This guide explains how to configure your elvex agents to respond only in specific Slack channels or act as the default responder in channels.
What you'll learn
How to limit an agent to specific channels in your Slack workspace
How to set an agent as the default responder in specific channels
When to use each configuration option
Prerequisites
You have in your workspace
You have in elvex
You have appropriate permissions to configure agents in Slack
Understanding Channel Access Options
The elvex Slack integration offers two ways to control which channels your agents can be used in:
All channels - The agent can be used in any channel within your Slack workspace
Exclusive channels - The agent is limited to specific channels you select
Additionally, you can designate an agent as the default responder in specific channels, allowing users to interact with it without explicitly mentioning it.
Setting Up Default Channels
When an agent is set as the default for a channel, users can interact with it without explicitly mentioning it by name or alias. To configure default channels:
Go to your agent in elvex
Click on Settings
Expand the Slack Settings section
Scroll to the Default Channels section
Click in the search field to select channels where this agent will be the default responder
Click Save to apply your changes
Users in these channels can interact with this agent without explicitly mentioning it.
Use Cases for Channel-Specific Configuration
When to use Exclusive Channels
For specialized agents that should only be available in relevant channels
To prevent agent clutter in channels where they aren't needed
For department-specific agents (e.g., a Sales Agent in sales channels only)
When to set Default Channels
For channels dedicated to a specific purpose (e.g., a support channel with a Support Agent)
When you want to streamline interaction by removing the need to mention the agent
In channels where one agent is used much more frequently than others
Best Practices
Limit default agents: Only set one agent as default per channel to avoid confusion
Use clear naming: Give agents descriptive names that indicate their purpose
Communicate to users: Let channel members know which agents are available and which are default
Review periodically: Regularly review channel configurations as your workspace evolves
Troubleshooting
If users are having trouble interacting with agents in specific channels:
Verify the agent has the correct channel access configuration
Check if the channel is private and ensure the agent has been added to it
Confirm the user has appropriate permissions to use the agent
Ensure the agent's Slack permissions are properly configured