"How to Connect Junebug to On-Chat"

Introduction

Junebug is an open-source messaging middleware that enables organizations to connect to multiple SMS and USSD channels through a single API. It is widely used across Africa and other regions to bridge different telecom networks. By integrating Junebug with On-Chat, your team can centralize inbound customer messages from multiple messaging networks in one shared inbox, with routing, automation, and collaborative response tools.

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Prerequisites

• A running Junebug instance with at least one active channel configured
• Junebug API credentials (username, password, base URL)
• On-Chat account with admin access
• A channel configured in Junebug for receiving inbound messages
• Access to Junebug channel settings to configure inbound message webhooks

Step 1: Confirm Your Junebug Instance Is Operational

Ensure your Junebug server is running and you can access the Junebug HTTP API. Verify that at least one channel (e.g., SMPP, Africa's Talking, Telkom) is properly configured and connected. Check the Junebug admin interface or API for active channel status.

Step 2: Retrieve Junebug API Credentials and Channel ID

From your Junebug configuration, note your API base URL, username, password, and the channel ID you want to route into On-Chat. The channel ID identifies the specific messaging network connection Junebug will use.

Step 3: Create an SMS Inbox in On-Chat

In On-Chat, go to Settings → Inboxes → New Inbox and select SMS. Choose Junebug as the SMS provider. Enter the Junebug API base URL, credentials, and channel ID. Save to generate the On-Chat inbound webhook URL.

Step 4: Configure Inbound Message Routing in Junebug

In the Junebug channel settings, set the inbound message URL to your On-Chat webhook endpoint. When customers send SMS or USSD messages to your Junebug-managed number or shortcode, Junebug will forward them to On-Chat automatically.

Step 5: Add Agents and Configure Routing

In On-Chat, go to Settings → Inboxes → select your Junebug inbox → Collaborators. Add the support agents who will handle these conversations. Enable auto-assignment to distribute new conversations based on agent availability.

Step 6: Test the Integration

Send a test SMS or USSD message to your Junebug channel. Confirm it appears in On-Chat as a new conversation. Reply from the agent and verify the outbound message is delivered to the customer via Junebug. Review Junebug channel logs to confirm message delivery.

Best Practices

• Configure multiple Junebug channels (one per telecom network) and create separate On-Chat inboxes to track conversations by network
• Use On-Chat automation to send acknowledgment messages when high USSD or SMS volumes are received
• Monitor Junebug channel health dashboards alongside On-Chat conversation metrics
• Tag conversations in On-Chat by region or telecom to analyze support volume trends across networks