Automated attendants may be part of a voicemail system, but they are multidimensional on their own. Imagine all the things a person could do to manage your calls. The auto-attendant does it better. It can be used as a standalone or multilevel configuration, depending on the needs and size of your business.
- Multiple phone lines: Your automated attendant will answer multiple phone lines for you, and it will transfer your calls to the correct department or staff member.
- Direct messaging: Your auto-attendant will transfer callers directly into your voice mailbox—either with or without the standard greeting.
- Menus and submenus: The auto-attendant will present your callers with a list of menu options to choose from that will help them place their call. In large businesses this can be quite a complex process, but the attendant makes it easy for the customer.
- Different greetings: Set one or more greetings, at different times of the day. You can also set themed greetings to play during holiday seasons.
- Frequently asked questions: Your automated attendant will play pre-recorded FAQs, or frequently asked questions, to customers that call in looking for solutions that are already outlined in these recordings.
- Directory of staff: The attendant will play a directory of staff phone numbers that allows callers to be transferred to any extension they enter.
- Non-reachable extensions: The auto-attendant can be programmed with a list of extensions that callers will not be able to reach at any time.
- Cell phone transfer: The auto-attendant will be able to provide select callers with access to staff members, by connecting the caller to the user’s cell phone when they are not on premises.
- Camp on call back: If the line is busy, the attendant can put you on ‘camp,’ until a line becomes free. Then the valid caller ID will kick in, and the customer’s number will be dialed to return the call.
- Fax detection: Among the many other features is fax detection, as the auto-attendant can recognize a fax tone. It will automatically redirect the fax to the appropriate department or person.