What is SMS Text

SMS messages are text messages sent to a mobile phone.  SMS stands for Short Message Service otherwise known as a “text message”.

• Adding the SMS Text messaging feature to XenDirect requires you to have an account with Twilio.com. (see SMS Text Feature Setup) and place funds on account for sending messages. Each message sent utilizes one or more message units from your account.  Reply texts also utilize one or more message units.  The only cost to enable the SMS text feature on XenDirect is a one-time setup fee. To get current pricing and to enable this service, contact Xenegrade sales for details or submit a support ticket inquiry.
  
• SMS Text messages should only be sent to recipients (clients and staff) that have approved receiving text messages.  To do so otherwise may violate certain local, state or federal laws. Recipients of SMS Text messages may incur a cost to receive messages, so it is imperative to obtain this approval.  XenDirect restricts the sending of SMS Text messages to clients if the [Permitted Marketing Methods] field does not contain “Text” or “Alerts” as an option.  XenDirect restricts the sending of SMS Text messages to staff if the [Permitted SMS Text] field is not checked Yes.
• The SMS Text feature does not process support reply text messages except STOP and START.
  
• For organizations with a different database per program year, only the current program year database will support the SMS Text feature.
• If a mobile phone number is recorded in more than one client record, the SMS Text feature will send to each instance based on the filter used to send the SMS Text.

Future Development

Currently, all SMS text messaging is performed manually by a user from the SMS Text menu option under Tools > Marketing. During the major upgrade to the WebReg module in 2023 and 2024, additional SMS Text features will be added.

WebReg MyAccount Alerts

This future feature automatically sends SMS Text messages to clients that opt to sign up for them based on various options. This feature is planned but not currently available. The feature is listed here as a reference to a future feature.  If interested in this feature, we welcome suggestions on what automated text messages you would desire to be available. 

Examples of client MyAccount Alerts may include text notifications such as:

• First day of course start
• Submit an evaluation
• Upcoming course offering
• Class cancellation due to weather, instructor illness, or other
• Waitlisted slot has become open
• Date, time, or location change for a course