Nov 2, 2005

KAZ launches SMS for super funds

Author: Stan Beer
Format: PDF file
Source: IT Wire

Telstra's IT services arm, KAZ, has announced that ts superannuation administration services business, Australian Administration Services (AAS) has launched SMS messaging as a vehicle for super funds to communicate with their members.

According to KAZ, with the recent changes that have occurred in the superannuation industry, particularly through the introduction of choice legislation in July, AAS believes there is an opportunity to provide clients with innovative SMS solutions to run their businesses.

"Since the introduction of super choice legislation on July 1, super funds have been looking to provide value added services to their members and differentiate themselves from their competitors.  This is a strong example of how our technology expertise leverages off Telstra's capability to deliver the desired value-added services for our clients," said Stuart Korchinski, managing director AAS.

According to KAZ, SMS can enhance processes by sending an employer a reminder SMS alert advising their contribution payments are outstanding, instead of calling them. For members, SMS can be used to confirm that their contribution payments have been made.  From a communication perspective, SMS can be used to inform fund members, acquire new members, deliver performance results, manage relationships and build loyalty among members and employers.

Melinda Primmer, marketing manager at AAS client, TWUSUPER, said "Recently TWUSUPER sent its crediting rate results to members via SMS.  The results were great.  With a majority of our members working in the transport industry and highly mobile, the traditional marketing communication channels are not as effective at getting news across.  With SMS, we reach our members wherever they are, so there is a strong likelihood that members will read the messages we send to them."

Aside from TWUSUPER, other industry super fund clients of the AAS SMS offering include:

. CARE Super - an industry super fund specializing in the white collar industry
. BUSS(Q) - a Queensland based fund for employees and construction industry
. FIRST Super - an industry fund within the furniture industry