Everyone has eagerly awaited this feature since the Chats module was introduced in Orderry. We're thrilled to announce that you can now initiate chats with clients via WhatsApp or SMS by Twilio channels!

It means that once these channels are connected, you no longer have to wait for clients to message you first. With just a few clicks, you can start a conversation by selecting the available channel and client and sending the first message.

1. Click the "+ Chat" button in the Chats section.

2. Select an existing client or create a new one.

3. Choose one of the connected channels (WhatsApp or SMS by Twilio) and enter the client's phone number.

For SMS by Twilio, simply send any message to start the conversation. For WhatsApp by Twilio, you must send one of the pre-configured message templates from Twilio. Once the client replies, you can continue the conversation.

Here are more detailed step-by-step instructions on initiating chats. Follow this guide to set up WhatsApp message templates in Twilio.

Currently, the "+ Chat" button is only available in the Chats section. However, in the future, you'll also be able to initiate chats from the work orders and estimates table or directly from a specific work order or estimate. Additionally, a new "Communication" tab will be added to the client profile, allowing you to view chat history with the client and start a new chat.

All users on the Startup plan and above who have access to the connected WhatsApp, or SMS by Twilio channels can start a chat with clients.

Find the instructions for connecting each channel here.

Constantly managing new chats with clients but need to find a conversation with a specific one? Now, you can quickly and easily do this in the client profile through the new "Communication" tab.

We've consolidated all your communication tools with clients into one convenient place. When you click on the new tab, you can access calls, SMS, or chats.

While calls and SMS remain unchanged aside from being grouped into the new tab, selecting "chats" will display all existing conversations with the client across available channels. You can also start a new chat if you have Viber, WhatsApp, or SMS from Twilio connected.

It's simple: find the client, open an existing chat or start a new one, and start communicating.

Please note that only the channels you have access to will be displayed in this tab, just like in the "Chats" section.

Some of the future plans for the Chats module, as mentioned above, include:

Additionally, we will soon release the ability to adjust taxes directly in work orders and sales. We're also working on integration with Stripe and a Kanban board for work orders and estimates.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding this update or Orderry in general, please get in touch with our Support team via chat.