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Do we still need business phone systems in the mobile age?

It is no secret that technology has altered the way we communicate, with mobile phones being the ‘preferred’ means of communication. This, however, raises the important question as to why hosted business phone systems continue to exist? And why VoIP’s still form an integral component of many businesses’ communication set-up? In our blog we unpack why business phone systems are still important in the mobile age.

1. Security of Information

It is of upmost importance for any business owner is to keep communication secure.  Business communication involves the sharing of confidential information pertaining to client details, financial information, business strategies and more. However, the sharing of this information through mobile phones gives rise to a myriad of security issues. With the imminent rise in scams and cell phone tapping, mobile phone security cannot be relied on.

In contrast, business phone systems are more secure than traditional mobile phones. A growing number of businesses are utilising VoIP services to reduce the possibility of cyber-attacks and to protect confidential information. The involvement of third-party intermediaries is eliminated, meaning that you have control over the avenue of communication. Furthermore, more VoIP phone system providers come with VPN services, which guarantee end-to-end encryption of chat and voice messages transferred over the internet via their systems.

2. Functionality

Mobile phones are great for texting or calling family and friends. But when it comes to business communication, there’s not much a mobile phone can do, especially in relation to call recording/data, call transfers, call queuing, line hunting or multi-party video conferencing. The functionality of a mobile phone is limited, whereas business phone systems allow companies to redirect or forward incoming calls to a specific phone line for better call management.

3. Flexibility.

A PBX phone system offers more flexibility than mobile phones. It’s great for hot-desking because staff can log in and out of connected phones regardless of where they’re sitting for the day. Businesses can also better manage call flows as a PBX solution allows agents to ‘Park’ calls and retrieve them from a particular phone in the business. Businesses can also configure groups of people who can pick up calls for each other and set up automatic diverts based on the time of day. Businesses can also manage call queues to see how many people are waiting, how many staff are on calls and information such as average wait times and missed calls.

Furthermore, business phone systems allow for call reporting and analytics – with the ability to generate in-depth reports and access call volume and distribution call data. Other features such as call recording can also be used to monitor, track and measure the quality of your customer service. Such data gives business owners the opportunity to analysis who’s been in touch and when.

Compatibility with other services

An array of additional services work hand-in-hand with PBX phone systems. Some of which include a live answering service for when you have too many calls, or if it’s after hours. Service providers, such as TMC, can also help you set up an inbound number including 13, 1300 and 1800 options. An IVR can also be implemented to greet your customers and provide them with pre-recorded information.

Even in the Digital Age, business phone systems continue to operate as a vital tool that aids professionalism, safeguards security and improves efficiencies. With a suite of tools are your fingertips, there is no reason to forgo setting up a business phone system.