Here is a neutral and interesting 1-paragraph summary of the text: A well-maintained interactive voice response (IVR) system is crucial for call centers, as it can save time and money by automating processes that route customers to the right agents or resources. However, an inefficient or outdated IVR system can lead to a poor experience for customers and agents, resulting in high call abandonment rates and negative impacts on the business's bottom line. To avoid these issues, call centers should create simplified, intuitive menus that provide clear paths to live agents, offer sufficient self-service options, and ensure effective call routing. They should also invest in quality IVR platforms with voice recognition software, omnichannel integration, and personalization capabilities to provide a positive experience for customers. Regular testing and maintenance are also essential to keep the IVR system up-to-date and relevant to customer needs.