How to use Bookem automations

Automations handle your routine communications so you don't have to. They run without any manual input, saving you valuable time.

Bookem lets you set up rules that trigger messages or actions based on events in Bookem - such as a booking being confirmed or an overdue invoice reaching a certain number of days.

What you can automate

Bookem supports automations across two areas:

  • Booking events - send messages when a booking is confirmed, cancelled, rescheduled, declined, requested, or pencilled in
  • Invoice events - send messages when an invoice is finalised, paid, voided, or overdue by a set number of days

Each automation is linked to a message template - either a system default or one you create yourself.

Where to find automations

  • Go to Settings > Automations
  • Each automation shows its name, the event that triggers it, and when the message will be sent.
  • Each automation is linked to a message template. Templates can be set up for email or SMS,.

How to set up an automation

Setting up a booking automation

  1. Open new or an existing automation under the 'Booking automations' section
  2. Name your automation clearly so it is easy to identify
  3. Under 'When to send' select the timing and trigger event
    - Timing: Immediately, before, or after
    - Trigger events: booking starts, ends, confirmed, cancelled, start time changed, marked as no show, pencilled in, awaiting payment, declined, or requested
  4. Toggle on 'Restrict sending hours' if needed - eg. Only send messages between 07:00 and 19:00
  5. Select the service, location, and resource the automation applies to under 'Which bookings',
    Click + to add more conditions, or 'Add exception' to exclude specific bookings.
  6. Choose which booking the automation applies to or excludes under 'For each client, send on'
    - send for, send for all except
    - any booking, first booking, or their last booking
  7. Next, configure the message settings
    Choose to write inline or use a template
  8. Toggle on the method of sending the message: SMS/ email/ both
  9. Click 'Save'

Setting up an invoice automation

  1. Open new or existing automation under the 'Invoice automations' section
  2. Name your automation clearly so it is easy to identify
  3. Under 'When to send' select the timing and trigger event
    - Timing: Immediately, before, or after
    - Trigger events: invoice issued, updated, due, paid, or voided.
  4. Toggle on 'Restrict sending hours' if needed - eg. Only send messages between 07:00 and 19:00
  5. Next, configure the message settings
    Choose to write inline or use a template
  6. Toggle on the method of sending the message: SMS/ email/ both
  7. Click 'Save'

Message templates for automations

Each automation uses a message template to determine the content of the message sent. You can create different templates for different recipient types or scenarios. Templates can be set up as email or SMS.

Custom templates give you full control over the communication style. For example:

  • Use a different template for an overdue invoice than for a paid invoice confirmation
  • Set up separate templates for messages sent to a client versus a medical aid
  • Create a specific template for a feedback letter sent to a referring doctor versus a client

Learn more here.

Learn more