Call Costs #
The call costing system and associated reports are designed to provide some analysis of where inside an organization call spend is being incurred. a cost can be added to each call modeled using the rates configured here. These costs are then available to view on call list and summarized reports
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Call costing is designed for reporting purposes only and is not designed to be used as a billing engine.
Different rates will need to be added to the system to cover all the different phone number types and charges applicable. Each rate defines a matching number sequence (Regular Expression) and the associated costs.
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Only external calls can be rated, not internal.
Time Bands #
Each rate provides cost configuration for 3 different rate periods: Daytime, Weekend and Off-peak. By default, these Time Band periods are configured with the following times:
- Daytime - 08:00 to 18:00pm, Monday through Friday
- Weekend - 00:00 to 23:59, Saturday & Sunday
- Off-peak - Anytime outside of the hours defined above.
The Daytime and Weekend time bands can be altered as required, but will apply to all rates listed. The Off-peak time band will automatically be used for any call which is outside of the Daytime and Weekend bands configured.
Managing Rates #
A default set of rates is provided for each customer which can then be customized or added to as required. The name property of a rate can be changed as required and is stored against any matching calls.
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Changes to names and number types will only apply to calls matching the rate after the change. Historical calls will retain the previous name/number type matched when the call took place.
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Any customizations can be reverted using the link provide. This will delete all customizations and is not reversible.
Number Types
Each rate configured provides a 'Number Type' property. This type is stored against a call when it is rated and is used to group rated calls together in the Calls by Number Type report.
The number types available are predefined and cannot be amended.
Call Direction
This parameter defines whether the rate should apply to Incoming calls, Outgoing calls or both. By default, rates are configured to apply to outgoing calls only.
Rate Costs #
If a call is found to match a rate, the costs of the rate (for the applicable time band) will be applied using the properties below.
Duration Cost Type
Select 'Per second' or 'Per minute' billing.
- Per second - When applying the per minute cost to the call, it will be applied pro-rata
- Per minute - The duration will be rounded up to the next whole minute before the cost is applied.
Include Ring Time
If enabled, the total duration of the call will be used when calculating the call's cost. If disabled, only the talk time of the call will be used when calculating the call's cost.
Cost
Enter the cost per minute for the call.
Setup
For each call, the setup fee will be applied before applying the cost per minute for the talk time.
Minimum
If the setup and cost fees for the call do not meet the minimum, the call will be rated with the minimum value.
Overriding a Regular Expression #
The default rates that come configured use predefined regular expressions. These can be overridden if required and must be overridden when creating new rates.
when a new regular expression has been provided, test numbers can be entered into the 'Test input' box to ensure the regex is working as required.
Regular Expressions Tips #
Always Include Start & End Patterns
Any regular expression provided must start with a '^' end with a '$' and be contained with a parenthesis.
e.g. ^(123)$
Listing Multiple Options
To match multiple options (OR), use the '|' character.
e.g. ^(123|124)$
Remember to Escape Special Characters
If matching special characters (+*#), ensure to escape them with a '\' character.
e.g ^(\+1123|\+1124)$
Ordering #
It is possible to have a scenario where a call will match more than one rate. Where this happens, the rate which appears highest in the order will be used.
The rates can be reordered in the grid by enabling the 'reorder items' mode. Once enabled, use drag and drop to order the rates as required.