What is call hunting ?
Call hunting is a feature when enabled, incoming call could be programmed so that it would ring more than one number sequentially as per priority without the caller knowing about it! It is called call hunting, as the PBX systems hunt for the person to whom an extension number is assigned, by calling up different numbers stored in a group.
Hunting number should not be confused with Call hunting feature of an EPABX system. Hunting number is totally different and t can be termed as one number many lines!
Now a days, almost any modern high end PABX comes with this useful “Call Hunting” feature. Now a days, this call hunting feature has been extended in many ways mainly because of introduction of “Hosted PBX” systems which are very intelligent.
Legacy PBX systems implement Call Hunting features in traditional way. When incoming call to a particular extension number which has “Call Hunting Feature” enabled, it rings the highest priority number in the group first. The number of rings after which it will try for the next can be programmed. When it tries out everything ( normally it does not happen, as anyone who uses “Call Hunting feature” would surely enable voicemail in one of his numbers in group.), then it would give ring out or no answer reply to the caller.
In Hosted PBX systems, normally, a number is associated with a person, but not a phone line, so call hunting can be easily implemented as well as more logic and intelligence can be programmed. For example, after 8PM at night, the home phone of the person would be called as soon as his office extension is dialed by some one!
Most probably, with deep usage of mobile phone recently, the significance of “Call Hunting” has decreased, but it is still an important feature of a PBX system either legacy or hosted PBX. Call hunting can be programmed to route to home number provided the PBX has external call forward facility.
Few benefits of Call Hunting feature:
1. One can change the top priority number dynamically. For example, if a person does not want to disturbed, he can simply put his voice mail on the top of the priority. This is specialy useful, as there is no call disconnect facility for called party on land line.
2. Calls could be redirected to IVR system or receptionist without caller knowing! This will ensure that no important call would be missed.
3. One can add many numbers in the Call Hunt group. One can even use his cell phone. This gives control to the call hunt feature user about the call accepting depending on his availability.
Conclusion
With advent and overwhelming increase of mobile phone, Call Hunting feature has lost it sheen and has ceased to be USP(Unique Selling Point) for any PBX (Private Branch Exchange). So, now a days it has become one of standard features.
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This is a great information. I think it has given enough knowledge about call hunting.