Experts estimate that the global Interactive Voice Response (IVR) market will grow to $6.7 billion by 2026. Rapid technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have greatly influenced this growth. AI has made it possible to reduce the time spent on tasks like solving customer queries and processing payments.
Like most sectors, municipalities globally are also shifting to innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance citizen engagement. IVR payment systems make it easy for people to pay for things like water, taxes, fines, and permits with their city or town services.
Municipalities require such services to make them more accessible and user-friendly. So, how can they access these services? Partnering with payment processors like iCG Pay, formerly iCheckGateway.com, provides an opportunity to adopt these reliable payment systems.
Let's delve into the advantages of IVR payment systems for municipal services and how they simplify the payment process.
What is an IVR Payment System?
An interactive voice response (IVR) payment system is an automated telephone-based service. It enables individuals to make payments or conduct transactions using their mobile device’s keypad or voice commands. This technology integrates speech recognition and touch-tone keypad inputs to interact with users, guiding them through payment processes.
Modern IVR systems mix tone-masking, which hides the sound of your keypad presses, with advanced voice recognition. This way, they can understand both the buttons you press and what you say. The menu system can determine, segment, and direct inbound calls to the most appropriate company representative.
When people want to pay for services like utilities, taxes, fines, or permits, they can use an IVR transfer system. They first call a specific phone number. A recorded voice guides them through the options. They then navigate the menu to input payment details and complete transactions securely.
Municipalities find IVR payment systems helpful for:
- Collecting payment information while verifying the caller's identity to ensure secure transactions.
- Making sure that if someone needs more help with a payment, they get put through to the right person for support.
- Managing high volumes of payment calls efficiently, especially during peak times.
- Sorting payment calls in the queue by urgency or sequence to ensure timely processing.
With these self-service options, municipalities can streamline the handling of payments for various services. This way, people can pay from anywhere without needing the internet or going to an office.
What are the Benefits of IVR Payment Systems for Municipal Services?
A majority of businesses now rely on IVR payment systems for bill collections. Municipalities are also taking up this approach in their operations. Here's why:
24/7 Accessibility
Unlike live agents, IVR payment systems are available 24/7/365 without needing an internet-connected phone. Citizens make payments at any time of the day or night, regardless of the municipality's office hours.
It accommodates diverse schedules and ensures customers can conveniently handle transactions without time constraints. Additionally, the availability of pre-recorded solutions addresses queries more promptly.
Convenience
Consumers today are increasingly looking for convenient payment methods. Municipalities can enhance customer experience by providing this payment option. According to Zippia, 72% of happy customers will likely tell six or more people about their experience.
With IVR, citizens pay for government services with their phone, anytime and anywhere. No more waiting in line. The phone system guides users through prompts, making the payment process straightforward and user-friendly.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Government offices in large cities often receive many people. In the past, offices used to have a receptionist who would help connect people. However, modern IVR solutions route the calls to the respective departments with a few prompts.
Customers use the keypad on their phones to choose the person they wish to speak to. Or to make a payment. This IVR call center software automates payment processing. By handling routine transactions electronically, these systems allow staff to focus on more complex tasks.
Reduced Turnaround Time
IVR systems streamline payment workflows by automating repetitive tasks and minimizing manual intervention. If your municipal office receives many phone calls, using an IVR system can help. It routes calls more efficiently, leading to quicker transaction processing times and shorter wait times for callers.
Additionally, the system's scalability allows it to handle large transactions even during peak periods.
Secure Self-Serve Payments
Industries like healthcare, banks, and insurance companies are moving to safer IVR systems. Municipal offices can use caller recognition features in IVR to reduce fraud. The systems authenticate every transaction and caller to keep customer account information safe from unauthorized access.
Get your IVR payment systems from us at iCG Pay. Access PCI compliant security features, so you don't have to lose any data. We will handle your payment details securely, boosting customer confidence in your municipality's payment infrastructure.
How Can You Set up IVR Payment Systems in Your Municipal Offices?
To start using IVR systems, here are the key steps to guide you:
Assess Your Municipal's Needs and Requirements
Before installing the technology, figure out which city services should use the IVR payment system. Will it be water, taxes, fines, permits, or all of these? Also, find out what other payment methods people might want, like ACH payments, text payments, or credit card processing. Pick the most suitable options.
Select an IVR Payment Gateway
Choose a trusted payment processing system that offers municipal payment solutions. Go for a reliable payment gateway that best aligns with your municipality's needs and budgetary constraints.
A partner like iCG Pay offers features like reliability, security, customization, scalability, top-notch customer support, and nimble integration capabilities. We ensure you get the highest level of PCI DSS compliance.
Implement and Customize the IVR System
The iCG Pay IVR payments platform is highly customizable based on your needs. Configure the IVR menus, prompts, and payment options to align with the municipality's services. Integrate the IVR system with your existing infrastructure to ensure seamless communication.
iCG Pay Is Your Go-to Partner for IVR Payments
Our IVR call center technology helps deliver convenience and an excellent customer experience. It eases the payment processes for municipalities by ensuring these automated payments are submitted instantly and securely. We are your go-to secure gateway that will ensure your bank or credit card transactions are done right.
Speak with our relationship managers to set up reliable IVR technology today!
