Phone system checklist

• What is your investment timeframe? (Do you want to meet immediate needs or future strategic needs?
• What is your budget? (project costs or monthly cost per user)
• Document the existing system (and its strengths and limitations)
• Is your building infrastructure suitable for required phone system
• What are your current broadband connection details?
• What is your current network load and available unused bandwidth?
• What is the ratio of inbound and outbound calls?
• What are the percentages of internal, local, long-distance and international calls each month?
• How many remote and/or mobile users do you have?
• What are your current and future business requirements?
• Define your critical and optional requirements
• Carry out a full cost-benefit analysis
• Look out for hidden costs

• Number of users
• Multiple user phones?
• Line requirement
• Incoming caller ID?
• Voicemail requirement (even for employees without a phone extension)
• Receptionist or automated attendant?
• Direct dial to any extensions?
• Remote working requirement
• Special call handling (e.g. sales) requirement
• Do mobile employees need to receive calls or messages immediately?
• Call monitoring
• Other special functionality required?
• Any third-party applications required?

When you have prepared your needs assessment and are ready to start talking to system providers, consider Telephone Systems (UK) Ltd - and select a local phone systems dealer near you.

Next, compare your short listed dealers and the different system options carefully; when you finally commit to a supplier, make sure a detailed and unambiguous contract is in place (and that you understand it).

Congratulations! You’re about to make a great decision and invest in the business-enhancing phone system you need for the years ahead.