# Centralized vs distributed grid models and workspace access

*Slack Consultant Study Guide · Grid Design · Last updated October 21, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant/grid-design/centralized-vs-distributed-grid-models-and-workspace-access*

How to build and present feasible grid options: the centralized and distributed models with their benefits and considerations, when a separate workspace is justified, the global workspace, the four workspace access levels, example channels, and tying the recommendation to discovery objectives.

- Certification: Salesforce Slack Consultant
- Exam section: Grid Design
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant

**Official exam objective:**

> Design and articulate feasible grid design options for your client.

## What the exam expects

- Choose between a centralized and a distributed design from the client's needs, and state each model's benefits and considerations.
- Recognize when one team's different retention, file upload, app approval or admin needs justify a separate workspace.
- Identify the global workspace and use it for org-wide channels and, without an external workspace, Slack Connect channels.
- Pick Open, By Request, Invite Only or Hidden for each workspace, and route By Request join requests to a channel.
- Present two or three options with example channels, benefits, considerations and a recommendation tied to discovery objectives.

Key terms:
- **Centralized design:** one workspace for all employees in an Enterprise organization (Enterprise Grid or Enterprise+ plan).
- **Distributed design:** two or more workspaces, each based on different policies, privacy requirements or team segmentation, connected by multi-workspace channels.
- **Global workspace:** a workspace every employee is added to by default, for channels not specific to one business unit.
- **Workspace access:** how org members find and join a workspace (Open, By Request, Invite Only, Hidden).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base models | Centralized (one workspace) and distributed (two or more) | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |
| Centralized key limit | No granular workspace control over retention, guests or channel management | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |
| Centralized success factor | Process-building and training up front | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |
| Centralized variation | One unit with different policies gets its own workspace and designated admin | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |
| Global workspace | All employees added by default; hosts Slack Connect if no external workspace | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |
| Invite Only | Visible to all; members must be invited or added | [Manage workspace access in an Enterprise organization](https://slack.com/help/articles/115001915507-Manage-workspace-access-in-an-Enterprise-organization) |
| Hidden | Not visible; invited by Workspace Owner or Admin, or added by Org Owner or Admin | [Manage workspace access in an Enterprise organization](https://slack.com/help/articles/115001915507-Manage-workspace-access-in-an-Enterprise-organization) |
| By Request approvals | Requests go to a chosen channel; anyone in it can approve | [Manage workspace access in an Enterprise organization](https://slack.com/help/articles/115001915507-Manage-workspace-access-in-an-Enterprise-organization) |
| Visualizing options | Fill in example channels on each option | [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models) |

## Check yourself

- When does a centralized design get a second workspace?
- Why does a centralized design need process-building and training up front?
- Which access level keeps a merger workspace out of view for non-members?
- Why fill in example channels on each grid option?

## Sources

- [Compare Grid Design Models](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/compare-grid-design-models)
- [Create Grid Design Options](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/create-grid-design-options)
- [Discover Slack Enterprise Grid Design](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/designing-a-slack-enterprise-grid/discover-slack-enterprise-grid)
- [Manage workspace access in an Enterprise organization](https://slack.com/help/articles/115001915507-Manage-workspace-access-in-an-Enterprise-organization)
- [Manage a workspace in an Enterprise organization](https://slack.com/help/articles/115005225987-Manage-a-workspace-in-an-Enterprise-organization)
- [Consider Alternatives for Workspace Design](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-workspace-design/consider-alternatives-for-workspace-design)
- [Create an Executive Summary](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/validating-slack-enterprise-grid-designs-with-the-client/create-an-executive-summary)
- [Run a Grid Design Workshop](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/validating-slack-enterprise-grid-designs-with-the-client/run-a-grid-design-workshop)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 12 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Slack Consultant pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams