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AI’s Customer Service Impact: Siddhartha Sharad on Disruption of Machine-Led Interactions

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Join Karla Jo Helms on the Disruption InterruptionTM podcast as she sits down with Siddhartha Sharad, a customer experience expert, to delve into the transformative impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) on customer service. They discuss shifting from traditional customer service models to AI-enabled strategies, emphasizing the strategic balance between experimentation, employee engagement, and scalable AI implementation.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In transformed organizations, research estimates AI could add up to $1 trillion in annual value, with revamped customer service as a major contributor. This transformation is driven by increased customer acceptance of machine-led interactions, the growing accessibility of related technologies, and an enhanced understanding of customer behaviors through expanding data pools. (1) Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, sits down with Siddhartha Sharad, a trailblazer in the field of customer service advisory and a distinguished leader in business transformation, to analyze the profound impact of digital transformation and AI on customer service. They explore how these technologies are unlocking untapped potential and driving unprecedented value. “For me, disruptive innovation is about continuous improvement and driving value for both the business and its customers. The fundamental principle behind this is to keep it simple, identify the problem first, and then focus on execution.”

Generative AI Revolutionizes Customer Service
Customer service has long been a critical aspect of business operations, traditionally focused on scale, efficiency, and delivering stellar customer experiences. However, the landscape is changing rapidly with the advent of AI. “The traditional model of customer service involved scaling capabilities by adding more people. But today, finding skilled labor is increasingly difficult, and there are inflationary pressures,” Sharad explains. “Now it’s about solving problems with technology and data capabilities to position organizations for long-term success.”

“For me, disruptive innovation is about continuous improvement and driving value for both the business and its customers,” Siddhartha Sharad states. “The fundamental principle behind this is to keep it simple, identify the problem first, and then focus on execution.”

Generative AI is set to revolutionize customer service by creating a mix of human, automated, augmented, and new high-value tasks. This technology enables companies to provide proactive, personalized service, enhancing customer engagement and reducing costs while requiring human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical behavior. As generative AI evolves alongside its adoption, it will continuously disrupt industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, thus empowering companies to gain a competitive edge. (2)

Sharad notes that approximately 30-40% of customer interactions are complex and require a human touch, but the majority are repetitive and transactional, making them ideal for automation through AI.

Transforming Customer Service with AI
Sharad shares how implementing AI in customer service faces challenges, particularly in shifting the perception from a cost center to a value center. He discusses how organizations must move beyond pilot projects to achieve real progress, leveraging AI to enhance productivity, revenue growth, and customer experiences. Success in AI adoption requires effective communication, employee engagement, high-quality data, skilled talent, and sufficient resources, with significant advancements expected to automate up to 70% of customer service interactions in the near future.

Links:
Disrupting the $100B+ US Customer Service Industry Using AI, with Siddhartha Sharad
https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-the-100b-us-customer-service-industry-u?in_playlist=podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidsharad/
Company Website: https://www.westmonroe.com/

Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.

Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple’s App Store and Spotify.

About Disruption InterruptionTM
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Siddhartha Sharad
Siddhartha Sharad is a Customer Experience Expert who helps enterprises realize business value through technology automation and artificial intelligence. Siddhartha has built a strong reputation as a strategic client advisor, a true “problem solver” and a business leader with proven experience in fostering innovation-led growth.

Siddhartha’s recipe for success is simple: strike the right balance of problem-solving intelligence (IQ), emotional awareness (EQ), and execution focus (XQ). He’s honed that formula through hands-on experience running complex transformation projects and managing business P&Ls.

He successfully executed the turnaround of a Pharma & Life Sciences solutions business within 15 months by updating the customer service technology platform, revitalizing the workforce to deliver a better patient experience, and instilling a culture of innovation and change. Results achieved – $8 million in annual savings, 500% growth in the pipeline and a 10-point increase in client Net Promoter Scores.

He holds a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai and a Master in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References
1. Das, Avinash Chandra, et al. “The next Frontier of Customer Engagement: Ai-Enabled Customer Service.” McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, 27 Mar. 2023,
2. Daugherty , Paul, et al. “Generative AI Will Enhance – Not Erase – Customer Service Jobs.” Harvard Business Review, 3 Apr. 2023, hbr.org/2023/03/generative-ai-will-enhance-not-erase-customer-service-jobs.

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms 
JOTO PR™ 
727-777-4619 
jotopr.com 

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ais-customer-service-impact-siddhartha-sharad-on-disruption-of-machine-led-interactions-302186985.html

SOURCE Disruption Interruption

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Double Win for Workers’ Comp: Raintree Partners with Jopari and OccuPro to Transform Workers’ Comp

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Raintree Helps Clinics Drive Revenue, Cut Manual Work, and Get Injured Workers Back on the Job Sooner

CHANDLER, Ariz., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rehabilitation and physical therapy software provider, Raintree, today announced formal strategic partnerships with Jopari and OccuPro—building on long-standing integrations to deliver smarter automation, stronger referral pipelines, and faster return-to-work outcomes for therapy practices managing workers’ compensation cases.

“Workers’ comp has often been a source of friction due to its manual complexity, but also a powerful growth lever when done right,” said Sarina Richard, Chief Strategy Officer at Raintree. “Our integrations with Jopari and OccuPro streamline workflows, increase revenue, and—most importantly—help injured workers get back to work and support their families sooner.”

Upcoming Webinar: “Winning the Workers’ Comp Game: Faster Claims. Better Outcomes. More Revenue”

To help practices take full advantage of these powerful solutions, Raintree is hosting a live webinar in partnership with Jopari and OccuPro.
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Register here: https://raintreeinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jEWiswOjQpCo6iMrr5Itew

Expanded Integration with Jopari: Faster Claims, Broader Reach
Through an expanded partnership with Jopari Solutions, Raintree now empowers providers to electronically submit both claims and medical attachments for workers’ compensation, in addition to attachments for commercial and governmental insurance carriers—all seamlessly within the Raintree EMR platform. This enhancement supports:

Accelerated claims processing across a wider range of payersReduced administrative burden and costs with fewer manual tasksImproved cash flow through quicker reimbursement timelines

OccuPro Integration with Raintree: End-to-End Workers’ Comp and Work Conditioning Automation

Raintree’s integration with OccuPro brings the industry’s most advanced, fully interfaced Workers’ Compensation specific documentation software directly into the EMR—automating documentation, accelerating referrals, and improving outcomes for injured workers.

With this integration, clinics can:

Streamline workers’ comp evaluations, FCEs, and work conditioning with purpose-built documentationReceive direct referrals from major workers’ comp payors and national FCE networksImprove productivity and billing accuracy through a two-way EMR interface, ensuring documentation flows directly back into the patient record in Raintree

These advancements with Jopari and OccuPro demonstrate Raintree’s commitment to providing scalable, interoperable tools that streamline operations and unlock growth for therapy enterprises in the ever-growing workers’ comp rehabilitation space.

“At Jopari, we’re focused on removing administrative barriers so providers get paid faster and with fewer hassles,” said Jeff Pirino, Chief Growth Officer at Jopari. “Our collaboration with Raintree expands that promise across both workers’ comp and commercial claims, driving efficiency and satisfaction across the board.”

“Our mission at OccuPro is to simplify the workers’ comp process with work comp specific documentation, seamless referrals and industry-leading FCEs,” said Jim Mecham, COO of OccuPro. “Through this integration with Raintree, we’re giving providers the tools to boost efficiency, grow revenue, and help injured workers return to their jobs faster.”

About Raintree Systems
Raintree is the rehabilitation and physical therapy software of choice for enterprise and large therapy provider organizations, managing more than 50 million patient visits annually across 8,500+ therapy clinics nationwide.

Through a series of strategic investments in AI technology and expertise, Raintree is delivering on its commitment to be the leading AI-centric EMR software in rehab therapy.

Raintree’s ONC-certified EHR, AI technology, patient engagement and communications, clinical documentation, revenue cycle management (RCM), and business intelligence solutions are deeply rooted in rehabilitation and physical therapy best practices. To learn more about Raintree, visit https://www.raintreeinc.com/

About Jopari Solutions
Jopari Solutions, Inc. is a healthcare information technology company supplying innovative healthcare attachment management, flexible medical payments products; and integrated eBill compliance and portal solutions for Commercial & Government, Workers’ Compensation and Auto Medical markets.

About OccuPro
Established in 2002, OccuPro has developed the industry’s most respected workers’ compensation documentation system used by all the major workers’ compensation insurance carriers/payors. OccuPro’s worldwide customers have performed over 300,000 FCEs and the reports are generally considered to be the easiest reports to decipher on the market. OccuPro’s software, training, and certification programs are industry-leading services that boost a rehabilitation clinic’s overall net revenue within weeks of implementation. To learn more about OccuPro, visit https://www.occupro.net

Media Contact:
Sorella Andersen
sorella.andersen@raintreeinc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/double-win-for-workers-comp-raintree-partners-with-jopari-and-occupro-to-transform-workers-comp-302437792.html

SOURCE Raintree Systems

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Holman Logistics Launches New Foreign Trade Zone Facility in the Pacific Northwest

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SPANAWAY, Wash., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Holman Logistics announces the opening of its Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) facility in the Pacific Northwest this month. Holman provides third-party logistics services to some of the world’s most recognized brands, and the FTZ facility is strategically located to serve importers and exporters across the region.

The new FTZ can provide both cost saving and logistics flexibility. By utilizing the FTZ, customers can defer, reduce, or even eliminate customs duties. Additionally, this new initiative provides flexibility in inventory management, improved cash flow, and simplified customs procedures.

“Our FTZ facility enhances our ability to provide comprehensive and customizable logistics services to our customers,” explained Fred Olson, vice president of business development at Holman Logistics. “Whether companies need to stage components for manufacturing, manage seasonal inventory, or streamline their import strategies, the FTZ is a powerful solution,” Olson added. “It perfectly complements the wide range of warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services Holman already provides.”

This state-of-the-art facility located at 4633 196th St. E, Spanaway, Wash. is designed to help manufacturers and distributors store and distribute goods more efficiently and cost-effectively into the U.S. market and will operate under the same rigorous service standards, inventory visibility tools, and tailored customer support that have defined the Holman commitment to provide Extraordinary Service for more than a century.

To learn more about Holman FTZ services or to explore how your business can benefit, visit holmanusa.com.

About Holman Logistics
Founded in 1864, Holman Logistics offers logistics support, including warehousing, manufacturing logistics, omnichannel fulfillment, and transportation services for customers in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketplace. Holman provides services for multi-client and dedicated accounts at Holman-owned and customer locations across the United States. More information is available at holmanusa.com.

Media Contact:
BDYPR
913-912-9285

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holman-logistics-launches-new-foreign-trade-zone-facility-in-the-pacific-northwest-302437731.html

SOURCE Holman Logistics

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Socket Mobile Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

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FREMONT, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Socket Mobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), a leading provider of data capture and delivery solutions for enhanced workplace productivity, today reported financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

Revenue of $4.0 million, reflecting a 20% decrease compared to $5.0 million for the prior year’s quarter, and an 18% sequential decrease compared to $4.8 million for the preceding quarter.Gross margin of 50.4% versus 50.3% in the prior year’s quarter and 51% in the preceding quarter.Operating expenses were $2.9 million, compared to $3.0 million in the prior year period and $2.9 million in the preceding quarter.Operating loss amounted to $0.9 million, compared to $0.5 million loss in the prior year’s quarter, and a loss of $0.4 million in the preceding quarter.Cash balances on March 31, 2025 were approximately $1.7 million, a decrease from $2.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

“Our first quarter revenue came in lower than projected, primarily due to softer demand both domestically and internationally compared to Q1 of last year,” said Kevin Mills, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “The encouraging news is that we began shipping our new XtremeScan products during the quarter. This marks a key milestone in our two-year effort to enter the industrial barcode market.”

“We also recently announced the launch of the XtremeScan iXG and iXS Series, powered by iOS 18.3 and featuring a fully integrated iPhone 16e,” Mr. Mills continued.  “These devices are designed to serve as full-featured handheld computers, combining high-performance long-range barcode scanning with the connectivity, app ecosystem, and user-friendly interface of the iOS platform. Together, these capabilities allow frontline workers to capture data more accurately, respond more decisively, and perform critical tasks with greater speed and confidence. These products put Socket Mobile into the $27 billion mobile handheld computing market.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving tariff landscape and assessing its potential impact on our supply chain and cost structure,” Mr. Mills added. “We are committed to working closely with our customers to manage these challenges through strategic sourcing, pricing adjustments, and supply planning.”

“We look forward to sharing more about our new products and strategies to drive sales growth during our upcoming conference call,” concluded Mr. Mills.

Conference Call

Management of Socket Mobile will hold a conference call today at 2 P.M. Pacific (5 P.M. Eastern) to discuss the quarterly results and outlook for the future. To join the live conference, please use the conference link https://join.broaddata.com/?id=socket-mobile-earnings-call or dial (800) 237-1091 toll-free from within the U.S. or (848) 488-9280 (toll).

About Socket Mobile, Inc.                          

Socket Mobile is a leading provider of data capture and delivery solutions for enhanced productivity in workforce mobilization. Socket Mobile’s revenue is primarily driven by the deployment of third-party barcode-enabled mobile applications that integrate Socket Mobile’s cordless barcode scanners and contactless readers/writers. Mobile Applications servicing the specialty retailer, field service, digital ID, transportation, and manufacturing markets are the primary revenue drivers. Socket Mobile has a network of thousands of developers who use its software developer tools to add sophisticated data capture to their mobile applications. Socket Mobile is headquartered in Fremont, Calif., and can be reached at +1-510-933-3000 or www.socketmobile.com. Follow Socket Mobile on LinkedIn, X, and keep up with our latest News and Updates.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding new mobile computer and data collection products, including details on the timing, distribution, and market acceptance of the products, and statements predicting trends, sales, market conditions, and opportunities in the markets in which we sell our products. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk that our new products may be delayed or not rollout as predicted, if ever, due to technological, market, or financial factors, including the availability of necessary working capital, the risk that market acceptance and sales opportunities may not happen as anticipated, the risk that our application partners and current distribution channels may choose not to distribute the new products or may not be successful in doing so, the risk that acceptance of our new products in vertical application markets may not happen as anticipated, and other risks described in our most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Socket Mobile Investor Contact:
Lynn Zhao
Chief Financial Officer
510-933-3016
lynn@socketmobile.com

Socket Mobile is a registered trademark of Socket Mobile. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners.

© 2025, Socket Mobile, Inc. All rights reserved.

–      Financial tables to follow –

Socket Mobile, Inc.

Condensed Summary Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)

Three months ended March 31,

2025

2024

Revenue

$3,966

$4,978

Cost of revenue

1,968

2,473

Gross margin

1,998

2,505

   Gross margin percent

50.4 %

50.3 %

Research & development

1,132

1,208

Sales & marketing

1,107

1,031

General & administrative

653

751

   Total operating expenses

2,892

2,990

Operating loss

(894)

(485)

Interest expense, net

(100)

(72)

Income tax expense

Net loss

$  (994)

$  (557)

Net loss per share:

   Basic

$  (0.13)

$  (0.07)

   Fully diluted

$  (0.13)

$  (0.07)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

   Basic

   Fully diluted

 

7,829

7,829

 

7,442

7,442

 

Socket Mobile, Inc.

Condensed Summary Balance Sheets

(Amounts in Thousands)

 (Unaudited)

March 31, 2025

December 31,
2024*

Cash

$        1,707

$     2,492

Accounts receivable

2,061

1,588

Inventories

5,281

4,942

Deferred costs on shipments to distributors

Other current assets

              155

              619

              143

              431

Property and equipment, net

2,532

2,787

Deferred tax assets

10,663

10,663

Intangible assets, net

1,400

1,432

Operating leases right-of-use assets

2,477

2,604

Other long-term assets

264

264

Total assets

$      27,159

$   27,346

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$        2,864

$     1,977

Subordinated convertible notes payable, net of discount

150

150

Subordinated convertible notes payable, net of discount-related party

3,822

3,818

 

Deferred revenue on shipments to distributors

 

366

392

Deferred service revenue
Operating lease liabilities

                30

           2,690

                31

           2,817

Total liabilities

9,922

9,185

Common stock

69,444

69,374

Accumulated deficit

(51,169)

(50,175)

Treasury stock

(1,038)

(1,038)

Total equity

17,237

18,161

Total liabilities and equity

$    27,159

$  27,346

*Derived from audited financial statements.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/socket-mobile-reports-first-quarter-2025-results-302437756.html

SOURCE Socket Mobile, Inc.

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