Meter Readings

Our primary method has been fax for a long time, we setup email meter readings a few years ago, I'd have to check what % of customers are using that.

If all else fails theres the phone.

We use internet, and the number of customers that use this option are growing. Its pretty nice to offer this option.

I think this an "@Remote" solution. Check out this thread http://p4photel.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2361018141/m/3181012741

I'm new to this device, so this device will only work if the MFP is connected to the network. Right now we have about 20% of our equipment that is connected to a network. It's the other 80% that we have to call or have faxed in.

O I C

I must be on the slow side, but what is O I C?

It's Oh, I see.

@remote isn't for everyone. Ricoh reccomends it being placed in accounts with 10 or more machines.

While it primarily tracks network copiers, it can actually track up to 5 devices that are not connected to the network, but it connects to them through serial cables, so not great if the customer has long distances between machine.

And while it does usually send in this information over the internet, it can use a phone line to "call in" the information as well.

O I C . Oh, I See.
There was an album a few years back, the name of which was O I C U 8 1 2. Cant remember the band.

I just figured you do a lot of text messaging on your phone.

U2

"OU812" was the first album Sammy Hagar wrote and recorded with Van Halen

Right U2, in responce to the Van Halen Album

We use all the methods. Fax, phone and email. However, when we send out an invoice for the contract we include a meter read sheet for them to fax back. All my customers say they just throw it away! I have one account that I go to once a month and do the meter readings with the IT and facilities manager through web image monitor. Takes about 45 minutes and have built a solid relationship with this account. I recieve referrals regulary and when they went to lease 25 new machines there was no bidding war.

We put a link on our website for customers to email the meter in. I plan to put instructions into their monthly statement for the next several months to get them used to the idea. As it is now, our meter person makes about 1000 phone calls each month, mostly on follow-ups or customers that aren't in, or can't talk at that time. Hopefully this will save some $ on the phone bill.