IVR App - Product Distribution

Product Distribution

• Inventory Inquiry

  Wholesalers and retailers can use a computer telephony system to let their regular customers determine whether an item is in stock, and if so, to order it. A customer calls the system and is prompted to enter an account number. Once the account is verified, the caller enters item numbers and the quantity of each item needed. The system verifies each order by playing back the choice and informs the caller when the item is out of stock. When a session is finished, the system sends a copy of the order to a printer. The printed report can be used to pick the orders from stock. A list of out-of-stock items is maintained so the distributor will know which products need to be reordered.

• Shipment Status

  Manufacturers can check the status of a shipment by dialing into a computer telephony system and entering an order number. The system obtains the latest record from a database and plays a recording indicating the shipment date and any reasons for delay. The system is programmed to delay shipment to customers who have no credit record or have a bad credit history.

• Locator Services

  Many people find it difficult to locate dealers or service centers for products they have purchased or for products they are thinking of purchasing. A locator system automatically routes callers to the closest dealer or provides alternative suggestions where an item might be purchased or repaired.

• Product Recall

  It can be very expensive for a company to inform the public when a product is recalled. A computer telephony system can provide this information at less expense by handling thousands of calls a day. Customers who call an advertised number are asked to input a serial number or other identifying number to insure that the recall applies to them. If it does, the system plays a recording telling them the status of the product recall program, how to fix the problem, or where to take the product for repair.

• Fax On Demand

  Customers interested in purchasing a product can receive free information about the product by fax. They call a toll-free number and are prompted to enter a product identification number and their fax number. The system sends them a fax automatically. The number of the fax service is featured in print advertisements along with a list of the product identification numbers.