> 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 enter business hours in a voice menu (IVR)?

Enter business hours in the sipgate voice menu (IVR) – route calls differently depending on the time of day.

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

#### **When is this useful?**

* You want to quickly direct callers to sales, support, or accounting.
* You want a fixed announcement to play after closing time.

#### **Requirements**

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

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

**1. Assign phone number to voice menu**

1. Choose a **free phone number** from (not the **main phone number**).
2. Store this number in the **IVR** (voice menu).\
   \&#xNAN;***Note:** The number is used only for forwarding to the voice menu.*

**2. Create group with main phone number**

1. Create a **new group** e.g. “Main line”).
2. **Assign the main phone number to the group** to it (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 methods, callback note).

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

1. Open **Group routing > Edit**.
2. Under **Forwarding rules** enter at **Immediate** the **IVR phone number** in\
   (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. Forward to voicemail outside business hours**

1. Check the box for **Forward immediately to this destination outside the defined times**.
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 opening hours):**\
  “Press 1 for sales, 2 for support, 3 for accounting.”
* **Outside business hours:**\
  “You can reach us Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm. Please send us an email 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 setting it up, place a test call during and outside business hours.
* **Error pattern “loop”:** Check whether the **main phone number** is really assigned to the **Group** and the **IVR phone number** is only set as the destination in the **Forwarding rules** is.


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