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Overview

Agent Slack Integration enables your conversational AI agents to interact with users directly within Slack channels. This integration creates a seamless experience where team members can communicate with agents through the familiar Slack interface, with conversations automatically tracked and managed in your Elementum app. Unlike the Microsoft Teams integration which supports one-on-one conversations with a single agent, Slack integration allows you to configure different agents for different channels, providing flexible deployment options across your workspace.

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Prerequisites

Organization admin access is required for the initial Slack app installation. Ensure you have proper permissions before starting.
Before setting up Slack integration for your agents, ensure you have:
1

Organization Admin Access

Required to install the Elementum Slack app to your organization’s Slack workspace
2

Active Agent

At least one agent created and configured in your app with appropriate training
3

Slack Workspace Environment

Access to your organization’s Slack workspace with app installation permissions
4

Channel Access

Permission to add apps to the specific Slack channels where you want agents to operate

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Setting Up Slack Integration

1

Install Elementum App from Slack Marketplace

Begin by adding the Elementum AI app to your Slack workspace through the official Slack App Directory.Installation Process:
  1. Click the “Add to Slack” button to install the Elementum app
  2. Review the permissions the app is requesting
  3. Click “Allow” to proceed with the installation
  4. Complete the setup in Elementum by selecting your organization
  5. Wait for the “Installation Successful” confirmation message
The Elementum app requires standard permissions to read messages, post responses, and manage threaded conversations. These permissions are necessary for the agent to function properly within your Slack channels.
For detailed installation instructions, see the Slack Setup Guide.
2

Add Elementum to Your Channel

After installing the Elementum app, add it to the specific channel where you want the agent to operate.How to Add:Option A: Using /invite command
  • Type: /invite @Elementum Intelligence
  • Press Enter to add the bot to the channel
Option B: Using @ mention
  • Simply mention the Elementum bot (@Elementum Intelligence) in a message
  • The app will automatically be added to the channel
Option C: Through channel settings
  • Click the channel name at the top of the channel
  • Select “Integrations” → “Add an app”
  • Search for and select the Elementum app you installed
Wait for confirmation that the Elementum bot has joined the channel before proceeding.
3

Configure Agent for the Channel

Configure which agent will handle conversations in this specific channel.Configuration Process:
  1. In the channel, type the command: /elementum setup
  2. Press Enter to execute the command
Configuration Interface: The setup dialog presents several configuration options:
Select an app to configure for this channel:
  • Choose the Elementum app that contains the agent you want to use
  • This determines which app environment the agent operates within
Now choose an agent:
  • Select the specific agent that will respond to messages in this channel
  • Different channels can use different agents based on their purpose
Complete Configuration:
  1. Review all settings
  2. Click “Next” to finalize the agent setup
  3. Wait for confirmation that the agent has been successfully configured

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Using Slack Integration

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Channel-Based Agent Deployment

Unlike Teams integration which provides one-on-one agent conversations, Slack integration operates at the channel level: Flexible Configuration:
  • Multiple Agents: Deploy different agents to different channels based on purpose
  • Channel-Specific Settings: Each channel can have unique conversation timeouts and interaction modes
  • Contextual Deployment: Match agent expertise to channel topics (e.g., HR agent in #hr-questions, IT agent in #tech-support)
Examples:
  • #customer-support: Deploy a customer service agent with “Full Conversations” and “Interact with all messages”
  • #general: Deploy a FAQ agent with “Quick Answers” and “Interact with questions only”
  • #sales: Deploy a sales assistant with “Full Conversations” and “High confidence answers only”

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Starting Conversations

For End Users:
  1. Navigate to the configured channel where the Elementum agent has been added
  2. Post a message based on the channel’s interaction settings:
    • All messages mode: Any message triggers agent response
    • Questions only: Ask a question with ’?’ to engage the agent
    • High confidence mode: Ask clear, specific questions for best results
  3. Natural conversation: The agent responds within the channel or in a thread
  4. Maintained context: Agent remembers conversation context throughout the session
Conversation Behavior:
  • Messages are processed by your configured agent
  • Responses appear in real-time within Slack
  • Conversation context is maintained throughout the session
  • User information is automatically captured for Full Conversations mode

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Conversation Management

Quick Answers Mode:
  • Provides brief, direct responses without creating app records
  • No conversation state is maintained between questions
  • Ideal for simple FAQ-style interactions
  • Minimal overhead and fast responses
Full Conversations Mode:
  • Automatic Record Creation: Creates a new record in your configured app when conversations begin
  • Context Preservation: Maintains conversation history and context across multiple messages
  • Workflow Integration: Conversation records can trigger automations and workflows
  • User Tracking: Captures user information for reporting and follow-up
Timeout Behavior:
  • Conversations automatically close after the configured timeout period
  • Users receive warning messages before timeout (if enabled)
  • New messages after timeout start fresh conversations (in Full Conversations mode)
  • Timeouts help manage system resources and conversation lifecycle

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Configuration Best Practices

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Matching Settings to Channel Purpose

Recommended Configuration:
  • Interaction Mode: Full Conversations
  • Channel Messages: Interact with all messages
  • Timeout: 30-60 minutes for extended support interactions
Rationale: Users expect comprehensive help and continuous engagement in dedicated support channels.
Recommended Configuration:
  • Interaction Mode: Quick Answers
  • Channel Messages: Interact with questions only
  • Timeout: 15 minutes
Rationale: Minimizes agent noise while providing on-demand assistance in busy channels.
Recommended Configuration:
  • Interaction Mode: Quick Answers
  • Channel Messages: High confidence answers only
  • Timeout: 10 minutes
Rationale: Provides quick, accurate answers to common questions without extended conversations.

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Agent Training for Slack

Channel Context Awareness:
  • Train agents to understand they’re operating in a public or semi-public channel
  • Include guidance on appropriate response length for channel conversations
  • Provide instructions on when to suggest moving to direct messages for sensitive topics
You are operating in a Slack channel with multiple participants. Keep responses
concise and professional. For sensitive information, suggest the user contact
you via direct message or email. Always acknowledge other participants'
contributions when relevant.
Response Optimization:
  • Brevity: Channel conversations benefit from concise responses
  • Threading: Encourage use of threaded replies for complex discussions
  • Formatting: Use Slack formatting (bold, lists, code blocks) for clarity
  • Context Awareness: Reference channel history when relevant

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Conversation Timeout Strategy

Timeout Duration Recommendations:

Quick FAQs

10-15 minutesSimple question/answer interactions

Standard Support

30-45 minutesTypical support conversations with multiple exchanges

Complex Issues

60+ minutesTechnical troubleshooting or detailed consultations
Factors to Consider:
  • Channel Activity Level: Shorter timeouts in high-traffic channels
  • Agent Workload: Balance timeout duration with conversation volume
  • User Expectations: Set timeouts that match expected interaction patterns
  • Resource Management: Shorter timeouts prevent resource buildup

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Integration with Workflows

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Automatic Record Creation (Full Conversations Mode)

When Slack conversations begin in Full Conversations mode, records are automatically created with:
  • User Information: Slack user details and profile data
  • Conversation Metadata: Start time, agent assignment, channel information
  • Slack Context: Channel name, workspace identification, thread details

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Workflow Triggers

Use the Agent Conversation Ended trigger in your automations to process Slack conversation outcomes: Available Data:
  • Complete conversation transcript with timestamps
  • User information captured during the interaction
  • Conversation duration and interaction count
  • Agent responses and user messages
  • Channel context and metadata
Automation Examples:
  • Create follow-up tasks based on unresolved issues
  • Send summary notifications to relevant team members
  • Update CRM or support systems with interaction details
  • Generate analytics reports on agent performance
  • Route urgent matters to appropriate departments
  • Trigger approval workflows for agent recommendations

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Viewing Slack Conversations

After a Slack conversation ends (in Full Conversations mode), you can view the complete interaction: Conversation Interface:
  • Navigate to the automatically created record in your app
  • Access the Chat/Conversation interface in record details
  • View the conversation marked as a Slack conversation type
  • Review complete transcript with timestamps and participant details
  • See channel context and threading information
This provides full visibility into Slack interactions alongside other communication channels.

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Managing Multiple Channel Configurations

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Channel-Specific Agent Strategy

Strategic Agent Deployment:
  • Specialized Agents: Deploy domain-specific agents to relevant channels
  • Consistent Agents: Use the same agent across related channels for consistency
  • Hybrid Approach: Mix specialized and general-purpose agents based on needs
Example Multi-Channel Setup:
ChannelAgentModeInteraction
#customer-supportSupport AgentFull ConversationsAll messages
#product-questionsProduct ExpertQuick AnswersQuestions only
#generalGeneral AssistantQuick AnswersHigh confidence only
#engineeringTechnical AgentFull ConversationsQuestions only
#salesSales AssistantFull ConversationsAll messages

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Reconfiguring Channels

To modify agent configuration for a channel:
  1. Navigate to the channel where the agent is configured
  2. Type /elementum setup to open the configuration dialog
  3. Update any settings (agent selection, timeout, interaction mode)
  4. Click “Next” to save the new configuration
  5. The agent immediately adopts the new settings
Configuration changes take effect immediately without needing to remove or re-add the bot to the channel.

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Monitoring Channel Performance

Metrics to Track:
  • Response Rate: How often the agent responds to messages
  • Conversation Duration: Average length of agent conversations
  • User Satisfaction: Feedback on agent helpfulness
  • Channel Activity: Volume of messages and agent interactions
  • Timeout Frequency: How often conversations expire before natural completion
Optimization Based on Metrics:
  • Adjust interaction mode if response rate is too high or too low
  • Modify timeouts based on average conversation duration
  • Refine agent training based on user feedback
  • Change confidence thresholds based on response quality

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Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

Bot Not Responding in Channel:
  • Verify the agent is properly configured using /elementum setup
  • Check interaction mode settings (agent may be set to “Do not interact”)
  • For “Questions only” mode, ensure messages include ’?’ question marks
  • Confirm the agent is active and functioning in your Elementum app
  • Verify the bot has been added to the channel successfully
Agent Responding to Wrong Messages:
  • Review “Channel messages” setting and adjust interaction mode
  • Consider switching from “All messages” to “Questions only” or “High confidence only”
  • Refine agent training to better identify relevant questions
  • Check if multiple agents are configured in the same channel (may cause conflicts)
Conversation Records Not Creating:
  • Verify you’re using “Full Conversations” mode (Quick Answers doesn’t create records)
  • Check that the target app is active and accessible
  • Ensure proper permissions for record creation
  • Review field mappings and data capture configuration
Timeout Issues:
  • If conversations expire too quickly, increase timeout duration
  • If timeouts are too long, reduce duration to better match actual usage
  • Enable timeout reminder messages to improve user experience
  • Monitor actual conversation patterns to optimize timeout settings
Configuration Not Saving:
  • Ensure you have proper permissions to configure the channel
  • Verify the selected app and agent are valid and active
  • Check that all required fields are completed
  • Try removing and re-adding the bot to the channel if issues persist

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Performance Optimization

High-Traffic Channels:
  • Use “Questions only” or “High confidence only” interaction modes
  • Implement shorter conversation timeouts (10-15 minutes)
  • Consider Quick Answers mode to reduce overhead
  • Monitor agent load and adjust configuration as needed
Low-Response Channels:
  • Switch to “All messages” or “Questions only” mode to increase engagement
  • Reduce confidence threshold if using high confidence mode
  • Review agent training to improve question detection
  • Adjust timeout to match actual interaction patterns
Agent Training for Slack Channels:
  • Public vs Private: Train agents differently for public vs private channels
  • Channel Etiquette: Include guidelines on when to respond and when to stay silent
  • Concise Communication: Emphasize brevity appropriate for channel conversations
  • Thread Management: Train agents on when to use threaded replies
  • Escalation Paths: Provide clear guidance on when to escalate to humans

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Security and Compliance

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Data Protection

  • User Information: Slack user data is handled according to your data retention policies
  • Conversation Storage: All interactions are stored securely within your Elementum environment
  • Access Control: Conversations are only accessible to authorized users within your organization
  • Channel Privacy: Agents respect Slack channel privacy settings (public vs private channels)

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Slack Security

  • Organization Control: Admin approval required for initial app installation
  • User Permissions: Follows your organization’s Slack app installation policies
  • Data Residency: Conversations remain within your configured data boundaries
  • Channel Permissions: Agents only access channels they’re explicitly added to

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Compliance Considerations

Conversation Monitoring:
  • All agent interactions are logged and auditable
  • Conversation transcripts available for compliance review
  • Agent responses can be configured to meet regulatory requirements
Data Retention:
  • Configure retention policies for conversation records
  • Archive or delete conversations according to company policies
  • Export conversation data for compliance reporting

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Comparison: Slack vs Microsoft Teams Integration

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right integration for your needs:

Slack Integration

Channel-Based Deployment
  • Agents operate within Slack channels
  • Multiple agents across different channels
  • Channel-specific configuration options
  • Flexible interaction modes per channel
  • Both Quick Answers and Full Conversations
Best For:
  • Organizations heavily using Slack
  • Channel-specific use cases
  • Flexible multi-agent deployments

Teams Integration

One-on-One Conversations
  • Agents interact directly with individual users
  • Single agent configuration in Teams settings
  • Consistent experience across all users
  • Focus on Full Conversations with record creation
Best For:
  • Organizations using Microsoft Teams
  • Personalized agent interactions
  • Consistent agent experience
Key Differences:
FeatureSlackTeams
Deployment ModelChannel-basedOne-on-one with users
Configuration ScopePer channelOrganization-wide
Agent FlexibilityDifferent agents per channelSingle agent per configuration
Interaction ModesQuick Answers or Full ConversationsFull Conversations only
Message FilteringAll messages, questions, or high confidenceAll direct messages
Use CaseTeam collaboration, channel-specific supportPersonal assistance, individual support

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Best Practices Summary

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Strategic Deployment

Channel Selection:
  • Start with low-risk channels (internal teams, testing groups)
  • Gradually expand to customer-facing or high-stakes channels
  • Create dedicated agent channels for specific use cases
  • Monitor performance before wider deployment
Agent Assignment:
  • Match agent expertise to channel purpose
  • Use specialized agents for technical or domain-specific channels
  • Deploy general-purpose agents to mixed-topic channels
  • Maintain consistency across related channels

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Configuration Optimization

Interaction Mode Selection:
  • Quick Answers: FAQ channels, low-stakes questions, high-traffic spaces
  • Full Conversations: Support channels, complex inquiries, workflow integration
Channel Message Handling:
  • All messages: Dedicated agent channels, low-traffic support spaces
  • Questions only: General channels, mixed-purpose spaces
  • High confidence: Sensitive channels, accuracy-critical contexts
  • Do not interact: Temporary disablement, testing, troubleshooting
Timeout Configuration:
  • Match timeout to expected conversation duration
  • Enable reminder messages for better user experience
  • Adjust based on actual usage patterns
  • Balance resource management with user needs

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Continuous Improvement

Regular Monitoring:
  • Review agent response patterns and accuracy
  • Analyze conversation outcomes and user satisfaction
  • Monitor timeout effectiveness and conversation completion rates
  • Track agent performance across different channels
Iterative Refinement:
  • Update agent training based on conversation outcomes
  • Adjust interaction modes based on channel feedback
  • Optimize timeouts based on usage data
  • Expand or contract agent deployment based on value delivered
By following this guide, you can successfully deploy your agents in Slack channels, providing your team with AI-powered assistance directly within your existing collaboration platform. The channel-based approach offers flexibility to tailor agent behavior to specific contexts while maintaining seamless integration with your Elementum workflows.