Choosing the Right Communication Platform
A practical guide to evaluating your needs and selecting a communication platform that grows with your business. From emergency alerts to everyday messaging, find the solution that fits.
Start with a Self-Study
Before choosing a platform, conduct a self-study of your organization to determine your specific needs. This guide will help you ask the right questions and evaluate your options systematically.
Question 1: Emergency-Only or Multi-Purpose?
Do we need a single-purpose emergency alert system or a multi-purpose communication platform?
Understanding the Difference
Emergency-Only Alert System
Designed solely for crisis situations. Allows rapid communication during emergencies via multiple channels.
- Used only during emergencies (evacuations, safety incidents, critical alerts)
- Staff may not be familiar with the system when it's needed most
- Lower ROI as it sits unused most of the time
Multi-Purpose Communication Platform
Designed for both emergency alerts AND everyday business communications. Handles critical situations plus routine messaging needs.
- Used daily for shift changes, customer notifications, invoices, appointments, events
- Staff are familiar and confident using it when emergencies occur
- Higher ROI through daily use across multiple departments and scenarios
- One platform for HR, operations, customer service, accounting, AND safety teams
Why Multi-Channel Matters
SMS reaches everyone instantly
98% of text messages are read within 3 minutes. No app download required. Works on any phone.
Email provides detail and documentation
Perfect for longer messages, attachments, and creating an audit trail.
WhatsApp meets people where they are
Many clients and staff prefer WhatsApp for business communications.
No app download eliminates barriers
Health & safety apps require staff to download and maintain an app. Many administrative staff, contractors, or part-time workers may not have it installed, leaving them out of the loop.
Our Recommendation
Choose a multi-purpose platform like Beep. It handles emergencies when needed, but also saves time and improves communication every day. Your team stays practiced, your investment pays off daily, and you're always ready for the unexpected.
Question 2: What Features Do You Need?
Use this checklist to evaluate platforms. Some or all of these features may be important to your business.
Essential Features Checklist
Security
Bank-level encryption, secure authentication, and data privacy compliance
Data Integration
Transfer data from your existing CRM, Xero, or other systems seamlessly
Group Management
Set up groups by team, office, region, department, or job function
Role Assignment
Assign different permission levels for admins, managers, and users
Multi-Channel Delivery
Send messages via SMS, email, and WhatsApp for maximum reach
Two-Way Messaging
Receive responses and confirmations from recipients
Delivery Reports
Real-time tracking of message delivery, read rates, and responses
Audit Trail
Complete compliance records of all communications sent
Remote Access
Cloud-based platform accessible from anywhere, any device
Local Support
New Zealand-based support team who understands your business
Now you have your wishlist, start shopping around.
Our team helps identify the appropriate solution for your business. We'll walk you through how Beep meets these requirements and whether we're the right fit for your needs.
Quick Comparison
How different solutions stack up
| Feature | H&S App | Emergency-Only | Multi-Purpose Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| No app download required | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reaches ALL staff instantly | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-channel (SMS, email, WhatsApp) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Used daily (staff familiarity) | ~ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Emergency alerts | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Everyday business communications | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Customer/client communications | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| System integrations (Xero, CRM, etc.) | ✗ | ~ | ✓ |
Ready to See How Beep Fits Your Needs?
Our team will help you evaluate whether Beep is the right fit for your organization. No pressure, just practical guidance.