User input blocks simplify the process of data collection within workflows. Let’s explore the different types of user input blocks.

Types of User Input Blocks

1. Get Customer Details: Collect key customer information, including Name, Email, and Phone Number, to personalize interactions and streamline communication.

2. Button Options: Present predefined choices through interactive buttons, allowing customers to make quick and effortless selections.

   • Get Choice via Buttons: Use this option to display multiple buttons. You can customize the options based on your requirements in the workflow.

   • Get Choice via Yes/No: By default, Yes/No options are configured for user selection.

     

3. Drop-down Selection: Provide customers with a structured list of options in a drop-down menu, allowing for single or multiple selections while maintaining a streamlined and user-friendly interface.

   • Get Choice via Drop-down: Use this option to create a single-select drop-down menu, allowing users to choose one option from a list.

   • Get Choices via Multi-Select: Use this option to create a multi-select drop-down menu, enabling users to select multiple options from a list.

     

4. Input Fields: Input fields are essential components of interactive workflows, enabling businesses to collect specific and accurate information from customers. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on setting up and customizing input fields in workflows to streamline data collection. The workflow supports seven different form fields, each catering to a specific data type.

   Input Fields	Data Type
   Get Date Value	Date
   Get Date & Time Value	Date Time
   Get Numeric Value	Number
   Get Decimal Value	Decimal
   Get Value Matching the Pattern	Regular Expression
   Get Short Text Input	Text
   Get Detailed Text Input	Text Area

   

Configuring workflow to collect information

Let’s explore how various input blocks are utilized in configuring an automated car service booking system.

Creating a Workflow

1. Navigate to Admin > Chat > Workflow > Conversation Created and click Add Workflow.

2. Fill in the required details and click Next.

   

3. In the Designer, select the Initial Block and click the Add icon to open the context menu.

   

4. From the context menu, select Actions > Toggle Customer Input.

   

5. Enable Disable user input to restrict customers and agents from posting messages in the conversation, then click Add.

   

Collecting Customer Contact Information

6. Configure the collection of Name, Phone Number, and Email using the Customer Details Block. Refer to more details: How to Request the Customer’s Email After Their First Message?

   

Collecting Data using Button Inputs

7. From the context menu, select User Input > Button Options > Get Choice via Buttons.
8. Enter a message and select Category from the API Field Name dropdown.
9. Configure the options for the mapped Category field:
   • Click Add Option.
   • Enter the Label (e.g., “Routine Maintenance”) and set the Value as " Routine Maintenance".
   • Confirm by clicking the Tick icon.
   • Repeat for other options (e.g., “Repairs”, “Inspection”).
10. Save the field mapping by clicking Add.

Collecting Data using Drop-down Menus

11. From the context menu, select User Input > Drop-Down > Get Choice via Multi-Select. Input a message and choose Additional_Services from the API Field Name dropdown. Define options for the Additional_Services field (e.g., “Tire Rotation,” “Brake Inspection,” “Wheel Alignment”).

    

12. From the context menu, select User Input > Drop-Down > Get Choice via Drop-down. Specify mapped options for fields like Service Center (e.g., “Downtown Service Center,” “Midtown Garage,” “Suburban Auto Shop”).

    

Collecting Data using Input Form Fields

13. Use User Input > Input > Get Value Matching the Pattern for fields requiring specific formats, such as Vehicle Number. Example regex: ^[A-Z]{3}-[0-9]{1,4}$.

    

14. For numeric values, select User Input > Input > Get Numeric Value, Enter a message and select Miles from the API Field Name dropdown.

    

15. For date inputs, select User Input > Input > Get Date Value, Enter a message and select Last Oil Change from the API Field Name dropdown."

16. For short text entries, use User Input > Input > Get Short Text Input. Enter a message and select Promo Code from the API Field Name dropdown. enabling optional input.

    

17. For detailed text inputs, use User Input > Input > Get Detailed Text Input. Enter a message and select Additional Instructions from the API Field Name dropdown.

    

18. For scheduling, select User Input > Input > Get Date & Time Value. Enter a message and select Appointment Date & Time from the API Field Name dropdown.

    

19. Conclude each path with an Exit block. and Activate the workflow.