Introduction

AI SMS That Schedules Factory Tours Automatically is a practical framework for manufacturers, industrial campuses, and innovation centers that want to book tours faster, safer, and with less staff time. This playbook covers consent‑first setup, calendar routing, visitor pre‑check, multilingual flows, reminders, and post‑tour follow‑ups that feed your CRM.

Compliance: Keep TCPA/GDPR/CCPA in view: explicit opt‑in, quiet hours, STOP/HELP keywords, and consent logs tied to each contact.

1) Why AI SMS Beats Email for Tour Scheduling

• Speed: Replies within minutes, not days.
• Clarity: One micro‑decision per message reduces friction.
• Capacity‑aware: Only offers slots that match staffing, routes, and PPE stock.
• Audit‑ready: Consent, confirmations, NDAs, and rosters are logged automatically.

2) Journey Map: From Inquiry to Gate Pass

3) Core Flows & Scripts (Copy/Paste)

A. First Touch (after form or QR)

AI: Thanks for your interest in touring {{plant_name}}. Prefer EN/ES? Reply EN or ES.
AI: What brings you in? 1) Recruiting 2) Supplier/Vendor 3) Press/Community 4) Education 5) Customer/Prospect.
AI: Great. For {{purpose}}, tours are {{duration}}. Bring closed‑toe shoes.
AI: Here are two times with guide availability: {{slot_1}} or {{slot_2}}? Reply 1 or 2.

B. Pre‑Check (24–72 hrs before)

AI: Quick safety check for {{date}} {{time}}.
1) Headcount
2) Any accessibility needs?
3) PPE sizes needed (S/M/L/XL)?
Reply in one line like: 5, ramp, 3L 2M.

C. Day‑Of Logistics

AI: Welcome to {{plant_name}}. Park at Lot B, enter Gate 3. Show this code: {{tour_code}}.
Map: {{maps_link}}
Need help? Reply HELP.

D. Reschedule / No‑Show Rescue

AI: Missed you at {{time}}. Want to switch to {{alt_slot_1}} or {{alt_slot_2}}? Reply 1 or 2.
To cancel, reply C.

E. Post‑Tour Survey + Follow‑Ups

AI: Thanks for visiting {{plant_name}}! 30‑sec survey: {{survey_link}}.
Want product sheets or hiring info? Reply 1) Products 2) Careers.

4) Calendar & Capacity Routing

• Calendars: Tour guides, conference rooms, and approved routes are synced in read/write mode.
• Rules: Max headcount per route; restrict near hazardous processes; avoid maintenance windows.
• Resources: PPE stock and visitor badges decrement when a slot is booked.
• Buffers: Add 10–15 minutes between tours for cleanup and security.

5) Visitor Pre‑Check: Safety, PPE, NDA

6) Day‑Of Logistics: Wayfinding & Check‑In

• SMS with map pin, gate, parking bay, and safety notice.
• Unique tour code for security; group QR works for chaperoned tours.
• Late arrival path: notify guide and offer next slot automatically.

7) Group Tours & Field Trips

8) Multilingual & Accessibility

• Offer language selection first (EN/ES/FR/DE/…)
• Plain‑language mode; avoid jargon
• Accessible links: large‑type PDFs, captions on safety videos

9) AI → Human Handoffs & SLAs

• Escalate on custom route requests, VIPs, or policy exceptions.
• Include full thread, visitor data, and proposed options for fast resolution.
• SLA: human response within 10 minutes during business hours.

10) Data, Privacy & Security

• Store consent, rosters, and attestations with retention policies.
• Encrypt in transit and at rest; restrict staff access by role.
• Audit trails for every tour: who booked, what changed, and when.

11) KPIs, UTMs & Attribution

• Key metrics: time‑to‑first‑reply, inquiry→booked %, no‑show %, reschedule %, NPS, pipeline influenced.
• Use UTM tags on links: utm_source=sms&utm_medium=automation&utm_campaign=factory_tours_{plant}
• Push tour outcomes to CRM and analytics for proper attribution.

12) 30–60–90 Day Rollout Plan

Days 1–30 (Foundation)

1. Map one tour route and capacity. Create shared calendars.
2. Publish consent form + keywords (START/STOP/HELP).
3. Load first‑touch, pre‑check, and day‑of scripts.

Days 31–60 (Momentum)

1. Add group and vendor flows. Sync NDA and safety assets.
2. Enable multilingual choices and accessibility notes.
3. Launch KPI dashboard; start A/B tests for slot offers.

Days 61–90 (Scale)

1. Expand to multiple routes and sites. Add staffing buffers.
2. Automate handoffs and VIP rules. Integrate CRM revenue reporting.
3. Quarterly review: prune weak scripts; document SOPs.

13) Troubleshooting & Optimization