VICIdial Hopper Level: Complete Optimization Guide

Quick Reference

Setting Name

hopper_level

Default Value

20

Recommended

20 to 200 depending on agent count and lead volume

Impact Level

High

Location in VICIdial

Admin > Campaigns > [Campaign] > Dial Settings

What Hopper Level Does

The target number of leads maintained in the dialing hopper (queue) at any given time. VICIdial continuously refills the hopper from your lead lists to maintain this count. Setting too low causes the dialer to pause while hopper is refilled; too high consumes memory and may lock in stale leads.

Center Size Recommended Value Notes
10–25 Agents 20 to 200 depending on agent count and lead volume Start conservative, monitor for 48 hours before adjusting
25–100 Agents 20 to 200 depending on agent count and lead volume Scale gradually — larger operations amplify effects of misconfiguration
100–500 Agents 20 to 200 depending on agent count and lead volume Consult ViciStack optimization team for enterprise-scale tuning

How to Change This Setting

  1. 1 Navigate to Admin > Campaigns
  2. 2 Select campaign
  3. 3 Find Hopper Level field
  4. 4 Enter target hopper size (agents * dial_level * 2-3x buffer is a good formula)
  5. 5 For 20 agents at dial level 2: 80-120 is appropriate
  6. 6 Submit

Common Problems

Value too low (under 10) causes frequent hopper-empty pauses in dialing

Value too high locks leads in hopper that could be recycled sooner

Hopper not refilling despite leads in list indicates a dial_status_filter mismatch

dial_status_filter Dial Status Filter Campaign lead_recycling Lead Recycling Campaign list_order List Order Campaign max_hopper_calls Max Hopper Calls Campaign

ViciStack Module

How ViciStack Optimizes Hopper Level

ViciStack's List Management & Optimization module automatically monitors and optimizes hopper_level based on real-time performance data from your operation. Instead of manual tuning, ViciStack continuously analyzes call outcomes, agent performance, and contact rates to recommend and implement optimal values — often catching configuration drift before it affects your numbers.

Learn About List Management & Optimization →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hopper_level do in VICIdial? +
The target number of leads maintained in the dialing hopper (queue) at any given time. VICIdial continuously refills the hopper from your lead lists to maintain this count. Setting too low causes the dialer to pause while hopper is refilled; too high consumes memory and may lock in stale leads.
What is the recommended value for hopper_level? +
The recommended range for hopper_level is 20 to 200 depending on agent count and lead volume. The out-of-box default is 20. Note that optimal values vary by operation size, campaign type, and carrier — use ViciStack's automated tuning to find your exact optimal configuration.
Can ViciStack automatically optimize hopper_level for me? +
Yes. ViciStack's List Management & Optimization module monitors hopper_level continuously and alerts you when the value drifts outside optimal range. On qualifying plans, ViciStack can automatically adjust this setting based on real-time performance data — no manual intervention required.

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