Overview
A well-known Minneapolis nonprofit and religious organization had relied on POPP for nearly 20 years when its aging PBX finally needed to be replaced.
As the organization undertook a major remodeling project, POPP implemented a 70-user Cloud Phone System designed around its increasingly remote workforce, while also replacing aging POTS lines and eliminating its 23-channel PRI.
The result is a more flexible, modern communications system that is simpler for employees and fully managed by POPP.
To protect client privacy, company names and identifying details have been modified or omitted. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
The Challenge
The organization’s longtime PBX had served it well, but it no longer matched the way its staff worked.
With many employees working remotely, requiring everyone to use a traditional desk phone wasn’t practical. At the same time, the organization was still relying on nine POTS lines for important building systems, including elevator phones, security systems, and fire alarms, along with a 23-channel PRI circuit.
The organization also doesn’t have in-house IT. While it works with a third-party IT provider, having that provider handle routine phone system administration would add unnecessary billable hours.
The organization needed a solution that would:
- Replace aging POTS lines supporting critical systemsrations.
- Simplify ongoing phone system administration
- Modernize its aging phone infrastructure
- Better support remote employees
- Provide an easy experience for callers
The Solution
POPP deployed a 70-user Cloud Phone System including:
- 44 softphone users who use the system without desk phones, instead using apps on their computers or smartphones
- 17 POPP-programmed desk phones for the receptionist and common areas
- Voicemail-to-email with voicemail transcription
- An Auto Attendant for 24/7 main number call handling
- Nine Wireless Phone Service lines replacing legacy POTS lines
- Elimination of the organization’s 23-channel PRI
A Phone System Designed for Remote Work
Rather than requiring every employee to have a physical desk phone, POPP equipped 44 staff members with softphone applications for their computers and smartphones.
Employees can use their business phone system wherever they work, without needing additional desk-phone hardware.
For employees and common areas that benefit from a physical phone, POPP supplied 17 desk phones, including one for the receptionist.
An Auto Attendant That Helps Callers Get Answers
An Auto Attendant answers the organization’s main number around the clock, giving callers options to hear Mass schedules, get general information, access a staff directory, or reach the live receptionist.
This provides callers with useful information without requiring staff to answer every call, while still making it easy to reach a real person when needed.
Simpler Voicemail and Message Management
Voicemail messages are delivered directly to email, with transcription making it easy for staff to quickly review messages and determine what needs attention.
Modernizing Critical POTS Lines
As part of the project, POPP replaced nine aging POTS lines with Wireless Phone Service. Many of these lines support critical systems such as elevator phones, security systems, and fire alarms.
POPP also eliminated the organization’s old 23-channel PRI, replacing multiple pieces of legacy telephone infrastructure with a modern, consolidated communications platform.
Investment & Value
Modernizing Without a Large Upfront Expense
Moving from an aging PBX, PRI, and POTS infrastructure to a 70-user Cloud Phone System represented a meaningful investment for the organization.
But getting started required no upfront cost. POPP provided the desk phones on a lease, and POPP also completed the installation at no charge.
That allowed the organization to modernize its phone system without having to make a large upfront investment in equipment or installation.
And the value continues after installation. Because POPP provides Free Full-Service Administration & Maintenance for the life of the system, the organization’s third-party IT provider doesn’t need to spend billable hours handling routine phone system administration.
For an organization focused on serving its community, there’s real value in having a communications partner that doesn’t just provide the technology, but takes responsibility for keeping it running.
The Results
The new communications platform delivered several immediate benefits:
1. Greater Employee Flexibility
Forty-four employees can now use the business phone system through their computers without needing desk phones, better supporting the organization’s remote work policies.
2. Easier Caller Experience
The Auto Attendant provides callers with schedules, general information, directory access, and a simple path to the live receptionist.
3. Modernized Telephone Infrastructure
Nine POTS lines and a 23-channel PRI were eliminated, replacing aging infrastructure with modern Cloud Phone System and Wireless Phone Service technology.
4. No Upfront Cost to Get Started
The organization moved to a 70-user Cloud Phone System without an upfront equipment or installation expense. POPP leased the desk phones and completed the installation at no charge, making it easier to modernize the system without a large initial investment.
5. Less Work and Billable Time for the Organization’s IT Provider
POPP handles the phone system’s ongoing administration and maintenance at no additional charge, reducing the need for the organization’s outside IT provider to spend billable time on telephone system tasks.
Supporting Nonprofits & Associations Across the Twin Cities
Nonprofits and associations have unique communication needs and often limited internal technology resources. POPP helps these organizations modernize their phone systems while keeping them simple to use and easy to manage.
POPP’s Cloud Phone Systems, Employee Smartphone Apps, Wireless Phone Service, and Free Full-Service Administration help nonprofit organizations stay connected while allowing their staff and IT partners to focus on more important work.
If your organization is still relying on an aging PBX, POTS lines, or a phone system that your staff or IT provider has to manage themselves, POPP can help.
Ready to Modernize Your Organization’s Communications?
Talk with a POPP specialist about designing a phone system that fits the way your nonprofit or association actually works.