E-billing that simply replaces paper with an electronic version represents a lost opportunity to interact positively with customers, says Tilos chief technical officer Alan Burger.
"You have a unique contact point with a person through a bill, a unique opportunity to interact with that person," he says.
Instead of simple electronic copies of paper bills, an encrypted interactive document can, among other things, present graphics that might represent the interest portion versus the principal portion of a debt.
Other extras include presenting targeted advertising, discount vouchers and others.
"You can also filter accounts. In your bank account you can bring up all Woolworths` transactions, for example. If there`s one you want to query, you just click on it and a prefilled e-mail opens. You don`t have to find out who to contact or what information to include. It`s all done."
Such an application also has human resources possibilities. It can break down earnings graphically, generate queries, link to leave systems and policy procedures, as well as provide education on topics such as AIDS, for example.
"Typically, paper costs are halved in a situation like this," Burger says. "But it goes beyond that. It reduces queries, engages the customer, educates the customer about products and services, presents targeted advertising and so on."
[VIDEO]Tilos launched its InfoSlip in November and has already garnered clients such as Alexander Forbes, Microsoft, First National Bank and American Express. It is also running several pilot projects.
One, at mining group Gold Fields, involves a talking kiosk where workers can swipe a card and have their pay information read out. The system will also be highly graphic.
Burger says InfoSlips are legal documents in terms of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act and are recognised by the South African Revenue Service.
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