Slack Integration Guide

Slack Integration Overview

The Slack integration is the core of Buckets' feedback collection system. It automatically captures feedback from your Slack channels, organizes it into buckets, and enables seamless team collaboration around feedback management.

Integration Benefits

🔄 Automatic Collection

• Captures feedback in real-time
• No manual data entry required
• Works across all connected channels
• Filters out noise automatically

🤖 AI Organization

• AI categorizes feedback automatically
• Smart tagging and prioritization
• Sentiment analysis and insights
• Reduces manual organization work

👥 Team Collaboration

• Seamless Slack workflow integration
• Team notifications and updates
• Shared feedback management
• Cross-team visibility

Initial Setup Process

Prerequisites

• Admin Access: You need admin permissions in your Slack workspace
• Bucket Account: Active Buckets account (free trial is fine)
• Channel Planning: Decide which channels to monitor
• Team Coordination: Inform team members about the integration

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Access Integration Settings

• Go to your Buckets dashboard
• Navigate to Settings → Integrations
• Click on "Slack Integration"
• Review the integration overview

Step 2: Authorize Slack Access

• Click "Connect Slack Workspace"
• You'll be redirected to Slack's authorization page
• Review the requested permissions
• Click "Allow" to authorize the connection

Step 3: Configure Channels

• Select which channels to monitor
• Configure channel-specific settings
• Set up filtering rules if needed
• Test the connection

Required Permissions

Slack App Permissions

Read Permissions

• channels:read: Access channel information
• groups:read: Access private channel info
• im:read: Read direct messages
• mpim:read: Read group messages
• users:read: Access user information

Write Permissions

• chat:write: Send messages to channels
• chat:write.public: Send to public channels
• files:write: Upload files if needed
• reactions:write: Add reactions to messages

⚠️ Important Security Note

Buckets only accesses the channels you explicitly select. We never read private messages or channels you haven't authorized. All data is encrypted and stored securely.

Channel Configuration

Selecting Channels

Recommended Channels

• #feedback: Dedicated feedback channel
• #product: Product-related discussions
• #support: Customer support issues
• #general: General team discussions
• #random: Casual feedback and ideas

Channel Types

• Public Channels: Visible to all workspace members
• Private Channels: Restricted access channels
• Direct Messages: One-on-one conversations
• Group Messages: Small group discussions

Channel-Specific Settings

• Filtering Rules: Set up channel-specific keyword filters
• Bucket Assignment: Map channels to specific buckets
• Notification Settings: Configure alerts per channel
• User Exclusions: Exclude specific users if needed
• Time Filters: Set up time-based filtering

Advanced Configuration

Message Filtering

Include Filters

• Keywords that indicate feedback
• User mentions and reactions
• Specific message patterns
• File attachments and links

Exclude Filters

• Spam and irrelevant content
• Internal team discussions
• Automated bot messages
• Off-topic conversations

Notification Settings

• Real-time Alerts: Immediate notifications for new feedback
• Daily Summaries: Regular digest of collected feedback
• Weekly Reports: Comprehensive feedback analysis
• Custom Schedules: Set up your own notification timing
• Channel Notifications: Notify specific channels about feedback

Testing and Validation

Testing Your Integration

Step 1: Send Test Messages

• Post test feedback in connected channels
• Use different types of feedback messages
• Test with various keywords and phrases
• Include different team members

Step 2: Verify Collection

• Check your Buckets dashboard for new feedback
• Verify AI categorization is working
• Test search functionality
• Confirm notifications are working

Step 3: Fine-tune Settings

• Adjust filtering rules based on results
• Modify notification preferences
• Update bucket assignments if needed
• Train team on the new workflow

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Issues

• Permission Denied: Ensure you have admin access to Slack workspace
• App Not Found: Check if Buckets app is properly installed
• Token Expired: Re-authorize the integration
• Workspace Access: Verify you have access to the workspace

Data Collection Issues

• Missing Messages: Check channel permissions and filters
• Wrong Categorization: Review and adjust AI training
• Duplicate Entries: Check for multiple channel connections
• Filter Too Restrictive: Adjust keyword filters

Performance Issues

• Slow Processing: Check integration status and retry
• High Volume: Adjust filtering to reduce noise
• Notification Delays: Check notification settings
• Search Issues: Verify search index is up to date

Best Practices for Slack Integration

✅ Recommended Practices

• Start with a few key channels and expand gradually
• Set up clear feedback collection guidelines for your team
• Regularly review and adjust filtering rules
• Train team members on the new workflow
• Monitor integration performance and usage
• Keep team informed about integration changes

❌ Common Mistakes

• Connecting too many channels at once
• Not setting up proper filtering rules
• Ignoring team feedback on the integration
• Not testing the integration thoroughly
• Forgetting to update settings as team grows
• Not documenting the integration setup

💡 Pro Tip

Start with one or two high-value channels and gradually expand. This allows you to fine-tune your filtering and categorization before scaling to more channels. Monitor the quality of collected feedback and adjust your settings accordingly.