EPABX (Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange) : A private
branch exchange (PBX) is a telephone exchange that serves a particular
business or office, as opposed to one that a common carrier or telephone
company operates for many businesses or for the general public. PBXs
are also referred to as PABX private automatic branch exchange
and EPABX.
The electronic private automatic branch exchange (EPABX) is equipment
that has made day-to-day working in the offices much simpler,
especially in the area of communication.
The EPABX may be defined as a switching system that makes available
both internal and external stitching functions of any organisation.The
selection of an EPBAX is a difficult task and requires deep knowledge of
traffic pattern of the office. By using an EPABX both the internal and
external needs of the organisation are fully served. With the advent of
powerful microprocessors and advancements in the field of computers, the
EPBAX can boast of versatile features. Hotline can be established
between the boss and his immediate subordinates.
The feature of a call transferring and forwarding is another area
enabling mobility of the users. Autoconferencing and automatic
redialling of numbers found engaged on the first trial are some of other
advancements in the features of the EPBAX.
The selection of an EPBAX for an organisation should be preceded by a
thorough study of the needs of the office. The exchange should be
supporting features like voice DISA-n-auto attendant. This feature helps
in doing away with a receptionist or an attendant. Further, the
specifications should ensure inbuilt paging, auto fax homing, hot
outward dialing, remote dialing, remote servicing and auto shut dynamic
lock. EPABX system is an impressive business solution to meet the office needs
of internal communication. It provides a business phone system that
enables switching internal calls between two or more persons on
different extensions on the same business phone connection. EPABX system
solutions are provided by office equipment suppliers who shall enable
the service in an organizational set up.
Advantages of EPABX System :
Sharing of Resources
Within an office set up, the employees can share phone lines. Several
extensions may be connected to a single phone line, thus reducing the
overall phone expenses. In case of external calls, they may be routed
from a single incoming mode and directed to the respective extension
number from there.
Easy Programming
The EPABX system is totally programmable. It facilitates complex
installation procedures and other integrated requirements for
communication.
Expandable System
With the growth of the company and the communication needs, the basic
network of business phone system can also be expanded easily without
much hassle.
Occupies Compact Space
The physical hub of an EPABX system is low profile and does not
require large space to be accommodated. Hence space constraints are not
an issue.
Essential Standard Features
It offers several basic call features needed for office communication. Few of them are given below.
Auto Attendant
Automatic ring back
Call transfer
Call waiting
Conference call
Additional Features
These days, many fancy features are also being offered by the EPABX systems which help in everyday office affairs.
Alarms
Remainders for meeting, appointments, etc.
Music on hold
Night service
Do Not Disturb (DND)