FEATURE : TELECOM
Infobip implements Rich Communication Services for Bob Group
Infobip recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully implementing a Rich Communication Services , RCS channel for ecommerce platform Bob Group . The partnership aims to enhance customer communication and drive efficiencies for Bob Group ’ s Ship Logic platform .
Bob Group ’ s comprehensive suite of B2B order fulfilment , platform synchronising , payment , and shipping tools enables merchants to grow their businesses , significantly contributing to economic empowerment .
Bob Group offers five services : Bob Shop , Bob Go , Bob Box , Bob Pay , and Ship Logic . Ship Logic stands out as the company ’ s shipping software solution , revolutionising parcel delivery . After making an online purchase , customers can manage orders and choose from various carriers using Bob Go .
The Ship Logic platform is an API-driven delivery management system for South African couriers . It allows couriers to integrate with other services and third parties to ensure the effective collection and delivery of their customer ’ s parcels .
To improve customer service and drive efficiency , Ship Logic sought a costeffective and scalable communication solution . Infobip ’ s RCS messaging , known for its richer content capabilities like images and logos , matched Bob Group ’ s digital transformation journey and offers a secure alternative to traditional SMS and email channels .
Building on their previous collaboration in SMS services , Infobip recommended adopting RCS messaging , a relatively new concept in South Africa .
Credit allocation happens via a comprehensive digital portal equipped with multiple network management tools , including bandwidth control , traffic filtration , and individual voucher management . This change will have a massive impact on humanitarian operations since vital connectivity will no longer be subject to rigid airtime plans .
Connected vehicular missions can work as remote public offices , offering e-government services to remote communities within a predefined schedule of site visits . Long-term deployments can use fixed units as a permanent Wi-Fi hub for e-learning , e-health , and e-governance .
RCS , currently available on the Android mobile operating system with plans for future iOS expansion , allows the integration of images , logos , and enhanced interactive features within messages . Infobip integrated its RCS API with Ship Logic ’ s system , completing the transition to this messaging platform in October 2023 .
The project implementation was smooth , requiring minimal manual effort . Transitioning to RCS significantly reduced operational costs for Ship Logic , as RCS is proving to be a more affordable channel than SMS .
By adopting RCS , Bob Group now offers customers a more authentic and secure communication channel , improving brand authenticity for couriers and ensuring the security of parcel deliveries . Infobip ’ s dedicated numbers guarantee reliable and efficient transactional messaging between Ship Logic ’ s system and customers .
Andrew Egan , Africa Regional Sales Director , Infobip ; and Stephan Naudé , Operations
Manager , Ship Logic
With the new network management approach , digitalisation can support community projects without jeopardising the communication needs of critical operations addressing the challenges faced during relief operations and ultimately save more lives in times of crisis .
For now , this successful formula can be applied to 10 African countries including Benin , Eswatini , Kenya , Madagascar , Malawi , Mozambique , Nigeria , Rwanda , Sierra Leone , and Zambia .
Uneven Internet availability across the continent highlights the necessity of innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide . Humanitarian organisations , leveraging digital advancements are uniquely positioned to address these disparities .
A wide range of digital services made available via satellite connectivity can unlock new opportunities for communities in need . Smart network management systems are at the core of this shift , ensuring support for critical communications and enabling a new ecosystem for community development . p
48 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com