Exposing the TEM Industry Blog

TEM + WBE = Supplier Diversity & Savings!

Lacinda Athen — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:28:56 +0000

Last week we got to put our WBE hat on and attend the fabulous Supplier Council Minority Business Exchange in Des Moines. It did a good job of reminding us how hard some companies work to be inclusive of woman-owned and minority-owned businesses.

We had a chance to meet, face-to-face, with purchasers from several large area firms, as well as meet other WBE and MBE companies in attendance. And the ever clever Dr Floyd Rose, head of the Wisconsin Iowa and Central Illinois Minority Supplier Development Council, made a wonderful MC for the keynote speakers and awards ceremony. It was very inspiring to hear not just about business-related awards, but of two area female high school track students being honored with a scholarship, and a local high school basketball coach whose contributions off the court, helping his kids with academics and college admission, surpassed even his great sports season record.

All in all, it was a great event and we welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone in Supplier Diversity or Purchasing who is eager to work with a woman-owned business like Valicom. We can not only meet your supplier diversity needs, but can help save money in your telecom budget as well. Win-Win!

Telecom Savings Case Study – Wireless Deep Dive Audit

Lacinda Athen — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:50 +0000

In our 21-year history of doing telecom expense management, we've racked up a lot of success stories. Sometimes seeing those stories help to illustrate exactly what it is we do for our clients. The following is an outline of a case study where a client realized considerable savings by optimizing their wireless plans and users.

Industry: Product Safety Testing & Certification Organization

Wired Telecom Analysis

Annual Spend - $4.5M
Annual Savings - $431,400

Wireless Telecom Analysis

Annual Spend - $2M
TEM Solution Savings - $550,327
Plan/User Optimization Savings - $192,570

The wireless savings were primarily accomplished through pooled plan optimization and evaluation of ex-employee and zero use wireless phones. It was handled via a combination of our web-based SaaS (software-as-a-service) tool Clearview and business process outsourcing. That way they got the benefits and visibility of a robust software tracking and reporting system, and the brain power of a trained Telecom Audit Team.

And this is a somewhat typical example of a client who brought us on to manage their more traditional wireline telephone environment, and then enlisted us to help with their wireless situation as that grew more complex.

Want to learn more? Visit our White Paper library!

New telecom cost savings angle? How moving to iPads saves energy costs

Lacinda Athen — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:59 +0000

We always talk about telecom expense management in the traditional sense – audit your invoices, negotiate your contracts, keep track of your stuff. These are great ways to cut your telecom budget. But the folks at Tech Republic have gone a step further. They just did an interesting piece on how switching from traditional desktops, or laptops, to energy-sipping iPads can cut your utility bill!

Granted, they never throw in the cost of a data plan for those suckers, but if you are on site, you’re tapping into wi-fi anyway, so we can consider that a moot point. At least until they leave the building.

So check this out to see the overall savings you can generate. For comparison, they use a 15″ Macbook Pro, Dell OptiPlex 980 desktops with LCD monitor, Dell Latitude XT2 XFR and our aforementioned iPad.

Read the full article, and energy cost savings findings, here.

Why partner with Valicom? What’s in it for me….?

Lacinda Athen — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:29 +0000

With the rollout of our new Consultant Liaison Program, and our ongoing Partner Program, we get this question a lot. And I understand why. People are in business to make money, and they want to know how we help make that happen. They also want to make sure that whatever exposure we may have to their clients ends up making them look good. We understand that it’s not worth risking your reputation on some fly-by-night partner who can’t deliver. So why would you want to work with us? Here are some reasons why…

We started in 1991.
Ok, we started over twenty years ago – So What, right? Wrong. What that means is that we’ve got tried and true processes that we KNOW work. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t be here, would we.

Our Founder used to be a telecom consultant.
Nancy Peckham, Valicom’s CEO and Founder actually came from the other side of the fence. She started out as a consultant, so she built this company on the same principles that make a great consultant, and we have a deep understanding of how to work with consultants and partners.

Our Founder is a woman.
Hooray for Women’s Lib! No, that isn’t why you should give a hoot about the gender of our owner. Why you care is that it means we are a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). This is a good thing, since many mid-size to large corporations, and almost all government entities, will give you “extra credit” for being able to meet their supplier diversity goals. By working with us, you can leverage that WBE status too.

We have both Tech and Talent.
Many firms these days tout that they have software. But, as everyone knows, software is only as good as the brains behind it. And boy do we have brains. Our Telecom Analyst teams average ten years of experience doing telecom auditing, inventory management, network optimization and contract negotiation. So when you need help, or utilize our back office services for your clients, you know you’re getting experienced, resourceful human beings to work with.

Our clients love us.
For over twelve years, we have surveyed our clients quarterly, to learn how well we are delivering in eight key areas: professionalism, overall expectation, communication, quality and accuracy, understanding client needs, responsiveness, meeting deadlines, and overall value. Our scores? 3.89 out of 4.0 as of winter 2011. What that means is that we care about how we deliver services, and it shows. It also means that the same level of service we show our clients, we will show yours.

** WANT TO LEARN MORE? **

Webinar: The Telecom Expense Management Landscape in 2012: Trends, Tools & Opportunities

Wednesday, May 23 - 1:00 PM. CST
Register Now

Is the TEM of today the TEM of tomorrow? Join Valicom, a twenty-one year veteran of telecom expense management, as they lay out the current industry landscape, how it is changing, and the opportunities being created for managed service providers along with IT and telecom consultants.

Hear market data, research and case studies illustrating what services and tools are in demand, and how new flexible partnering options can help expand your service portfolio and grow your business.

Sprint Continues Unlimited Data for Upcoming iPhone

Lacinda Athen — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:00:34 +0000

In the ongoing Cell Wars, it is interesting to see that Sprint is still in there and pitching hard. In an article on cnet today, they announced that even if the next iPhone is 4G LTE, they will continue to offer an “all you can eat” unlimited data plan to their users – as they are doing now with current LTE phones. It is not even certain if the next iPhone with have the capability, but according to Sprint CEO Dan Hesse “I’m not anticipating the unlimited plan would change by that point,” he said. “That’s our distinctive differentiator.”

So if your corporate phones are with Sprint, you can rest easy knowing that the data buffet won’t be closing on you anytime soon. Small consolation in the sea of other telecom costs, but something to celebrate.

Read the full article.

7 tips for outfitting your sales team with tablets + One more

Lacinda Athen — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:35 +0000

TechRepublic had a great article on things to think about when outfitting your sales staff with tablets for the first time.

We would agree on all points, and add one more.

Develop a standard tablet setup for the sales team
Create tablet-friendly marketing and sales content
Make the standard sales team tablet a communications hub
Test first, then sell
Don’t forget technology training and documentation
Account for tablets in sales productivity metrics
Deploy sales training to the tablet

They key points they address are all important, but nowhere in this list do they discuss cost! If you’re rolling out expensive new toys for your staff, you might want to plan ahead to get the best deal on all the data plans that are going to hit your bottom line. Wireless carriers are not about to roll out the red carpet and offer you a strong package at a great price… at least not if you don’t ask. Or pool your data. Or think about it at all, which – unfortunately – is probably how most things like this get deployed. “We need it. Do it.” And then later, its “Oops – this cost us HOW much?!”

So to try and head that off at the pass, we’d add #8. Think About Costs. Do your homework. See which carrier, which device, and which plans will save you the most money long term. If you need some help, talk to someone with experience in wireless and and data expense management.

Read the full article here…

Valicom Announces Webinar: The Telecom Expense Management Landscape in 2012: Trends, Tools & Opportunities

Lacinda Athen — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:39 +0000

Twenty-one year telecom expense management veteran Valicom will hold a webinar for IT and telecom consultants, IT solution and managed service providers. Join us May 23, 1:00 PM central time for “The Telecom Expense Management Landscape in 2012: Trends, Tools & Opportunities”.

Is the TEM of today the TEM of tomorrow?

Valicom President Jeff Poirior and Marketing & Consultant Liaison Manager Lacinda Athen will lay out the current industry landscape, how it is changing, and the opportunities being created for managed service providers, IT firms and IT & telecom consultants. Hear market data, research and case studies illustrating what services and tools are in demand, and how new flexible options and web-based software tools can help expand your service portfolio and grow your business. We will also briefly touch on how Valicom’s Consultant Liaison and Partner Programs and how they support businesses in delivering or recommending TEM software and services to the market.

If your business is looking to grow in 2012, and you’ve wanted to explore the growing area of telecom and wireless expense, invoice and inventory management, join us on May 23^rd to learn more.

Wednesday, May 23 - 1:00 PM. CST
Register Now

Telecom Resellers and IT System Integrators Need Telecom Expense Management Now More Than Ever

Lacinda Athen — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:30:47 +0000

Valicom is a member of TEMIA – the Telecom Expense Management Industry Association.

Thus we wanted to pass on this blog post and invite our readers to participate in the survey as well.

By Joe Basili, Managing Director, TEMIA

Telecom Resellers, IT System Integrators and Telecom Agents need Telecom Expense Management, TEM, Wireless Expense Management, WEM, and Mobile Device Management, MDM now more than ever. This may seem like a contradiction, but here are eight reasons these services should be part of their portfolio of offerings. Also, be sure to participate in our survey.

As commissions from telecom carriers shrink, TEM, WEM and MDM can provide new revenue and consistent income for agents.
Carriers are seeking partners that have ongoing customer contact and bring value to the relationship.
Resellers are working to help enterprises transform their networks. TEM, WEM and MDM programs provide critical Business Intelligence to efficiently implement the work and ensure that legacy services are discontinued and removed from billing.
Customers do not want to buy telecommunications services they do not need or pay extra for them.
Customers and resellers benefit from reporting that consolidates clients’ carrier expenses together and validates these charges. Having this information can be critical to managing client relationships.
Telecom Expense Management, Wireless Expense Management and Mobile Device Management provide confirmation that agents are providing efficient service to their clients and controlling telecom costs. Solutions Integrators, System Integrators and Telecom Agents get tangible proof from Telecom Expense Management, Wireless Expense Management and Mobile Device Management reports that clients are realizing savings.
Managing mobile devices is one of the top challenges that enterprises face. Many organizations are seeking to address rapidly rising mobile expenses through a proactive approach with wireless expense management solutions.
TEM WEM and MDM Solutions Providers offer best practices that can help enterprises manage their networks and mobile devices more proactively.

The TEM market is poised to grow for years to come. As long as network and network-related expenses remain among the top five expense items on the profit and loss statement, and the percentage of revenue coming across the network versus a cash register drawer continues to grow, TEM will remain central to the profitability and success of the enterprise. These developments show promise for resellers/agents, Value added Resellers or VARs, Systems Integrators, dealers and interconnects that seek to attract new customers and sell more services with new functionality to clients.

This post, refers to Wireless Expense Management, Mobile Device Management, and other items as part of TEM. Many people feel that TEM is too limiting because it does not convey all the activities that enterprises need to manage relating to telecom. This includes: Sourcing; TEM; Wireless Expense Management; Mobile Device Management; Mobile Security Management; IT Infrastructure Management; Management of vendors responsible for network communications and IT Infrastructure. Which term do you feel best describes the industry and the functions that it performs?

Telecom Life Cycle Management
Communications Life Cycle Management
Technology Life Cycle Management
Communications Technology Life Cycle Management
Fixed and Mobile Telecom Life Cycle Management Solutions
Something else: ___________________________________

Please click here to participate in this brief survey. I will share the results in a few weeks.

What does Earth Day have to do with Telecom Management?

Lacinda Athen — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:30:06 +0000

What does Earth Day have to do with Telecom Management? Normally? Nothing. But in honor of the planet’s upcoming birthday, we thought we’d share a few things you can do to “green up” your telecom management practice. Because, as they say, every little bit helps….

Switch to electronic telecom invoice processing.
This is an easy one. No one likes paper anyway, its so 1990. So if you haven’t yet, talk to all your telecom and wireless providers and work to get your billing electronically. You can just get e-copies of invoices, or you can outsource invoice management to a third party firm who deals with it for you, possibly loading all the data into a software you can use to manage your entire telecom environment. But however you do it, now is the time!

Implement a telecom device recycling program.
Another one that isn’t as hard as it sounds, or as hard as it USED to be. It used to be a pain to find someone to take your old stuff, but a whole industry has arisen to deal with this problem. If you aren’t big enough to warrant finding a company to deal with your cast-offs, then at least investigate your city or county recycling regulations. Most municipalities take all sorts of electronics for recycling, from your old dead phone to your new dead flat-screen TV. As an example, our own Madison City Recycling Center has a fabulous “Recyclopedia” that tells you what to do with darn near anything you can think of – INCLUDING cell phones!

Switch to EnergyStar compliant computers or laptops.

With the merging of “telecom” and “IT” that is going on in the market, we think we can get away with adding this green tip. EnergyStar is a government agency tasked with testing products of all types and determining which ones sip the least amount of energy. Those devices earn the EnergyStar’s coveted brand. If you or your team is due for some new machines, it is worth checking their Computer Rating page to see if you can pick a green choice. You can also just make sure all employees are utilizing the computer’s built in energy management program, to reduce its consumption. It will not only save the earth, but it will save on YOUR energy bill if those suckers are plugged into your office outlet all day. Win win!

TEM questions, answered. FAQ: What is a CSR?

Lacinda Athen — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:51:34 +0000

This is one I had to learn when I got into telecom expense management too, as acronyms are always a pain. CSR stands for “Customer Service Record”. Clear as mud, right?

In the telecom universe, a CSR is a copy of what the carrier actually has in its database regarding your account – all your services, the lines, circuits, locations, details and additional services being billed. They aren’t normally something you would look at, but will be released by the carrier upon request by you or by an auditing firm working for you.

The value of a CSR is that it gives a very detailed picture of your telecom environment, much more detailed than you would find on an invoice. And if you know how to decipher one (which I might add, isn’t necessarily easy) it can unlock a variety of options to reduce your telecom expenses.

So if you’re curious, order up a copy and have a look for yourself. And be aware that a good telecom audit would probably require these documents, as it gives the auditor a deeper dive into your services.