Send Notification - Standard Sending Interface

Owned by Will Powell (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Apr 14, 2021 by Chris Sinkinson (Unlicensed)
4 min read

The default method to send a mass notification is by using the Standard Sending interface. This interface uses a step-by-step wizard approach to collect the information needed to send the mass notification. This interface is ideal for casual or novice users who are looking for a simple way to send mass notifications.

The Standard Sending interface guides the user through the following steps:

  1. Identify the type of notification (Actual, Test, Exercise)

  2. Choose the notification template

  3. Confirmation of the message contents

  4. Selection of the Sending Profiles

  5. Confirmation

Identify the type of notification

The first step of the wizard is to choose the type of notification. Available options are shown on-screen, and may include:

  • Actual: Actionable by all targeted recipients

  • Exercise: Actionable only by designated exercise participants

  • Test: Technical testing only, all recipients disregard

These notification types are defined by the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP 1.2) standards. Choosing one of this options will limit the sending profiles available based on the notification type. You will also see a reminder on the top right corner of the sending interface to keep you informed about the type of notification you are sending.

Choose the notification template

The second step of the standard interface is to choose the Notification Template. The template provides a starting point for the message content. We recommend that you create templates in advance for all your expected notifications. We also recommend having a “blank” template for unexpected situations.

The templates are organized into 12 categories as specified by the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP 1.2) specifciations. You can click on a category to filter the list of templates in the dropdown list. Also, you can type keywords to quickly locate a template by name.

If your template includes any variable placeholders (text surrounded by square brackets, e.g.: [Building]) then you will be prompted to enter the variable values after selecting the template.

Confirmation of the message contents

Once you have selected your template, and entered any variable values, you’ll be shown the full message contents. You will notice that any variable values you entered on the previous step, are now included in your message. You can modify the contents of the message at this time. Optionally, you can configure advanced notification options to further configure parameters of the message. The fields displayed follow the standards from the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP 1.2).

Selection of the Sending Profiles

Based on the type of notification (Actual, Exercise, Test) selected, you will be shown a list of sending profiles. The Sending Profile contains the recipients of the message and are pre-planned in advance. Choose one or more sending profiles by placing a checkmark in the box next to the name of the Sending Profiles to receive the notification.

Confirmation

The confirmation screen with provide an approximate number of recipients and confirm that the notification is ready to be sent. The number of recipients is approximated because there may be duplicate entries, and the system will not send the same message to any individual recipient more than once. So the actual number of recipients may be smaller after the message is sent.

When you are ready, press the “Finish” button to send the notification.

When your notification is sent, you will see a confirmation message on-screen. There will also be a button to access the tracking report where you can monitor the status of the notification.

Your notification is now sent.