Lucent Technologies 4.1 manual Partner Attendant, Backup for Receptionist

PARTNER Attendant

The PARTNER Attendant answers calls and directs them to a specified extension, Calling Group, or Hunt Group (based on the digits the caller dials after listening to a list of choices in a recorded greeting). For example, the PARTNER Attendant could answer calls and tell callers to press 1 for Sales, 2 for Parts, 3 for Service, and so on. The PARTNER Attendant can be set up for immediate call handling or delayed call handling.

NOTE:

If you want calls answered and routed to designated extensions, but do not require voice mail coverage, you can use either the Automated Attendant Service of one of the voice messaging systems, a PARTNER Attendant, or the Direct Extension Dial feature. It is recommended that you use only one type of automated answering option throughout the system for incoming calls.

Backup for Receptionist

A common use of PARTNER Attendant is as a backup for the receptionist. If the receptionist cannot pick up a call within a specified number of rings, PARTNER Attendant handles it. This prevents calls from going unanswered. Figure 4-12 shows how the PARTNER Attendant would be connected to your system.

Lines

CONTROL

UNIT

PARTNER

Attendant

Ext. X

Ext. 10

Receptionist’s Desk

Figure 4-12. Backup for Receptionist

To Use

Follow the instructions packaged with the PARTNER Attendant. Make sure that the unit is in backup call answering mode.

When callers call the main number for your company, the receptionist normally picks up the call. If the receptionist is busy, the PARTNER Attendant answers and plays a recorded message, such as: “Please hold for the receptionist or dial an extension number now.”

4-24Using Auxiliary Equipment