Reminder Comparison
Simple reminders
A simple reminder run will use a single template to cover multiple reminder types.
It uses the Reminder_List mail merge in the template which creates a table for printed and email reminders with the animal name, the reminder and the due date as below.
SMS will list the reminders as shown.
These templates are set in the run under properties. Red arrow.
For this template to work correctly the special filter for ‘One enter per’ needs to be set to ‘Letter’ as show by the green arrow.
Pros
Very easy for client to alter templates.
Takes little time, less than 5 minutes to print email and send SMS.
Client only receives one letter, email or sms for multiple animals with multiple reminders.
Cons
Template is very vague on reasons for these reminders as many will be displayed. Will not be able to provide client with reason behind vaccines or flea treatment.
Advanced Reminders
These reminders are using reminder-based templates. That is when each reminder has its own custom template.
These are set under Picklist | Misc | Reminder Types.
Each reminder can have a template for post, email and SMS as well as for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runs.
Separate templates would need to be created for each reminder including different runs if you want to show them as increasing urgency.
Pros
Only need to complete a reminder run once and it will send out everything. Multiple runs for all reminders.
Each reminder can have a template that explains the reasons for the reminder. Why we flea treat, why we need to have vaccinations. Tailored for the reminder.
Cons
The clinic will need to setup all the templates which can take a while.
Client will receive multiple reminders if they have multiple animals with reminders due. Big negative.
Combining reminder runs
There may be clinics that want to do a bit of both or have one reminder receive a very tailored template.
This can be achieved by setting that one reminder to reminder-based templates and creating the template.
You will still do the normal simple reminder run but the reminder-based template will be sent instead of the simple reminder template.
If a reminder has a reminder-based template the client will always receive the advanced reminder over the simple one.