Jasco has transformed the communications capability of a major Eastern Cape motor dealer, introducing voice over IP (VoIP) and free inter-branch communication, a move that has cut the organisation’s telecommunications costs by more than 40%. Three years into the implementation, the solution continues to deliver savings and facilitate improved internal and external communications as more branches migrate onto the VoIP platform.
The motor dealer’s communications capability is mission critical. They use it across all facets of their operations, from vehicle sales to servicing of vehicles, and interacting with customers, suppliers, partners and other organisations that are a part of their value chain – for example, financial services providers, licensing departments and parts suppliers.
There is also a considerable amount of voice traffic between their half-dozen or so dealerships in the region. When the motor dealer undertook construction of a new flagship dealership in 2010, they decided to implement an advanced communication platform that would allow them to leverage new technologies across the group. This would lay the foundation for future operational improvements, ensuring scalability and on-going cost savings.
The organisation selected a VoIP solution proposed by Jasco, with whom it had an established relationship. A tightly integrated voice recording solution would assist to mitigate business risk.
A spokesperson explained that VoIP technologies and services have stabilised over the last five years. Converged voice and data solutions that make use of next-generation networks lead the way in terms of corporate communications.
Their single most important proviso in assessing a technology solution and selecting service provider was, however, that service delivery not be compromised. Jasco’s strategic partnership with established network providers with national points of presence (POPs), brought the motor dealership that assurance.
Incoming and outgoing calls are routed via a Telkom PRI line and PABX, facilitating the initiation of voice recording on all calls. Calls are then offloaded onto the provider’s network. They then, via its partnership with Jasco, offer the motor dealership preferred rates for all Telkom and mobile calls. Jasco manages the service end-to-end.
The solution was initially installed at the newly constructed site. The team had two months to implement. A PABX was installed and commissioned, with all staff fully trained in the use of the system prior to the move from the old to the new facility.
According to the motor dealership’s spokesperson: “The strength of Jasco’s network provider partner is the cost reduction. We previously made use of Premicells, which route outgoing calls to mobile networks directly, bypassing the Telkom exchange.
“While this provides savings in the long term, we were bound into a long term relationship in order to achieve those savings. The VoIP solution, on the other hand, makes use of the provider’s network where per second billing is in place.”
What was the cost benefit? Explains Mark Jones, Jasco’s executive head: Eastern Cape: “Our solution together with our network provider partner delivered a 40% saving on communications costs, from day one.”
Says the motor dealership spokesperson: “The Jasco differentiator is that it can offer us what no other solution provider could – a leading edge VoIP solution with free inter-branch communication. And their offering is backed by a solid capability to execute and meet the high levels of service we demand. We have established a strong relationship with the Jasco team.”
The motor dealership is also looking beyond the VoIP architecture it currently has in place. Says the spokesperson: “Together with Jasco we are piloting LAN VoIP. Essentially this solution does not require a PABX; it makes use of the PC network and a single hard switch for telephony. If the pilot is successful, it will mean we no longer need to install the traditional hardware needed for telephony, cutting capital expenditure.”