How to Set Up an Automatic Reminder SMS Message

Overview

This tutorial will show users how to automate a reminder Short Message Service (SMS) message. With automation, sending of SMS messages at a predetermined period is now possible. SMS automation allows users to define a set of conditions that once met, the system will send a predefined SMS message to a specific set of recipients.

In this tutorial, we will show how you can select your recipients, set the conditions and set the frequency of your SMS automation.

 

IMPORTANT

1. For those with the Starter Pack, please contact support via email if you would like to have this feature added to your subscription. For Maximise Package, this feature is included in your subscription as an add-on feature (additional fees apply).
2. An SMS Template must be created prior to setting up an automated SMS. Check this tutorial on how to create one: How to Add a New SMS Template
   

Step Tutorial

1. From the Dashboard, click Administration then Automation. Click Add.

2. Fill in the following fields in the Details section:

1. Title - Enter a title for your automated SMS.
   
2. Active - Set the automation to active to make it available for use. 
3. Description - Enter a description for your automation. You may use this section to note the conditions to be used and when the SMS will be sent.
4. Action- Select the SMS feature you want to automate from the action drop-down menu. Select SMS to automate SMS messages.

NOTE: Additional sections will appear once an action is set.

1. SMS Template - Choose the template you wish to use for this automation.
   
2. Recipient Type - Select who you want to send the SMS to in the dropdown field. This could be Student, Org Unit, Trainer, Individual Staff Member, or Student (Company-related).

3. In the Automate When section, click + Add Date Trigger button. This will set when the automation runs.

1. Field - Select a field from the dropdown list that will best suit your requirement.
2. Period - Select a period from the list. This could be Days, Weeks, Months, or Minutes.

NOTE: Additional fields will appear once a period is set. Fill in these fields based on your preference.

1. Input a Number based on period selected.
   
2. Select When the automation will run. Either Before or After
    the field and period that were previously selected.

You can add another Date Trigger by clicking the + Add Date Trigger button again.

4. In the Conditions section, click + Add Condition Trigger.  A Condition Trigger validates a set of requirements in the SMS for the automation to run. If the requirements are not met, the automation will not run.

1. Field - There are several fields for you to choose from, select one that is suited for your condition.
2. Operator - An operator is used to determine the relationship of the field and its value. The list will vary depending on the field selected.

1. Value - This field will appear once a field is selected. And the format will depend on the field selected. You may add more than one value for some. 
   

NOTE:  When you add another Condition Trigger, you may choose AND if you want BOTH conditions to be met for the automation to run. Otherwise, use OR if you want at least ONE of the conditions to be met for the automation to run.

5. Once done setting up these sections of your automation, click Save.

NOTE: The sender of the text message will appear as "SMS". It is not possible to customise the sender's name or number, as this is standard across all accounts.

See sample below:

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And that’s how to setup an automatic SMS Message!

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Congratulations on completing this tutorial. We hope this has been helpful to you and your organisation. For any questions or concerns regarding this function, please reach out to the contact support via email.

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