Templates Management Guide
Overview
Templates in Abrianto allow you to create standardized communication messages that you can use consistently across your collection processes. This guide explains how to create, manage, and use templates for emails, SMS, and other communications.
What are Templates?
Templates are pre-formatted messages that you can use for:
- Email Communications: Standardized email messages to debtors
- SMS Messages: Short text messages for quick notifications
- Phone Scripts: Standardized call scripts for collection calls
- Notification Messages: System notifications to agents and managers
- Form Letters: Formal written communications
Templates help ensure:
- Consistency: Your messages always follow the same format
- Professionalism: Messages maintain a consistent professional tone
- Compliance: Messages meet regulatory requirements
- Efficiency: Quick access to pre-written communications
- Branding: Messages reflect your organization’s brand
Types of Templates
Email Templates
- Subject lines
- Body content with placeholders
- Recipient information
- CC/BCC recipients
- Attachment options
SMS Templates
- Short message format
- Character limits
- Direct recipient phone numbers
- Quick notifications
Phone Script Templates
- Opening greetings
- Conversation flows
- Payment discussions
- Escalation handling
- Closing statements
Notification Templates
- System alerts
- Task reminders
- Status change notifications
- Escalation warnings
Creating Email Templates
Step 1: Access Templates
- Navigate to Admin → Templates
- Click “Create New Template” button
Step 2: Configure Basic Information
Fill in template details:
- Template Name: Clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Overdue Payment Reminder”)
- Template Type: Choose “Email”
- Category: Select category (e.g., “Accounts”, “Debtors”, “Notifications”)
- Description: Brief explanation of when to use this template
- Is Active: Enable immediately or schedule activation
Step 3: Configure Email Settings
Set up email-specific options:
- Subject Line: The email subject
- From Email: Sender email address
- From Name: Sender display name
- Reply To: Email to reply to (e.g., collection@yourcompany.com)
- CC Recipients: Additional recipients
- BCC Recipients: Hidden recipients
- Attachments: Optional files to attach
- Priority: Normal or High priority
Step 4: Create Email Body
Write your template message:
- Use the template editor to write your message
- Use placeholders for dynamic information:
{debtorName}: Debtor’s name{accountNumber}: Account number{outstandingBalance}: Current balance amount{dueDate}: Payment due date{agentName}: Agent’s name{companyName}: Company name{customField}: Custom parameter values
- Format with HTML or plain text
- Add placeholders for contact information
- Include all necessary details
Step 5: Save Template
- Click “Save” to save your template
- Review any validation errors
- Verify the template is saved correctly
Step 6: Activate Template
- After saving, find your template in the list
- Click “Activate” to enable it
- Template will be available for use
Creating SMS Templates
Step 1: Access Templates
- Navigate to Admin → Templates
- Click “Create New Template” button
Step 2: Configure Basic Information
Fill in template details:
- Template Name: Clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Payment Due Reminder”)
- Template Type: Choose “SMS”
- Category: Select category (e.g., “Accounts”, “Debtors”)
- Description: Brief explanation of when to use this template
Step 3: Configure SMS Settings
Set up SMS-specific options:
- Sender Number: Phone number to send from
- Recipient: Who receives the message
- Priority: Normal or High priority
Step 4: Write SMS Message
Create your SMS template:
- Write your message (keep it concise)
- Use placeholders for dynamic information:
{debtorName}: Debtor’s name{accountNumber}: Account number{amount}: Amount due{dueDate}: Due date{companyName}: Company name
- Include call to action
- Include contact information
Step 5: Save and Activate
- Click “Save” to save your template
- Click “Activate” to enable the template
Creating Phone Script Templates
Step 1: Access Templates
- Navigate to Admin → Templates
- Click “Create New Template” button
Step 2: Configure Basic Information
Fill in template details:
- Template Name: Clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Initial Collection Call”)
- Template Type: Choose “Phone Script”
- Category: Select category (e.g., “Accounts”, “Debtors”)
- Description: Brief explanation of when to use this template
Step 3: Create Script Structure
Structure your phone script:
- Opening: Greeting and introduction
- Purpose: Explain why you’re calling
- Discussion Points: Key topics to cover
- Objection Handling: How to respond to common objections
- Payment Arrangements: How to discuss payment plans
- Escalation: How to handle escalation situations
- Closing: Final statements and next steps
Step 4: Add Placeholders
Insert dynamic content:
{debtorName}: Debtor’s name{accountNumber}: Account number{balance}: Current balance{dueDate}: Due date{agentName}: Agent’s name
Step 5: Save and Activate
- Click “Save” to save your template
- Click “Activate” to enable the template
Using Templates
Using Email Templates
Method 1: Through Accounts
- Open an account or debtor
- Click “Send Email” or “Send SMS” button
- Select your template from the dropdown
- System fills in placeholders with actual data
- Review and customize if needed
- Send the message
Method 2: Through Workflows
- Configure workflow actions to send communications
- Select email template from available options
- System automatically sends when conditions are met
Method 3: Manually
- Navigate to Templates section
- Click on a template to use it
- Fill in dynamic data for placeholders
- Send the message
Using SMS Templates
- Open an account or debtor
- Click “Send SMS” button
- Select your SMS template
- Review the message
- Send the message
Using Phone Script Templates
- Open account or debtor information
- Click “View Phone Script” button
- System displays the script with placeholders filled
- Review and follow the script during your call
- Make notes during the conversation
- Complete the task or conversation
Template Variables and Placeholders
Common Placeholders
| Placeholder | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
{debtorName} | Debtor’s full name | “John Smith” |
{accountNumber} | Account number | “ACCT-12345” |
{outstandingBalance} | Current balance | “$1,250.00” |
{dueDate} | Payment due date | “2024-01-15” |
{companyName} | Company name | “ABC Corporation” |
{agentName} | Agent’s name | “Jane Doe” |
{customField} | Custom parameter value | “VIP” |
Formatting Placeholders
You can format numeric values:
{balance}: Shows as “$1,250.00”{balance:currency}: Shows as “$1,250.00” (currency code){balance:number}: Shows as 1250.00 (numeric only){date}: Shows as “January 15, 2024”{date:full}: Shows as “Monday, January 15, 2024”{date:short}: Shows as “01/15/2024”
Editing Templates
Modifying Existing Templates
- Navigate to Admin → Templates
- Find the template you want to edit
- Click “Edit” button
- Make your changes
- Click “Save” to update
Deactivating Templates
- Find the template you want to deactivate
- Click “Deactivate” button
- Template will no longer be available for use
Deleting Templates
- Find the template you want to delete
- Click “Delete” button
- Confirm deletion
- Template will be permanently removed
Template Categories
Organizing Your Templates
Use categories to organize your templates:
- Accounts: Templates for account-related communications
- Debtors: Templates for debtor-specific communications
- Notifications: System notifications
- Reminders: Payment and follow-up reminders
- Escalations: High-priority communications
- Legal: Legal notices and correspondence
Creating Categories
- Navigate to Admin → Templates
- Click “Manage Categories”
- Create new categories as needed
- Assign templates to appropriate categories
Template Best Practices
For Effective Template Creation
- Be Clear and Concise: Keep messages focused and easy to understand
- Use Professional Tone: Maintain appropriate professionalism
- Include All Details: Make sure all necessary information is included
- Test Templates: Always test with actual data before using
- Include Placeholders: Use placeholders for dynamic content
- Follow Regulations: Ensure templates comply with debt collection regulations
- Review Regularly: Update templates based on feedback and changes
- Standardize Structure: Use consistent structure across templates
Common Template Types
Welcome Templates:
- New debtor welcome
- New account notification
- System introduction
Reminder Templates:
- Payment due reminders
- Follow-up reminders
- Overdue payment notices
Confirmation Templates:
- Payment confirmation
- Appointment confirmation
- Meeting confirmation
Escalation Templates:
- Urgent escalation notices
- Senior agent notifications
- Manager alerts
Closing Templates:
- Account closure notices
- Account paid notifications
- Written-off notifications
Formatting Tips
Email Templates:
- Use HTML formatting for readability
- Include clear call-to-action
- Use bullet points for key information
- Keep paragraphs short and focused
- Include contact information prominently
SMS Templates:
- Keep messages short (160 characters max)
- Focus on the most important information
- Include a clear call-to-action
- Use abbreviations appropriately
Phone Script Templates:
- Use numbered steps for clarity
- Include conversation starters
- Include objection handling
- Include closing statements
Regulatory Considerations
- FDCPA Compliance: Follow Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requirements
- State Laws: Comply with state-specific regulations
- Truth in Lending: Include required disclosures
- Consumer Privacy: Protect debtor information appropriately
- Documentation: Maintain records of all communications
Template Testing
Testing Before Activation
- Use test data in your template
- Verify placeholders are filled correctly
- Check formatting and appearance
- Ensure message flows logically
- Test with different data scenarios
Testing After Activation
- Send test messages to internal accounts
- Verify formatting is correct
- Check for any errors
- Confirm recipients receive properly
- Adjust as needed
Troubleshooting
Template Not Working
- Verify template is active
- Check that placeholders are correct
- Ensure all required fields are populated
- Review system logs for errors
Placeholders Not Filling
- Verify placeholder syntax is correct
- Check that data is available for that field
- Review template variable documentation
- Test with different data scenarios
Messages Not Sending
- Check email/SMS service configuration
- Verify recipient information is valid
- Review message content for errors
- Check for blocked or rejected recipients
Formatting Issues
- Review HTML/CSS for email templates
- Check character limits for SMS
- Test with different email clients
- Verify formatting in test environment
Getting Help
For support or questions about template management:
- Documentation: Check our comprehensive documentation library
- Support Portal: Submit tickets through your support portal
- Training Resources: Access video tutorials and guides
- Contact Support: Reach out to our support team directly
Next Steps
Now that you understand templates, explore:
- Accounts Management Guide - Managing accounts and balances
- Debtors Management Guide - Managing debtor information
- Tasks Management Guide - Creating and assigning collection tasks
- Workflows Configuration - Setting up automated workflows