When it comes to using a mobile phone with a switchboard, there are four trends. Two are more exclusive, only offered by a few operators, and ideal for companies that care about their image and productivity and prefer to spend some money to make sure everything works.

And the other two are cheaper, all the corporate IP telephony operators offer it, but they have few inconveniences. Let’s explain everything in more detail:

MOBILE INTEGRATED INTO THE SWITCHBOARD – NO APPS

The Ferrari of mobile switchboards is to use mobile lines that are an extension of the switchboard:

• Calls are not interrupted or sound bad in certain locations because they do not depend on an Internet connection.
• You don’t lose calls because you don’t need an internet connection, so you don’t lose calls when there is no connection or a poor connection.
• It’s not necessary for the employee to have a landline in the office in addition to the mobile, as they act as another extension of the switchboard and the mobile is used for everything.

Integrated mobile phones within the switchboard is an option that has not yet been widely adopted by all businesses for a very simple reason: very few operators have the infrastructure to integrate fixed, mobile and PBX telephony.

Only highly specialised business operators, such as Enreach, offer this advanced service.

This solution is ideal for businesses because it gives employees complete mobility without the risk of misdialing: no missed calls and no dropped calls.

However, as with any ideal solution, the cost is higher than other more basic options. How much is it worth ensuring that all calls are heard clearly? How much is it worth preventing sales reps from missing customer calls?

In order to use integrated mobiles with the PBX, it is essential that both the mobile and the switchboard are subscribed to the same operator. Operators offering this solution have made technical efforts to ensure that the mobile phone acts as an extension of the switchboard and can function as an extension of a desk phone with its switchboard.

In Spain, there are only 4 operators that offer this type of solution, and prices for mobile lines integrated with the switchboard are usually around €15. You can check with Enreach how much it would cost to implement a mobile PBX in your company.

CASE STUDY: INTEGRATED MOBILE PHONE IN THE PBX

Since COVID, hybrid working has become part of everyday life in many companies. This means that employees need to be able to carry out all their tasks from both the office and any other location: using company programmes, communicating with colleagues, meeting customers via video conference, taking calls, making calls and much more.

When a remote worker uses a mobile phone integrated with the switchboard, they can receive calls without relying on an Internet connection. This means that if their internet connection slows down or they are far from the router and experience a connection failure, they will still be available. Because not everyone has a perfect connection, and there is no perfect connection that is immune to interference.

This means that if a salesman is in the car, he can take calls from the switchboard using the car’s hands-free kit. And when calls come in to the switchboard asking for them, they can be transferred if necessary and answer them on their mobile from wherever they are.

MOBILE PHONE APP

Using applications that emulate a phone is a cheaper option and is offered by most operators, but in some cases it’s not the best alternative.

The operation is very simple: an app is installed on the smartphone and configured with the employee’s switchboard extension details. With this application, they can receive and make calls to the switchboard from their mobile phone, using the Internet connection available at the time.

It is important to note that these applications, called softphones, work over the Internet connection. This means that calls may be choppy or sound distorted if the connection is not optimal.

Dropped calls are the most frustrating aspect for businesses using applications with the switchboard. It’s important to understand that whether you’re using one phone app or another on your mobile, they won’t work without an internet connection.

If you’re just using the app to make outgoing calls to the switchboard, it’s a good option because it connects every time you open it. So even if you lose the connection, you will be able to reconnect. You can also check the quality of your internet connection before making a call. If you have a good connection, make the call; if not, you can either move to an area with better coverage before making the call, or wait.

In any case, many businesses start with an app solution only to find that it doesn’t meet their minimum expectations and have to rush to integrated mobile phones. So if you’re considering this option, choose an operator that offers both options, so that if you decide to switch, you don’t have to port numbers again, configure another switchboard, change extensions, etc.

REDIRECTION TO MOBILE PHONES

Another option, if you cannot port the mobiles to the operator with whom you have the virtual switchboard, is to divert switchboard calls to mobiles. In this way, calls can be answered from the mobile phone.

This option can be used on special occasions, for example if you have to leave the office urgently for some reason, or if you have commitments that cannot be met. However, it is not recommended as a permanent solution because:

• There is a charge for each call you take on your mobile. The switchboard has to call your mobile so that you can take the call on it, and this costs the same as a call to a national mobile.
• You cannot distinguish between calls coming from the operator and calls coming directly to your mobile. All calls you receive on your mobile are the same, so you must always answer as if it were a call from the operator.
• You cannot call the PBX number.

INTEGRATED PHONES + FULL COMMUNICATION APP

This is undoubtedly the best of all the options available, combining the benefits of integrated phones, the benefits of apps and the benefits of tools such as Teams that facilitate internal communication from any location:

• Integrated mobiles have the great advantage of working like regular mobiles, ensuring no missed calls and the best call quality.
• Apps have the advantage of working on both mobile phones and computers, making them convenient in different situations.
• Advanced apps such as Enreach Contact include internal chat functionality for communicating with colleagues, file sharing and even video conferencing.

Still not sure which option is best for you? Contact Enreach and an advisor will explain in detail the best mobile option for your situation.

La entrada The best ways to use your PBX from your mobile phone se publicó primero en Enreach ES.

Today’s smartphones have far surpassed the capabilities of landline phones and are becoming increasingly similar to computers. This, together with the freedom of movement they offer, has led many businesses to consider adopting them.

Because virtual numbers are cloud-based, they are managed entirely over the internet, without relying on physical connections. This means they can be assigned to any device that has a speaker, microphone and internet or data connection.

CAN I USE A VIRTUAL NUMBER ON A MOBILE PHONE?

Of course you can! Mobile phones are already set up to act as an extension of your company’s telephone system. All you need to get started is a SIM card or a mobile application.

Connecting these devices to the company phone system is extremely useful. You can make free internal calls (even from a landline to a mobile), transfer calls to people outside the office and vice versa, and keep a record of all conversations.

HOW TO USE A VIRTUAL NUMBER ON A MOBILE WITHOUT AN APP 

This option is only available from certain providers who, in addition to offering business phone systems, are also mobile network operators specialising in business solutions. These companies offer fixed-mobile integration, which allows your mobile to be recognised as another extension of the phone system when using a SIM card.

If you don’t want to rely on a good internet connection, have limited space on your phone for applications, or simply don’t want to train staff to use new software, a SIM card is your best option.

To start using a virtual number on this device, all you’ll need to do is

1. An active virtual number, i.e. a mobile number hosted in the cloud.
2. A compatible SIM card.

Activating the virtual number on your mobile is the same as setting up any personal SIM card. Once inserted into the device, you can start managing business calls immediately.

HOW TO USE A VIRTUAL NUMBER ON A MOBILE PHONE USING AN APP 

However, the most common option on the market is via applications. This isn’t surprising as most phone system providers don’t offer mobile numbers and even fewer have fully integrated mobile telephony into their systems.

However, this option has its advantages, such as the ability to use any SIM card to make business calls. This allows employees to use any smartphone for work purposes.

While that’s handy, remember that you’ll need a strong internet connection (both in and out of the office) to make and receive calls with crystal clear sound quality.

To start using a virtual number in this setup, you’ll need to

1. A mobile internet connection (4G or 5G) and Wi-Fi.
2. An active virtual number (as in the previous case).
3. The app installed on the device.

As with the previous scenario, activation is very simple. If you choose our virtual phone system, all you need to do is

1. Download the Enreach Contact app for Android or iOS.
2. Log in with your login details.
3. Start making and receiving business calls.

WHAT’S THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. The SIM card gives you the freedom to manage calls without the need for an internet connection, while the app, such as Enreach Contact, allows you to chat, make video calls and share files.

Best of all, with Enreach you don’t have to choose one method over the other, as you can combine both options on a single device.

DISCOVER THE MOST FLEXIBLE SOLUTION ON THE MARKET

La entrada How to use a virtual number on your mobile phone se publicó primero en Enreach ES.

Salespeople are still out on the road, prospecting or meeting with clients, but calls don’t stop when you’re on the road.

Even if there are colleagues manning the fixed positions in the office while you’re away, there’s a chance you’ll still get calls on your extension. This could be because your customers are calling you directly, or because all the salespeople in the office are busy.

With the effort required to convert leads into customers these days, missing out on these calls is a luxury you can’t afford. So the first thing you need to do to answer calls outside the office is to invest in a virtual PBX.

We know there are many IP PBX providers on the market. So first, make sure you have a clear understanding of what you need. Second, choose a solution that gives you the most flexibility.

Once you have your virtual PBX, here are some common solutions ranked by ease of implementation. Remember that you may have different levels of functionality depending on your provider’s limitations.

CONNECTING YOUR MOBILE PHONE TO THE PBX

There are several ways to connect company mobile phones to a PBX. The best option in terms of configuration and audio quality is one that turns your phone into just another extension.

If your operator offers this solution, simply insert a SIM card into the phone and you can start managing calls without relying on the internet or an app. All calls are logged in the PBX and can even be recorded and transcribed.

USE THE ENREACH CONTACT APP

If your current operator doesn’t allow you to connect to their switchboard on your mobile, you could consider subscribing to Enreach Contact.

By installing an app on your smartphone, you can make, receive and transfer calls to the switchboard directly from your mobile. The app also allows you to configure various advanced settings. 

This tool also acts as an internal communication programme, allowing you to send messages, make video calls and share files, all from one platform.

USE A SOFTPHONE

Whether you’re visiting a client, working from home or in another city, you can use your laptop, mobile or tablet as if it were an fixed phone.

Using a programme called a softphone, you can manage all your calls as normal. Note that this alternative requires an Internet connection and the prior configuration of your virtual switchboard provider’s SIP credentials.

USE SMART ROUTING

Advanced PBXs can be configured to route calls to different devices depending on the availability of your extension.

So if you’re out of the office and your fixed line is inactive, the call can be routed to your mobile.

HARNESS THE POWER OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

If you have a customer database categorised into lists, you can program artificial intelligence to take specific actions based on the type of customer calling.

Once it has interacted with the customer and identified whether they are on a relevant list, it can route the call according to the pre-defined criteria.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There’s no denying that technology is on our side, giving us the freedom to work from anywhere without compromising our productivity.

If you have any doubts about which solution is best suited to your company’s needs, or if you would like more personalised advice, our experts are always available on 900 670 750 or in our chat below.

La entrada How to avoid missing calls when you leave the office se publicó primero en Enreach ES.