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Gap Analysis

Overview

The gap analysis compares current Avaya capabilities with target Cisco Webex Contact Center (WxCC) features to identify modernization opportunities, migration requirements, and potential challenges.

This structured comparison ensures all functional requirements are addressed and highlights the business value of migration.

Capability Comparison Matrix

Voice & Routing Capabilities

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
Call Routing Static ACD queues with basic rules AI-powered predictive routing with ML Major Enhancement: Redesign routing logic with intelligent algorithms, implement skill-based routing with AI optimization
Queue Management Fixed queue configurations Dynamic queue prioritization Enhancement: Implement priority rules and real-time queue optimization
Agent Selection Longest available, round-robin Skills-based with predictive analytics Major Enhancement: Define comprehensive skill taxonomy and implement predictive agent matching
Overflow Handling Basic overflow to voicemail Intelligent overflow with callback Enhancement: Design callback workflows and multi-site overflow strategies
After Hours Time-based routing rules Advanced scheduling with exceptions Minor Gap: Configure holiday and exception schedules

Migration Actions: - Analyze current routing strategies and document business rules - Design new routing flows leveraging AI capabilities - Define skill matrix for predictive routing - Test routing accuracy during pilot phase


IVR & Self-Service

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
IVR Type Menu-based DTMF Conversational AI with NLU (Google Dialogflow) Major Transformation: Redesign IVR flows with natural language processing, develop conversational scripts
Self-Service Basic menu navigation Virtual agents with AI understanding Major Enhancement: Identify automation opportunities, design bot conversations
Voice Recognition Limited or none Advanced speech recognition New Capability: Implement voice biometrics and natural speech understanding
Integration Database dips via CTI Real-time API integrations Enhancement: Rebuild integrations using modern APIs
Personalization Caller ID lookup AI-driven context awareness Major Enhancement: Implement customer journey tracking and contextual routing

Migration Actions: - Inventory existing IVR flows and containment rates - Identify top use cases for conversational AI - Design natural language dialogs for common scenarios - Integrate with Google Dialogflow CX/ES - Train virtual agents with historical interaction data


Reporting & Analytics

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
Real-Time Dashboards CMS-based, limited refresh Live dashboards via Webex Control Hub Major Enhancement: Consolidate reports, design unified dashboards
Historical Reports Batch reporting with delays On-demand historical analytics Enhancement: Migrate report definitions, train users on new interface
Custom Reports Limited customization Flexible report builder with APIs Enhancement: Identify custom reporting needs, rebuild using WxCC APIs
Predictive Analytics None AI-powered forecasting and insights New Capability: Implement predictive models for volume and staffing
Cross-Channel View Siloed by channel Unified omnichannel analytics Major Enhancement: Design unified customer journey reporting

Migration Actions: - Document current report inventory and usage - Identify critical reports for day-1 availability - Design new dashboard layouts for supervisors and managers - Configure API integrations for custom reporting - Train reporting users on new analytics platform


CRM & Integration

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
CRM Integration Custom CTI middleware Native cloud connectors (Salesforce, Dynamics) Simplification: Rebuild integration using native connectors, eliminate custom middleware
Screen Pop CTI-based with latency Real-time cloud-based screen pop Enhancement: Configure screen pop layouts, improve pop speed
Click-to-Dial Desktop CTI client Browser-based click-to-dial Migration: Move to web-based CTI, remove desktop clients
Data Sync Batch synchronization Real-time API synchronization Major Enhancement: Implement real-time data exchange
Activity Logging Manual or semi-automated Automatic interaction logging Enhancement: Configure automatic case/ticket creation

Migration Actions: - Map current CRM data flows and touchpoints - Configure native WxCC connectors (Salesforce, Dynamics, ServiceNow) - Design screen pop layouts and data mappings - Test end-to-end integration scenarios - Decommission legacy CTI middleware


Digital Channels

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
Email Separate email platform or none Integrated email routing New/Enhancement: Configure email routing, design email templates
Chat Third-party or none Native webchat with AI assist New Capability: Implement chat widget, design chat workflows
SMS Not available SMS routing and automation New Capability: Configure SMS channel, integrate with carrier
Social Media Not available Social media integration (Facebook, Twitter) New Capability: Configure social connectors, define response SLAs
Messaging Not available WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger support New Capability: Implement messaging channels based on customer preference

Migration Actions: - Prioritize digital channels based on customer demand - Design omnichannel routing strategies - Configure channel-specific workflows and automations - Train agents on digital channel handling - Implement gradual digital channel rollout


Workforce Management

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
WFM Platform Third-party on-premise Webex WEM Suite (cloud) Major Change: Plan phased adoption, integrate with WxCC
Forecasting Manual or basic tools AI-powered forecasting Enhancement: Implement predictive forecasting models
Scheduling Spreadsheet or legacy tool Automated schedule optimization Enhancement: Configure schedule rules and agent preferences
Adherence Manual tracking Real-time adherence monitoring New Capability: Implement real-time adherence dashboards
Quality Management Separate QM platform Integrated quality monitoring Enhancement: Migrate quality forms, integrate with WxCC

Migration Actions: - Assess current WFM tool and contract status - Plan migration to Webex WEM Suite or continue with existing tool - Configure WFM integrations with WxCC - Train workforce planners on new forecasting tools


Scalability & Infrastructure

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
Capacity Hardware-bound, fixed capacity Elastic cloud resources with auto-scaling Major Improvement: Design capacity plans, eliminate hardware constraints
Geographic Distribution Limited to data center locations Global cloud deployment Enhancement: Distribute agents globally, improve redundancy
Disaster Recovery Manual failover procedures Built-in cloud redundancy Simplification: Leverage cloud DR, eliminate manual processes
Upgrades Disruptive downtime required Zero-downtime cloud updates Major Improvement: Eliminate upgrade windows and maintenance overhead
Provisioning Weeks for new capacity Minutes for agent adds Major Improvement: Enable rapid scaling for business growth

Migration Actions: - Design cloud capacity and scaling policies - Eliminate hardware refresh cycles - Simplify DR procedures with cloud redundancy - Plan for rapid agent onboarding capabilities


Agent Experience

Capability Area Avaya On-Premise (Current) Cisco Webex Cloud (Target) Gap/Action Required
Agent Desktop Multiple siloed applications Unified Webex agent desktop Major Enhancement: Consolidate tools, design unified interface
Login Process Complex multi-step login Single sign-on (SSO) Simplification: Configure SSO, reduce login friction
Remote Work VPN-dependent, limited support Cloud-native remote capability Major Enhancement: Enable anywhere, anytime agent access
Training Classroom-based, lengthy onboarding Guided workflows and contextual help Enhancement: Design in-app guidance and agent assist features
Mobility Desktop-only Mobile and tablet support New Capability: Enable mobile agent workforce

Migration Actions: - Design unified agent desktop layout - Configure SSO for seamless authentication - Enable remote work capabilities from day one - Implement agent assist and knowledge base integration - Train agents on new desktop interface


Modernization Opportunities

High-Value Enhancements

AI-Powered Automation: - Transition from rule-based IVR to conversational AI - Implement virtual agents for common customer inquiries - Enable AI-driven routing based on customer sentiment and intent - Deploy real-time agent assist with next-best-action recommendations

Omnichannel Engagement: - Unify customer interactions across voice, email, chat, SMS, and social - Enable seamless channel switching within a single interaction - Provide consistent customer experience regardless of channel - Track complete customer journey across touchpoints

Advanced Analytics: - Replace batch reporting with real-time dashboards - Implement predictive analytics for staffing and forecasting - Enable sentiment analysis and emotion detection - Provide actionable insights through AI-powered recommendations

Cloud Scalability: - Eliminate hardware constraints and refresh cycles - Enable elastic scaling for seasonal demand - Support distributed global workforce - Reduce total cost of ownership through cloud efficiency

Quick Wins

Identify capabilities that can be implemented early for immediate value:

  1. Real-Time Dashboards - Provide supervisors instant visibility
  2. SSO Implementation - Simplify agent login process
  3. Cloud-Based Recording - Eliminate recording infrastructure
  4. Callback Capability - Reduce customer wait time frustration
  5. Basic Chat Channel - Add digital engagement option quickly

Risk Assessment

Migration Risks

Risk Category Description Likelihood Impact Mitigation Strategy
Feature Parity WxCC may not support all current Avaya features Medium Medium Document all features, identify workarounds or alternatives
Integration Complexity Custom integrations may be difficult to replicate High High Start integration work early, allocate sufficient resources
Data Migration Historical data may not transfer completely Medium Low Define data retention policies, archive non-critical data
User Adoption Agents may resist new interface and processes High High Comprehensive change management and training program
Network Readiness Insufficient bandwidth or latency issues Medium Critical Complete network assessment and upgrades before migration

Technical Debt Elimination

Migration provides opportunity to eliminate:

  • Legacy custom code and integrations
  • Outdated hardware and infrastructure
  • Complex point-to-point integrations
  • Manual processes and workarounds
  • Vendor dependencies and fragmentation

Summary of Required Actions

Immediate (Discovery Phase)

  • Complete detailed capability mapping
  • Identify critical gaps requiring workarounds
  • Document all integration touchpoints
  • Assess network readiness

Design Phase

  • Redesign IVR flows with conversational AI
  • Define new routing strategies with AI optimization
  • Configure native CRM integrations
  • Design unified agent desktop experience

Build Phase

  • Develop conversational AI dialogs
  • Configure omnichannel routing
  • Build API integrations
  • Migrate prompts and announcements

Test Phase

  • Validate feature parity
  • Test all integration scenarios
  • Conduct user acceptance testing
  • Verify performance under load