At NIPO Software we like to say that we have practical research experience. We feel that this is actually quite an understatement and is one of the areas where we shine.
Since we are part of the leading market research group TNS / Kantar, our main office in Amsterdam is in the same building as a market research company. We have almost unlimited opportunities to learn about the day-to-day operations of market research companies simply by chatting with our colleagues. We also make a point of visiting as many of our customers as possible and speaking to those working at the ‘sharp end’. Over the years we have seen many CATI call centres in action, talked to many scriptwriters and experienced the issues that CAPI fieldwork managers handle.
Our software developers visit customers too and since many of them have long years of service at NIPO Software, they have built up a vast range and depth of knowledge about market research operations, and not just the theory, they understand the everyday realities. And of course, many NIPO Software employees already have a lot of market research experience when they join us because they have had careers in market research companies.
The result of this expertise is that many software development ideas arise from discussions with clients. We often implement these ideas even if we are not certain how much commercial benefit they will bring NIPO Software. The other result is that NIPO Software is often in a position to advise customers on matters that go way beyond software issues – so, this constant customer dialogue often enables us to answer the question ‘What do other market research companies do in this situation?’. In this way we give back to the industry the invaluable expertise that we have learnt.
‘We enjoy the visits by NIPO Software. Personal discussions allow us to put our needs and questions into a broader context of our daily work, enhancing mutual understanding. I really appreciate NIPO Software’s openness to meet our needs, to help share experiences and to answer any questions we have.’ – Bogdan Teodorescu - Research Technology Manager, Irsop, Romania