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This topic is only applicable when VRS is being used to record telephone calls.

VRS can display and log information about each outgoing call including extension, dialed number and call duration and can estimate the call cost according to a specified table. This information is displayed immediately (in the status window) and is logged in a csv format file which can be loaded by a database program (eg. Excel) for further analysis.

From the Recordings tab of Options, tick the option "Detect & Log DTMF tones". Click on the "Log & Audit" button. When the "Call Logging & Audit Cost Estimator" box opens, tick "Use outbound call logging and cost estimating".

Display only call log & audit (suppress other system messages)

This option is used to clean up the status display. When this box is ticked normal status messages (eg. "Recording Started...") will not be displayed. You should only tick this box if you will be actively using VRS to display and note call costs. Otherwise, leave it unticked.

Number Pricing List

In order to estimate the cost of each call, VRS uses a table of starting dialed numbers with corresponding cents-per-minute rates. You need to enter this table by clicking the "Add" button then entering the starting digits and applicable rate.

VRS scans the list in the order that you enter them. Enter more specific values first (with more digits) then follow with less specific values later.

If there is no corresponding entry VRS uses the "All other calls..." rate.

Operation

Once you have setup the Number Pricing List, at the end of each call VRS will display the channel number, duration and cost estimate.

The information is also listed on the Call Audit Logs. To view or print the Call Audit Logs select File -> View or Print Logs -> ... select log -> View.

These Call Audit Logs are stored in comma delimited (csv) format which can be imported directly into a database or spreadsheet program (eg. Excel). You can open these files in the C:\\Program Files\\NCH Swift Sound\\VRS\\Logs folder. The fields are Date(YYYY-MM-DD), CallStartTime(HH:MM:SS), LocalExtensionChannel, Dialed Number, Duration(Secs), CostEstimate($.cc).

Warning about the Limits of Cost Estimates

he cost estimates will always only be estimates. There is no way you will be able to enter a table as complex as those used by your telephone company. VRS also does not allow for different rates at different times of day. Cost estimates are based on the full call duration irrespective of whether the call is answered or not. If you are using voice activated mode it is possible that one call immediately followed by another without a sufficient hang-up time will be counted as one call. It this is a serious problem, consider using a hardware connection.