Implementation and Cost Benefits of a New System - Report Example

Implementation and Cost Benefits of a New System The growing need for ease of access and availability of vital services is a reality in the contemporary era. This is influenced fundamentally by the increased dynamism of technology, which accordingly, provides various platforms of interaction and socialization. Of core importance is the aspect of payment for services such as transportation and/ or logistics, which is the main concept behind Destination Care. As a ride service that specifically transports non-drivers as well as individuals with limited care needs, it is thus important to focus on the aspects of availability and ease of access to services. The paper intends to delve on how novel systems would adequately cater to the needs of the service provider, in terms of customer base integration and scheduling, as well as payment platforms. Focus will be on the aspect of implementation of an effective electronic payment system, as well as the cost benefits to be gained through this process. Destination Care: Service Provision As a ride service, Destination Care is influenced by the dynamic nature of technology, based on its core role of service provision to non-drivers and individuals limited in their care needs. These are individuals who due to the status of the health and wellbeing are not fit to, or capable of efficiently driving and navigating vehicular machines. In addition, Destination Care offers ride service to senior citizens, the age-group category most in need of constant healthcare services. Informative is that such individuals are often in need of direct trips to both doctor and physical therapy appointments, which are crucial towards their betterment. This population is greatly dependent on this service because the people are often unable to drive themselves, hence the need for consideration of all pertinent issues. Critical in this regard is that the entity faces major hurdles, which would be aptly tackled through utility of new technological systems of payment. A major hurdle is concerning the tracking of the increase of their customer base, as well as effectively handling their appointment schedules. This necessitates effective scheduling of all customers, in terms of their timely transportation. Critical in this regard would be the need for implementation of an automated system. Such a system would be able to keep effective and efficient track of their increasing customer-base, as well as their varying appointment schedules. Furthermore, through the current platform of only accepting checks or cash, not only inconveniences but also frustrates their customers due to the hustles involved. To be noted is the fact that this population segment is limited in terms of movement and engaging interactions, thus the need for easier payment platforms. Electronic Payment System: Benefits and Rewards The target population for Destination Care is uniquely specific, given the limitations of movement and physical manipulation of various items. Such a population is furthermore often in need of continuous medical attention and care, thus the importance of optimal means of transportation. The utility of novel electronic payment systems would thus ease this population’s overall movement. Furthermore, it would aid in making it easier for their kin to electronically transfer crucial payments despite distance and time differences. When the time to the launching e-payment and cards platforms, many firm-entities often hesitate to commit to such processes as the SVB white paper (2015) projects. This is often based upon their fear of the unknown, or the thought that they do not have the sufficient resource-capacity to manage such implementation procedures. The result is that there is a lack of utilizing insight, efficiency and control, which would accompany the effective implementation of payment services (SVB 2). To be noted is that more and more, e-commerce and card payments are receiving widespread attention by different finance teams. This is based upon the critical element that such platforms are able open up a wide array of strategic payment options (SVB 3). Accordingly, while migration to these payment platforms may prove to be difficult Destination Care, there are different smart ways in which this may be accomplished more efficiently; and hence present faster returns. E-payment System: Implementation and Cost-Benefits The manner in which firm-entities manage their payments has a direct influence on both the ability to expand and improvement of profitability. Accordingly, moving away from traditional payment by cash and checks and towards e-payments would prove significantly beneficial. Through opening up of a greater range of strategic options of payment, such a platform would most probably comprise of a number of elements (SVB 3). These include wire transfers, an automated payment platform, bill payment, ACH payments, commercial cards, a direct file transmission platform, and an electronic payables solution & virtual account. The ACH payments avenue would aid in the handling of large volumes of debit and credit batched transactions. Bill payments would held in handling one-time or regular small to mid-sized check payments that are usually managed and distributed through online platforms (SVB 3/4). By availing commercial cards, Destination Care would provide an array of both regular and one-time credit-based payments, inclusive of accounts payable. The extensive use of an automated payment platform would further aid in streamlining the processing of bill payments, through integration with pertinent accounting systems. This is in line with achieving efficient and effective accountability, critical to sustaining not only the current customer base, but also potential clientele (Laudon and Traver 743). The system would be further enhanced if it contained a direct file transmission platform, through with greater centralization of wire, card, check and ACH payments processing would be achievable. This would be by way of integrating such a system with pertinent ERP systems available locally (Laudon and Traver 745). The key reasons behind the implementation of such an e-payment system would therefore not only be in terms of cost benefits, to both service providers and their customers, but also enhance overall operationalization procedures (Laudon and Traver 746/7). Essential in this regard would be the aspect of ‘empowerment’ where the customers would be able to efficiently engage in secure transactions protected by a controlled environment. This would aptly provide both the transparency and convenience required; with such a platform, providing avenues for varies payment options (Laudon and Traver 748). Furthermore, the efficiency and effectiveness of such an e-payment system would greatly improve timely payment making for various expenses; thereby catering to issues concerning the target population mentioned. Through the platform, there would be ease of working and navigation concerning various services and options available for the target population. Furthermore, different associate healthcare facilities would be equipped towards significant integration with the system, especially in terms of scheduling and efficient maintenance of personal customer information. Scheduling conflicts often result in greater workloads and expenses, given the critical importance of the availability of medical equipment, medicine and the pertinent medical personnel (Eisingerich & Tobias 20). Business and Medical ethics are important considerations to factor in every organizational entity. Important in this regard is the vital need of enhancing confidentiality in the management and maintenance of customer information. Accordingly, through such an online-based payment platform, issues concerning such confidentiality of data would be catered for through existing modular controls (Eisingerich & Tobias 20). This would be through engagement of various security features i.e. category limits for cards, spending amount limits, and individual control of funds transfer. This would be especially vital when concerned with issues of identity theft, online fraud, and information theft. The efficiency and effectiveness of such an online payment platform, in dealing with such concerns would be more effectively achievable as opposed to when using the traditional modes of payment (Eisingerich & Tobias 21). Conclusion The increased frustration of Destination Care’s core customer base is an issue of concern that requires urgent addressing. Furthermore, through an increase of their customer base, concerns arise regarding the vital importance of keeping track of appointment schedules, in relation to the growing clientele. This would effectively tackle other negative effects brought about by the need for rescheduling of appointments. Through effective integration of the e-payment system with other pertinent platforms, the existing customer information would be efficiently managed and maintained. Works Cited Eisingerich, Andreas B. and Tobias Kretschmer. “In E-Commerce, More is More.”. Harvard Business Review 86 (2008): 20–21. Web. 15 Feb. 2015. Laudon, Kenneth C. and Carol G. Traver. E-commerce, business, technology and society, (10th Ed.). Pearson Education, Limited, 2014. Print. SVB. “Take Charge: How to Successfully Plan and Deliver a Strategic E-payment and Commercial Card Implementation.” Silicon Valley Bank – E-Payments & Commercial Cards (White Paper), pp. 1-12. (Jan 2015). Web. 15 Feb. 2015. Read More