An autodialer is a form of a predictive dialer software. It comes in various forms and performs a variety of purposes, but all share the commonality of automatically calling phone numbers – as what their name implies. An autodialer is typically useful when the purpose of dialing is time-sensitive or allocating to an individual to manually dial is impractical or inefficient.
An autodialer has features that enhance the possibility that a caller can connect with a person rather than just a voice mail, even calling new numbers if it foresees that an agent would be available based on the call analytics. Though frequently derided, an autodialer is an effective instrument for sales, the medical and hospitality industries, and emergencies. Advanced autodialer could be used with computers or PBX systems that make use of a SIP trunk.
Using an Autodialer
To operate an autodialer, a computer running the program, a human answering the phone, an active telephone connection, and a voice modem are required. The voice modem enables the computer to play audio recordings over a phone line; however, there are types of autodialers that frequently negate the need for any other equipment.
Typical desktop computers currently are equipped with two to four inbuilt modem cards; the more modems a call center has, the more concurrent calls it can handle. The program instructs the computer on what numbers to dial and what to do in the event of a busy signal, voice mail, or a live person picking up the phone. Prior to connecting the line to the other end, the auto-dialing program must determine which number to contact and for how long.
Initially, an autodialer could simply dial any combinations of numbers at random, a method known as “war dialing.” Today, an autodialer select leads from a database. The majority of calls are usually already picked up on the other end within the first 25 seconds or before it takes four rings. After that, a call is then routed to voice mail, and the autodialer can terminate the call after 25 seconds if no one responds. Additionally, if the call encounters a busy signal, it will be dropped.
An autodialer occasionally includes voice detection software that determines if the caller is speaking to an actual person or a voice mailbox. At that moment, the autodialer will route the call to either a live agent or a recorded message. If no live operator is available, a recorded message will be played, and the caller may be placed on wait.
The software generates statistics depending on the duration of each call, whether it is received by a voice mailbox or a live person, as well as other information. Out of that information, the autodialer utilizes what is called predictive dialing to allow phone calls even before the agent has even hung up the phone. In a call center, once an agent has completed a call with a lead, the agent would quickly be connected with another caller.
Different Types of Autodialer
Preview Dialer:
Prior to connecting, the agent receives call information and chooses whether or not to take the call.
Voice Broadcasting:
There is a message that is generated ahead of time which is transmitted to voicemails or live persons based on locations that are also pre-set. If the phone systems are unable to connect, they will attempt again at a later time by arranging an alternate timetable.
Progressive Dialer:
This type of dialer will simultaneously issue an agent a new lead’s number even if the former is still on a call — it is basically getting all the information of a call and just having just a few seconds to respond in between calls.
Predictive Dialer:
The optimal time-saver. It features a system that determines whether or not to connect a call according to the caller’s success in contacting an individual. Calls that go to voicemail, have busy signals, or other roadblocks to a call will be terminated.
Smart Predictive Dialer:
Places a call, plays prompt and recorded messages, and connects the call to agents only when the lead requests to be contacted.
The Drawbacks of an Autodialer
While call center dialers could be helpful and even proactive in terms of completing communication circuits, they are also accountable for robocalling and voice broadcasting– mainly when done in a solicitation-oriented manner. One of the primary reasons why an autodialer is so popular is that they are inexpensive to operate and/or even offered completely free when using VoIP.
VoIP-based autodialer can be expanded practically endlessly without the requirement for actual lines, handling hundreds of calls concurrently with no or minimal maintenance or intervention from call center workers. In the worst-case scenario, this entails a large number of calls conducted without accountability or oversight. On the other side, an autodialer is very valuable in some contexts, as they save significant amounts of time and money.
How Much Does an Autodialer Cost?
It depends on the demands, be ready to cash out just a few hundred dollars for the basic type of autodialer, downloadable software which could handle just one outbound call at a time, to thousands of dollars for advanced type, more sophisticated software which allows thousands of automated outbound calls per hour. Providers of dialer software may charge in advance, per call, per month, or annually. When you invest in sophisticated cloud-based call center software, you will be able to save more money.
Qualities Of an Excellent Autodialer
The best autodialer software empowers call center agents, strengthens your outbound calling approach, automates workflows, and ultimately contributes to superior client experiences. For example, a type of autodialer which includes dialer technologies targeted towards promoting your agents and enabling them to exceed expectations. Your best choice is the one that meets all of your current and future needs.
Is The Use of an Autodialer Illegal?
Considering that automated phone calls may appear to many people to be highly intrusive, there have been concerns regarding their legality. Indeed, there is an existing law restricting the usage of automated telephone dialers. However, do not panic—unless you utilize them carelessly, you have nothing to fear. To avoid violating the law, you should collaborate with a trustworthy provider.
Read Also : 4 Benefits of Using VoIP for Small Businesses
