Voice
Has your company decided to make the switch to a business VoIP phone system? If so, you’re joining a wave of organizations doing so.
Research shows that most organizations investing in unified communications turn to the cloud for deployment. While Gartner estimates cloud telephony will realize a growth rate of nearly 16 percent CAGR between 2016 and 2021, on-premises solutions will decline by 9.5 percent. This shows a clear preference for cloud solutions.
The right business VoIP phone system, like MiCloud Connect , can transform your business – if you roll it out effectively. Following the proper procedure delivers a faster ROI and increases user adoption. Use these steps to ensure your cloud phone system rollout delivers benefits from day one.
Five Steps For A Successful Business VoIP Phone System Rollout
1. Assess Your Existing Phone System Workflows
Evaluate the system you’re replacing, including how calls are currently routed and how voicemails are handled. Identify which workflows should be maintained and which can be improved. Determine which features of your new system can add the most value to your workflow. It might be CRM integration, video and web conferencing or advanced call recording. Clearly identify the goals for your new system to ensure you take advantage of all it has to offer.
2. Ensure Your Network Is Ready To Deploy
Take a look at your broadband capacity (you may need to upgrade your internet connection), the number of mobile devices in use, remote employees, office locations and identify an ideal rollout timeline.
3. Build A Well-Rounded Team
Getting your team on board from the beginning makes for a faster implementation, since they can help identify any roadblocks you may encounter along the way. Key stakeholders include someone who’s tech-savvy, has deep knowledge of your existing systems and a firm understanding of what the new technology provides. Also, you’ll need a project manager to assist in keeping the overall implementation on schedule. To round out the team, add early adopters. These individuals will engage in user testing, provide valuable feedback and spread enthusiasm for the new system before it’s fully deployed.
4. Deploy In Phases
A phased rollout allows you to identify and correct any issues among a smaller group of users. Future phases should then be seamless, increasing success rates and user acceptance.
5. Provide Proper Training
Administrators need training on how to manage the new system, including adding and deleting users and setting call-routing features. Users also must be trained on tasks such as screen-sharing, CRM integration and personal settings. Empower users to help themselves from day one to increase adoption and simplify the rollout process.
Why The Right Vendor Is The Most Important Choice You’ll Make
When implementing a business VoIP phone system, choosing the right vendor is perhaps the most critical contributor to success. Not only do you need a company that provides reliable, adaptable technology, you need guidance and support throughout the rollout and adoption of the system.
Without this support, you risk making costly errors that delay implementation and create resistance among users. The right vendor delivers an innovative phone system, like MiCloud Connect , walks you through the entire rollout process and continues to provide support after implementation.
When Selecting A Vendor, Ask The Following Questions:
- What is their success record of implementing business VoIP phone systems?
- How experienced is the provider with companies of your size?
- How easily does the system integrate with other applications?
- What type of support does the vendor provide during implementation and beyond?
- Does the support match the hours and location of your business? (If you have multiple locations, does the vendor provide the global support you require?)
- Is the vendor future-ready? Are they poised to adopt new innovations and technology so your system is always operating at its best?
Selecting the right vendor and following the five steps outlined here will ensure a seamless transition to a business VoIP phone system. Achieve high user adoption, a faster return on your investment and an innovative communications solution that’s ready to meet your organization’s needs today – and well into the future.