3 Phases of the Snow Alert Cycle

3 Phases of the Snow Alert Cycle

The snow alert system streamlines operations by notifying occupants linked to a contract about the imminent arrival of operators. This ensures a clear workspace, avoiding disruptions like parked cars or recycling bins obstructing the site. When used effectively, these alerts can save up to 1 hour per tractor per storm, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing associated costs.

Three Phases of the Snow Alert Cycle:
  1. Setup: Initial alert configuration at the company level and validation by the occupant.
  2. Alert Management: Sending alerts during snow removal operations.
  3. Post-Sending Validation: Verifying sent alerts for accurate tracking.
These alerts improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost team productivity.

here are relevant articles for better understanding:
TopicsDescriptionArticle
Defining Alert MessagesCustomize your snow alert messages or use the system’s default message. [View Article]
Occupant Tab (Client Contract)Activate client alerts and verify the number listed for alerts. [View Article]
Logs Tab (Client Contract)View the list of all alerts sent to the occupant. [View Article]
Managing Alerts via the Operations MapLearn how to send alerts using the operations map. [View Article]
Managing Alerts via the TabletLearn how to send alerts using the tablet. [View Article]
Inspection ToolView all alerts sent by performing a search by number. [View Article]


Phase 1 - Setup: Initial alert configuration at the company level and validation by the occupant.

For alerts to function, two steps are required: setup by the operator and validation by the customer.

1.1 Company-Side Configuration

Activating Alerts:

  1. Go to Management > Company.
  2. Ensure the toggle button "Alerts Activated" is GREEN (default setting).
    1. Red Status: Alerts are deactivated for all customers.


IdeaTip: Deactivate this option at the end of the season to avoid unnecessary fees.

Customizing Alert Messages:

  1. Navigate to Management > Company, then to the 'Messages' tab at the top of the page.
  2. Configure SMS alert messages (alerts, validation/consent) or use default ones.
    selectedImg
AlertInclude variables like $address (work address) and an opt-out option (Reply NO to unsubscribe).

InfoNote: SMS costs depend on message length. Special characters increase costs. Base rate: $0.05/SMS, billed monthly for the previous month's usage.

Example:
  1. At the bottom of the page, select preconfigured templates for other messages (e.g., email, payment declined) under Management > Message Templates.

1.2 Occupant-Side Configuration

Alert Registration

Through the client's contract, access the 'Occupants' tab. The following elements are essential to ensure the alerts are sent:

  1. Contract Requirements: The contract must be active, assigned to a route, and included in the route's tracing.


  2. Ensure the "Alerts Activated" toggle is GREEN (default setting).
  3. Two ways to add a phone number or email:
    1. By the occupant during online contract acceptance.
    2. Manually by you via the 'Occupants' tab.

Alert
For customers to receive alerts, this must absolutely be green (consent).

Alert Status Color Codes:
  1. Black: Subscription request sent.
  2. Yellow: Validation pending.
  3. Green: Validated, alerts activated.
  4. Red: Customer declined alerts.
  5. Dark Red: Customer unsubscribed.

Phase 2 - Sending Alerts (Operations)



Phase 3 - Post-Sending Validation: Verifying sent alerts for accurate tracking.


To verify sent alerts and address claims or issues reported by clients, use this tool to understand the flow of alerts on a specific route.

How to Use the Inspection Menu?

1. Go to Tools Menu > INnspection (alerts)
2. Search for alerts using:
- Email address, phone number (without spaces, parentheses, or dashes), or contract number (add a # before the number).
- Select the date when the alert was sent (mandatory).
selectedImg

Displayed Information

Alert Details:
  1. Date, time, format (SMS, email, voice vall), and recipient.
  2. Route name and triggering parameters (buffer, direction)
Coordinate Status:
  1. Green: Validate coordinates, alert sent.
  2. Red: Coordinates deactivated or alerts declined
  3. Yellow: Unconfirmed registration

Received Alerts:
  1. List of sent alerts with the exact sending time
  2. Click on an laert to view the associated visit.

Tips for Troubleshooting

If an alert was not sent:

  1. Check the coordinate status in the 'Occupants Tab'.
  2. Ensure the "Alerts Activated" field is green.

InfoNote: For technical reasons, unconfirmed voice calls (status in yellow) will still receive alerts, whereas other sending methods will not deliver alerts to contacts with a yellow status.