Contact Center Pipeline October 2024 | Page 27

AS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE , THE ABILITY TO LEVERAGE UNIFIED , ACTIONABLE CUSTOMER DATA WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY CRUCIAL FOR CONTACT CENTERS .
CUSTOMER DATA

AS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE , THE ABILITY TO LEVERAGE UNIFIED , ACTIONABLE CUSTOMER DATA WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY CRUCIAL FOR CONTACT CENTERS .

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT ( AND DATA-DRIVEN )
As customer expectations continue to evolve , the ability to leverage unified , actionable customer data will become increasingly crucial for contact centers .
This approach not only enhances the CX but also drives operational efficiencies and provides valuable insights for business strategy .
These operational efficiencies become bidirectional , as a CDP becomes widely used across entire organizations , they become easier to update and reflect true customer sentiment with the brand with multiple business units contributing to its value .
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Looking ahead , we can expect to see further advancements in how customer data is utilized within contact centers .
• Artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning will play a growing role in predicting customer needs and guiding agents to the most effective solutions .
• Real-time sentiment analysis could help agents adjust their approach mid-conversations .
• Advanced analytics will provide even deeper insights into customer behavior and preferences .
The unification and activation of customer data represent a significant opportunity for contact centers to elevate their performance and deliver exceptional CXs .
By breaking down data silos and providing agents with a comprehensive view of each customer , companies can transform their customer service from a cost center into a strategic differentiator .
As technology continues to evolve , those organizations that successfully harness the power of unified customer data will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace .
Christian
Saffici , Senior Solutions Consultant at Amperity , with 20-plus years in platform design and management , specializes in CDPs and high-volume data systems . His career spans product ownership at TD Bank , business development , and a decade at Merkle . Christian excels at helping Fortune 500 clients evolve marketing platforms and improve customer experiences .
DATA DECAY
Contact centers can begin this process by setting up automated update requests to prompt customers to confirm or update their contact details regularly and whenever they interact with customer service .
They can also establish feedback loops with customers through surveys or service calls to gather updated contact information and preferences . This engagement not only helps maintain accurate data but also enhances customer relationships .
Additionally , contact centers can monitor engagement metrics such as email open rates and response rates to calls .
Low engagement is often a tell-tale sign of data decay . But tracking engagement information during outreach efforts enables businesses to identify and investigate potential issues with contact data .
Finally , contact centers must take time to provide their agents with professional development regarding the importance of data accuracy and decay .
Ongoing education and staff training can address the need for improved data quality and compliance with data protection regulations . When done well , this training will support employees as they do their part to maintain their company ’ s data .
Combating data decay in the contact center environment is a critical aspect of modern data management . Data quality is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment to continuous monitoring , evaluation , and improvement .
Data decay leads to inefficiencies , poor CXs , wasted resources , and compliance risks that require proactive strategies such as regular data cleansing , enrichment , employee education , customer consent , and preference management to resolve effectively and efficiently .
The battle against data decay is complex , demanding a strategic response from businesses . It not only poses challenges across various industries , but it also presents the silver lining of offering an opportunity for organizations to correct and even strengthen their data management practices .
By embracing clear data governance , advanced technology , and proactive data cleansing , along with fostering customer engagement for data accuracy , businesses can lessen the impacts of data decay . This approach not only improves operational efficiency and customer satisfaction but also helps to ensure compliance and protects the company ' s reputation .
Ultimately , investing in effective data management practices will empower contact centers to thrive and deliver exceptional customer service at every touchpoint .
JoAnn
Fitzpatrick is the COO of RealValidation . With over 10 years at the company , she ’ s been pivotal in streamlining operations and creating impactful marketing strategies . Her journey from advertising and design to data analytics at RealValidation highlights her adaptability and her knack for blending creative and analytical skills in a team environment .
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