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:
All channels - The assistant can be used in any channel within your Slack workspace
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:
Go to your assistant 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 assistant will be the default responder
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