Abstract: A reporting system is utilized to generate timeline visualization information characterizing a process in a call center. The reporting system comprises a report server, a graphical server, and a database. The report server receives a request for a report, relating to one or more specified aspects of the call center process, from a user terminal, and generates a query to the database. The report server utilizes information retrieved from the database responsive to the query to generate a report for delivery to the user terminal. The report comprises at least one timeline having a plurality of image identifiers associated therewith. The graphical server supplies image files corresponding to respective ones of the image identifiers to the user terminal to thereby permit generation of a visualization of the timeline at the user terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating efficiency reports, which in one embodiment among many, can be broadly summarized by a representative method of associating a call-center supervisor with a call center, obtaining a network statistic for the call center, categorizing the network statistic into one of a group of multiple categories, and providing a pictorial representation of the group of multiple categories. Another embodiment can be described as an efficiency report generator that has logic configured to associate a call-center supervisor with a call center, logic configured to obtain a network statistic for the call center, logic configured to categorize the network statistic into one of a group of multiple categories; and logic configured to provide a pictorial representation of the group of multiple categories.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.

Abstract: An account management system (100) is coupled to a service center (101) serving a number of customers (108). The account management system has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to monitor (202) service outages of the service center, detect (204) a service outage, identify (206) one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign (208) a credit to each of the affected one or more customers.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically displaying customized call center operating statistics based on user profile information. According to one aspect, a method for automatically displaying customized call center operating statistics based on user profile information is provided. The method includes receiving user profile information associated with a user, wherein the user profile information uniquely identifies the user seeking access to customized call center operating statistics. Customized call center operating statistics to be displayed are automatically determined based on the user profile information. The customized call center operating statistics are then displayed to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, marking, retaining and aggregating attribute metrics for service order and trouble tickets (ticket data) may be performed as the service order and trouble tickets are loaded into a central data repository to allow user summary reports to be created. Ticket data may be received from remote data repositories by a central repository. The ticket data by then be stored in data records at the central location, then attributes of the ticket data may be calculated. A summary table of the ticket data may then be stored at the central repository, which the metric data in the summary table being updated as records are processed. A report of the attributes may then be generated directly from the summary table.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and computer program product are provided for producing a geographical mapping of the status, activity, security, work-force, and other information of call centers. The systems and methods may receive call center data and call data, generate a geographical data, and display at least a portion of the geographical data.

Abstract: Communications systems are provided, a representative one of which incorporates: a recorder operative to record information associated with a communication; and a first computer application operative to provide a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being configured such that, responsive to a user input designating a portion of the communication via the graphical user interface, information corresponding to that portion of the communication and recorded by the recorder is presented to the user, the first computer application being further operative to construct an integrated data stream comprising at least some of the information recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a plurality of call center products. The method includes the steps of providing an enterprise administration server and disposing a respective terminal adapter between the enterprise administration server and each of the plurality of call center products. The method further includes the steps of a terminal adapter of a call center of the plurality of call center products receiving a database instruction from the enterprise administration server; the terminal adapter mapping a database instruction between a protocol of the enterprise administration server and a protocol of the call center product and the call center product executing the instruction.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for determining a support entitlement level are provided. A product support request is received from a customer. A technical support identification (TSID) is also received from the customer. The TSID is validated and classified. The TSID may be classified into at least one of several classifications. One of the classifications is a contract classification. At least one of several support levels are assigned to the classified TSID. The assigned support level corresponds to the TSID classification. The TSID is received, validated, classified and the support level assigned before a product support agent is notified of the product support request. Then the assigned support level is delivered.

Abstract: System, method and program product for dynamically setting a wage offered to a multiplicity of inactive call center personnel. First program instructions automatically estimate a wait time for calls to a call center. The calls are handled by a plurality of active call center personnel. Second program instructions automatically determine and set a wage, based in part on the estimated wait time, offered to inactive call center personnel to induce them to become active call center personnel to handle calls. Third program instructions, responsive to a request by an inactive call center person to become active at said wage, automatically designate the requesting inactive call center person as active at the wage and assign a call to the requesting inactive call center personnel that was designated as active. Program instructions also set a renewal wage paid to active call center personnel, based in part on the estimated wait time, to induce the active call center personnel to remain active.

Abstract: Determining presence status associated with a user includes receiving presence statuses of endpoints associated with a first user. It is determined whether an endpoint exhibits significant activity. If an endpoint exhibits significant activity, it is determined whether any other endpoint is co-located with that endpoint. An aggregate presence status is generated from the presence status of the at least one endpoint and presence status of the other endpoint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a call center system having automatic means for optimizing those rules that are enforced over interactions with customers, said system comprises: (a) an infrastructure which comprises a CRM module for at least handling the interactions with customers, and hardware means for at least maintaining the communication with said customers; (b) management rules, each rule comprising one or more rule parameters, said rules parameters enforcing interaction behavior during all interactions with customers; and (c) an adaptive, self learning module, for: (c.1) monitoring all interactions with customers; (c.2) upon completion of each interaction, recording a corresponding set of full interaction details, said set of full interaction details includes those rule parameters that were enforced during said interaction, and those additional interaction parameters that are specific to that interaction; and (c.

Abstract: A system and method of routing both caller-paid and toll-free telephone calls includes a local exchange network and an interexchange network in communication with a call routing processor. The call routing processor receives status information on at least two call service centers and provides routing instructions to both the interexchange and local exchange networks. The method includes the steps of a call controller in a local exchange network communicating with a call routing processor also in communication with an interexchange network, the call controller identifying calls to call service centers and requesting instructions from the call routing processor.

Abstract: A method and a Virtual Queuing Support System (VQSS) for optimizing end-user service for clients waiting for a service request to be responded and who are registered in various virtual queues of the VQSS. End-users register in a virtual queue of the VQSS, which monitors the status of the queues and the status of the service agents. When a parameter such as the number of users in a queue or the expected waiting time exceeds a pre-set threshold, the VQSS reassigns end-users from the problematic queue, and/or re-assigns service agents from other queues to the problematic queue. The VQSS comprises a memory storing the virtual queues, and a processor for managing the virtual queues.

Abstract: A call center apparatus for automatically bridging a mobile user (e.g., a supervisor, etc.) into an existing conversation between a telephone operator and a caller is disclosed. The illustrative embodiments bridge the mobile user into the conversation of the closest telephone operator for which the mobile user has bridging authority.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for integrating agent scripting, call routing and workforce management functions in contact centers, enabling them to work together without opposing the influence of the workforce management system against those of the other two systems, is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a feedback mechanism is provided between the agent scripting engine and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both. This feedback mechanism is used to pass useful information dynamically between the said workforce management system and the said agent scripting engine, said information exchange being unidirectional in either direction, or bidirectional. A similar feedback mechanism is provided between the routing system and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for integrating agent scripting and workforce management functions in contact centers, enabling them to work together without opposing the influence of one against that of the other, is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a feedback mechanism is provided between the agent scripting engine and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both. This feedback mechanism is used to pass useful information dynamically between the said workforce management system and the said agent scripting engine, said information exchange being unidirectional in either direction, or bidirectional. In another embodiment of the invention, a method in which information is passed from an agent scripting engine to a forecasting engine or an adherence module of a workforce management system, or both, is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for integrating a contact center, an agent station, and a customer relation management server for communication includes a network adapter node having port connection to the contact center, the agent station, and the customer relation management server; and one or more dynamic states running on the network adapter mode wherein the one or more states described represent current agent activity and presence attributes according to model. In preferred application the customer relation management server is adapted to deliver data and or services or notification of availability thereof to the agent station based on the current state information for one or more events active or in queue for the agent station.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for analyzing contact studies for a call service center is presented. The method includes the steps of: acquiring data instances of a Collector tool from all persons monitoring contacts at a call service center during a given study period; retrieving a study design from a Planner tool to verify that acquired data instances conform to the study design; selecting data parameters for the acquired data instances, wherein the data parameters describe multiple features of the acquired data; automatically selecting an appropriate chart format that is appropriate for measurement units used by the data parameters; and creating a chart using the appropriate chart format and the data parameters. The steps in the method may all be automatically performed by an Analyzer logic.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for integrating call routing and workforce management functions in contact centers, enabling them to work together without opposing the influence of one against that of the other, is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a feedback mechanism is provided between the routing system and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both. This feedback mechanism is used to pass useful information dynamically between the said workforce management system and the said routing system, said information exchange being unidirectional in either direction, or bidirectional. In another embodiment of the invention, a method in which information is passed from a call routing system to a forecasting engine or an adherence module of a workforce management system, or both, is disclosed.

Abstract: A connector application for integrating disparate systems within a pre-set computer telephony integration framework for routing calls is provided. The connector application receives input regarding a status of an agent of a plurality of agents. The connector application stores the status of each agent of the plurality of agents. The connector application receives a request for the status of each agent of the plurality of agents. The connector application then transmits the status of each agent of the plurality of agents to the requesting application.

Abstract: The present invention provides for efficient monitoring of operator services calls. A packet gateway is provided in association with a telephony switch, such that circuit-switched connections through a switching fabric of the telephony switch are supported by the packet gateway. The packet gateway provides an interface between the switching fabric and a packet network, which supports operator terminals as well as monitor terminals from which interactions between operators and callers may be monitored. Upon setting up the circuit-switched connection for the operator services call, the gateway will establish voice sessions with both the operator terminal and the monitor terminal. The voice sessions with the operator terminal facilitate bi-directional communications with the caller via the circuit-switched connection over the packet fabric. The voice interaction between the caller and operator is provided to the monitor terminal over another voice session for monitoring by the monitor.

Abstract: A call centre includes a plurality of agent workstations, each agent workstation comprising means for entering information obtained from a telephone respondent in response to questions prompted by a script displayed on the display of the workstation, and means for producing status signals indicative of the progression of the agent through the script. A predictive dialling system receives status signals from each agent station and predicts from the status signals and statistical information regarding the number of calls previously made, how many new calls should be dialled to enable agents who have finished their previous call by the time the calls are answered to take the new calls.

Abstract: In recent times, communications service providers have been able to offer large business enterprises the ability to share call center operation among multiple geographically dispersed call centers. In particular, network-resident call handling technologies have been developed for performing some of the handling and queuing of each inbound call within the communications network, that is, before the call is forwarded to an ACD at a particular call center. However, by outsourcing a portion of the call center operations to a network-based call routing system, the call centers are no longer able to maintain direct control over, and are generally unable to directly access information, such as statistics, about the calls in the network or other call centers. Accordingly, an interface is provided that allows an entity to obtain information about calls within the network or other call center(s).

Abstract: A system and method of routing both caller-paid and toll-free telephone calls includes a local exchange network and an interexchange network in communication with a call routing processor. The call routing processor receives status information on at least two call service centers and provides routing instructions to both the interexchange and local exchange networks. The method includes the steps of a call controller in a local exchange network communicating with a call routing processor also in communication with an interexchange network, the call controller identifying calls to call service centers and requesting instructions from the call routing processor.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-modal monitoring of a network are disclosed. In one embodiment of a system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure, a network management engine may be capable of issuing a request to a monitored network device and to receive network information from the monitored network device. In some embodiments, a multi-modal administration engine may allow a calling party to interact with the network management engine. A caller response unit associated with the multi-modal administration engine, may be capable of receiving a user input from the calling party and converting the user input into a request for network information. In preferred embodiments, a format converter associated with the multi-modal administration engine may translate at least a portion of a first signal representing network information into a second signal representing an audible sound.

Abstract: In a call center having agent stations including personal computers having video display units (PC/VDUs), connected on a LAN with a server tracking status for call center entities, a system for agent information includes a software application executing on individual PC/VDUs at agent stations. The software application draws on status information from the server and renders the information to the agent using the PC/VDU through output apparatus of the PC/VDU. Rendering may be by text, graphics, or audio, depending on such as conditions and user selection.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting an agent to service a contact at a contact center accounts for the state of the contact center and for individual agent proficiency and performance. A software-implemented method includes an algorithm that adjusts the agent-selection process according to variations in state such as fluctuating call volume. When two or more metrics describe distinct aspects of an agent's performance and both aspects are relevant to agent selection, the algorithm can weigh each according to relative importance to the center's operational effectiveness. The present invention couples to the information infrastructure of a computer-based contact center and interfaces with the components of the center that acquire and maintain information pertinent to the agent-selection process. This connectivity delivers real-time information to the software algorithms and thereby facilitates rapid response to changing conditions.

Abstract: In a call center having agent stations including personal computers having video display units (PC/VDUs), connected on a LAN with a server tracking status for call center entities, a system for agent information includes a software application executing on individual PC/VDUs at agent stations. The software application draws on status information from the server and renders the information to the agent using the PC/VDU through output apparatus of the PC/VDU. Rendering may be by text, graphics, or audio, depending on such as conditions and user selection.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for integrating agent scripting, call routing and workforce management functions in contact centers, enabling them to work together without opposing the influence of the workforce management system against those of the other two systems, is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a feedback mechanism is provided between the agent scripting engine and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both. This feedback mechanism is used to pass useful information dynamically between the said workforce management system and the said agent scripting engine, said information exchange being unidirectional in either direction, or bidirectional. A similar feedback mechanism is provided between the routing system and either the forecasting engine or the adherence module of the workforce management system, or both.

Abstract: A contact center for servicing a contact is provided that includes (a) an input operable to receive a contact from a customer; (b) a selection function 26 operable to direct the contact to a human agent associated with the contact center for servicing; and (c) a contact monitor 62 operable (a) to track a service time required by the human agent to service the contact and (b), when the service time at least one of equals and exceeds a selected first threshold, notify the agent that the selected first threshold has been at least one of equaled and exceeded.

Abstract: A method for recording and/or simultaneously monitoring voice and screen activities of a computer work station screen from another computer and reducing the processing load on the computers. Further it provides a method to score and rate an agent using the computer work station while simultaneously monitoring the voice and screen activities of the agent on his computer work station. In another embodiment it provides a method for only updating the portions of the agent's computer work station screen which are changed on the other computer being used to moniter without updating the areas not changed.

Abstract: In recent times, communications service providers have been able to offer large business enterprises the ability to share call center operation among multiple geographically dispersed call centers. In particular, network-resident call handling technologies have been developed for performing some of the handling and queuing of each inbound call within the communications network, that is, before the call is forwarded to an ACD at a particular call center. However, by outsourcing a portion of the call center operations to a network-based call routing system, the call centers are no longer able to maintain direct control over, and are generally unable to directly access information, such as statistics, about the calls in the network or other call centers. Accordingly, an interface is provided that allows an entity to obtain information about calls within the network or other call center(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and system for providing telecommunications services, such as call waiting, three-way call, and automatic recall, utilizing a plurality of state machines. Logic specifications define a set of states for each state machine. Each state in turn defines at least one action to be performed in response to a signal received by the state machine. The logic specification for each state machine can be stored, for example, in a textual format in a mark up language, such as HTML, XML, or or other markup language. A compiled representation of the logic specification is generated. Further, a context object tracks a current state of the telecommunication service. The context object accesses the compiled representation in response to an event, e.g., a call progress event, in order to effect a state transition and/or perform an action with respect to the telecommunication service.

Abstract: A system for visually representing user behavior within an interactive voice response (IVR) system of a call processing center generates a complete sequence of events within the IVR system for plural calls to the call processing center, the plurality of calls being recorded from end to end. A call flow of the IVR system is modeled as a non-deterministic finite-state machine, such that a start state of the finite-state machine represents a first prompt of the IVR system, other states of the finite-state machine represent subsequent prompts at which a branching occurs in the call flow of the IVR system, exit conditions are represented as end states, and transitions of the finite-state machine represent transitions between call flow states triggered by data inputted by a user or by internal processing of the IVR system. The complete sequences of events for the plural calls are provided to the finite-state machine to produce a two-way matrix of several counters.

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. After a call to a busy subscriber line is queued, information about the queued call is collected. Utilization statistics based on the collected queue utilization information are then generated and made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method of routing both caller-paid and toll-free telephone calls includes a local exchange network and an interexchange network in communication with a call routing processor. The call routing processor receives status information on at least two call service centers and provides routing instructions to both the interexchange and local exchange networks. The method includes the steps of a call controller in a local exchange network communicating with a call routing processor also in communication with an interexchange network, the call controller identifying calls to call service centers and requesting instructions from the call routing processor.

Abstract: A system and method of changing entity configuration information in a call center is disclosed. By automatically monitoring entities in a call center, selecting an entity in the call center, and modifying configuration information of the selected entity, keeping track of entities in a call center is automated. Agents and consoles are examples of entities monitored in the call center. When agents or consoles change physical location, the electronic floor plan is automatically updated to reflect the new physical location information for the agents and consoles. Further, a supervisor of a call center can change entity configuration information by selecting an entity on the electronic floor plan.

Abstract: A network system for managing remote agents of a communication center includes a primary server connected to the network the primary server controlling at least one routing point; one or more secondary servers distributed on the network and accessible to the remote agents, the secondary server or servers having data access to agent computing platforms and communication peripherals; and, a software suite distributed in part to the secondary server or servers and distributed in part to one or more agents computing platforms and peripherals, the software suite including protocol for reporting agent status data. The system monitors agents computing platforms and peripherals for activity state through the one or more secondary servers whereupon the one or more secondary servers exchange control messaging and event related data using ISCC protocols with the primary server over the network for intelligent routing purposes.

Abstract: A quality monitoring system is implemented within a communications contact center. All electronic data associated with incoming and outgoing communications is monitored and can selectively be recorded. The recording of the communications data is controlled by a set of recording rules. Environmental data associated with the operation of the contact center is also stored. Periodically, and on demand by contact center personnel and others, the recorded communications data and the stored environmental data are analyzed. The recording rules that are actively controlling the recording of the communications data and the environmental data can be dynamically changed in real time, based on the analysis. The system can also display various results of the analysis on a contact center-wide display, on individual contact center agents' workstation screens, and on supervisors' workstation screens.

Abstract: An apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor adapted for communication via a communication network. The processor includes a monitoring module for requesting and receiving information associated with a device configured for communication via the communication network, and a warning module for generating a warning when the received information is indicative of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for visually representing call events in calls handled by an automated response system of a call processing center uses a recording of calls recorded from end to end. Events of interest that occurred during a recorded call are annotated and time stamped, and a call type of the call is determined. Time stamp data for predetermined significant events of the annotated events of interest is segregated, with the time stamp data providing timings for the predetermined significant events. The timings are tabulated by call type and bar graphs are prepared to illustrate the timings of the predetermined significant events for each call type.

Abstract: A method for automatic contact distribution includes receiving a contact for connection with an agent and distributing the contact to a first agent. The method includes automatically transferring the first agent from a ready state to a second state if the first agent does not answer the contact and detecting the presence of the first agent at a device associated with the first agent when the first agent is in the second state. The method may include transferring the first agent from the second state to the ready state after detecting the presence of the first agent at a device associated with the first agent. The second state may comprises a system initiated not ready (SINR) state.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The present invention allows a user, such as a supervisor, to monitor the audio conversations of users on the system and current display information of another station. This can be done between remote systems so that the monitoring individual does not have to be in the same system as the user who is being monitored.

Abstract: A display tool and a call distribution system that provides queue and agent statistics, resulting from telecommunications events (i.e., service calls), for viewing on a monitor of a computer. A first server receives information associated with the telecommunications events, including queue and agent statistics, and places the information in a predetermined record format. The information is forwarded to a second server interconnected in a network. A module executed on a specific end node (e.g., computer) enables communications between the second server and the computer. This module is configured to control the computer to retrieve the information and create a display window to display contents of the information on the monitor in real-time.

Abstract: In recent times, communications service providers have been able to offer large business enterprises the ability to share call center operation among multiple geographically dispersed call centers. In particular, network-resident call handling technologies have been developed for performing some of the handling and queuing of each inbound call within the communications network, that is, before the call is forwarded to an ACD at a particular call center. However, by outsourcing a portion of the call center operations to a network-based call routing system, the call centers are no longer able to maintain direct control over, and are generally unable to directly access information, such as statistics, about the calls in the network or other call centers. Accordingly, an interface is provided that allows an entity to obtain information about calls within the network or other call center(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring a call handling efficiency of a call center. The method includes the steps of measuring a touch-point indicia for a call and adding the measured indicia to a touch point history of the call.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a service begins when a customer establishes a communication link, such as a telecommunications link, with a service provider, such as directory assistance. An exchange of information occurs, and a service, such as a telephone number or catalog order, is provided by the service provider at least in part via the communication link. Before the customer terminates the communication link, he or she is requested to provide feedback, which preferably relates to the quality of the service provided. In another embodiment, the exchange of information is monitored, and an action, such as notifying a supervisor, is taken if a predetermined condition is detected, such as usage of unacceptable language by a call handling agent.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a system, and a software product to automatically manage one or more human workers carrying out a process of manipulating source data provided to produce result data. The process including a set of one or more task steps each having an input and resulting in a task result. The computer implemented method includes receiving units of source data from a customer. For each unit of source data and each task step for the unit of source data, the method includes dispatching the task step and its corresponding input unit to a worker and, after the worker carries out the dispatched task step on the input unit, receiving the task result corresponding to the dispatched task step and input unit from the worker.