You set it up via the widget works app however you want. You can have it text you or email you or both. It works all the time. I think they scan the open time every 10 minutes. I opted for email and a text because the text only gives a rotation number. The email displays the rotation. You can also set the alert for specific trip lengths or credit amounts. Paying the 7.95 also get you access to DBMS almost instantly vice using Icrew if you download easybid. 1 click and your in.