Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2_aw
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 2
&
A U S T R A L I A N DIRECT M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I AT I O N
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 4
1 Introduction Introduction
1
1
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Call & Contact Centre Guidelines
The purpose of the Call & Contact Centre Guidelines is to promote higher standards of good business
2 Guidelines
2.1 2.2 Existing ADMA Standards Operational Issues 2.2.1 2.3 Management of Inbound Contacts
2
2 3 3 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 11 11
From a client standpoint, the guidelines deal with a variety of issues that should be considered when
choosing a contact centre. In this way, they provide a useful tool in comparing and evaluating prospective suppliers.
For Call & Contact Centres, they establish a framework against which to benchmark their service offerings and differentiate them in the marketplace. It should be noted that Members operate and utilise Call & Contact Centres for a variety of purposes, consequently, there cannot be a simple one size fits all approach. For example, organisations may promote themselves as meeting ISO standards for which the cost of services may be higher, but a client may not wish to pay the extra for the service. The focus of these guidelines is on the marketing aspects of a contact centre, including both inbound and outbound activities. In addition to the traditional telephone-based customer interactions, the guidelines cover all multi-channel customers. Please note that this document will be updated from time
Use of Technology 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 Outbound Contact (Use of Predictive Diallers) CND, CLI and CTI Technology ADADs (Automatic Dialling Announcing Devices)
Processes Authenticating the Callers Identity Call Recording and Monitoring Use of Scripting Agent Training Outsource Contracts Implications of Foreign Privacy Data Protection Laws Implications of Providing Service to Foreign Countries International DMAs
to time to incorporate any changes in-line with industry advancements in Call & Contact Centres operations.
Acknowledgements:
ADMA would like to thank Tier Technologies for their support in developing the Call & Contact Centre Guidelines, along with Bristow & Prentice Response Advertising for the production of artwork and Mockridge Bulmer for all film and print production.
11
14
14 14 15 17
Call Contact
A U S T R A L I A N D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 2
2 Guidelines Guidelines
These guidelines acknowledge that Members offer different levels of technology in their Call & Contact
Centre operations. Should Members offer the technology as listed below, the following is recommended:
Inbound queues may be set up to allow for consistent and appropriate servicing of customer
contacts according to specific campaign requirements and members overall operating strategies. Characteristics of the queues should include, where technology is available, the following:
Be configured to allow for easy identification and reporting of specific campaign activity
Fair conduct relevant to Consumer Data Protection in Section E of the Privacy Principles ADMAs On-line Marketing Guidelines regarding: E-mail Marketing http://www.adma.com.au/information/marketingGuidelines.htm The means of Opting Out
Be set up to ensure that each new call into a queue is treated on a first in first out basis
If some form of automated attendant (inc. IVR) is used, there is need to be able to measure
time to live agent answer as appropriate
Queue Management
Queues may be managed to ensure a consistent level of service is supplied to inbound contacts. Key aspects of queue management should, where technology is available, include or be considerate of the following:
The ability to manage routing and prioritisation of calls on a real time basis The ability to measure progress of calls through the queue and total duration of time spent queuing
for each customer contact
The establishment of measurable standards of performance and reporting to allow for the effective
management of the queue
Queue Messaging
Queue messaging should be set up to provide customers with information that assists them to
understand the progress of their call through the Members queuing system. Key areas of consideration for queue messaging that Members should provide for callers, where technology is available, are:
No dead air, or when a call is on hold in queue, customers either hear music or some form
of recorded announcement
Messaging to advise progress of the call through the queue or to reassure the caller that their call
will be answered
For lengthy delays alternative contact options should be considered and offered to callers either
at the beginning of the call or at key points during the calls progress
Call Contact
A U S T R A L I A N
D I R E C T
M A R K E T I N G
A S S O C I A T I O N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 4
There are four major steps to the Call and Resource Management process:
1) Forecasting
Service level Percent abandoned Adherence to schedule Average speed of answer Average handle time
Performance to KPIs should be measured at regular intervals to enable the identification of potential areas for improvement.
The purpose of forecasting is to accurately predict the number of calls for each day, as well as the spread of this call volume over the half-hour increments during the day.
The objective in creating the roster of schedules is to determine the most efficient way for staffing
The purpose of assigning customer service representatives (CSRs) to individual schedules is to make certain that each schedule is filled. The intention is also to enable CSRs, to the extent possible,
to work the schedule which will best meet their needs, with the understanding that the schedules will be determined based on business requirements.
c) Complete long range capacity planning so that action plans can be prepared for upcoming changes and take the proper steps to prevent problems from occurring
d) Reduce expenses by efficiently scheduling staff e) Schedule time for the ongoing, cost-effective development of contact centre staff f) Conduct statistical benchmarking between functional groups and teams to encourage strong performance and the spread of best practice
Call Contact
D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
A U S T R A L I A N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 6
2.4 Processes
documented and communicated to relevant staff. Processes may include:
To ensure smooth Call & Contact Centre operations on a daily basis, key processes should be appropriately
If a live operator is not available to take a call generated by the dialler, it should abandon the call and
release the line in not more than one second
Call and After Call Processes Escalation Processes Business Continuity Procedures Complaints Handling Processes Reporting
The recommended time limit for a dialler to hold on to a call to allow sufficient time for a customer to
pick up is 12 seconds, which equates to about 4 rings
Repeated hang-ups of calls to a prospect should be reduced through maintaining abandon rates of 5%
or less of total outbound attempts made
Quality Assurance Processes (benchmarking) Quality Monitoring Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Continuous Improvement
2.3.3 ADADs (Automatic Dialling Announcing Devices) The use of outbound automatic calling units to deliver pre-recorded messages without live operator
intervention should be avoided unless the receiver of the call has previously consented to this type of call. Alternatively, a live operator should be used to introduce the pre-recorded message and obtain consent in accordance with the ADMA Code of Practice.
of information that together will prove the callers identity. In addition to the standard methods (passwords, date of birth and mothers maiden name) other measures such as recent transaction details and account details can be devised and used. To combat the risk of fraud, Members should institute procedures for logging suspicious calls.
6
1
Call Contact
D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
A U S T R A L I A N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 8
Whether a Member is a Call & Contact Centre operator or is using an outsourcer, there is a need to ensure
The product and service set Call handling procedures After call processes Quality customer service and or sales processes Applicable laws, regulations and codes of practice Meeting target performance standards
Training should be recognised as an ongoing process and must be revisited periodically to ensure agents remain up-to-date with both legislative and product and service changes and retained knowledge training. With particular reference to legal issues, agent training should incorporate awareness of privacy issues and fair trading regulations. In addition, policies for proper use and penalties for misuse, of corporate information should be made available to agents. Their adherence to these policies should be monitored and possibly tied to the yearly
Tapes of recorded conversations be stored in a secure place only accessible by authorised employees Tapes be stored in non-standard format Accessing tapes should follow a logging procedure Tapes be used only for the purpose for which they were recorded in the first place Tapes be erased or destroyed within 3 months of recording unless otherwise required by law Access to recordings should be provided to customers upon request 3
8
2 3
and the agreed conditions such as, the period covered upon which they become effective. Contracts could consist of:
When making an outbound call, if at any time the customer indicates that they do not wish to have future contact, the agents script should include wording for the agent to acknowledge this request and wording for the agent to promptly and courteously terminate the call.
Should a request for further contact be denied, a procedure must be in place for that customer record to be recorded on the Do Not Contact list as per current ADMA guidelines.
ACIF Participant Monitoring Guidelines, Section 6.2 and Section 7 ACIF Participant Monitoring Guidelines, Section 11
Call Contact
D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
A U S T R A L I A N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 10
Members with information about foreign customers or prospects and those with foreign operations should
become familiar with the privacy laws of the specific countries in which they operate. A process should be in place to ensure that as a Member you are aware of new developments in legislation that affects your customer prospect base and that these are communicated to your staff.
Members should refer to specific guidelines contained in section 9 of the National Privacy Principles, regarding Transborder data flows http://www.privacy.gov.au/publications/npps01.html
For Australian based operations providing services to other countries, a clear understanding should be demonstrated of all legislative requirements and service standards associated with Members foreign
1 1
Call Contact
customers and foreign operations. Additionally, Members should make themselves aware of current codes of practice for direct marketing where they exist for that foreign country, and ensure any required changes to business processes are applied accordingly. Members should also make themselves aware of key differences from a business and cultural perspective between Australia and the country of business that may have a direct impact on the quality of service provided to that country. Where appropriate, considerations for these differences should be incorporated into day to day business processes.
Confidentiality clauses for protection of Client Member data during the contract period and beyond
Contracts should include confidentiality clauses that cover the treatment of the Members or Clients
10
BELGIUM
Ph 32 2 7794268/ 7789920 Fax 32 2 7794269/7789924 Web site: www.fedma.org
COLOMBIA
A U S T R A L I A N
D I R E C T
M A R K E T I N G
A S S O C I A T I O N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 12
The Danish Direct Marketing Club Dansk, Markedsforingforbaud Vesterbrogade #24,4, DK-1620 Copenhagen
Israeli Direct Marketing Association Israeli Chamber of Commerce 84 Hashaschmonaim Street Tel Aviv 67011 ISRAEL Ph 972 3 5631010 Fax 972 3 5612614 Associazione Delle Agenzie Di Direct Marketing Via Larga 19, 20122 Milan ITALY Ph 39 2 861725 Fax 39 2 8900272 Associazione Italiana per il Direct Marketing
Frysjaveieu 40 Postboks 105 Kjelsas N 0411 Oslo NORWAY Ph 47 22 183700 Fax 47 22 183744 Direct Marketing Association of the Philippines C/- AZ Building #723 Sgt. Bumatay Street Mandaluyong City PHILIPPINES Ph 63 2 533 7075 Fax 63 2 533 2399 Servicio de Mercadeo Directo PO Box 55-0625, Paitilla, Panama City PANAMA Ph 507 692343 Fax 507 692419
DENMARK
Ph 45 31 224688 Fax 45 31 221782 Finnish Direct Marketing Association Lonnrotinkatu 11 A, III krs FIN-00120 Helsinki FINL AND Ph 358 0 6121 070 Fax 358 0 6121 039 Le Syndicat des Entreprises de Vente par Correspondance et a Distance 60, rue La Boetie, 75008 Paris FRANCE Ph 33 1 4256 3886 Fax 33 1 4563 9195 Syndicate National De La Communication Directe 101 Avenue du General Leclerc 75014 Paris FRANCE Ph 33 1 41171309 Fax 33 1 41171305 DDV Deutscher Direktmarketing Verband Hasengraten Strasse 14, 65189 Wiesbaden
Via della Moscova 38, 20121 Milano ITALY Ph 39 2 29 01 41 57 Fax 39 2 29 01 31 72 Japan Direct Marketing Association (JADMA) Mori Building, #32, 3-4-30 Shiba-Koen Minato-Ku Tokyo 105 JAPAN Ph 81 3 3434 4700 Fax 81 3 3434 4518 Web site: www.jadma.org
13
Swedish Direct Marketing Association 104-40 Stockholm SWEDEN PO Box 14038, Strandvagen 7B, Entre 3 Ph 46 8 661 3910 Fax 46 8 660 0713 Taiwan Direct Marketing Association (TDMA) 3F 2 Min Sheng E Rd Sec. 5, Taipei TAIWAN Ph 886 2 2746 1531 Fax 886 2 2753 3039 Swiss Direkt Marketing Association Postfach, Mannedorf SWITZERL AND Ph 41 1923 7560 Fax 41 1923 6780 The Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd Haymarket House, 1 Oxendon Street London SW1Y4EE UNITED KINGDOM Ph 44 171 321 2525 Fax 44 171 321 0191 Web site: www.dma.org.uk Direct Marketing Association 1120 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 UNITED STATES
Russian Direct Marketing Association PO Box 26, Moscow, 113191 RUSSIA Ph 7 095 2322696 Fax 7 095 2322698 Direct Marketing Association of Singapore
Direct Marketing Association of Malaysia No. 49 Jalan Petaling Utama 3 Taman Petaling Utama 46000 Petaling Jaya MAL AYSIA Ph 60 3 791 2555 Fax 60 3 791 6846 Asociacion Mexican De Mercadotecnia
SINGAPORE 188350
Ph 65 334 5860 Fax 65 334 4980 The Direct Marketing Association of South Africa PO Box 977, Auckland Park 2006
OF AMERICA
Ph 1 212 768 7277 Fax 1 212 768 7353 Web site: www.the-dma.org
GERMANY
Ph 49 611 9779 300 Fax 49 611 9779 399 Hong Kong Direct Marketing Association C/- Godfrey Rooke & Associates 6th Floor, Sino Plaza, 256 Gloucester Road Causeway Bay HONG KONG Ph 852 2850 5829 Fax 852 2581 0277 Direct Marketing Association of India Bedeshwar, Gujarat, 361 002 INDIA Ph 91 288 559135 Fax 91 288 555311
Directa Montecito 38 Piso 23 Suite 14, Col. Napoles 01710 Mexico, D.F., Colonia Roma 06700DF
MEXICO
Ph 525 488 3163 Fax 525 488 3165 DMSA, Dutch Association for Direct Marketing, Distance Selling and Sales Promotion Weerdestein 96, 1083 GG Amsterdam
12
The Direct Marketing Association: India DBS Centre, World Trade Towers Barakhamba Lane, New Delhi INDIA Irish Direct Marketing Association Dublin 4 IREL AND
The Powerhouse, Pigeon House Harbour Ph 353 1 668 7155 Fax 353 1 668 7945
Call Contact
D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
A U S T R A L I A N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 14
Glossary of Terms:
Abandoned Call a call placed by a predictive dialler to a consumer, which when answered by the consumer,
breaks the connection because no live agent is available to speak to the consumer.
Abandon Rate
the percentage of leads that are brought up by the dialler which are not then transferred to a live operator (does not include calls to answering machines).
ADADs
Automatic Dialling Announcing Device are any automatic equipment which stores or
produces telephone numbers to be called, used alone or with other equipment to convey a pre-recorded or synthesized voice message to the telephone number called.
Agent
the person who handles incoming and outgoing calls. Also commonly known as customer service representative (CSR), telephone sales or service representative (TSR), customer service professional, operator and team member etc.
15
Call Contact
Answered Calls calls that are answered by a live consumer (not an answering machine). Benchmarking
a standardised task to test the capabilities of devices against each other. In quality terms, benchmarking is comparing products, services and processes with those of other
ADMA Membership
Beep Tone
The Australian Direct Marketing Association has been serving the industry since 1966. With over 500 members from all business sectors including some of the biggest names in Australia and the world, ADMA has established its reputation as the peak body for information based marketing. Through work on public issues like privacy, telecommunications, fair trading and consumer satisfaction ADMA has become an influential voice in government circles, protecting members interests while promoting responsible business practice. Email: membership@adma.com.au
organisations, to identify new ideas and improvement opportunities. an audible notification that a call is being monitored. a term that generally refers to reservations centres, information lines, help desks or customer service centres, regardless of how they are organised or what types of transactions they handle. The term Contact Centre is becoming more widely used as Call Centre does not accurately depict multi-channel environments.
Call Centre
CLI
Calling Number Display / Calling Line Identity data generated by a network which relates to the telecommunications service of the originating call.
CND
Calling Number Display A CLI based service that displays the CLI or CLI related data of the originating telecommunications service to the receiver at the time a call is established.
14
Customer services which transmit the CLI or CLI related data of senders to the CND receivers. Computer Telephony Integration - CTI allows routing decisions to be made for each customer contact and extraction of information which is likely to assist an agent in call processing. For example, an IVR could be used to request caller information such as customer ID and enquiry type. The service then delivers the callers account details, enquiry type and contact history information to the LAN WAN for presentation to the appropriate agents desktop, simultaneously with delivery of the call to their handset. Advanced CTI also provides interaction with Internet capabilities to facilitate contact between the caller and the agent.
A U S T R A L I A N
D I R E C T
M A R K E T I N G
A S S O C I A T I O N
&
17/8/01
9:49 AM
Page 16
Handling Time
the time an agent spends in Talk Time and After-Call Work, handling a transaction. This may also refer to the time it takes for a machine to process a transaction.
Reference Sites:
http://www.callcentres.net
ISO IVR
Interactive Voice Response - IVR is an intelligent platform technology that allows a caller to interact with a computer to select a call routing option, obtain information or complete simple or complex transactions using their telephone touch-tone keypad or speech recognition technology. An IVR solution can ensure that your customers calls are managed efficiently and effectively, without the need for an agents time.
http://www.privacy.gov.au/publications/npps01.html
17
Produced by:
Percent Allocation a call routing strategy sometimes used in multi-site call centre environments. Calls
received in the network are allocated across sites based on user-defined percentages.
Developed by:
16
All Film and Print Production by Mockridge Bulmer, proud sponsors of ADMA.
Call Contact
D I R E C T M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I A T I O N
A U S T R A L I A N
&