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, or 70 characters if the message contains emoji or other non-standard characters.

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 reduced.

A message that does not fit in one SMS is split into parts. Each part of a multi-part SMS holds 153 standard characters, or 67 characters where the message contains emoji or other non-standard characters. For the full breakdown, see SMS template character counts.

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.

Please Note! The 2-Way SMS Module will need to be activated in the Module Market before you can send SMS Messages.

Please Note! RMS is highly configurable. Some Terminology, User Access & Permissions, Images, Labels, and Functions used in these articles may differ from your setup. CLICK HERE to find out more.

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, or 70 characters if the message contains emoji or other non-standard characters. Longer messages are split into multiple parts. See SMS template character counts.

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.

Please Note! The use of URL shorteners may be restricted by certain carriers or regional regulations; to prevent message rejection, always use a personalised domain and confirm compliance with your provider.