"Solutions" is a buzzword, but a helpful one. Solutions are a kind of quick marketing potpourri for a variety of services and products that are otherwise not so easily categorized. What often separates a solution of the buzzword kind from just, you know, a solution is the complexity of the problem and implementation of its resolution. The dish brush I recently purchased solved my dirty dish problem, but I think few would call it a kitchen solution (even if it actually is). But the hardware and applications necessary to scan my document from an MFP, OCR it on the fly, move it to a network share to be reviewed by another department later and email a copy to my inbox are a bit more complex than my dish brush. We need a word like solutions to do the heavy lifting in a situation like that.
Earlier this year, in October, A&A Office Systems was nationally recognized by Ricoh as a leader in technology solution sales. Now, being recognized for selling a ton of stuff well is great for A&A! But that doesn't immediately translate to anything for our customers, and so, for us, it's not the quantity of solutions that we take pride in, it's the value of those solutions. If the challenges of the modern office were just a sink full of dirty dishes, we would sell you a dish brush and call it a day. But, as we know, "solutions" aren't quite so simple.
Our approach begins from the ground up, training our staff not just on the hardware we sell, but also the software. The key to resolving an issue or improving a process is in understanding how these two components can work together effectively. The number of office technology solutons over the past fives has grown tremendously, and one of our most valuable assets is a staff that knows what combination best suits a situation.
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In addition to hands on time with industry leading technology, our staff also spend time learning the workflows of the modern office. This aspect is a little more abstract, but it boils down to working close with the customer and listening to their challenges. We find many clients are astute, and know when something isn't quite right, that something can be fixed or improved, even if they can't quite put a name to the issue. With our staff's combined knowledge of devices, applications and processes, we are able to provide the best customized solutions to keep organizations across southern New England running smoothly.
"Once a customer is comfortable talking to us, we're able to establish a relationship of trust," says General Sales Manager John Partenio. "We have the confidence that we can help them see the big picture."
It's understandable to think that pride in our award is pride in the sheer number of technology solutions A&A has installed, but really, it's pride in the exemplary expertise of our team and their commitment to improving the workplace for our customers. Selling a ton of stuff well is just a by product of big ideas and great customer service.