Planning
The first step when using the Critical Comms module is the planning and set up.
It would be a good idea to have a think about any templates you may need and distributions lists. For example, one template may be “Evacuation underway, please proceed to your designated gathering spots and await further instruction.” Or “Invacuate, lockdown, and move to the rear of your stores and await further updates.”
Likewise, distribution lists will be key to ensuring your messages are received by the right people, some examples could include Centre Emergency Team or All Retail Managers. These will need to be created in Manage your Access Levels.
Critical Comms settings
The settings page is where you can set up all of the fundamentals of your critical comms module. It is advisable to work your way through all of the tabs before creating your templates.
You can return to this page to adjust the settings at any time.
Please ensure that Allowed access levels, Default image, and Default Button sections are all completed, these are essential for sending custom messages.
Template categories
When you are creating a template you will need to assign them to a category. You can create your categories here such as Evacuation, Invacuation, Centre Closure etc. Think of it as a way to group your templates.
Allowed access levels
There are many access levels that are needed for the app to function but would not necessarily be relevant when sending a message in an emergency.
The allowed access levels enable you to create a short list of access levels that can be selected when sending a template to make it easier for you when sending a critical communication from your phone.
Default response buttons
Here you can set response buttons that will appear on all items created from sending a template or custom message. Users can then view the item and click either of the response buttons.
Also as with any item you can track who has viewed this and which button if any that they clicked. If you leave the options blank no response buttons will be shown on the item.
Default image
Set a default image that will appear as the header image for all custom critical communications items.
Default button
This is where you set what button the critical comms item will appear in. We recommend having a specific button, especially for critical comms items.
Sounds and alerts
When a user receives a push notification from Mallcomm the device will make a sound. You are now able to choose an alternative option to the default sound, this will allow the user to easily differentiate between a normal notification and one in an emergency.
Priority Communications - Edit Store Page
There is one final setting that can be adjusted that you will find in a different area of the CMS. If you go to All stores and click on the edit icon to edit a store, you will see a new field labeled Priority Communications.
This is a way of putting that store at the front of the queue when receiving critical communications. For example, if you have 200 stores and 5000 app users and are sending a message to all of them, it takes a few minutes to get all of the messages sent and calls made.
f you have certain teams that it is important they are first to know, maybe your own management team or security team, by switching Priority communications to yes, you will ensure they are the first to receive the message.