Wittmann Battenfeld Inc. in Torrington, Conn., has launched WiBa Connect — a customer support app to help the machinery maker communicate easier and faster with its customers.
The app is available for free for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
President David Preusse said the business world has changed.
“Let's face it, there exists a growing population of Wittmann Battenfeld equipment users who would rather text or email for requested support than pick up the phone,” he said. “Our American work pace is intense. The days have passed when a professional looked to his desk phone messages for priorities. Often times, people read text, then email, then phone messages, although emails have gotten out of control as well, and many report they just can't keep up.”
Lots of factory floor staff have smart phones.
“The younger generation prefers texting,” Preusse said. “So we challenged our customer service team to offer texting support and to make connections support an easier and more efficient process.”
Smart phone users can download the WiBa Connect app and begin using it from anywhere in the United States. Users can select which part of Wittmann Battenfeld they want to communicate with, such as injection presses, robots and auxiliary equipment. They can select sales, service, parts or feedback. And they can pick if they want a text, email or — the old-fashioned way: a telephone call.
After hours on nights and weekends, the app moves the user to the company's existing emergency tech support lines.
In another modern-communication step, Wittmann Battenfeld has put QR codes on all of its products, so customers can scan with a smart phone, for another way to connect, or to replay information such as serial number and model.
The first WiBa Connect is for the United States. But the company plans to add additional countries and languages for the rest of the world.
Tel. 860-496-9603, ext. 161; email [email protected].