What is a Slack Integration?

Slack is a practical tool on its own, but one way in which you can enhance its usability is to connect it to other apps and programs through what is known as Slack integration. A Slack integration is a connection between Slack and these applications and services, allowing them to communicate and work together within Slack to achieve a variety of aims. 

The integration allows you to access, interact with, and receive notifications from a wide range of different tools you need to conduct your work in one central location. When you no longer have to switch between external programs, you can streamline your processes and improve the productivity of your team. 

This page explains how these Slack integrations work, the different types of integrations you can put in place, and best practices for doing that. 

How do Slack integrations work?

Slack integrations typically use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to connect external applications with Slack, enabling data exchange like file sharing, action triggers, and various workflows. However, you can also streamline processes with Slack’s native tools, such as pre-built workflows and apps available directly within Slack’s Workflow Builder, which doesn’t require API setup. These built-in tools offer simpler automation options within your Slack workspace, making it easy to get started without additional configuration.

Types of Slack integrations

Native integrations 

Slack provides a built-in app marketplace that allows users to install new capabilities into their workflows from thousands of approved third-party developers. Some of these integrations are free and others require payment. There are a host of solutions covering diverse categories such as ticketing, health and wellness, and security and compliance. 

External automation tools

Some automation tools mirror the way apps integrate with Slack by offering a platform that lets you connect it with a variety of other programs. In this case, executing an action in, for example, your customer relationship management tool (CRM), might send a notification to a specific Slack channel. 

Custom integrations

Some developers use Slack’s API to code their own integrations between their systems and Slack. This allows them to customize the workflow exactly to their needs. However, they can be costly to build and then complicated to maintain, taking up valuable time for the team involved.

Connectors with functions

Connectors with functions in Slack are an integration that allow Slack to interact with external apps and services. Developers create these integrations to allow users to perform tasks and automate complex workflows.

Why integrate apps with Slack?

There are many benefits to integrating apps with Slack. Here are a few of them:

• You can improve your workflows by selecting and configuring specific apps to work with Slack. This can help you keep more of your conversations, updates, and alerts in a single location. It can also make it easier to keep track of projects and avoid the hassle of switching between multiple apps, where things can get lost or forgotten about.
• When using one tool for all your workflows, you improve productivity. There is less wasted time and having an overview of all elements of a project helps to spot efficiency savings.
• You can better handle ad hoc requests by accessing and utilizing external tools through your Slack integration. This allows for immediate responses without switching between apps. 
• You can streamline your workflows by automating certain routine tasks and processes that free up your team to concentrate on more complex tasks.
• Having all your updates available in your Slack workplace means you don’t miss out on important developments and notifications. 
• Other teams can make help requests through Slack integrations, allowing for collaboration and problem solving to be shared.
• You can receive real-time notifications from integrated apps, providing updates and alerts to keep your team informed of developments and deadlines, for example.
• You can reduce clutter in your email inbox by handling communications and updates through Slack integrations.
• Employees feel more engaged because you bring their essential tools into Slack, where they spend much of their working hours. 

Common Slack integrations

Here are some different types of Slack integration that companies often use: 

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Installing a Slack app integration

This is the process for integrating apps with Slack:

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1. Open your Slack workplace
2. From the left menu, click “More” and then “Automations”
3. In the Automations menu, click “Apps”
4. Click “Slack Marketplace”
5. Browse the apps to find the application you want
6. Click the “Add to Slack” button
7. Authorize access to your Slack workspace

The integration will be in your “Apps” page now, allowing you to configure your preferences for the app and how it interacts with your Slack channels. 

Best practices for Slack integrations

• Select the right integrations for your businesssome text
  • Assess the needs of your team by considering their workflow challenges and seeking out apps to address them
  • Ensure that the software is compatible with your current tools and processes
  • Have team members try out the app first to find any unforeseen issues and read reviews from other users
• Maintain your integrations for safety and effectivenesssome text
  • Track the performance of the integration to make sure it is meeting your needs
  • Uninstall integrations you no longer use to avoid cluttering your workspace on Slack
• Ensure data securitysome text
  • Research apps to make sure they comply with your company’s data policies
  • Only use apps from trustworthy sources. In Slack’s marketplace, you can be assured that the apps have been approved by the company and are secure. 
  • Use strong authentication methods and encourage users to update their credentials on a regular basis. 

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