In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive market, exceptional customer support and technical expertise are more important than ever. At Functional Devices, Inc., we pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service and technical support that set us apart from the competition. Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to ensure that our customers receive the best possible experience, from initial contact to post-purchase support. In this blog, we’ll explore the key elements that make our customer support and technical expertise stand out, and why these factors are crucial for our success.
Dedicated Customer Service Team
At Functional Devices, Inc., our customer services team is the backbone of our customer support operations. This dedicated group of professionals is committed to providing personalized service and attention to each and every customer. Our team members are not just employees; they are passionate about helping our customers succeeds.
This team is composed of highly trained and experienced individuals who understand the importance of excellent customer service, from initial sales to post-purchase support. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address a wide range of customer inquiries and concerns. Whether it’s a simple question about product pricing and availability or a complex issue requiring in-depth troubleshooting, our team is ready to assist.
One of the key differentiators of our customer services team is the personalized service they provide. From our office in Sharpsville, IN, we believe that every customer is unique, and we strive to tailor our support to meet their specific needs. Our team takes the time to listen to our customers, understand their challenges, and provide solutions that are both effective and efficient. This personal touch not only helps to resolve issues quickly but also builds strong, lasting relationships with our customers
Customer Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it—our customers have plenty to say about their experiences with our customer services team. Here are a few testimonials from satisfied customers:
“The customer service at Functional Devices, Inc. is second to none. They always go above and beyond to ensure that our needs are met. I couldn’t be happier with the support we’ve received, whether I speak with Delores or the rest of the Functional Devices team.”
- John D., Facility Manager
“I’ve never experienced such personalized service before. The team at Functional Devices, Inc. truly cares about their customers and it shows in everything they do.”
- Sarah L., Building Automation Specialist.
Technical Support from Product Engineers
In addition to our outstanding customer services team, we also offer unparalleled technical support from our product engineers. These experts are not just knowledgeable about our products—they are often the very individuals who designed them. This unique access to the minds behind our products provides our customers with a level of support that is unmatched in the industry.
When customers have technical questions or need assistance with our products, they can directly contact our engineers. This direct line of communication ensures that customers receive accurate and detailed information from the most qualified sources. Our engineers are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Many of our engineers have played a key role in the design and development of our products. This behind-the-scenes insight allows them to offer a deeper understanding of how our products work and how to get the most out of them. By connecting customers with the very people who created the products, we can provide a level of support that is both comprehensive and highly effective, whether it is through direct contact or through our searchable reading list of common tech-support topics.
Unmatched Product Reliability
At Functional Devices, Inc., we take great pride in the reliability of our products, so much so that we test 100% of every product assembled in our factory. Our commitment to quality and rigorous testing processes ensure that our products perform consistently and reliably in the field. In fact, only 1 out of every 16,000 products experiences a failure, a statistic that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence.
Reliability Statistics
Our impressive reliability rate is a testament to the quality of our products. With only 1 in 16,000 products experiencing a failure in the field, our customers can trust that our products will perform as expected, day in and day out. This level of reliability is not achieved by chance—it is the result of meticulous design, thorough testing, and a commitment to using only the highest quality materials with specific focus on sourcing as many materials from the United States as we can.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance is at the heart of everything we do. Every single one of our products assembled in our factory undergo rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure that they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. From the initial design phase to final production, every step is carefully monitored by our quality assurance team to ensure that our products are built to last.
Customer Confidence
The reliability of our products builds trust and confidence among our customers. They know that when they choose Functional Devices, Inc., they are investing in products that will deliver consistent performance and dependability. This trust is further reinforced by our exceptional customer support and technical expertise, creating a comprehensive support system that our customers can rely on.
Why Does this All Matter?
Understanding the importance of high-quality, reliable components is crucial for anyone involved in building automation systems. The hidden costs of product failures can be significant, impacting not only the immediate functionality of a system but also leading to long-term financial and operational challenges.Hidden Costs of Product Failures
Product failures can result in a variety of hidden costs, including system downtime, increased energy consumption, reduced equipment lifespan, and damage to brand reputation. While the immediate cost of replacing a failed component might seem minor, the hidden costs associated with such failures can be substantial. These costs can quickly add up, leading to significant financial losses and operational inefficiencies. There are several hidden expenses that can arise from component failures in building automation systems, including:
- Downtime Costs: System downtime can have significant financial implications, especially in critical facilities like hospitals, data centers, or manufacturing plants. Downtime can disrupt operations, affect productivity, and lead to revenue loss.
- Energy Costs: Faulty components can cause systems to operate inefficiently, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. For instance, a malfunctioning relay might cause HVAC systems to run continuously, wasting energy.
- Reduced Lifespan of Equipment: Poor-quality components can cause wear and tear on other system parts, reducing the overall lifespan of the equipment. This can lead to premature replacement of expensive systems.
- Brand and Reputation Damage: For businesses that use other components as part of their larger product, repeated failures of these components can damage their overall reputation. Clients and customers expect reliable operations, and frequent disruptions can lead to dissatisfaction and loss of trust.
- Employee Productivity Loss: Poor indoor environmental quality, including inadequate temperature and lighting due to faulty BAS components, can lead to productivity losses of up to 10%, according to a study by the World Green Building Council.
- Lower Customer Satisfaction: For technicians, frequent component failures and system downtimes can lead to poor customer experiences. According to Advantage Call and Survicate, 89% of consumers start doing business with a competitor following a poor customer experience.
- Decreased Tenant Satisfaction: In commercial buildings, tenant turnover can be costly. Frequent issues that disrupt the operating environment may lead to decreased tenant satisfaction, causing them to seek space elsewhere. According to PRIDE Industries, Property Management Finder, and Rosenbaum Realty Group, the cost of commercial tenant turnover can range from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per turnover event.
- Increased Warranty Claims: Poor-quality components can result in a higher number of warranty claims, increasing costs for manufacturers and potentially straining customer relationships.
- Maintenance Costs: Frequent component failures can result in increased maintenance activities. Regularly replacing faulty parts and performing additional maintenance tasks can strain maintenance budgets.
- Labor Beyond the Repair: The process of scheduling, billing, travel time, inventory management, and managing repair windows adds to the labor costs beyond the actual repair work, creating additional hidden costs.
By prioritizing quality and support, Functional Devices, Inc. not only helps our customers achieve their immediate goals but also positions them for long-term success in a competitive market.
Real-World Impact of Reliable Products and Superior Support
The real-world impact of product failures can be profound. For example, a failure in a critical component of a building automation system can lead to unexpected downtime, disrupting operations and causing inconvenience for building occupants. Additionally, increased energy consumption due to inefficient components can result in higher utility bills and a larger carbon footprint.
Moreover, the building automation industry is currently facing significant labor challenges. There is a growing shortage of skilled technicians, which negatively impacts the overall knowledge and experience levels within the industry. This shortage can lead to longer project timelines and increased difficulty in troubleshooting and resolving issues on-site.
In this context, being able to reach out to our customer service team becomes even more crucial. Our team provides timely and accurate support, helping technicians in the field move forward on their projects without unnecessary delays. By getting the right answers at the right time, technicians can reduce downtime while waiting for solutions and ensure that project deadlines are met. This support not only enhances efficiency but also helps maintain the high standards of service that our customers expect.
Long-Term Benefits of the Reliable Products and Superior Support
Investing in high-quality, reliable components offers long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial costs. By choosing products that are built to last, businesses can avoid the hidden costs associated with product failures and enjoy greater peace of mind. Reliable components also contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of building automation systems, providing both financial and environmental benefits.
The real-world impact of product reliability and exceptional customer support extends beyond immediate operational efficiency. One significant benefit is the potential for labor cost improvement. With the current labor challenges in the building automation industry, having access to reliable products and expert support can reduce the time and resources spent on troubleshooting and repairs. This efficiency allows technicians to focus on completing projects on time and within budget, ultimately lowering labor costs.
Moreover, the ability to quickly resolve issues and maintain system uptime enhances overall customer satisfaction. When technicians can rely on our customer service team for timely and accurate support, they can keep projects moving forward without unnecessary delays. This responsiveness not only helps meet project deadlines but also builds trust and confidence with their own clients.
High customer satisfaction leads to positive word-of-mouth and stronger client relationships, which are crucial for business growth. Satisfied customers are more likely to return for future projects and recommend your services to others. Additionally, demonstrating a track record of reliability and excellent support can significantly improve your chances of winning more bids. Clients are more inclined to choose partners who can guarantee high-quality performance and minimal downtime, knowing that they have a dependable support system in place.
In summary, the long-term benefits of investing in reliable components and exceptional customer support may include:
- Labor Cost Improvement: Reduced time and resources spent on troubleshooting and repairs.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Timely and accurate support helps meet project deadlines and builds trust.
- Increased Bid Success: A proven track record of reliability and support improves chances of winning more bids.
Building a Future of Reliability and Excellence
At Functional Devices, Inc., our commitment to exceptional customer support, technical expertise, and unmatched product reliability sets us apart from the competition. Our dedicated customer services team and knowledgeable product engineers work together to provide a comprehensive support system that our customers can rely on. By investing in high-quality, reliable components, we help our customers avoid the hidden costs of product failures and achieve long-term success.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer services team or technical support engineers. We are here to help you succeed and ensure that you get the most out of our products. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue innovating and improving our support services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
About Functional Devices, Inc.
Functional Devices, Inc., located in the United States of America, has been designing and manufacturing quality electronic devices since 1969. Our mission is to enhance lives in buildings and beyond. We do so by designing and manufacturing reliable, high-quality products for the building automation industry. Our suite of product offerings include RIB relays, current sensors, power controls, power supplies, transformers, lighting controls, and more.
We test 100% of our products, which leads to less than 1 out of every 16,000 products experiencing a failure in the field.
Simply put, we provide users of our various products confidence and peace of mind in every box.