How to Build Your First Workflow on MindCloud’s Low-Code Automation Platform!

Slack Use-Case Example: Clean Up Channels, Manage Incidents, Run Reports, and More!

Want to build a workflow but not sure where to start? Whether you're looking to simplify everyday tasks or solve more complex challenges, MindCloud empowers you to build workflows that save time and reduce manual effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating your first MindCloud low-code automation workflow using Slack as an example—streamlining tasks like channel organization, incident tracking, and automated alerts.

Build Your MindCloud Workflow with Slack 

Slack is a great communication tool but can quickly become disorganized and overwhelming as channels multiply. The good news is you can solve this with automated workflows to keep your team organized and productive. In six steps, we’ll show you how to build your first MindCloud workflow with Slack and give practical tips to make communication smoother.

If you haven’t already, click Get Started for Free to register your account. Once your account is validated, sign in and click Create Your First Workflow to get started.

Step 1: Choose Your Workflow Trigger

In the Workflow Builder, create a New Workflow and click on What starts this workflow?

You can start the workflow by setting a schedule (e.g., every hour) or by using a webhook to trigger it when data is sent to a specific URL. For this example, we’ll use the Schedule trigger.

Step 2: Select Slack as Your App

Click on What your workflow should do first, then select an app and type Slack.

Sign in with OAuth to grant MindCloud the necessary permissions.

Step 3: Choose Your Action 

Under Slack actions, click List Channels. This will retrieve all the channels in your workspace.

Then click Run to see the output.

Step 4: Loop Through the Channels

Under List Channels, click Add Your Next Step and select Iterate.

Choose List Channels as the source and click Output to loop through the channels.

Step 5: Send a Message to Yourself

Next, click Add Child under the loop and select Slack again.

Choose Send Message to User and select Yourself.

Type something like "Here’s the channel: {Channel Name}" in the message box by selecting the channel name variable from the previous step.

Step 6: Run and Test Your Workflow

Click Run to test your workflow.

You’ll see messages sent to you on Slack for each channel in your workspace.

Check the Slack bot to see the results.

Ways to Automate and Improve Your Slack with Easy Workflows 

Now that you've set up your first workflow, let's look at a few practical applications to automate common Slack tasks that will help improve collaboration and keep your workspace organized:

Keep Your Slack Organized by Archiving Unused Channels

• Use Case: Identify inactive channels (30+ days) and notify admins.
• Workflow: List channels, filter by inactivity, and send a message with details about inactive channels.
• Why automate Slack channel organization? This workflow helps reduce clutter and maintain an organized workspace.
  
  

Ensure a Standardized Slack Environment

• Use Case: Ensure new channels follow naming conventions.
• Workflow: List channels created in the last week and send a compliance report to admins.
• Why is it important to maintain Slack naming conventions? Consistency across channel names ensures professionalism and makes it easier for users to navigate your Slack environment.
  
  

Encourage Re-engagement or Merge Underused Channels

• Use Case: Track channel activity and remind owners about low engagement.
• Workflow: List channels, check activity, and send reminders to owners of low-engagement channels.
• Why re-engage Slack users? Re-engaging users prevents fragmentation and keeps your team’s communication channels unified and active.

Set Up Alerts for Critical Issues with Automated Notifications

• Use Case: Alert IT or operations teams about urgent incidents in specific Slack channels.
• Workflow: Monitor incident channels, filter urgent messages, and send alerts to the response team.
• How do I get Slack alerts for critical issues? With this workflow, you'll instantly notify the right team to resolve issues faster and more efficiently.

Gain Insights to Improve Engagement and Optimize Slack Usage

• Use Case: Track Slack usage trends and measure the success of new campaigns.
• Workflow: List channels, separate active/inactive channels, and send a report summarizing the number of active users per channel and engagement trends.
• Why track Slack usage trends? Analyzing usage trends helps you identify areas for improvement, consolidate underperforming channels, and enhance team collaboration.

Build More Automations with MindCloud

Now that you have seen how easy it is to build a workflow in MindCloud, take the time to build more.

Search for your favorite tools and apps, use pre-built recipes, or join our MindCloud Slack Community for live support and more examples of how to use the platform. 

Want to see more?

Start building on MindCloud!