VoIP based IP PBX software has a host of features and one of them is the BLF (busy lamp field). The function of the BLF is to show if an extension is busy or if it is available. Various colored lights show the status. IP Phones typically have busy lamp field in the form of two colored lights. One color may mean that the extension is available. A flashing color may indicate that someone is calling that extension and the second color, if fully lit, shows that the extension is connected to a call. Even softphones have a similar setup one can view on the monitor. In essence it is simple. However, one can configure the BLF as an administrator and user to derive even more benefits. It can be particularly helpful in call centers or enterprises in transferring calls to someone who is free to attend. It is also helpful in monitoring activities.
As an administrator
The BLF in the IP PBX software can be configured by an administrator who wishes to manage users simply by operating the control panel.
The display shows a list of users. Administrators can add new users or remove existing ones.
Administrator selects the monitoring option and clicks on BLF option.
Now, one can enable or disable various features. For instance, administrators can enable call park notification, a useful feature to keep calls on hold while the target user is busy on another call.
Administrators can pick users to monitor or remove from the monitoring facility.
Administrators can configure call pick up options such as enabling directed calls, codes for such pickups, group call pickup and code and visual as well as audio alerts for BLF pickup.
One can assign rights to other users to pick up another extension should the person called not be present or be unable to pick up the call. Here again administrator may assign call pick up to a certain extension group
As a user
Users also have a degree of freedom in configuring the busy lamp field. They can opt to view notifications for parked calls.
Before setting up BLF
Before all this happens one must first define extensions through the management console. Administrators can import extensions from a text file or an active directory and generate security credentials. Administrators create users and assign authentication and then pick a DID for each users.
Next, administrators define forwarding rules to the extension depending on status, time of call and caller ID as well internal/external call.
The phone assigned to the extension is then provisioned.
The line key button configured to create a new call or line from the phone and to blink during an inbound call. Administrators, while configuring BLF may set BLF as line keys in order to enable easy transfer.
It does help to configure the IP PBX software’s BLF feature and set up each phone and extension, whether it is hardware IP Phone or a softphone in order to derive maximum functionality and ease of use.