The digital transformation of companies has transformed the way they communicate with their customers, suppliers, and workers. Moreover, recently, the use of digital communications has been developed and expanded. However, various digital communications have different legal values, while the eIDAS Regulation outlines the requirements for electronic communications to hold legal validity. This post will discuss the use of registered SMS communications and when to use them.
What is a Registered SMS?
Essentially, a Registered SMS is a text message with legal validity. Electronic documentary evidence contains information about the communication when it is sent or received. Specifically, this information contains the sender’s phone numbers and recipient of the SMS, the content of the message, the date and time of sending, and a timestamp issued by the certifying entity.
How to use Registered SMS
Earlier in 2016, we shared an article about the 8 uses of the Registered SMS that contained helpful information. However, times change, technologies evolve, and sectors become more specialised and need an increasing number of tools and services. This is why we have decided to expand the initial list to make it more comprehensive. Currently, we can distinguish between several ways of using Registered SMS according to the different sectors or company areas, including the following:
- Bank entities. Concerning banks, the registered SMS can be used for processes including:
- Overdraft notices. When a person’s bank account is overdrawn, the bank can send an SMS to have reliable proof of the date and time it alerted the client of the overdraft.
- Signing of contracts. With the Registered SMS, you can sign contracts for services such as opening a bank account, applying for credit or debit cards and loans, etc.
- Authorization of deposits and transfers. With the registered SMS, you can also confirm bank transfers and deposits into customer accounts.
- Insurance companies. Registered SMS can be used in the following ways by insurance companies and their clients:
- Claims for unpaid premiums. In general, claims for unpaid insurance premiums were submitted over the phone. Still, with the registered SMS, it is possible to provide proof of the date the claim was made and automatically charge the customer the non-payment fee.
- Cancellation of the insurance policy or making changes in conditions. The termination of the policy, cancellation of the insurance, and changes in the contract conditions can be reliably communicated through the registered SMS.
- Requesting tow trucks. When the customer requests roadside assistance with a tow truck, the company can provide them with all the details on the entire transaction via registered SMS.
- Notification of accidents. Customers can notify the insurance company of accidents via SMS, ensuring that the exact time the message is sent, and the content of the communication is recorded.
- Online businesses. Stores that operate on the internet can also benefit from using the Registered SMS. It can be used in the following ways:
- Sending passwords for purchases. A purchase can be completed through one-time passwords sent to the user through a Registered SMS.
- Sending discounts. Online stores can communicate discounts on their products and services to their customers through SMS.
- Delivery and pick-up notices. When a customer receives a product or service at their address or when picked up for a return, they can be notified by SMS to ensure a record of the action taken.
- Acceptance of quotes. The sales departments of online stores can send quotes electronically to accept them using registered SMS.
- Sending invoices. Invoices can also be sent by SMS so that the date and time of sending and the content of the invoice are recorded.
- Claim for non-payment. As to non-payment, businesses can submit a claim for the debt through a Registered SMS, which provides reliable proof of the claim that can be used as evidence in court.
- Customer service. In the context of customer service, registered SMS can also be used in various ways:
- Activation of services. When a customer contacts their telecommunications company to request a service, the company can provide notification of activation using a registered SMS.
- Availability of invoices. Companies can use the registered SMS to notify their customers of electronic invoices through Registered SMS.
- Claim for non-payment. In the event of non-payment of an invoice, the customer service can send a claim through registered SMS so that, if necessary, the SMS can be used as evidence in court showing that there has been an out-of-court claim for non-payment.
- Cancellation of contracts. Both companies (through their customer service) and customers can use Registered SMS to cancel a contract for the provision of services. This allows the cancellation and recording of the date on which it occurred.
- Logistics sector. In the logistics sector, the registered SMS can also be used in several ways:
- Reception and shipping of containers. Each time a logistics company receives or sends a container, a Registered SMS can record the operation.
- Sending dispatch notes. Previously, dispatch notes were delivered on paper or sent by unofficial electronic means. However, using registered SMS provides evidence of the transaction and is a more cost-effective and agile method.
- If a supplier returns a product, the return will be notified by registered SMS to prove the transaction.
As you have seen, Registered SMS can be used in many sectors and company departments since it is a highly cost-effective and quick means of sending notifications requiring legal validity.