Learn how to send text messages to your workforce using the Eyrus platform.
We strongly recommend collecting all worker phone numbers as well as their preferred/primary language during registration so that you can take full advantage of this feature. In addition to the text messaging, Eyrus offers an evacuation system that incorporates text messaging as well.
In this guide, we will show you how to compose your message, attach photos, and ensure that it's sent correctly to the intended recipients.
Sending a message
To send a message you can head to Communications module using the main menu, or at any screen, click the Quick Actions button and select Message Workforce. This will present the Messaging panel.
From here, simply select the audience to receive a message. You can filter the audience further depending on the selection. For example, if you only want to message workers who were seen on-site today you have the option to set a custom seen range.
Once the audience is selected you'll be presented with the recipient count and can compose your message and attach any images.
You can also message a specific set of workers from the Directory using Bulk Actions. Automatic translation works there too.
Automatic translation for text messages
Eyrus can translate your message automatically so each worker receives it in their own Primary language. Write your message once in English. When your audience includes workers with a Primary language other than English, Automatic translation is turned on by default.
- Write your message once. When your audience includes workers with a Primary language other than English, Automatic translation is turned on by default. Select Next: Review and send to translate it.
Before you send, the panel shows your recipients grouped by Primary language, so you can see how many workers will get each version.
- Before sending, you can open any language to review or edit its translation, or regenerate it. Reviewing is optional.
- If you go back and change the original message, every language is translated again. Any edits you made to the translations will need to be redone.
- If a translation fails, you can retry, type or paste your own translation, or send that group the English version.
- Workers with no Primary language set receive English (default).
- Message counts include every language version, so a translated send uses credits for each language.
Please note: Automatic translation uses each worker's Primary language field. If your project doesn't collect Primary language, automatic translation shows as unavailable and messages send as written. See Setting Up Primary Language for Automatic Translation to turn it on and fill in missing languages.
Viewing sent messages
To see every message your project has sent, go to Communication > Messaging history. A translated send shows as one row that you can expand to see each language. You can search, sort, filter, and download your history. See Viewing Messaging History for details.
Phone number statuses
After a message is first sent, Eyrus maintains an updated status on all worker phone numbers. This status appears in the worker profile and as an available reporting column in the Worker Directory and Custom Reports. If a worker chooses to Unsubscribe or Resubscribe to messaging this is automatically reflected in their profile.
The available statuses are as follows:
Unverified - message delivery has not yet been attempted to this number so the system does not have a status.
Verified - The number is active, subscribed to messages, and receiving them sucessfully.
Unsubscribed - The owner of the number has chosen to unsubscribe to Eyrus messages so any texts will not be delivered until they resubscribe by replying "Start" or "Unstop"
Invalid - This number is not an active phone number or formatted correctly and not able to receive messages.
Not a mobile number - This number is not associated with a mobile device, therefore not able to receive text messages.