Directories

All talkbase directory data is indexed and stored locally to ensure optimal performance and free up processing capacity for other tasks, such as dynamic field layout, color coding, content analysis and many more.

Support for multiple directories

Although talkbase supports several directories, all data is stored in a single database table. Each row has a key with a direct link to a specific directory. If you use the directory key as a search term, this architecture allows you to search in one or all directories using the powerful indexes of the built-in search engine. All directories accessible to operators are displayed on the screen; you can switch from one directory to another with a click or hotkey.

Configurable column arrangement

With talkbase, operators can freely configure the call view and search results. The tool has special tabs for the user-friendly arrangement of information. The administrator can select any number of columns and fields for the display of search results for each directory. These are positioned or rearranged using drag-and-drop. To help the administrator, the search result line can be displayed in a preview.

Note: similar configurations exist for other parts of the talkbase GUI.

Flexible directory columns

talkbase stores all directory data in a single table with approx. 200 predefined fields, which are used according to customer requirements. The field names of the directory table can be shown or hidden. As soon as a field name is entered as a description, the field can be used in talkbase. More than 200 predefined fields are available for selection so that the administrator can configure the attendant console according to the customer’s wishes.

Configurable colors and icons

Specific color codes can be defined for each database field, allowing the use of content-specific colors and symbols. The example below shows the gender information in a healthcare environment. In addition, these contents can also be assigned their own symbols to create so-called “directory-independent fields”. This is generally used in search results lists, where such icons save valuable screen space.

Add, edit and delete directory entries

Operators can add new entries to a directory and change or delete existing information. A new directory is created in no time at all. The directory for new entries is created and displayed in real time in the detailed view.

Tags (Keywords)

Any number of keywords can be entered for each directory entry. Such keywords make it easier to search for certain groups of people and for people with specific functions or roles, which is why tracking is usually the task of the operators. Like all other fields, the keywords are also included in the search index, which makes the search process even more efficient.

Keywords can be added or removed quickly and easily. To avoid the accumulation of variants, a list of existing similar words is displayed when a new keyword is entered, from which operators can select the appropriate term. In the search results, a special symbol indicates whether keywords are assigned to an entry.

Notes

For each directory entry, there is a multi-line note field in which operators can enter notes for their teams.

Absences

talkbase allows operators to create special absence lists for each directory entry. Absences are displayed in a separate section and in a detailed view.

Calendar information from Exchange

talkbase takes Outlook absences into account and queries them in real time if necessary in order to add them to the list of talkbase absences or to display the corresponding icons in the search results. Based on the Outlook and talkbase absences, the user’s absence status is determined and displayed as a color icon in the search results.

Active Directory Integration

talkbase is closely linked to Microsoft’s Active Directory and uses specific user data for displaying information on the screen and for user administration in talkbase. And if required, directory data can be transferred 1:1 from Active Directory to talkbase directories, once, periodically or with every AD mutation, so that the Active Directory can be assigned the “master” role over talkbase directories.