How Does an Extension Number Work?
Typically, organizations with many divisions use multiple phone numbers. However, this does not always facilitate internal and external communication. A specific department’s number may be busy, making it difficult for both clients and managers to reach it. Extensions help solve this problem. In this article, we explain what extension numbers are and how they work.
What are extensions?
A standard corporate phone number typically consists of 6 or 7 digits, whereas an employee’s short add-on number is usually 3 or 4 digits. Communication within the company becomes more efficient because these shorter combinations are easier to remember and quicker to dial.
If the organization relies on traditional telephony, scaling the internal network can be expensive and challenging. A country code +502, guatemala phone numbers allows you to avoid unnecessary budget and time expenditures.
In the administrator’s personal account, you can assign as many extension numbers as needed and configure the necessary settings for each. For example, you can set the dial time and display names for internal calls.
The extension number can be connected to any employee device. It may be:
- A regular landline phone connected to the corporate telephone network using SIP adapters;
- A SIP phone that looks like a regular phone but connects to an IP network without an adapter;
- PCs, laptops, or tablets with special software (softphones) or plug-ins that transmit voice data via the Internet;
- A smartphone or mobile phone which allows an extension number to be assigned to an employee’s mobile number, whether corporate or personal.
However, the internal telephone network is not isolated. Not only employees, but also clients can call extension numbers.
How to call extension numbers
To call an employee by extension, you can use two scenarios:
Using the voice menu
IVR is one of the features integrated into the 4 common mistakes when preparing to use electronic system. When a subscriber dials the main number, the PBX initiates a voice menu with various options for further actions. Among these options is the ability to dial the employee’s extension number using tone mode.
Direct call
Within the organization, you can dial an extension phone without going through a voice menu. Virtual PBX systems typically support direct dialing mode. To do this, simply input the main number, append the extension number, and press the call button.
Another useful PBX option related to calls to extension numbers is forwarding. For instance, when a client or employee calls manager “A” at extension 100, you can configure call forwarding in the telephony settings. For example, if the call is not answered within 20 seconds, it can automatically redirect to manager “B” at extension 101.
Advantages of extensions
Extensions offer numerous valuable opportunities for businesses. Primarily, they provide fast communication within the corporate network.
The advantages of this method of communication include:
- Time-saving: The corporate network can scale quickly, avoiding unnecessary costs due to flexible rates for connecting internal numbers;
- High-quality customer service: Customers can directly reach specific managers within departments streamlining communication. So clients can be assigned with personal managers who are readily available;
- Cost savings: Calls to internal numbers are typically free, even for employees located in different divisions, thus eliminating charges for long-distance and international calls;
- Full access to all virtual PBX options: Calls to internal numbers can be recorded and analyzed, and employees can utilize audio and video conferencing for enhanced communication.
If you want to improve internal communication in your office, asia email list specialists can assist you in selecting ready-made solutions with flexible options. With the help of a PBX system, you can connect the necessary functionality to extensions without incurring excessive costs.