Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating a custom Slack application and integrating it with the unified dashboard. The process involves configuring settings on the dashboard, creating the application using a manifest file in the Slack API portal, and exchanging credentials to finalize the connection.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, please ensure you have the following:

• Access to the unified dashboard with the Config Manager role assigned to your user profile.
• Administrative or app installation permissions for your target Slack workspace.

Part 1: Generate the App Manifest from the Dashboard

In this section, you will define your application's branding and generate the necessary configuration file (manifest) from the unified dashboard.

• Log in to the unified dashboard.
• Navigate to the settings module, and go to Settings > Channels > Slack.
• Fill in the Branding Details for your application:
  • App Name: The name that will be displayed in Slack.
  • Description: A short description of the app's purpose.
  • Long Description: A more detailed explanation of its features.
  • Background Color: The hex code for the app's theme color.
• Click Submit to save these branding details.
• Next, copy the entire manifest content to your clipboard.

Part 2: Create the Application in Slack

Using the manifest you just copied, you will now create the application within your Slack workspace.

• Open a new browser tab and navigate to the Slack API portal: https://api.slack.com/apps.
• Log in using your official Slack credentials.
• Click the Create New App button.
• In the creation window, select the From an app manifest option.
• Choose the target Slack workspace from the dropdown menu where you want to install the app and click Next.
• Under the JSON tab, delete any placeholder content and paste the manifest code you copied from the dashboard.
• Click Next to review the summary, then click Create to build the application.

Part 3: Exchange Credentials and Install the App

This final stage involves transferring security keys between the Slack API portal and the dashboard to authorize the connection and then installing the app.

After creation, you will land on the app's Basic Information page in the Slack API portal.

• Locate the App Credentials section.
• Copy the App ID and paste it into the corresponding App ID field back on the unified dashboard's Slack configuration page.
• Copy the Signing Secret (you may need to click 'Show') and paste it into the Signing Secret field on the dashboard.
• Now, in the Slack API portal's left-hand menu, navigate to Features > Install App.
• Click the Install to Workspace button and follow the prompts to authorize the application.
  • Note: If your workspace requires administrative approval for new apps, you will need to submit a request. The installation will only complete after an admin approves it.
• Once the app is successfully installed, navigate to the Features > OAuth & Permissions section in the left-hand menu.
• Under the OAuth Tokens for Your Workspace section, you will see a Bot User OAuth Token.
• Copy this token and paste it into the OAuth Token field on the unified dashboard.

Part 4: Finalize Configuration

Return to the unified dashboard. All three fields (App ID, Signing Secret, and OAuth Token) should now be filled.

• Click the final Submit button to save the integration.

Your Slack application is now fully configured and ready for use!

Pro Tip: Add a Custom App Icon

To enhance your app's visibility and branding within Slack, you can add a custom icon. In the Slack API portal, navigate to Settings > Basic Information and scroll down to the Display Information section. Here, you can upload an icon that will represent your app across the Slack workspace.