ACD (Automatic Call Distribution)

Term from Call Centers industry explained for recruiters

ACD, or Automatic Call Distribution, is a phone system tool used in call centers to direct incoming customer calls to the right service representatives. Think of it like a smart traffic controller that manages incoming calls. When customers call in, the ACD system helps guide their call to the most appropriate agent based on things like the type of help they need, which agent is available, or what language they speak. This helps call centers handle large volumes of calls efficiently. Similar systems include IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and CTI (Computer Telephony Integration). These are essential tools that help manage customer service operations in modern call centers.

Examples in Resumes

Managed team of 15 agents using ACD system to handle 1000+ daily customer calls

Reduced wait times by 30% through optimized ACD routing strategies

Trained new hires on Automatic Call Distribution system operations

Configured ACD settings to improve call center efficiency

Typical job title: "Call Center Managers"

Also try searching for:

Call Center Supervisor Contact Center Manager Customer Service Manager Operations Manager Team Leader Contact Center Supervisor Customer Experience Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design an ACD strategy to handle peak call volumes?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss managing staff schedules, creating overflow procedures, setting up priority queues, and using historical data to predict busy periods. They should mention examples of successfully handling high-volume situations.

Q: How do you measure and improve ACD system effectiveness?

Expected Answer: Look for knowledge of key metrics like average wait time, abandonment rates, and service levels. They should explain how to use reports to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when setting up call routing rules?

Expected Answer: Should mention agent skills, customer needs, time of day, call volume, and language requirements. They should understand how these factors affect customer satisfaction and efficiency.

Q: How do you train agents to work effectively with an ACD system?

Expected Answer: Should describe training methods for login procedures, status management, call handling protocols, and using system features properly.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of an ACD system?

Expected Answer: Should explain that ACD helps direct calls to appropriate agents, manages call queues, and ensures efficient call distribution in a call center environment.

Q: What are the basic components of an ACD system?

Expected Answer: Should mention queue management, agent status tracking, call routing rules, and basic reporting features.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of ACD operations
  • Agent status management
  • Simple call routing rules
  • Basic reporting interpretation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Queue management strategies
  • Staff scheduling
  • Performance monitoring
  • System configuration

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic routing design
  • Resource optimization
  • System integration planning
  • Call center operations management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with call center operations
  • Lack of understanding about basic call routing concepts
  • Poor knowledge of customer service metrics
  • No experience managing teams or schedules

Related Terms