Slack Integration

What it does

  • Chat with VDF AI directly from Slack using a slash command, app mentions, or direct messages. Ideal for quick help during daily work.

Adding the App

  1. In VDF, go to Integrations → Slack → Connect.
  2. Paste your Slack bot token (for example, starts with xoxb- or xoxe-).
  3. Click Connect. The status will change to Connected once verified.
  4. Ensure your Slack workspace allows app installations and that the bot is invited to the channels where you plan to use it.

Usage

  • Slash command: Type /vdf followed by your request in any channel.
  • App mention: Mention the VDF app in a channel with your question.
  • Direct message: Open a DM with the VDF app and ask directly.

Prerequisites:

  • Your Slack workspace admin must allow custom apps/bot tokens.
  • The VDF bot must be in the channel to respond there (invite it with /invite @VDF).

What to expect

  • You’ll immediately see a short “Processing your request…” message.
  • A quick answer follows, and in many cases a more detailed response arrives shortly after.
  • VDF AI chooses the right tool automatically (multi‑agent orchestration) for your request.

Tips

  • Keep requests concise (e.g., “Draft a standup update,” “Suggest retrospective themes”).
  • For deeper work (documents, diagrams, Jira story creation), open VDF Cloud and continue in the Chat Interface.

Examples and use cases

  • Daily updates and planning:
    • /vdf Draft a standup update for frontend team: yesterday fixed login bug, today work on profile page, blocker waiting for API.
    • /vdf Suggest a sprint goal based on migrating settings page and improving performance.
  • Retrospectives:
    • @VDF Suggest 5 retro topics from low velocity and unclear acceptance criteria.
  • Quick content help:
    • @VDF Rewrite this message for a customer, friendlier and concise: ...
  • Jira‑adjacent coaching:
    • @VDF What questions should we ask to clarify acceptance criteria for ABC‑123?

Usage modes

Mode How Best for
Slash command /vdf Do X Quick prompts in channels
App mention @VDF … Group discussions
Direct message DM the app Private coaching 
sequenceDiagram
  participant U as You (Slack)
  participant S as Slack
  participant V as VDF AI
  U->>S: /vdf "Draft sprint goal"
  S->>V: Interactive payload
  V-->>U: Quick response
  V-->>U: Detailed response (if needed)

Removing the App

There are two parts: disconnect in VDF and remove from Slack.

  • Disconnect in VDF (stops processing immediately):

    1. In VDF, go to Integrations → Slack → Disconnect.
    2. This deactivates the Slack workspace connection for your company and stops new processing.

  • Remove from Slack (Workspace app removal):

    1. Log in to Slack and open your workspace from the desktop/web app.
    2. Go to Settings & administration → Manage apps (or visit the Slack App Directory for your workspace).
    3. Search for the “VDF” app and open it.
    4. Click Remove (or Remove App).

Potential implications of removal:

  • New messages, mentions, and slash commands will no longer be processed by VDF.
  • Existing Slack conversation logs saved in VDF (message audits and replies) remain available to your workspace until deleted according to your retention settings.
  • Stored bot/user tokens are deactivated for active use. Removing the app from Slack revokes tokens and prevents future API access.

Data handling after removal:

  • Disconnecting in VDF marks the Slack integration inactive so no new Slack events are processed.
  • Removing the app in Slack revokes tokens; VDF will no longer be able to post or read via Slack APIs.
  • Historical artifacts and logs generated by VDF remain in your VDF workspace unless you delete them or request deletion per your data‑retention policy.

Troubleshooting

  • Adding the app: “Invalid token” — ensure you pasted a bot token (xoxb-…/xoxe-…) with required scopes (e.g., chat:write, channels:read) and that your workspace allows app installations.
  • Bot doesn’t respond in a channel — invite the bot to the channel (/invite @VDF) and retry. Ensure the app has not been disconnected in VDF.
  • Slash command not found — verify the command name /vdf and that the app is installed in your workspace.
  • Security verification errors — ensure your Slack request is coming from the official Slack client and try again; if problems persist, contact support.

FAQ

  • Do I need OAuth to use Slack? — VDF currently connects via a Slack bot token entered in VDF Integrations → Slack. Enterprise OAuth is planned.
  • Which channels can VDF read or post in? — Only channels where the bot is a member. Invite it explicitly if needed.
  • Can I limit usage to specific channels? — Yes. Only add the bot to selected channels, and remove it from others.
  • What happens if I remove the app? — VDF stops processing new Slack data. Existing VDF artifacts remain until deleted or expired per retention.
  • How do I unsubscribe from email updates? — Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of VDF emails or manage notification preferences in your VDF profile settings.

Contact Support

  • Email: support@vdf.ai
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 UTC
  • First response SLA: Within 1 business day
  • To open a case: Email us with your workspace name, Slack team ID (if known), and a brief description of the issue.