# Write the call brief

Lesson 1 of [Compare AI voice agent vendors before you buy](https://voiceagents.fyi/academy/compare-ai-voice-agent-vendors.md), 12 minutes.

Start with your calls, not with a vendor list. A short brief keeps every vendor test fair.

## Describe each call type

For each call type, write:

- The goal of the call, for example "book an appointment".
- The share of your call volume it is.
- The data the agent must read or write.
- When a person must take over.

Start with one or two call types. Simple, high-volume calls are easier to automate. Use your call logs for volume and for your peak number of calls at the same time. Do not guess.

## Match the category

Choose the kind of product that fits the calls. An AI receptionist answers a business's calls. Contact-centre voice AI automates a support queue. Outbound calling makes calls to a list. A voice agent platform lets you set the prompt, voice, tools and numbers. A voice AI API or an open-source framework lets engineers build from parts. Healthcare voice AI and hospitality voice AI are categories for clinics, hotels and restaurants.

Then answer three questions. Do the calls come in, or do you make them? How many calls run at the same time? Do you have engineers who want to build?

## List the integrations

The agent is only useful if it can act. Write down:

- Your calendar or booking system.
- Your CRM or helpdesk.
- Your phone system: your carrier, your SIP trunk or the vendor's numbers.
- Your payment system, if the agent takes payments.

Ask each vendor for a working demo with your systems. Ask whether each integration is built in or needs custom code.

## Check the concurrency limit

Concurrency is the number of calls the agent handles at the same time. Plans cap it. If your peak is higher than the cap, callers wait or the call fails. Find your peak hour in your call logs and make sure the plan covers it.

## Sources

- VoiceAgents buyer guide: How to Choose an AI Voice Agent Platform
- VoiceAgents buyer guide: AI Receptionist vs Contact-Centre Voice AI vs Outbound Calling vs Voice API
- VoiceAgents buyer guide: Voice AI Glossary

Also on the [web page](https://voiceagents.fyi/academy/compare-ai-voice-agent-vendors/write-the-call-brief).