What is Automatic Call Distribution?
Automatic call distribution (ACD) is a telephony feature that automatically distributes incoming calls among a group of telephone agents. ACD systems are commonly used in call centers and help to ensure that each caller reaches the next available agent in the group.
ACD systems are typically used in conjunction with an interactive voice response (IVR) system, which can be used to provide callers with information about the status of the queue and an estimated wait time.
How Does Automatic Call Distribution Work?
Automatic call distribution systems are typically implemented using a private branch exchange (PBX) system or an IP-based PBX system.
When a call comes into the system, the ACD will route the call to the next available agent in the group. If all agents in the group are busy, the caller will be placed in a queue and will wait until an agent becomes available. When an agent becomes available, the ACD will route the call to that agent.
What are the Benefits of Automatic Call Distribution?
There are several benefits of using ACD in a call center, including reduced wait times for callers, improved customer satisfaction, and increased agent productivity.
Automatic call distribution can also help to ensure that calls are evenly distributed among agents, which can help to avoid agent burnout.
ACD systems can be used in conjunction with call recording and quality monitoring solutions to help call center managers evaluate agent performance and identify areas for improvement.
What Are the Main Features of Automatic Call Distribution?
The main features of automatic call distribution systems include call queuing, skill-based routing, reporting and analytics, and integration with CRM systems.
Call queuing allows incoming calls to be placed in a virtual queue and then distributed to the next available agent. Skill-based routing allows calls to be routed to agents based on their skills and qualifications.
Reporting and analytics tools allow call center managers to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as average handle time and abandonment rate. Integration with CRM systems allows call center agents to access customer data in real-time.