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A Message from the CEO
Technology continues to have a big impact on every customer we serve - from its general ability to optimize their operations and services, to improving their financial results and extending market reach. The people you support and work with even evaluate your business based on how you deploy and use technology.

At a more granular level, your employees rely on their technology to enhance workflow and productivity. The HR department relies on technology to hire, train and develop employees. The Accounting department relies on technology to run payroll, issue invoices and pay the bills. Managers rely on technology to communicate with and evaluate those they supervise. 

There are so many interconnected functions that contribute to the success of a business that, without technology, there would be little chance to accomplish all that needs to be done. 

This month we delve into how better technology can help your business improve the efficiency and responsiveness of your Field Service team, simplify your overall operations, safeguard your people and property, and how its proper deployment can contribute to the success of a new office location starting on Day One.

I invite you to contact me about your business challenges and to discuss how better technology can drive new levels of performance for you in 2019. Give me a call at 703-321-3030 or email cornbrookst@tcicomm.com .
 
Tom Cornbrooks, President and CEO
Safeguarding your People & Property with Emergency Mass Notifications
Your business can experience serious disruptions from a variety of sources:  power outages, fire, flood, icy roads and severe weather, to name just a few. Having a well-defined response plan and utilizing the proper communication technology to communicate with your employees is vital for dealing effectively with these and other emergency situations.

Emergency notification systems are available in a variety of technologies…

  • Paging messages and announcements can be automated, pre-recorded and ready for use or utilized in real-time. The right paging system should work with phones, speakers or traditional PA systems. Syn-Apps, for example, is a notification solution that tightly integrates with Mitel’s phone systems.

  • Real-time Alerts can be used for desktop notifications to employees or used to make phone calls to connected users. They can even be used in conjunction with beacons or digital signage for visual notifications.  

  • Integrated Solutions take advantage of advanced IVR (interactive voice response) solutions with your phone system. You can use specific phone numbers or prompts to route calls based on caller inquiry and update recorded messages with pertinent information. Your staff won’t need to answer redundant questions, and they can efficiently deal with the situation at hand. 

  • Conference Bridges - Specific bridges can be used during emergency situations for immediate conferencing with remote users and offices. The use of mobile apps and desktop applications allow users to quickly and easily join, resulting in faster response and updates. 

In an emergency, you don’t want to waste time recording messages or figuring out system configurations. Prepare, plan and be ready… Reach out to TCI to start discussing your options. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com .

Giving Machines a Voice… Overcome Field Service delays with IoT and Cloud Communications
Today’s service customers have zero patience for field service delays. They simply won’t tolerate missed or late service calls, or technicians who don’t have the necessary skills to get them back online, or the old standby, “I don’t have the right parts with me. I’ll have to go back to the shop.” 

The Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud communications have the potential to minimize such situations. In a recent survey of field service executives, 55% said IoT was the “next big thing” related to technology that they felt would most help with increasing service demands.

In the not too distant past, field techs were limited to voice-only cell phones to communicate with their home office. But with today’s smartphones and web-based solutions, they can message and locate coworkers, conduct video calls, and make voice calls - all from a mobile app. 

IoT devices are taking field service to the next level… Multiple sensors on IoT devices provide diagnostic data that help service techs and engineers pinpoint the cause of maintenance issues at customer locations. 

With better data, there is faster analysis and identification of the best solution. A cloud-based management system can even allow your techs to correct many problems remotely. By giving machines a voice, you can head off service problems before your techs need to hit the road. 

  
Does your business depend on Field Service? Keep your business focused on delivering the best possible Customer Experience. Contact TCI today: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com .

Is an Office Move in your future? TCI helps you make a successful Technology Transition
Office technology is the powerhouse that drives your business forward… If your phones aren’t ringing and your systems aren’t working at your new office on Day One, then your business can sputter to a stop.

Here are some of the critical technology elements that your TCI relocation experts pay special attention to so you can avoid costly roadblocks...

  • Equipment - We determine if your current systems still meet your business needs. If they fall short, we'll get you up to speed on upgrades or replacements that will meet your performance requirements at your new location.

  • Cloud Migrations - An impending move may provide an opportunity for cost savings by moving more systems and applications to the cloud, especially if your aging on-premises technology can’t provide the latest capabilities your people need to perform at their best. We perform a comprehensive analysis and make deployment recommendations so you can make an informed decision.

  • Infrastructure - We review your cabling and outlet requirements for voice, data and video, as well as map out the best locations for switches, routers, wireless access points, servers, phone system, network printers, and uninterruptable power systems.

  • Dedicated Space - We'll work with your facilities team to help identify the ideal locations for server rooms and network hubs, and any special requirements for electrical power, air handling, and physical security.

  • Telecom & Internet - We review capacity requirements to determine if you need more LAN/WAN capacity, phone lines, and broadband services at your new location. We'll work with the service providers to get the connections you need.

  • Data Protection - We can assist with backing up your important data and applications as well as firewall, server, router and phone system configurations so that if something goes wrong during the move, you will have the ability get your business up and running quickly.

Don’t let a poorly executed office move put your business on hold. Get our relocation experts involved in your plans as early as possible. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com .

Simplifying Operations with Better Technology starts with a 2019 TCI Planning Session
With budget season here and 2019 right around the corner, now is a great time to start evaluating your office technologies and setting strategic goals.

A TCI Technology & Business Review gets you prepared for the new year, whether you’re considering Digital Transformation, IoT, Disaster Recovery, IT Security, Cloud, or Managed Services.  

Not familiar with the latest innovations or apps? We'll get you up to speed so your business can connect more easily and become more productive than ever with the latest tools. 

Schedule your 2019 planning session with TCI today. Call (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com .

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