# Phone channel

## Checklist

You'll complete the following to successfully launch your application over telephony/IVR:

* [ ] Integrate phone channel & compatible engine
* [ ] Create flow
* [ ] Deploy

***

## Step 1: Integrations

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Est. time to complete: \~10 minutes
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A one-time integration of a Natural Language Processing (NLP) engine must be completed in your workspace. NLX provides a built-in NLP engine, but note Amazon Connect and Amazon Chime SDK both require the Amazon Lex engine):

* [Steps for NLP integration](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/integrations/types/nlp-engines.md)

A one-time integration of a phone-enabled communication channel must be completed in your workspace:

* [Amazon Chime SDK](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/integrations/types/channels/amazon-chime-sdk.md)
* [Amazon Connect](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/integrations/types/channels/amazon-connect.md)
* [Twilio Voice](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/integrations/types/channels/twilio-sms.md)

***

## Step 2: Create flow

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Est. time to complete: \~10 minutes
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Begin by identifying the tasks your conversational AI application will automate and organize them into individual topics handled by [flows](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/flows-and-building-blocks/overview.md). Determine the sequence of steps and messaging that the conversational application follows to assist a user with the task. The conversation workflow is assembled in a flow's Canvas with a pattern of nodes similar to a flow diagram.

Each flow is invoked when your chosen AI model identifies user intent from a user's utterance ("I want to order room service") and matches it to a flow you've created `OrderRoomService`. This match is done based on the training data you provide for your AI model.

* Select *Resources* from workspace menu > Choose *Flows* > Click *New flow*
* Enter a descriptive name (no spaces or special characters) > Select *Save*
* Complete [Flow setup](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/flows-and-building-blocks/overview/setup.md) by attaching training data and attaching slots
* Add nodes by right-clicking on the Canvas & choosing *New node* (see available [node types](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/flows-and-building-blocks/overview/nodes.md#node-types))
* Connect first node to *Start* node > Connect sequential nodes via node edges or stacking
* Add conversational AI messages to nodes by selecting *+ Add message* on a node's side panel
* Click *Save*

Repeat for any additional flows your application will help automate.

:brain: Looking for more? See [Intro to flows](/platform/nlx-platform-guide/flows-and-building-blocks/overview/flows-and-variables.md)

***

## Step 3: Deploy

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Est. time to complete: \~1 minute
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Now you'll create the conversational AI application users will interface with. This step involves attaching all flows you want your application to access, defining flows to handle certain behaviors, setting up the phone channel where your application will be installed, and deploying.

* Select *Applications* from workspace menu > Choose *New application*
* Click *Blank application* from the available options > Choose *Custom*
* Provide a name for your application > Click *Create application*
* On *Configuration* tab of application
  * Under *Functionality* section, attach one or more flows created in previous step to make available to your application > Click Save
  * Click <i class="fa-gear">:gear:</i> *Default behavior*  > Assign any attached flow to the application's behaviors > Click *Save*
  * Under *Delivery* section > Add the phone channel your application will support (e.g., Amazon Connect, Amazon Chime SDK, etc.) > Click *Create channel*

A build now constructs a package of your application with a snapshot of current state of flows, languages, and application setup. A deployment then pushes a successful build to the communication channels where your app is installed:

* Click deployment status in upper right > Select *Build and deploy*
  * Review [*Validation check*](#validation-check) for critical errors or detected UX issues in custom flows. Before each new build initiates, a validation check is run to provide a preview of potential errors that may cause failed builds. Detected issues are listed with descriptions and potential solutions
  * You may provide a *Description* of notable build edits as a changelog > Click *Create build*
  * Click deployment status in upper right > Select *All builds* > Choose *Deploy* on successful build > Click *Create deployment*

After successful integration, deploying your app publishes the build to the telephony channel that manages your phone number.


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