Configuring an Auto Attendant (IVR)

An auto attendant (IVR — Interactive Voice Response) answers incoming calls with a recorded greeting and routes callers to the right department or extension via keypad input. It's the 'Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Support' system callers hear. To configure: record a professional greeting that identifies the company and lists the menu options clearly. Keep the menu short — no more than 5 options per level. Map each digit (1–9, 0, *) to a destination: an extension, a ring group, a voicemail box, or another menu. Configure the timeout action for callers who don't press anything (route to reception or main voicemail). Best practices: put the most frequently selected option first, mention the option number before the destination ('For sales, press 1' not 'Press 1 for sales' — callers stop listening after hearing what they want), and always provide a way to reach a live person (press 0 for the operator). Test the auto attendant by calling the main number from a cell phone and navigating all menu paths.