If sending your calls directly to a single extension (for reception as an example), it can be configured to handle time of day scheduling and what to do with the calls after hours or when the operator is not available, by setting up a “dial sequence” of events.

Start by choosing the existing Extension you want all your calls to go to, upon the caller dialing your phone number. Then decide on the sequence of events the call should follow, up to the termination point (if call is not answered).

1.  Navigate to the main Extensions screen and select the pencil icon to open the details screen to configure the extension.

2. Navigate to the Call Flow tab and choose the Dial Sequence you want to use.

 Default Dial Sequence

This is a simple configuration suitable for most generic extensions. It allows for a maximum of two steps, on a persistent basis. Typically, an extension rings four times, and then goes to that extension’s voicemail. You can, however, tell the call to go to (“follow”) another extension, a call queue or hang up after ringing the extension. Simply choose the behavior you want this call to follow.

You can also tell the system to automatically behave a certain way as soon as the call hits the extension (rather than ringing first, and then following a command). You can ask the call to immediately Dial an “outside” (external) phone number, go straight to voicemail, follow a path to another extension, go directly to a queue or immediately hang up.

Alternative Dial Sequence

This is a more advanced configuration that can be extended to up to six steps. It enables complex find-me / follow-me rules to be defined in which the extension dials around to various locations, as administered. It can be further defined by a Time of Day Schedule for the Dial Sequence. Each of the two categories of dial sequences operate independently and can be selected using the first drop-down menu located in the Alternate Dial Sequence section.

 Always Enabled: This enables the Alternate Dial Sequence on a permanent basis.

Enabled On: This enables the Alternate Dial Sequence on a scheduled basis. A daily scheduling option will appear.

1.  Set your scheduling times based on when the extension user will be available to take the calls.

2. Then set the extension to be dialed and for how many rings.

3. Continue setting more steps for the call to take if the call isn’t answered within the set ring amount (this uses the “Find me follow me” feature to try calling another extension or try your cell phone as an example).

4. Ensure the last step is “then” and sets a termination point (i.e.: voicemail or go to another TN’s automated attendant).

5. Finally, set the default dial sequence (first line in orange) so that the system knows what to do with the call outside of the scheduled hours.

You can now add this extension to your Telephone Number Call Flow as the default extension the calls go to right away.