> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sipgate.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sipgate.de/cloud-telefonanlage/en/using-sipgate/voicemails-und-ivr/wie-hinterlege-ich-geschaeftszeiten-bei-einem-sprachmenue-ivr.md).

# How do I store business hours for a voice menu (IVR)?

With a voice menu (IVR), you direct callers to the right place at the push of a button. You can also automatically play a recorded message with information outside your business hours (e.g. opening hours).

#### **When does this make sense?**

* You want to quickly route callers to sales, support, or accounting.
* You want a fixed announcement to be played after hours.

#### **Requirements**

* A free phone number (not the central phone number).
* Text for the announcement outside business hours (to record or as an MP3).

#### **Step-by-step guide**

**1. Assign phone number for the voice menu**

1. Select a **free phone number** (not the **central phone number**).
2. Store this number in the **IVR** (voice menu).\
   \&#xNAN;***Note:** The number is used only to forward to the voice menu.*

**2. Create a group with the central phone number**

1. Create a **new group** (e.g. "Main number").
2. **Assign the central phone number** to the group (customers call this number).

**3. Prepare voicemail for outside business hours**

1. **Activate voicemail for the group.**
2. **Add announcement:** Record text or **upload MP3**\
   (content: opening hours, alternative contact options, callback note).

**4. Set group routing to IVR during business hours**

1. Open **Group routing > Edit**.
2. Under **forwarding rules** enter **Immediately** the **IVR number** (the one from step 1).\
   → **Result:** During the defined times, calls go directly to the voice menu.

**5. Define business hours**

1. Activate **forward only at certain times**.
2. Enter your **opening hours** (days & times).

**6. Route to voicemail outside business hours**

1. Tick the box next to **Outside the defined times, forward immediately to this destination**.
2. Select in the **dropdown** the **voicemail** with the previously stored announcement.\
   → **Result:** After closing time, your announcement plays automatically.

**Typical use cases**

* **Keypad menu (during business hours):**\
  "Press 1 for sales, 2 for support, 3 for accounting."
* **Outside business hours:**\
  "You can reach us Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Please email us at …"

**Notes & tips**

* **Keep it short & clear:** Max. 10–15 sec. per option.
* **MP3 format:** Use a clearly understandable recording, moderate volume.
* **Test call:** After setup, call once as a test during and outside business hours.
* **Error pattern "loop":** Check whether the **central phone number** is really assigned to the **Group** and the **IVR number** is only set as the destination in the **forwarding rules** is listed.


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