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Communication & SMS

The communication module gives schools a direct channel to parents, students, and staff — through bulk SMS, automated alerts, in-app messaging, and announcements.

SMS Gateway

sERP sends SMS via an integrated SMS gateway (configured per-deployment by the country licensee). Before using any SMS feature, ensure the gateway is configured under Settings → SMS Settings.

SMS credits are consumed per message segment (standard 160-character SMS = 1 credit). Long messages use multiple credits.

Supported networks

sERP SMS delivery works on any GSM network in the deployment country. For Nigeria deployments this includes MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

Bulk SMS

Send a message to any group of recipients in one step.

  1. Go to Communication → Send SMS
  2. Select the Recipient Group:
    • All parents
    • All students
    • All staff
    • By class (parents or students)
    • By year group
    • Custom (enter numbers manually)
  3. Type your message in the text box (character counter shows credits required)
  4. Click Send SMS

A delivery report is available under Communication → SMS Delivery Log.

Automated SMS Alerts

sERP can send automated SMS messages triggered by system events. These are configured in Settings → SMS Settings:

Alert Trigger
Absence alert A student is marked absent in attendance
Fee reminder Manually triggered from the Debtors list
Result notification Terminal reports are published
Payment confirmation A fee payment is recorded

Toggle each alert on or off independently.

In-App Messaging

Two-way in-app messaging is available between:

  • Staff ↔ Staff
  • Staff ↔ Parent
  • Staff ↔ Student

Sending an in-app message

  1. Go to Communication → Messages
  2. Click New Message
  3. Select the recipient(s) by name or role
  4. Type your message and click Send

Recipients see new messages via the notification badge in the navigation bar and in their portal inbox.

Announcements & Notice Board

Post announcements visible to all or selected user groups:

  1. Go to Communication → Announcements
  2. Click Post Announcement
  3. Enter a Title and Body
  4. Select the Audience (All, Staff only, Parents, Students, or by Class)
  5. Set an Expiry Date (after which the announcement is archived)
  6. Click Post

Announcements appear on the dashboard and in the portal notice boards.

Parent–Teacher Conferences

Schedule and manage parent–teacher meetings:

  1. Go to Communication → Parent-Teacher Conferences
  2. Click Schedule Conference
  3. Select the Class, Teacher, and available Time Slots
  4. Send SMS invitations to parents from the same screen
  5. Track RSVPs and attendance from the conference record

SMS Usage Report

View SMS credit consumption:

  1. Go to Communication → SMS Reports
  2. Filter by Date Range, Message Type, or Staff Sender
  3. The report shows credits used, delivery status, and recipient breakdown