Automated Call Systems or Automated Dialing Systems are software packages that interact with the internal hardware of a telephone to call preset numbers on demand. Call centers and businesses began using this form of rapid dialing in the 1970s as a way to save time in searching and dialing numbers.

Technology and the demand for saving time has created many offshoots of original Automated Call Systems by providing specialized software for just about any business telephone need. Call processing, reverse phone lookup, outbound telemarketing and quick response to distress calls are just a few of the ways that programs can be fitted to your company's design.

The Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) is one of the most popular methods used by businesses today. An ACD system does not dial phone numbers but answers and processes incoming phone calls then distributes to the intended party. Rules of a company can be configured to place calls in a status order, such as high priority or send to a certain department. Being placed on hold, tell another area of the system to begin playing music or share important useful information.

An Automatic Call Center System can strategically control several different phone lines at once and serve as an Automated Call System for both incoming and outbound calls. Auto dialer, lead generation through automatic reverse phone lookup, voice mail, phone tree dialing and interactive voice response (IVR) applications are some of the assets that can be used simultaneously.

A phone tree dialer works from a specific excel sheet of customers that can be automatically fed into the system with either generic information on an upcoming event, a prescription that is ready for pick up or an appointment reminder or a more specific message. This type of Automated Call System works well for government agencies, churches, schools, collection agencies or polling organizations to quickly contact large numbers of people.

Dialer telemarketing is a very unique system that allows call centers to dial numbers while they are currently busy with other customers. Workers are alerted when they have a party on the line and can place their customer on hold to accept the call without losing either party. Different scripts can be created, a customized list of phone numbers or randomly selected phone numbers can be put into place and scheduling certain times can be put into place without losing a minute in organizing your time and work.

Information can be stored through automated calling and accessed via a computer system. Updates can automatically be sent to the network through web based applications so travel or unexpected delays will not keep you from your business concerns. There are companies that specialize in each unique problem that you may need programmed in a certain way. Reverse phone lookup can even be accessed so you know if an important phone call has been missed.

Not all Automated Call Systems are used for marketing purposes and appointment reminders. Los Angeles, California can be hard hit with wildfires that spread in just a few hours. In 2009, the county purchased an automated call system that could connect to over 7 million landlines and further expanded to cell phones. In times of necessary evacuation, it is impossible to knock on every door to warn residents of potential danger. By stretching out to each household and business within a dangerous area by using call systems, lives can be saved.

A more recent example of the creativity behind Automated Call Systems is being demonstrated in Abuja, Nigeria. Poor response to fires prompted the Federal Fire Service (FFS) to devise a way to save more homes. The response time was not slow as soon as the call was received by many of the locals did not know the number of the local fire department and would chose to run to the firehouse. This type of time lost easily cost a home from being saved on more than one occasion. The FFS, together with a private organization, developed a way to integrate a smoke detector with an automatic call system. When the smoke detector recognizes a fire, the number of the fire department is automatically called. Reverse phone lookup is further utilized in checking with the household in question.

As each new problem is solved by using Automated Call Systems, another area is realized where this method can be beneficial in business and communities. The same small town in Nigeria solved the problem of quicker response time to homes but found a new problem with traffic backups. A new call system is now being developed to allow emergency vehicles through traffic at certain control points by blocking roads and creating a clear path by use of traffic lights.

Products of Automated Call Systems will continue to evolve into even greater value through phone software, auto attendant, ACD programming, call router software and applications where quick reliable communication is necessary.