The Challenge

Following the introduction of the DATAGARD system it became apparent very quickly that whilst this addressed the issues surrounding the TPS it did not close the loop completely with regard to the data protection legislation, as even though an individual may not be registered with the TPS they still have the right to “opt out” of receiving further marketing calls from a particular company, this then gives companies the added headache of constantly updating and distributing this information and ensuring all data is cross checked against this file before calling.

The System

Like the DATAGARD system CALLGARD again was developed in the UK by UK DATA IT in response to requests from customers requiring a total data protection solution.

The CALLGARD system can either supplement the DATAGARD TPS call barring solution or act as a stand alone system. Again all information is stored at network level and should a call require suppression this is done as the call is en route to the prospect, like the DATAGARD system the caller is advised via an IVR message that the customer does not wish to receive direct marketing calls, or in the case of a dialer a suitable tone is returned.

This system ensures that all data requiring suppression is held in a central file ensuring that information across what could be a number of sites is shared and updated.

Whilst compliance with data protection legislation is the main driver other benefits could include customers in dispute, and bad debtors could be added to the suppression files. In some instances existing customers have been added to the files to ensure that further contact to those is controlled.

Since its release UK DATA IT have connected customers to the CALLGARD service from the following market sectors:

1. HOME IMPROVEMENT
2. BANKING AND FINANCE
3. INSURANCE
4. CALL CENTRES
5. MEDIA
6. CHARITIES