What is ANI? A Guide to Automatic Number Identification

ANI uses signaling system No. 7 (SS-7) to analyze signals within a phone call to send the call information from caller to recipient. SS-7 was developed in 1975 by CCITT (Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony) to transmit information related to the call and caller, route calls if the recipient fails to receive the call, and automatic billing purposes.

When anyone calls a number using ANI, the telephone exchange identifies the caller’s number in real-time. The exchange then sends all the relevant caller’s information, including dialing code, phone number (landline, mobile, and toll-free numbers), and location (based on the area code) to the recipient of the incoming call.

When the information is in transit, the data is sent through a separate channel and is available even if the caller ID information is blocked.

Note: ANI is referred to differently in each country. It is known as Common Channel Signaling System-7 (CCSS-7) in North America, C7 (CCITT number 7) and Common Channel Interoffice Signaling 7 (CCIS-7) in the United Kingdom, and  Zentraler ZeichengabeKanal Number 7 (ZZK-7) in Germany.
 

ANI can provide more information about the caller than a Caller ID, which only displays a number and associated name. Besides, ANI also helps a call center with automatic billing, threat detection, call routing, and more.
 

ANI helps contact centers easily match a caller’s number with existing records in the CRM system. ANI CRM integration helps customer service agents identify the caller’s details and conduct the conversation accordingly. It saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps maintain personalized communication.

ANI reveals the caller ID even when blocked, ensuring the agents get all the information about the caller and decide whether to avoid or approach the caller. ANI can match the caller ID using existing caller records. If the details match, the agent can verify the caller’s identity quickly, improving the interaction and giving personalized assistance.

ANI enhances the call routing system of a call center by distributing calls automatically among the agents. It directs calls to the right agent whenever a call arrives by checking the caller’s area code and other relevant details, such as the customer's past attributes, service plan, or feedback. It ensures that the customers get the right help as soon as possible.

Like Computer Telephony Integration (CTI), ANI also uses features such as screen pop and automatic customer account appearance in CRM. These features give agents a reliable source of information without making the customers repeat those details. It cuts down on the call handling time and offers accurate and timely service.

When customers feel heard and valued, they become satisfied and loyal to your brand. ANI assists the agents in gaining prior knowledge about the caller. Having an idea about the caller helps the agents decide if the call is genuine and prepare themselves before handling it. This makes the interaction feel more personal to the customer and improves customer experience.

Agents can save a lot of time with ANI as it reduces the need for manual entry of caller details and caller verification. When agents save time from such manual tasks, they can focus more on helping customers and solving their issues on time, enhancing their efficiency and increasing call handling rate. Increased agent efficiency results in improved productivity.

ANI can spot numbers known for scams since each number comes with specific related data. It can detect suspicious patterns, like frequent hang-ups or calls from unusual locations. By identifying such issues, ANI can make agents aware of possible threats, reduce the impact of fraudulent activity, and save time.

Calilio is an ANI-incorporated contact center software that helps route calls efficiently and securely. It automatically identifies the caller’s phone number, matches it with existing data of customers and prospects, and routes the call based on details such as location and service history. This means incoming calls always go to the right agent, reducing wait times and simplifying interactions.

Calilio helps agents address customer needs more effectively and build better client relationships. Additionally, it supports emergency services with E911, which provides accurate location information during urgent calls. Sign up today!

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) is a system that identifies and displays the phone number of an incoming caller along with its associated information such as dialing code and location. It helps in routing calls, providing quick help to customers, and improving call center efficiency.

Caller ID displays your number/customized number to the call receiver; however, ANI provides all relevant caller information, such as caller ID, dialing code, and location. Because of the detailed information ANI offers, call center agents can better manage client communications.

ANI stands for Automatic Number Identification, a telecommunication technology used to automatically show a caller’s phone number details to the receiver for personalized interaction.

ANI numbers are usually formatted as 10-digit numbers, like regular phone numbers, and might or might not start with the + - symbol. For example, they may look like ( +12773608143 ) or (e.g., 2773608143 ) or (617-736-1430 ).