Automation Rules
What are automations?
Automations send a text message or email to your customer automatically when a job reaches a certain status. For example: when you move a job to Shipped, Kontrol™ can instantly text the customer with their tracking number — no copy-pasting required.
How to set up an automation
Go to Settings → Automations. Click "New Rule". Choose the trigger (which status change fires the automation), the channel (SMS or Email), and write your message. Use shortcodes to personalize the message automatically.
What are shortcodes?
Shortcodes are placeholders that get filled in with real job information when the message is sent. For example, {{customer_name}} becomes "Sarah", and {{tracking_url}} becomes the actual tracking link. All available shortcodes are listed in the automation editor.
Common shortcodes
{{customer_name}} — customer's full name {{job_number}} — the job ID (e.g. #1042) {{job_title}} — the job description {{due_date}} — when the job is due {{tracking_numbers}} — shipping tracking numbers {{payment_url}} — link to pay the invoice {{shop_name}} — your shop's name {{portal_url}} — link to the customer portal
SMS automations
SMS is sent via Twilio. You need to connect your Twilio account in Settings → Integrations → Twilio before SMS automations will work. Customers must have a valid mobile phone number on file.
Email automations
Email is sent via Resend. No extra setup required — just make sure your customer has an email address on file. You can customize the subject line and body for each automation.
Testing an automation
Before turning an automation on, use the "Send Test" button to preview what the message will look like with real data from a recent job.