Seamless communication is vital to keep businesses functioning smoothly nowadays. However, choosing the right telephony system in South Africa requires a careful consideration of factors such as cost, scalability, internet reliability, and customer support. Here’s a guide to help you make a more informed decision.
Determine the complexity of your business’ needs
Do you need a simple system for internal communication? Or more advanced features like call routing, conferencing, and CRM integration? Your phone management system will be influenced by factors, such as:
The size of your company and the necessity to keep departments interconnected via a seamless, integrated telephony system.
Your communication with clientele and relevant stakeholders, which will impact expected call volume.
Your working arrangements, i.e., you may require a more robust telephony system if employees work away from the office. Similarly, your telephony system would need to be just as robust for bigger organisations that require consistent onsite collaboration.
Traditional or internet-based systems?
In South Africa, businesses usually have the choice between two primary options: traditional landline systems and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions.
Traditional landline systems
Traditional phone systems are considered more retro nowadays with the prevalence of the internet and the need to stay connected without the need for physical landlines. While traditional landline systems still do offer stability and consistent call quality, they can be costly and lack modern features such as mobile integration and cloud-based call management.
VoIP Systems
VolP uses the internet to transmit calls, offering affordability, scalability, and advanced features such as call forwarding, video conferencing, and integration with CRM tools. VolP systems require a stable internet connection, which is entirely achievable with a broadband, WiFi or LTE solution.
Consider internet and power stability
Consider investing in a business-grade internet connection like LTE or fibre with integrated backup systems to help mitigate connectivity issues when the power goes out or the internet lags.
Look for scalability and flexibility
As your business grows, the capabilities of your telephony system should follow. VoIP services allow businesses to scale easily by adding or removing lines without major infrastructure changes. Internet-based telephony solutions offer increased flexibility and business continuity.
Compare costs and ROI
While traditional systems have higher upfront costs, internet-based telephone services often offer lower monthly fees and a less extensive (and expensive) initial investment. Consider the total cost of ownership, including setup, maintenance, and long-term expenses.
Evaluate customer support and reliability
Choose a service provider with strong local customer support, especially if your business operates outside major urban centers. A provider with 24/7 support and proactive monitoring can help minimize disruptions.
Choose Wisely
Investing in a reliable telephony system will not only improve internal operations but also enhance customer interactions, ultimately contributing to your business’s success. The right telephony system for your company shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be a prime consideration.
Contact ShareTech SA today for savvy telephony business bundle deals that accommodate the digital era. We help facilitate the need for faster, more reliable business communication.
