Panasonic DBS 576 Guide

Panasonic
(Also supports DBS 576HD)
a
Reference Manual
Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) Management Information Systems (MIS)
ACD/MIS
DBS 576 - Version 5.0
issued September 2001
ACD/MIS Version 2.52
Issued July 2001
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice and do not constitute a commitment on the part of Panasonic Telecommunication Systems Company (PTSC). Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document. However, due to ongoing product improvements and revisions, PTSC cannot guarantee the accuracy of printed material after the date of publication, nor can it accept responsibility for errors or omissions. PTSC will update and revise this document as needed.
The software and hardware described in this document may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license pertaining to said software or hardware.
© 2001 by Panasonic Telecommunication Systems Company (PTSC)
All rights reserved.
ACD Viewer, Report Manager, Agent View, and MIS Server are trademarks of SMD.
pcAnywhere is a registered trademark of Symantec Corporation
Windows, Windows NT Workstation, Windows NT Server, and Access 97 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Seagate Crystal Reports is a trademark of Seagate Corporation.
Panasonic is a registered trademark of Matsushita Communications Industrial Corp. of America.
Overview
Table of Contents
ACD & Management Information System
MIS Server Application
ACD Viewer
Report Manager
Agent View
Wallboards
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ACD Configuration Options
How ACD Can Benefit Customers
Major ACD Functions
Agent Features
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Supervisor Features
Reports
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ACD Standard Specifications
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Chapter 1. System Configuration
Basic System Layout
Cabling Considerations
Stand-alone Configuration
Network Configuration
Network Installation
Windows NT™ Concurrent Connection Licenses
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Chapter 2. System Requirements
ACD Viewer
Agent View
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MIS Server
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Chapter 3. Installation
Installation Overview
Before You Begin
Overview of Steps
Preparing the Windows NT Host PC
Verifying Windows NT Network Settings
Setting Up User Profiles on the Windows NT Host PC
Installing the MIS Server Software
Before You Begin
Step 1: Installing the Microsoft DAO Software
Step 2: Installing the MIS Server Software
Installing the ACD Viewer Software
Before You Begin
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Steps to Take
Starting ACD Viewer
Installing the Agent View Software
Accessing MIS Server Settings After Installation
Viewing or Changing the MIS Server Configuration
Verifying that the MIS Server is Running
Viewing or Changing the MIS Server Configuration
Accessing Windows NT Service Settings
Uninstalling the MIS Server Software
Stopping the MIS Server
Uninstalling MIS Server
Uninstalling the ACD Viewer Software
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Chapter 4. ACD Viewer System Components
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Starter Kit
ACD Viewer
Report Manager
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Agent View
Wallboards
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Chapter 5. ACD Viewer
Overview
Information Displayed
Main View
Alarms
Group Detail View
Remote Access
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Chapter 6. Report Manager
Overview
Agent Call Summary Report
Agent Time Summary Report
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Queue Average Report
Queue Count Report
Queue Count Graph Report
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Incoming Call Duration Spectrum Report
Lost Call Spectrum Report
Delayed Call Spectrum Report
Trunk Report
Work Unit Report
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Work Unit Agent Report
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Chapter 7. Agent View
Overview
Information Displayed
Button-View (Agent View)
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Chapter 8. Wallboards
Overview
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Information Displayed
Priority Text Messages
Delimiter Messages
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Chapter 9. Exporting Report Data
Seagate Crystal Reports
Microsoft Access
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Chapter 10. Troubleshooting
ACD Viewer Error Messages
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Overview

ACD & Management Information System

Panasonic's Call Center products are focused on cost-effective solutions that grow incrementally to meet the changing needs of a business. Whether ACD Viewer is installed in a stand-alone configuration or in a network configuration, the real time displays provide information about current Call Center workload (incoming calls) and resources (ACD Agents). Historical reports provide essential information used to evaluate trends, performance, and results.
Figure 1 depicts the DBS576/HD Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) & Management Information System (MIS).
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Figure 1. DBS576/HD ACD & MIS
ACD Viewer is a client that runs on the Supervisors PC. ACD Viewer runs on MS Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT.
Agent View is a client that runs on individual Agent PC’s. Agent View runs on MS Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT.
Wallboards are connected directly to a PC running ACD Viewer. One copy of ACD Viewer can support up to 128 wallboards. Wallboards can display information for one ACD Group or be setup to display information for any number of ACD groups.
DBS 576/576HD
ACD/MIS Port
MIS Server software and the Report Database require a Windows NT Workstation or Windows NT Server running TCP\IP.
The MIS Server software collects and organizes ACD events from the DBS 576/576HD and distributes the data via TCP\IP across the network to ACD Viewer clients, Agent View clients, and Wallboards. ACD events are also stored in the Report Database that is used by the Report Manager in ACD Viewer.
TCP\IP
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MIS Server Application

The MIS Sever application has 3 general functions. First, it is responsible for maintaining communications with the phone system. Secondly, it receives and organizes real-time data that is broadcast via TCP\IP to ACD Viewer and Agent View clients. And finally the MIS Server application collects, sorts and stores call center records for historical reporting.

ACD Viewer

ACD Viewer is for Managers and Supervisors that need "real time" information to oversee daily operations. An overview of all ACD Groups, Agents and Alarm statuses are provided in one easy to use display. Another display provides detailed information about one ACD group including individual Agent states (ACD Call, Unavailable…) and duration of the current activity.

Report Manager

Agent View

Report Manager is a component of ACD Viewer that provides the Supervisor or Administrator of an ACD group(s) access to statistical and historical data from their desktop PC. Report Manager enables the Supervisor to schedule reports that run automatically on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly interval.
To make analysis and manipulation of the data easier, reports are exportable to other applications (MS Excel™, MS Word™…). Additionally, the Microsoft DAO™ database can be accessed using tools such as Seagate Crystal Reports™ or Microsoft's Access™. Dealers or Customers that have qualified personnel on staff can write custom reports or modify the existing Seagate Crystal Reports. (See Chapter 3, Overview for more details on exporting data.)
Agent View provides an alternative method to deliver critical Call Center data to front line and management personnel in a small, unobtrusive format that's easy to understand. Agent View functions as a Software-Wallboard application. However, Agent View is also used for lead personnel (sub­Supervisors) and management personnel that wish to monitor ACD activities but don't require all the detail of ACD Viewer.
Agent View addresses three specific areas. First, Agent View provides more Call Center information than an Agent's display telephone. Second, the information is displayed continuously throughout the duration of a call.
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Finally, Agent View provides a method to deliver Call Center information where wallboards are ineffective. For instance, personnel are in individual offices, cubical walls are too high, or the customer doesn't want sensitive Call Center information displayed in a public area.

Wallboards

Wallboards are an effective method to provide Agents and other interested personnel with real-time Call Center information. Items that exceed preset alarm conditions are displayed and may be accompanied by an audible alarm. Text messages can be sent to the wallboard on a periodic basis or as a one-time priority message.

ACD Configuration Options

Panasonic offers several configuration choices depending on your ACD requirements. For example, the Standard ACD package consists of two (2) cards installed directly into the DBS 576 or HD cabinet and provides a host of basic ACD functionality to distribute and report incoming call traffic (Figure 1). However, you can expand and enhance the ACD functionality by adding our MIS (Management Information System) package along with the standard ACD card. The MIS package is software that can be loaded into a stand alone Server on a LAN, or loaded directly into an existing Server.
This expanded MIS package delivers a variety of ACD tools for more sophisticated call center environments.
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Figure 2. Standard ACD Package
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How ACD Can Benefit Customers

Among the many benefits that ACD can provide to users, nothing compares to the overall increase in Customer Satisfaction that can be gained using this tool.
Callers entering into ACD systems have the comfort of knowing that their call is being processed by prompting the caller periodically through various messages. ACD above all else, eliminates terminal holds which can be extremely frustrating to customers, and the business can ultimately lose the customer. This can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost business that can never be measured.
Decreasing Costs always provides a tremendous benefit to organizations, and ACD systems can certainly help accomplish this goal. Efficient call centers can:
Eliminate multiple handling of calls, reducing staff expenses
Manage staffing levels by providing report data on call center activity and call flow
Manage agent efficiency
Reduce returned calls (Outbound Toll)
Help determine the correct number of incoming lines
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An effective ACD system can also provide Increased Revenue opportunities for an organization. By handling more calls at a time than number of Agents, potential customers can wait in Queue for an Agent to become available to assist the customer and/or take an order. This process greatly decreases and minimizes potential customers from abandoning calls.
Finally, the ACD system provides a call center with effective Management Tools to ensure that calls are being handled effectively, and that your getting the highest level of productivity from your Agents. In addition, the ACD provides Management with:
Real time visualization of Call Center Status
Short & Long term reports for statistical data analysis
Immediate response to long delays
Additional Benefits of Panasonic's ACD
One Vendor Solution - The advantages to utilizing this single vendor
solution are many. Most importantly, the support for the system can be obtained through one phone call, as well as maintenance and ongoing changes for your call center.
Easy Installation - This ACD solution is an integrated solution in the form of a circuit board that is placed within the cabinet. All of the power resources and processing comes from the main cabinet and central processor. In addition, by utilizing our battery back-up capabilities, you are assured of system performance in the event of a power loss.
Simple Operation Agents - Agents can use virtually any of our telephone models programmed to provide simple key depressions to Log-in, Wrap, and make themselves unavailable. The training required for new agents is extremely efficient, and takes no time to get new users up and running.

Major ACD Functions

Advanced Hunting (Standard ACD Package)
The software can be programmed to distribute calls to agents in two different manners, depending on which one is right for you. The system can find the agent who has been "least busy first" or "idle for the longest period of time" depending on your preference.
Least Busy First Distribution - The software analyzes the percentage of
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time each agent has been busy, and routes the call to the agent who has been busy the least amount of time.
Longest Idle Distribution - The software analyzes the agent group to determine which agent has been idle for the longest period of time, and routes the call to that agent.
Agent Wrap Function (Standard ACD Package)
Each agent can be programmed to allow wrap-up time on a conversation with the customer for up to 600 seconds before receiving another incoming call.
Overflow (Standard ACD Package)
If a call is not answered in Group 1, the call can be sent to another group, another extension or to voicemail.
Standard Reporting (Standard ACD Package)
The standard ACD package comes equipped with several built-in ACD reports that can be used to further analyze your group's performance and activity. These report can be viewed either through a PC connected to an RS­232C connector from the ACD card, or they can be printed by connecting directly to a printer. Activity of agents, groups and the system are tabulated on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, and can be stored for a period of 14 days.
MIS Reporting (MIS Package)
For more robust reporting functions, the Optional MIS package can be utilized to provide customizable and historical reporting of the call center activity. This data can be downloaded into a wide variety of standard software programs such as Microsoft Excel™, for customized formatting of charts and graphs.
Supervisor Function (Standard ACD Package)
For the supervisor, the standard ACD card and software also provides valuable information at the touch of a button about the agent group and how effectively your organization is handling customers. This ACD software includes supervisory functions that are accessed through the system's flexible large screen display telephone. The supervisor can change the ACD script, view agents and call information, and generate reports for example.
MIS Supervisor Function (MIS Package)
For advanced supervisory functions, the MIS package allows the supervisor to view agent and group activity, in real time, directly on their PC display. This is accomplished through the Local Area Network, where the supervisor is simply a client accessing the MIS functionality over the LAN.
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In addition, the supervisor can customize this PC application to provide alarm thresholds. If a threshold has been exceeded for example, the color of that data can be changed for a visual indication. If the supervisor desires an audible alarm under these conditions, that can be programmed as well.
Agent View (MIS Package)
The MIS package also provides the option for software wallboard functionality. Any client on the LAN can use this software wallboard to visualize the Groups activity.
External Wallboard (MIS Package)
You can connect to the system an external Wallboard for Group activity and messaging capability.
Multiple On Hold Messaging (Standard ACD Package)
Utilizing an external RAD device connected to analog ports, the ACD system can provide multiple sources of Music/Message on hold. This is a valuable benefit for using customized recording information for different Groups within the ACD system.
Multiple Agent Groups (Standard ACD Package)
The built-in standard ACD Package provides the capability of setting up three (3) distinct Agent groups. This is useful in organizations that have separate call center functions, and specific supervisors in charge of those groups.
Multiple ACD Systems (Standard ACD Package)
The DBS 576 & HD systems allow for the installation of up to 2 built-in ACD cards. These 2 ACD systems act independently of one another, however, provide for double the capacity of a single ACD system. In other words, by installing 2 ACD systems, you will have a total of 6 different ACD Agent groups.
Customer Script Editing (Standard ACD Package)
Once a script is designed for an Agent group to handle incoming calls, the supervisor of that group can edit the script directly from his/her Large Screen Telephone set. This customizable script editing allows the call handling features to be changed on the fly.
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Agent Features

For the Agent, the Panasonic ACD system provides simple agent functionality to ensure that external calls are being handled in the most efficient way.
Log-in/Log-out
An available Feature Function key on an Agents phone can be programmed as a Log-in/Log-out key. Simply depress the key, enter the Agent ID number, and that particular agent is now logged into the ACD system and is ready to receive incoming calls.
When the Agent is logged-in, that key will be lit solid green for easy visualization of the Agents status. Depressing the key once again automatically logs the Agent out of the ACD system.
Available/Unavailable
Another feature key can be programmed that sets a logged-in Agent to available (ready to take calls), or unavailable (system will bypass this agent). In this case, the supervisor will see that the Agent is indeed logged in to the ACD, but has is unavailable for some reason. In addition, the reports will buffer this data to provide information on the lengths of time Agents are available/unavailable.
When an Agent depresses the unavailable key, it will be lit solid Red.
Work Unit Count
In certain call center environments, the customer wishes to report work unit codes that can be tagged on calls to indicate what type of call it was. In the Panasonic ACD, these are called Work Units.
A key can be programmed on an Agents phone to provide this capability. During a conversation, the agent can depress the Work Unit key and enter a Work Unit Number. These numbers will be reflected in the ACD reports that can be printed at a later time.
Up to twenty (20) Work Unit codes can be used in the system.
Wrap
An excellent feature of the built-in ACD is the Agents ability to enter into a Wrap mode after a conversation has been concluded. This mode allows the
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Agent up to 600 seconds to write notes, enter data, or perform any function that is needed after calls are completed.
Wrap mode is beneficial in that it does not require the Agent to have to log out of the group, or make them unavailable. This feature is programmable by the supervisor on an Agent-by-Agent basis.
Zip Mode
If Agents are using headsets (a popular application), then you will find the Zip Mode useful for answering incoming calls.
The Zip Mode essentially provides an automatic means for incoming calls to be answered by the Agent. When an Agent is available to take a call, they will hear a short tone burst indicating that a call is coming. Without any other interaction with the telephone, the call will be delivered.
Figure 2 shows an example of what a typical Agent telephone might look like in a call center group:
Figure 3. Typical Agent Telephone
WORK UNIT
LOG-IN/OUT
UNAVAILABLE
WRAP
keys
key
key
key
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Supervisor Features

One of the benefits of the built-in ACD is the various supervisory functions that are part of the standard ACD Package. The supervisors of course, are an integral part of maintaining an effective call center.
The Panasonic ACD provides the Supervisor with the following tools for efficient call control and Management.
Silent Monitor
There may be several instances where a Supervisor might need to enter an Agent's conversation. The Panasonic ACD allows this function to work easily, and without notice to the Agent which is sometimes desired.
Perhaps the Agent is new, and the Supervisor would like to monitor the progress. Maybe the Agent needs help in managing a particular call. These examples are just a few of how this feature can benefit a Supervisor.
The Supervisor can program a special key for Silent Monitoring. By depressing this key, followed by the extension number of an Agent, the supervisor is then in the call. Individual keys can even be assigned to automatically dial the Agents phone for one-touch feature activation.
Supervisor System Monitoring
Through the Large Screen Telephone, the Supervisor has a myriad of options to monitor his/her group. Entering the System Information mode on the telephone, the Supervisor can select from the following:
Traffic Information - This screen will display Total Calls in the group,
the Maximum Wait Time, the number of Agents logged-in, and how many Agents are available to take calls.This information gives the Supervisor a quick and easy mechanism to monitor and manage the group. A sample is shown in Figure 3.
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Figure 4. Typical Traffic Information
SUPERVISOR MENU
SYSTEM INFO MIS REPORT CUSTOMIZE
DISP SYS INFO
SYSTEM INFO MENU
AGENT GROUP 1 AGENT GROUP 2 AGENT GROUP 3 SYSTEM
SYSTEM INFO
AGENT GROUP 1
TRAFFIC INFO WAITING CALL AGENT STATUS
SYSTEM INFO
AGENT GROUP 1
TRAFFIC INFO WAITING CALL AGENT STATUS
TRAFFIC INFO
AGENT GROUP 1
TOTAL CALLS XX MAX WAIT XXXS LOGIN AGENT XX AVAILABLE XX
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Waiting Call - This screen gives the Supervisor important information on individual calls that are waiting to be answered in the group. This information will display the Trunk number of the call, and the length of time the call has been in a Queue status. A sample is shown below in Figure 4:
Figure 5. Typical Waiting Call Information
SYSTEM INFO
AGENT GROUP 1
TRAFFIC INFO WAITING CALL AGENT STATUS
WAITING CALL
AGENT GROUP 1
TRK TIME 01/XX XXX XXXXS XXX XXXXS XXX XXXXS XXX XXXXS
Agent Status - In this screen, the Supervisor can see the Agent Group at a glance to determine how many Agents are Logged-In, Available, Busy on an ACD call, Busy on a non-ACD call, and how many are Idle.
Further information can be displayed regarding Agent Status such as ID numbers, extension numbers, and Status. The Supervisor can establish his/ her own preferences on how to visualize the Agent activity. The Panasonic Supervisor Monitoring provides this flexibility.
Supervisor Call Handling Scripts
Designing and changing scripts is very important for a call center group. In the case of the Panasonic ACD, the scripting options are flexible, easy to access, and provide tremendous benefits to the supervisor.
A script is written to determine the best way to handle incoming calls. For example, you may decide to hunt through the Agent group first for a period of time, then follow that period with a message. Once the message is complete, continue hunting playing background music. This type of script can continue for as long as you determine. Here are a few benefits of the scripting options for the built-in ACD system:
Six Different Commands - The script can utilize six (6) different
commands to design the most effective call handling application. These
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commands include Playing 1 of 6 different 96 second messages, Forwarding to other ACD groups or to Voice Mail, Searching the Agent groups for availability, Ending the script, Returning to any spot within the script.
Supervisor Editing - There may be cases where the Supervisor would like to change the script. For example, perhaps inclement weather prevented employees from making it to the work destination. The Supervisor can easily change the script to alert external callers of this important information. Additionally, it may be desirable for the messages playing within a group to change periodically. The Supervisor can easily edit the script to reflect this change. A sample is shown below in Figure 5:
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Figure 6. Typical Supervisor Script Editing
SUPERVISOR MENU
SYSTEM INFO MIS REPORT CUSTOMIZE
DISP SYS INFO
CUSTOMIZE MENU
LINE REGIST. SYSTEM ID AGENT ID GROUP SETTING CALL HANDLING
CALL HANDLING
PROGRAM VM NUMBER
CUSTOMIZE MENU
CALL HANDLING
PROGRAM 1 PROGRAM 2 PROGRAM 3 PROGRAM 4 CUSTOMIZE MENU
SEARCH 1,015,010 01:Select FFKey SEARCH 1,020,010 PLAY 7,1 SEARCH 2,015,003 RET 02,010 PLAY 9,0
Report Generation - The Supervisor has the ability to generate the internal standard reports to an external PC or Printer. The ACD card itself must be equipped with an RS-232 Cable connected to a PC or Printer.
Through the Large Screen Telephone, the Supervisor simply selects the report, and depresses the appropriate key to generate that particular report.
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