How to Choose a Multi-Line Phone System for Your Business in 2024

Observe patterns, such as the frequency of incoming customer support calls, outbound sales calls, and internal communications. This will help you understand the scale of the system required.

Next, consider the features your operations can’t run without. While we’ll discuss multi-line phone system features in more depth later, you should already be thinking about the basics, like call holding, transferring, conference calling, and auto-attendants.

With your team, discuss the most important features that would assist company operations. For instance, if high-touch customer service is vital, advanced call routing and customer relationship management (CRM) integration will be indispensable.

Don’t overlook the importance of future-proofing your investment. Anticipate the growth trajectory of your company; you’ll want a system that scales with you.

This means considering the number of lines you need today, as well as the ease with which you can add lines or integrate new technologies as your business evolves.

There are three primary systems to consider:

1. Key Telephone Systems (KTS): These are traditional multi-line phone systems suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses needing to manage up to 40 lines. They’re user-friendly with a central control device, but the features are basic.
2. Private Branch Exchange (PBX): These are more advanced and can handle a high volume of calls, which is ideal for larger businesses or those with complex call routing needs. They can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider.
3. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): These are highly flexible and feature-rich. VoIP can support an unlimited number of lines, integrate with other business applications, and is often more cost-effective, especially for long-distance calls.

Here’s a quick overview of how these options compare:

Let’s examine the businesses likely to opt for each system and why:

• A small retail store: A shop with less than 10 employees and moderate customer call traffic can opt for a KTS system. This provides the necessary functionality without a significant investment in technology that won’t be fully used.
• A mid-sized law firm: A firm with multiple departments handling high volumes of confidential calls might choose a PBX system. This maintains client privacy, manages a larger volume of calls, and uses advanced features like call recording.
• A tech startup: A startup with a remote workforce would benefit from a VoIP system, taking advantage of the flexibility to integrate calls with computers and smartphones, plus the ability to scale quickly as the company grows.

Some of the most useful features to consider include:

• Automated attendant: Directs callers to the appropriate department or individual without a receptionist.
• Conference call: Allows multiple parties to participate in a call, which is crucial for team meetings.
• Call forwarding: Redirects incoming calls to another number, useful for remote or mobile employees.
• Voicemail-to-email: Sends voicemail messages to email, enabling quick response times.
• Call recording: Records calls for training or legal compliance.
• Caller ID and call blocking: Identifies incoming callers and blocks unwanted calls.
• Hold music or messages: Keeps customers engaged during wait times.
• CRM integration: Your phone system should integrate with your CRM software, allowing for click-to-dial functionality, call logging, and easy access to customer data during calls.
• Software interoperability: Other software integrations might include email platforms, project management tools, or calendar systems for scheduling.

Few companies need all these features. For instance, features like CRM integration and call recording for performance evaluation are essential for a sales-driven company.

On the other hand, a service provider may prioritize mobile integration and an automated attendant to ensure on-the-go connectivity and efficient call routing.

Outline All Potential Costs and Recurring Charges

Begin by listing all potential expenses associated with your multi-line phone system. This includes the initial investment in hardware and installation and ongoing costs, such as service fees.

Be sure to account for the following:

• Initial hardware/software costs: The upfront price of phones/VoIP phones, servers, and software licenses.
• Installation and setup fees: Professional fees for system configuration and training.
• Monthly service charges: Recurring fees from your service provider, which may vary based on features and number of lines.
• Maintenance and support: Costs for regular maintenance, technical support, and any warranty or service agreements.
• Upgrade expenses: Future costs for scaling up your system or adding new features.

Allocate funds with foresight, keeping in mind future growth and the potential need for system enhancements. To avoid surprises, inquire about all fees when corresponding with service providers.

Here’s an example of how your potential costs might look:

By thoroughly planning your financial investment, you’ll ensure your chosen multi-line phone system aligns with your business’s financial health and strategic goals.

We recommend looking at the following criteria for deciding upon a vendor:

• Reputation: Look for vendors with positive reviews and testimonials from similar-sized businesses.
• Customer support: Ensure the provider offers robust support, including training, troubleshooting, and responsive service.
• Warranty and service guarantees: Check for warranty terms and service-level agreements to protect your investment.
• Feature range: Confirm that the vendor offers a range of products that fit your specific needs.
• Cost transparency: Look for transparent pricing without hidden fees.
• Scalability: Ensure the vendor can accommodate your business growth with scalable solutions.
• Tech support availability: Compare the hours and availability of technical support; 24/7 support is essential.
• System reliability: Assess the provider’s system reliability and uptime statistics.
• Vendor longevity: Consider how long the vendor has been in business, as established providers are often more reliable.

Addressing these technical details ahead of time minimizes downtime and maximizes the potential of your new business communication solution.

Here’s how to efficiently tackle the technical prerequisites:

• Network: Check if your network can handle the increased load, particularly if you’re opting for a VoIP multi-line phone system — bandwidth, router capability, and internet speed.
• Compatibility check: Ensure the new system is compatible with existing hardware and software, including computers, mobile devices, and any specialized equipment.
• Power requirements: Determine if additional power sources or backup solutions are needed to support the new system reliably.
• Technical training: Pre-arrange technical training on the new system for your IT staff to enable a smooth transition and troubleshoot early issues.
• Data migration: Plan for the migration of existing data to the new system. This includes contact lists and voicemail messages.
• Change management: Prepare your team for the change. Communicate the benefits and address any concerns they may have about the new technology.

• Scheduling comprehensive training sessions, making them interactive to address specific use cases your team will encounter.
• Use vendor training and support resources to ensure your team is well-prepared. Many offer on-site training, webinars, and extensive documentation.
• Ensure that ongoing support is accessible for future inquiries or issues that may arise as your team adapts to the system.