Can we message someone directly by name?

Yes. TEXT supports direct messaging by name and prompts for disambiguation if multiple matches exist.

Can teams start with TEXT and later move to COMMAND?

Yes. Many teams launch with SMS-first workflows and later adopt COMMAND as incident volume and operational structure needs increase.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between Sanctuary Signal TEXT and Sanctuary Signal COMMAND?

TEXT is SMS-first for check-ins, supervisor broadcasts, direct messaging by name, and admin oversight with no installs. COMMAND is app-first with secure messaging, incident workflows, dashboards, richer controls, and optional SMS fallback.

Q: Do we have to install an app?

TEXT does not require an app install. COMMAND uses a PWA experience that can be added to a home screen from a browser.

Q: How do on-duty check-ins work?

Team members check in and check out via SMS commands. Standard broadcasts route to checked-in members, and STATUS can be used to view who is currently on duty.

Q: What counts as an active responder for billing?

Active responders are unique users active during the month. Billing is based on monthly active users, not total roster size, shifts, or days used.

Quick answers to common questions about Sanctuary Signal Text and Command.

What’s the difference between Sanctuary Signal Text and Sanctuary Signal Command?

Text is SMS-first: check-ins, supervisor broadcasts, direct messages by name, and an admin console for oversight-no installs required.

Command is app-first: secure messaging, incident workflows, operator dashboards, richer roles and controls, with optional SMS fallback for offline/off-duty teammates.

Do we have to install an app?

No for Text. It’s designed for interactive text messaging-no app download required and it can work without Wi-Fi.

Command uses a PWA. A PWA is a website that installs to your home screen and behaves like an app (it is not downloaded from the App Store or Google Play).

On iPhone/iPad (Safari): open your team link, tap Share, then tap Add to Home Screen. On Android (Chrome): open your team link, tap the menu, then tap Install app or Add to Home screen.

Will Command still send phone notifications?

Yes. Once notification permission is enabled, Command alerts follow the phone settings each user chooses, including popup/banner behavior, sound, and vibration preferences.

Does Text work if volunteers don’t know each other’s phone numbers?

Yes. Text is designed to protect personal contact information and still enable fast coordination through structured messaging and role-based routing.

How do “on duty” check-ins work?

Team members text CHECKIN to mark themselves on duty and CHECKOUT to go off duty. Only checked-in members receive standard supervisor broadcasts.

Anyone can text STATUS to see who is currently on duty.

Can I message someone directly by name?

Yes. Text supports direct messaging using @Name. If multiple people match, the system prompts you to choose.

Who can broadcast to the whole team?

Broadcast behavior is role-based. Supervisors/owners can send team broadcasts, while member messages are treated as replies and routed to supervisors for visibility.

How do new team members join?

New members can text JOIN. The system asks for their name, and-if approvals are enabled-the request goes into a pending approval queue for a supervisor/owner to approve.

What is the Admin console vs the public dashboard?

The public dashboard (/) is a read-only status view. The admin dashboard (/admin) contains team management, message history, queue health, and operational tools.

How does SMS fallback work in Command?

Command primarily uses in-app messaging and push. When fallback is enabled, SMS can be used for supported message/alert paths when someone is offline or unreachable by push.

What counts as a “monthly active user” for billing?

It’s based on unique users who actively use the product during the month. Billing is based on monthly active users-not total roster size, shifts, or days used.

What counts as a “message” for included usage and add-on packs?

Messages are tracked as a blended unit of usage for the month. Your included monthly message allowance resets each month.

Do unused messages roll over?

No-messages reset monthly (unused messages don’t roll over).

Can we add more messages if we exceed our plan?

Yes. You can add an SMS Message Pack Add-on for additional monthly messages, and packs reset monthly as well.

Can we start with Text and later move to Command?

Yes. Many teams start with SMS-first operations for speed and simplicity, then move into Command as needs evolve.

When migrating, team members and role assignments are typically imported, but message history is usually not retained because Text and Command run as separate product environments.

Which settings are client configurable?

Several operational behaviors are configurable per client, such as who can send team-wide broadcasts, automatic checkout timing for inactive users, and how long alert/message records remain visible before expiry.