Automated SMS Notifications
Introduction
Setting up Automated SMS notifications
SMS notification shared to the Phone Number attribute of a customer selected in the workflow
Automated SMS notifications enable an organization to notify mobile users' doing several activities in the field.
FieldPro integrates with SMS aggregators to be able to send SMS notifications to thousands of customers with a click.
Currently, we leverage Africa’s Talking as our SMS aggregator. Payments are debited from our FieldPro account, not the client's account.
Here is a link to countries listing where SMS service is available https://africastalking.com/
We also use Zalo SMS aggregators for our clients in Vietnam
The SMS integration comes at a cost
Create a Job in Workflow
Navigate to Workflow Section: Go to the Workflow section and
add new job:
Click on the + icon at the top right.
A pop-up menu will appear. Select Notification Type, then choose SMS.
Configure SMS Notification
SMS Content:
Enter the content of the SMS. The SMS should include relevant KPIs in a concise format due to character limitations.
Insert Queries in the SMS
Create Query:
Click on Create Query and input the required fields:
Name: Specify a name for the query (e.g., Details Table).
Query: Obtain the query from your reports.
Meta Expressions:
Alternatively, use meta expressions by clicking on Add Meta Expression and filling in the required sections.
To select the recipient of the SMS using meta expressions, select the Use Meta Expressions option beside Select Users.
Add Attachments (If Supported)
Enable Custom Data: If the SMS system supports attachments, toggle Send Custom Data to attach a document in an appropriate format. Note that SMS typically does not support attachments; this is more relevant for MMS or linking to downloadable content.
Specify Recipients
Recipients Tab:
Specify the target audience for the SMS notification.
Select mobile users from the drop-down menu to receive the report.
Test the configuration by sending a test SMS to ensure the automation works.
Set Date Range and Frequency
Date Range: Choose the date range for the dashboard, such as today, yesterday, last full week, last full month, current month, current year, etc.
Frequency and Timer: Set the frequency and date for the SMS to be sent within the workflows.
Create Workflow:
Go to the Workflow section and click on Create a New Workflow.
You will be redirected to the workflow builder section to arrange the SMS notification loop by clicking on SMS job created.
Set Timer:
Click on the Timer in the builder to configure its contents.
Specify the time for the notifications in Absolute or Relative values:
Absolute: Exact time (e.g., 10:05 AM).
Relative: Hours in relation to the date range selected (e.g., 12 hours or 24 hours).
Run Workflow at Creation:
Enable the Run Workflow at Creation toggle in the workflow settings to ensure notifications are sent according to the determined date range.
Unsubscribe Option
Recipients can unsubscribe from the SMS report by replying with specific keyword (e.g., "STOP") in the SMS
Automated SMS notifications can be configured to send filled activity reports to the phone number attribute of a customer selected in a workflow
Select use meta expression:
In the meta expression builder:
Input the title of the expression
Target type as a variable
The scope of the meta expression builder should be Workflow report to result the sharing of the activity report to the phone number of the customer
Step - This is the workflow that will be filled by a mobile user which will trigger sharing of the activity report to the phone number of the customer
Field - Selected customer whose workflow is filled
Option - Select the phone number attribute on the customer list
Once done filling all the fields in the meta expression save for the changes to apply.
Upon filling of the workflow an sms notification will be shared to the phone number attribute of a customer selected in the workflow
This is how the SMS will be on the User's phone
Automated SMS notifications provides a seamless solution to bridge communication gaps, reduce manual tasks, and foster proactive engagement.
Setting up Automated SMS notifications
SMS notification shared to the Phone Number attribute of a customer selected in the workflow
Introduction
Automated SMS notifications enable an organization to notify mobile users' doing several activities in the field.
FieldPro integrates with SMS aggregators to be able to send SMS notifications to thousands of customers with a click.
Currently, we leverage Africa’s Talking as our SMS aggregator. Payments are debited from our FieldPro account, not the client's account.
Here is a link to countries listing where SMS service is available https://africastalking.com/
We also use Zalo SMS aggregators for our clients in Vietnam
The SMS integration comes at a cost
Setting up Automated SMS notifications.
Create a Job in Workflow
Navigate to Workflow Section: Go to the Workflow section and
add new job:
Click on the + icon at the top right.
A pop-up menu will appear. Select Notification Type, then choose SMS.
Configure SMS Notification
SMS Content:
Enter the content of the SMS. The SMS should include relevant KPIs in a concise format due to character limitations.
Insert Queries in the SMS
Create Query:
Click on Create Query and input the required fields:
Name: Specify a name for the query (e.g., Details Table).
Query: Obtain the query from your reports.
Meta Expressions:
Alternatively, use meta expressions by clicking on Add Meta Expression and filling in the required sections.
To select the recipient of the SMS using meta expressions, select the Use Meta Expressions option beside Select Users.
Add Attachments (If Supported)
Enable Custom Data: If the SMS system supports attachments, toggle Send Custom Data to attach a document in an appropriate format. Note that SMS typically does not support attachments; this is more relevant for MMS or linking to downloadable content.
Specify Recipients
Recipients Tab:
Specify the target audience for the SMS notification.
Select mobile users from the drop-down menu to receive the report.
Test the configuration by sending a test SMS to ensure the automation works.
Set Date Range and Frequency
Date Range: Choose the date range for the dashboard, such as today, yesterday, last full week, last full month, current month, current year, etc.
Frequency and Timer: Set the frequency and date for the SMS to be sent within the workflows.
Configure Timer
Create Workflow:
Go to the Workflow section and click on Create a New Workflow.
You will be redirected to the workflow builder section to arrange the SMS notification loop by clicking on SMS job created.
Set Timer:
Click on the Timer in the builder to configure its contents.
Specify the time for the notifications in Absolute or Relative values:
Absolute: Exact time (e.g., 10:05 AM).
Relative: Hours in relation to the date range selected (e.g., 12 hours or 24 hours).
Run Workflow at Creation:
Enable the Run Workflow at Creation toggle in the workflow settings to ensure notifications are sent according to the determined date range.
Unsubscribe Option
Recipients can unsubscribe from the SMS report by replying with specific keyword (e.g., "STOP") in the SMS
SMS notification shared to the Phone Number attribute of a customer selected in the workflow
Automated SMS notifications can be configured to send filled activity reports to the phone number attribute of a customer selected in a workflow
Select use meta expression:
In the meta expression builder:
Input the title of the expression
Target type as a variable
The scope of the meta expression builder should be Workflow report to result the sharing of the activity report to the phone number of the customer
Step - This is the workflow that will be filled by a mobile user which will trigger sharing of the activity report to the phone number of the customer
Field - Selected customer whose workflow is filled
Option - Select the phone number attribute on the customer list
Once done filling all the fields in the meta expression save for the changes to apply.
Upon filling of the workflow an sms notification will be shared to the phone number attribute of a customer selected in the workflow
This is how the SMS will be on the User's phone
Automated SMS notifications provides a seamless solution to bridge communication gaps, reduce manual tasks, and foster proactive engagement.
Updated on: 27/11/2024
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