To create a new communication definition

The procedure to create a new communication definition is as follows:

1. Navigate to Quick Menu > Communication Engine > Configuration > Communication Definitions. The Communication Definitions window is displayed.
2. Click on New Communication. All fields are activated ready for data entry.
3. Enter a description for the new Communication into the field provided 1.
4. Using the Module drop-down field, select a parameter value that matches the communication event e.g. Assets, Contacts, CRM, Repairs, etc.
5. Using the Entity drop-down field, select a filtered parameter value that corresponds to the communication event e.g. Asset, Contact Group, CRM Case, Repairs Inspection, etc.
6. Optionally, for CRM-focused communications, where the definition is restricted to specific subjects only, deactivate the Filter by CRM subject tick box provided and compile the relevant subject list using the adjacent drop-down field 2.
7. Using the Companies drop-down field, multi-select all companies for which this communication is relevant.
8. Using the Recipient Type field, select a filtered parameter value to define the intended recipient for this communication e.g. Contact Group, Request Main Contact, Inspector, etc.
9. Using the Recipient rule drop-down field, select a filtered parameter value to define the intended recipient subset from the wider group membership 1.
10. Choose an Effective from date for this communication definition i.e. the date on which it came into effect 2.
11. Choose an Effective to date if the communication definition is to be time bound; a blank field means the definition will never expire.
12. Multi-select the permitted methods of communication by activating the tick boxes provided. An explanation of each communication attribute available is summarised in the table below.
13. Click on Save. The new communication definition appears in the alphabetical list, underneath the Module heading and linked Entity sub-heading 3.

Tip

1 Entering sufficient detail about the communication definition will ensure that it can be uniquely identified.

2 Where only a small number of parameter values are not required, activate the All tick box first and then deselect individual items from the full list, as appropriate; the All tick box will be automatically removed once an item is deselected.

Note

1 This additional field is displayed only where the Recipient Type is linked to a group membership. The system preference Minimum age for which all household members will receive communications controls the recipient rule All Contacts in Group over Minimum Age.  

2 The Effective from date defaults to the current system date and cannot be left blank.

3 The information can be amended by first selecting the communication definition from the alphabetical list or typing its name into the Search Communications field. By default the list is filtered to show Current communications. An alternative filter can be applied using the Filter by drop-down field: Expired, Future or All combinations.

See related topics...

To assign parameters to a communication definition

To assign conditional tags to a communication definition

To add metadata fields to a communication definition

To apply criteria filters to communication entity data

To assign a user role to a communication definition

Communication definition management overview