Side by side
| IVR | Call centre | AI receptionist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the caller interacts | Presses keys through a menu | Talks to an agent | Talks naturally, any supported language |
| Hours | 24/7 (menu only) | Shift-based, usually daytime | 24/7, holidays included |
| Simultaneous calls | Many | One per seat | Per plan lines (2–30) |
| Books a real slot | Rarely | If the agent has your calendar | Yes, from your uploaded schedule |
| Indian languages | Pre-recorded per language | Depends on staffing | 10 languages, switches mid-call |
| Cost model | Low, flat | Per seat per month | Flat monthly plan from ₹6,999 |
| Caller experience | Frustrating menus | Good, when reachable | Instant, conversational |
When an IVR is enough
You only need routing — "press 1 for sales, 2 for support" — and a human is always there to pick up after the menu. IVRs are cheap and reliable, but every unanswered leg still ends in voicemail.
When a call centre is right
Complex, high-value conversations that need judgement: insurance claims, B2B negotiations, escalations. You pay per seat, you manage attrition, and coverage outside shifts is the gap.
When an AI receptionist is right
High volume of similar calls — bookings, enquiries, reschedules, "are you open?" — arriving at all hours and in more than one language. That describes most clinics, hospitals, salons, restaurants, hotels, coaching institutes and property agencies in India. The AI takes every call, books the slot, and escalates the few that need a person.
The hybrid most businesses land on
Keep your front desk for walk-ins and the calls they can reach. Put the AI receptionist on the line so nothing rings out — overflow, after hours, lunch, holidays — and let it transfer to staff when a human is needed. That is the setup Naadham is built for: the human is one transfer away, and every conversation is in the portal.
See what it looks like for your sector: hospitals, dental clinics, restaurants, hotels, real estate.
Frequently asked questions
Can an AI receptionist transfer to a human?
Yes. Configure a transfer number and the agent hands over when the caller asks or when the request is outside its scope — with a message and transcript if nobody picks up.
Does an AI receptionist replace my front desk?
Usually it takes the calls the front desk cannot: overflow, after hours, holidays and multi-language calls. Most customers keep staff for walk-ins and let the AI take the phone.
Is an AI receptionist cheaper than a call centre?
For high-volume, repeatable calls, yes: a flat plan from ₹6,999/month versus a per-seat monthly fee, and it covers nights and holidays without extra shifts.