Using the Slack assistant
Once you’ve installed and configured the Alation AI Assistant, you’re ready to start asking questions.
Try it now
Section titled “Try it now”The fastest way to get started: type @Alation AI Assistant in any Slack channel followed by a question.
For example:
@Alation AI Assistant what tables have revenue data?
The assistant uses your default agent and replies in the thread. That’s it.
Three ways to chat
Section titled “Three ways to chat”| Method | Best for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| @mention in a channel | Quick questions where you’re already working | Each thread is a separate conversation. New @mention = fresh context. |
| Direct message | Longer back-and-forth exploration | Continuous conversation within the thread. |
| Agent menu (top-right) | Starting a DM without finding the app first | Same as DM. |
Direct messages
Section titled “Direct messages”Open a DM with the Alation AI Assistant. The assistant starts a thread with your default agent selected and shows suggested prompts to get you started.
Click a prompt or type your own question. The agent responds in the same thread. Follow-up questions carry context, so the agent remembers what you’ve already discussed.
Switching agents
Section titled “Switching agents”To change agents mid-conversation, use the dropdown at the top of the thread. The switch only applies to the current thread — it doesn’t change your default agent.
Starting from the agent menu
Section titled “Starting from the agent menu”You can also start a conversation from Slack’s agent selector in the top-right corner, or by searching in the “Select an agent” dialog.
Channel @mentions
Section titled “Channel @mentions”Type @Alation AI Assistant followed by your question in any channel.
The assistant gets auto-invited if it’s not already in the channel.
What the response looks like
Section titled “What the response looks like”The assistant shows a processing indicator while the agent works.
Responses can include formatted tables, analysis, CSV file attachments, and chart images. Each response shows the agent name and processing time at the bottom, with a link to Agent Studio.
Conversation context
Section titled “Conversation context”- Same thread: the agent remembers earlier messages, so follow-ups work.
- New @mention outside a thread: starts a fresh conversation with no prior context.
- Agent selection: your default agent (from the Home tab) is used for all @mentions.
Private vs public responses
Section titled “Private vs public responses”By default, @mention responses are private — the assistant posts a short notice in the channel and sends the full answer to your DMs.
Change this to Public in the Home tab settings if you want everyone in the channel to see the response.
Chat history
Section titled “Chat history”The History tab in the app shows your past conversations from both DMs and channel @mentions.
Click any conversation to jump back to the original thread.