# Testing and going live (/docs/phone/testing/)

> How we test your phone setup and ordering before Virnika answers your real customers.

Nothing changes for your customers until you've heard Virnika handle orders and signed off.

1. **Forwarding test** (Same day, You + Virnika): We confirm calls reach your store and your dashboard.
2. **Test number** (Same day, You): You and your staff place test orders. Nothing reaches your POS. Keep testing as long as you like.
3. **Sign-off** (You): You confirm orders look right.
4. **Pilot** (Optional, You + Virnika): If you want a trial run, Virnika answers live calls during the hours you pick.
5. **Go-live day** (Virnika): Virnika answers on your main number. We check the first live calls together.
6. **Close monitoring** (First 2 weeks, Virnika): We watch your calls closely and adjust anything that needs it.

## Testing your forwarding

After forwarding is set up, we call your public number from a cell phone together. The test passes when:

1. The "this call may be recorded" message plays.
2. Your store phone rings and staff can answer.
3. The call and its transcript show up in your Virnika dashboard.

If any step fails, we check the forwarding number, the ring settings and your provider's configuration, then test again.

## Your test number

Each location also gets a **test number**. It reaches Virnika with your real menu and settings, so you can try ordering any time before going live.

- **Orders on the test number never reach your POS**, so nothing prints in your kitchen.
- It answers 24/7, even outside your hours.
- Share it with your managers and staff so they can try it too.
- We keep improving your menu and instructions on the test number as you give feedback.

Try a few kinds of calls:

- A simple order, and one with modifiers.
- An order with special instructions.
- An item you're out of.
- Asking for a person, to check the transfer.
- Anything specific to your restaurant, like half-and-half pizzas or ordering in Spanish.

## Going live

When testing looks good, we go live together:

### Step 1: Sign off

You confirm the test calls look right, and orders are reaching your POS correctly.

### Step 2: Pick a date and tell your team

We agree on a go-live date. Let your staff know Virnika will start answering, and show them the [store page](/docs/phone/transfers-and-hours#your-store-page).

### Step 3: Turn on ordering

We switch Virnika from listening to answering on your main number, then check the first live calls together.

### Step 4: Watch closely

We check calls closely for the first 24 hours, keep a close eye on your location for the first two weeks, and follow up on anything that needs adjusting.

## Need help?

Email [help@virnika.ai](mailto:help@virnika.ai) or reach out to your onboarding specialist.