SMS templates
A template sets the text of an SMS for a message type and a language. Campaigns use it to generate each recipient's message.
Access
From Cash Transfers → SMS Campaigns, click SMS templates.
The screen
At the top, figures: Total, Active, Languages, Types. Two filters narrow the list: event type and language.
Each row shows the type, language, subject, the start of the text and whether it is active. The actions are preview, edit, delete and activate or deactivate the template.
Initialize default templates creates the templates supplied with the GIS. Templates already present are flagged Already existing and are not overwritten.
Create or edit a template
- Click Add.
- Choose the Event type and Language, then enter a Subject, for example "PCH Payment".
- Write the Message content. Click a variable to insert it.
- Leave Active template ticked so that campaigns use it.
- Click Save.
The counter shows the number of characters. Above 160, the message is split into several SMS and the counter shows how many.
Variables
| Variable | Replaced by |
|---|---|
{nom} | Beneficiary's full name |
{montant} | Transfer amount, for example 50 000 FCFA |
{reference} | Transaction reference |
{date} | Transfer date |
{cycle} | Transfer name |
{programme} | Program name |
Example:
PCH: {nom}, o seu pagamento de {montant} foi efectuado com sucesso. Ref: {reference}. Data: {date}.
Message types
Campaigns use four types: General reminder, Information, Awareness, Summons.
Templates also know payment-related types: Payment successful, Payment failed, Payment in progress, Conditionality reminder, General notification.
Languages
Portuguese, Creole, French, Fula (Pulaar), Balanta, Mandinka, Manjak, Papel, Felupe, Bijagó and Mancanha.
When a recipient has no template in their language, the Portuguese template of the same type is used. Plan at least one Portuguese template per type.
Translate a template
Translate into other languages offers an automatic translation of the template. It only exists for Portuguese and French. Local languages, Creole included, are translated by hand. The result lists the translated languages and the failures.
Good practice
- A short message, under 160 characters, costs a single SMS.
- Start with "PCH:" so the recipient recognises the sender.
- Have translations into local languages checked by a native speaker.