How often do the phone techs that work on your phone system tell you that it
is time to replace your system? Have you had a sales rep from that company and
others offer proposals on a new phone system? If these are frequent occurences,
then you probably have an old, antiquated system. But how do you know if they
are right?
Is it time to replace your phone system?
Today's article lists factors you should consider whether it is in your
interest to do so.
Do you need to add voicemail to your system?
Many older systems couldn't add
voicemail. Others required an expensive upgrade. Voicemail is very useful for
the non-simultaneous completion of voice communications. It can make your
employees more efficient. Many of your customers expect to be able to leave a
voicemail message.
Does your system need Caller ID?
Most of us are familiar with Caller ID from
using cell phones. Based on that experience, you can figure out for yourself
whether your company could benefit. Again, many older systems didn't have Caller
ID capability or had it as an expensive add on option. You will also have to pay
a bit more to your Local Dial tone provider for the service.
Is there some other feature your system lacks that you must have.
An
exploration of the features on your current system will usually prove
enlightening. Many users don't realize they already have basic features such as
conference or redial. Find the user guides and system administration manuals
that are hiding in drawers. If you don't study and use your current features,
what makes you think you would on a new system?
Will you grow to the point that you would need to add an expansion cabinet or
need to upgrade the processor to meet your requirements?
Will you soon outgrow
the maximum capacity of your system? Do you expect to move soon? If you will
outgrow your capacity in the next few years, timing the system's replacement
with your move will be cost effective.
Any one of these might be reason enough to take proposals on a new system.
However, not being able to find parts is rarely a good reason. There are many
refurbished phone equipment vendors where you can find almost anything you need,
even if your system is long out of manufacture.
Finding techs to work on your system might be dicier if your current vendor
refurses to work on it. Make sure you have a copy of the installation manual on
hand. Contact other companies in your area that may work on the system. Try
looking in the Yellow pages or by contacting the manufacturer. Also, consider
contacting technicians directly.
If you do decide to take quotes on a new system, compare the cost with the
productivity gains you can expect. Buy a new system when you need it on your own
terms. Meanwhile, maximize the investment in your current equipment and don't
buy anything you don't need.
About the Author
Bob Mrozinski is the owner of Used Phones For Less. He has been in the phone
system industry since 1987. You can find out more about phone systems at http://www.store.yahoo.com/usedphonesforless/phonsyspac.html
