How Does Call Accounting Software Work?

How can telephone calls appear as a computer report? This mystifies many. Actually it is no mystery! This is how it happens:

1. A PC is connected to the PABX.

2. After every call is completed, the PABX sends details of the call to the PC.

3. CAMS2000, which is running on the PC, receives the data.

4. CAMS2000 processes the data, stores the information in database and makes available the powerful reports you saw.

This, in a nutshell, is how it works.

But how is PC connected to the PABX? The short answer is: "Using SMDR Interface". Is this technical jargon scaring you? No need to, because from a user's point of view it is just a socket to which one end of the cable is connected; the other end is connected to COM1 or COM2 serial port of the PC.

OK, I know COM1 port is that 9-pin socket in the back of my PC, but where do I get SMDR interface for my PABX? Depending upon the manufacturer and model, the SMDR interface may already be in your PABX. It could be 25 pins or 9 pins serial connector somewhere on the PABX frame (e.g. Panasonic PABX's have built-in SMDR interfaces, fixed on right side wall).

If you do not have a built-in SMDR, then you will have to purchase and have it fixed. As an example, NEC's Nice32i does not come with SMDR interface. You need to purchase it separately. It looks like any electronic circuit board and has a 25 pins socket. Surprisingly it is not fixed inside the PABX box! It is fixed inside a telephone (16 or 24 buttons phone is needed – won't fit into a 12 button phone).

Nortel's Meridian also does not come with SMDR – you need to purchase it. It looks like a small external modem. It fits between the PABX and one of the phones.

Panasonic and Samsung PABX (one model at least) comes with built-in SMDR interface.

Does SMDR stand for something? Yes, it stands for Station Message Detail Recording, but I would advise against using the full name while purchasing. The salesman may tell you that they don't have it! Just ask for SMDR interface.

So what all do I need? You need SMDR interface, a serial cable with correct Pin configurations, correct data speed, parity etc to be setup, a PC, a PABX and CAMS2000 software.

Would I need anything else? You may need the services of PABX supplier's technician to program the SMDR so that data transfer starts. In Panasonic or Samsung, the moment you connect the right cable, setup correct port settings, data starts flowing. Not so in Nice32i. You need services of a technician from PABX supplier to program the SMDR so that data starts flowing.

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Skand Bhargava
Call Accounting | Time & Attendance | Personnel & Payroll<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]> 

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Customer Complaints About Slow Phone Calls Pick-up?

"Why don't your people pick up phone? It just keeps ringing"

May be it happened just once and the client is generalising (he was in a bad mood). Or may be there is a real issue out here!!

What you need is a system that tells you in how many rings, phone calls are picked up in your office. The "Inward Calls Ring Analysis" report in CAMS2000 gives you this information. It analyses in 24 hour spread, so that you can even check if the problem is only during some time slots.

With information at your fingertips, you are better prepared for action.

 

To Your Success!

Skand Bhargava

Softools Middle East

http://www.softoolsme.com

CAMS2000 Introduction & Reports.

Telephone Call Accounting Management System is a system that reads data from PABX system and produces various reports to help management to monitor and then control the companies telephones cost, mis-use.

Listed are the reports generated by the CAMS2000 system.

Features & Reports:· Powerful Filtering facility for every report.
· Time Duration of Each Call.
· Call charges for each call.
· Handles Full & Reduces rates per call.
· Day-Wise report
· Extension-Wise Report
· Cost-Wise Top calls
· Duration-Wise Top calls.. Frequently-Contacted Wise Top calls
· Call Analysis for International/National/Local calls
· Call Analysis for Department/Division
· User Information (If PIN is supported by PABX)
. Lines Analysis to analyse business needs
. Rings Analysis to analyse answering of in-comings calls
. Export basic data in Excel format
. Purge of old data
. User & Password maintenance

"If you don't know what's happening, you can't change it."
Skand BhargavaSoftools Middle East