A reminder template is a reusable definition: type + send-channel + countdown + message body. Once it's saved, Pistonlog auto-schedules sends whenever a matching event happens (jobcard completion, appointment creation, MOT date set).
Where templates live
Workshop Settings → Reminders. The page lists every template for the active garage with a New Template button.
What you'll fill in
Pick a type
MOT, Service, Timing Belt, Appointment, or Custom. See Reminder types.
Set the countdown
countdownDays — how many days before the due date to send. The default is 7. For two reminders (e.g. 30 + 7 days for MOT), create two templates.
Pick a send type
sms or email. Each template uses one channel. To reach both, create two templates.
Write the message body
Plain language. Use placeholders like {customer_name} and {vehicle_reg} so the same text personalises automatically.
Save
Active immediately. Future events that match this template will schedule a send.
Multiple templates per type
You can have many MOT templates active simultaneously — different countdowns (30, 14, 7), different channels (email + SMS), different tones. Each one schedules independently. Pistonlog deduplicates by (template + customer + scheduledDate) so the same send won't fire twice.
Plan note
Automatic reminders require the Pro or Enterprise plan. On Basic you can still send one-off reminders manually — see Sending a one-off reminder.