> 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 in a voice menu (IVR)?

With a voice menu (IVR), you can direct callers to the right place with the press 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 route callers to Sales, Support, or Accounting.
* You want to play a fixed message after business hours.

#### **Requirements**

* An available phone number (not the main number).
* Text for the message outside business hours (to record or as MP3).

#### **Step-by-step instructions**

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

1. Select an **available phone number** from the list (not the **main number**).
2. Store this number in the **IVR** (voice menu).\
   \&#xNAN;***Note:** The number is used only to forward calls to the voice menu.*

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

1. Create a **new group** (e.g. “Main office”).
2. **Assign the main phone number** to the group (this is the number customers call).

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

1. **Enable voicemail for the group.**
2. **Add message:** Record the 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 under **Immediately** the **IVR phone number** here\
   (the one from step 1).\
   → **Result:** During the defined times, calls go directly to the voice menu.

**5. Define business hours**

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

**6. Route 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 message you saved earlier.\
   → **Result:** After closing time, your message will play 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 and clear:** Max. 10–15 sec. per option.
* **MP3 format:** Use a clearly understandable recording at moderate volume.
* **Test call:** After setup, make a test call during and outside business hours.
* **Error pattern “loop”:** Check whether the **main number** is really assigned to the **Group** is assigned, and the **IVR phone number** is set only as a destination in the **Forwarding rules** is listed.


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