Docket-SMS

(PHP based algorithm behind the Docket TMSL application)

Last year, I started working with a rising transportation company to see if we could develop a light-weight solution for a niche problem. I was tasked with the development of an application that was capable of automating communication between 3rd party truck drivers and the dispatchers in which this company employed. Over multiple iterations, this package is what resulted as the primary backend structure for the Docket TMSL application.

*Please keep in mind that this repository only displays demo code. Unfortunately, most files have to be omiited.

Features

• Automated communication: Serves as an intermediary between multiple parties, automating communication between them via SMS and email.
• State based infrastructure: 'States' are the building blocks behind the logic of Docket SMS. Each state is a class with a series of methods and properties. Docket is able to determine the state of a "load" by each SMS message, 24 hour period, appointment, or even entire trip.
• Cleverly reads text: Uses string parsing as well as the events of the trip up to that point to determine the intent (or state) of a returned SMS message and notify all parties accordingly.

Usage

This package was developed to be easy to use throughout the application. For example, sending or receiving a text via an Http request is as simple as:

Docket::SMS($request)->send();
// or
Docket::SMS($request)->receive();

In this instance, needed properties such as string $message, string $from, and string $to would be passed via the $request object. Docket determines the object $state based on the context of the message itself, as well as the events of the trip up to that point. It will then send the correct message on a send call, or stores the message and responds to driver accordingly on a receive call.

But, all of these properties can be provided directly as well:

Docket::SMS()->message('Hello driver!')->to('16172224444')->from('Docket')->send();

Providing the state name will negate Docket having to determine the object $state property itself.

Docket::SMS()->state('Sent')->send();

If needed, a developer can receive a list of states by calling stateOptions(). This will return an array of applicable states based on given context.

Docket::SMS()->stateOptions();

// returns something like:
array:7 [
  0 => "Confirmed"
  1 => "Reschedule"
  2 => "Unconfirmed"
  3 => "Inquiry"
  4 => "WrongDriver"
  5 => "Misc"
  6 => "Update"
]