Understanding Short Codes

Short Codes allow an administrator to configure features that can be accessed on a system-wide or user basis. A list of these features and sample short code configurations are available under Short Code Features.   

Short Codes can be used for:

• Speed Dials.

• Activating and deactivating features for an individual phone (eg. Do Not Disturb) or for the entire system (eg. Night Service).

• Call Routing and Restriction.

Short codes can be set within several configuration forms, depending on how a particular short code is to be used. For example, a Forward on Busy short code that is created directly from the Short code configuration form applies to all users on the phone system, but the same short code created within the User configuration form applies only to that user.

Because short codes can be set within several configuration forms, an order of priority is put in place for situations where short codes settings contradict. For example, if a system short code states that *08 is for Do Not Disturb On, but if a particular user is programmed to recognize *08 for Voicemail Ringback On, then the user short code overrides the system short code for that particular user. The priority level are as follows:    

• User Short Codes
  Takes priority over short codes set for user restrictions, the system as a whole, least cost routing and lines. The individual user short codes are matched against dialing by a particular user.

• User Restriction Short Codes
  Takes priority over short codes set for the system as whole, least cost routing and lines. The user restriction short codes are matched against dialing by all users linked to the User Restrictions set. They are overridden by individual user short codes.

• System Short Codes
  Takes priority over short codes set for least cost routing and lines. System short codes are matched against any dialing by any user. They are overridden by individual user short codes and user restriction short codes.

• Least Cost Routing Short Codes
  Takes priority over short codes set for lines. Least cost routing short codes are matched against any dialing that results in a number to be dialed.

• Line Short Codes
  Short codes can also be configured on some line types.

To create a short code, the following parameters need to be understood:

• How short code matching is performed

• List of valid short code characters

• Valid characters that can be used in the Telephone Number field

• Short code features