The business communication platform Slack has built a bridge between its service and email. Users within an organisation, who do not yet use Slack, can now be e-mailed directly from the platform.
In addition, the search function within Slack has been simplified and the integration with Outlook and Gmail agents has been greatly improved. In addition, the new so-called workflow builder ensures that every Slack user can easily create an app for routine tasks without having to know the code.
Mailbox
For now, the direct mail function is only available if the recipient within the organization is registered for Slack. Even if it does not (yet) use Slack, a chat can be started directly from the platform. This is then delivered as an e-mail to the recipient’s mailbox. The moment this person answers the email, or rather chat, it is sent directly to Slack. The conversation is saved and the full Slack history of the conversation is also displayed in the recipient’s Slack account if, sooner or later, the recipient decides to make active use of the communication platform.
E-mailing contacts from outside the organisation directly from the platform is not possible for the time being. The Verge sees it as a first step to completely bridging email to Slack and then being connected directly via the messaging service. In this case, the back-and-forth system is moved from e-mailing to real-time communication.
Smart agenda integration
Slack has also made improvements in the area of smart agenda integration. It will soon be possible to synchronize the Slack status with an Outlook or Gmail calendar. Colleagues then know when someone is in a meeting or outside the office. Even if a meeting is mentioned in a chat, Slack detects it and underlines the platform’s own words like today. By clicking here, you will be able to create a meeting in Gmail or Outlook.
Slack partners such as Zoom, Hangouts and Webex, which are typically used for conference calls, can display information about the people participating in the meeting in Slack and offer a button to open the call immediately. All this is part of a deeper integration of Google Calendar and Outlook in Slack. This smarter agenda integration should be available in Slack later this year.
Search function
In addition, the search function was also addressed. Currently, Slack users can search using the search box. Another way is to run quick commands (Cmd+K or Ctrl+K) to navigate through Slack. Both options are now combined in one universal search, where unread channels or direct messages can be found. The improvement would allow for a faster way of navigating. This new search interface should be available in the coming weeks.
Workflow builder
With the all-new workflow builder feature, Slack gives its users the ability to create an app themselves without any code experience. It would be a simple app aimed at creating routine tasks, such as HR forms, employee surveys or a welcome message for new employees. A feature similar to Amazon’s Alexa Blueprints. Moreover, there would be room for further, creative interpretation by the users themselves. According to The Verge, workflow builder will be available later this year, but a preview will appear soon.
Related: Slack solves visual problems with new update for Windows 10
This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.
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