Dave Materson, Chief Technology Officer of a franchise company in West Palm Beach, Florida believes that new technology benefits those who train franchisees, the franchisees themselves, as well as their customers. Here's what he has to say about technology and franchises:
"Put our franchisees in the mix and tech "ease of use" shines through in a pronounced way. Our people are subjected to so many pulls at their time, the new technology available can really make a difference. Being able to price and schedule your work from any location is a dream come true. Could this be any easier than with a tablet computer? No way! Storing files in the cloud for accessibility anywhere on any device is wonderful. Posting to social media in real time with pictures, links and information solidifies the belief that each franchisee should "be the expert" in their local market. And we at the Corporate Office are delighted for two reasons. We don't have to train people on how to use the tools; technology has given us a big lead-in for this task. Most importantly, we DO get to teach how use of the tools is beneficial to their business. We distribute information as to what our collective group finds successful. We focus more on the business of business instead of the buttons and gadgets that for years were the root of so much frustration for new franchisees. "
Franchisees are using technology in various ways. Here are just a few.
Saladworks
In the first quarter of 2010, Saladworks released three new technological advances for the franchise and its customers.
- MySaladworks 2.0 - upgraded company intranet
- FreshCart - new online ordering system
- iPhone App - mobile ordering app available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Pop-a-Lock
In 2005 Pop-A-Lock adopted the use of the Pulsar Call Management Software platform to assist in performing its dispatch functions. Pulsar is utilized to receive initial information from customers concerning their issues, regulates pricing of service based on standard pricing practices and local franchisee SOP and perform back office functions for payroll and billing.
Pop-A-Lock utilizes T-Mobile as a corporate sustaining partner to provide phone, Blackberry and Internet services in many franchise markets. The franchise does use other phone providers based on specific coverage needs and the desires of the local franchisee.
The T.I.M.E.S (Technical Information Management and Exchange System) was adopted for Pop-A-Lock in 2007 from many other Locksmith companies in order to provide a computer based reference system for Locksmith information including Key Generation procedures, Installation Instructions and other technical information. The TIMES program utilizes an interactive system which allows users to submit data for consideration immediately in order to maintain the most current collection of data possible.
Question from Top New Franchises: What role does technology play in your organization?
Answer from Robyn Elman: A big one! To compete in any business, being technologically savvy has its advantages. From mobile email and texting, to social media, to using the right software & phone systems. By staying on top of all the latest technology, we have not only been able to make the lives of our clients easier (making them even more satisfied with our company and services,) but have been able to out-compete other companies in the industry who aren't as familiar or comfortable with the newest trends. If any franchisee is lacking in skills in any of these areas, we provide additional (free) training until they are comfortable and excited about what new technology has to offer them.
Technology in franchises
The use of new technologies, such as social media, apps, and smartphone connectivity, can help franchisees and franchisors to get the most out of their business.