> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.salescaptain.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # After-hours Routing > “After-Hours” refers to times outside your defined business hours (for example, evenings, weekends, or holidays). SalesCaptain uses Time Rules to identify when a call arrives during those periods. Handling after-hours correctly ensures callers get the information they need and you capture leads even when live support isn’t available. ### **After-Hours Routing Options in SalesCaptain** When a call comes in after your business hours, you can decide how it should be handled: * **Voicemail**: Route after-hours calls directly to voicemail. A custom greeting can let callers know you’re closed and when to expect a callback. Voicemail configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain * **Audio Message**: Play a message that explains your after-hours status, office hours, or alternate contact information before routing the call further. Audio message configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain * **IVR**: Continue offering menu options even outside business hours if needed (for example, “Press 1 for Emergency Support”). This gives flexibility while limiting unnecessary routing. IVR configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain * **AI Agent**: Use an AI-powered voice agent to greet callers, answer FAQs, or collect important information while your team is unavailable. This helps capture leads or handle urgent cases. AI Agent configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain * **Forwarding**: Forward after-hours calls to an on-call team member, backup number, or alternate user if someone is available to respond outside business hours. Call forwarding configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain * **Custom Time Rules**: Define special schedules for weekends, holidays, or unique scenarios so after-hours handling is tailored to your business needs. Custom Time Rule configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain ### **How to Set Up After-Hours Handling in a Call Flow** 1. **Define business hours** using Profile Time Rules in Settings → Business Profile → Business Hours. Defining business hours for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain 2. **Add a Time Rule element** to your Call Flow. This splits calls between “in-hours” and “after-hours.” Canvas view with TIme Rule Element in SalesCaptain Call Flow builder 3. **Design separate branches**: * The In-Hours branch can follow your normal path (IVR → Ring to Team/User → fallback to voicemail). * The After-Hours branch can play a greeting, then route to voicemail, AI Agent, or forwarding options. 4. **Configure greetings and follow-ups**: Use clear messages to let callers know they’ve reached you after hours. Add voicemail prompts or automated SMS follow-ups. SMS configuration options for after-hours routing in SalesCaptain 5. **Test the flow**: Save and activate. Simulate calls during in-hours and after-hours to confirm everything works as expected. Visit our step-by-step breakdown on setting up [call flows](Creating-Call-Flows) in SalesCaptain. ### **Best Practices** * Keep after-hours greetings clear and professional. Tell callers when you’ll return their call. * If using AI Agents, train them with data from your knowledge base so they can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. * Use fallback routing to ensure urgent cases don’t slip through. * Add SMS or callback workflows so callers feel acknowledged even without live staff. Regularly review your after-hours call metrics (voicemails, missed calls, follow-ups) and adjust your flow as needed.