In an effort to both adapt to hybrid workplaces and increase employee efficiency, organizations are implementing a variety of new enterprise collaboration tools. But as they do so, managing the plethora of platforms becomes complex and tedious. A Unified Communications (UC) provisioning automation tool, like Kurmi Provisioning Suite, consolidates the administration of these applications. Implementing one reduces operational management costs by 36.9% and initial user provisioning time by 46.4% (Metrigy), making these tools essential to an enterprise IT team’s tech stack.
Evaluating UC provisioning automation tool features
UC provisioning automation tools aren’t all built the same – they vary by UC connectors, additional application integrations, configuration capabilities, and more. When selecting a tool, it’s important to identify which features are mission-critical to your organization and which are added perks. Below are some common features you’ll find in UC provisioning automation software:
- Communication Services Integration:
- Integrate with various communication platforms (e.g., VoIP, video conferencing, messaging, email)
- Configure user accounts and settings for each integrated service
- Set up phone extensions, SIP trunks, and other telephony-related configurations
- Manage and provision communication devices (e.g., phones, headsets, video conferencing equipment)
2. User Profile Management:
- Create, edit, and delete user profiles
- Define user attributes (e.g., name, email, phone number, job title)
- Assign user roles and permissions
3. Directory Services:
- Synchronize with LDAP or Active Directory for user authentication and attribute retrieval
- Define user groups and organizational units
4. Security and Compliance:
- Implement security policies (e.g., password policies, calling policies)
- Control access to UC services based on roles and permissions
5. Call Routing and Forwarding:
- Define call routing rules (e.g., call forwarding, voicemail settings)
- Set up hunt groups, call queues, and auto-attendants
6. Conferencing and Meeting Management:
- Configure virtual meetings and web conferences
- Define conference room settings and resources
- Manage integration with calendar systems (e.g., Microsoft Exchange, Google Calendar)
7. Device and Endpoint Configuration:
- Manage and provision communication devices (e.g., phones, headsets, video conferencing equipment)
- Configure device settings and profiles for users
8. Integration with Third-Party Applications:
- Integrate with other business applications (e.g., CRM, HRIS, ServiceNow and other helpdesk software).
9. Self-Service Portal:
- Allow end users to manage and adjust their own UC profiles and settings
10. Customization and Branding:
- Customize the management tool’s interface and branding to match your organization’s identity.
- Define custom templates and settings for different departments or teams.
Selecting the UC provisioning automation tool that’s right for your organization
UC provisioning automation tools aren’t one-size-fits-all – the various tools on the market all have slightly different capabilities, meaning businesses can choose the one that best aligns with their needs. Organizations ultimately should implement the UC provisioning automation tool that integrates with all or most of their current and planned UC/UCaaS applications and has the features that will have the greatest impact on their IT team’s operations.
Kurmi Provisioning Suite offers IT teams all of the features above and more, like Role Based Access Control for task delegation or Rollback for swiftly fixing errors. To see how Kurmi can streamline your UC workflows, reach out for a customized demo.
