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:
- Organization-Level Check: First, the system checks if notifications are enabled organization-wide
- App-Level Check: If allowed by the organization, the system checks if the notification type is enabled at the app level
- User-Level Check: If allowed by both organization and app, the system checks the individual user’s preferences
- Final Decision: Notifications are only sent if all three levels approve the notification type
Organization-Level Notification Controls
Before app and user settings take effect, organization-wide controls can override notification behavior.Enable Organization-wide Notifications
Global Notification Control
Organization administrators can disable all notifications across the entire organization from Organization Settings → General.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
Communication Customization
Email Branding & Customization
Control how email notifications appear to users through Organization Settings → Communication.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
- 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
Navigate to App Settings
How to Access:
- Go to your App → Settings → Notifications
- Or navigate through Configuration → Notifications in the app sidebar
App-level notification settings require admin permissions and control what notification types are available to all users of the app.
Configure Notification Categories
App notification settings are organized into three main categories:
- Assignment Notifications
- Mention Notifications
- Update Notifications
Control notifications related to record assignments and watchers:
Use Cases:
User Assignment Notifications
User Assignment Notifications
- Users are assigned a record: Notify when individual users are assigned to records
- Teams are assigned a record: Notify when entire teams are assigned to records
- Users are added as watchers: Notify when users are added to watch records
- Teams are added as watchers: Notify when teams are added to watch records
- 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
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
- 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
User-Level Notification Preferences
Individual users control their personal notification preferences for notifications that are enabled at the app level.Accessing User Notification Settings
Navigate to User Settings
How to Access:
- Go to User Settings → Notifications
- Access through your profile menu or user preferences
User notification settings only apply to notification types that are enabled at the app level.
Configure Personal Preferences
User notification preferences mirror the app-level categories but are personalized:
- Personal Assignment Preferences
- Personal Mention Preferences
- Personal Update Preferences
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
- 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
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
Record Assignment
Record Assignment
Triggers When:
- A user or team is assigned to a record
- Assignment changes from one user/team to another
- Multiple assignments are made simultaneously
- Task assignment in project management
- Ticket routing in support workflows
- Lead assignment in sales processes
Watcher Assignment
Watcher Assignment
Triggers When:
- A user or team is added as a watcher to a record
- Watchers are added during record creation
- Bulk watcher assignments are made
- Keeping stakeholders informed of progress
- Maintaining visibility for interested parties
- Ensuring oversight on important records
Mention Notifications
Comment Mentions
Comment Mentions
Triggers When:
- A user is @mentioned in a comment
- A team is @mentioned in a comment
- Multiple mentions occur in the same comment
- Direct communication in record discussions
- Calling attention to specific issues
- Including relevant team members in conversations
Update Notifications
Assignment Changes
Assignment Changes
Triggers When:
- Record assignee changes from one user to another
- Assignment group is modified
- Assignments are added or removed
- Tracking responsibility changes
- Ensuring smooth handoffs between team members
- Maintaining assignment visibility
Watcher Updates
Watcher Updates
Triggers When:
- New watchers are added to a record
- Watcher lists are modified
- Bulk watcher changes occur
- Expanding visibility on important records
- Including additional stakeholders
- Managing oversight requirements
Comment Activity
Comment Activity
Triggers When:
- New comments are added to records
- Comment threads develop
- Collaborative discussions occur
- Staying updated on record discussions
- Participating in collaborative problem-solving
- Maintaining communication visibility
General Updates
General Updates
Triggers When:
- Any other record modifications occur
- Field values change
- Status updates happen
- Other system activities occur
- Comprehensive record monitoring
- Audit trail awareness
- General activity tracking
Best Practices
App-Level Configuration
Recommended Approach:Essential Notifications First
Enable notifications that are critical to your workflow:
- Assignment notifications for task management
- Mention notifications for communication
- Comment notifications for collaboration
Monitor Usage Patterns
- Track which notifications users find valuable
- Identify which notifications cause noise or confusion
- Adjust settings based on actual usage and feedback
User Experience Optimization
User Guidance:User Education
User Education
- Onboarding: Educate new users about notification settings
- Documentation: Provide clear guidance on notification options
- Best Practices: Share recommendations for notification management
- Support: Help users optimize their notification preferences
Change Management
Change Management
- Communication: Announce changes to notification settings
- Migration: Help users adjust to new notification options
- Feedback: Collect user input on notification effectiveness
- Iteration: Continuously improve based on user experience
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
Notifications Not Being Received
Notifications Not Being Received
Possible Causes:
- App-level notifications disabled for that type
- User-level preferences blocking notifications
- Email delivery issues (if using email notifications)
- User not properly assigned or watching the record
- Check App Settings: Verify the notification type is enabled at the app level
- Check User Settings: Confirm the user has enabled that notification type
- Verify Assignments: Ensure the user is properly assigned or watching the record
- Test Delivery: Send test notifications to verify delivery channels work
Too Many Notifications
Too Many Notifications
Possible Causes:
- Too many notification types enabled at app level
- Users haven’t customized their preferences
- High activity levels generating excessive notifications
- Lack of notification filtering or batching
- Review App Settings: Disable unnecessary notification types
- User Education: Help users customize their preferences
- Workflow Optimization: Reduce unnecessary activities that trigger notifications
- Batching Options: Implement notification batching if available
Inconsistent Notification Delivery
Inconsistent Notification Delivery
Possible Causes:
- Mixed app and user settings across the organization
- Different users having different preferences
- System performance issues affecting delivery
- Integration problems with external notification systems
- Standardize Settings: Establish consistent app-level notification policies
- User Guidance: Provide clear recommendations for user settings
- System Monitoring: Monitor notification system performance
- Integration Testing: Regularly test external notification integrations
Notification Debugging
Diagnostic Steps:Check Organization Settings
- Verify the Enable Notifications toggle is turned on in Organization Settings
- Check that communication settings are properly configured
- Ensure organization-level settings allow notifications
Verify App Settings
- Check that the notification type is enabled at the app level
- Review which notification categories are active
- Ensure app settings align with organizational needs
Check User Preferences
- Verify the user has enabled the specific notification type
- Review the user’s overall notification preferences
- Confirm the user’s delivery preferences are configured
Test the Flow
- Create a test scenario that should trigger the notification
- Monitor both app and user settings during the test
- Verify the notification is generated and delivered correctly
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.