Working with System Messages

Use the System Message function to send messages to iSAMS users, including those who are not currently working in iSAMS. You can also use iSAMS Messenger to chat one to one with other online iSAMS users.

System messages differ from iSAMS Messenger in the following ways. You can:

• Message users who are not currently online.
• Notify both individuals and group of users.
• Force your message to open in the recipient's screen display.
• View your stored system messages at any time. All system messages that you receive are stored until you choose to delete them. 

Choose to either:

Create a system message.

It is only possible to send system messages if you have the appropriate access set up in iSAMS.

To create a system message:

1. Either:
   
   • Click on the System Message icon in the top toolbar (this displays regardless of the module you currently have open):
     
     or
   • Select the System Messages module in the module bar.
   The iSAMS Messages and Notifications window is displayed:
   
   
2. Click on the Create Message tab:
   
3. Use the Recipient Selection section to select individual users and groups of users to receive the system message:
   1. Scroll through the Receiving Users list using the up and down arrows.
   2. Click on the Receiving User that you want to contact. Hold Ctrl to make multiple selections. Include yourself in the list of recipients. This ensures that you have a record of the system messages that you have sent.
   3. Click to move your selection into the right hand box. Click to deselect a user.
   4. Scroll through the Receiving Group list using the up and down arrows.
   5. Click on the Receiving Group that you want to contact. Hold Ctrl to make multiple selections.
4. In the Message Options section:
   
   1. Select the User Status of message recipients. You can choose to send the message to only those users who are currently online. This is useful for a quick system checks.
   2. Use the calendar and time fields to select when the message is to expire and stop displaying.
   3. Check the box to force the message to open in a popup window on the recipient's computer.
5. In the Message Details section:
   
   1. Mark the Importance of the system message from the drop down list.
   2. Enter the message subject in the Subject box.
   3. Enter the message in the Message box.
6. Click Send & Close.
   A popup box is displayed stating that it can take up to 60 seconds for an active user to receive a message.
7. Click OK.
   The message is delivered and a log kept in the Messages tab.

or

View all current system messages.

When you receive a system message you are notified in one of the following ways:

• The system message icon displays a message count in the top toolbar.
• The iSAMS Messages and Notification window pops up on your display.
• Your Web Browser tab will flash on your computer taskbar.

To view system messages, follow the steps below:

1. Click the system message icon in the top toolbar, if displayed:
   
2. Click on the Message tab. The message is displayed:
   
   The most recent system message you have received is shown first.
3. Use  to scroll through system messages.
4. Click  to print the system message.
5. Click  to delete the system message. No record is kept of the message.
6. Click  to close the window.