Choosing a channel for student entry and exit updates depends on how parents receive messages as well as institutional habits. WhatsApp may suit one family while another prefers SMS. Review actual conditions instead of assuming one channel is always better.
1. Verify the parent’s channel
Check that the number is current, belongs to the intended person and is usable on the selected channel. WhatsApp recipients need the application and internet connectivity. SMS reception also depends on device and mobile-network conditions. Do not promise absolute delivery on either channel.
2. Select the events to notify
Entry, exit and lateness do not necessarily require the same channel. BE Soft provides event-based WhatsApp or SMS selection. Map each event to its message. If both parents receive updates, verify each recipient separately.
3. Estimate volume from real use
Enrollment alone does not determine monthly message volume. Include usage days, daily entry and exit events, recipient counts and additional messages. For example, 100 students over 20 days with two events and one recipient produce 4,000 notifications before retries or extra messages. A second recipient changes the total.
4. Compare quotation scope
Message packages, channel charges, installation and support may be separate items. Ask how many messages are included, how overages are charged and what happens to unused allowances. Compare current scope rather than assuming one fixed price applies to every institution.
5. Plan channel changes
Do not assume the system automatically switches channels after a problem. If such a feature is offered, verify its scope and conditions with the provider. Otherwise, define how staff check events and inform parents. Decide whether sending the same event through two channels is necessary.
6. Test with a small parent group
Test the correct recipient, student and event. A message marked sent and a parent reading it are different states. Use feedback to refine wording and channel choices. Limit personal information in messages to what is needed.
Plan notifications for your institution
Share recipient counts, daily events and parent preferences with BE Soft. Choose channels based on the complete notification workflow rather than the channel name alone.