Turkish Red Crescent Ahead of the Curve with 3CX

The Turkish Red Crescent, locally known as Türk Kızılay, is a nonprofit organization responsible for disaster relief missions and social solidarity operations both locally and internationally. Currently, the organization coordinates more than 12000 employees and hundreds of thousands volunteers who are spread all over Turkey and 18 permanent locations around the world. In order to successfully manage such a dispersed workforce, the Turkish Red Crescent needed a hassle-free solution to unify the communication between their employees and their stakeholders.

The Challenge

The Turkish Red Crescent previously relied on an outdated PBX system that could no longer support the growing internal and external communication needs. The system’s dependence on hardware became an issue during the pandemic, the aftermath of which is still felt in the country today. As mobility continues to be a principal issue for the workers, the organization desired a single unified solution able to operate remotely.

They required a modern, future-proof IP Phone System to improve their day-to-day operation. Hence the need for a new system to fulfill all their requirements, which had to include:

  • Boosted mobility for all employees.

  • Scalability for future expansion.

  • Secure communication.

  • Improved workflow and productivity.

  • Embedded options for integration.

  • Easy-to-maintain.

  • A cost-effective solution.

Why Choose 3CX

The Turkish Red Crescent turned to 3CX Platinum Partner, Bilişim Bilgisayar LTD ŞTİ, to help them set up 10 individual installations across Turkey. Depending on the size of their regional offices, they chose between 128 SC to 512 SC Enterprise subscriptions to accommodate their employees. Even though their offices have anywhere between 400 to 2500 users, the pricing strategy based on Simultaneous Calls, instead of the total number of employees, helped the Turkish Red Crescent save big.

What’s more, there was no need to obtain additional SIP licences or hardware, unlike when using old PBX systems. By installing SIP trunks and diminishing the routing costs from 800 operator lines, they cut 40% of their telecom bills. Hot desking functionality also proved handy in limiting the number of IP phones needed. Volunteers could use the same IP phone, as long as they didn’t require simultaneous access. This is a perfect option for organizations with shift-based employees.

Adopting the system didn’t require an extended downtime or a difficult implementation process. 3CX was not only swiftly deployed in all of the necessary locations, it was also warmly welcomed by the staff and volunteers alike. With its user-friendly interface and the option to install 3CX on their iOS and Android apps, the workers were able to smoothly adjust to a new system in no time.

More Features, Fewer Costs

The Turkish Red Crescent didn’t quite anticipate the full range of benefits associated with using 3CX. The feature-rich unified communication system didn’t merely satisfy their initial requirements, but confidently surpassed them. In particular, the ability to create advanced IVR with the Call Flow Designer (CFD), as well as easy-backup and restore options, to safe-guard the organization from data loss. Whatsmore, the failover functionality was used to replicate and minimize downtime. It helped to maintain a reliable and uninterrupted communication stream at all times.

The integration of 3CX with their CRM made it easier to log and journal the calls. Aside from being able to utilize these for training purposes, now the operators know who is on the line - all this, before even picking up the phone!

Turkish Red Crescent

“3CX is the best IP PBX solution. It combines rich UC functions, mobility, scalability, easy management, failover, webmeeting and comes ready to use.”

Sedat Pamuk, IT Operation Manager, Turkish Red Crescent

The Results

3CX enabled the Turkish Red Crescent’s employees and volunteers to effortlessly centralize their internal and external communication regardless of their department or physical location. Substantial improvements were also witnessed in employee productivity and customer satisfaction shortly after the system was adopted, while keeping the costs to a minimum. Thanks to 3CX, the organization seamlessly converted from its old phone system to a modern unified communication system that doesn’t only meet, but foresees, the needs of the organization and individual users.

The Customer

Turkish Red Crescent Logo

Since its establishment in 1868, the Turkish Red Crescent has undertaken important duties to ensure social solidarity. It continues to contribute to the development of social welfare, by providing shelter, nutrition and health aid to the poor and needy. It also reinforces social bonds by providing blood donation, mineral water business services, disaster relief aid, international aid, migration and refugee services, social services, health activities in the fields of first aid and education.