PLANNING YOUR NEW PHONE SYSTEM

 

Office telephones are so pervasive that they are taken for granted in the same way that desks and chairs are taken for granted. After all, how much work could get done without desks, chairs and telephone systems? Yet those little dark gray boxes that look pretty much the same from office to office and company to company conceal all sorts of technology, features and choices.

When it comes to selecting an office phone system, the objective is to make sure that it delivers everything that users expect and need without making them think about it. In other words, it should be so functional and so easy to use that it is taken for granted. To that end, here are some points to consider.

 

Fit Phones to People, Not People to Phones
The best phone system is one in which most, if not all, the functionality is used. In other words, do not buy systems loaded with features that users do not care enough about to learn to use, or systems that are so complex that a cheat sheet is required to transfer a call or listen to voice mail.

 

On the other hand, a new  may have features that, once introduced, will be quickly adopted because users perceive a benefit, for example, increased convenience or increased productivity. So, do not shy away from new features just because they are new.

At the risk of stating the obvious, one of the best ways to find out what people want is to ask them. This can be done by chatting informally or by sending out a survey using a Web-based query tool, or soliciting input via the company news bulletin. A short survey with simple questions is best. Even when people cannot articulate what they like best or least about the current system, or what function they would like to have in an updated system, there will be a high rate of satisfaction simply because they were asked for input.

 

From Wish List to Plan
Once the needs of users are well understood, it is time to consider system capabilities and physical or organizational constraints in order to create a  plan. Considerations include:

 

• the number of lines and extensions needed
• the features you require such as handsfree, voicemail, auto attendant, integration to your computer programs such as Outlook and CRM etc.
• the financing option

 

Of course the size of your business dictates the amount of effort required before the purchase. ITELEC will assist you with this planning.

How are you going to pay for the system

There are a number of payment or finance options from lease, to rental to outright purchase. You can pay for your phone system in easy monthly payments on your Telstra bill and get up to 14% discount on your carriage rates* ITELEC will advise you of the relative benefits of each option.

 

Take Advantage of the Federal Goverment Investment allowance

If you are a small business with turnover less that $2million per year your phone system will attract a 50% tax gredit if purchased before 31st December 2009. Speak to your accountant regarding this very generous offer.

 

Need More Information? Call us on 07 5522 2222 or email us here.

 

 

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