This is a work in progress. This page is being compiled from all the questions we receive on configuring the perfect phone system for you needs. STEP 1--SELECT A CONTROL UNIT The first step in selecting a perfect phone system is to decide on a control unit. The major factor is how many outside lines you will be using and how many telephone sets. You will select a control unit that has a capacity either minimum or maximum that is either at or larger than the size you need. It is always a good idea to allow for 50% growth for a period of 5 years. This means if you need 4 lines now, buy a control unit that can go up to at least 6 lines. If you need 8 telephones, buy one that can go up to at least 12 telephones. For your convenience, we will be building a chart to show the minimum and maximum capacity of each brand that we carry. (Chart goes here) STEP 2--SELECT EXPANSION CARDS/MODULES In order to bring the base control unit up to the size you need, add the appropriate expansion cards for either lines or telephones to bring the system up to the capacity that you need. STEP 3--SELECT OPTIONAL CARDS/FEATURES (under construction) STEP 4--SELECT TELEPHONES (under construction) STEP 5--SELECT VOICE MAIL SYSTEM If you want voice mail and/or automated attendant, select the right size voice mail system for your needs. Voice mail systems are sized based on the number of PORTS. A PORT is used to access the voice mail. The number of ports to use is determined by the number of SIMULTANEOUS CALLS you want the voice mail system to handle. For example, if you are using the automated attendant option of the voice mail system, every incoming call that is answered will require one port. When the caller dials an extension, the voice mail system transfers the caller which frees up that PORT for another call. If the call that was just transferred doesn't get answered, it will be forwarded back to the voice mail system so the caller may leave a message. One PORT will be used to play the users' greeting and take a message. After a message is left, the message waiting light will be turned on at the telephone set for the user of that voice mail box. A port is tied up for less than one second in order to dial the code necessary to turn on that light. When the user calls into the voice mail system, one port is tied up while messages are being retrieved. 90% of the voice mail systems we sell are 4 PORTS and will fit most users needs quite well. For smaller systems, with 3-4 lines, you can get by with 2 PORTS. For systems with 4-12 lines, you can use 4 PORTS. For larger systems, we recommend 6-8 ports. It's always a good idean to buy a voice mail system with room for expansion. If you think you need 4 PORTS now, buy a system that can be easily expanded to 8 PORTS. STEP 6--SELECT BATTERY BACKUP AND SURGE PROTECTION Add up the total VA rating of the control unit and voice mail system that you have selected and choose a battery backup with a LARGER VA rating than your total. For example, if your VA figure is 210, buy the 280 Battery Backup. To get more time, go up one step to the 420 model. Most battery backups will give you about 30 minutes of time and the next larger size should give you about an hour. STEP 7--PLACE YOUR ORDER! |
800.515.9918 - 305.759.2000 Fax: 305.751.6089 |