Five points to keep in mind when considering the introduction of cloud PBX
You are considering introducing a cloud PBX, but are you worried about what kind of service to choose? In this blog, we will explain five points that need to be considered from introduction to operation for companies that have selected cloud PBX as the next voice environment option.
Let's start by organizing the purpose of introduction
The objectives of choosing a cloud PBX for companies with voice environment challenges are summarized below.
"In- house work style reform " represented by wanting to take telework, BCP, and extension with a smartphone・" Improvement of operational work
" to reduce the trouble of managers such as PBX asset management and repeated layout changes ・ Regular " Cost reduction of voice environment " such as cost reduction for PBX replacement and call charge reduction by extension of call
As a first step in your consideration, let's sort out the purpose for which your company wants to include a cloud PBX. Since the purpose cannot be narrowed down to one, it is also necessary to consider the priority. By doing so , it is possible to identify necessary functions and extra functions, predict risks, and take countermeasures . It is possible to reduce the number of troubles such as "the work could not be covered" and "employees say it is difficult to use" later.
5 points to consider so as not to fail in cloud PBX introduction
Let's look at specific points to consider.
1. Cloud PBX: Arrangement of PBX functions
Check if the essential functions you want to continue using are covered and what functions you want to use in the new voice environment.
(example)
Can landline calls be made and received in a telework environment?
Can existing PBX functions (extension call, transfer function, call recording, etc.) be used continuously?
Do you have any options that you don't use now but want to add in the future?
<Cloud PBX function example>
| Classification | Function name | detail of function |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer system | Hold transfer | After holding a call, transfer it to another party by extension |
| Multi-stage transfer | Transfer between extensions as many times as you like | |
| Schedule transfer | Forward incoming calls at specified times | |
| Automatic transfer | Calls are automatically forwarded | |
| Call system | Fixed phone number notification | Notification of landline number when making an outside line call |
| Incoming group | Call all the terminals set in the incoming call group | |
| pick up | Respond to incoming calls on other mobile phones | |
| Regulatory system | 0A0 Outgoing regulation | Restrict outside line calls with mobile phone numbers |
| Incoming call restriction (outside line, non-notification, designated number) | Regulate incoming unannounced and nuisance calls | |
| others | Message response | Play the original message after receiving an incoming call |
| Park hold | Hold a call West Answer the call from another phone | |
| Customer control | Various setting changes by the administrator and terminal users | |
| 0A0 Incoming call control | Forwarding and answering messages for incoming mobile phone numbers | |
| Data line superimposition | Voice / data traffic can be superimposed on one access line | |
| Survival function | Relief of outside line calls in case of communication failure | |
| Checking the status of the IP phone | Get IP phone connection status information from customer control |
(Excerpt from SoftBank's cloud PBX "Connec Talk" function)
2.Cloud PBX: Whether or not it can be used in combination with an on-premises PBX or stage transition
In order to smoothly migrate the PBX to the cloud type, it is effective to switch gradually at the end of the maintenance period at each site. Also, if there is a base that must survive on-premises, parallel operation should be considered. Therefore, when considering a cloud PBX, is there a base where the on-premises type PBX should be left, whether each base can be switched separately, whether it can be operated in parallel with the on-premises type, and flexible response according to the desired operation of each base. It is important to confirm that the service is available.
3.Cloud PBX: Is the network environment and mobile terminal ready enough?
Moving PBX functionality over the network eliminates the need for hardware costs and maintenance. However, as a consideration point specific to cloud PBX, it is recommended to arrange the following items with the service provider in advance.
Handling of existing fixed-line telephone lines (cancellation, etc.)
Is it necessary to purchase an IP phone, etc.
Affinity between cloud PBX network and existing network
Can you afford to put a new cloud PBX in your current network bandwidth?
Do you have a mobile terminal for telework?
4.Cloud PBX: Check usability and voice quality
Voice quality is the most important issue in cloud PBX. In the case of cloud PBX based on packet communication, voice quality may be affected by radio wave conditions and terminals, and it is necessary to consider the network environment when employees work from home or telework.
Many service providers offer free trials, so you can check usability and voice quality in advance. By conducting interviews with employees using trials, it is possible to identify issues and points for improvement that were not known at the examination stage. Use it positively and check with your service provider if there are any problems.
5.Cloud PBX: Ease of operation after introduction
Make sure that there are no problems with daily operations such as increasing / decreasing office floors and adding / removing bases after installation. With the cloud PBX, the administrator can check the setting changes and usage status on the Web. There is an advantage that labor can be reduced, such as eliminating the need for work requests to vendors that occurred in on-premises PBXs.
To put it the other way around, you need to do it yourself, so consider whether you have a clear contact information if you have any questions, or if there is an operation agency service when it is difficult to operate your company.
Cloud PBX: Deepen your understanding with webins
We have introduced the above five points.
Renewal of the voice environment begins with grasping the status of existing equipment. It is possible to keep the operation method unchanged from the current situation as much as possible, but why not take this opportunity to consider whether the old-fashioned telephone culture (only fixed-line telephones receive power, telephone agency, etc.) should be transferred to the new voice environment as it is. Is it? That effort is an important factor in choosing the best service for your company.
SoftBank has a lineup of multiple cloud voice services that meet customer issues. We also hold online seminars with examples of companies that have introduced each service, so please take a look.
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