Why Unified Messaging Is a Must for Operational Efficiency

Streamlining workflows and removing communication channel process bottlenecks will increase an organization’s operational efficiency – saving time, money and additional resources. Unified messaging (also known as unified communications, unified communications as a service or UCaaS) is a technology that allows better team collaboration.

Your workforce will save time by being able to connect with others quickly and easily, while enjoying the freedom to connect via the communication channel that best fits their needs. As an organization, you’ll be able to select from a wide variety of communication channels and pick the ones that will assist your workforce in getting more done.  

If you are wondering how to configure a unified messaging solution to fit the needs of your organization – you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.

RELATED: How Top Healthcare Systems Are Leveraging Unified Communications

Common Unified Messaging Channel Options

Unified messaging integrates multiple communication channels into one solution. Your unified messaging system can be accessed via desk phone, laptop or mobile device. Employees can access all communications channels from one place instead of manually switching from one channel to another. Unified messaging cuts down on wasted time and the frustrations that are typically associated with a disconnected style of work.

Unified messaging solution manufacturers each have their own communication options for their customers to choose from to create a personalized fit for their organization. However, options that a well-connected unified messaging solution will carry, include:

• Phone
• SMS Messaging
• Voice Mail
• Team Chat
• Videoconferencing
• Webinar Hosting
• File Management and Storage
• Contact Center Integration

Additional features that will help to make your system handy and maximize efficiency, should include:

• Auto Attendant
• Presence
• Hunt Groups
• Integrations

Working with your unified messaging provider, you can select the options and features that best fit your organization.

Capabilities of Unified Messaging

What can unified messaging do? Plenty. It’s your central communications hub that enables your staff to work securely, productively, efficiently and intelligently from anywhere while building stronger customer relationships.

As more and more businesses have been adopting cloud technology, leaders have sought communication solutions that can unify their user experience for seamless communication, no matter which communication channel a user chooses.

At its core, a unified messaging solution is a customizable, flexible and scalable platform. In addition, there are a few factors to keep in mind that indicate a robust unified messaging experience, these are:

• Easy Integration – Make sure your unified messaging solution can connect with your other business tools. This could include technology such as your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database, content management system, help desk management applications and call center capabilities.
• Fast Adoption – If your unified messaging solution can be installed quickly and user training is simplified with an intuitive user experience, then your employees will be ready to start using time-saving features without the need for lengthy transition downtime.  
• Simple Remote Management – An easily scalable platform that can be managed from anywhere, should be your goal. You’ll also want to be able to enable or disable permissions by group or individual user, set up groups based on business requirements and track employee productivity, all from your management portal.
• Mobile Capabilities – Accessing your unified messaging solution via smartphone or mobile device, keeps communications handy for your employees, whether they are in the office or on-the-go. Also make sure that your solution is compatible with both Android and iOS systems for ease of use.

Benefits of Unified Messaging

In the age of hybrid workforce models, one of the best decisions you can make is switching from a traditional phone system to a cloud-based unified messaging solution. When you do, you’ll reap a considerable number of benefits, including:

• A Customized Communications System – Choose the communication channel options that best fit your organization.
• Predictable Monthly Payments – Unified messaging allows for standardized monthly payments for more predictable budgeting.
• Cloud-Based Phones That Scale With Ease – As your organization evolves, change the size of your unified messaging fleet (up or down) without costly downtime or extensive user training.
• Peace of Mind for Business Continuity – Cloud-based, unified messaging solutions are less likely to feel the effects of natural disasters or other external impacts that can knock traditional phone systems offline. Your employees can still use their mobile devices or desktops to communicate, as long as they have an internet connection.
• Protecting Against Spam – Reduce the amount of spam calls received by your employees. Unified messaging offers spam caller protection by identifying these types of callers and blocking them.
• Easy, Convenient Collaboration – Designed for hybrid workforces, unified messaging keeps your workforce connected. Employees can collaborate in a video meeting, chat, or even share and work on files at the same time. The future of workplace collaboration is ready for unified messaging.
• Reducing the Burden on Your IT Team – Maintaining a traditional phone system can be tedious and time-consuming. Stop stretching your small IT team to the limit. Choose a unified messaging system and an outsourced provider will take care of the updates, maintenance and monitoring for you. You’ll lighten your IT team’s project load and help them to focus on higher priorities.
• Secure Communications – Some unified messaging solutions are better than others. The best ones will have strict security protocols, server redundancy and an excellent uptime average.

Managed Voice Services by Gordon Flesch Company

Optimize your organizational communication ROI by implementing a cloud-based, unified messaging solution. Managed Voice Services (MVS) provided by Gordon Flesch Company has a 99.999% average uptime as well as being a tailored, multi-channel, single solution with all of the features and benefits you’d expect in a premier unified messaging solution.

Contact us to request a demonstration or download your free guide to learn more about our business phone, video, chat and file sharing all-in-one platform.