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How to Configure Channel-Specific Assistant Behavior in Slack

Learn how to set default assistants in Slack

Updated over a week ago

This guide explains how to configure your elvex assistants to respond only in specific Slack channels or act as the default responder in channels.

What you'll learn

  • How to limit an assistant to specific channels in your Slack workspace

  • How to set an assistant 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 assistants in Slack

Understanding Channel Access Options

The elvex Slack integration offers two ways to control which channels your assistants can be used in:

  1. All channels - The assistant can be used in any channel within your Slack workspace

  2. Exclusive channels - The assistant is limited to specific channels you select

Additionally, you can designate an assistant as the default responder in specific channels, allowing users to interact with it without explicitly mentioning it.

Setting Up Default Channels

When an assistant 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:

  1. Go to your assistant in elvex

  2. Click on Settings

  3. Expand the Slack Settings section

  4. Scroll to the Default Channels section

  5. Click in the search field to select channels where this assistant will be the default responder

  6. Click Save to apply your changes

Users in these channels can interact with this assistant without explicitly mentioning it.

Use Cases for Channel-Specific Configuration

When to use Exclusive Channels

  • For specialized assistants that should only be available in relevant channels

  • To prevent assistant clutter in channels where they aren't needed

  • For department-specific assistants (e.g., a Sales Assistant in sales channels only)

When to set Default Channels

  • For channels dedicated to a specific purpose (e.g., a support channel with a Support Assistant)

  • When you want to streamline interaction by removing the need to mention the assistant

  • In channels where one assistant is used much more frequently than others

Best Practices

  • Limit default assistants: Only set one assistant as default per channel to avoid confusion

  • Use clear naming: Give assistants descriptive names that indicate their purpose

  • Communicate to users: Let channel members know which assistants are available and which are default

  • Review periodically: Regularly review channel configurations as your workspace evolves

Troubleshooting

If users are having trouble interacting with assistants in specific channels:

  • Verify the assistant has the correct channel access configuration

  • Check if the channel is private and ensure the assistant has been added to it

  • Confirm the user has appropriate permissions to use the assistant

  • Ensure the assistant's Slack permissions are properly configured

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