How to Control Extension Forwarding Automatically using Timing Function

How to Control Extension Forwarding Automatically using Timing Function

Scenario:  Extension user wants their calls forwarded to a cell phone automatically, on a schedule based on day of week/time of day.
These instructions are written with extension 105 as an example.  Replace 105 with the actual extension number you are programming this for
Please do not use Internet Explorer or Edge Browser to access the PBX interface.  Chrome, Firefox or Opera only.

1. Create a new call group that will emulate the normal behavior of the extension: Groups->Add a New Call Group
Extension Number:  3105
Group Name:  105_normal
Extensions to Ring:  Click on 105 to move it from "Not Included" to "Included"  This group has only one member extension.
Number of Times to Ring:  change this from the default of 4 if desired
If no one answers, go to:  select Voicemail Extension 105
Click "Add Call Group"

2. Create another new call group that will become the forwarding elementGroups->Add a New Call Group
Extension Number:  4105
Group Name:  105_forward
Extensions to Ring:  Click on 105 to move it from "Not Included" to "Included"  This group has only one member extension.
Number of Times to Ring:  leave in default 
If no one answers, go to:  select Voicemail Extension 105
Click "Add Call Group"

3. Set the forwarding destination:  Groups->Group Forwarding->4105 105_forward
Caller ID Style:  Caller's original caller ID (unless one of the other options is desired)
Hard Forward Destination:  enter the destination phone number (cell phone, usually) as 10 digits only - no dashes, spaces or parentheses
Click "Save" at the bottom

4. Create a new attendant that will control call routing:   Attendants->Create New Attendant
Attendant Name:  Extension_105_Timer  (make certain there are no space characters in this name)
Click on "Create New Attendant"
Scroll slightly down on this page and click on the Blue tab
Name:  BusinessHours   (no spaces allowed)  then click anywhere else on the screen 
click on the + Add tab
Change "Red" to "AfterHours", then click anywhere else on the screen
Scroll up to the large grid.  Define the days & times that the After-Hours behavior will be in effect. Use your mouse and left-click to change the grid from blue to red (you can drag to color multiple boxes).  If you make a mistake, just click on the BusinessHours (blue) tab and change any red square back to blue
Click on on the Business Hours tab.  Scroll down to "Finally"  and set the destination to "Ring Call Group".  In the next drop-down menu that appears, select "105_normal"
Click on the AfterHours tab
Set the "Finally"  destination to Ring Call Group->105_forward
Scroll to the top of the page and click on "Save Changes to Attendant"

5. Override the default extension routing to incorporate the new functionsExtensions->Extension Routing->105
Call Category Label  default
Ring Time  0
Busy Ring Time  0
Destination  Attendant
Target Attendant   Extension_105_Timer
Click on "Add Routing"
Scroll to the top of the page, check the "Enable" box and click on "Update"

6. Enable feature codes Additional Tasks->Modify Feature Codes
At the bottom of the list of Direct Dial Codes, activate the checkbox for "Toggle Advanced Extension Routing".  Keep the recommended code 15.  Click on "Update" on the right side of the screen.  (If this feature is already enabled, skip this step)
Repeat to enable "Check status of Advanced Extension Routing"
(Optional) Enabling this next feature code is required only if you are allowing users to modify the forwarding phone number
Scroll down to "Restricted Direct Dial Codes"
Check the box next to "Set Hard Forward for any Extension or Group" Leave the digits set to 82.  Click the "Update" button to the right.


7. (Optional) Enable the permission that allows the user to modify the forwarding behavior from their phone:  Extensions->Manage Feature Permissions->105
Skip this step if you are not allowing users to have this ability
Scroll down to the second set of features
Check the Allow box next to this feature
Set Hard Forward for any Extension or Group
Set Delayed Forward for any Extension or Group
Cancel Forwarding for any Extension or Group
Click "Save"

8. Execute a PBX Reload

The function is now activated.  The user can modify the settings as follows:
To turn on forwarding manually, during a time when the automatic function is not active:
Dial 72# from your phone.  At the prompt, enter the 10-digit forwarding number, press #.  Listen to the system voice and verify the number is correct.  Hang up.  Repeat if necessary.  This override will stay in place until it is deactivated.  To deactivate, Dial 73#.  This will restore the programmed behavior.

To turn off the automatic behavior, for example if you are at the office during a time where forwarding is automatically in place:
Dial 15# from your phone.  The system voice will announce "Deactivated Conditions".  Dial 15# again to restore the timed functions, the system will announce "Activated Conditions"

To set a different number for forwarding 
This is optional and requires that steps 6 & 7 above be completed
Dial 82# from your phone.  At the prompt, enter 4105# (or the group number that controls your forward)
At the next prompt, enter the 10-digit number for calls to be forwarded to, press #  Listen to the system voice and verify the number is correct.


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