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Implementing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System
Implementing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System

Getting started on voice: What you need to build an IVR system

R
Written by Racheal Wambua
Updated over a week ago

Interactive Voice Response aka IVR is a telephony menu system that allows for interaction with callers through dialing different phone keys. 

It works with dmtf (dual-tone multi-frequency) codes which identify the various phone keys. 

When a caller interacts with the system, each key or set of keys will lead them to a certain piece of information or a new interaction.

E.g Press 1 for English, Press 2 for Swahili

What do you need to get started on IVR with Africa’s Talking?

  1. An Africa’s Talking Account.

Here you are going to create an account. By getting this account you will be able to create an app that will interact with our APIs.

2. Request for a Virtual Number

A virtual number is a phone number that is not connected to any telephone line and is used to route calls to other numbers.

PS: We can virtualize a normal existing number as long as it is tied to the company and is not used as a personal number.

To request a number from us, you will go to your app dashboard and under Voice->Request pick regular number as below:

3. Create a callback URL

A callback URL is important if you want to know what is happening with your calls. Here is where we POST details of a call. Here is how to configure a callback URL.

4. A call flow for each interaction.

That’s it!

Here are more resources that will help you:

If you have any questions or are ready to be onboarded, you can reach the voice team at voice@africastalking.com

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