Getting more for your buck has been — and will always be — priority number one. Often enough in the ready mix industry, that means saving time by leveraging smarter, faster solutions.
What is it exactly that costs organizations their time, though?
A leading contributor could be communication. Whether we’re placing orders or routing deliveries, clear and concise communication makes a world of difference across every aspect of a business. Every operation has its team of people. And while everyone on deck may be an industry veteran, streamlining communication as a team will ultimately drive success.
Poor communication is costing us.
Can you imagine repeating yourself every time you speak? Neither can I — although getting my dog to listen usually takes a little extra oomph. When we do repeat ourselves, it’s probably a good idea to rephrase what we’re saying or provide additional context, right? We listen, then digest, then act. In an attempt to avoid spending time on extra clarification, we pack our words with as much meaning as possible.
And nevertheless, we still get the occasional “wait, what?” in return. We are only human.
There’s good news, though. I promise. Because it turns out that there are other ways to communicate than word of mouth. Throughout the product lifecycle, ready mix teams have become not just expert producers, but expert communicators through modern technology. With the powerful functionality of Command Cloud solutions, the way we communicate is no longer limited to a phone call. Let’s break it down.
A Transformation in Customer Communication
Mobile apps have brought us closer to answers faster. Within seconds, we’re able to pull up lunch menus, see our credit scores, and nail down the name of a song that’s playing.
If we solely relied on verbal communication, who knows how long it would take to get any of this done. Well, Customer Portal works the same way. Placing a ready mix order through the app will not eliminate communication between a customer and the business. Instead, we enhance it. Delivery details, including exactly when an order will arrive, are automatically provided to customers. Frankly, this is a lot quicker and self-empowering than any phone call could ever be. With Customer Portal, suppliers are in fact communicating more with their customers; it’s just through another, more efficient avenue.
When Drivers and Dispatchers Unite
Ready mix customer satisfaction greatly depends on a strong driver-dispatcher relationship. Working hand in hand, it’s no surprise that drivers and dispatchers thrive on solid communication.
A lot happens between leaving the plant and arriving at the job. To ensure messages are correctly received the first time they’re sent, delivery teams can automate a wide range of status updates. Whether a truck is loading, pouring, or on the road, drivers can automatically inform dispatch when they use TrackIt. TrackIt’s cloud-connected nature also allows dispatchers to provide pinpoint clarity with real-time truck tracking and precise job instructions. The best part? You guessed it — less phone calls.
Get Ahead, Stay Ahead
As shown by Customer Portal and TrackIt, ready mix teams have saved time not by minimizing their communication, but by leveraging more effective channels. Integrating these tools with cloud-based Dispatch delivers new means of communicating for the whole organization.
In short, cloud-based Dispatch takes us further by allowing dispatchers to plan more effectively. With enough data and context, we’re able to identify potential roadblocks before we run into them. As an example, with the help of real-time visibility across an order, a dispatcher has the ability to notify a driver of a route adjustment before it’s too late. At the same time, Command Alkon’s Dispatch system relays critical updates to Customer Portal as soon as they happen. Key assets including plants, vehicles, and teammates are now reaching their full potential.
Customer Portal, TrackIt, and Dispatch offer an alternative to a slew of lengthy phone calls. With more communicative control with customers and teammates alike, businesses like Asphalt Paving & Supply are quickly discovering new competitive advantages. For more on elevating our communication and productivity with a single unified cloud platform, check out our Command Cloud page.
