How to Configure the Message Command Bot Block

The Message Command bot block recognizes preset commands that, when sent to MS Teams or Slack, return specific information on demand. If you have specific business needs that are not currently addressed by our preset commands, you can customize commands in this bot block. 

This page discusses how to configure the Message Command bot block and modify it to create new, business-specific commands. 

What's on this page  

Background Information

Message Command is a trigger-type bot block that recognizes the commands you send to MSPbots on Teams or Slack and returns the required information. MSPbots has template bots with preset commands that are customizable in case any of these do not cover your business requirements. You can configure the Message Command bot block to add new commands for on-demand use instead of relying on scheduled notifications.

For example, if you want to use check in instead of the templated in command and have the bot respond right away, create a new bot, configure the Message Command block to add check-in to the commands list, and set it to recognize the new command and automatically store your check-in record in the database and respond accordingly. 

Relevant applications and user types 

This information applies to MS Teams, Slack, Attendance Manager, NextTicket Manager, and Utilization apps. Only users with admin permissions can create bot blocks and configure the Message Command block. If you do not have the required permission, contact your administrator for help.

How to configure the Message Command bot block  

Let's use the example of a client wanting to use the command check in instead of the templated in command. Below are the steps for modifying the Message Command bot block: 

1. Log in to the MSPbots app using your Office 365 account. 
2. Navigate to Bots on the left menu then click the New Bot button on the Bots screen. 
   
3. When the Create a new bot window appears, fill in the required fields. 
   
   1. Enter a name in the Bot Name field.
   2. Identify the Role that will have access to the bot.
   3. Add a clear Description of the bot. (Recommended) 
   4. Then click Continue to open the Message Command pop-up window. 
      
      
4. In the Message Command pop-up window, select a Message Tool. If you will use MS Teams to trigger your bot, select Teams, or select Slack if you wish to use Slack instead. 
   
5. Then go to the Commands menu, select the command you want MSPbots to recognize, and click Finish. 
   
    
   For more information on the commands available commands for MS Teams, read the section on Teams Command Template Bots. 
   
   To use your preferred command, enter your custom command then click Finish. For example, if you want to trigger the attendance bot using the check in command instead of the in command, enter check in. 
   

   When adding new commands, type commands in lowe case. 

   
    
    
   

   The feature to add custom commands is only supported in MS Teams for now and is not yet available in Slack. Only the nt command and help commands are currently recognized by Slack.

   
   
   
6. Click on the Message Command block, then click under it, and select Add a Block.
   
   
   
7. Next, add an Attendance-in block by clicking the generated blank block, typing Attendance-in in the search bar, and selecting Attendance-in. 
   
   
   
8. Click the Attendance-in block, then click under it, and select Add a Block.
   
9. Next, add an Alert block by clicking the generated blank block, typing Alert in the search bar, and selecting Alert. 
   
10. Next, start configuring the settings. Go to the Message Command block, click in the upper-right corner of the block, and select Edit. 
    
11. Verify if the selections for Message Tool and command are the same as your selections in Steps 4 and 5. Click Next once confirmed. 
    
12. When the Attendance-in window opens, customize MSPbots' responses for each of the following scenarios: 
    
    • Clock in - Success
    • Clock in time is outside working hours -or- Clock in time is incorrect
    • Clock in update - Success
    • Wrong command
    • Clock in is done by an invalid account
      
13. When done, click Next to proceed to the Alert configuration window.
14. Follow the prompts on the Alert window and configure the Alert block according to your preferences.
    
    
15. Click Finish.
16. Click Save in the upper right corner of your bot's window.
    
17. Verify your settings. Go to MS Teams and type check in. The command should be recognized and return a response based on the configurations you made. 

Teams Command Template Bots 

The table below shows the commands available for MS Teams and their descriptions, including the blocks where to configure them and if they have corresponding alerts. Use this table as a guide when modifying message commands.