Core Concepts
ioZen has a simple architecture. Once you understand these five concepts, you’ll know how everything fits together.
FlowApps
Section titled “FlowApps”A FlowApp is the container for everything. Think of it as a complete application that:
- Collects information (IntakeBots)
- Processes work (Process Boards)
- Stores data (Records)
- Manages people (Contacts)
- Automates decisions (Routing)
One FlowApp = one use case. Quote requests, job applications, support tickets: each gets its own FlowApp.
IntakeBots
Section titled “IntakeBots”IntakeBots are how you collect information. They replace traditional forms with conversations.
Key differences from forms:
- Questions appear one at a time (not a wall of fields)
- Logic adapts based on previous answers
- AI can ask clarifying questions
- Documents can be uploaded and extracted
An IntakeBot is the “front door” of your FlowApp: what your users see and interact with.
Process Boards
Section titled “Process Boards”Process Boards are kanban-style boards for tracking work.
When someone submits an IntakeBot:
- A card is created automatically
- The card lands in your first phase (column)
- You drag cards through phases as work progresses
- Cards can be assigned, commented on, and tracked
Process Boards are internal: your users never see them.
Records
Section titled “Records”Records are your data. Every IntakeBot submission becomes a record.
Records have:
- Fields: The data you collected (name, email, description, etc.)
- Linked contacts: Who submitted it
- History: Changes over time
You define Record Types with custom schemas. Need to track products? Create a Product record type. Need invoices? Create an Invoice record type.
Contacts
Section titled “Contacts”Contacts are people. Every person who interacts with your FlowApps gets a contact record.
Contacts unify data across FlowApps:
- Maria submits a quote request → Contact created
- Maria submits a support ticket → Same contact, new interaction
- You see Maria’s complete history in one place
Contacts can have:
- Custom fields
- Tags for segmentation
- Notes and activity history
How They Connect
Section titled “How They Connect”User fills out IntakeBot ↓Record created (data stored) ↓Contact created or updated (person tracked) ↓Card created on Process Board (work tracked) ↓Routing rules assign and notify (automation)Everything is automatic. You configure once, then ioZen handles the flow.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Now that you understand the concepts:
- Build an IntakeBot: Create your first conversational interface
- Set up Process Boards: Track work visually
- Configure Routing: Automate assignments