Abstract:
A customer satisfaction system, includes a query module for automatically sending queries to customers as to problems with goods or services provided by a provider according to a predetermined schedule and for receiving responses from customers to the queries; an analysis module for analyzing responses from customers and for sending responses indicating a problem to a problem solver for resolution; and at least one problem solver for responding to customer problems, for generating solutions to customer problems and for transmitting solutions to customers; wherein, upon transmission of a solution to a customer problem to a customer, the query module sends a query to the customer requesting verification that the problem has been solved.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to customer satisfaction systems and methods and more particularly to a customer satisfaction system and method which integrates customer satisfaction with problem resolution.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The goal of most customer satisfaction systems is to eliminate problems and thus ensure repeat business. A customer satisfaction system typically includes customer support and some sort of feedback technique to determine if the customer support is adequate. In the typical customer support model, a customer purchases goods or services from a provider. If there is a problem with the goods or services, the customer contacts a customer service representative who works to fix the problem. Customer service may be provided via telephone support (in which a representative helps the customer solve his problem directly), or via a network connection (such as the Internet or an intranet).  
           [0003]    Network-based support typically involves posting a list of frequently asked questions (“faqs”) and providing a form for the customer to use to request support if the list of faqs does not solve his problem. The request is then transmitted to a customer support representative. The request form usually includes fields where the customer can input data describing the problem. Some network-based support includes software which can collect data from the customer&#39;s system and transmits it to customer support. Providing customer support via a network connection is desirable because it reduces costs by reducing help desk traffic, it is global in reach and is relatively easy to access. However, network-based support is frequently not as satisfactory as a telephone-based help desk.  
           [0004]    To measure how well customer support is solving customer problems, many customer satisfaction systems rely on surveys. In some cases, a follow-up survey will be sent to the customer after the completion of a service call. Frequently, only a small percentage of customers respond, so customer service does not know if, and how well, all of the customer problems were resolved. In other cases, a generalized marketing survey may be sent to all customers in a certain demographic.  
           [0005]    Generalized customer satisfaction marketing surveys, like most surveys, also suffer from limited customer response. Marketing surveys also generally report evaluations without specific indications for improvement, and follow a “measure and report” sequence that frequently results in delayed improvements to solve general problems identified, if any. Consequently, customers with unique or urgent problems become dissatisfied and disloyal, resulting in profit declines. Other problems with current customer satisfaction systems include: biased samples, delayed remedies, nominal guidance, constrained learning, limited usage, high costs, questionable value.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    A customer problem is the difference between the customer&#39;s expectation and the provider&#39;s or the product&#39;s performance. Total customer satisfaction can be achieved by the elimination of customer problems. A method for ensuring customer satisfaction, includes automatically sending, according to a predetermined schedule, a query to a customer as to problems with goods or services provided by a provider to the customer, receiving a response from a customer to the query, analyzing the response received from the customer to determine if the customer has a problem, if the response indicates the customer has a problem, generating a solution to the problem, transmitting the solution to the customer and sending a query to the customer requesting verification that the problem has been solved by the solution.  
           [0007]    A customer satisfaction system, according to the invention, includes a query module for automatically sending queries to customers as to problems with goods or services provided by a provider according to a predetermined schedule and for receiving responses from customers to the queries; an analysis module for analyzing responses from customers and for sending responses indicating a problem to a problem solver for resolution; and at least one problem solver for responding to customer problems, for generating solutions to customer problems and for transmitting solutions to customers; wherein, upon transmission of a solution to a customer problem to a customer, the query module sends a query to the customer requesting verification that the problem has been solved.  
           [0008]    Any means of communication may be used to send queries, responses, solutions, verification. In one embodiment, email is used. Email is ubiquitous and instantaneous; email may be sent over the Internet or a local intranet. Queries are sent on a predetermined schedule to customers. All customers may receive queries. The predetermined schedule may be once a month, once a week, or any other appropriate time interval with follow-ups for verification that a problem has been solved being sent more frequently, on the same schedule or according to any other schedule. By using a frequent query (which may be an online survey or an offline survey) of all customers of a particular demographic, the customer satisfaction method follows a “sense and respond” sequence, immediately conveying specific problems of individual customers to designated problem solvers until the customers confirm the problems are solved, then reporting problems conveyed along with solutions implemented. Customer satisfaction is assured as well as measured, supporting profits and organizational learning. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a customer satisfaction system;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method of providing customer satisfaction;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is an exemplary query sent via email to a customer;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is an exemplary entrance screen to a customer satisfaction system;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is an exemplary customer survey screen;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is an exemplary thank you page;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is an exemplary notification to a problem solver;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is an exemplary login page for a problem solver;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is an exemplary problem solver entrance screen; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIGS. 10 and 11 are an exemplary problem solver ticket update page.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    A customer problem is the difference between the customer&#39;s expectation and the provider&#39;s or the product&#39;s performance. Total customer satisfaction can be achieved by the elimination of customer problems. An exemplary customer satisfaction system is shown in FIG. 1 and referred to by reference numeral  100 . System  100  includes query module  10 , analysis module  20 , storage  34 , report generating module  32 , and one or more problem solvers  50 . In this embodiment, the customer satisfaction system  100  communicates with customers  40  via the Internet. Alternatively, the customer satisfaction system  100  could be installed on a local intranet, for example, if a business unit such as the information technology group wished to measure satisfaction of its internal corporate customers. In system  100 , query module communicates with customers using email.  
         [0020]    Query module  10  automatically sends out queries in the form of an email to customers according to a predetermined schedule. The predetermined schedule may be any period, such as weekly (for new accounts), monthly (for established accounts), every fifteen days, etc. The query asks the customer if they have any problems. Query module  10  receives responses from customers which are then sent to the analysis module  20 . Analysis module  20  determines if a customer has a problem. If the customer has a problem, the analysis module  20  sends the problem to an appropriate problem solver  50 . The problem solver is responsible for finding a solution to the customer&#39;s problem. The problem solver may be requested to commit to a particular date for problem solution, which date may be transmitted to the customer. When the problem solver has a solution, the problem solver sends the solution to the analysis module, which records the solution and time of completion. The analysis module then sends the solution to the query module which sends it to the customer. Alternatively, the problem solver could transmit the solution directly to the customer, with a copy to the analysis module for tracking.  
         [0021]    The analysis module  20  schedules a follow up to be sent by the query module  10  to the customer to verify that the solution has been sent if the problem solver transmitted it directly and if the solution solved the customer&#39;s problem. If the customer responds that the problem has not been solved or portions still remain unsolved, the query module forwards the follow up response to the analysis module, which forwards it to the problem solver for further solution. The customer satisfaction system may be implemented using standard helpdesk type software, uniquely modified to periodically contact product or service users, gather, record, and route problems immediately to designated problem solvers, register their commitment to a solution date, confirm their solution on that date; and then verify solution with the user reporting the problem.  
         [0022]    System  100  includes storage  34  for storing a record of all queries, customer responses, solutions, follow up, verifications and any other information appropriate to the customer. From storage  34 , system  100  can generate reports in report generator  32  of customer problems, solutions, time of resolution and other information pertinent to the customer. Information stored in storage  34  can be used by other organizations in the provider. For example, an engineering group could search the problems in storage  34  for similarities, identifying possible problems in a particular area of the product. Management could use the stored information to verify that problem solvers are working effectively, to identify needs for new or different types of problem solvers.  
         [0023]    A method of ensuring customer satisfaction is shown in FIG. 2. In step  202 , an account representative or owner contacts the customer to ask if the customer wants to participate in the customer satisfaction system. Depending on the owner of the customer satisfaction system, participation may be voluntary or not. In step  204 , the customer must provide an email address where he/she may be contacted. In step  206 , the provider sends an email survey to the customer. It is anticipated that in most cases, all customers will be sent email surveys. FIG. 3 is an exemplary initial email survey. This survey provides a simple yes or no response (by clicking the on the face icons). If the customer clicks on the no problems icon, that response is sent to the provider (step  212 ) and a thank you screen is presented to the customer (see FIG. 6).  
         [0024]    The email survey shown in FIG. 3 has html links so that the customer can go directly to online help, by clicking the http://www.heyxerox.com link. If the customer has a problem and clicks on the problems icon, the customer is presented with a welcome screen as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, if the customer clicks on the http://www.heyxerox.com link, the same screen may be presented. This link may be used by the customer at any time, not just in response to a query (step  210 ). The customer clicks on the “Click here to tell Xerox about your problem” link and the survey form shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. This survey requests the customer to fill out information: name, address, email, account number, category of problem, make/model of product, severity of problem and a description in the customer&#39;s own words of the problem. When the customer completes the form and clicks on the ok button, the thank you screen (FIG. 6) is displayed.  
         [0025]    In step  214 , the customer&#39;s problem is routed via email to a problem solver. FIG. 7 is an exemplary email transmitting a customer problem to a designated problem solver, which contains the date and description of the customer&#39;s problem. When the problem solver solves the problem, the problem is reported (step  216 ) both to the user and to the provider. In step  218  the solution is verified by the customer.  
         [0026]    Most problem solvers will have many problems on their “docket” to solve. To facilitate communication and follow up on the customer satisfaction system, each problem solver is provided with an online account in which the system and problem solver can track progress on solutions. When a problem solver enters the system, an opening screen, such as shown on FIG. 8, is displayed. The problem solver must enter a login name and password. After clicking on the ok button, a problem solver entrance page is displayed as shown in FIG. 9. This page lists the number of tickets (i.e., customer problems) outstanding as well as other administrative items. For example, a search box is provided so the problem solver can search for various items, such as tickets having the same keyword, call up a particular ticket, etc.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 10 and 11 show a problem solver ticket update page for the problem reported in FIG. 5. This update page provide fields for the problem solver to track the problem, its progress, internal analysis, history of correspondence, etc. When the problem solver receives a new problem, a problem solver ticket is created. When the problem solver has solved the problem, he will enter the system and click yes to problem solved. This will generate an email to the customer stating that original problem, the problem solver&#39;s solution and asking if the problem is now solved, yes or no. If the customer responds yes, the ticket is closed. If the customer responds no, the system will generate a new ticket with all the previous information attached and sends the ticket to the problem solver.  
         [0028]    Referring again to FIG. 2, when customer surveys are received (step  214 ), these surveys can be used by the service or product provider for various purposes. The surveys may be used, for example, as an input to another system of information generation. For example, the customer surveys can be sent to a pattern recognition system  230  which can be used to select the particular problem solver to send the problem. However, the pattern recognition system can also use the customer survey information as input to a policy management system  250 , which provides input to a bonus system  252  and to a business policy adoption system  240 . Account activity files  232  can also be used as input to the pattern recognition system  230 . Survey information can also be input to a customer relations management (CRM) database  324 , a problem reporting system  236  and a custom reporting system  238 .  
         [0029]    The customer satisfaction system ensures customer satisfaction by first identifying problems, solving the customer problems and having the customer verify that the problem has been solved. In addition to providing customer satisfaction, the customer satisfaction system offers the product and service provider a large amount of data which can be used to further the provider&#39;s business. Information outputs of the customer satisfaction system can be used to generate summary indexes of satisfaction; problem prevalence and profiling; problem solver performance; problem clustering. For example, summary indexes of problems can be compared by problem type, by account, by entity, by product. Problem solver performance can be compared (e.g., the percentage of reported problems solved by each problem solver). Problems can be analyzed for prevalence based on problem characteristics. Additionally, the information from the customer satisfaction system can be used for problem valuation; solution validation; pattern insights. For example, solution validation can be used to determine the average revenue among accounts reporting problems solved. It is anticipated that with problems being solved, revenue would increase due to increased customer satisfaction.  
         [0030]    Solutions to problems may be logged and analyzed for organizational learning. A direct link may be made from the customer to the account team without any filters. The account team will be able to have a direct effect on customer satisfaction. The customer satisfaction system ensures satisfied customers; generates learning through direct contact; fosters revenue; encourages use of the information; maximizes the value of the information; minimizes costs through automation, enhances the provider&#39;s image, and provide renewed employee (provider) morale.  
         [0031]    Periodically, customers are surveyed and asked if they have any problems with the sponsoring vendor. If not, they are recorded as satisfied. If no, they are asked to openly describe their problem. Each problem description is then conveyed to a designated problem solver, who responds until the problem is reported solved by the customer in a follow-up survey. Conveyed problems and specified solutions are then reported by the system to the product or service provides, on a standard or customized basis. Recurring patterns may be recognized to suggest fundamental policy improvements.  
         [0032]    Problems may be codes as to type (and other categories). Both problems and customer responses may be analyzed by a pattern recognition system (such as one employing a neural net model) to suggest proven solutions to problem solvers, and to identify patterns that should suggest preventative improvements in fundamental policies; procedures; organizational actions; technology investments; marketing strategies; etc.  
         [0033]    The customer satisfaction system provides the unique ability to materially prove to customers its determination to ensure any reported problems will be documented and resolved rapidly, consistently, and systematically to their satisfaction; and that recurring problems will be recognized and eliminated by prevention. This unique ability should increase customer confidence in the provider, loyalty to the provider and resulting in improved profits for the provider.  
         [0034]    The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments for convenience only. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification taken together with the drawings. The embodiments are but examples, and various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art from this teaching which are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.