Comparisons5 min read

ANI vs. DNIS: Automatic Number Identification (ANI) vs. Dialed Number Information Service (DNIS)

showing the variouse difference between ANI and DNIS

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Both Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Dialed Number Information Service (DNIS) provide important information about phone calls, but they serve different purposes. While ANI identifies the caller's phone number to recognize who is calling, DNIS reveals the number dialed by the caller to determine why the caller is contacting them.


What is Automatic Number Identification?

Automatic Number Identification (ANI) is a telecommunications service that identifies a caller's phone number. Carriers use ANI to determine who is calling, when the call occurs, and how the call is made. It is essential for billing purposes, call returns, and call tracking. It also detects and alerts agents about suspicious numbers with a history of spam or fraud.

ANI systems benefit many industries, including emergency services like 911, where knowing the caller's number is crucial for a quick response. In call centers, ANI helps identify returning customers, allowing businesses to access customer records and provide personalized service promptly. It enhances the customer experience and improves operational efficiency. ANI supports marketing efforts by enabling companies to track the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

What is the Dialed Number Information Service System?

Dialed Number Information Service (DNIS) is a telephony feature that identifies the specific phone number a caller dialed to reach a recipient. It transmits information about the destination number, allowing the system to determine call-routing details. It means that when a call comes in, DNIS tells the business which of its numbers was dialed, helping direct the call appropriately. It also works with IVR systems to play customized greetings and menu options based on the dialed number.
 

DNIS plays an important role in organizations with multiple incoming lines or numbers. It enables businesses to provide a tailored experience based on the number dialed. For example, if a company has separate numbers for sales, support, and billing, DNIS helps route each call to the correct department. It ensures callers reach the right team without unnecessary transfers, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
 

📖 You may also read: How Does DNIS Work?

What are the Differences Between ANI and DNIS?

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) are telecommunication services that provide specific information about phone calls, but they serve different purposes.

 

Aspects

ANI

DNIS

Purpose

Identifies the caller's phone number.Identifies the number dialed by the caller.

Function

Provides the caller's number to the recipient before the call is answered.Indicates which specific number the caller dialed to reach the business.

Information Provided

Caller’s phone numberDialed destination number

Usage

Caller identification, billing, tracking calls, enhancing customer serviceCall routing, managing multiple lines or services, directing calls to appropriate departments

Benefits to business

Know who is calling to personalize service and verify identity.Understand why the caller is contacting to route them properly.

Commonly used in

Caller ID systems, telemarketing, emergency servicesCall centers with multiple services, businesses with several incoming lines

Key differences

Tells who is callingTells which number the caller dialed

How Do ANI and DNIS Impact Your Business?

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and DNIS (Dialed Number Information Service) are essential tools that help businesses enhance communication strategies. ANI identifies the caller's number, while DNIS shows the number dialed by the caller. These features allow for personalized customer interactions, efficient call routing, and improved security, all of which contribute to better customer service and streamlined operations.

Personalized Customer Experience

By using ANI to identify the caller's number and DNIS to recognize the dialed number, businesses can provide personalized customer interaction. It allows for intelligent call routing and greeting customers by name, enhancing the overall experience. Personalized service helps address customer needs more efficiently and improves satisfaction

Efficient Call Routing

DNIS enables businesses to route calls to the appropriate department or agent based on the customer's dialed number. It reduces wait times and ensures that calls are directed to the right person, enhancing the customer experience and making call center operations more efficient.

Performance Tracking

DNIS allows businesses to track the performance of different phone numbers, such as numbers used in marketing campaigns. or customer service hotlines. It helps to assess the effectiveness of campaigns, optimize resource allocation, and identify opportunities for process improvements.

Improved Security

ANI enhances the security of phone transactions by accurately identifying the caller's phone number. It helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access, providing reliable verification. ANI is a method for phone-based transactions, especially in industries where security is critical, such as banking or healthcare.

Optimize ANI and DNIS with Calilio for Enhanced Call Management

Understanding the differences between ANI and DNIS is crucial for businesses that rely on telecommunication systems. Automatic Number Identification (ANI) provides the caller's phone number, allowing organizations to know who is calling, which enhances customer service by enabling personalized interactions and efficient call tracking. The Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) identifies the number the caller dialed to reach the business, helping organizations understand the caller's intent. It enables precise call routing to the appropriate departments or services. Both ANI and DNIS play vital roles in improving call management and customer experience.
 

Calilio helps businesses optimize ANI and DNIS. Our robust call routing features, including Interactive Voice Response (IVR), ensure that calls are intelligently directed based on the dialed number. Our robust caller identification capabilities powered by ANI provide the data needed to personalize customer interactions. Sign up for our cloud phone system to improve customer satisfaction and boost operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ANI and DNIS?

The key difference between ANI and DNIS is that ANI tracks the number associated with the caller, whereas DNIS identifies the original destination number dialed by the caller to reach the recipient.

Is ANI the same as caller ID?

Although caller ID and ANI work somewhat similarly, they use separate technologies. The number data is transmitted as a digital tone along with the phone call, with the mode of transmission varying depending on the service provider.

What does DNIS mean in telecom?

In telecommunications, Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS)  is a feature that identifies the specific telephone number a caller dialed to reach a business. It allows companies to know which number was called, especially when they have multiple numbers for different services or campaigns.

What does ANI mean in the call center?

In a call center, automatic number identification (ANI) is a technology that is used to identify and capture the telephone number of the caller.


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