Connecting the OpenAI Assistant to Slack with PlugBear

Snow W. Lee
Runbear
Published in
3 min readNov 16, 2023

Building AI apps has become increasingly easy these days. For example, you can create your own custom GPT using OpenAI GPTs Editor or the OpenAI Assistant Playground.

However, delivering these apps to teammates or customers can be challenging. Distributing links and ensuring usability for users is not straightforward. Moreover, integrating the app with tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams often requires extensive coding.

PlugBear offers a no-code/low-code solution to connect your AI apps to these channels effortlessly. Let’s explore how to build an OpenAI Assistant app and integrate it with your Slack workspace.

How PlugBear works

Building an OpenAI Assistant App

You can develop a powerful, customized GPT using OpenAI Assistant. Simply visit OpenAI Platform, where you’ll need to enter the name of your app and provide instructions.

OpenAI Assistants

Once completed, you’ll find the process quite straightforward. Next, let’s look at how to make this app accessible to users.

Connecting the App to Slack

With PlugBear, you can link your app to your Slack workspace without writing any code. Start by signing up at PlugBear.

https://plugbear.io

To connect, you need to 1) link Slack, 2) link the app you’ve just created, and 3) connect them.

1. Adding Slack

Go to the “Channels” page on PlugBear and link your Slack workspace.

2. Adding the LLM App

To link your Assistant app, you’ll need an OpenAI API key, which can be generated on the OpenAI API keys page. Copy this key for later use.

Creating OpenAI API key

On PlugBear, navigate to “Apps > New” to connect your app. After pasting the OpenAI API key, select your app and click “Connect”.

Adding the app to PlugBear

3. Connecting Slack and the App

Finally, visit the “Connections > New” page to establish the link. Choose your Slack workspace, select the app, and click “Create”.

Connecting Slack to the app

Enjoying Your Integration

Everything is set up! Now, open your Slack workspace and interact with @PlugBear, which will use your superb LLM app for responses.

Your LLM app running on Slack

If you’re developing more complex LLM apps, keep an eye out for the upcoming PlugBear SDK, designed to connect your app with the world instantly.

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