How to set a BLF to Transfer to voicemail

[drewt]

Even the almighty asterisk doesn't have this feature, but the same work around that works with asterisk works with 3cx. Handsets are Yealink T48/46's. I create a ring group for each user called "User VM", add the users extension with a 1 second ring time, nice to give those in earshot a 1 ring confirmation of the transfer, then set destination for no answer to "Voicemail box for extension" and select the drop down for the correct extensions voice mail box. Then, as there is no preset option in the BLF config drop down menu to send to a ring group, you create a custom speed dial, put the extension # of the ring group for that users VM, and the appropriate label for that user. My extensions are configured for Attended transfer, and in my testing this configuration works. If your extensions are set for blind transfer you may have a different experience. Far from elegant, and a bit of elbow grease, but it works.

 

[bigdessert]

Um, why not just program custom speed dial with *4100 where 100 is the user's extension. This should do the same thing.

 

[drewt]

Nice, sounds like that would work too, and a lot less work. The only minor difference could be is that you don't have the option to briefly ring the target extensions hand set for how ever many seconds you set in the ring group before going to vm. Also, potentially a bit easier to remember a ring group number than a key press sequence. Stuff I got used too with asterisk.

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Hi @drewt

I think if you want to send it straight to VM there is no point to briefly ring the EXT, those are in direct conflict.

On the other hand if didn't actually want straight-to-VM then this is what you are looking for, and no RG is necessary:



If user doesn't answer within X seconds of briefly rigning, it will automatically go to VM

 

[drewt]

Ringing the extension for a few seconds gives receptionist a confirmation that the call was transferred successfully and gives the receptionist a chance to hang up before the vm greeting begins to play. Certainly not the best way to get it done, but as I convert customers from asterisk to 3cx its easiest if the process remains the same. Change sucks, and having customers complain really sucks.

 

[JohnS_3CX]

I hear ya, retraining users is the hardest part, even when you want to remove redundant steps from a procedure. Hope it all goes well