Get an Automated SMS Status Confirmation

Workers without smartphone access can update their Ok Alone status via SMS or satellite phone. With the Comms Plan, you can enable an automated reply—so whenever a Worker sends an SMS to check in, start or end a shift, request help, or set a high-risk check-in, Ok Alone sends back their current shift status immediately. This article explains what Status Confirmation is and how to turn it on for your account.

 

What Is a Status Confirmation?

A Status Confirmation is an automated SMS that Ok Alone sends back to a Worker after processing their SMS-based status update. For example, if a Worker replies “123456 ok” to check in via text, Ok Alone will:

• Update the Worker’s shift status (start or check-in).

• Immediately send an SMS back to the Worker showing their current shift status (e.g., “You are checked in. Next check-in due at 14:00”).

Status Confirmations help Workers know that Ok Alone successfully recorded their update—especially useful when working outside of Wi-Fi or data coverage.

 

Why Use Automated SMS Status Confirmations?

• Immediate Feedback
  Workers receive real-time confirmation that their SMS reached Ok Alone and that their shift status is up to date.

• Reliability in Low-Connectivity Areas
  Even if the Ok Alone app cannot communicate, SMS provides a fallback method to keep monitoring accurate.

• Greater Worker Confidence
  Knowing their status update was successful reassures Workers and reduces follow-up calls or confusion.

Prerequisites

1. Comms Plan
   Your account must include the Communication Plan to send SMS confirmations. If you do not have the Comms Plan, contact Ok Alone Support.

2. Worker Phone Number
   Ensure each Worker’s mobile number is entered correctly (including country code) in their profile so Ok Alone can reply via SMS.

3. Standard SMS Status Commands
   Workers must know the PIN-based SMS commands to update status via text:

   • PIN ok — Check in or start a shift

   • PIN end — End a shift

   • PIN help — Send a help request

   • PIN high-risk — Set a high-risk check-in (if configured)

   For detailed SMS commands, see Update Status via SMS.

How Automated SMS Status Confirmations Work

1. Worker Sends an SMS
   A Worker texts Ok Alone with one of the accepted commands (for example, “123456 ok”).

2. Ok Alone Processes the Command
   Upon receiving the SMS, the system updates the Worker’s current shift or check-in status.

3. Automated Status Confirmation Reply
   Ok Alone immediately replies via SMS with a message such as:

    

   123456: You are checked in. Next check-in due at 14:00.

   This reply includes the Worker’s PIN, current status, and any next action or due time.
   

How to Turn On Status Confirmations

1. Log in to the Ok Alone dashboard at https://my.okalone.net.

2. In the sidebar, click Settings.

3. Select Company Settings.

4. Scroll to the Automated SMS Status Confirmation section.
   [Insert screenshot of Company Settings showing the “Automated SMS Status Confirmation” option]

5. Set Use SMS Status Confirmation to Yes.

6. Click Update to save your change.

Once enabled, every incoming SMS from a Worker that Ok Alone processes will trigger an automated reply with the Worker’s current shift status.

 

Best Practices

• Train Workers on SMS Commands
  Ensure Workers understand the exact format (PIN followed by command) so Ok Alone can parse and respond correctly.

• Verify Phone Numbers
  Double-check that each Worker’s mobile number (including country code) is correctly entered in their profile.

• Monitor SMS Usage
  If your team operates in areas with high SMS costs, consider informing Workers about expected SMS traffic or exploring data-based alternatives where possible.

• Combine with App Check-Ins
  Encourage Workers with smartphones to use the Ok Alone app when data is available—SMS should be a fallback.