Direct VM Button

[cubla]

Partner R7 with R7 Messaging. Customer is using intercom *ext to open an immediate voice (speakerphone) connection to the other party. This works great. However, if the party isn't available (away from the desk for example) the customer then wants to be able to go DIRECTLY to that extensions mailbox and leave a message.

Now, I was thinking since he has a 34D phone that I would just create another button for the same ext that does not have the * in the programming. But the lowest the number of rings goes is 1 and it still tries to ring the ext. My secretary noticed that when she our VM Trans button when someone wants to go straight to someone mailbox it also still rings the extension before going to the mailbox? Now, can someone explain VM Transfer and why I can't just go directly to someones mailbox?

Am i making any since? haha...

 

[1043]

Create a button called voice mail transfer(feature 14). It works just like your transfer button but it bypasses ringing the phone.(It is called Direct to Voicemail on the Merlin system.)

 

[aarenot]

Once the Voice Mail Transfer button is created.

When a call comes in, while on the call with the caller, press Voice MAil transfer button, then press the button that says says, Intercom * ext number. That will transfer the call directly to the VM box for the ext number on the button.

To create this button.
Press feature 00
Pres the button to be programmed
press left intercom, *, ext number
press feature 00 to exit


This button will also, transfer the call if pressed during a call, and call the ext number if pressed before picking up the handset.

 

[cubla]

Funny thing is...I have feature 14 setup on our phones here and it shows up as VM transfer. However, when a call comes in and that button is pressed along with the *ext button it STILL rings the ext first?

Any ideas?

 

[1043]

Try doing the transfer the long way.
1. answer call
2. press feature 14
3. press intercom and the extension number and hang up.

If your phone system and voice mail are setup correctly it will work.

 

[mforrence]

It's funny how these threads morph... the original question dealt with placing an intercom call to a colleague (no outside call involved) via Voice Announce (* + ext). In the event of no response, wants a method to go directly to that colleague's voicemail. I've had this same issue for years, have not come up with a viable work-around... VM Transfer (feature 14) doesn't seem to play a role in this situation.
Mike

 

[aarenot]

OK, disregard the *ext not going to VM on an internal call, that is the way it is supposed to work.
On an incoming call, while on call press feature 14 before presssing anything else, then dial ext number. If that rings the ext, your system is not set up correctly.

 

[TouchToneTommy]

So with R7 Messaging, log into your OWN mailbox, then press 1 to send a message to another mailbox.

Or, set up a guest mailbox that points to an unused auto attendant, and set the selector codes to do mailbox transfer to specific mailboxes.

Or, give the users an additional mailbox, with a number that is similar to their real extension (user is Ext. 23, give them guest mailbox 43), set it to 1 ring VMS cover, and set the Phantom destination to their real mailbox. If you call *23 and get no rsponse, then dial 43 and leave a message.

 

[cubla]

Mike I agree! Haha...

I appreciate all the options but as Mike I'm sure has heard before the customer doesn't want to do anything other than "hitting a button and leaving the message in that mailbox". This is the same picky client I've been dealing with for awhile now.

The quick fix I came up with is telling the secretary (who is as tired of hearing about this as everybody else) to MAKE SURE she hits the DND button ANYTIME she's away from the phone...even at night. Of course, causing it to go straight to her mailbox. Seems to be working for now.

If the Partner was a little more flexible with it's setup and prompts it would be an excellent system. Panasonic makes life much easier with even their smallest systems. The "auto login" feature for example, this client would die for. Another is the fact you HAVE to leave a message for the receiver of a forwarded vm is rediculous...again Panasonic gives you the CHOICE to leave one or just forward the vm! I realize every system is different but good lord. If our cellular companies had prompts as long and drawnout as Avaya's our minutes would be in the millions just for checking our vm! On another note, I have some clients with NEC, Toshiba, etc... who have this long list of steps just to access their voicemail..with no complaints!

Still fun to problem solve...again...thanks guys.

 

[jordonj]

Ah yes...picky clients...adds flavor and excitement!

 

[DWLaurie]

The DND option was the one I was going to suggest, but that's still going to be an end user compliance issue. It'll only work if everyone does just as suggested, if you're not at your desk, turn on DND, if you are, turn off DND. Maybe develop a "whoopie cushion" that will tell the system whether you are sittin in your chair or not

--Dan

 

[mforrence]

In our office I made a small sticker that I put at the bottom of everone's light switch that said "Did you DND?". It helped...
Mike