Creating and Managing SMS Templates in RMS

Overview

An SMS template is a preset message that can be selected when sending an SMS in RMS using the 2-Way SMS module.

The 2-Way SMS module enables sending SMS in RMS and receiving replies in the Message Centre.

SMS can be sent on the 'Correspondence' tab of a Guest Profile or Reservation, in the Message Centre, and on In/Out Movements or using Triggered Correspondence.

SMS is a Short Messaging Service designed for brief communication to or between mobile devices and is 160 characters long.

SMS templates include a library of available Merge Fields, which will pre-populate information and allow for personalising any SMS sent.

Every character or keystroke entered on an SMS template, including spaces and line breaks, contributes to the overall character count.

An SMS template character count will not reflect the final character count when sending a multi-part SMS or using Merge Fields. 

Data populated for inserted Merge Fields will alter the character count of the SMS.

To send a multi-part SMS in chronological order, the SMS provider includes a series of special hidden characters in the SMS.

To accommodate the required hidden characters, the character limit per SMS for a multi-part SMS is capped at the following.

Text longer than the above character limitations does not fit the criteria for the Short Messaging Service and can be converted to an email using a Form Letter.

The SMS History Report can be used to review SMS that have been sent in RMS.

Setup

1. Go to Setup > Correspondence > SMS. 
2. Select Add.
3. Enter a Description.
4. Enter the SMS text.
5. Insert Merge Fields (Optional).
6. Select Save/Exit.
   

Additional Information 

SMS is a Short Messaging Service designed for brief communication to or between mobile devices and is 160 characters long.

Data populated for inserted Merge Fields will alter the character count of the SMS.

Use the Guest Given Name «cGiven», Reservation Number «rRes_No», and Property Name «zName» Merge Fields to personalise SMS, identify the sender, and minimise SMS sent being discarded as spam by the recipient.

Use the Guest Portal Login URL «rGuest_Portal_Short_URL» Merge Field to direct a Guest to log into the Guest Portal to manage their Reservation.

Use an SMS Template for brief messages or alerts and send a companion Form Letter by email, or use Guest Portal Correspondence to convey longer messages.