Messages: Managing Messages

Messages: Managing Messages

Purpose Statement

The Messaging Module management features enable users to efficiently organize, respond to, and maintain their communication within First Due. This functionality allows users to monitor message status, reply to communications, review message details and recipient information, and delete unnecessary messages individually or in bulk. These capabilities help users maintain organized communication channels, ensure timely responses to important messages, and keep their messaging interface clean and manageable.


Background Information

The Messaging Module serves as First Due's internal communication system, allowing department members to send and receive messages across roles and groups. Effective message management is essential for maintaining clear communication channels within fire and EMS departments, where timely information sharing can impact operational efficiency and response coordination.

The message management interface provides visual indicators for unread replies, detailed recipient information, and reply history tracking. Understanding these features helps users stay informed about ongoing conversations and maintain accountability for communications. The ability to delete messages individually or in bulk supports inbox organization and data management practices.

Message visibility and available management features are permission-dependent, meaning different users may see different options based on their assigned role within the department.


Required Permissions

To manage messages within the Messaging Module, users must have the following permissions enabled in their role:

  1. Messaging: Access Messaging - Required to view and access the Messaging module
  2. Messaging: View message history - Required to view sent messages and their details
  3. Messaging: Send messages - Required to reply to messages
  4. Messaging: Delete messages - Required to delete individual messages or bulk delete multiple messages
Info
Note: The availability of specific management features (reply, view details, delete) depends on which permissions are assigned to the user's role. Users without certain permissions will not see the corresponding icons or options in the interface.


Video 



Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select the Messaging Module, then select Messaging.







2. The messaging area displays all previously sent messages by the department within First Due Messaging Module. Depending on the Roles and Permissions of a user the following features may or may not be visible:
  • 3A.  Notification Bubble--Shows number of unread replies. 
  • 3B.  Reply Arrow Icon--Allows Users to reply to messages they have sent, or that were sent to them. 
  • 3C.  Eye Icon-- Allows Users to View message history and details. 
  • 3D.  Trash Can Icon--Allows Users to Delete messages. 






4.  After selecting the Eye Icon, the Details messages area will display information about the message, the recipients and any replies.






5. You can also bulk delete messages by selecting the checkbox to the left, then selecting the Trach Can Icon at the top. 






5. Anytime a User is attempting to delete a message or bulk delete messages, a pop-up will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the messages. Select Delete to confirm the deletion.

WarningIMPORTANT: Messages are permanently deleted and cannot be restored. 





Best Practices

Do's

  • Regularly check the red bubble notifications to stay current on unread replies and maintain timely communication with your team
  • Use the eye icon to review full message details and recipient status before replying to ensure you have complete context
  • Review the replies history in the details view to understand the full conversation thread before adding your response
  • Use bulk delete for managing multiple outdated or unnecessary messages at once to keep your messaging interface organized
  • Confirm you're deleting the correct messages before clicking the final delete confirmation, as this action cannot be undone

Don'ts

  • Don't ignore red bubble notifications for extended periods, as this may cause you to miss time-sensitive communications
  • Don't delete messages without reviewing their content first, especially if they contain important operational information or documentation
  • Don't use bulk delete carelessly—always verify you've selected only the messages you intend to remove
  • Don't assume all users can see the same message management features; remember that permissions control visibility of reply, view, and delete options

Tips & Recommendations

  • Establish a regular schedule for reviewing and managing messages to prevent inbox overload
  • When viewing message details, check the recipient list to verify who received the communication and who may still need to respond
  • Use the replies history to track conversation progress and identify any outstanding questions or action items
  • Before deleting older messages, consider whether they contain information that should be documented or archived elsewhere
  • If you don't see expected message management features, check with your administrator about your assigned permissions

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don't I see the reply arrow, eye icon, or trash can icon on some messages?
A: The visibility of message management features depends on your assigned permissions. If you're missing specific icons, you may not have the corresponding permission (Send messages, View message history, or Delete messages). Contact your department administrator to request permission adjustments if needed for your role.

Q: What does the red bubble notification number represent?
A: The red bubble displays the count of unread replies to that specific message thread. This helps you quickly identify which conversations have new responses that you haven't yet reviewed. The number decreases as you read the replies.

Q: Can I recover a message after I've deleted it?
A: No, message deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Always review messages carefully before confirming deletion, whether deleting individually or in bulk. If you accidentally delete an important message, contact the original sender to have them resend the information.

Q: How do I know who has read or replied to a message I'm viewing?
A: Click the eye icon next to the message to open the details view. The details section displays comprehensive recipient information including read status, and the replies history section below shows all responses to the message with timestamps and sender information.

Q: What happens when I use bulk delete with multiple messages selected?
A: After selecting checkboxes next to multiple messages and clicking the trash can icon, a confirmation modal appears before deletion occurs. Once confirmed, all selected messages are permanently deleted at once. This feature is useful for cleaning up your inbox but should be used carefully to avoid accidental deletion.

Q: Why do I see different messaging features than my colleagues?
A: Message management features are permission-based. Your administrator configures which capabilities each role can access. For example, field users might only have reply permissions, while supervisors might have full delete capabilities. This role-based approach ensures appropriate access control for different department positions.





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