IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY

5 WAYS YOUR PHONE SYSTEM CAN HELP

For many businesses, improving productivity is a top priority and most modern phone systems have features that can make that happen—you just may not realize they exist. Check out these five features that will boost your productivity (if your phone system supports them):

1. Mobility Features like “Twinning”

Mobility is changing the telecom industry as we know it and undoubtedly has the capability to make your office more productive. When we say “mobility,” we’re referring to features that allow your mobile phone to be an extension of your office phone, so you’ll never miss an important call, even when you’re on the go. In addition to improving communications between your customers and colleagues, mobility features promote a healthy work/life balance and provide an added level of convenience for your customers.

Northland offers the “twinning” feature for both premise-based and virtual IPOs. Our customers also get the added benefit of accessing the “system dial tone” while making calls from their mobile device, meaning that the caller ID on the receiving end will display their desk phone number. For our Business Unlimited customers, this feature is known as “Sim-Ring.” 

2. Voicemail to Email

This feature is available on all of the platforms that we sell and enables you to direct your voicemails to your email. When you receive a new voicemail message, you’ll immediately get an email notification to your computer or mobile device. This gives you the flexibility to check voicemails just as easily as you check your text messages, no matter where you are. It also makes it simpler than ever to make notes of and forward important information.

3. Video and Audio Conferencing

Video and audio conferencing allow you to collaborate with your team from anywhere in the world. Some phone systems allow you to add people to a call and others offer “conference bridges,” allowing multiple people to call in to a special number. More advanced video conference systems, such as Northland’s Accession and IPO products, allow you to see and chat with other people on the call, share documents, and even share your screen. Wired or wireless, conference phones can easily be added to your phone system and instantaneously improve your company’s ability to communicate in groups—improving overall productivity and providing your team members with added flexibility.

4. Scheduling Calls

 While sometimes it’s unavoidable, unexpected telephone calls can interrupt your workflow. A good practice is to try and schedule your calls with colleagues and customers ahead of time to help everyone better organize their time. Advanced conferencing systems, like Northland’s Accession or IP Office, can integrate with your Outlook email client, making it easy to schedule and coordinate calls.

5. Consider an Advanced Unified Communications Solution

Some businesses have highly complex communication needs. More advanced systems like Northland’s Business Unlimited add even more productivity tools like Instant Messaging, SMS, and call center features that are tightly linked together in what’s called “Unified Communications.” The best part? You don’t have to worry about equipment, software, or upgrades. With the ability to make calls using your computer and mobile device, Business Unlimited eliminates the need for expensive equipment investment and we take care of software and feature upgrades virtually. 

We take pride in designing custom solutions for Central New York businesses. For more information about how Northland can help improve your business communications and productivity, call (315) 624-2216.