> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.maple.inc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Maple Voice Core Overview

> Understand the foundation of your Maple voice AI system

Maple Voice Core is the foundation of Maple—included with every account. It’s a 24/7 AI phone answering system that handles incoming calls, answers customer questions using your custom knowledge base, and provides essential information about your business.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Maple Voice Core is included with all Maple accounts—no additional modules required.

Think of it as training a knowledgeable employee who never takes a break. Your AI uses the knowledge base entries you provide to answer questions naturally, handle information requests, and route calls to staff when needed.

## How it works

Your agent has its own [Maple phone number](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/phone/getting-number.md). Customers either call that number directly, or keep calling your existing business number, which forwards to it. The agent greets callers with your welcome message and handles the call from there.

You also set a **handoff number**: a second line at your restaurant, such as a direct line, a cell phone, or a Google Voice number. The agent transfers callers there when they ask for a person. See [call handoff and transfers](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/voice-configuration.md#call-handoff--transfers).

Want staff to pick up first? Turn on **Ring Staff First** under **Call Handling** in your agent’s settings. Calls ring your staff, and the AI takes over if nobody answers.

## What you can do with Voice Core

- Answer common questions about hours, location, menu, and services
- Handle calls 24/7, including after-hours inquiries, with many calls at once and no busy signal
- Customize the AI’s voice and personality to match your brand
- Transfer calls to staff when needed, and route topics such as catering or large parties to their own numbers
- Support multiple languages automatically
- Record and transcribe every call. Review them on the **Phone Calls** page
- Track call analytics to understand customer needs

## Where to configure it

Click **AI Agents** in the sidebar, then open your agent. Its settings are split into tabs:

| Tab               | What you set there                                                                                                                                                           |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Message**       | Welcome message and [languages](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/voice-configuration.md#language-settings)                                                                  |
| **Audio & Voice** | The agent’s [voice](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/voice-configuration.md#voice-selection)                                                                                |
| **Call Handling** | **Ring Staff First**                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Actions**       | **Transfer to Staff** (handoff and missed-call notification numbers), **Transfer Call**, and the SMS actions **Send Order Link**, **Send Booking Link**, and **Custom SMS**  |
| **Orders**        | Pay by Link or Pay in Store, scheduled orders, pickup notes. Turn off **Pickup Orders** (and **Delivery Orders**) to stop phone orders while the agent keeps answering calls |
| **Bookings**      | Phone reservations, if your plan includes them                                                                                                                               |

Outside the agent’s settings, the agent also uses your [knowledge base](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/knowledge-base.md) (**Knowledge**), your [store hours](https://docs.maple.inc/voice-core/store-hours.md) (**My Location**), and your menu hours (**Menus**). The agent answers calls 24/7, but it takes orders only during menu hours.

Before you launch, call your agent number and place test orders. Most merchants go through one or two rounds of adjustments before going live. See [Going live](https://docs.maple.inc/going-live.md).

## Foundation for other modules

Maple Voice Core serves as the base for additional capabilities:

- [Orders Module](https://docs.maple.inc/orders/overview.md): Add order-taking capabilities with POS integration, payment processing, and delivery.
- [Bookings Module](https://docs.maple.inc/bookings/overview.md): Handle table reservations through natural conversation via OpenTable.

## Need help?

- **Setup guide**: [Quickstart](https://docs.maple.inc/quickstart.md)
- **Troubleshooting**: [Voice Core issues](https://docs.maple.inc/troubleshooting/voice-core.md)
- **Best practices**: [Voice scripts](https://docs.maple.inc/best-practices/voice-scripts.md)