Overview

The Notifications feature provides a comprehensive system for managing when and how users receive notifications about activities in your apps. The platform uses a multi-level resolution system that checks both app-level permissions and individual user preferences before sending any notification.

How Notification Resolution Works

Multi-Level Resolution Process

The platform uses a three-tier system to determine whether notifications are sent:
  1. Organization-Level Check: First, the system checks if notifications are enabled organization-wide
  2. App-Level Check: If allowed by the organization, the system checks if the notification type is enabled at the app level
  3. User-Level Check: If allowed by both organization and app, the system checks the individual user’s preferences
  4. Final Decision: Notifications are only sent if all three levels approve the notification type
Resolution Flow:
Notification Event Occurs

Organization Settings: Are notifications enabled organization-wide?
    ↓ NO → Notification Blocked
    ↓ YES
App Settings: Is this notification type enabled?
    ↓ NO → Notification Blocked
    ↓ YES
User Settings: Does the user want this notification?
    ↓ NO → Notification Blocked  
    ↓ YES
Notification Sent (with Organization Branding)
If any level (organization, app, or user) blocks a notification type, the notification will not be sent, regardless of the other levels’ settings.

Organization-Level Notification Controls

Before app and user settings take effect, organization-wide controls can override notification behavior.

Organization Notification Kill Switch

Global Notification Control

Organization administrators can disable all notifications across the entire organization from Organization SettingsGeneral.Master Control:
  • Organization-Wide Toggle: Completely disable all notifications for the entire organization
  • Override Behavior: When disabled, no notifications are sent regardless of app or user settings
  • Emergency Control: Useful for maintenance periods or organization-wide notification pauses
When the organization-wide notification kill switch is enabled, it overrides all app-level and user-level notification settings. No notifications will be sent until this is re-enabled.

Communication Customization

Email Branding & Customization

Control how email notifications appear to users through Organization SettingsCommunication.Customization Options:
  • Custom Organization Banner: Enable branded email headers
  • Banner Color: Customize the banner color (e.g., #29b5e8)
  • Banner Logo Position: Control logo placement (Left, Right, Center)
  • Banner Image: Upload custom organization logo or image
  • Email Templates: Customize the appearance of all outbound email notifications
Communication Preview: The settings include a live preview showing how emails will appear to recipients, including:
  • Organization branding elements
  • Email layout and formatting
  • Banner positioning and colors
  • Logo integration and sizing
Communication settings apply to all email notifications sent by the platform, including system notifications, automation emails, and user-generated communications.

App-Level Notification Configuration

App administrators control which notification types are available to users within their app.

Accessing App Notification Settings

1

Navigate to App Settings

How to Access:
  • Go to your App → SettingsNotifications
  • Or navigate through ConfigurationNotifications in the app sidebar
App-level notification settings require admin permissions and control what notification types are available to all users of the app.
2

Configure Notification Categories

App notification settings are organized into three main categories:
Control notifications related to record assignments and watchers:
Use Cases:
  • Ensure team members know when they’re assigned new work
  • Keep stakeholders informed when they’re added as watchers
  • Maintain visibility into team assignments and responsibilities
3

Enable/Disable Notification Types

For each notification type, administrators can:Toggle Controls:
  • Enable: Allow this notification type for users in the app
  • Disable: Block this notification type entirely for the app
Administrative Control:
  • Granular Control: Enable only the notification types relevant to your workflow
  • Noise Reduction: Disable unnecessary notifications to reduce user overwhelm
  • Workflow Alignment: Match notification settings to your business processes
Start with essential notifications enabled and add more based on user feedback and workflow needs.

User-Level Notification Preferences

Individual users control their personal notification preferences for notifications that are enabled at the app level.

Accessing User Notification Settings

1

Navigate to User Settings

How to Access:
  • Go to User SettingsNotifications
  • Access through your profile menu or user preferences
User notification settings only apply to notification types that are enabled at the app level.
2

Configure Personal Preferences

User notification preferences mirror the app-level categories but are personalized:
Users can control notifications for their own assignments:Available Options:
  • You’re now the assignee: Receive notifications when assigned to records
  • Your team is now the assignee: Receive notifications when your team is assigned
  • You’re now a watcher: Receive notifications when added as a watcher
  • Your team is now a watcher: Receive notifications when your team becomes a watcher
User Control:
  • Individual Choice: Each user decides what assignment notifications they want
  • Team Flexibility: Users can choose to receive team notifications or not
  • Workload Management: Users can reduce notifications to focus on direct assignments
3

Customize Notification Delivery

Users can fine-tune how they receive notifications:Delivery Preferences:
  • In-App Notifications: Receive notifications within the Elementum interface
  • Email Notifications: Receive notifications via email (if configured)
  • Real-Time Alerts: Get immediate notifications for urgent items
  • Digest Options: Receive summarized notifications (if available)
Notification delivery methods depend on your organization’s configuration and available integrations.

Notification Types Reference

Assignment Notifications

Mention Notifications

Update Notifications


Best Practices

App-Level Configuration

Start Conservative: Begin with only essential notifications enabled and expand based on user needs and feedback.
Recommended Approach:
1

Essential Notifications First

Enable notifications that are critical to your workflow:
  • Assignment notifications for task management
  • Mention notifications for communication
  • Comment notifications for collaboration
2

Monitor Usage Patterns

  • Track which notifications users find valuable
  • Identify which notifications cause noise or confusion
  • Adjust settings based on actual usage and feedback
3

Workflow Alignment

  • Match notification settings to your business processes
  • Consider the roles and responsibilities of your users
  • Ensure notifications support rather than disrupt productivity

User Experience Optimization

User Guidance:

Performance Considerations

System Optimization:
  • Batching: Group similar notifications to reduce system load
  • Timing: Consider optimal timing for notification delivery
  • Volume Management: Monitor notification volumes to prevent overwhelm
  • Delivery Methods: Choose appropriate delivery channels for different notification types

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Notification Debugging

Diagnostic Steps:
1

Check Organization Settings

  1. Verify the organization-wide notification kill switch is not enabled
  2. Check that communication settings are properly configured
  3. Ensure organization-level settings allow notifications
2

Verify App Settings

  1. Check that the notification type is enabled at the app level
  2. Review which notification categories are active
  3. Ensure app settings align with organizational needs
3

Check User Preferences

  1. Verify the user has enabled the specific notification type
  2. Review the user’s overall notification preferences
  3. Confirm the user’s delivery preferences are configured
4

Test the Flow

  1. Create a test scenario that should trigger the notification
  2. Monitor both app and user settings during the test
  3. Verify the notification is generated and delivered correctly
5

Review System Logs

  1. Check system logs for notification generation events
  2. Monitor delivery attempts and any failures
  3. Identify any patterns in notification issues

Integration with Other Features

Automation Integration

Notification Triggers:
  • Automation Actions: Automations can trigger activities that generate notifications
  • Assignment Rules: Automated assignments trigger assignment notifications
  • Approval Processes: Approval activities generate relevant notifications
  • Workflow Events: Various workflow events can trigger notification cascades

Communication Features

Related Systems:
  • Comments: Comment notifications integrate with mention and update systems
  • Assignments: Assignment systems work closely with notification preferences
  • Watchers: Watcher functionality depends on notification settings for effectiveness
  • Teams Integration: Microsoft Teams integration can extend notification delivery

User Management

Profile Integration:
  • Regional Settings: User regional preferences may affect notification timing
  • Role-Based Settings: User roles may influence default notification preferences
  • Team Membership: Team assignments affect team-based notification delivery
  • Permission Levels: User permissions may impact which notifications they can receive

By implementing a thoughtful notification strategy that balances app-level control with user-level customization, you can ensure that your team stays informed without being overwhelmed, leading to better productivity and user satisfaction.