Every incoming call represents an opportunity to connect with customers, address their needs, and ultimately drive business growth. However, managing a high volume of calls can be a daunting task. This is where round robin call routing works as a game-changer. With this feature, your business can:
- Evenly distribute calls among agents or reps
- Optimize call handling
- Ensure no opportunity is missed
- Provide prompt and attentive care to each customer
What is Round Robin Routing?
Round robin call routing is an advanced call routing method where incoming calls are evenly distributed among various agents or representatives. It operates by sequentially directing calls through a predefined list of recipients.
This routing strategy typically relies on the automatic call distribution (ACD) or IVR systems to efficiently direct incoming calls, enhancing caller experience.
Dealing with a substantial number of incoming calls, particularly in sales or support? This feature might prove extremely useful in better call management. United World Telecom is working on introducing the round robin call routing feature.
How Does Round Robin Call Routing Work?
This feature operates on a predetermined set of lists and rules to efficiently distribute calls across your network. It is typically easy to set up; simply configure these rules through your service provider’s control panel or dashboard.
Within that interface, you make a roster of agents, establish the agent order (A, B, C), and define how calls will route. Then, when a client calls, the IVR or ACD system refers to the established agent order and forwards the call accordingly.
If agents A, B, and C are available, the call first goes to A as they’re first in the agent order, followed by agent B, then C. This method ensures an even distribution of calls among the agents, preventing overload on any single individual.
What Can Your Business do with Round Robin Routing? Benefits
Ensuring efficient customer service and sales support hinges on equipping your teams and agents for success. Do you have teams located in different locations? Or, does your business grapple with high inbound call volumes? This routing strategy helps evenly distribute workload among agents, ensuring teams are not overburdened while improving operational efficiency. Here are some other benefits of using round robin call routing:
- Elevate caller experience and customer satisfaction – by providing quick and response support.
- Customize call availability based on agent schedules – by understanding your business’ call flow and being proactive.
- Decrease wait times and abandoned calls – by routing strategically and to available agents.
- Expedite resolution of customer inquiries – by sending calls to the right agent.
- Minimize instances of voicemails and missed calls – by routing calls to offshore call center when traffic is high.
- Seamlessly transfer and forward calls during busy periods – by preparing in advance with custom routing rules.
- Optimize the utilization of your team’s time efficiently – by doing all of the above.
Route with Backup Options
It is important to note a potential challenge with this routing strategy. Since calls are directed in a sequential manner, encountering a busy agent could mean extended wait time for callers. Fortunately, there are measures to address this situation, such as:
- Diverting calls to voicemail after a brief waiting period,
- Directing them to the next available agent after shorter wait periods, or
- Transferring calls to a customer support outsourcing company or backup staff.
Round robin routing can be used with other call routing techniques, such as simultaneous ringing, to mitigate unanswered calls or prolonged wait times.
Optimize Your Call Distribution with Round Robin Routing
While United World Telecom doesn’t yet have a straightforward round robin call routing feature, users can set up a version of this routing strategy in the control panel using their call forwarding numbers. This allows businesses to achieve fair call distribution and maintain uninterrupted customer communication.
Our system allows you to build a reliable routing strategy that:
- Distributes calls in a predetermined sequence to a list of agents
- Manages call traffic to reduce hold times and missed calls
- Balances your team’s workload for greater productivity
- Automatically forwards calls until they are answered
Pro Tip: You can set up your own version of this routing method by using the Sequential Forwarding rule within your phone line’s Advanced Routing settings. Simply add each agent’s phone number in the desired order to create your custom call distribution list.
Check out our guide to advanced routing.
Use Advanced Routing with United World Telecom
Round robin routing is just one of the many advanced call routing strategies you can avail for free with your United World Telecom phone number plan. To learn more, check out our Features or chat with our experts today!