Technology has the power to render once ubiquitous devices into the curio cabinet of the forgotten (think VCRs, pagers, or fax machines) or it can enhance everyday things to an entirely new level like smartphones, smart cars, and smart televisions.

While those smartphones are responsible for banishing landlines from many homes – more than 90 percent of U.S. adults lived in households that had operational landline phones in 2004, and 20 years later that number is under 30 percent – they haven’t laid a glove on business phone systems which are alive and well.

In fact, as technology continues to evolve, advanced phone features have emerged as indispensable tools for streamlining communication, collaboration, and workflow management in the workplace.

From unified communications and collaboration (UCC) platforms to advanced security features to interactive voice response (IVR) to voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) to AI-powered virtual assistants and more, today’s business phone systems are designed to increase and maximize office productivity and efficiency.

9 Advanced Phone Features to Power Your Business Growth

Organizations that leverage the full capabilities of today’s technologically advanced business phone systems can empower their workforce, optimize workflows, and stay one call ahead of the competition.

Here are 9 advanced phone features that can increase office productivity:

1. Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) Solutions:

Unified Communications platforms integrate various communication channels, including voice, video, instant messaging, and email, into a centralized interface. By providing employees with seamless access to diverse communication tools, UCC solutions facilitate real-time collaboration, streamline information sharing, and enhance decision-making processes across the organization.

2. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP):

VoIP technology enables voice communication over the Internet, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional phone systems. With VoIP, businesses can enjoy high-definition voice quality, advanced call management features, and scalability to accommodate evolving communication needs. Additionally, VoIP solutions empower remote workers with the flexibility to connect from any location, promoting seamless collaboration and productivity.

3. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Advanced Call Routing:

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems automate call-handling processes by guiding callers through a series of pre-recorded menus and prompts. Advanced call routing capabilities intelligently direct incoming calls to the appropriate departments or agents based on predefined criteria, minimizing wait times, and ensuring efficient call resolution. By automating routine tasks and optimizing call flows, IVR and advanced call routing enhance customer service efficiency and satisfaction.

4. Video Conferencing:

Video conferencing solutions facilitate face-to-face communication and collaboration among remote teams, clients, and partners. With features such as HD video quality, screen sharing, and virtual meeting rooms, video conferencing enhances meeting productivity, fosters real-time collaboration, and reduces the need for travel, thereby saving time and resources.

5. Mobile Integration:

Mobile integration enables employees to access their office phone system from smartphones or tablets, extending communication capabilities beyond the confines of the traditional office environment. With mobile apps and softphones, employees can make and receive calls, access voicemail, and collaborate with colleagues on the go, ensuring seamless communication and productivity, regardless of location.

6. CRM Integration:

Integrating phone systems with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms allows businesses to access customer data, call histories, and account information directly from their phone system interface. By providing agents with valuable insights and context during customer interactions, CRM integration enhances customer service, streamlines workflows, and strengthens customer relationships.

7. Call Analytics:

Call analytics tools offer valuable insights into call volumes, durations, and trends, enabling businesses to monitor performance, identify operational inefficiencies, and optimize communication strategies. By analyzing call data, organizations can make data-driven decisions, improve resource allocation, and enhance overall productivity.

8. Security Features:

Advanced phone systems incorporate robust security features such as encryption, authentication, and access controls to safeguard sensitive communications and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. By implementing multi-layered security measures, businesses can mitigate risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and protect their communication infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities.

9. AI-Powered Virtual Assistants:

AI-powered virtual assistants, or chatbots, leverage artificial intelligence and natural language processing to handle routine inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide relevant information to callers. By automating repetitive tasks and delivering personalized experiences, virtual assistants enhance customer service efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve overall satisfaction levels.

Best Business Practices for Adding Advanced Phone Features

With so many advanced phone features available, selecting the right technology can be a daunting task for any size of business.

Adopting a strategic approach can help organizations identify their specific needs and make informed decisions when adding advanced phone features to their communication infrastructure.

Here are some best practices to consider:

• Assess Current Communication Challenges: Begin by evaluating your existing communication processes and identifying any pain points or inefficiencies. Determine areas where advanced phone features can address these challenges and enhance productivity.
  
  
• Define Key Objectives and Priorities: Clearly define your business objectives and priorities regarding communication and collaboration. Consider factors such as improving customer service, enhancing internal collaboration, or optimizing remote work capabilities.
  
  
• Conduct a Needs Analysis: Conduct a thorough needs analysis to identify the specific features and functionalities required to meet your business requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your organization, industry regulations, and the preferences of your employees and customers.
  
  
• Engage Stakeholders and Gather Feedback: Involve key stakeholders from different departments in the decision-making process. Gather feedback from employees, IT personnel, customer service representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to understand their preferences and requirements.
  
  
• Research Available Solutions: Research available phone systems and advanced features to identify solutions that align with your business needs and objectives. Consider factors such as scalability, ease of implementation, integration capabilities, and vendor reputation.
  
  
• Consider Scalability and Future Growth: Choose phone features and systems that can scale with your business as it grows. Consider future expansion plans, emerging technologies, and evolving communication trends when selecting advanced phone solutions.
  
  
• Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Assess the integration capabilities of advanced phone features with existing business systems and applications such as CRM platforms, email clients, and productivity tools. Seamless integration enhances workflow efficiency and data synchronization across platforms.
  
  
• Prioritize Security and Compliance: Prioritize security features and compliance requirements when selecting advanced phone systems. Ensure that the chosen solutions comply with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, and provide robust security measures to protect sensitive data and communications.
  
  
• Seek Vendor Support and Training: Choose reputable vendors such as ATSI Business Communications Systems that offer comprehensive support, training, and ongoing maintenance services for their advanced phone solutions. Ensure that employees receive adequate training and support to maximize the benefits of the new technology.
  
  
• Pilot Test and Gather Feedback: Conduct pilot tests or trials of selected advanced phone features to evaluate their performance, usability, and compatibility with your existing infrastructure. Gather feedback from end-users and stakeholders to identify any areas for improvement and fine-tune your implementation strategy.
  
  
• Monitor Performance and Measure ROI: Continuously monitor the performance of advanced phone features and measure their impact on productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess ROI and make data-driven decisions for future enhancements and optimizations.
  
  

By following these best practices, businesses can make informed decisions when adding advanced phone features to their communication arsenal.

Not sure where to start? Contact ATSI today for the latest technology in business communications that will fit your specific business needs.