6 signs you need a new phone system
If you are not a tech expert, it can be difficult and daunting to know when to upgrade your current phone system. There are so many options available to you and the fast pace of advancements can be a challenge to keep up with on top of other responsibilities. Technology is evolving quicker than people are able to adapt and because of this, businesses can be behind the mark when it comes to ensuring their phones are up to the job.
In a world where good communication is key to keeping a business running to the best of their ability, an up-to-date phone system that is functioning properly is essential.
At some point, there will come a time when you have to upgrade your outdated phone system. However, if you’re unsure when this might be, here are 6 signs that the time has come:
Your remote workers can’t stay connected
Remote working has been on the rise for a couple of years now and in the future, this is only expected to become more prevalent. Therefore, if you’re going to have remote workers, you will need to make sure they have the right tools to complete their job the same as they would in the office.
Older phone systems often require remote employees to be issued with separate mobile devices and numbers which results in not only client confusion but can impact the efficiency of your workers. Modern technologies mean that your remote workers can continue working with the same number no matter what device they are using. For example, a popular phone system many businesses in the working environment today use is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It works by translating your telephone call into data which is transmitted across a broadband connection. It can be accessed by employees from anywhere with an Internet connection, meaning they can work from the office, home or abroad.
Interested in discovering what VoIP is all about?
You’re spending a lot of money and time on your system
The older a system becomes, the more it costs to maintain and repair, especially if you try to maintain multiple systems that can be merged if you have a newer system. You might also find that providers are less willing to work on your system, or that finding the right parts is becoming more expensive. Additionally, it can be time-consuming for your IT department to maintain old systems when this time can be spent on other projects.
VoIP systems are especially attractive to businesses as they can save both time and money. For example, VoIP saves the infrastructure costs surrounding the maintenance and equipment of separate systems.
You need more features and functionality
In the modern business environment, a business must be agile in order to stay ahead of the competition. Traditional phone systems can limit phone calls, and in turn, restrict your employees. To have more features with these older systems, separate and expensive hardware is required.
VoIP telephone systems can do everything conventional telephone systems can do. However, the enterprise features are paid for on a monthly, per-user cost, and you can add or remove features as you wish.
Your business is growing
In business, growth is good and you don’t want outdated, legacy phone systems holding you back from this. Older solutions often have limiting capabilities and can not be scaled easily. Furthermore, paying to add new lines can become expensive, especially if your business is growing rapidly.
If your business is growing and your phone system is unable to handle the number of calls you are receiving or the number of extensions you need, then a new phone system is likely to be required. Failing to get a new system will end up impacting employee productivity. New solutions are designed with growth in mind and can be scaled across multiple users and locations seamlessly.
Your systems are over 5 years old
By using systems older than 5 years, you run the risk that they will fail unexpectedly without having access to the best support. This is because providers may no longer accommodate them and the equipment can no longer be manufactured. As a result, revenue could be lost as it takes you longer to get back up and running again.
Serval VoIP telephony offers a reliable support network and the experience and knowledge of a successful multinational telecommunications provider.
You need more integration
As technology advances, integration between software such as customer relationship management (CRM), workforce management and payment systems that keep businesses running smoothly is becoming the ‘norm’. New systems can connect directly to these platforms and make it easier for both employees and customers to reach out to one another.
If any of these points are resonating with you, then it is probably time to start thinking about investing in a new phone system. Please get in touch for more information.