Paris, July 7, 2005 – Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA AND NYSE: ALA) today announced that leading contract manufacturer Briton EMS Ltd has successfully deployed Alcatel's IP communications technology to improve staff productivity and link up two previously separate offices in Bedfordshire. The customised solution provides workers with advanced CTI routing, soft phone PC technology, and Alcatel DECT handsets for use across all Briton facilities. It also equips Briton with a flexible solution for mobile working.
Briton required a single communications system to connect two nearby sites, both of them having previously relied upon independently maintained legacy phone systems. A lack of effective inter-site communication meant Briton was unable to make full use of the office facilities on one of the sites, while losing time and money transferring calls between the two systems.
Briton opted for the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise, which was implemented by Switch Communications, an Alcatel Premium Business Partner, which specialises in selling unified communications solutions to both public and private sector organisations.
"Our priority was a future-proof solution that would connect up the two sites and give us extensive call management capabilities," said Bill Burton, managing director, Briton. "The decision to install the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise was based primarily on Alcatel's superior integration of hardware and software."
Located at the main office, the communications solution uses DECT roaming, connected with voice-over-IP, to allow the second site to connect to the system as a remote branch, ensuring that Briton has exactly the same information at both sites. All inter-site calls are now handled without operator involvement, reducing costs and increasing productivity.
"Soft phone technology allows us to manage voicemail and call routing on our PCs, and by implementing a desktop solution fully integrated with our existing operating system, we've reduced the need for worker training and greatly improved the speed at which we handle incoming calls," added Burton.
In addition to utilising soft phone technology, Briton has deployed advanced computer telephony integration (CTI) routing to further improve call handling efficiency and minimise operator involvement. Using Alcatel management tools, Briton can input details of external contacts, so that when they call Briton, they are automatically routed to the correct member of staff. The tools also provide DDI functionality and detailed billing and call logging information.
The training for the new system was provided by Switch Communications, which also offers ongoing support for Briton.
"The Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise's flexibility made it ideal to meet Briton's requirements," said Andy Smith, marketing manager, Switch Communications. "The scalability of the Alcatel system makes the implementation a blueprint for bigger organisations requiring a customised multi-site communications solution."
About Briton EMS Ltd
Briton EMS is a leading contract electronics manufacturer, selling equipment to SMEs within the industrial and instrumentation sectors. Developing systems and processes to maximise flexibility, Briton specialises in low/medium volume, high-mix production, and helps customers benefit from their decision to outsource by providing true business partnerships and taking responsibility for the manufacturing process.
About Switch Communications
Switch Communications is one of the leading telecommunications systems suppliers in the UK, providing complete solutions that include consultancy, installation, finance, training, maintenance, support and network services. Its expertise includes call centres, computer telephony integration, video conferencing, ISDN, voice and data integration, call management and IP VPN WANs.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. | |
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