Time-of-day routing allows businesses to automatically route calls differently depending on the time a call is received.
This feature is commonly used by companies that want to manage calls during business hours while providing alternative handling outside those hours.
How Time-of-Day Routing Works
The phone system checks the time when a call arrives and applies routing rules accordingly.
Example configuration:
Business hours (9am – 5pm)
- calls route to office team
- overflow calls go to call queue
After hours
- greeting message plays
- callers leave voicemail
- emergency calls forward to on-call staff
Benefits for Businesses
Time-based routing helps businesses:
- avoid missed calls
- maintain professional messaging
- manage after-hours support
- support international teams
Use Cases
Customer Support
Calls route to support teams during business hours and voicemail after hours.
Sales Enquiries
Calls can route to different sales teams depending on time zones.
Emergency Services
Critical calls can forward to an on-call employee.
Combined with Other Routing Features
Time-of-day routing often works alongside:
- IVR menus
- call queues
- call forwarding
- simultaneous ring
These features together create a powerful call management system.
Learn more about call routing: