adelante-payments

How to successfully introduce new technology into your franchise business

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Introducing new technology into a business with a mobile workforce requires more than just installing software. Here’s our nine-step plan to successfully embed new technology into your business.

Develop a technology adoption plan

Your adoption plan should include the business strategy, areas of focus, the goals that need to be achieved, measurable targets and timescales.

Provide training and support

In order for technology to be adopted successfully, training and support must be provided. Consider whether you have the expertise internally or need external support, and identify groups that have specific needs. Remember, this should not be a one-off – training should be ongoing to ensure people are confident in using the new platform in the way you need them to use it.

Customise technology to match requirements

All technology should be customised to your business’s processes and ways of working – however, many platforms come with built-in best practices that are accepted industry standard, so check out what’s included before customising to your existing processes.

Integrate systems

What current systems do you use, and how can they be integrated with your new platforms? By integrating systems, you can streamline processes even further, reducing manual input and gaining significant efficiencies.

Establish protocols and procedures

This is essential to establish at the outset when new platforms are being implemented. By establishing who should do what, how and when, you can set firm guidelines and expectations.

Assess and optimise

It’s only when your teams are fully utilising your new systems that you can assess how it’s working in reality for the business. Opportunities for enhancements and improvements will become evident, and it’s important you’re open-minded to this, in addition to a formal process to collect ideas, assess potential, review and implement new ideas.

Ensure security measures

Cybersecurity is essential for any company, and new software increases the need for cybersecurity training internally – after all, human error is responsible for many cyber breaches. Internally, it’s important to ensure the software is kept up to date, with patches and updates installed when available to minimise risk.

Monitor usage and adoption rates

For any software to be successful, it’s imperative that people use it! It might sound obvious, but a ‘set-and-forget’ implementation process is unlikely to bring success. By monitoring usage and adoption, you can identify not only individuals who need additional support and encouragement but also those who can be advocates internally and help lead others.

Mobile accessibility

For dispersed teams, the ability to access platforms on the go is essential for a successful implementation and adoption. Ensure the use of the mobile app or browser is included in the training, and encourage teams to download and install it on their devices to ensure data and information is flowing through the business in real time.

Enhancing mobile workforce efficiency: technology solutions for mobile franchises

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:30:00 GMT

When you run a business, the systems and technology you put in place are critical to success. They help you operate efficiently and effectively, streamline processes, reduce roadblocks and – hopefully – enhance profitability.

For businesses that have mobile workforces , robust tech solutions are incredibly important, and can seriously enhance day-to-day operations.

Cloud-based collaboration tools

Collaboration tools are a foundational part of many businesses’ tech stack today, and there are a number of cloud-based solutions that help streamline processes and keep businesses moving. Platforms such as Google Workspace , Slack , Monday.com , Asana and Trello are among the market leaders here, all accessible on the go and updated in real time.

Mobile project management apps

Similar to collaboration tools, mobile project management apps enable projects to run smoothly and be updated by people, wherever they’re working from – ideal for dispersed teams. In addition to some of the names mentioned above, Jira , ClickUp , Smartsheet , Eworks , Oracle NetSuite , and Basecamp are popular choices here.

Mobile payments solutions

Being able to take payments on the go wherever you are – and having those payments registered in a centralised system in real-time – is essential for businesses that manage a diverse range of income streams. Adelante , and our parent company ClearCourse’s ClearDebit and ClearAccept brands, all offer payment solutions that help businesses manage payments effectively and deliver an exceptional payments experience for customers.

Collaborative note-taking apps

Note-taking apps are increasingly important for teams working collaboratively, enabling multiple people to contribute ideas, comments, and work on project plans at the same time. Popular choices here are Apple’s Notes app , Joplin , Evernote , Eworks, Dropbox Paper , and Microsoft OneNote .

Task automation software

Task automation software can automate manual tasks, as well as help different platforms speak to each other, triggering actions in one when an event happens in another. Popular names here include Zapier , Microsoft Power Automate , Jira , ClickUp and Integrify .

The growth of the mobile workforce: 5 ways revenue finance can drive success

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:24:07 GMT

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the popularity of mobile workforces is growing, and becoming increasingly common.

And as organisations adapt to the changing needs of the workforce, embracing innovative financial solutions is key to sustaining growth and remaining competitive.

In this model of working, revenue finance emerges as a powerful ally, offering businesses the flexibility and resources needed to support and optimise their mobile workforce.

In this blog, we explore five ways revenue finance can be a game-changer for businesses with mobile workforces.

Investing in technology

In order for mobile workforces to stay connected and productive, good tech solutions are a must.

Revenue finance provides businesses with the capital needed to invest in cutting-edge technologies, such as mobile apps, communication tools, and project management software.

By staying ahead of the tech curve, businesses can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their mobile teams, leading to improved collaboration and streamlined operations.

Training and development

A well-trained mobile workforce is productive and adaptable, and revenue finance enables businesses to invest in training programs and continuous learning initiatives for their remote teams.

From virtual workshops to specialised certifications, financing employee development fosters a skilled and motivated workforce – and in turn, this investment pays off in increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and a competitive edge in the market.

Scalability and expansion

Businesses with mobile workforces often experience fluctuations in demand and operational requirements, and revenue finance offers the flexibility needed to scale operations up or down as necessary.

Whether it's hiring additional remote staff during peak seasons or expanding into new markets, having access to scalable financing ensures that businesses can adapt to changing circumstances without compromising their core objectives.

Risk mitigation and contingency planning

Unforeseen challenges can disrupt business operations, especially for mobile workforces. Revenue finance provides a financial safety net for businesses, enabling them to develop robust contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies. Whether it's a sudden drop in revenue or unexpected expenses, having access to additional funds ensures that businesses can weather storms and continue to effectively support their mobile workforce.

The importance of revenue finance for business growth

In an era where agility and adaptability are crucial for business success, revenue finance emerges as a strategic tool for organisations with mobile workforces.

By investing in technology, training, flexible workspaces, scalability, and risk mitigation, businesses can empower their remote teams and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

And, as the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing revenue finance becomes not just a financial decision but a strategic imperative for sustainable growth and success.

A new look for Adelante

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:11:06 GMT

It’s been more than a quarter of a century since we first launched Adelante, and the world has changed significantly since then.

So too, has Adelante.

Of course, we’ve always been focused on enabling businesses to work more efficiently by taking card payments in a variety of ways – and as technology, cybersecurity, and payments have changed, so have we.

Back in 2020 we were purchased by software and payments company ClearCourse , which has a mission to help SMEs build great businesses with industry-specific software and embedded payments.

While our products – backed by our exceptional UK-based support team – have always kept up to date, we felt it was high time we gave ourselves a makeover to better reflect our commitment to providing payment solutions that simplify the entire process of accepting and managing payments.

We want to make it easier for teams to manage and reconcile payments coming from multiple streams, methods, teams or employees – and to continue to develop solutions that do this, it is crucial to align our brand with our growth strategy.

Adelante rebrands… so, what’s changed?

Firstly, you’ll no doubt have already noticed our new logo and visual identity – our ‘look and feel’.

New fonts and brand colours usher in a new era for Adelante, while still remaining true to what’s gone before.

As you’ll also have noticed, we’ve launched a brand-new website , which is easy to use and offers a more seamless, user-friendly experience. It enables you to find what you need easily, and houses new content and updated product information to help visitors better understand the Adelante proposition.

Thirdly, we’ve given some of our products a rebrand , too!

It’s still the same software our customers know and love, however, we’ve given some of them a new identity to better reflect what they do today.

For example, SmartPay – our income management and payment software – is now ConnectIncome, while TonePay, our telephone-based payment solution, is now part of our ‘over the phone’ toolkit in ConnectPay.

“It’s exciting to begin a new chapter in Adelante’s story, and our rebrand enables us to present our brand and software more accurately to the outside world,” says Alison Rodwell, Director of Product at Adelante.

“However, while our look is changing, our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional products and support remains unwavering.”

Mobilising Success: 3 ways Distributed Workforces can Revolutionise Payments

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:38:45 GMT

In today's dynamic business landscape, the role of mobile workforces is becoming increasingly pivotal. These teams, armed with mobile devices and innovative technologies, can revolutionise traditional operational processes. In this blog post, we'll explore three key ways mobile workforces can improve operations, driving efficiency, flexibility, and overall success.

1. Streamlining Payment Processes

Mobile workforces equipped with portable payment devices empower businesses to accept payments anywhere, providing convenience to customers and increasing sales opportunities. Whether at a client's location, a trade show, or a pop-up event, the ability to process payments on the spot is a game-changer. Mobile payment solutions integrated with backend systems like Adelante’s ConnectPay minimise the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. Real-time transaction processing not only reduces the chances of payment discrepancies but also enhances the accuracy of financial records.

2. Optimising Reporting

With mobile devices, field employees can capture and input data in real-time. This immediacy ensures that businesses have access to up-to-date information. With a centralised reporting portal, you improve visibility for every member of your team, whether they’re on-the-go or at the office, allowing them to view data in real time, work more efficiently, address issues promptly and standardise best practices across the entire organisation.

3. Elevating Customer Experience

Whether it's in-home services, deliveries, or consultations, mobile workforces enhance the convenience of service delivery. Customers appreciate the flexibility and efficiency of businesses that can bring their offerings directly to their doorstep. With one centralised portal, every team member has access to the most up-to-date information and a standard set of payment options so that customer queries can be dealt with quickly.

Mobile workforces that embrace mobile payment solutions designed for their unique setups are better positioned to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Embrace the power of ConnectPay to unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction in your operations.

To find out more about how Adelante can support your mobile workforce, get in touch .

Mastering franchise finances: 10 tips for seamless payment processing

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:29:37 GMT

As a franchise owner, managing payments effectively is crucial for the success and growth of your business. From providing a smooth customer experience to ensuring accurate financial records, navigating the world of payments can be a complex task.

Here we share our top 10 tips for taking payments, helping you streamline your financial processes and enhance customer satisfaction.

Choose a reliable payment processor

Selecting a trustworthy payment processor is the foundation of seamless transactions. A secure, efficient, and scalable solution is key. Our internal payment payment gateway and award-finalist acquirer means you can get everything in one place.

Implement contactless payment options

Contactless payments are now a customer expectation, with mobile wallets increasingly common. Thanks to our range of payment solutions, you can provide customers with the ability to make quick and secure payments, enhancing convenience and reducing transaction times.

Ensure PCI compliance

Protecting your customers' sensitive information is paramount, both from a regulatory perspective as well protecting your brand reputation. Ensure that your payment processing system complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements. This not only safeguards your customers, but also protects your franchise from potential legal and financial repercussions.

Make sure it works for your business set-up

Every business has different needs, and it’s important to partner with a provider that understands your unique challenges. If you have a physical site, then an integrated solution is fundamental to streamlined operations. Distributed, on-the-go teams, meanwhile, require mobile payment methods and centralised management and reporting tools.

Offer subscription and recurring billing

If appropriate to your business, subscriptions or recurring payments can create a predictable revenue stream and enhance customer loyalty by simplifying the purchasing process for repeat customers.

Utilise e-commerce platforms

If your franchise operates online, it’s essential to invest in a robust e-commerce platform. This expands your reach, allowing customers to make purchases from the comfort of their homes, through an online payment system that is secure and user-friendly. Our providers of choice are EKM and Sellerdeck .

Implement a gift card programme

Introduce gift card programmes to boost sales and attract new customers. Gift cards not only drive revenue but also encourage repeat business. For day-to-day ease, it’s important your payment system seamlessly integrates with your gift card programme. Our provider of choice is Giftpro .

Train staff on payment processes

Educate your staff on the importance of proper payment handling. From using the systems to understanding security protocols, well-trained employees contribute to a positive customer experience and prevent potential payment issues.

Monitor and analyse payment data

By regularly monitoring and analysing payment data, you can identify trends, track sales performance, and detect potential issues. Utilise analytics tools provided by your payment processor to gain valuable insights into your franchise's financial health.

Provide clear payment policies

Transparent and easily understandable payment policies are essential to build customer trust. Clearly communicate your payment terms, refund policies, and any associated fees – this helps manage customer expectations and reduces the likelihood of disputes.

Mastering payment processing as a franchise owner requires a combination of technology, transparency, and a customer-centric approach. Stay adaptable to emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure your franchise remains at the forefront of efficient payment management.

Learn more about how partnering with Adelante can enhance your payment experience.

7 ways payment solutions can help local councils save time and deliver an exceptional customer experience

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:55:22 GMT

When it comes to taking payments, it’s easy to write it off as a purely transactional, functional task. But for local councils, an exceptional payment solution can create ripple effects across the business. Here’s how.

By providing customers – and departments – with payments choice

We all expect to be able to pay for goods and services in whichever way we want, wherever we want. And when we can’t, we notice – and often feel negativity towards whichever organisation we want to pay or buy something from.

By offering a wide range of payment options – from online and over the phone or on the go – you can ensure the act of making a payment is a simple one for your customers, rather than being a source of frustration.

Internally, it’s important too. Offering a wide range of solutions ensures each department has methods of receiving payments that are suitable for their needs, and speeds things up, too.

By being available around the clock

The days of only taking payments during traditional business hours are well and truly over. Today, organisations need to be able to transact around the clock – and that means having payment options that never sleep.

And it’s important, too, because people make payments 24/7. So by making it easy for customers to make payments whenever they want, you’re reducing the load on staff when it comes to manual chasing and follow-up, and reduces the team effort required enabling payments to be made more efficiently.

By enabling easy collation across distributed departments

Local councils have many different revenue streams, with different departments overseeing different sources of income. By ensuring your payments solution is capable of collating cross-division transactions, you can reconcile with ease, and have a real-time source of truth, all day, every day.

By providing real-time reporting

From car park revenue to council tax, councils have a whole host of income streams to manage. By choosing a payments solution with real-time reporting, you have up-to-the-minute information from which to build reports.

By protecting your reputation with the latest security

Brand reputation has always been incredibly important, and a market-leading payments solution will help protect your customers online, as well as enable your organisation to be PCI compliant.

With user access management as standard, a strong payment solution will help keep your organisation’s finances safe and secure, too.

By understanding the intricacies of your organisation

The payments platform you choose should meet your organisation’s needs and understand the intricacies of your business, rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution. By choosing payments technology that is built for distributed teams and offers features like the ability to collate and validate payments, as well as export ledgers, you’re using a platform that was purpose-built for your type of business.

By deploying across multiple merged authorities

Increasingly, councils are sharing IT services across multiple authorities – and a solution that offers the ability to support multiple merged authorities is important for both today and tomorrow. By using a solution such as Adelante that can work across multiple authorities, you can save significant amounts of money in licence fees and hosting costs – meaning your budgets go further.

Adelante – purpose-built for local authorities

Adelante’s payment solutions have been built specifically for local authorities, and we currently work with councils across the country to provide a wide range of payment and income management solutions.

Find out more about Adelante’s local government and council solutions .