Text Variables

Text variables allow you to insert dates, times, and even the sender's name into messages automatically. When combined with Message Templates and Scenarios, these variables can add vital information to alerts with ease.

For example, you can use a date variable to make sure your dispatcher never types in the wrong date again.

In the example below, I'm editing a template to add in {{@date_mdy}}, which will be substituted with the current date in the format mm/dd/yyyy.

Using this template, I never have to type in today's date when I send this "Campus Closed" message. The Omnilert system will always insert the date for me.

There are many possible text variables that you can use to present different date and time formats, as well as other info, such as the sender's name.

Available Text Variables:

The following is a chart of the available text variables that you can embed into your message content:

Tips / Tricks:

• Pick the right variable for the job. Certain variables are more appropriate for text messages (SMS) than other media, such as voice calls. For example, you might want to use a "long" date in a voice call, but shorthand in SMS. (Time values will not read properly for Text-to-Speech voice calls.)
  
  
• Watch out for creeping message length. Remember that a variable is a placeholder. It is possible that the variable's length will be shorter than the text it represents. Keep this in mind when composing messages to endpoints with strict limits, like SMS and Twitter!