---
title: "Sending Transactional Messages (Whiteboards)"
slug: "send-transactional-messages-automations"
updated: 2025-09-04T15:35:20Z
published: 2025-09-04T15:35:20Z
canonical: "docs.mapp.com/send-transactional-messages-automations"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sending Transactional Messages (Whiteboards)

## Goal

Send an automated message to a contact in response to an activity using the Whiteboard and a prepared message with a unique, trackable TMID (Transactional Message ID).

## Background Information

Transactional messages sent via *Automations* respond to individual contact activity. Each message includes a TMID, which allows you to track openings and clicks. This method is useful if you don’t use an external system like a CRM or webshop.

## Prerequisites

- Transactional Message Mode must be set to **On** in the group settings. See: [Adding a TMID to Messages](/v1/docs/add-a-tmid-to-messages).
- The TMID pattern must be created. See: [Adding a TMID to Messages](/v1/docs/add-a-tmid-to-messages).
- A prepared message must exist for the automation. See: [Save Draft as Prepared Message](/v1/docs/save-draft-as-prepared-message).
- If applicable, event data placeholders should be included in the message. See: [Add Event Data to a Prepared Message](/v1/docs/add-event-data-to-a-prepared-message)

---

## Procedure​

1. Create a new event-based whiteboard.
2. Define the event that will trigger the automation. See: [All available Events](/v1/docs/whiteboard-components-events).
3. Add the job [Send Email](/v1/docs/send-email) to the Whiteboard. Use the following settings:
  - **Message Selection***:* *Prepared Email Message*
  - **Email Message**: Select your prepared message from the drop-down
  - **Sendout time***:* According to your preferences, *Immediately*, or *The Best Sendout Time*
  - **Parameters**: Add event data placeholders if you want to insert dynamic data from the event. This setting is optional
4. Save, validate, and activate the Whiteboard.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note**: If a transactional message is sent to a contact who is not already in the group, Mapp Engage automatically adds the contact to the group.

---

### Best Practices

- **Use one whiteboard per trigger type** for clarity and easier maintenance.
- **Keep messages purely transactional** to avoid compliance issues.
- **Reuse prepared messages** across automations to reduce duplication.
- **Regularly check statistics** and adjust message content based on engagement.
- **Test your automation** with test users before activating it in production.

A unique identifier assigned to each contact in a transactional message, allowing individual tracking.