Let’s face it: wireless billing is a pain in the posterior. Data is hard to get, meaningful data is even harder and even if you can get the data, what do you do about it once you have it?
IT Execs are generally very capable at managing processes within their organizations. The question becomes does it make sense to continue allocating so much time to these tasks or is working with a wireless expense management company the right fit for you?
Below are a few things CIOs have done to determine if Expense Management is right for them:
1. IT Execs know wireless is a hassle, they are overpaying and are committed to finding out how to fix it
Obtaining billing data, putting into a meaningful format, measuring trends and then doing something about these trends take resources and time. Unless you have a very educated staff and industry information for Benchmarking, managing wireless expense internally is and a definite resource drain.
Expense Managers can provide meaningful billing trends quickly and at a cost lower than CIOs can internally. If the Expense Manager isn’t able to identify 5 key areas of cost decreasing opportunities immediately, it is probably not the right Expense Manager.
2. IT Execs know they don’t have to do everything themselves
In fact, the best Execs know they shouldn’t do everything themselves. They know how to take advantage other’s expertise to achieve results.
If, however, for those IT Execs that must do everything themselves, Expense Management is not for you.
3. Effective CIOs want the expense managed with as little effort as possible while looking like a hero doing it
If the wireless expense is being managed, the costs will be reduced. It is that simple.
It does matter what Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are being used, but costs can be managed. Good Expense managers will offer a Guaranteed Program to prove it.
4. IT Execs understand how to outsource
Often, the specific knowledge required to conduct expense management is so small niche that it is unlikely one’s own staff will have the expertise and the industry insight to provide meaningful data.
So often, we have seen companies that do Audit their bills (is the company being overcharged? Did they receive their correct discounts?). However, often the companies do not have access to unpublished rate plans, what other companies their same size and type should be getting for rates and they do not have a 3rd party resource.
5. IT Execs are good at working with a partner to achieve results
A wireless expense management firm can deliver results that are difficult to achieve on its own but these results require a team effort. If an IT Exec is not willing to partner with an Expense Management firm, the results will be less than ideal and Expense Management may not be for them.
It all starts with getting know the client needs through analysis. Through the use of analytics, strategy, and negotiation, firm specialists can systematically identify a client’s areas of overspend. Regular reporting provides transparent cost allocation of wireless spending from executive-level summaries drilled down to individual employee usage.
Decided Expense Management is for you? Check out our Blog on “How to pick a Good Expense Management Firm” as a next step.
Still Protecting Your Wireless Rights,
Kae Zulager
