Sending an Alert Notification

Contact and Response

The media used to contact an individual can be tailored to each person, the group, alert or organization. More than one method can be used simultaneously. Some examples are:

Outbound	Acknowledgement	More Information	Advantages	Disadvantages
Automated Phone Call	Key press to acknowledge message. Key press to advise of action to be taken.	Dial back to get more detailed information (PIN coded or CLI access).	Immediacy. Tone of message may convey subtleties. General to all phones.	May not be able to take while driving, in meeting etc.
Text Message, Flash Text	Delivery receipt for acknowledgement. Respond to SMS with action to take (Two way SMS).	Dial in to voice service. Access web site.	Immediacy to very large groups. General to all mobiles.	Mobile users only. May be ignored.
WAP Push	Delivery Receipt. Respond on WAP Site.	Connects mobile to WAP site for detailed information and response options.	Immediacy. More detailed information than SMS.	Integration with mobile user group needed.
Email Delivery Receipt	Email or web site acknowledgement.	Web site.	Detailed information within message.	Delays, email saturation.

Defining a User

Information on users may be entered from a web form, or the X-on hosted database can be more closely integrated with existing personnel records. The method of integration will depend on the source and format of the data.

Information on individuals may include:

	Name
	Mobile Numbers (unlimited)
	Fixed Numbers (unlimited)
	Email Addresses (unlimited)
	Priority
	Times and dates available
	Deputy
	Group Membership (unlimited)

Defining an Alert

A template may be set up for possible alert scenarios, which could include such information as:

	Which users and/or groups to contact
	Contact methods to use (One type or many types)
	Number to contact within groups (Any one/Fixed Number/All)
	Number to receive positive acknowledgement from (Any one/Fixed Number/All)
	What messages to play initially and after acknowledgement
	What text information to give initially
	Personnel authorized to initiate alert

Some of the above can be chosen at the point at which the alert is started. Generally, a particular hosted application will be discussed with a view to minimizing the choice of information when defining templates and starting alerts, when time is of the essence.

Starting an Alert

An alert can be started from a PC or by dialling into an automated telephone system. Activation may also be linked to other systems, such as alarms.

The method used to activate a particular alert will always be discussed to fit a client application so as to minimize the amount of information to be given at the time.

For example, a particular password may always be linked to a pre-defined message to be played and the groups to be contacted.

Or the administrator may be prompted for either the groups to contact or the initial message to play, or both. A control room may require a link to a 'panic button'.

Once an alert has been started, a second phase of response can be put into action, such as a recorded message for more detailed information, or to inform the press with less detailed information.

Monitoring Progress

A monitor of the contact progress by individual can be viewed in real time.

Changes can be made during the progress of the alert, or it may be cancelled with the option of informing those who have been contacted at the point of cancellation.

Alerts may be defined that are successful once a particular number of contacts within a group have acknowledged.

Reviewing the Results

On completion, reports can be automatically emailed to a management team to review the audit trail of the alert.

Testing

When used for emergency information, an essential part of the X-on Contact service is to agree and establish a regular test procedure that fits the structure of the client's alerts. Tests may be triggered automatically or manually.

For further information on X-on Alert please Contact Us, or call Sales on 0870 345 5577.

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