SMS messages can be sent manually or generated automatically to a crewmember whenever a roster change is made or when you release the roster.
A number of settings need to be set before we can send the SMS.
COM channel
Field | Description |
Name | This is a mandatory field. |
In/Out | Set as OUT. |
| Host | You can use the company SMS provider or one of the following providers that N-OC currently has integrated support for:
|
| SSL | SSL stands for Secured Socket Layer. It is a secure way of providing authentication and encryption during communication online between your computer and the mail server. |
| Send in Curfew: | By default, there is a SMS curfew in the Sleipner config file between 2200-0800, this can be modified by configuring the SMSCurfew system setting. The curfew will add the messages to a queue to be sent after the curfew passes. Note: The curfew time span is using local time. |
| User | Set as Sleipner. |
| Username & Password | Username and password to your account. |
| Communication type | Set as SMS. |
| File Type | Different file types are available. Note: Check with your provider which one to use. |
| Message length: | The SMS (Short Message Service) protocol only allows a maximum of 160 alpha-numeric characters. This can be reduced further by using the Setup parameter SMSMaxLength. |
Setup parameters: To be setup in SETUP
Field | Description |
DefaultSMSSender | Default SMS sender, which is used when no sms number is provided. The SMS sender is called the ORIGINATOR. Also, the mobile number of the logged in user will be used. |
| SMSCurfew | Defines curfew for SMS Com Channels. Note: Default is 2200-0800lt |
| SMSMaxLength | Maximum length of SMS. Max. is 160. |
| SMSNotAllowedWords | Defines not allowed words in SMS. Words are defined as comma separated values. |
Template
There are 4 templates made in the Integration factory:
- Two for Roster Releases (Body and Subject) that will send an SMS when you release the roster.
- Two for Roster Revision notifications (Body and Subject) that are used every time you make a revision.
To change a Body or Subject, click on the text and change.
You can also Copy to create a new one, by using an existing template.
To create a new message for Human Resources from scratch, follow the steps below:
Revision Notification
Step 1: Press New.
Field | Description |
Template Name | Use a descriptive name. This field is mandatory. |
| Data Type | Set as Human Resources. |
Step 2:
Field | Description |
Data Element | Text. |
| Add | This will create an empty template. |
| Template | Add the elements you want in the message. |
Field | Description |
Text | Free text. |
| N-OC | To insert data information from the Gantt e.g Name. |
| System | CrLF = Line Break. |
Test your message to see how it will be presented and change accordingly, then press Finish.
Note: Follow the same process for the Header.
Roster Release
Note: The process is the same as for Revision Notification.
Events: The Events are created in the Automation factory. When an event like a roster revision happens, the Event is triggered and Sleipner will send the message to the COM and the message will be sent out.
Example: In the Events section we create two notifications: RosterRelease and RevisionNotification.
The way the two events are set up is the same, except for the Event type and the template.
Step 1:
Field | Description |
Event | The system has a long list of built in events. Note: For this exercise we use Roster REV and ROSTER PUBL. |
| Datatype | Set as Human Resources. |
| Filter | None, but you could use any of the HR Filters. |
| Station | None, but you could use Station specific messages. |
| Bounce message | Unavailable for SMS. Set as none. |
Step 2:
Field | Description |
Template Type | Set as OwnMessage. |
| Template | Set as Roster Revision Body. |
| Criteria | Set as None. |
| Header Template | Set as Roster Revision Subject. |
Step 3:
Field | Description |
Com Channel | Set as SMS. |
| Com Channel Instance | Select the COM SMS instance. |
| Address | Set as Mobile. Note: For Communication type, see Phone Types. The system will look after the Mobile communication type on the crew and send the SMS to the phone number attached to Mobile. |
Click finish.
Manual SMS
From the Roster Gantt you can send SMS directly to a crewmember by:
- Right clicking on the crew.
- Selecting the SMS icon.
Field | Description |
Originator | The phone number of the user logged in. |
| Receiver | The phone number of the crew. |
Characters left | Controlled by the SMSMaxLength. |
Note: You can also send the message to multiple crew by marking the crew.
Manual SMS to Contacts
From the search dialog you can send a SMS to a user that is not loaded into the Gantt.
- Click the phone number in the SMS column.
- Next, the email dialog will open.
