WhatsApp messaging with SORS ERP
WhatsApp templates, history and broadcast sit alongside SMS as a second messaging channel.
WhatsApp is where a great deal of Bangladeshi business conversation actually happens, particularly with wholesale customers and suppliers who prefer it to a phone call.
As a business channel it behaves differently from SMS. Templates have to be approved, and the conversation is two way, which makes it better for relationships and worse for high volume one way alerts.
What is actually built
Stated plainly, including the parts that are not finished.
SORS ERP supports WhatsApp message templates, message history and broadcast, configured in settings alongside the SMS gateways. The messaging is template based; this is not a shared team inbox or a full conversation management tool, and we would rather say so.
How to set it up
In order. Each step assumes the one before it.
-
Set up WhatsApp business messaging
Arrange access through your provider and get the credentials.
-
Configure it in settings
Enter the credentials in the messaging configuration in SORS ERP.
-
Create and approve templates
Template approval is handled through the platform, not the ERP. Prepare them before you need them.
-
Send a broadcast to a segment
Use a customer segment as the audience and check the history recorded against each customer.
-
Decide what stays on SMS
Keep high volume one way alerts such as delivery notifications on SMS, which reaches basic handsets, and use WhatsApp for richer messages to customers you have a relationship with.
Questions
Answered plainly, including where the answer is no.
Is this a shared inbox for the sales team?
No. SORS ERP supports templates, history and broadcast rather than a team inbox with assignment and conversation management. If that is what you need, a dedicated tool will serve you better.
Should I use WhatsApp or SMS for order alerts?
SMS is more reliable for one way transactional alerts and reaches basic handsets. WhatsApp suits richer messages to customers you have a relationship with. Most businesses end up using both.
See SORS ERP running on your own numbers
A 30-minute demo in Bangla or English, with your products, your VAT setup and your questions.