The use of SMS (Short Message Service) has exploded over recent years.
Databuild can now send SMS messages to mobile phones
Setup
Before using SMS, an SMS Sever must be setup. On registering, you will be given a user name and password which must be entered
To do so you need to setup an account with an SMS server (this can be done online) and enter your particulars.
At present Databuild only supports Mobile Messenger as a server. As demand grows other servers that meet our standards may be added.
Depending on volumes, costs are about 20 cents per messsage and are pre-purcheased in blocks.
An Identifier is a text that prefixes all SMS messages, usually your company name. As SMS messages have an absolute limit of 160 characters, this should be kept short.
An Originator is the phone number returned SMS messages are directed to. This is necessary if we are to process return information.
For instance Job Control sends status requests to supervisors. When the supervisor replies to those SMS messages, the replies are routed back to the system and activity statuses are updated automatically.
If the server bills via a credits system, you can view current credits and purchase more online.
Buttons (these require internet access)
Information screen on the current SMS server
SMS report screen for the current SMS server
Tests SMS connection
Purchases online credits
Refreshes available credits. Do this after purchasing credits or changeing SMS server details
Sending SMS Messages
SMS messages can be sent from several positions
An easy, inexpensive and efficient way of sending remittance advices from EFT payments is to use SMS
In Suppliers/Details, set the EFT remittance type to "SMS"
In the EFT Remittance menu, select either "SMS Remittance" or "Default"
Job Control
In Activities, set communique type to "SMS" for any action. Then select those actions in the Can Do screen and press the Send SMS button. This can be automated by setting the Autosend flag against the action.
In the Can Do screen, Select Activities, then press Completions/SMS Supervisors. The Job's supervisors will receive SMS messages requesting completion status on those activities.
Receiving SMS Messages.
If the recipient replies to an SMS message, it is directed to the telephone number specified in the Originator field in setup. Your SMS server can arrange (for a small fee) for those replies to be routed to an Email address that you specify.
A separate program, SMS Watch, continually checks for new messages and takes appropriate action such as updating job Control activities' completions.
