Notifications and automated reminders
What Are Notifications & Automated Reminders?
- Notifications are messages or alerts pushed by the system to users (or roles) to inform them of events, changes, required actions, or status updates. They are typically event-driven (something happened) or condition-driven (a threshold/trigger was reached).
- Automated reminders are a subset of notifications specifically designed to prompt users about upcoming deadlines, due tasks, or follow-ups. They are usually time-based triggers (e.g. “you have a task due in 2 days”) and often repeat until the user responds or completes the task.
Together, these functions help keep users aware, prompt timely actions, reduce forgotten tasks or delays, and improve responsiveness and system engagement.
Key attributes of a robust notifications / reminders system:
| Feature | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Multiple channels | Deliver via in-app UI, email, SMS, push, Slack, etc., so users get alerts where they are likely to see them. |
| Trigger logic / rules engine | Ability to define when notifications / reminders fire (on event, threshold, time, condition). |
| Schedules & repetition / escalation | Reminders can repeat or escalate (e.g. send again if no response, or escalate to manager). |
| Configurable / user preferences | Users can opt in/out, choose channels, frequency, types of notifications they want. |
| Priority / severity levels | Different urgency levels (info, warning, critical) affecting appearance or channel. |
| Contextual / actionable content | Notifications should include relevant context and ideally let users act (approve, reply, view) directly or via deep links. |
| Grouping / batching | Combine or collate multiple related notifications to avoid overload. |
| Audit / logging | Keep track of when notifications were sent, delivered, read, and any user responses. |
| Delivery guarantees / retries | Handle failed deliveries (e.g. email bounce, SMS failure) and retry or fall back. |
| Visibility & inbox / archive | Maintain a notification center / inbox so users can see past alerts, dismiss or review them. |
| Access control / permissions | Only send or display notifications appropriate to the user’s role or permissions. |
| Integration with workflows / tasks | Tie notifications and reminders into workflows and task logic (e.g. when a task reaches “due soon,” send automatic reminder). |