Feature: Web enabling your business - what is it and how to do it
What is it?
Web enabling involves using the web to play a role in fulfilling your organisation’s business processes. Web enabling is much more than having a pure information website. Examples of web enablement include having a knowledgebase on your website, which your clients can access to reduce their technical questions, online order tracking so customers can see the status of their order directly through their website, to reduce incoming calls and even allowing staff to access their work documents remotely via the internet through a secure documentation area. In essence being web enabled means using the accessibility, storage capacity and functionality of the Internet to improve business processes and ultimately efficiency.

Benefits
Web enablement can reduce costs by streamlining processes and allowing customers and prospects to access information they need at their convenience and so therefore reducing incoming enquiries. It can also improve customer service by allowing the customer to have more control over information about their account with you. It could be that key knowledge in stored in a way which means the business is less reliant on specific individuals. Web enabling your business will facilitate growth by having scalable processes in place.

How to do it?
Web enabling critical business processes involves having a full understanding of your existing processes and identifying those key issues which are holding your business back. It really involves having a thorough understanding of how your business operates to see whether elements or even the entire business process could be streamlined by conducting the processes online.

A first step would be to map out your existing processes. Start by jotting it down onto a sheet of paper and ensuring the way you think the organisation operates is actually what happens. Then identify any key problem areas or areas where you would like to improve efficiency or reduce cost. Then look at whether a web based system could in fact address these issues. It is worth doing a cost benefit analysis to see whether the potential benefits are worth the investment. As with any new processes people will need to learn the new systems so do budget for this.

Do bear in mind web enabling doesn’t just involve replacing existing processes it should mean that the business operates smarter and is more effective so it actually adds value.

Don't just take our word for it
Zarr client Bravanark saw the opportunities of web enabling their business and are now reaping the benefits of reduced overhead costs and improved customer understanding.

Bravanark are a health and safety / HR consultancy who wanted to improve their customer service and delight their clients. As part of the service they offer they give clients access to relevant and up to date health and safety documentation. To improve client service and reduce print costs they decide to web enable this aspect of their service through a client area on their website.

Clients no longer have to refer to and locate print outs, instead they access up to date documents, on-line, at their convenience from any computer with Internet access. When a new document is added clients are automatically emailed a notification and reminder to access this new information.

Web enabling your business means that Bravanark clients are given information quickly and kept informed of changes; it reduces Bravanark’s overheads as they no longer have to send out printed manuals and also reduces the scope for manual error. Because Bravanark have a record (via their web user statistics) of which documents their clients have access to and when they can build up better customer knowledge and make decisions on changes to make or new information to release.

Want to know more?
To discuss how you could benefit from web enabling your business call Ursula at Zarr on 01788 820900.

Web Offer: Website Audit Zarr has put together an independent review which is ideal for any business wanting to get more business from their website, or planning to use it to help them expand. The Zarr Website Audit will explain: The site’s Google ranking - a good indication of how easy the website is to find by people surfing for the kind of products or services on offer. Whether the website is fully optimised for search engines – and therefore can be found by potential customers. If the site complies with the requirements of the new Disability Discrimination Act. Whether the website content (the pictures and the words) is doing the company justice. Does it explain clearly what you offer and present the right image for your business? If the website contains any technical barriers which visitors might not be able to overcome. How interactive the site is – and whether visitors are encouraged to make contact. The cost of a website audit is £250 + VAT. To order your website audit call Andy at Zarr on 01788 820900.

Web Insider: E-Commerce Awards Launched
The 2005 E-Commerce Awards recognise and reward those organisations that have demonstrated excellence through the use of the Internet. If you would like to enter please click here http://www.ecommerce-awards.co.uk/

Zarr News: Hearty Hellos
Zarr welcomes two new members of the team – Nicky Fleming and Ross McCleary. Ross joins the team as a junior programmer and has an eye for graphical design. Aside from developing web solutions Ross has a keen interest in music production and has completed his own dance album. Nicky joins the team as Zarr’s project manager. As Zarr grows Nicky’s role is pivotal to ensure that projects continue to be well managed and Zarr’s clients get the level of service they deserve.

Zarr News: Intrepid Explorer
Sarah Adams has been working for Zarr on a part time basis for the past year whilst in her final year at Leicester University. Sarah is taking part in a charity challenge in China to raise much needed funds for disadvantaged, distressed and sick children. In September she will be trekking the Great Wall in the first ever let’s Trek for Children event to support the work of five UK charities. Sarah is aiming to raise at least £2500 in sponsorship funds. To sponsor Sarah visit https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/sarahstrek

Coming Soon

Zarr’s May newsletter features how to enhance sales from your web-site with the market intelligence it provides you.

Contact Zarr

If you are interested in finding out how your business can benefit from the latest web technology or if you need help with your online business strategy contact Zarr Internet Services on 01788 820900.

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