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Configuration

Before sending SMS messages, you need to connect the module to an SMS gateway provider and configure your sender settings. This page walks through every configuration option.

Accessing Module Settingsโ€‹

  1. Log in to your Concord CRM admin panel
  2. Navigate to Custom SMS -> Settings from the sidebar
  3. The settings page displays all configuration options organized by section

SMS Gateway Setupโ€‹

The Custom SMS module requires an external SMS gateway to deliver messages. Configure your provider credentials in the gateway section.

Supported Gatewaysโ€‹

ProviderRequired Credentials
TwilioAccount SID, Auth Token, Sender Phone Number
VonageAPI Key, API Secret, Sender Phone Number
OtherAPI Key/Token, Sender ID (varies by provider)

Connecting Your Gatewayโ€‹

  1. Go to Custom SMS -> Settings -> Gateway
  2. Select your SMS provider from the dropdown
  3. Enter the required credentials for your chosen provider
  4. Set the Sender Phone Number or Sender ID
  5. Click Save
  6. Use the Send Test SMS button to verify the connection
tip

Enter phone numbers in E.164 format (e.g., +1234567890). Most delivery failures are caused by incorrectly formatted sender or recipient numbers.

Test SMSโ€‹

After saving your gateway credentials, always send a test message:

  1. Click Send Test SMS
  2. Enter a phone number you have access to
  3. Click Send
  4. Verify the message arrives on your phone

If the test fails, double-check your credentials and ensure your gateway account is active with sufficient balance.

Sender Settingsโ€‹

Sender ID / Phone Numberโ€‹

The sender identity that recipients see when they receive your message. Depending on your provider and country:

  • Phone Number -- a purchased number from your gateway provider (most common)
  • Alphanumeric Sender ID -- a custom text label (e.g., "MyCRM") supported in some regions
warning

Alphanumeric Sender IDs are not supported in all countries. Check your gateway provider's documentation for regional availability. Recipients cannot reply to messages sent from alphanumeric IDs.

Default Country Codeโ€‹

Set a default country code so you do not need to include it every time. The module will automatically prepend the country code to numbers that lack one.

  1. Go to Custom SMS -> Settings -> General
  2. Set the Default Country Code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK)
  3. Click Save

Scheduling Configurationโ€‹

The Custom SMS module supports scheduling messages for future delivery. For scheduled messages to be sent on time, ensure the following:

Cron Job Setupโ€‹

Scheduled SMS messages are dispatched by the Concord CRM cron job. Verify that your cron is configured and running:

* * * * * php /path/to/concord/artisan schedule:run >> /dev/null 2>&1
info

If the cron job is not running, scheduled messages will remain in the queue and will not be delivered until the cron executes.

Timezoneโ€‹

The scheduling system uses the timezone configured in your Concord CRM settings. To verify or update:

  1. Go to Settings -> General in Concord CRM
  2. Check the Timezone setting
  3. Ensure it matches your local timezone so scheduled messages go out at the expected time

CRM Action Integrationโ€‹

The module can be triggered from various CRM actions. Configure which actions display the SMS option:

  1. Go to Custom SMS -> Settings -> Integrations
  2. Enable or disable SMS for each CRM action type:
    • Calls -- send SMS after logging a call
    • Tasks -- send SMS related to task updates
    • Emails -- complement email communication with SMS
    • Meetings -- send meeting confirmations or reminders
    • Deadlines -- notify contacts about approaching deadlines
  3. Click Save

When an action type is enabled, an Send SMS button will appear on the corresponding CRM record.

Delivery Status Trackingโ€‹

The module automatically tracks delivery status from your gateway provider. Status updates are received via webhooks:

StatusMeaning
QueuedMessage accepted by the gateway, awaiting delivery
SentMessage dispatched to the carrier network
DeliveredMessage confirmed delivered to the recipient
FailedDelivery failed (invalid number, carrier issue)
info

Some gateway providers support delivery receipts (DLR) for more granular tracking. Enable DLR in your provider's dashboard for the most accurate status updates.

Troubleshooting Configurationโ€‹

IssueSolution
Test SMS not arrivingVerify credentials; check gateway account balance
"Invalid sender" errorEnsure sender number is verified/purchased on your gateway
Scheduled messages not sendingConfirm the cron job is active and running every minute
Delivery status not updatingCheck webhook configuration on your gateway provider's dashboard
Country code not appliedVerify the default country code is saved in General settings