In today’s fast-paced world, businesses proactively need to keep up with the latest technology to stay ahead of the competition. Therefore, it is no surprise why more and more businesses are implementing cloud technologies to maximize efficiency. In terms of communication and collaboration, cloud phone systems such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) have turned out to be an efficient yet cost-effective solution to meet the communication needs of the modern business world. However, there are some aspects to keep in mind in order to capitalize on the features of the cloud phone system. This article aims to be your go-to guide to incorporating VoIP in your business phone system and maximising business productivity and efficiency. By following our tips and suggestions, you can get the most out of this innovative technology and take your business communication to the next level.
How Does a VoIP Phone System Work?
VoIP phone systems work by converting analogue voice signals into digital signals and sending them over the internet to the recipient’s device. Once received, the digital signal is converted back into an audible voice. This happens quickly, allowing for seamless conversations.
Using a VoIP phone system means you don’t need a traditional landline or mobile phone system. The data is sent via the Internet, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses. Additionally, VoIP offers advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and video conferencing, making it a flexible solution for business communication.
Maximizing the Efficiency of a VoIP Phone System
If you are in the process of moving your business communication system to the Cloud, or have already made the switch, there are opportunities to enhance the quality of communication with your customers and employees. However, it is important to improve your business network infrastructure in order to achieve optimal performance. You can achieve the best performance of your VoIP phone system by:
Increasing the internet speed
A fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of your cloud phone system. As mentioned, VoIP relies on a good internet connection to work effectively. If you are experiencing latency issues during calls, it may be due to a slow internet speed. Depending on the size of your business, you may need to upgrade your internet plan or invest in faster internet hardware to ensure a smooth VoIP experience.
Sufficient Bandwidth to Support the VoIP
In addition to internet speed, you need to ensure you have enough bandwidth to support your VoIP system. This is because VoIP uses more bandwidth than traditional phone systems. If you are experiencing connectivity issues, it may be time to upgrade your bandwidth, or even consider a dedicated internet line for VoIP use.
Upgraded Hardware to Lower Latency
To ensure the best possible VoIP call quality, you may need to upgrade your hardware. This can include investing in new routers, switches, and cables. Using cables to connect your VoIP phones directly to your internet connection can provide better performance than using Wi-Fi. Upgrading to fiber optic cables can also improve call quality and decrease latency.
Prioritize the Quality of Service (QoS) Data
Adjusting the Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your routers and switches is an effective way to prioritize VoIP data and improve the performance of your infrastructure. QoS settings can tell your network which data to prioritize, ensuring that real-time calls and video meetings always receive optimal connections.
When VoIP data is given priority using QoS settings, it guarantees that these essential communication channels are allocated sufficient bandwidth and are not disrupted by other non-essential applications or activities. By prioritizing VoIP data, you can optimize the quality of your VoIP calls and enhance the overall performance of your communication system.
Dedicated Networks for VoIP
Small businesses can typically use a single network for both their VoIP system and other online activities, and still enjoy a reliable connection. However, larger companies may find it beneficial to set up a separate network specifically for VoIP. This dedicated network ensures that the VoIP system has its own resources and will not compete for bandwidth with other applications, resulting in better call quality and improved functionality of VoIP phones. By dedicating a network solely for VoIP, businesses can maximize the efficiency of their phone system and provide their employees with a reliable communication.
Apart from the infrastructure-related optimization of your cloud phone system, there are other tips and suggestions that can also help you maximize the efficiency of the VoIP phones.
Choosing the right cloud phone system provider
To maximize your cloud phone system, it is crucial to find the right cloud phone systems provider. Choose a provider that fits your business in terms of unique needs, integrations fulfillment, security and backups, and disaster recovery without burdening your in-house IT team.
Continuously Test for Improved User Experience
Evaluate your current user experience and performance and assess your business needs before, during, and after deployment. Determine the level of growth you aim to achieve and identify the applications and features that your staff and customers need for successful communication.
Consistent Reliability
Since cloud-based phones depend on multiple servers in data networks, it is crucial that your provider can switch to another server promptly in case of a failure. The reliability of your cloud phone system is crucial to ensure that your business communications run smoothly without interruptions. Failure to have a dependable phone system can hinder the maximization of the benefits that come with cloud-based phones. It is, therefore, essential for your cloud phone system provider to offer a 99.999 percent uptime guarantee.
The security of your phone system
Ensure that your cloud phone system provider offers high protection standards by conducting a security background check before signing the contract. Protecting your business data and applications is essential especially when you are communicating with clients and others across multiple channels.
Use SIP Forking to reach callers on multiple devices
SIP forking feature allows a single incoming call to be directed to multiple endpoints, such as phones or other devices, at the same time. When a call is made to a specific phone number or extension, SIP forking distributes the call to all the endpoints registered under that number or extension simultaneously. This means that the call can be answered by any of the registered devices, allowing users to receive calls on multiple devices and ensuring that important calls are not missed. SIP forking is commonly used in business settings where employees need to be reachable on multiple devices or when a call needs to be answered by the first available person.
Utilize the SIP Forking feature to have multiple simultaneous registrations and ensure that all incoming calls reach your employees wherever they are. Employees can register multiple phone devices, and upon an incoming call, all the registered devices ring.
Voicemails to Email for Remote Teams
The voicemail-to-email feature sends voicemail messages to an employee’s email address. This enables employees to listen to their voicemail messages directly from their inboxes, increasing the efficiency of remote workers. The feature eliminates the need to dial into a voicemail manager or worry about a full inbox, as the message can be set to delete after it is sent to the email. This feature is especially useful for staff who are frequently on the move and may not have access to their physical phone.
Similarly, the video call feature connects your remote staff and their team members and maximizes the efficiency of your cloud phone system as virtual video meetings are essential for businesses with mobile or remote workers.
Optimize Omnichannel Communication
To enhance your customer support experience, allow your customers to reach out in the channel they prefer. Your cloud provider should offer a unified platform for calls, SMS, live chat, screen sharing, and more, without limiting the ways your customers can reach you.
Automate the navigation for your customers
Use automation to increase the efficiency of support teams, guide customers for issues that do not require much of an agent’s time, and direct customers to a knowledge base filled with answers to their requests on a web portal.
Cloud Phone System Integrations with Other Business Tools
Integrate your cloud phone system with other tools like Freshdesk, Salesforce, Hospitality and Property Management Software, and more to maximize efficient communication, drive business efficiency and productivity, and access all applications in a single dashboard.
Ready to Switch?
Contact RingOffice Cloud Phone System experts here or read more about our 3CX business phone system and services. Our experts evaluate your business requirements, define the scope and tailor a solution that fits best with your business communication needs.