Communication is the lifeblood of any business, so selecting the right phone system is a strategic decision. A PBX (private branch exchange) phone system in particular is an integral tool, as it allows businesses to improve communication and collaboration across their office(s).
To get started with your selection, you of course want to first assess the size of your business and your growth objectives. The number of extensions you need now and may need in the future will determine what size PBX you require. But what comes next? Let’s see some key features and capabilities to consider that will affect your selection.
Useful Call Management Features
With a PBX phone system such as 3CX, you gain access to useful call management features. Instead of an automated greeting, an auto attendant greets callers and routes them to the right extension or department, automating your call flow.
Voicemail, meanwhile, allows callers to leave messages when an extension is busy or unavailable. Voicemail to email is another handy feature. Call transfer connects customers seamlessly to the agent best suited to help them, while call forwarding forwards calls to an alternate number when needed, like a mobile phone.
Also, as far as calls go, call recording stores inbound and outbound calls for quality assurance, training, or reference. And with conference calling, you can host meetings with multiple participants in real time. Last but not least, an interactive voice response (IVR) offers callers pre-programmed menu options for customers’ self-service.
Various Phone Options
When researching systems, consider the types of phones you want to use. Many offer both desktop and cordless VoIP phones. Or you may prefer using a softphone on computers and mobile devices. The ability to bring your office number anywhere is a key perk of PBX systems.
For enhanced mobility, opt for a system with desktop and web client apps. This keeps employees connected from anywhere via their smartphones and computers.
Hosting and Maintenance Abilities
While you have the option of self-hosting your PBX system through an on-premise solution, you may be better off with a hosted option for lower upfront costs and fewer maintenance requirements. Maintaining an on-site PBX requires expensive hardware. With a hosted VoIP PBX, you get access to enterprise-grade features without big upfront investments.
Integration with Business Software
The ability to integrate a PBX with your existing business software is also hugely beneficial. For example, caller ID integration with software such as your CRM allows agents to instantly see customer info as calls come in.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
Ease of management is another key factor when selecting a PBX system. Web-based admin dashboards make it simple for an IT admin to manage the entire system from their computer. Intuitive interfaces allow you to tweak settings, create extensions, check reports, and more.
Scalable systems grow with your business so you can add lines, features, and users as needed. Avoid getting locked into a system that won’t accommodate your future needs.
Finally, don’t forget about support and training. The best providers offer 24/7 technical assistance if any issues arise. They also provide training resources to help you maximize system utilization across your organization.
What To Look For In a PBX Phone System: The Bottom Line
The right PBX phone system such as 3CX takes your team’s communication to the next level. By prioritizing capabilities that align with your business’s communication needs, you can find an option that fits within your budget. With enhanced call management tools and features such as easy integration with your other software platforms, it will soon feel indispensable.