Customer Service Glossary
What Is Back-Office Optimization?
Back-office optimization refers to the process of optimizing or improving non-customer-facing business operations, including human resources, accounting, fulfillment, or claim processing. Back-office optimization involves streamlining workflows, tracking productivity, and automating tasks to create a more efficient, high-performing call center.
The back-office optimization process is critical for improving the customer experience, simplifying business operations, and creating a productive, efficient call center. In addition, back-office optimization reduces the risk of errors, ultimately resulting in happier customers, faster complaint resolution, and higher brand loyalty rates.
Many customer service departments use cloud-based tools for the back-office optimization process, such as:
- Cloud-based Workforce management (WFM) software
- Virtual back-office routing tools
- Performance management platforms
- Quality control and analysis monitoring
However, back-office optimization also requires companies to invest in customer service agent training and coaching to develop multi-skilled, engaged representatives.
As a result of back-office optimization, your company will enjoy increased productivity, streamlined knowledge, and seamless task transfers between the front and back offices. Agents will be prepared to respond to changes in volume. Further, your teams will learn to prioritize high-impact issues and provide satisfactory solutions that maintain and strengthen the company-customer relationship.
Common Questions About Back-Office Optimization in Call Centers
What is back-office support?
Back-office support encompasses organizational or call center departments that aren’t client-facing. These often include departments that handle operational tasks, administrative functions, data and record maintenance, compliance solutions, IT support, and accounting.
Why is back-office optimization important for call centers?
Ultimately, back-office optimization is important because it strengthens the backbone of a brand. Without a streamlined back-office, companies will experience bottlenecks, poor productivity, and user errors that result in negative customer experiences.
How do you improve back-office operations?
Improving back-office operations begins with analyzing your current workflows, employee productivity levels, and business processes.
After you develop an understanding of how employees complete tasks, determine which duties are non-value adding and incorporate workforce management software to organize projects, prioritize tickets, and streamline operations. Finally, focus on a culture centered around efficiency and ongoing improvement.