Things to Look for in Internal Notification Software

Internal notification software may not be high in the list of some companies but those that understand the importance of such programs are very meticulous about purchasing such system. After all, this type of internal communication tool doesn’t cost a dime.

If you’re being tasked to look for an internal notification program, you should understand that not all notification systems are created equal. Notification software may vary in price and features.

The following are some of the things you should look for in internal notification software:

1. Supports multi-channel delivery

The right notification system for your company is one that can deliver your message through a wide range of channels. These range from smartphones, tablets, emails, desktop wallpaper and screensavers, fax, and even the traditional landline phone.

With a notification program that can deliver messages to different platforms, you can be assured that your notification will be received by your workers. Office-based personnel, for example, can learn of what management has to announce through emails or desktop alerts. Those who are out in the field, meanwhile, can be updated through their mobile phones.

2. Easy to learn and simple to use

You’d want to invest in a notification program that is easy to learn and simple to use, especially if the personnel or unit that will be in charge of it aren’t exactly IT experts. The notification system should be easily configured by assigned or authorized personnel, and this is where a simple but powerful program can come in.

3. It can be customized

Different companies have different needs and your organization surely has its own requirements as far as communication is concerned. That’s why you should look for a notification program that can be customized to fit your communication requirements.

For example, if your workers are mostly in the field, the notification system should be one that will let you send text alerts. While you can always make phone calls to your field-based colleagues, it can be costly. And taking calls isn’t safe especially when the worker is driving.

But if your notification program allows you to send text messages, you will be able to reach your co-workers easily.

On the other hand, the notification program should also be able to send emails or desktop alerts to office-based workers who are glued to their PCs most of the time.

Customization also means the ability to record voice alerts or compose preset messages. This way, guesswork is eliminated and human error is avoided. It’s certainly essential during emergencies when there’s basically no time to prepare a message or alert. If there are recorded messages advising of an evacuation due to fire or similar accidents, then the personnel assigned to the notification program can send it right away—no need to compose a message.

4. It can initiate alerts from any location

The ideal notification software is one that lets its users initiate alerts from any location. This ensures that the personnel tasked to manage the software can send alerts wherever he or they maybe. Thus even when the administrator is in another region or state, he can send out alerts to the rest of the organization with just a few clicks.

Key to this is a real-time dashboard or control panel that can be accessed on a web browser. The administrator not only can send alerts, but also receive message delivery confirmation and responses.

5. 24/7 Customer Support

Finally, make sure that the vendor of the notification software you’re getting can provide 24/7 customer support. Your company will need this during times when the program isn’t working properly.

The good news is that there many vendors of notification software that you can choose from, hence you’ll likely get a system that has the aforementioned features.