Telecom Services
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System
The IVR is an interactive voice gateway to the online Directory. The system uses speech recognition to process calls from users both on and off site.
If you are experiencing problems with the way your name is pronounced, or the extension that your calls are transferred to is incorrect, please contact the ITD Help Desk.
Using the System
From a Cisco phone at BNL dial Ext. 8000. When the system answers, follow the prompts.
From all other phones dial 631-344-8000. When the system answers, follow the prompts.
The IVR answers: "Welcome to Brookhaven National Laboratory. Please speak the name of the person or department that you would like to connect to now."
The IVR will recognize the name and say: "Here is the number for (NAME). Please hold on while I transfer you." You will then be transferred to the extension number that is assigned in the database for that individual or department.
If you say a name or department that is not recognized, the system will say: "I think you said (NAME), is this correct?"
Say "yes" or "no." If you say "yes," you will be transferred to that person or department. If you say "no," the system will attempt to recognize the name or department three times before transferring for assistance.
Tips For Using This System
No need to say good morning or good afternoon to the machine. The system will think you're asking for "good morning" and will return a name that sounds like good morning. Additionally, "please," "get me...," "thank you," "uh," and "um" are all extra words in a request that will confuse the system.
Simply state the name of the person or department you would like to connect to without any extra words.
A simple yes or no answer is all that is required to respond to a question from the system.
Do not say the name of the person or department more than once.
The system does not recognize spelling.
Background noises may interfere with your request.
