Chicomm Blog

In finding the perfect school WiFi and radio solution, schools face many challenges, including funding -- a situation that’s at the heart of the federal E-Rate program to make telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries.

E-Rate, the government’s largest educational technology program, was first mandated by Congress in 1996 and implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1997. Starting in 2014, the FCC launched two major modernization efforts to reallocate funding where it’s needed most to close the WiFi gap, particularly low-income rural and urban schools and libraries. The modernization also shifted money away from voice, paging and non-broadband legacy systems. 

Shopping for facility management software can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding: Investing in the ideal software solution to fit your needs can save time and money, so it’s essential that you do your homework before you buy.

In general, it's important to select a facility management software that will:

Commercial alarm systems don’t just protect the safety and security of your staff and property, they’re an important investment in your peace of mind. The right alarm system can make all the difference when it comes to preventing, handling and reporting incidents.

When you’re choosing the right system for your business or property, keep in mind what level of sophistication and convenience you need. As you’re conducting your search for a commercial alarm system, here are some features to look for:

If you feel like you’ve tried everything to improve your team’s customer service skills – jokes, threats and rewards – but nothing seems to be getting through to the members of your mobile staff, it may be time for some fresh customer service training ideas to get back on the right track.

Have your team name all of their customers – internal and external.

The foundation of excellent customer service is great employees. You want customers to walk away from interactions with your staff feeling supported and satisfied enough to want to come back for more – and to send their friends and colleagues your way. So one great customer service skill is to hone your hiring process to find genuinely friendly and helpful people.

That all starts with a hiring process that focuses on both skillset and how well a prospective candidate’s personality aligns with your company’s customer-centric focus. To build a winning team, you need people who are both talented and can demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile for your customers.

Whether you’re considering upgrading your facility management software or investing in it for the first time, it can be daunting to start researching software options. As with any technology investment, it's crucial to have the right information so that the choice you make results in increased efficiency and profitability.

As you’re researching your facility management software options, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

Full suite of features and functionality

Customer service skills are probably the most important asset to front-line staff dealing with the public or clients. But customer service technology – and knowing how to use it – can be just as important as people skills.

The right communication technology can create a win for everyone involved – the business, the staff, and customers. On-site service staff equipped with lightweight, convenient radios can assist customers by having real-time communication with team members handling inventory, accounts, and other functions.

Buying the right devices isn't enough, though. Too often, businesses buy the right devices, hardware or software but don’t take the time for adequate instruction to unlock all of the technology’s benefits. Training is the easiest way to ensure that you’re putting technology to work to meet your customer service goals. While most modern radio solutions are pretty intuitive, it’s still a best practice to make sure staff know how to use them correctly and efficiently. If that’s not the case, it can impede staff confidence and ability to build trust with the customer.

Once you’ve worked with your Motorola dealer to get the best MOTOTRBO radio solution for your business or agency, it's not uncommon to discover  that your team needs accessories to make the best use of that solution. While the right research can make it possible to anticipate most staff needs prior to purchasing your system, it's always a good idea to set aside a budget and process for ordering Motorola radio accessories after the radios are in use.

Why Use Motorola Radio Accessoris Instead Of a Different Brand

Motorola has engineered its accessories to match the specifications and intended uses of their radios. While other brands exist, professionals who've tried them with their MOTOTRBO devices often get mixed results. One side effect of non-Motorola add-ons is “chopper noise," as this YouTube demo shows.

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply," wrote Stephen R. Covey, author of the best-selling guide The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. They're words to live by – and work by, if you're working or supervising in a customer service role.

Rather than just telling your customers what you offer and how you think it will help them, being willing and able to ask them what they need, listening to the answer and discussing how you can work together to meet those needs will set you apart from competitors, particularly those who talk more than they listen.

Listening carefully will give you insight into how customers are using your product or service and help you anticipate their needs in the future. And excellent customer service skills are all about not just meeting, but anticipating the customer's needs.

When Illinois gas company Aux Sable expanded its processing plant to increase natural gas liquid production, the company looked to Chicago Communications as their Motorola dealer to add to and enhance its MOTOTRBO digital radio system – not only for regular employees, but for contractors.

Aux Sable is one of the largest natural gas liquid (NGL) extraction and fractionation facilities in North America. A major player in the midstream gas processing business, Aux Sable operates facilities and pipelines in some of the most active shale positions on the continent, including Alberta, Canada and North Dakota.

Here's how Chicago Communications worked with Aux Sable to create a safe and productive way to meet their changing communication requirements.