Memory and Instructions in Saras iQ
Memory and Instructions in Saras iQ
Overview
Memory and Instructions help you personalize how Saras iQ responds to your questions, so you don’t have to repeat the same context in every conversation.
Both features are private to you and do not affect responses for other users.
- Memory helps iQ retain useful context from your conversations, such as your preferences, corrections, and business context.
- Instructions let you define explicit rules that iQ should consistently follow when answering your questions.
Memory: What iQ learns from you
Memory helps iQ retain useful information from your conversations and apply it in future chats.
How does Memory work?
You can save memories in two ways:
-
Suggested by iQ: When iQ identifies something worth remembering during a conversation, it asks for your approval before saving it. Nothing is saved from these suggestions without your approval.
-
Added by you: You can explicitly ask iQ to remember something. For example: “Remember that sales always means gross sales for me.”
iQ can then use this information as context in future conversations.
How can I manage my memories?
In the iQ Web App:
- Go to Settings → Memory. View your saved memories.
- Delete individual memories by clicking on the specific memory
- Pause Memory if you no longer want iQ to use them.
When iQ uses a saved memory in a response, it lists the memory in the Summary so you can see what context was applied.
Can I manage Memory through MCP?
Yes. When using supported MCP integrations, such as Claude or ChatGPT, you can interact with iQ to manage or retrieve your saved memories through conversational commands.
Instructions: Rules you set
Instructions let you define explicit rules for how iQ should respond to your questions.
How do Instructions work?
You define the rules you want iQ to follow consistently.
For example:
- “Always show US data.”
- “Revenue should include shipping.”
Unlike Memory, which retains useful context from your conversations, Instructions are direct rules that you set for iQ to follow. Instructions take priority over memories if the two conflict.
When should I use Instructions?
If iQ doesn't automatically capture something in Memory, you can add it to Instructions to ensure it is consistently taken into account in future responses.
How can I add or manage Instructions?
In the iQ Web App:
- Go to Settings → Instructions. Add the instructions you want iQ to follow.
- Update or manage your instructions as needed.
Can I manage Instructions through MCP?
Yes. Through supported MCP integrations, you can add, update, delete, or retrieve instructions using conversational commands.
How Memory and Instructions work across platforms
| Platform | Memory | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| iQ Web App |
iQ suggests memories during conversations. Manage saved memories in Settings → Memory. |
Add and manage instructions in Settings → Instructions. |
| iQ on Slack |
iQ suggests memories during conversations. Manage saved memories through the iQ Web App. |
Add and manage instructions in Settings → Instructions |
| MCP (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) | Interact with iQ MCP to save, manage or retrieve memories through supported conversational commands. | Add, update, delete, or retrieve instructions through supported conversational commands. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Memory and Instructions private?
Yes. Both features are private to you and do not affect responses for other users.
What are the tools added to iQ MCP for Memory and what do they do?
- list_memories: shows all memories iQ has saved about you (name, description, type, tags, date), newest first, without the facts.
- get_memory: reads one memory in full, facts included, using a slug from the list.
- delete_memory: removes a specific memory so iQ stops using it. Only called when asked.
- resolve_memory_suggestion: records your “Save to memory” or “Don’t save” answer when iQ suggests a new memory after an answer.
What are the tools added to iQ MCP for Instructions and what do they do?
- get_user_instructions: reads your saved standing instructions (for example, “always exclude test orders”).
- set_user_instructions: saves/edits your standing instructions, which apply to all future questions.
Can I turn off Memory or Instructions?
Yes. You can manage both features in the iQ Web App:
- Memory: Go to Settings → Memory.
- Instructions: Go to Settings → Instructions.
Use the relevant toggle to turn off a feature.
When you turn off Memory, iQ stops storing and retrieving information from your saved memories. It can still use the context available in your current conversation and the configured business context layer.
What if iQ doesn't remember something important?
You can explicitly ask iQ to remember the information. Alternatively, add it to Settings → Instructions in the iQ Web App if it is a rule you want iQ to follow consistently.
Memory and Instructions help you spend less time repeating context and more time getting useful answers from iQ.
Please reach out to your Saras point of contact or contact us at support@sarasanalytics.com if you encounter any issues or have feedback to share.