Creating Block Variables

Creating Block Variables

What are variables?

Variables are placeholders that store user input, data from external systems, or other important information that needs to be saved and reused later in the bot conversation.
They help maintain the context of the conversation, allowing the chatbot to retrieve data and respond appropriately based on previous interactions.
For example, collect the customer’s name, email address, and phone number, then have the bot automatically use these details in future interactions by storing them as variables.
These are categorized based on their scope, which determines where the variable is to be used. Variables are only accessible within their defined scope. There are four types used here: block variables, local variables, global variables, and session variables.
By using variables, you can personalize and tailor conversations within your GC chatbot, allowing for flexible and customized interactions.

Why use variables?

  • Helps maintain the context of the conversation, allowing the bot to refer to previous user inputs and respond accurately.
  • Allows the bot to retrieve and use data dynamically, making conversations more flexible and responsive to user needs.
  • Retrieves crucial information, such as user preferences or data from external systems, which can be used later in the conversation or across multiple interactions.
  • Variables help streamline conversation flows by reducing redundancy and ensuring that relevant data is easily accessible when needed.
  • By categorizing variables based on their scope (block variables, local variables, global variables, and session variables), they ensure that data is used appropriately within the intended parts of the conversation. 

What are block variables and why use them?

The information received in a block during a conversation is stored in block variables. They allow you to utilize the stored data at various points within the flow, enabling its reuse as often as needed. This flexibility ensures that the data can be consistently applied throughout the block’s operations.
Additionally, it helps in maintaining the modularity and organization of the flow, as each block can manage its own set of variables without affecting others.

How to create block variables

You can create block variables through the responses received from the end-user.
For example, the user's name collected from the question block is stored as a block variable, which can then be used in the following block to display their name.

Input given in GC builder:

1. Creating a question card.
 
Question blocks include an option that allows you to rename block variables. By default, the block name you provide is used as the variable's name. For example, if you name the block Name, the default variable name will be Name_. However, you can edit and customize the variable name if needed.
2. Selecting the required block variable.
3. Creating the next block where the entered name has to be displayed.
 

 Output in GC:

How can you use block variables in your flow:

  1. Personalized greetings: A block variable can store the user's name received in an earlier block, allowing the bot to greet the user by name in subsequent messages within the same flow.
  2. Order details: In an ecommerce chatbot, block variables can store order details, such as the product name, quantity, or price collected from the user, which can then be referenced to confirm the order in the same flow.
  3. Survey responses: During a survey, each response collected from the user can be stored as a block variable. These responses can be used to provide personalized feedback or results at the end of the survey.
  4. Conditional logic: Block variables can be used to store user preferences or selections, which can then be used to guide the conversation. For instance, if a user selects a particular service, the next steps in the conversation can be tailored accordingly.
  5. Appointment scheduling confirmation: In a chatbot designed to schedule appointments, block variables can store the chosen date and time, which can then be displayed for confirmation before finalizing the booking.
Points to note:
  1. If the block variable is being edited, it will automatically be reflected in wherever it has been used.
  1. The block variables can be re-used used multiple times according to the requirement.
The response you receive from an API call made through webhooks block can be used/stored as variables in the GC flow.

    Zoho CRM Training Programs

    Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

    Zoho CRM Training
      Redefine the way you work
      with Zoho Workplace

        Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

        If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

        Zoho CRM Training

          Create, share, and deliver

          beautiful slides from anywhere.

          Get Started Now


            Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

            BOOK A SESSION









                                        You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                            Manage your brands on social media

                                              Zoho Desk Resources

                                              • Desk Community Learning Series


                                              • Digest


                                              • Functions


                                              • Meetups


                                              • Kbase


                                              • Resources


                                              • Glossary


                                              • Desk Marketplace


                                              • MVP Corner


                                              • Word of the Day


                                                Zoho Marketing Automation

                                                  Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                   

                                                      Zoho Forms Resources


                                                        Secure your business
                                                        communication with Zoho Mail


                                                        Mail on the move with
                                                        Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                          Stay on top of your schedule
                                                          at all times


                                                          Carry your calendar with you
                                                          Anytime, anywhere




                                                                Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                  Sign, Paperless!

                                                                  Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                  Get Started Now




                                                                          Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                                  Zoho DataPrep Resources



                                                                                    Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                    Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                    REGISTER NOW


                                                                                      Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                      Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                      Get Started Now









                                                                                                          • Related Articles

                                                                                                          • Components of the GC Flow Builder

                                                                                                            The GC flow builder comprises three components: Blocks Paths Variables Blocks Blocks are the fundamental units of the flow builder. A text message that you want to display, a set of options that you want the customer to choose, the step where you ...
                                                                                                          • Operation Block

                                                                                                            What is an operation block? This block allows us to perform arithmetic operations and display the result during the chat session. Operation block can also be used to calculate the values retrieved from the block variable, local variable, and global ...
                                                                                                          • Button Block

                                                                                                            What is a button block? The button block is a type of choice block that presents users with one or more options in the form of buttons. This block enhances user interaction by allowing them to select their preferred option from a predefined list of ...
                                                                                                          • Number Block

                                                                                                            What is a number block? A number block allows you to ask questions and receive answers in the form of numbers. For example, if a customer has questions about their order and needs to provide an order ID, a number block can be incorporated into the ...
                                                                                                          • Text Block

                                                                                                            What is a text block? Text block lets you ask questions and receive answers in the form of a text. If the user wants to give a gist about a specific problem or positive feedback after using the product, incorporating a text block is an ideal method ...
                                                                                                            Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                            your workplace

                                                                                                              Resources

                                                                                                              Videos

                                                                                                              Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                              eBooks

                                                                                                              Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                              Webinars

                                                                                                              Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                              CRM Tips

                                                                                                              Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                Zoho Show Resources