Your business needs data. Data keeps employees connected whether they’re in the field, working remotely, or your clients need your support no matter where your business takes you. None of these are new concepts. The demand and usage of data in daily business activities, however, has drastically increased in recent years.
Data is not free. In fact, the costs associated with having access to it and managing it adds up quickly. How can a business, regardless of size, keep the costs associated with using and managing data minimal while still providing top-notch customer service?
The truth is if you’re just managing your business’ data you’re not setting yourself up to scale. You’re going to get caught up in the day-to-day. If you want to keep the costs associated with data low and provide great customer service all while focusing on scaling your business, you need a data management strategy. A data strategy will help you not only navigate the day to day but also sets you up to scale as you need to implement new business ideas or models.
When building your data strategy, here is what you need to consider.
- What are your traffic priorities?
- If you have devices being used in the field, what guidelines need to be in place for their use?
- Are there non-essential sites or applications that use a large amount of data?
- Do you need a 0 KB plan for extra devices that enables you to quickly get devices in the hands of employees if needed?
- Should an issue arise, will your provider be available for support and how will you open and monitor tickets?
- How will SIMs be managed, added, or removed?
- How will data be monitored? Can the usage be exported?
- Will your customers have access to a self-service portal?
- Can trigger events be created to run when critical actions occur?
- What can you control without needing to reach out to your provider to change?
Your billing platform provider should be able to go through this list with you, help you answer these questions, and create a data strategy that will poise your business for future growth. If you’re in the beginning stages of choosing a billing platform, be sure to discuss this list with them up front and make sure they will be a partner in helping you plan for your data needs and future growth. After all, it is in your billing platform's best interest to help you succeed.
