The automated system uses a standard process for analyzing text messages and only responds when it has all the necessary pieces (Who, what, and when).
The system must first be able to recognize the parent based on their phone number. If the number does not match up to our parent, it will not be able to respond.
Following this, we look for the "When". Terms like "today", "tomorrow", or days of the week like "Thursday" are picked up. If none of those are found, we make the assumption that we are talking about today.
Next Fastoche looks for children that are associated with that parent. If the inquiry isn't something general like "is the centre open on Monday", then it cannot proceed. The text message must contain the child's first name or Display As name. Parents often use a nickname that Fastoche is unaware of.
Finally, we look for the "What". These are a preset collection of words like "sick", "staying home", etc. If no "What" is found, the system will not respond automatically. The list of recognized expressions is:
- UPDATE
- SICK
- DOCTOR
- ABSENT
- STAYING HOME
- STAY HOME
- NOT COMING
- WON'T BE IN
- WON'T BE THERE
- WON'T BE COMING
- WON'T BE ATTENDING
- WON'T BE AT DAYCARE
- WILL NOT BE THERE
- WILL NOT BE IN
- WILL NOT BE COMING
- WILL NOT BE ATTENDING
- WILL NOT BE AT DAYCARE
- WILL BE AWAY
- BALANCE
- OWE
- ACCOUNT
- LATE
- RUNNING BEHIND
- DELAYED
- OPEN
- CLOSED
- THANKS
- THANK YOU
Please note that only one command can be used per message.