Dial Timeout Configuration

overview dial timeout is a setting in outbound campaigns that defines the maximum amount of time (in seconds) the system will let a call ring before considering it unanswered this feature is essential for preventing the dialer from wasting time on calls that will not be picked up how it works when the dialer places an outbound call, it starts a timer if the call is not answered by a person or an answering machine within the specified timeout period, the system will automatically disconnect the call and disposition it as "no answer " it then moves on to the next number in the list prerequisites an outbound campaign must be using an automated dialing mode like predictive or progressive configuration steps set dial timeout location administrator > manage > \[campaign name] > general configuration action enter a numerical value in the dial timeout (seconds) field a typical value is between 25 30 seconds use cases campaign efficiency a campaign manager sets the dial timeout to 28 seconds to balance giving customers enough time to answer with the need to move quickly through the lead list preventing voicemail hang ups setting a timeout that is shorter than the average time it takes for a call to go to voicemail can reduce the number of voicemails the dialer encounters benefits increases dialer efficiency ensures the dialer doesn't waste resources by waiting too long on unanswered calls improves pacing accuracy a well configured dial timeout provides more predictable data for predictive dialing algorithms enhances agent productivity by quickly moving past unanswered numbers, the system can serve more potential live calls to agents limitations setting the timeout too short may result in disconnecting the call just as the customer is about to answer, leading to a missed opportunity