Introduction
General Responders are used to automatically generate replies to incoming or short code sms's. The reply generated is based on the configured keyword and phrase items.
A Keyword is typically the first word in the incoming sms and is used to designate a short code campaign.
A Phrase is following text (after the keyword) in the incoming sms and can be used to generate a specific response based on the keyword campaign.
Each Responder can service multiple keywords each with its associated phrases.
Operation
The Responder works by scanning incoming sms or short codes and searching for all defined keywords. If a keyword is not found, the responder replies with its default message.
If a defined keyword is found, the responder scans the text for defined phrases. If a phrase is not identified, the responder replies with the response message defined in the keyword.
If a defined phrase is found, the responder replies with the message defined in the detected phrase.
Adding a Responder
To Add a responder, first create the SMS Processor. Once created, Select Configure Processor option from the Action Dropdown associated with the Sms Processor (Fig1).
The Responder Screen will be displayed. Click on the Create Responder button to create and configure the responder(Fig2).
The Responder Select Database form will be displayed. Select the database you wish to associate the responder with (Fig3).
Note: Each Responder must be associated with a Contact Database. This database becomes the master database. When a Responder is created, a responder database is automatically created with the fields defined in the master database. In addition, the following fields are added to the responder database: KEYWORD, PHRASE, CREATED_TIMESTAMP, LAST_SENT_TIMESTAMP, LAST_INCOMING_TIMESTAMP. This database can then be used for Bulk SMS based on incoming / shortcode sms received.
Once the Primary Database is selected, add the Name of the Responder Database and define the default templates (used when a keyword is not matched) (Fig4).
Note: Two templates are defined. When an incoming sms or shortcode is received, the responder tries to match the sender with a contact in the Primary database. If the person is found, then the Contact Found template is used. If not found, the Contact Not Found template is used. Data from the Primary database can be packed into the Contact Found Template.
Adding Keywords and Phrases
Once the Responder is configured, you can Add and View the associated Keywords and Phrases. Click on the View Keywords button to manage Keywords. Click on the View Phrases button to manage Phrases (Fig5a, Fig5b).
Responder Database
When an incoming sms or short code is matched, the responder searches for the sender in the Primary Database. If the contact is found, its data is copied to or updated in the Responder Database. If not found, the MOBILE NUMBER, KEYWORD, PHRASE are just added to the Responder Database.
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Fig1
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Fig2
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Fig3
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Fig4
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Fig5a
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Fig5b