# Step 3: Configure processing channel

In this step you set up the **processing channel**: you define how documents enter the channel, which fields Workist extracts, the confidence at which processing is automated, and which master data is used for matching.

All settings are described in full in the **[Channel Configuration](/en/docs/channel-configuration.md)** section. This page walks you through the most important points in the right order.

## Prerequisites

- Permission to configure channels (**Manager** and **Admin** roles), see [Users, roles & teams](/en/docs/administration/users-and-roles.md).
- Your master data from [Step 2](/en/docs/implementation-guide/step-2-configure-and-upload-master-data.md).

## 1. Create a channel

Use an existing channel or create a new one: in the left navigation, click the product (for example **Orders**) and, in the **All Channels** view, click **Add channel**. With **Duplicate channel** (three-dot menu ⋮ in the channel) you take over all settings of an existing channel. Details: [Adding and duplicating channels](/en/docs/channel-configuration.md#kanaele-anlegen-und-duplizieren).

:::warning A new channel is live immediately
- The channel's **email inbox** accepts emails from the moment it is created.
- **Automation** is off: every document waits in assistance.
- **Delivery** is on: as soon as someone completes a document, Workist writes the results to the Workist-managed SFTP server.

Therefore set up the output in [Step 4](/en/docs/implementation-guide/step-4-configure-output-format.md) before you complete any documents.
:::

To open the Channel Configuration, use the three-dot menu (⋮) in the channel → **Manage channel**.

## 2. Set the general details

Under **[General](/en/docs/channel-configuration/general.md)** you set the channel name and the responsible team. Only members of this team see the channel and its documents.

## 3. Set up the input

Under **[Incoming Documents](/en/docs/channel-configuration/incoming-documents.md)** you define how documents enter the channel:

- **Email**: check the inbox name and therefore the channel's address. Your senders send documents to this address, or you forward an existing mailbox to it. Which attachments Workist processes is described under [Which files does Workist process?](/en/docs/channel-configuration/incoming-documents.md#welche-dateien-verarbeitet-workist).
- **Self-service forms** (order channels only): your customers enter orders in a web form.

Voice agents are set up in a separate area, see [Voice agents](/en/docs/agents/voice-agents.md).

## 4. Configure document processing

Under **[Document Processing](/en/docs/channel-configuration/document-processing.md)** you define which fields Workist extracts, which master data it uses for matching, and which checks run. In particular, assign the master data from Step 2 there.

Leave **automation** switched off for now. Only switch it on once the results are correct during [testing](/en/docs/implementation-guide/step-5-test.md).

## Next step

In **[Step 4](/en/docs/implementation-guide/step-4-configure-output-format.md)**, set up how and in which format the results reach your system.