> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.intellixent.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring

> Set up your inbound AI assistant with the right prompt, voice, and tools to handle incoming calls.

An inbound assistant is an AI assistant configured to receive and handle phone calls. Follow these steps to get yours ready.

## Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Write a system prompt">
    Your system prompt defines how the assistant behaves throughout the call. Be specific about your company, the assistant's role, and how it should handle common scenarios.

    **Example:**

    ```plaintext theme={null}
    You are the Support Bot for Acme Inc. Greet the caller politely, ask how you can help,
    and attempt to answer basic FAQs about our products. If the caller needs a refund or
    has a billing issue, transfer them to a human agent.
    ```

    Include guidance for edge cases — for example, what to do if the caller asks something outside scope, or if they get frustrated.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set an opening message">
    The opening message is the first thing the caller hears after the assistant picks up. Keep it brief and welcoming.

    **Example:**

    ```plaintext theme={null}
    Hi, thank you for calling Acme Inc. How may I help you today?
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a voice">
    Select a voice from the built-in library, or use a cloned voice if you've set one up. The voice should match the tone of your brand — professional, friendly, or neutral.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add tools (optional)">
    Tools extend what your assistant can do during a call. Common options for inbound calls include:

    | Tool                      | What it does                                    |
    | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
    | **Transfer**              | Routes the caller to a human agent when needed  |
    | **End Call**              | Ends the call politely under defined conditions |
    | **Appointment Scheduler** | Books a slot directly on your calendar          |

    Add only the tools your use case requires — keeping it lean helps the assistant stay focused.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define your call flow in the prompt">
    Use your system prompt to shape the conversation structure. For example:

    ```plaintext theme={null}
    If the caller mentions billing, ask for their invoice number before proceeding.
    If they ask about delivery status, request their order number.
    ```

    The more specific your prompt, the more consistently the assistant will handle calls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and test">
    Save your assistant settings, then call the inbound number from your cell phone. Verify that:

    * The assistant answers with the correct opening message
    * It responds according to your system prompt
    * Any configured tools (like transfer) trigger at the right moments
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Revisit your assistant's settings regularly, especially if you're seeing frequent hang-ups or callers not getting the help they need. Transcripts from previous calls are a useful source of improvement ideas.
</Tip>

## Inbound vs. outbound mode

Your assistant must be set to **inbound** mode to handle incoming calls. If you're also running outbound campaigns, you'll typically use a separate assistant configured specifically for that purpose.