Aura Automates Processing of Address Corrections and Recommends Actions Based on USPS Regulations, Helping Organizations More Efficiently and Effectively Reach Their Customer Base
Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2008, Orlando, FL, (October 13, 2008)—Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software today announced the release of Aura™, a new solution that enables companies to automate the cumbersome process of correcting addresses on customer records. By drastically reducing the time it takes to update customer address data, Aura enables organizations to ensure that customer communication is constant, continue to build brand loyalty and eliminate missed sales opportunities.
In any given year, 14 percent of the U.S. population moves and changes their address. For companies that rely on direct mail to stay in touch with their customers, having a bad address for an extended period of time can lead to customer churn and missed revenue opportunities. In addition, a bad address often results in a number of physical costs, including postage, printing, paper and processing. Aura automates the customer address update process, helping organizations streamline direct mail costs and ensure customer satisfaction.
“Quality assurance of customer contact data, including address correction capabilities, is a crucial aspect of the customer communication process,” said Ted Friedman, vice president and distinguished analyst, Gartner. “Overlooking address corrections can result in significant lost revenue and diminished brand loyalty. Organizations require formalized processes and techniques that enable them to be proactive in maintaining up-to-date customer records.”
The Aura Rules Engine integrates directly with an enterprise address management system, such as VeriMove™, Code-1 Plus™ or Finalist™, to identify customer data problems. Undeliverable addresses, change of address or incomplete addresses are flagged and sent to the owner of the customer data, who automatically initiates a process for correcting the customer record through the data update queue. Embedded in the Aura Rules Engine are recommended actions based on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regulations as well as other data-related regulations such HIPAA or SEC reporting requirements. Aura enables companies to be proactive about address corrections, which has traditionally been a reactive, time-intensive manual process.
“When companies are unable to efficiently process address corrections in a timely manner, the costs related to physical mail production and customer dissatisfaction expand exponentially,” said Jay Bourland, Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software vice president and general manager of Customer Data Quality. “With Aura, organizations can ensure that their customer address data is up-to-date, helping increase the positive impact a consistent delivery of communication can have on customer relationships. Knowing where your customers live is key to getting their attention and Aura helps companies realize the full potential of mail communication.”
For more information about Aura, please visit http://www.g1.com/link/aura.
About Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software
Pitney Bowes Group 1 Software, part of Pitney Bowes, Inc. (NYSE:PBI), provides innovative software solutions that help more than 3,000 organizations maximize the value of customer data to improve profitability, increase effectiveness, strengthen customer relationships and streamline mailroom operations. Its comprehensive Customer Data Management (CDM), Customer Communication Management (CCM), and Mailing Efficiency solutions span from database to delivery, adding value to every aspect of communication. Industry leaders – Entergy, ING, L.L. Bean, MapQuest, Microsoft, Safeco Insurance, Wal-Mart and Wells Fargo – rely on the company’s solutions. Visit www.g1.com and www.pb.com for more information.
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