The Internet is undoubtedly dominating the business industry and providing it with multiple innovative means of communication. However, many experts say that nothing still beats the instant personal connection that can be achieved through a phone call. In line with this, it’s highly indispensable for enterprises to have efficient business phone systems.
Whether you’re just starting out and wanting to find a suitable phone system or are already operating but want to upgrade, here is a list of key considerations that may help you make your search fruitful:
Business Needs
As a business owner, you need to assess the specific needs of your operations. For example, does your business have a considerable number of home-based employees? Then unlimited call packages, advanced system integrations, and video conferencing in a service plan may seem attractive to you. By taking the operation needs and demands of your business into account, you can avoid paying for unnecessary features and prioritize the ones you need.
The Types of Phone Systems
Let’s discuss the three common types of phone systems namely traditional, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and virtual.
- Firstly, traditional or private branch exchange (PBX) systems are the ones you would often see on desks in a typical workplace. For these systems, the installation of a telephone and a phone jack is necessary.
- As for VoIP phone systems, they share a lot of features with PBX systems, but at a fraction of the price. They’re a time-efficient option because they don’t require phone installations. VoIP works through a high-speed internet connection in lieu of a conventional phone cord and jack, making it possible for employees to use other electronic devices like mobile phones and desktop computers instead of being restricted to traditional telephones.
- Virtual phone systems, as the name implies, are updated and modernized varieties. They utilize cloud technology for establishing strong and solid connections with various devices and even enables users to have access off-site.
Scalability
Over time, your business will undergo growth and expansion. Such undertakings may require additional workforce. Thus, when you have more staff, you’ll need more phones. Taking this possibility into consideration, choose a phone system that doesn’t need complicated setup processes just to add new users to the service.
Scope
Determine how many employees will use the phone system at once. If you have a relatively large workforce, you’ll need a wider scope or coverage in terms of reception. For instance, is there a limit to how many calls your company can take in a day? Such restrictions can obstruct people’s means of reaching your enterprise and lead to potential loss of prospective customers and business deals.
Cost
Now, we’re not just talking about the monthly payments, but also the labor expenditure needed for its maintenance. Check with the provider and determine the system’s ease of use. That way, you can be aware of how it will match your staff. Also, verify if your provider will act as the information technology department for sustaining the system and resolving digital disasters because hiring a third-party service company can add to your expenses.
Well-performing phone systems are essential for businesses. That’s why it’s an integral task to select one that best suits the needs of your business operations. Identify the demands of your corporate routines, so you can choose the features you intend to use in the foreseeable future.
