Have you begun to research the best kind of phone system for your business? If you have, then the word PBX has definitely crossed your path. As with most technical tools, strange words or acronyms are a given. Don’t let it scare you away. Should a PBX system be right for your business, you’ll be glad you didn’t.
A modern PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, replaces archaic switchboards and allow business to save money and take advantage of key features that improve efficiency. You may have also seen PBX referred to as PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) or EPABX (Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange).
A PBX system basically creates the ability for many telephone lines (extensions) to connect to public lines via a smaller subset of lines. These are called trunk lines. Think of it like a tree trunk with many branches representing extensions for phone, fax or modem.
PBX is not to be confused with a key system where you must select a line for an outgoing call. Instead you dial a single digit escape code, probably “9” to connect to an available outgoing line. You’ve probably run into this if you’ve ever worked in an office or even a retail environment. With the growing number of PBX options, these products are becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial purposes.
Modern PBX systems include a tremendous number of features including call forwarding, conference calling and call transfer. You can also complement your PBX system with an Access Control System to control the entrances to your place of business. This will ensure that your employees are held accountable for who comes and goes, allowing you to focus on managing growth and success.
A comprehensive PBX Access Control System consists of a Door Phone or Door Phone Keypad, a PABX Exchange with Auto Attendant feature and an electric strike lock. Depending on your specific needs, an Intercom to Phone Adaptor can also be incorporated. The entire package can allow you to control access into your business directly from any extension. And, if you opt for the Door Phone Keypad, employees can each be assigned a code for access at the front door.
For more on PBX and the great tools, like Access Control, stay tuned.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Basic Access Control: Getting Started
Many of my recent articles and blogs have concentrated on Access Control. I just feel that it is misunderstood and underappreciated. It’sbecome the last frontier of home improvement. Anything that combines securityand convenience is destined to this.
You may be like many and assume that selecting the appropriate system and installing it takes a PHD. I hate to sound clichéd, but fear not. There are many basic access control systems for the new user.
Stand Alone Universal Access Control Keypad
- Ideal for residential and commercial alike
- Eliminate the worry of your kid’s lost keys or ex-employees gaining access
- Independently operates all electric strike locks on the market (12-24 DC orAC)
- Can be operated by an Egress (panic exit button)
- Ability to assign codes in single user or multi-user modes
- Includes a door lock inhibit code
Stand Alone Universal Access Control Backlit Keypad
- Ideal for residential and commercial alike
- Eliminate the worry of your kid’s lost keys or ex-employees gaining access
- Backlit keypad eases visibility for those late night arrivals
- Independently operates all electric strike locks on the market (12-24 DC orAC)
- Can be operated by an Egress (panic exit button)
- Ability to assign codes in single user or multi-user modes
- Includes a door lock inhibit code
Two Output Digital Access Control Keypad
- Ideal for residential and commercial alike
- Eliminate the worry of your kid’s lost keys or ex-employees gaining access
- Backlit keypad eases visibility for those late night arrivals
- Operates all electric strike locks on the market (12-24 DC or AC)
- Two independent relay outputs that can work in synch to activate and deactivate dual door locks
- Connects easily to a home security or burglar alarm system
- Can be operated byan Egress (panic exit button)
- Ability to assign codes in single user or multi-user modes
- Includes a door lock inhibit code
Friday, July 11, 2008
Five Essentials for a Home Office
Telephones, fax machines and the internet have made it possible for many of us to work from home. Whether we are self-employed or otherwise, there are a growing number of us who make only a 10-20 yard commute to our place of work. If you are self motivated and hard working, this is fantastic.
Several years of working out of my home have taught me well. I have learned the rules to being productive and the tools I need to get there. Depending on your field some of the tools may change, but there are five essentials to successfully running your home office.
1. Reliable Computer Setup
A computer probably seems pretty obvious. You can’t really telecommute without a computer. However, as you transition into the home office, remember that John from IT will no longer be available to run in and fix the glitches.
Invest in a good computer that has the capacity to do the work you need at the speed that is required of you. If your old Pentium has been with you for four or more years, chances are you need to upgrade. And, when you upgrade choose something you can adapt to quickly.
To really secure your success, find the software that best suits you and purchase it. Knock offs and pirated software will prove to be very frustrating. You can’t get the help you need direct from the vendor and you are at the mercy of the best copy you can snag. Just make the investment in yourself!
2. Telecommunications System
To truly run a professional and efficient home office, you need a separate telephone line and a solid telecommunications system. It goes hand in hand with your computer and is just as much of an extension of your physical self. I
n fact, the computer and telecommunications systems are so entwined that they can be integrated and controlled together. You’ll find SOHO PBX (I’ll talk more about this another time) and VoIP that can be controlled directly from your PC.
Long Distance services and phone companies aside, the equipment is the essential entity. Select equipment that will grow with you and serve you well in the long run. This is a vitality important consideration if you currently have or intend to eventually have others working with you from your home office.
The telecommunications system encompasses the physical phone, answering system and fax machine. Ideally, you incorporate your final selection into an Access Control System like the Phone Gate 102 for 2 Doors/Gates. The Phone Gate 102 is one of several such systems that allow you to control access at your home’s entrances with your phone. No more missing important business related house calls or deliveries.
When visitors arrive at your door and press on the Door Phone button, your office phone rings. You determine who is at the door and whether or not you want to give them access with the click of a button or run to the door to greet them yourself. Better yet, if you are out of the office visitors can leave you a voicemail message like any other telephone call.
3. File Storage
I am not referring to filing cabinets, because if you are smart, you’ll keep these to a minimum. In this day an age, we owe it to ourselves to go paperless. It’s better for the environment and it keeps the clutter down.
Since paperless is the goal, your computer will serve as the center of all information. So, back it up! External hard drives are readily available starting at about $50. Carbonite and Iron Mountain are two of the many online paid services that allow you to back up your computer daily. If you can expense it, or afford the fee of $50 per year (varies by vendor), this can be a great complement to any file back-up system you have at home.
4. Dependable Desk
As trivial as the desk may seem, you will become very intimate with yours. It must provide you with a sufficient work area and storage for the supplies you need close at hand. I searched high and low for my desk and it has served me well for the last few years.
Your desk and its placement within your office needs to take into consideration lighting, spatial planning with regards to electrical outlets and phone jacks, orientation to additional work areas and overall comfort. The bottom line here is: plan well. Measure your space and narrow it down to 2-3 options before you make your decision.
5. World Class Chair
Unless you are interested in keeping a chiropractor on speed dial, you will research and test until you find a chair that is suitable for your body and your office space. Not all office chairs are equal. I can’t recommend specific manufacturers, because in the end price and comfort are subjective. I can recommend that you take these factors into consideration:
· Wheels for mobility
· Comfortable material (Faux leather need not apply!)
· Back height for optimum support
· Adjustable height
· Adjustable arm rests
· Adjustable tilt
· Durability
Several years of working out of my home have taught me well. I have learned the rules to being productive and the tools I need to get there. Depending on your field some of the tools may change, but there are five essentials to successfully running your home office.
1. Reliable Computer Setup
A computer probably seems pretty obvious. You can’t really telecommute without a computer. However, as you transition into the home office, remember that John from IT will no longer be available to run in and fix the glitches.
Invest in a good computer that has the capacity to do the work you need at the speed that is required of you. If your old Pentium has been with you for four or more years, chances are you need to upgrade. And, when you upgrade choose something you can adapt to quickly.
To really secure your success, find the software that best suits you and purchase it. Knock offs and pirated software will prove to be very frustrating. You can’t get the help you need direct from the vendor and you are at the mercy of the best copy you can snag. Just make the investment in yourself!
2. Telecommunications System
To truly run a professional and efficient home office, you need a separate telephone line and a solid telecommunications system. It goes hand in hand with your computer and is just as much of an extension of your physical self. I
n fact, the computer and telecommunications systems are so entwined that they can be integrated and controlled together. You’ll find SOHO PBX (I’ll talk more about this another time) and VoIP that can be controlled directly from your PC.Long Distance services and phone companies aside, the equipment is the essential entity. Select equipment that will grow with you and serve you well in the long run. This is a vitality important consideration if you currently have or intend to eventually have others working with you from your home office.
The telecommunications system encompasses the physical phone, answering system and fax machine. Ideally, you incorporate your final selection into an Access Control System like the Phone Gate 102 for 2 Doors/Gates. The Phone Gate 102 is one of several such systems that allow you to control access at your home’s entrances with your phone. No more missing important business related house calls or deliveries.
When visitors arrive at your door and press on the Door Phone button, your office phone rings. You determine who is at the door and whether or not you want to give them access with the click of a button or run to the door to greet them yourself. Better yet, if you are out of the office visitors can leave you a voicemail message like any other telephone call.
3. File Storage
I am not referring to filing cabinets, because if you are smart, you’ll keep these to a minimum. In this day an age, we owe it to ourselves to go paperless. It’s better for the environment and it keeps the clutter down.
Since paperless is the goal, your computer will serve as the center of all information. So, back it up! External hard drives are readily available starting at about $50. Carbonite and Iron Mountain are two of the many online paid services that allow you to back up your computer daily. If you can expense it, or afford the fee of $50 per year (varies by vendor), this can be a great complement to any file back-up system you have at home.
4. Dependable Desk
As trivial as the desk may seem, you will become very intimate with yours. It must provide you with a sufficient work area and storage for the supplies you need close at hand. I searched high and low for my desk and it has served me well for the last few years.
Your desk and its placement within your office needs to take into consideration lighting, spatial planning with regards to electrical outlets and phone jacks, orientation to additional work areas and overall comfort. The bottom line here is: plan well. Measure your space and narrow it down to 2-3 options before you make your decision.
5. World Class Chair
Unless you are interested in keeping a chiropractor on speed dial, you will research and test until you find a chair that is suitable for your body and your office space. Not all office chairs are equal. I can’t recommend specific manufacturers, because in the end price and comfort are subjective. I can recommend that you take these factors into consideration:
· Wheels for mobility
· Comfortable material (Faux leather need not apply!)
· Back height for optimum support
· Adjustable height
· Adjustable arm rests
· Adjustable tilt
· Durability
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