Before getting started Sinch MessageMedia and NetSuite, it's important to understand how character limits can impact message costs, which message types are supported and what setup details to consider to ensure a smooth integration.
Character limits
Message costs are influenced by the number of messages sent, which in turn depends on the number of characters in each message.
In some cases, SMS character limits can vary - particularly when the message includes special characters (Unicode characters) e.g. emojis. These characters reduce the maximum length of each message, which can increase the total number of messages sent.
Conversations
When you're sending messages to a contact using the Conversations feature, the integration automatically detects any Unicode characters and will show an alert - you can see the effect on the character limit and SMS credits before sending your message.
Note: The character counter may not always be accurate when using message personalization (merge fields). This is because the counter can’t predict the number of characters that will be added once the personalization field is filled in.
Single SMS
When you send a Single SMS, you can keep track of your character limit using the character counter underneath the message preview window. To do this, click on the Preview SMS button each time you write or edit your message.
Batch SMS
When you send Batch SMS, there is also a message preview window however the character counter will only provide an approximate number of characters used. This is because batch SMS typically use merge fields and the actual number of characters used for that field will vary between recipients, depending on the data in each contact record.
Note: The character counter may not always be accurate when using message personalization (merge fields). This is because the counter can’t predict the number of characters that will be added once the personalization field is filled in.
Even though the SMS preview approximates the message to only require one credit, the actual number of characters from the merged data may exceed the character limit, with the message now requiring two (or more) credits per recipient - this can very quickly add up when sending batch/Bulk SMS.
Templates & Workflows
When adding SMS messages to Workflows, you can only select a message from your SMS Template library, rather than create a message ad-hoc in the workflow builder itself. The template editor character counter will only provide an approximate number of characters used.
Note: The character counter may not always be accurate when using message personalization (merge fields). This is because the counter can’t predict the number of characters that will be added once the personalization field is filled in.
User role permission
The Sinch User (Managed) role grants access to all permissions needed to use the SMS for NetSuite SuiteApp.
Credential types
- Individual: This is to give SMS access to an individual employee. This credential takes precedence over Global credentials.
- Global: Best for giving access to everyone without an individual credential.
- Workflow: Required if you intend to implement Workflow SMS messaging.
Records
Conversations button
The Conversations feature is included on Customer, Lead, Prospect, Employee, Contact, Vendor and Partner Records.
Batch SMS feature
Customer, Lead, Prospect, Employee, Contact, Vendor, Partner, and Sales Order Records are all supported for Batch SMS.
SMS workflow feature
By default, comes with three pre-built workflows for Sales Order, Item Fulfilment, and Case Records.
You can make a NetSuite Professional Services request to implement workflows using: Employee, Contact, Vendor, Partner, Sales Order, Estimate (Quote), Quote (estimate), Item Fulfilment, Project, Event, Phone Call, Project Task, Tasks, Campaign, Purchase Orders, Work Orders, and Invoice Records.