For the average Joe, 3CX isn’t something you hear everyday. Even with “phone systems” giving further context, there’s still a lot of head canon to do, right? Well, it’s good that you’re here as we’re about to demystify everything about 3CX phone systems. And if you’re a business owner looking to stream your operations, stay through and learn about important 3CX features and functionality that will prove useful for your business.
What is 3CX and How Does it Work?
3CX, for easy interpretation, is a commercial communication software that helps businesses manage and streamline internal communication among stakeholders. Think of it as a super smart and organized assistant for your business phone needs. It helps companies manage calls, messages, and meetings all in one place, making communication easy and efficient.
Overview of 3CX Phone System
Let’s get a bit techy with the definition for a minute. It’s important to know some terms so we can have a better grasp of what this technology is truly capable of.
3CX is a software-based PBX phone system that allows businesses to communicate using VoIP technology. Notice that there are about three different technologies in that one definition.
3CX Phone Systems
3CX is essentially a brand name where “CX” stands for Communication Experience, and “Phone System” indicates the purpose of the 3CX software as a telecommunications solution for businesses.
IP PBX
Nextiva describes IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) as a telecommunication device that provides voice connectivity to desk phones within a building. It oversees the outgoing and incoming calls across its telephone network using an internet connection.
VoIP
VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet protocol. As the term implies, VoIP is the technology that makes internet calls possible. Facetimed your buddy before? You’ve got VoIP to thank for that. Ever hopped on a Skype call or Google Meet? Send your tokens to VoIP phones.
3CX makes use of all these communication technologies to create an ecosystem of extremely efficient and effective business communication.
Key 3CX Features and Functionality
Now that we’ve addressed the “what is” question, let’s take a look at some 3CX features and functionality that can benefit your business.
- Unified Communications: 3CX integrates various communication methods like voice chat, video calls, chat, and even email into a single and easy-to-use platform. A typical example of this system is Google Workspace or Slack; where teams can collaborate seamlessly across multiple communication channels.
- SIP Trunking: 3CX reduces call costs and provides your business with the flexibility to choose from various service providers. It is particularly essential if you’re hoping to reduce communication expenses while maintaining high-quality voice communication. More on this later.
- CRM Integration: 3CX integrates with popular CRM systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, etc., which allows automatic call logging, screen pops with client information, and streamlined customer interactions.
- 3CX Live Chat and Talk Plugin: Another great 3CX feature is the live chat and talk plugin that allows website visitors to chat, call, and even schedule a Meet with staff right from the website. It’s a great way to provide immediate customer support, enhancing their experience interacting with your business.
For the sake of brevity, we’ll stop at these 4. But if you’re curious about what other nice features 3CX offers, here’s a quick list;
- Fax to Email
- Hot Desking
- Call Recording
- Scalability
- Web Conferencing
How to Get Started with the 3CX Phone System
Love what you read about the features of 3CX and want to integrate them? Getting started with 3CX is pretty straightforward. It includes understanding your communication needs, downloading and installing the software, and configuring it to suit your business environment.
Setting Up 3CX
Setting up 3CX involves several steps to ensure it is correctly configured for optimal performance and usability.
- Create Extensions: Set up user extensions, ensuring each employee has a unique extension number.
- Configure SIP Trunks: Add and configure SIP trunks to enable external calling. Ensure compatibility with your chosen SIP provider.
- Set Up Inbound and Outbound Rules: Define how calls are routed within your organization. Set up rules for incoming calls to ensure they reach the right departments and individuals.
- Set Up Voicemail: Configure voicemail settings for each extension. Customize greetings and set up voicemail-to-email if needed.
Deploying 3CX in Your Business
Deploying 3CX can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re going the DIY route. Not that anything changes with a qualified provider but you must ensure careful planning and execution to minimize disruptions.
- Plan the Deployment: First assess your infrastructure, including network capacity and compatibility with 3CX. Develop a deployment plan that includes timelines, responsibilities, and contingencies.
- Test the System: Before full deployment, conduct a pilot test with a small group of users. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
- Training and Support: Provide training for all users on how to use the 3CX system. Ensure IT staff are prepared to offer ongoing support. And if your business isn’t that big enough for its IT team, be sure to educate yourself and the few others extensively.
Integrating 3CX with Other Systems
If there’s a category where 3CX shines the brightest, it’s how easily and seamlessly it integrates with other systems.
- CRM Integration: Integrate 3CX with your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to enable click-to-call, call logging, and customer information pop-ups during calls.
- Email Integration: Set up voicemail-to-email and fax-to-email functionalities to ensure important messages are never missed.
- API Access: Use the 3CX API to develop custom integrations with other software used in your organization.
Exploring the Advanced Features of 3CX
Video Conferencing with 3CX
3CX includes robust video conferencing features that facilitate virtual meetings and remote collaboration.
- Scheduling and Hosting: Schedule and host video conferences directly from the 3CX web client or mobile app.
- Screen Sharing: Share your screen during video calls to enhance presentations and collaborative work.
- Recording and Playback: Record video conferences for later review or distribution to participants who couldn’t attend.
Call Center Features in 3CX
3CX is equipped with features tailored for call center operations, improving efficiency and customer service.
- Advanced Call Queues: Manage high volumes of incoming calls with advanced call queue strategies.
- Agent Management: Monitor agent performance with real-time statistics and call logs.
- Call Routing: Use skills-based routing to direct calls to the most appropriate agents.
SIP Trunk Configurations in 3CX
This is the replacement technology for traditional phone lines. SIP is short for “Session Initiation Protocol” while trunking refers to the process of combining multiple lines or channels to share resources efficiently.
How SIP Trunking Works
Internet-Based: Instead of using physical phone lines, SIP trunking sends and receives calls through your internet connection
Service Provider: You connect your phone system (PBX) to a SlP trunking service provider who routes your calls to and from the regular telephone network.
Configuring SIP trunks is crucial for enabling external communication through the 3CX system.
- Selecting a SIP Provider: Choose a reliable SIP provider that meets your business needs.
- Configuration Settings: Enter the required SIP trunk details in the 3CX management console, including server addresses, authentication credentials, and codecs.
- Testing: Conduct thorough testing to ensure that calls can be made and received without issues.
Benefits of Using 3CX for Your Business Communication
Using 3CX for your business communications offers a variety of benefits that can enhance productivity, reduce cost, and improve the overall efficiency of your business operations.
Cost-Effective Communication Solutions
3CX is often cheaper than traditional phone lines, especially for long-distance and international calls. So if you’ve got lots of international clients or customers, you should integrate 3CX.
Imagine your office phone system as a highway. Traditional phone lines are like individual lanes, each dedicated to one car (or call). SIP trunking turns this highway into a multi-lane freeway, where multiple cars (or calls) can share the lanes, traveling more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Mobile Accessibility with 3CX Apps
Any communications technology that isn’t mobile phone friendly is probably dated tech. Mobile phones have become an extremely useful and important part of our daily lives. It makes sense that 3CX integrates smoothly with it.
3CX offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, ensuring seamless communication on the go.
- Mobile Apps: Download and install the 3CX mobile apps to access your office phone system from anywhere.
- Unified Communication: Enjoy features such as voicemail, chat, and presence status directly on your mobile device.
- Remote Work: Enable remote work capabilities, allowing employees to stay connected regardless of their location.
Getting Started With The Top 3CX Solution Provider – MIS Solutions
While 3CX is a straightforward system to integrate, it still requires careful planning and deployment. MIS Solutions is a top-tier provider of 3CX solutions, known for its expertise in deploying and managing 3CX phone systems.
Ready to take your business communication to a new level? Click here to get started and chat with us.
