System and method for handling a transaction between a waiting party and queuing party include an independent communication system (ICS) managing calls between the waiting party and calling party and handles sensitive data as well as call-attached data. The ICS manages the transaction in different stages and with different levels of sensitivity. Either party is allowed to modify the call or call preferences during the transaction. The ICS works independently from the queuing party calling system.

An object is to provide an incoming-call number notification apparatus capable of notifying a user of the number of incoming calls at the present moment by using simpler equipment. An incoming-call number notification apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit (14, 15) configured to, when there is an incoming call to a plurality of telephones (20) accommodated in an exchange (10), determine a display color according to the number of incoming calls at the present moment, and instruct the plurality of telephones to blink or light up an incoming-call lamp of its own telephone in the determined display color (20).

Systems and methods for automation of a customer support sorting process are described. A probability that a call from a potential caller will be received by a call system may be determined based at least in part on historical status information and call history information. The historical status information may indicate one or more past operational states of a service network. The call history information may indicate one or more calls received by the call system, as well as a subject matter of each of the one or more calls. If the determined probability satisfies a threshold, a notification to the potential caller may be transmitted. The notification may inform the potential caller of a current operational state of the service network.

A computing apparatus uses an interactive user assessment test to identify and/or assess the need and skills of the user as part of an enrollment process for the user to register for the services of the system that provides real time communications connections between users and advisers. The advisers provide coaching services over real time communications connections provided via the system. A recommendation engine is configured to use the assessment results to recommend advisers for the user based on the need and skills of the user, as well as the real time availability of the advisers to provide the coaching services.

Systems and methods are disclosed for calling desired contacts using a standalone smartphone or other portable device, selecting and using contact information from a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and automatically updating the CRM system with the outcome of each conversation. In addition, systems and methods are disclosed for automatically integrating an automated calling system with a customer relationship management system, contact management system, and/or task management system, so that historical information stored concerning past contact activity and automated calling sessions relating to contacts is automatically updated in the customer relationship management system, contact management system, and/or task management system.

A system and method for setting agent cross skill enablement levels in a contact center. In one embodiment, a series of simulations is performed to determine optimum cross skill enablement levels for various circumstances, e.g., the number of agents, the proficiency of each agent at each of a number of skills, and the rates of incoming interaction requests requiring each of various skills. A lookup table is created which is subsequently used, during configuration of the contact center prior to operation, or in real time during operation, to adjust agent cross skill enablement levels.

A system and method for setting agent cross skill enablement levels in a contact center. In one embodiment, a series of simulations is performed to determine optimum cross skill enablement levels for various circumstances, e.g., the number of agents, the proficiency of each agent at each of a number of skills, and the rates of incoming interaction requests requiring each of various skills. A lookup table is created which is subsequently used, during configuration of the contact center prior to operation, or in real time during operation, to adjust agent cross skill enablement levels.

System and method for handling a transaction between a waiting party and queuing party include an independent communication system (ICS) managing calls between the waiting party and calling party for handling sensitive data as well as call-attached data. The ICS manages the transaction in different stages and with different levels of sensitivity. Either party is allowed to modify the call or call preferences during the transaction. The ICS works independently from the queuing party calling system.

Systems and methods for automation of a customer support sorting process are described. A probability that a call from a potential caller will be received by a call system may be determined based at least in part on historical status information and call history information. The historical status information may indicate one or more past operational states of a service network. The call history information may indicate one or more calls received by the call system, as well as a subject matter of each of the one or more calls. If the determined probability satisfies a threshold, a notification to the potential caller may be transmitted. The notification may inform the potential caller of a current operational state of the service network.