With the advancement in technology, more companies are implementing VoIP for quality business communication. A survey by Software Advice found that most companies preferred VoIP over other forms of communication systems. The cost-effectiveness and high reliability make it one of the best systems for your office.
Choosing the right VoIP system requires thorough research and planning. Without proper guidance, upgrading to the VoIP system can look complicated and tedious. If you are unsure about where to start with VoIP implementation, then our guide will help you.
Determine your VoIP needs
Your VoIP requirements depend on your business goals as well as your current infrastructure. Some VoIP features let you use existing equipment while some others require additional tools. You need to determine the following requirements to set up the VoIP system for your business.
The number of users
Determining the number of employees that will use your office VoIP can give you an estimate of how much equipment you will require. For every additional user added to the system, you will need a new line and phone set. But, not every employee needs to be on your VoIP system. According to PCWorld, a business saved about $1200 per month with just 30 VoIP phone users. You can also choose to give employees an extension, instead of their own number and line.
Features
VoIP phone systems come with a lot of different features. According to Finances Online, some of the top features of VoIP are the find me/ follow me function (77%), conference calling (65%), and managing messages (63%). Depending on your business needs, you can choose what to include in your VoIP system.
Certain features like conference calling are in high demand due to the increase in remote work. Similarly, the follow-me option is also helpful if you frequently work from different locations. Instead of having a large number of fancy features, include only those that actually add value to your VoIP system.
VoIP budget
The costs of VoIP differ according to the plan you have chosen. On average, VoIP costs you between $20 and $30 per user per month. Due to a large number of features and attractive plans, it is easy to overspend when planning your business communication system. Having a budget helps you focus on what’s important and spend only on what’s essential.
Set up your VoIP system
Now that you have determined your overall requirements, you can set up your VoIP system for your business. For a VoIP system to work efficiently, it needs the following technology and hardware.
Internet connection
As the name suggests, VoIP runs on internet protocol. A high-speed internet connection can provide excellent call quality. Despite the dependency on an internet connection, a VoIP system does not take up much bandwidth. The minimum download speed for a single VoIP call is less than 0.5 Mbps.
For each voice line you add, the required download speed multiplies. So, a system of 10 phone lines will require a download speed of 5 Mbps. It is better to have higher bandwidth to accommodate additional lines. A congested bandwidth can compromise the overall system quality and efficiency.
Phone system
There are several ways you can make phone calls using VoIP. While desk phones are common, more than 50% of businesses use a combination of fixed and mobile phones for their VoIP calls. Some common ways to set up VoIP phone devices are:
Modifying regular phones: Convert your regular phones into a VoIP device by installing an adapter and connecting it to a LAN.
IP Phones: Ip phones can be directly connected to a LAN. Some IP phones also let you place calls over a WiFi network.
Computers: You can make VoIP calls through your computer by installing a web-based application in it.
Mobile Phones: Similar to computers, you can make VoIP calls through mobile applications.
Training
A VoIP system is as efficient as its user. If your staff does not have adequate knowledge, then your VoIP implementation will be unsuccessful. Provide adequate materials to your employees and train them to use different VoIP features.
Configure your VoIP system considering the needs of your staff. The easier it is to use, the better will be its performance. Constantly interact with your staff in the initial period so they can seamlessly use the new technology.
Backup
VoIP systems are extremely versatile and have a low risk of failure. Yet, for more than 19% of businesses, VoIP reliability is a top concern. Prepare for the worst case scenario by having the right backup options.
The first backup you will need is an additional broadband connection. This prevents your VoIP system from shutting down in case your primary connection fails. Additionally, decide where your calls get directed if your office system fails. Directing calls to your personal phone is an excellent option in case of emergencies.
It is also important to prepare your employees to handle any system failure. This prevents panic and helps you get your communication system on track as fast as possible.
Test your VoIP system
Even with a well-planned VoIP strategy, it is essential to test your system for any potential problems. Recreate several real world scenarios to check the performance of your VoIP system. Does it perform well during high call volumes? Does your internet connection have sufficient bandwidth? Troubleshoot any problems you find so your VoIP system runs smoothly.
Streamline your business communication throughout KriyaGo
Selecting the right service provider makes VoIP implementation easier. KriyaGo works with the top VoIP service providers to help you set up your own channel. Our experts carefully assess your requirements to suggest the right strategy for you. Our high-quality service ensures that you have the best VoIP experience.
We also take care of your data security and privacy by setting up private VoIP networks. This is more convenient, easier, and reliable. Our experts help you throughout the process right from strategy to implementation.
For high-quality VoIP service, contact KriyaGo!
