Top Considerations When Upgrading Your Business Phone System
2022-09-12 12:52:33
We cannot emphasise the importance of a reliable business telephone system enough. 60% of companies admit that business phone systems and live agents are their most urgent investment priorities.
A business phone system can be as simple as a single line with a phone on the desk or as complex as a multi-line private automatic branch exchange (PABX) system. However, no matter how simple or complex a business telephone system is, it is vital to a company's operation.
There are many reasons why a business may want to upgrade its current telephone system. Perhaps the company has outgrown its current system and requires something more robust. Or maybe the current system is outdated and doesn't offer the business connectivity that companies need in today's fast-paced world.
Whatever the reason, upgrading a business telephone system is a big decision and should not be made lightly. Here are some considerations before making the change.
Your Specific Business Needs
Any business looking to upgrade its telephone network or communication systems needs to examine its specific needs closely. Ask yourself these questions:
- What are the goals of the upgrade?
- What pain points is the company looking to address?
- What advanced features would make the most significant impact?
Once a company has a good understanding of its needs, it can start to narrow down options and decide which system is right for them. Without taking the time to consider their specific needs, a business risks making an expensive mistake that could cause more problems than it solves.
Compatibility With Your Current Infrastructure
The new system must be compatible with the way your business currently operates, or it will cause all sorts of problems.
For example, suppose you have VoIP phones (voice over internet protocol) that rely on an internet connection. In that case, the new system must be able to route incoming calls to those phones. If it can not, you'll have frustrated customers who cannot reach you.
Similarly, suppose you have an existing PABX system. In that case, the new system must be compatible with it to work correctly. Incompatible systems can lead to dropped calls, poor call quality, and other problems.
Capacity
The capacity of a business telephone system determines how many people can use the system simultaneously, and it's essential to choose a system that can accommodate your needs.
Otherwise, you may find yourself with a system that can't handle all of your calls, which can be frustrating for both you and your customers.
Ease of Use
Business communications are critical, so you can't afford to have a cumbersome system that's difficult to use.
Call centres, in particular, need a telephone system that's easy to use. Otherwise, employees will waste time figuring out how to use the system, and customers will become frustrated while waiting on hold.
A sound business telephone system should be intuitive and user-friendly. It should also have easy to access features and be convenient to use.
Maintenance Needs
Maintenance is an important consideration when upgrading your business telephone system. You want to make sure that the new system will be easy to maintain and that the vendor can assist with some of the maintenance needs. The last thing you want is a system that requires much maintenance and is difficult to service.
There are a few things to consider when it comes to maintenance:
- How often will the system need to be updated?
- What kind of support does the vendor offer?
- What are the consequences of not keeping up with the maintenance?
If you keep these in mind, you should be able to choose a telephone system that meets your needs and is easy to maintain.
Scalability
As voice communication is an essential part of any business and continues to grow in importance, a telephone system must meet your needs both now and in the future. That's where scalability comes in.
A scalable system can quickly expand to accommodate additional users and new features. After all, you don't want to have to replace the entire system a few years down the road just because your business has grown.
By choosing a scalable system now, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.
Cost
Upgrading your business telephone system can be a daunting task, especially when you factor in the cost. Installation costs can quickly add up, and you may pay more than your budget allows.
Additionally, the new system may require additional hardware or software, increasing the cost. However, it's crucial to have an affordable system that meets your needs. There are a few ways to ensure that you don't overspend on your new system.
First, take inventory of your current system and determine what needs replacing or upgrading. Second, research the different options and compare costs. Third, work with a reputable company that can provide a fair price.
You can upgrade your business telephone system without breaking the bank by taking these steps.
Choose a Business Phone System That Works for You
Choose a compatible system with high capacity & performance, is easy to use, has low maintenance needs, and is scalable and affordable.
Are you in the market for a business phone system that perfectly meets your needs? Get in touch with us today to find out what we offer.