Welcome Real-time, the global leader in innovative loyalty solutions, today announced the availability of Welcome XLS 7.2, the latest version of its pioneering loyalty software.
The new release incorporates two new modules - allowing loyalty programme operators to send promotional coupons directly to customers' mobile phones and also to harness the power of geo-location capabilities to carry out more targeted and localised campaigns.
As well as communicating with customers in real-time via their mobile regarding their loyalty rewards balances, banks and retailers can now also use Welcome XLS to send promotional coupons directly to customers' handsets. Mobile coupons can either be sent as part of a special offer, or be automatically triggered when the customer completes one or a series of transactions. The use of well-targeted coupons strongly drives customer satisfaction, and can also help promote card use, drive traffic to retailers and facilitate cross-promotion between retailers.
The new geo-location reporting module gives banks and retailers more information about customers in their local area so that they can send tailored offers to consumers in a specific region or in the vicinity of a specific outlet. This builds on the real-time reporting and analysis functionality already included in Welcome XLS 7.1 which allows campaign managers to view, analyse evaluate and fine tune their loyalty programmes immediately. By understanding which promotions resonate best with customers overall, and also by location, they can focus marketing activity in specific areas, repeat successful promotions in more locations and improve customer satisfaction.
Philippe David, CEO, Welcome Real-time said, "The latest version of Welcome XLS is a leap forward for banks and retailers in providing targeted promotions and rewards directly to the end consumer. Welcome XLS 7.2 is unique in its ability to merge mobile couponing and geo-location functionalities, giving operators a potential competitive edge in a rapidly evolving loyalty market. Our software enables banks and retailers to engage with customers more intelligently, providing them with promotions tailored to their needs that will add real value."
Welcome XLS 7.2 allows mobile coupons to be sent through an SMS, containing either the barcode or coupon number or a link to the website where an image of the coupon can be downloaded. It is also possible to send coupons in barcode format to smart phones. The advantage of SMS is that it is compatible with all mobile phone types. Mobile coupons are easy to redeem for both consumers and card issuers since they interface seamlessly with the standard couponing infrastructure already used by merchants.