Channels and connectors
Both channels and connectors connect ELChat to the outside, but they do not fulfil the same role.
Essential difference
Section titled “Essential difference”| Element | Question answered | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | Where does the user exchange with ELChat? | Widget, WhatsApp Business, YouTube or email |
| Connector | In which tool can ELChat consult or act? | HubSpot, Google Calendar, WooCommerce or Asana |
Channels identified
Section titled “Channels identified”The product currently displays:
- the website via the widget;
- Facebook;
- Instagram;
- WhatsApp Business;
- Telegram;
- YouTube;
- Professional email with Google, Microsoft or IMAP.
Their activation depends on the external accounts, authorisations and settings specific to each platform.
Connectors identified
Section titled “Connectors identified”The verified catalogue contains 26 connectors covering:
- e-commerce;
- CRM and ERP;
- productivity and project management;
- communication;
- analytics, SEO and advertising;
- marketing and social networks;
- internal tools at ELChat.
A connector can offer reading, writing or both actions. The presence of a connector does not mean that all external platform functions are available in ELChat.
Combined example
Section titled “Combined example”A customer writes from WhatsApp Business to move an appointment:
- WhatsApp Business is the channel that receives the message.
- ELChat understands the request.
- A capacity or workflow can use the calendar connector.
- The amendment complies with the permission set for the action.
- The response goes back to the channel if the path is configured and allowed.
Two separate settings
Section titled “Two separate settings”Connecting a channel does not automatically connect your business tools. Conversely, connecting HubSpot or Google Calendar does not create a new conversation channel.