The Economic Benefits of a Locally Based Solution
Operational efficiency and customer satisfaction are critically important for contact centres. However, looking to global providers for the required cutting-edge technology generally comes with a globally sourced price tag, which can be costly in Rand terms. Add in the infamous volatility of the Rand and you’re looking at a financial headache, at best, and cost-cutting exercises at worst, just to stay with internationally based technology. The solution lies closer to home.
The primary purpose of a contact centre is to offer customers efficient and effective technical support, customer service and sales assistance. But at what cost does this happen – and can your business survive currency upheaval, which has a very real impact on the local economy across the spectrum?
The volatility of the Rand is a significant hazard for South African companies, because it’s seen as a proxy for emerging market investment. This makes the local currency highly exposed to external shocks and global events, and thus very unpredictable.
In turn, this has negative effects on potential investment and local business operations. It therefore makes sense to go with a locally sourced provider that operates cost-effectively yet still according to global standards of expertise.
This is where the partnership between Vox and Smartz Solutions is a game changer for the South African contact centre market. Both companies, with deep and proudly South African roots, bring together local expertise, innovation and a profound understanding of the market, to deliver exceptional products and services.
World-class Technology, Stable Costing
Many global providers price their solutions in US dollars or euros, exposing businesses to exchange rate fluctuations. A sudden depreciation of local currency can double or triple the cost of maintaining these platforms, wreaking havoc on budgets. As a case in point: the Rand has once again been volatile over the last year,[1] ranging from R19.23 against the US Dollar in April 2024 to R17.10 in September 2024.
For contact centres operating in dollar- or Euro-based terms, costs can quickly become very onerous – and yet the issue of a quality service offering is not negotiable.
In answer, Vox has partnered with Smartz Solutions to offer advanced, cloud-based contact centre solutions that are geared to deliver exceptional customer experiences and thereby support businesses.
In addition, Smartz Solutions provides a local offering that is innovative, cost-effective and tailored to meet regional needs while solving global problems. This means that Smartz Solutions is levelling the playing field by offering world-class technology at a fraction of the cost.
‘Smart’ Benefits for Local Contact Centres
Smartz Solutions offers world-class platforms that are priced and designed for local realities. It’s able to deliver the following economic and strategic advantages:
- Cost efficiency without compromise: By pricing its solutions, professional services and support in Rands, Smartz Solutions ensures cost predictability by eliminating exchange rate risks. This assists organisations with their planning and allows them to allocate resources effectively, without sacrificing functionality or quality.
- Faster support and customisation: Being locally based means quicker response times and lower costs for support and customisation. Smartz Solutions is quick and responsive, ensuring seamless operations.
- Agility and Innovation: Free from the bureaucratic constraints of larger organisations, local companies can move quickly and innovate at a pace that global competitors often struggle to match.
- Deep Understanding of Local Needs: Local companies often have an intimate understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities within their markets, enabling them to design bespoke solutions. They also understand cultural and contextual nuances, which allows them to foster stronger connections with their customers.
By choosing local providers like Vox in partnership with Smartz Solutions, businesses can navigate global challenges with confidence, ensuring they remain customer focused as well as competitive and agile. As an additional value-add, choosing to support local companies contributes to the growth of South Africa’s tech ecosystem – another win.
Smartz Solutions understands the importance of localised, cost-effective solutions and pricing. So why pay Dollars, Euros or Pounds for your contact centre technology, when your Rands will go further for the same quality and functionality? Local solutions are economically viable and also strategically advantageous for businesses that need to stay in contact with their customers.
With Vox and Smartz Solutions, you get continued customer service excellence that simultaneously helps you to look after your Rands and cents.
Which is only common sense, right?
[1] https://businesstech.co.za/news/finance/816948/how-much-the-rand-should-be-worth/
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