Improving Dialing Efficiency and Sample Frames with Activity-Based Phone Data
Activity-based phone scoring analyzes real-time call behavior (such as pickups, call volume, interaction patterns, etc) to prioritize numbers that are active and connected. This approach improves dialing efficiency, reduces wasted time, and strengthens sample frame quality for market research teams.
Market research teams depend on dialing systems and sample frames to reach the right respondents efficiently. But the data behind those systems often falls short, slowing operations and reducing contact rates.
Why Static Connectivity Data Falls Short
Traditional connectivity data often relies on static registries or carrier metadata. This data has some key limitations:
- Slow updates: Numbers can change status faster than registries reflect.
- Binary response: Numbers are labeled “active” or “inactive” missing nuances in call behavior.
- Incomplete coverage: Some number ranges remain unclassified or ambiguous.
These gaps show up in the field: wasted calls to nonresponsive numbers, reduced interviewer efficiency, and lower overall panel quality. And because this data is often used to build or validate sample frames, the issue can cascade across the entire research workflow.
What Is Activity-Based Phone Scoring?
Activity-based phone scoring utilizes real-time call behavior to determine which phone numbers are active and connected. Unlike static registry data, our scoring models use:
- Call connectivity data from carriers and cross-carrier network enablers
- Phone activity observed across Trestle’s network
- Metadata attributes like line type, carrier assignment, and linkage data
- Machine learning that dynamically updates as new data points are observed
This allows teams to prioritize dialing efforts on numbers more likely to engage, and deprioritize dormant or stale records.
How Activity-Based Scoring Improves Sample Frames and Panels
Beyond dialing, these activity signals help improve the quality and accuracy of sample frames and panels as well. We can:
- Flag outdated or inactive records before outreach
- Identify coverage gaps based on actual phone usage patterns
- Refresh panels by filtering out disconnected numbers and prioritizing high-activity contacts
By validating sample sources against real-time behavior, research teams reduce waste, increase agent productivity, and response quality.
Designed for Integration, Not Disruption
Trestle’s activity data is delivered via API or batch upload and updated continuously, making it easy to incorporate into existing sampling platforms or dialing workflows. Whether you’re scoring records before outreach or validating frames during design, the data is built to slot into operational workflows without requiring wholesale changes.
Market research teams can start using activity signals to improve efficiency and data quality — without waiting on platform overhauls or long implementation cycles.
The Bottom Line
If you’re still relying on static connectivity data to power your dialing or sample frame design, you’re likely missing key context that affects contact success and data quality.
By layering in activity-based insights — grounded in real, recent behavior — you can improve the efficiency of your dialing, reduce wasted effort, and strengthen the quality of your sample frames.
FAQs
What’s the difference between “valid” and “connected”?
A phone that is “valid” is formatted correctly and assigned to a carrier. A valid phone number can theoretically receive calls; however, just because a number is valid doesn’t mean it is in use. A “connected” phone, or a phone with a high Activity Score, indicates whether the phone is actively being used.
How do I read Trestle’s Phone Activity Score?
Phone Activity Score returns a value from 0-100. If the returned value is between 70 and 100, the phone is active, consistently used, and likely connected to a subscriber. A value of 50 indicates that there is limited data to show whether the phone is active or inactive. If the score is 30 or below, that means there is no recent activity or high confidence that the phone is disconnected.
What period of time does Trestle’s Phone Activity Score take into consideration?
Phone Activity Scores are based on the last 12 months of data points. We look for consistent activity over a 12-month period and weigh the model for differing levels of consistency.
Want to see how it fits into your workflow? Let’s talk.
