Canned Messages

You can create canned messages for both dispatch and vehicle operator use. Using canned messages keeps radio chatter down, allows you to track conversations when needed and decreases possible confusion as these messages don't conflict with common radio calls.

Let's review how to create dispatch messages first. Begin by navigating to the 'Canned Messages' tab.

Canned Messages have two sub-tabs: one for Dispatcher messages and one for Operator messages. Messages that are available for use display in a list on both tabs. Messages can be edited or deleted from your system. Press the pencil icon to edit a message. Press the red X to delete a message. Press the green plus sign to create a message for dispatch use on the 'Dispatch Messages' tab.

Dispatcher Canned Messages

Use the field displayed to create your canned message. Pay attention to the character count (listed near the bottom of the window), to avoid exceeding it. The character count will auto-highlight in yellow to alert you if your message is close to exceeding the count. Enter the canned message text and click the Save icon.

The newly saved canned message displays in the list indicating it is ready for use.

Using Your Canned Message

  1. Navigate back to Operations
  2. Select the vehicle/s you wish to send the message to
    • Right-click a single vehicle record and select 'Send Text'
      • The software will prepopulate the vehicle for you, saving you time
    • Or press the 'Send Text' button, then choose the vehicles needed

Operations Screen

  1. Select the 'Canned Message' button when the communications window displays ( shown below)
  2. Select the response type for the vehicle operator to use (No ACK, ACK Required, Yes/No)
  3. Press 'Send'
    • The message is sent to the selected destinations
    • If you required an acknowledgement, track the conversation on the 'Sent Text' tab on the Operations screen

Using the Search Field

To search for an existing message, enter your text in the 'Search' box in the upper-right hand corner and click the magnifying glass icon. This box searches the tab you're actively using:

Operator Messages

To define canned messages for vehicle operators to send messages to dispatch, open the 'Operator Messages' sub-tab. myAvail displays a list of existing canned operator messages, these are the messages that are in use and already on the MDT ( mobile data terminal). As is the case with dispatch messages, you can delete and edit existing messages by clicking the pencil to edit, click the X to delete the message.

Messages Categories

Categories can include: Emergency, Common, Fixed-Route, Paratransit, Supervisor

You can create and categorize 40 different canned messages.

IMPORTANT TIP: Each category can have up to 8 messages.

Finally, operator canned messages can include up to 22 characters.

If you exceed the count, the software alerts you by highlighting fields and providing a pop-up tip.

Create New Canned Operator Message

To create a new message, click the green plus sign to begin.

Next myAvail displays the following pop-up.

  1. Select the category for your message from the drop-down list.

    IMPORTANT TIP: Emergency and Common messages are available on all vehicles. Fixed-route messages are available only on fixed route vehicles, paratransit only used for para- service types, etc.
  2. Select the Message ID. You can group messages together by using sequential numbers. Example: "I want all the common messages to be numbers 1-8, all fixed route messages 9- All messages must have unique message IDs.
  3. Select a Message Prefix. The message prefix is displayed on the vehicle to link the message to a specific function, such as FBX for farebox.
  4. Enter the text of the message. The text can have a maximum of 22 characters.
  5. Click the Save icon to add it to the list.
TIP: The messages become available for operator use when the vehicle registers, which occurs at bootup.

To send a message to dispatch

1. Press the MSG button from the Home screen of the MDT to access and use canned messages.

2. You'll be presented with a color-coded menu of message types and priorities. Simply touch the message you want to send to the dispatch office.

3. The Status Bar on the MDT will display a confirmation after your message is sent

MORE TIPS: Did you know you can track 'text communications' in your Business Intelligence reports? Review your Events reports in the Operational reports section for details.

 

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