FAQs |
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General
I need a reliable service. When was your system last down?
We have never had any down time.
Do I need to be technical to use the service?
Not at all. Groupcall have designed the interface to be as simple as possible to use. If you’re familiar with surfing the web, then you will be able to use Alert with no problem.
Are there online reports to keep an eye on how the service is being used?
The History button provides you with an overview of the all messages that you’ve sent, to whom they’ve been sent and their response. Additionally the Usage Report provides an overview of the number of SMS sent and when.
Do I have to log in each time I wish to send a message?
Security is paramount to us and as such we require that you enter your password each session. If you do not use the system for 15 minutes the session will timeout and you will need to re-enter your password again.
Is there a particular set of browsers that you support?
We typically support all modern versions of IE, Firefox, Safari and Chrome.
Can I import contacts so that I don’t have to manually create each one?
Yes. Depending on the way that you have Alert set up you can import contacts via a CSV file or, if you are using Groupcall Xporter, Alert will be populated automatically with no manual intervention required.
Do you have online help?
We try to make the product as easy as possible and are confident that help required will be minimal. However, we provide a training guide which will be sent to you by email when you subscribe to Alert. In addition, we are in the process of finalising this and enhanced documentation will be available online.
Messaging
Can I send international texts?
Yes you can. When sending an international text you do need to ensure that overseas destinations are correctly set up with full, correct, international dialling codes so that they are recognised as correct numbers and not returned as incorrect UK numbers. Prices are dependent on the destination country. For specific costing, please contact sales@groupcall.com.
How long can a single message be?
One message can be up to 160 characters long. It is however possible to link multiple messages to create a longer message. Most handsets will display these as a single message although some will show them as separate messages.
How do people reply to messages sent?
Inbound messaging costs £150 P/A and is an additional option. For further details, see our costing FAQs.
Can I track whether messages have been received?
Alert provides a comprehensive history tracking capability that displays all messages sent, their content and who they are sent to. It also, in the case of open or closed response messages, provides a list of the responses provided by recipients of the SMS.
How do I schedule messages to go out?
By default the message will be sent immediately, however it is possible to schedule the time that a message is to be sent. This can be done when you are about to send the message by selecting “Send messages at specified time” and inputting the required date/time into the box that appears.
How many messages can be sent at any one time?
There is no limit to the number of SMS/emails that can be sent. A PIN can be set up to authorise sending SMS set above a configurable threshold to prevent accidental or unauthorised messaging to masses of people.
Can the messages be seen to be coming from my company name?
The message can be configured to be sent with a header of your choice.
Can I send SMS to a landline number?
SMS to landline numbers can be sent as long as the receiving number is capable of receiving SMS.
Support
What if I need help or support?
You will be provided with a user guide when you subscribe. Should you want to contact support directly you can do this through support@groupcall.com or by calling 020 8502 7344 (Option 2).
Do you have a User Guide?
Yes, this will be sent to you when you subscribe.
Cost
What are the set-up costs?
There is a set up and training cost of £250 only payable for the first year.
What are the optional extra’s for Alert?
Voice messaging can be added at £99 P/A. Inbound messaging can also be added for £150 P/A.
Do you offer a trial of the system?
No. Due to the set-up required, this is not possible. For more information on Alert please contact us: sales@groupcall.com or call: 020 8502 7344.
