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Queue Management

The Queue module controls how incoming conversations are distributed to available agents based on routing rules, priority, and agent availability.

Queue Overview

Queue List View

Queue Management

Each queue contains the following configurations:

  • Queue Name: Unique identifier for the queue
  • Queue Type: Defines the queue's purpose and usage
  • Assigned Channels: Communication channels linked to the queue
  • Skillsets: Required agent capabilities for handling conversations
  • Assigned Agents: Agents allocated to handle conversations in the queue
  • Routing Priority: Determines how conversations are distributed among agents
  • SLA Settings: Defines response time targets for conversations

Queue Types

TypePurposeRouting Logic
GeneralDefault queue for handling incoming conversationsConversations are routed to available agents within the queue
Non-GeneralQueue configured for specific channels, skillsets, or use casesConversations are routed based on configured channels and skillset matching
OutboundUsed for agent-initiated conversationsConversations are initiated by agents and assigned directly

Creating Queues

Managers can create and configure queues to manage conversation routing:

  1. Navigate to Queues → Add Queue
  2. Enter queue details:
    • Queue Name: Unique identifier for the queue
    • Queue Type: Select the queue type (e.g., General, Non-General, Outbound)
    • Assigned Channels: Select communication channels for the queue (e.g., WhatsApp, Email)
    • Skillsets: Define required skillsets for agents handling this queue
  3. Configure queue settings:
    • Assigned Agents
    • Routing Priority: Define agent priority within the queue (used for distribution)
    • SLA Settings: Configure response time targets (Assigned, Read, Responded, Closed)
  4. Save configuration

Routing Methods

Round-Robin

Distributes conversations sequentially to agents in rotation.

Best For: Balanced workload distribution, general inquiries

Pick-Me

New conversations are placed in the Unassigned queue. Agents manually select and claim conversations from the queue.

Best For: Flexible conversation handling, Teams that prefer manual assignment, Low to moderate conversation volume

Priority Management

Queue Priority

Queues can be configured with agent priority levels to control how conversations are distributed.

  • Priority levels range from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest)
  • Agents with higher priority receive conversations first
  • Agents with the same priority level receive conversations in a round-robin approach

Assignment Logic

  • The system evaluates agents starting from Priority 1 to Priority 5
  • Only eligible agents are considered for assignment
  • If no eligible agents are available, the conversation remains Unassigned

Agent Eligibility

To receive a conversation, an agent must:

  • Be in Available status
  • Not exceed the maximum concurrent conversation limit

SLA (Service Level Agreement)

Configuring SLAs

SLA defines the expected response time for handling conversations within a queue.

The following SLA parameters can be configured:

  • Assigned: Time taken for a conversation to be assigned to an agent
  • Read: Time taken for the agent to read the conversation
  • Responded: Time taken for the agent to respond
  • Closed: Total time from assignment to closure

The Closed SLA must be equal to or greater than the total of the other SLA durations.

SLA Monitoring

SLA performance is tracked within the conversation interface and reports.

  • SLA timers are displayed during conversation handling
  • Indicators show whether response time is within SLA limits
  • SLA data is available in reporting modules

SLA Status

SLA status is visually indicated using color indicators:

  • Green: Within SLA
  • Yellow: Approaching SLA limit
  • Red: SLA exceeded

Agent Assignment

Manual Assignment

Supervisors can manually route conversations:

  1. View queue list
  2. Select waiting conversation
  3. Click "Assign to Agent"
  4. Choose specific agent
  5. Conversation immediately appears in agent's chat panel

Bulk Assignment

Assign multiple conversations simultaneously:

  1. Filter queue by criteria (channel, tag, time range)
  2. Select multiple conversations
  3. Choose "Bulk Assign"
  4. Select destination agents or queue
  5. Confirm assignment

Queue Transfers

Automatic Overflow

Configure overflow routing:

  1. Set maximum wait time threshold (e.g., 180 seconds)
  2. Designate backup queue
  3. When threshold exceeded, conversation auto-transfers
  4. Transfer logged in conversation history

Manual Queue Transfer

Agents can transfer conversations between queues:

  1. Open conversation
  2. Select "Transfer to Queue"
  3. Choose destination queue
  4. Add transfer reason (optional)
  5. Conversation re-enters routing logic

Best Practices

Queue Design

  • Create queues aligned to business functions (Sales, Support, Billing)
  • Limit to 5-7 queues to avoid agent confusion
  • Use clear, descriptive queue names

Routing Optimization

  • Set realistic SLA targets based on historical data
  • Use skill-based routing for 20% of inquiries (specialized cases)
  • Configure overflow for high-traffic periods

Agent Allocation

  • Assign agents to 2-3 queues maximum
  • Balance experienced and new agents across queues
  • Adjust assignments based on real-time demand

Monitoring

  • Review queue performance daily during ramp-up
  • Adjust routing rules based on SLA trends
  • Investigate frequent queue transfers for process improvements