performance, and continuous learning, demonstrating the impact of multifunctional teams and data-driven decisions. Chantal’s story is a testament to the power of leadership in navigating challenges and driving substantial business improvements.

At Hiscox, Steven transformed corporate planning by adopting advanced methodologies and improving data management. His benchmarking efforts and use of the Minto Pyramid Principle for communication enhanced strategic operations in the UK. Steven’s initiative underscored the importance of innovation and foresight, driving Hiscox towards operational excellence and sustainable growth. This case highlights the significance of strategic planning and data-driven decision-making in the competitive business landscape.

Firstsource Solutions revolutionised its risk management with a digital-first strategy, under Ravi’s leadership. This case study highlights the transition from expensive, rigid third-party tools to custom digital solutions, enhancing operational risk management and business continuity. Implementing in-house tools like the Operations Health Dashboard significantly cut costs and improved efficiency. This transformation not only saved £170,000 in licence costs over two years but also fostered a robust risk-aware culture, showcasing the impact of digital innovation on organisational resilience and efficiency.

Mike’s journey at Capita exemplifies dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit. Starting in 2014 as a customer service representative, his interest in operational efficiency led to his role as a performance analyst. Skilled in Power Query and Power BI, Mike turned SLA data into actionable insights, enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction. Overcoming challenges with advanced tools, his work improved operational efficiency and inspired peers towards continuous improvement. A commitment to continuous learning and development is driving organisational success through data-driven decisions.

In BT’s defence sector, Amanda innovated reporting by transitioning from traditional, static methods to dynamic dashboards, enhancing decision-making for sensitive defence contracts. Facing high-security clearance challenges and the need for meticulous staff retention, her approach uses visual cues to highlight key metrics, significantly improving operational efficiency and strategic planning. This shift towards action-based reporting has been well-received, demonstrating the impact of adaptability and innovation in reporting within the sector.

HomeServe’s journey with speech analytics since 2015 transformed customer service, blending technology for efficiency and satisfaction. Initially aimed at operational improvements, it evolved with advanced telephony for better service delivery. This shift not only streamlined processes but also enriched customer interactions. Rich joined-up data is linking actions to outcomes and enabling continuous improvement. Their commitment to technological advancement has set new standards in customer care, highlighting the role of technology in enhancing service quality.

The AA’s forecasting team has been pivotal in optimising breakdown services through a predictive model linking weather data to breakdowns, improving resource allocation and response times. Their analysis has driven digital advancements, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions by filtering simpler queries online. They also evaluate economic and market trends for strategic planning. This work ensures The AA adapts efficiently to customer needs and maintains leadership in service excellence, highlighting the team’s essential role in operational and strategic decisions.

The ROI insight team at Three Ireland have utilised Microsoft Power Apps to revamp internal processes and enhance workplace culture. This move aimed at ditching outdated communication methods for a more efficient, engaging approach to reporting. The initiative led to improved operational efficiency, higher employee engagement, and significant cost savings. Power Apps helped automate tasks, saving 900 hours annually and fostering a culture of innovation. Future plans include developing an “Everything App” and integrating AI to further advance their digital efforts.

In the digital era, efficient knowledge management is essential for innovation and operational efficiency. Alexandra revolutionised the knowledge system at Zopa with “Zoracle,” a user-friendly hub for guides, videos, and updates, transforming scattered information into an accessible format. This strategic overhaul improved operational efficiency, enhanced employee performance, and fostered a culture of knowledge sharing. Zoracle’s success underscores the vital role of digital tools in organisational change, setting a benchmark in knowledge management.

Alana at The Open University led the development of a Knowledge Management System (KMS) training programme, employing a learner-centric approach to overcome the inefficiencies of existing virtual training. Innovating with modular e-learning, interactive simulations, and instructional videos, she made the learning experience more engaging and relevant for content writers. Her work significantly enhanced role relevancy and the application of knowledge, showcasing the power of targeted educational design.

Sue Drape-Comyn, a quality management innovator, revolutionised her team with coaching, mentoring, and empowerment. Prioritising personal development and team mobility, her approach enhanced organisational efficiency and team performance. This strategy resulted in high engagement scores, low absence rates, and outstanding compliance reviews, showcasing the power of genuine empowerment and succession planning. Sue’s leadership exemplifies how effective management can lead to significant organisational and individual growth.

Mel’s story at The AA is a compelling narrative of strategic improvements and impactful changes in quality assurance. Highlighting empathy and collaboration, her focus on both customer and business outcomes led to notable enhancements in operational efficiency and team morale. Challenging traditional views and fostering continuous improvement, Claire’s customer-centric approach and commitment to team engagement have driven significant operational advancements, embodying a transformative journey in fostering a supportive, quality-driven culture.

Claire’s journey at The AA illustrates the impact of resilience, collaboration, and education on driving organisational change. Facing initial challenges in report writing and confidence, her commitment to personal development and stakeholder engagement led to significant improvements. Through tailored communication and workshops, she enhanced cross-departmental relationships and customer outcomes, shifting towards a more inclusive culture. Her story highlights the transformative power of individual efforts in fostering a supportive, collaborative workplace environment.

In an era demanding rapid and accurate information sharing for customer service excellence, Linda’s story shines as a beacon of innovation in knowledge management. Working as a Procedures Specialist, she transformed her organisation’s approach to managing, accessing, and utilising knowledge. With a focus on a user-friendly, centralised knowledge base, her journey from identifying inefficiencies to implementing strategic solutions showcases remarkable improvements in operational efficiency, engagement, and training quality, serving as an inspiring example for others.

Ellie’s work at Novuna Consumer Finance exemplifies the transformative effect of centring both customers and colleagues in operational strategies. Her focus on empathetic, customer-centric training has significantly boosted performance, engagement, and service quality. Ellie’s efforts in simplifying processes and enhancing colleague capabilities have led to notable improvements, including reduced response times and increased stakeholder engagement. Her work underscores the value of empathy, strategic communication, and continuous improvement in operational training and development.

Alice spearheaded a transformative quality management initiative at Hindustan Global Solutions (HGS), significantly impacting its extensive global operations. By introducing Quality Central, a system meticulously designed to refine quality management processes, Alice not only streamlined operations but also nurtured a culture of continuous improvement. This strategic move revolutionised performance tracking significantly reduced administrative burdens, and marked a substantial leap towards operational excellence and strategic focus.

In the customer service and QA sector, Jess Baldock’s journey with DAS has become a source of inspiration. Jess embarked on a transformative path, shifting the QA role from policing to nurturing, focussing on relationship-building, approachability, and tailored feedback. Through her innovative strategies, Jess overcame significant hurdles, leading to remarkable improvements in team morale, agent performance, and the overall perception of the QA function. Her story offers valuable lessons for enhancing employee engagement and redefining quality assurance processes.