What is ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres -Requirements for customer contact centres?

ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres outlines the requirements for customer contact centres, providing a framework for quality service and efficient processes. This international standard is designed to assist customer contact centres in delivering a high level of service to customers, while also considering the needs of other stakeholders, such as the employees and owners.

The standard addresses various aspects of customer contact centre operations, including but not limited to:

• Scope of Services: This covers the type and range of services provided by the contact centre. It is essential to identify and clearly describe these services to meet customer expectations adequately.
• Human Resources: The standard specifies requirements for staff training, skills, and competencies to ensure that personnel are adequately prepared to deliver quality service.
• Information Management: Requirements for managing and storing customer data securely are also included. Data management policies should be compliant with legal and regulatory guidelines.
• Quality Management: This part focuses on the monitoring and measurement of performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement processes to enhance the quality of service.
• Complaints Handling: Processes for efficiently dealing with customer complaints are outlined. This involves logging, tracking, resolving, and communicating the resolution of complaints to the customers.
• Infrastructure and Technology: Guidelines for the tools, systems, and technologies that should be in place for the contact centre to function efficiently are also described.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The standard advises on ensuring all operations are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including those related to data protection and privacy.
• Security Measures: Security protocols for both data and physical security are covered. This includes cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data and guidelines for access to the facilities.
• Communication: Effective communication with customers, including language skills, and clear, accurate information is emphasized.

Also, ISO 18295-1:2017 is typically used in conjunction with ISO 18295-2, which offers guidance for clients using the services of customer contact centres. Together, these standards aim to provide a comprehensive model for achieving customer service excellence across all facets of contact centre operations.

Overall, organizations seeking to implement this standard should consult with a certified body that specializes in management system certifications. Accreditation ensures that the certification body adheres to high standards, thereby providing valuable third-party validation for organizations that achieve certification.

What are the requirements for ISO 18295-1:2017?

ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres sets forth a variety of requirements aimed at ensuring that customer contact centres operate efficiently and provide high-quality service. These requirements can be categorized into different domains for better understanding:

Governance and Management

• Quality Management System: A QMS should be established, maintained, and regularly updated, aimed at the continual improvement of processes and customer satisfaction.
• Document Control: Proper documentation for all operational procedures, policies, and guidelines must be maintained.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Metrics for performance, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction should be established and regularly monitored.

Human Resources

• Competency and Training: Staff must be adequately trained and competent in the services they are providing. Ongoing training and skills development programs are recommended.
• Employee Wellbeing: Measures to ensure employee wellbeing and to address stress and workload issues should be in place.

Operations

• Operational Processes: Clearly defined processes for handling customer interactions, including call handling procedures, response time guidelines, and resolution procedures.
• Resource Allocation: Adequate resources, including staff, technology, and infrastructure, should be allocated to meet service requirements.

Customer Relationship Management

• Customer Requirements and Expectations: The organization must identify customer needs and expectations to adequately meet them.
• Customer Feedback and Complaints: A systematic approach for obtaining, analyzing, and utilizing customer feedback, as well as handling customer complaints effectively, should be in place.

Data Management

• Data Security and Privacy: Robust data security measures to protect customer information, compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Data Integrity: Measures must be in place to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of customer data.

Technology and Infrastructure

• Reliability and Accessibility: The technology systems in place should be reliable and should easily allow customers to interact with the contact centre.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Adequate backup solutions and disaster recovery plans should be in place.

Legal and Compliance

• Regulatory Compliance: All operations should be in compliance with local, national, and international regulations, including those related to data protection and privacy.
• Contractual Obligations: The contact centre should meet any specific contractual obligations it has with its clients.

Communication

• Communication Protocols: Guidelines and standards for effective communication, both internal and customer-facing, should be set and maintained.

Furthermore, each of these domains may contain more specific requirements that can vary based on jurisdiction, the type of service being provided, and other factors. Implementation often involves a comprehensive audit of current practices, identification of gaps, and action plans to meet the standard’s requirements.

In summary, organizations often seek third-party certification for ISO 18295-1:2017 to validate their compliance with the standard. Accredited certification bodies can provide this verification, ensuring that organizations meet the high standards set by ISO for customer contact centres.

What are the benefits of ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres?

Implementing the ISO 18295-1:2017 standard in customer contact centres offers multiple benefits that span operational, financial, and strategic domains. Here are some of the key advantages:

Operational Excellence

• Streamlined Processes: The standard provides a framework for organizing and managing processes efficiently, which helps in improving the overall operational workflow.
• Quality Assurance: Regular monitoring and auditing practices help ensure that the service quality remains consistently high.
• Resource Optimization: By following standardized processes, organizations can better allocate and utilize their resources, including manpower and technology.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

• Service Quality: Adherence to ISO standards helps ensure that customer queries and complaints are handled effectively, thereby improving service quality.
• Customer Trust: Achieving certification signals to customers that the organization is committed to quality, which can build customer trust.
• Reduced Complaints: Effective complaint handling procedures usually result in a reduction of customer grievances over time.

Risk Management

• Data Security: By adhering to guidelines on data management and security, the organization can minimize risks related to data breaches and cyber threats.
• Legal Compliance: The standard includes guidelines for compliance with local and international laws, reducing the risk of legal complications.

Employee Benefits

• Professional Development: Structured training programs and skill development initiatives improve employee competency and job satisfaction.
• Reduced Work Stress: By clearly defining roles and standardizing processes, the workload and stress on employees can be more effectively managed.

Competitive Advantage

• Market Differentiation: Being an ISO-certified contact centre can serve as a unique selling point, distinguishing the organization from competitors.
• Client Retention and Acquisition: Certification can serve as a criterion for clients when choosing a customer contact centre, thereby aiding in client retention and new client acquisition.

Financial Benefits

• Cost Efficiency: Streamlined and optimized operations often result in reduced operating costs.
• Revenue Growth: High customer satisfaction and improved service quality can lead to customer loyalty and, in turn, increased revenue.

Strategic Benefits

• Alignment with Business Goals: The requirement for a Quality Management System ensures that the contact centre’s objectives are aligned with the broader goals of the organization.
• Scalability: Having a set of standardized best practices makes it easier for the organization to scale its operations.

By achieving ISO 18295-1:2017 organizations can also gain third-party validation of their efforts, providing additional confidence to clients and stakeholders that the organization is committed to maintaining high standards in its operations.

Who needs ISO 18295-1:2017?

ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres is applicable to a broad range of organizations and sectors that operate customer contact centres. Here is a breakdown of who might need or benefit from implementing this standard:

Different Types of Customer Contact Centres

• In-House Contact Centres: Organizations with their own customer service departments can implement the standard to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Outsourced Contact Centres: Businesses that provide customer contact services to other companies can benefit from certification as a mark of quality assurance for their clients.
• Multi-Channel or Omni-Channel Contact Centres: This applies to contact centres that handle customer interactions across multiple platforms like phone, email, chat, and social media.

Various Industry Sectors

• Retail: For improving customer service and handling complaints efficiently.
• Healthcare: To manage appointments, queries, and patient information.
• Finance and Banking: For customer service regarding transactions, accounts, and financial products.
• Utilities: To manage customer queries, service requests, and emergency responses.
• Travel and Hospitality: For booking, customer service, and issue resolution.
• Telecommunications: To manage subscriptions, technical support, and customer queries.

For Strategic Goals

• Organizations Seeking Competitive Advantage: Certification can serve as a differentiator in a crowded market.
• Organizations Aiming for Global Operations: ISO certification is internationally popular and can aid in expansion and contracting in foreign markets.

Legal and Compliance Requirements

• Organizations Under Regulatory Scrutiny: Some industries are mandated by law or suggested by regulatory bodies to maintain certain service standards, which the ISO certification can validate.

Other Stakeholders

• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): For SMEs looking to instil professional standards in their customer service operations, this certification can serve as a roadmap.
• Government Entities: Public service contact centres can use the standard to ensure quality service to citizens.
• Non-Profits and NGOs: These organizations can use the standard to manage volunteer and donor interactions effectively.

Consultants and Auditors

• Quality Management Consultants: For those offering advice on service improvement, the standard provides a useful framework.
• Internal and External Auditors: Understanding this standard is essential for auditing the quality of customer service.

Overall, ISO 18295-1:2017 offers significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency, quality assurance, and stakeholder satisfaction. Organizations often seek third-party certification validate their compliance with the standard, providing further assurance of their commitment to quality customer contact services.

At last, Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, you need more support with ISO 18295-1:2017 Customer contact centres, please contact us at +91-8595603096 or support@pacificcert.com

Also read: ISO 22483:2020 Tourism and related services