Contact management

Lead Management

Lead management is one of the areas where most of the businesses tend to fail due to lack of a good management system. Best lead management boosts sales and leads to a real boom.

Odoo CRM has a better lead management system where we can track the end to end process with each lead until it is won. And even the after service seems very efficient with the integrated lead management and contact management systems.

We have these many options and features in managing a lead.

We can directly convert a lead into opportunity by clicking on the “Convert to Opportunity” button.

Also we have a “Mark As Lost” button, and we can give reasons for that.

We can even send messages to the customer from the same window itself by clicking on the “Send Message” Button. Also we can have internal communication using this “Log Note” button.

We can schedule activity to follow up to the leads using the “Schedule Activity” button.

Then a pop up wizard would appear like this, where we can set it.

Pipeline System

Sales Team Management

Efficient and interactive Reportinga

Pivot View

Graph Views

Pros And Cons of A PBX System

Before upgrading your system, you should consider its pros and cons. Listed below are some pros and cons that will help you in making a better decision.

To conclude

As your company transitions from a startup to a thriving settled company with lots of employees, the need for phone connectivity will start to arise. To keep up with the growing needs of your employees, you may start considering a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system

Managing calls can be tiresome for employees — thanks to the latest technological advancements, you can direct all calls efficiently with the help of PABX systems. A PABX phone system is an effective solution consisting of hardware and software to manage calls. This system receives incoming calls and routes these calls with any human assistance.

A business PABX system has distinct features that have the ability to reach specific intercoms, extensions, initiate conference calls, and even assign customers to wait for assistance. When it comes to a PBX system, you have several choices. In this article, we will discuss these systems and assist you in choosing the right one for your business.

These systems are a business solution for organizations that require many lines for outside and in-house calls. This system enables organizations to use a single access number with several extensions. These systems are cheaper when compared to landlines that are linked to a public network.

An organization using a PBX or PABX system works as a telephone exchange. A PABX phone system automated the process of switching tasks required to connect incoming calls between the extensions — that is what the “A” in PABX is for. PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) means automation. Unlike PBX, the PABX system doesn’t require human switchboard operators to connect users.

In these systems, every device, be it desk phones, fax machines, or even computer modems, has a distinct and designated extension number if it’s connected to the exchange. The PABX solution is primarily owned and administered by the hosting organization. Enterprises like call centers use this system for their features like auto-attendant, call hold, call conferencing, and call transfer. This system is used to streamline the process in large enterprises.

Both PBX and PABX are switching systems, they are often used synonymously, but that doesn’t make them the same. Think of PABX as an improvement of the conventional PBX system. In a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system, the switchboards are managed by human operators.

The switchboard operators close a call circuit by physically plugging in the wires. This circuit then establishes a connection between two devices operating on the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). These human-operated systems were previously called PMBX (Private Manual Branch Exchange).

While the PBX system uses human operators, the PABX ones are fully automated. This system uses computers to automate the process of switching — and this is the main difference between the two systems.

PBX today is used for both human-operated and automated systems. You can even host an internet-based PBX system using the cloud — and it can connect the on-premise equipment by using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

This system operates in a similar manner to a public telephone exchange. A Standard system comes with both software and hardware, the apparatus includes fax machines, hubs, switches, telephone units, modems, adapters, and routers. It allows the organization to run its own internal telephone network by using local extension numbers.

The extension used in the system corresponds to specific phone units and devices used in the building. This system can simplify the internal phone communication within the organization. The in-house calls don’t go beyond the local network, and with a touch of a button, users can make in-house connections. Shown below is a PABX system diagram to better explain the working of this system.

A PABX phone system has a feature that can greet the caller with a previously recorded message. This greeting is known as IVR (Interactive Voice Response). It usually asks for the number for the specific caller to dial. This ensures that the call is made in the correct department.

These systems can be used to route incoming calls on the basis of extension numbers or codes. It uses the public telephone exchange for outgoing calls.

A conventional system has external lines, which are also called trunk lines, but it has a fixed number of internal lines that are connected to the trunk line. The local users and staff members are required to share these external lines when making outside calls.

A PABX solution is beneficial for an organization. It allows the companies to use more telephone units in fewer physical phone lines. To use this system optimally, organizations have to assign an extension number to every phone unit. The system also lets the users make internal calls free of charge.

You can find an array of features in these systems. Some of the most common features and advanced function offered by most of the systems are:

⦁ Call Pick-up- Under this feature, the staff can pick up a for a different user.

⦁ Automatic Ring Back- It allows the caller to pre-dial a phone line that is busy, and when the line is free the user gets a ring back from them.

⦁ Call Queueing- This feature can create a system for routing calls to specific ring groups within the local network.

⦁ Automated directories – This feature allows the users to check the extension of employees simply by adding the first three letters of their names.

⦁ Call Recording- This feature allows the users to record a call for documentation, legal, training, monitoring, or any other business purposes.

⦁ Auto Attendant- This feature can connect the callers to their target extension number automatically by using a simple menu.

⦁ Call Transfer- It allows the users to transfer a live call to another extension in a different department.

⦁ Call Waiting- This feature enables the users to deal with more than one caller at the same time.

⦁ Hands-free Digital Handset- The system offers a hands-free handset to the employees. This enables them to work and attend a call simultaneously.

⦁ Direct Dial-In- It allows the callers to bypass IVRs and auto attendants — and make a direct connection with the intended user.

⦁ Conference Call- This feature is also called Audio-Teleconference, and it lets you speak with more than one user at the same time.

⦁ Call Hold With Music or Message- The system allows the users to put the caller on hold with a pre-recorded message or music.

⦁ Call Parking- This allows the users to put a call on hold using one device, and then use another device to resume a call.

⦁ Do Not Disturb (DND)- This feature is used to block incoming calls within a certain extension.

⦁ Speed Dialing- Under this feature, users can make calls to extension numbers with a shortcut. This feature eases the constant requirement of remembering the contact information of various staff members or departments.

⦁ IVR (Interactive Voice Response)- This feature works like an upgraded auto attendant. Several organizations use this feature for product information requests, account inquiries, and other similar purposes.

⦁ Greeting Message- The system enables the users to put a greeting message after a defined number of rings.

⦁ Call Forwarding- This feature allows the admins to route incoming calls on the basis of criteria.

⦁ Ring Groups- This feature allows the users to add several numbers to a group. Under this feature, you can personalize the ring in a sequence or at the same time when a call comes from a specific number.

⦁ Voicemail- With this feature, the caller can leave a voicemail message.

All systems are not the same. So, before adding it to your organization, you should know about the different types of systems.

Traditional PBX Phone System

The traditional PBX technology is a landline-based system. It uses a physical PBX hardware box — all the phone lines are connected to this box, and it distributes the calls to each desk using a voice menu. The setup cost for a traditional system is high, and it is a popular system for businesses that use old wiring, unreliable internet connection, and unsecured phone lines. The most reliable vendors for this type of PBX system are Panasonic, D-link, and Snom.

On-site IP PBX Phone System

This system is not far from the traditional system. The primary difference between these two is the phone. The on-site system uses digital phones as opposed to landlines. The setup of this system is relatively easy when compared to the traditional system. However, an IP PBX system is still considered costly in comparison to other VoIP-based PBX systems. If you have decided to go with an on-site PBX system, then you should go with vendors like Avaya, Cisco, and NEC.

Cloud-based PBX Phone System

The cloud-based system is the newest addition to PBX technology. In this system, all the functions, features, applications, and calling services are on the cloud. This system uses VoIP phone signals similar to IP PBX. But since this system is hosted by the cloud, the organization doesn’t have to buy any physical hardware. The cloud-based PBX system is our top recommendation, and if you are looking for the best vendor. Then, go with Polycon or Samsung.

Pros And Cons of A PBX System

Before upgrading your system, you should consider its pros and cons. Listed below are some pros and cons that will help you in making a better decision.

Low Maintenance

These systems require no regular maintenance checks or any upgrades. Once you have installed the system, you can go back to working stress-free. The system will streamline your calls without the need for extra maintenance.

No More Outages

This system is reliable and dependable. A PBX phone system will keep working even when the computer network is down. So, your business is not fully dependent on an internet network.

Lack of Mobility

The technology is still new, so this system lacks the essential feature of mobility. This system is still dependent on older technology which may not be as useful in the current work scenario.

Cost of the System

This system is not a good option if you are tight on budget. This technology is more expensive than a new telephony system VoIP. PBX will require hardware, installation, and wiring charges.

Wrapping Up

PABX phone system is integral to streamline your operations and enable the employees to connect with each other seamlessly. Adding or upgrading this system requires a significant investment. Thus, companies should do research before making a decision. Techbot is a pioneer company that can help you in upgrading and installing a PABX System Dubai. They offer PBX systems from all top brands like Samsung, Cisco, Polycom, Panasonic, etc. Techbot can not only provide the best PBX system but also help in PBX installation Dubai. For more information contact them.

IT is an integral part of every organization, and strategic use of IT can increase productivity, enhance customer service, and even provide a competitive advantage. When the IT department is not managed optimally, the work of all the other departments comes to a halt. An organization has a ton of aspects to direct and depending on their workflow, IT may not be the best of their talents.

Most organizations often struggle to find the right individuals, and supporting the firm’s technical needs requires significant resources. The best solution to overcome this problem is outsourcing IT support services. Having IT support that responds to your issues quickly can help you save the time and resources of your firm. Many organizations are choosing to outsource their IT operations to MSPs, this data from Capital Counselor reveals that the value of outsourced IT services will surpass $413.72 billion by the end of 2021.

Experienced technical support can secure your data and tackle the issue of cybersecurity as well. Entrepreneurs prefer to outsource their IT support when they can’t keep up with it. They opt to use their company resources on their product and services while receiving complete IT support by partnering with another top firm. In today’s post, we will discuss why outsource your IT support? And how can it be an advantage for your organization?

Outsourcing is a regular business practice, where an organization seeks help by hiring a third party to perform specific tasks, handle technical operations or provide any additional service to the company.

The third-party is often known as a service provider. They enlist the help of their own employees and arrange workstations to perform the tasks assigned by the organization. The service providers can provide assistance via their own sites or by visiting the hiring organization’s facility.

Organizations today can outsource several tasks, and one of the regular services is IT (Information Technology) outsourcing. From programming to networking, the service provider is responsible for managing several IT-related tasks. Apart from outsourcing IT operations, companies often outsource other assignments like payroll, accounting, customer service, etc.

Outsourcing is sometimes referred to as contracting or business process outsourcing, and it is becoming a prevalent option for many enterprises and large-scale organizations.

Outsourcing doesn’t always have to include a small-scale company. When outsourcing, companies can enlist the help of large third-party providers like IBM to manage IT operations or FedEx to carry out the supply chain seamlessly. Outsourcing can also mean hiring independent contractors, temporary staff, and even freelancers.

To safely understand why outsource your IT? You must look at the stats. Companies have been partnering up with service providers for a long time now, and every year the rate of outsourcing is going higher. According to Statista, in 2019, the market size of IT outsourcing amounted to a whopping 66.52 billion US dollars.

Source: capitalcounselor

Before getting to the primary question of why outsource your IT? You should be aware of what IT operations you can outsource. Outsourcing IT can trim down your workload, and by getting assistance from experts, you let them do the heavy lifting and focus on what your organization does best. This is the reason behind the growing outsourcing market. Some of the most common outsourced IT operations are :

Computing Software

Small entrepreneurs face the problem with regular upgrades of the software. Upgrading software on all different models is time-consuming, and it can be the absolute worst if the hardware fails to support the new upgrades. Now, organizations can outsource their IT services, and the service provider will take care of all the updates. The staff member simply logs in and benefits from the improved software.

Network Security

Security is one of the most significant aspects of any organization, and without access to the right resources, organizations can struggle to provide that iron-clad security expected by their clients. Outsourcing your networking services is a smart option, and it is a common practice among organizations. A service provider can provide safety against cyber attacks. Offsite service providers specialize in this area, and they have up-to-date security measures that allow them to stay ahead of attacks.

File and System Backup

Cloud storage has become the most chosen option for storing data and sensitive files. The organization however doesn’t have enough time to create a backup of every single file on the cloud. This task is often assigned to a service provider. They back up all the data on the company’s cloud, allowing them easy access to all files for a prolonged period.

Computing Infrastructure

Before the introduction of outsourcing small entrepreneurs had to build the latest workstations proportionate to their growth. When the business grew, they had to upgrade this technology and install bigger and better systems, full of the latest technology and expensive hardware, but that is not essential anymore. With the introduction of outsourcing IT services, these tasks can be assigned to a service provider who invests in the latest technology regularly. This gives the organization the best solution without massive investment.

Troubleshooting Support

The service provider can help you manage your systems remotely. When any issues arise, you will have access to technical support who can walk you through the whole process of troubleshooting. Whether you have confusion over an update or a fault in your system, your service provider will be available to help you solve every computing issue to the best of their capabilities.

Network Maintenance and Implementation

Organizations using a private network have to consider upgrades and updates of the system, but the process can be time-consuming and affect the operations of the organization. This is why many companies outsource their network maintenance and implementation work to other more experienced service providers. The service providers work on this task regularly and implement the upgraded programs in-house in considerably less time than an in-house team.

To maximize your profits after outsourcing IT operations, you must comply with some simple tips. This will help you work in sync with your service providers and optimize the workflow between your in-house team and the extended team.

Executive Support

The top management of the company is responsible for outsourcing initiatives. Senior management must lay down the goals and objectives associated with the outsourcing initiative. The process must be communicated within the organization and with the contractors as well. The leadership should stay engaged in the process and provide feedback as the work continues.

Clear and Open Communication

To ensure your program is successful, you must communicate in a clear, open, and effective manner. The organization must explain any changes clearly to their contractor, and the stakeholder must also assume a role in this process. The channels of communication must be quick and open at all times. This will reduce the chances of mistakes and losses.

Relationship Management

Just as the engagement of senior management, the role of managers is also essential. The managers are the bridge between two organizations, and they are expected to maintain a good relationship with the contractors including, boosting morale, addressing issues, and checking work. The senior management must meet at regular intervals to discuss the outsourcing relationship and take corrective measures when needed.

An organization can experience many benefits of outsourcing IT services. Now we will look at 9 reasons that drive organizations to outsource their IT services.

Organizations Can Enjoy Expanded Resources

Large enterprises often have all the resources needed to maintain the services themselves, but the small and medium enterprises may not. Outsourcing can be beneficial for these organizations. It can give them access to cutting-edge technology and boost their production levels. This addition allows them to reach out to more clients and grow their business in the market.

Lessen IT Costs of The Company

The cost of the IT department is not just limited to the staff, but you will also need to install IT infrastructures like networks, servers, storage, security, and a bunch of other components which don’t come cheap. Outsourcing IT operations will transform your fixed IT cost into a recurring variable cost, and it will be easier to manage.

Guarantee Compliance and Security

In the internet age, no organization can be too safe. The government has laid security standards that organizations must comply with, and this is why more and more companies are moving towards outsourcing. Capital Counselor also states that 83% of IT leaders plan to outsource their security to an MSP in 2021. Regular security checks and upgrades must be made to protect the data. Qualified managed service providers can assist organizations in the proper management of the data and reduce the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. This takes the additional pressure of security off the organization, letting them focus on their business.

Provide Uninterrupted Flow of Service to Companies

As technology continues to grow, managing the pace has become challenging for organizations. Companies now need innovative hardware and software solutions to comply with the needs of this dynamic market. This has given rise to the need for continuous functionality for components like extranet, internet, and intranet. Professional service providers can provide complete control over such technicalities and allow the organization to work without interruption.

Reduce Labor Costs

To maintain an in-house IT department, you will need trained professionals with years of experience in the market, and to be fair, paying their salaries can be expensive. Though hiring temporary IT support may seem tempting, it can end in disappointment and result in more problems than solutions. Employing a service provider can help you save on cost and give you access to experienced staff.

Increase competitiveness

Companies managing their own IT departments have to dedicate resources and time to it. This can affect their ability to compete with other businesses in the market and increase their cost of operations as well. Outsourcing will reduce the expense associated with IT management and save their time as well. This way, they can focus on their products and services and stay competitive.

Dampen Anxiety

Employees’ anxiety will be reduced when vital functions like data recovery and disaster management are effectively tackled. Every data loss or computer crash has an emotional impact on the workers, which can hamper their productivity and performance. When this task is handled by a skilled IT professional, the pressure on the staff members will be released, allowing them to stay productive.

Increase competitiveness

Companies managing their own IT departments have to dedicate resources and time to it. This can affect their ability to compete with other businesses in the market and increase their cost of operations as well. Outsourcing will reduce the expense associated with IT management and save their time as well. This way, they can focus on their products and services and stay competitive.

Let Organizations Remain Focused on Core Business

Managers have enough on their plates without the added burden of managing the IT department. This division of attention can distract them from their actual work and the core business of the organization is often compromised. By outsourcing IT services, the managers and employees can stay focused on the tasks they are skilled at.

Decrease Risks Of Companies

No organization can outrun risks, every investment carries a level of risk, but the good news is this risk can be decreased. By partnering with contractors, the companies delegate some of the tasks to them, reducing their risk in the process. Hiring specialized contractors who have the best knowledge of the industry reduces the risk of security and decreases the number of fines from the government due to inadequate security standards.

All the benefits associated with outsourcing can be the answer to the most asked question: why outsource your IT? Partnering with managed service providers can bring your cost down and the workload of employees. Years of experience and a variety of skills are some of the features that you can use to grow your business. Choosing the right service provider is essential. The right service provider will understand your business model, identify the weak areas, and fix them with expert help.