Sage's software includes self-service

Sage North America has unveiled Sage Abra SQL HRMS 8.5, the latest version of the company's Microsoft SQL server-based HRMS software for medium businesses and organisations in North America, writes The Earth Times.

A new employee self-service (ESS) functionality has been added to version 8.5 to allow users to view and access more of their payroll data online.

"As businesses today look more deeply into their processes to contain costs and be more competitive, we are committed to delivering product improvements that will help them meet those efficiency goals," says Karl Grass, senior vice-president and GM for employer solutions at Sage North America.

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA will provide a self-service phone portal designed, developed, and integrated by Excelsis, states Call Centre Clinic. It will utilise the Voxeo VoiceObjects phone application server and development tools.

The phone portal provides IKEA customers with self-service options, including information about the in-stock availability of more than 10 000 articles, a store locator, information on delivery costs and payment details, and SMS notification services.

IKEA's primary goal in deploying a new phone portal was to assure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Air Wisconsin Airlines is beginning a three-year strategic initiative to revamp the way it communicates flight schedules and other critical flight information to over 1 000 pilots and flight attendants throughout the US, says Skyline Technologies.

With the help of north-east Wisconsin-based IT firm, Skyline Technologies, the airline is building a platform of new technology applications throughout the organisation, beginning with a new crew self-service programme to be completed by mid-2009.

The new Web-based crew system will connect crew members throughout the US who currently use phone and fax notifications to report emergencies, delays, and cancellations.