The Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge streamlined its operational process this year by delivering registration letters and certificates via Striata's secure e-mail process, as opposed to through traditional postal methods.
Says Tanya Harford, CEO of Harford Sports Promotions and Race Director for the Cycle Challenge: "We are highly impressed with the immediacy of delivery, as well as with the cost-savings involved. Over 12 000 entrants received their documentation online, resulting in a saving of over R100 000 for the organisers."
Says Katherine Leeming, Senior Account Manager at Striata: "The delivery of documentation via electronic channels allows companies to reach a large audience both efficiently and economically. We are all trying to operate within tight budgets - migrating to online delivery releases budget that can be invested in adding even more value to the event."
The cost of paper, printing, envelopes, distribution and labour required for the delivery of paper-based documents results in a high cost per letter or certificate. Sending that same document electronically can reduce costs by up to 90%.
Says Harford: "Cost-savings aside, receiving registration letters and certificates via e-mail is also decidedly more convenient for those entering the race. Not only is delivery immediate, but cyclists are also able to communicate with the race organisers by hitting the 'reply' button. The feedback we have received has been extremely positive."
Harford states that Striata's delivery reports after each send, specifying the number of successful deliveries and undeliverable messages, as well as the reasons for non-delivery, have been invaluable. "For the first time, we have been able to track the number of registration letters and certificates that have been delivered, and follow up on the returns. Our client service levels have increased significantly," says Harford.
Leeming concludes that the electronic delivery of documents offers organisations an opportunity to improve customer service, decrease service costs and enhance competitiveness.
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Striata is a leading provider of software solutions in electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) and multi-channel messaging. Their comprehensive product suites offer a variety of options to meet the requirements of electronic billing and communication. Regardless of the need - whether it is the rapid transmission of secure financial information, EBPP, the personalisation of electronic messages, or responding electronically to customer queries - Striata has a technology solution to meet those requirements.
Harford Sports Promotions SA ( HSP)
HSP is an event management company that specialises in organising large sporting events, other than the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge it manages the 702/FNB Walk the Talk, Sappi Horse Trials, BMW International Polo and various other events. This year Harford celebrates 15 years in business, having seen the transformation of communication in event management from paper-based to electronic mediums.
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