Headsets are synonymous with call centers and their significance shall pervade so long as call centers exist. Yet, the mindshare this product category enjoys with the technology decision makers is negligible. Not because its importance is underestimated but because of its level of investment-which is far less when compared to technology infrastructure and applications.

A headset is the customer's entry point into a call center. The quality of service delivery, hence, is largely dependent on it. How well call center agents come across to customers depends on how the agents sound to the customers and how well the customers sound to the agents. That's why the type of headsets one uses at a call center makes a huge difference in both the satisfaction of the agents who wear them and in the satisfaction of customers on the other end.

It is a widely acknowledged that use of headsets results in at least 40 percent plus increase in productivity in telephone-intensive applications. Statistically valid test results indicate that the use of a headset improves one's feeling of well being, a key component to employee satisfaction and productivity.

CHOOSING A HEADSET
Irrespective of the quantum of investment, a headset has to be chosen carefully keeping in mind business imperatives, technology options, compatibility issues, after-sales support services, and user friendliness of the product.

Following are some of the aspects that a buyer should consider when deciding on a headset vendor:

Noise level: Determine your call center's noise level so you can select the appropriate headsets. Investing in features that you may not need or skimping on those you do, can leave you with headsets that don't function well in your particular call center environment.

Compatibility with amplifier: Ensure that headsets are compatible with amplifiers. This aspect is particularly significant for people requiring replacement of headsets. However, the trend nowadays is towards direct connect wherein headsets have built-in amplifiers.

Product range: Does the vendor of choice offer a full range of products? Comfortable agents are productive agents and there are many headset styles to meet individual needs-there is never a 'one size fits all' situation. To increase agent productivity and monitor customer satisfaction, choose a vendor that has a cordless option for trainers or supervisors to move freely from agent to agent.

One supplier: Consider standardizing on one headset manufacturer and supplier. When developing a call center or looking to update your inventory, identify one solid supply chain that can meet all your needs. This will lower your transaction costs, which can lower your overall cost of ownership.

Inventory management: Be thorough in considering inventory management. Where are you going to store and how will you keep track of your headset inventory? Identify a vendor that offers inventory management solutions.

Sales and support: Think about how your headsets will be serviced after the sale. Make sure that you identify a headset supply chain that will provide you 24-hour support. Having headsets working around the clock is crucial. Without headsets, agents don't answer calls and sales don't get made.

Agent training: Remember that agents need training on how to use, care for, and maintain the headsets. Trained agents will protect your headset investment. Some vendors provide onsite training, computer-based training, training videos, and interactive tutorials.

Cost of ownership: Analyze your headset expenses over a two to four year period, not just on the upfront purchase price. The purchase price accounts for only half of the costs over a period time. Repairs, spare parts, shrink, and mismanaged inventories and warranties comprise the remainder of the expenses. Identify all costs upfront so you have a complete picture of your financial investment.

The sound of the future: Consider whether your manufacturer is continuing to invest in R&D in the call center. The headset is the last link between agents and customers; it should provide superior sound quality, fit, comfort, and stability-allowing agents to focus on calls and closing sales, and not bother with inadequate headsets.

TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
There are a number of technology issues that needs careful consideration when buying headset. First, the decision to buy headsets will be determined by the fact whether the call center is on VoIP or TDMA technology. If it is on VoIP, the headset has to have a USB port while the traditional environment will require the headset to fit into the wired phone socket on the agent's desktop.

Headsets can be monaural or biaural and call centers can buy either, depending on agent preference. Indian call centers, by and large, are seen to opt for biaural headsets because of the high level of ambient noise. Whereas most agents in US and Europe use monaural headsets.

While most vendors offer both amplifiers and headsets, these days built-in amplifiers are becoming popular. Commonly known as direct connect, they not only bring down the total cost of ownership but also make the workplace less cluttered as the amplifiers along with the connecting wires are done away with.

Wireless headsets are also available in the market and have a lot to offer in terms of convenience. However, due to high cost their demand is restricted and they are used only by supervisors and senior management. While headsets in India usually sell in the price band of $55-75, wireless headsets come a around $400.

Finally, noise-canceling technology is by far the most important feature to look for in a headset. There are various options available in this category.

• Over-the-head noise canceling
• Over-the-head voice tube
• Over-the-ear noise canceling
• Over-the-ear voice tube
• In-the-ear noise canceling
• In-the-ear voice tube