SMS updates at the hockey club

A hockey club in Denmark needs a reliable way to communicate with referees and officials. Every match requires coordination. Officials must know when they are assigned. Open referee spots must be filled quickly. Last-minute changes must be handled without delay.

By using the Auron SMS Server, the club automates all SMS communication directly from its own database. Officials receive messages instantly. Vacancies are filled faster. Administration becomes much easier.

The Challenge

The club needs a system that can:

  • Notify officials when a match has no referee
  • Inform referees about upcoming matches
  • Send quick updates to groups
  • Handle last-minute cancellations
  • Allow referees to decline assignments while notifying the administrator

All communication must be fast and reliable. The solution must integrate with the club’s existing MySQL system.

The Solution

The club installs the Auron SMS Server together with:

  • Microsoft SQL Server Express (used by Auron SMS Server Manager)
  • A GSM gateway with SIM card: Teltonika TRB142

The GSM gateway sends SMS messages directly over the mobile network.

When the system creates a message record in the existing MySQL, the Auron SMS Server retrieves it automatically. The server processes the message and sends it through the GSM gateway.

The entire process runs fully automatic.

System Overview

The setup consists of:

  • MySQL Server – Stores match data and outgoing messages
  • Auron SMS Server Manager (MSSQL Express) – Manages channels and processing
  • GSM Gateway (Teltonika TRB142) – Sends SMS messages via SIM card

When the application inserts a new record into MySQL, the SMS Server detects it. It sends the message and updates the status in the database.

How the SMS Workflow Works

1. Creating an SMS Message

To send an SMS, the system inserts a new record into the MySQL database.

At minimum, the record contains:

  • toAddress – Recipient phone number
  • body – Message content

The system also uses additional fields for tracking:

  • statusID
  • scheduledTimestamp
  • sentTimestamp

Example SQL:

INSERT INTO messages 
SET toAddress = '+4512345678', body = 'This is a test message';

That is all that is required. The SMS Server handles the rest.

2. Configuring the GSM Channel

The GSM channel connects the Auron SMS Server to the modem.

Configuration steps:

  • Create a new GSM channel
  • Select the correct COM port (RS232-to-USB connection)
  • Enter the SIM card phone number
  • Adjust additional settings if needed

Once configured, the server sends SMS messages directly through the SIM card.

3. Configuring the Database Channel

The database channel enables full integration with MySQL. It allows the Auron SMS Server to:

  • Retrieve unsent messages
  • Update message status during processing
  • Write delivery results back to the database

Configuration Steps

1. Create the channel
Give it a clear name and description.

2. Add the connection string
Provide the MySQL database credentials.

3. Select messages to send
For example:

  • Select records where statusID IS NULL.

4. Confirm sending
Update selected records:

  • Set statusID = ‘Sending’
  • Set scheduledTimestamp

5. Map message fields
Map database fields such as toAddress and body to the SMS fields in Auron.

6. Configure status updates
After sending, update MySQL with:

  • statusID = EXTERNALSTATUS
  • sentTimestamp = SENTTIME
  • Match on ID = EXTERNALID

This ensures full tracking of every SMS.

Managing Cancellations

The system also supports quick reassignment.

If a referee cannot attend a match, they press a button in the club’s system. The system sends an SMS to the administrator with a link. The administrator removes the referee from the match with one click.

This reduces delays and avoids unnecessary phone calls.

Results

With the Auron SMS Server, the club:

  • Automates referee communication
  • Fills open matches faster
  • Reduces manual administration
  • Tracks every SMS in the database
  • Sends messages independently via its own GSM gateway

The solution integrates directly with the existing MySQL system. It is reliable, simple, and easy to manage.

If you want to automate SMS communication from your own database or GSM gateway, contact us for more information or a demonstration