When considering the integration of SMS messaging into existing notification systems, several key factors need attention to ensure effective and reliable communication. SMS, distinct in its urgency and cost, requires smart channel routing to manage user expectations and minimize manual errors. Platforms like Courier simplify this by automating routing decisions based on user preferences and channel availability, while also providing robust failover mechanisms to handle provider outages and carrier issues. Flexibility in provider choice is crucial to avoid vendor lock-in and support business growth, and Courier's unified API management aids in maintaining consistency across channels. Effective user preference management is essential for compliance and maintaining user trust, with systems like Courier offering granular control and automatic preference enforcement. Comprehensive logging and analytics are vital for optimizing SMS performance and troubleshooting, with platforms providing detailed insights into delivery patterns and success rates. Overall, platforms like Courier streamline SMS implementation by managing routing, failover, and preferences, allowing teams to focus on content rather than technical complexities.