How the School ERP sends and receives WhatsApp messages, the two ways to connect, and where to start.
The JPRAXC School ERP can send notices, fee reminders, receipts and greetings to parents on WhatsApp, and let the office read and answer parents' replies. Messages come from your school's own WhatsApp number, not a shared one.
Two ways to send#
| Click to send | Business API | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The ERP writes each message and opens it in the school's own WhatsApp. Someone taps Send for each one. | Messages go out by themselves from the school's WhatsApp Business Platform number, through Meta. |
| Replies from parents | Arrive on the school's phone, as usual. | Arrive in the ERP's WhatsApp desk, where the office answers them. |
| Automatic replies | No | Yes, with the WhatsApp assistant. |
| Cost | Free; it is WhatsApp's own click-to-chat. | A one-time integration charge on the school's licence, plus Meta's own usage charges. |
| Set up | Choose it and save. | Buy the integration, then connect the school's number through Meta's sign-up. |
See Click to send or Business API to choose.
Guides in this section#
- Click to send or Business API
- Connect your school's WhatsApp number
- The WhatsApp desk
- Message templates and Meta approval
- The WhatsApp assistant (automatic replies)
- Send notices and fee messages on WhatsApp
- Good practice and Meta's rules
Good to know#
- WhatsApp in the ERP is different from JPRAXC ConnectX. ConnectX is the school's own conversation with families inside the Parent and Staff apps; WhatsApp delivers to a parent's WhatsApp number. You can use both.
- Who can read and answer WhatsApp conversations in the ERP follows the Communication permissions of each person's role. Connecting the business number is an administrator's task.
- WhatsApp's rules are Meta's. Read Meta's WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy on business.whatsapp.com.
Guides in this section
- Click to send or Business APIChoose how the School ERP sends WhatsApp messages, and set up click to send.
- Connect your school's WhatsApp numberPay the one-time WhatsApp API integration, then connect the school's own WhatsApp Business number through Meta's sign-up.
- The WhatsApp deskRead and answer parents' WhatsApp messages in the School ERP, send photos, files and voice notes, and work within the 24-hour window.
- Message templates and Meta approvalCreate WhatsApp message templates, get them approved by Meta, send them, and set the template the ERP uses outside the 24-hour window.
- The WhatsApp assistant (automatic replies)Set up the greeting and numbered menu the school's WhatsApp number sends by itself, with live answers on fees, attendance, timetable and notices.
- Send notices and fee messages on WhatsAppSend a notice to a class or the whole school on WhatsApp, switch on automatic WhatsApp messages, send birthday cards and fee reminders.
- Good practice and Meta's rulesThe WhatsApp Business rules that matter most for a school, in plain words, and habits that keep your number in good standing.
