Configuring Agent Transfer via Voice Gateway

Purpose

This article explains how to configure agent-transfer for voice channels in the Kore.ai XO Platform (Voice Gateway scenario). It covers prerequisites, configuration steps, best-practices, and troubleshooting notes.

Scope

This applies to voice deployments where a call handled by the AI Agent needs to be transferred to a live agent/agent queue via the Voice Gateway (SIP/WebSocket) integration with third-party telephony or contact-centre systems.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the agent-transfer setup in a voice context, ensure the following are in place:

  • A working voice channel configured on the Kore.ai XO Platform (Voice Gateway/SIP trunk or WebSocket audio streaming).
  • The target live-agent system (e.g., contact centre, telephony platform) is integrated or reachable via SIP/WebSocket.
  • Necessary metadata or context mapping defined for the agent transfer (so context flows from AI-agent to live-agent).
  • Permissions and access to the XO Platform’s App Settings → Integration → Agent Transfer area.
  • (If required) SIP trunk or WebSocket settings for voice channel are correctly configured. Kore.ai Documentation

Configuration Steps

A. Configure the Voice Gateway / SIP Trunk (if not already done)

  1. In XO Platform, navigate to Channels → Voice Gateway → Configure SIP Trunk. Kore.ai Documentation
  2. Select the Product (e.g., Agent AI or Contact-Center AI).
  3. Configure the following parameters:
  • SIP URI (if pre-configured)
  • Network: Incoming IP addresses or Domain names, DNS resolution method
  • SIP transport protocol: TCP / UDP / TLS
  • (Optional) SIP Credentials (username, password)
  • SIP Headers: Map agent-metadata such as X-AgentName, X-AgentPhoneNumber, etc. Kore.ai Documentation
  1. After saving, wait up to 10 minutes for IPs/DIDs to propagate and become reachable. Kore.ai Documentation

B. Configure Agent Transfer Integration

  1. Navigate to App Settings → Integrations → Agents → Agent Transfer.
  2. Choose or add the appropriate agent-system integration (pre-built like Genesys, Salesforce, or custom). KoreDotCom
  3. If using voice channel, ensure the agent transfer node in the dialog supports IVR / call‐hand-off properties. Kore.ai Developer
  4. In your dialog task, add an Agent Transfer node at the point where you wish to hand off to a live agent. Ensure the channel is set correctly (Voice) and that transfer rules (queue, skills, etc) are configured. Kore.ai Documentation
  5. Define any metadata/context you want to pass to the live agent (customer ID, conversation summary, etc) so that the live agent receives full context. Example: Use agentUtils.setMetaInfo() in custom integration. Kore.ai Documentation

C. Test & Validate

  1. Make a test inbound or outbound voice call into the AI Agent.
  2. Trigger the transfer (via IVR, dialog logic, or node) to the live agent.
  3. Verify:
  • The call is handed off successfully and the live agent receives the call.
  • Agent metadata (caller information, conversation summary) appears correctly.
  • There is no significant delay or drop during transfer.
  • Post-transfer, conversation continues smoothly with appropriate characteristics (audio, queue, skill match).
  1. Monitor logs and analytics for errors or bottlenecks.

Best Practices

  • Always include context metadata so the live agent doesn’t have to ask redundant questions.
  • Use clear transfer criteria in the dialog (e.g., no-match intent, high sentiment negativity, agent request).
  • Monitor call-transfer performance (latency, drop rate) and set alerts for degraded performance.
  • For large voice volumes, ensure the SIP trunk capacity and rules are regularly tested.
  • If using multiple agent systems (chat + voice), clearly define default integration and channel mapping. KoreDotCom

Troubleshooting – Common Issues

Issue Potential Cause Remediation
Call not transferred to agent SIP trunk mis-configured or agent system unreachable Check SIP credentials, IP/domain, whitelist settings
Metadata not passed Metadata object not set or unsupported by live-agent system Ensure agentUtils.setMetaInfo() or equivalent is used; review live agent config
Delay in hand-off High system load or incorrect node placement Review NLP or routing logic; test under load
Transfer loop or drop after hand-off Agent queue mis-configured or IVR rules incorrect Review IVR or queue settings; use test calls with different scenarios

Key Terms

  • Agent Transfer node: A dialog task node that triggers hand-off to a live agent. Kore.ai Documentation
  • Voice Gateway (SIP/WebSocket): Telephony integration channel for voice calls in Kore.ai XO platform.
  • Metadata: Contextual information passed from AI-agent to live agent (e.g., X-AgentName header).
  • SIP Trunk: Session Initiation Protocol connection channel for voice traffic, inbound/outbound.

References