As technology continues accelerating through the 21st century, businesses require innovative solutions to keep pace. Modernized communication tools that promote more efficient collaboration stand at the forefront of this revolution.
This is where unified communications services play a vital role. But what exactly are the key benefits of unified communications? And how can organizations best implement unified communication in the digital workplace?
WHAT IS UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS?
Unified communications (UC) describes a platform that integrates multiple communication modalities into a single application for enhanced workplace communication.
Examples of typical functionality of a UC platform include:
- Video conferencing
- Phone system
- Screen sharing
- Instant messaging
- File sharing and file management
Most unified communications platforms exist in the cloud, which makes them accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Businesses find unified communications helpful because they combine internal messaging, customer support, video meetings, and other functionalities into a streamlined experience.
This streamlining helps promote productivity and strengthen coworking relationships while reducing company costs.
The three main components of unified communication are:
- Voice calling: True unified communications solutions provide companies with business-grade phone functionality; employees can receive a company extension or phone number where they can make and receive calls from almost any device.
- Messaging: Employees can communicate and share files with colleagues, clients, and partners easily with instant messaging.
- Web conferencing: UC applications allow presenters to share their screen and participants can view multiple visuals simultaneously.
HOW HAVE UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS CHANGED SINCE 2020?
The COVID-19 pandemic helped to accelerate the adoption of unified communications, as the need for businesses to communicate and collaborate in a virtual space quadrupled. To meet the demands of a remote workplace, companies became more reliant on collaborative technology solutions and cloud-based services.
During this transition, companies realized the benefits of unified communications technology in the workplace and have maintained them even as many workers have returned to an in-person environment. According to UC Today, 93% of enterprises have increased UC since the pandemic.
10 BENEFITS OF UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of united communications is that it amplifies workplace productivity while simplifying online communication.
Below, we explore why your business should transition to a comprehensive, unified communications platform.
1. Accelerates Team Productivity and Collaboration
With a UC platform, organizations can promote better internal communication practices and empower employees to collaborate more efficiently, whether they’re working in the office or remotely. This means no more dealing with workplace challenges holding your company back from achieving critical business objectives.
When workers all use the same application, they can seamlessly collaborate across multiple departments, which can make it easier for people across an organization to work on the same projects. This naturally lends to higher productivity rates.
2. Tracks Vital Information
Keeping track of vital information can turn into a complex undertaking that interferes with day-to-day business activities. Whether it’s managing emails, scrolling through work apps, or locating project details, information tracking needs to be streamlined to be effective.
A unified communications system eliminates the need to jump from one application to another, making it easier to track crucial company information.
3. Reduces Organizational Costs
By transitioning your business to a single communications platform, you can minimize company costs and distribute the remaining budget to other necessities.
Your company will no longer need to spend a substantial fortune on:
- Maintaining systems
- Redundant business applications
- Technical support systems
4. Enhances the Customer Experience
A customer’s perception of your company depends on the efficiency of the services you provide. With unified communications, you can provide the support and quality communication your consumers need. For example, you can use an interactive voice response system, which allows incoming callers to access critical information via pre-recorded messages.
Retail companies can benefit from this as well. The benefits of unified communications for retailers include a reduction in maintenance fees and outgoing expenses.
5. Improves Remote Work
The global pandemic accelerated the transition to a remote/hybrid work environment. Data shows that 26.7% of U.S. employees now work remotely and 16% of U.S. companies are fully remote.
As remote work reshapes industries, companies rely on comprehensive platforms to accommodate the growing remote workforce. Enabling access to a single online platform helps remote employees and their managers stay connected in an easy and cost-effective way. All employees need is an internet-connected device, and they can work on any project from anywhere in the world.
6. Streamlines Omnichannel Communication
Omnichannel communications involve using various methods of communication to connect with customers and employees. Since UC systems combine several channels and third-party features, this can streamline communication across your company, making it easier to connect with multiple parties regularly.
Your employees can also access omnichannel customer conversations, enabling them to provide personalized customer support services.
7. Strengthens Security Measures
Solid security measures are essential to avoid breaches, company leaks, and consumer data losses. Cloud-based tools like UC systems provide automated algorithms to protect a company’s database and prevent malware attacks. UC integration also makes it easier for IT personnel to enforce security policies across all communication applications.
8. Facilitates Video Calling & Gatherings
Video calling has become one of the most essential necessities for employers across several industries. With a UC platform, participants receive high-quality video calling capabilities, coupled with real-time chat and more importantly, screen-sharing capacities.
The result of this is enhanced company gatherings and greater flexibility for both remote and in-office workers.
Whether you’re looking to enhance screen sharing via Zoom Rooms or trying to simplify online work discussions, a UC program can elevate video gatherings for your business.
All you need is the right camera with enhanced video quality to get started.
9. Streamlines Messaging
With a unified communications system, you don’t need to switch between user interfaces when reviewing communications between coworkers. Why? Because a UC application integrates voicemail, instant messaging, and email into one app. All of these communications appear on a single timeline, via the activity bar making it easier to manage employee conversations.
10. Provides Access to Business Analytics
With a cloud-based communication system, you can collect valuable customer data and leverage that information to modify business goals. A proper UC system tracks data from several sources, including text messages, transcripts, emails, and purchase history.
IMPROVE COMPANY-WIDE COMMUNICATIONS WITH VIVO TECHNOLOGIES
The benefits of unified communications extend beyond internal company dialogue. A UC platform facilitates collaboration, empowers remote working, and improves the user experience for both your employees and customers.
As a unified communications solutions provider, we take pride in identifying and implementing feasible solutions your organization needs to improve employee collaboration and customer connections.
Ready to get started? Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support your business today.