Getting Started with AI CTRL

  • Published on Jan 30, 2026
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Welcome to AI CTRL Secure Chat. This guide will help you get up and running in just a few minutes.

About the Platform

Expedient's AI CTRL Secure Chat uses OpenWebUI, an open-source chat interface we've customized for enterprise deployment. We selected OpenWebUI for its comprehensive AI tool set: voice-to-text, multi-model comparisons, document analysis, web search, and conversation sharing.

1. Sign In - Account Setup and Login

AI CTRL Secure Chat uses your organization's existing authentication system, so there's no need to create a new account or remember additional passwords.

To sign in:

  1. Navigate to your organization's AI CTRL Secure Chat login page

  2. Click the "Continue with SSO" button

  3. You'll be redirected to your organization's authentication provider (Azure AD/Entra ID, Okta, etc.)

  4. Enter your normal work credentials

  5. You'll be automatically signed in and taken to the main chat interface

Note: The login page displays "Sign in to Open WebUI" due to the underlying platform, but you're accessing AI CTRL Secure Chat.

The login screen showing SSO authentication option for secure enterprise access

2. Start Your First Conversation with AI

Once you're logged in, starting a conversation is simple:

  1. Choose a Model - Click on the model name at the top of the chat area to select an AI model. Smart Model Router is the best option if you’re not sure.

  2. Enter Your Prompt - Click in the text box and enter your prompt or describe your task

  3. Send Your Message - Click the arrow button or press Enter to send

Tips for your first conversation:

  1. Use the + (More) option upload a document and ask "Summarize the key points from this document"

  2. Use the ➡️⬅️ (Integrations) option to turn on web search or enable company documents under the tools sub-menu

    1. There is no web search option when using Smart Model Router as it will automatically turn on web search if needed.  

  3. Try one of the prompt suggestions from below the the text box if you don’t know where to start.

3. Continue your conversation

  1. You can continue the conversation by asking additional questions

    1. You can also attach additional references using the tools shown in the tips section

  2. If your conversation references attached documents the response will include citations. You can click on the citation to view a pop up with the raw text.

    1. To view the original file click on the title of the citation pop up.

Tips for working in a conversation

  1. You can edit the text of the response. This is useful if the response was mostly correct but you need adjust a few small things before continuing the conversation

  2. You can quickly copy the response to your clipboard.

  3. You can continue the prompt and have it generate more or regenerate with options like “more concise.”

  4. You can export the response as a Word, Excel, or PDF document. (Excel will only export tables)

4. Check Out Other Features

  1. Toggle Sidebar: Click the OI Button at the top of the sidebar to show the sidebar

  2. New Chat: Opens a new conversation

  3. Notes: A built in notepad in the platform. Any notes taken can be attached to conversations

  4. Workspace: Where you can create custom models, knowledge, and prompt templates

  5. Folders: A way to group related chats together. You can set a system prompt to apply to all chats in a folder as well as attach knowledge

  6. Past Chats: Using the  three dots next to each chat you can then share, download, rename, pin, clone, archive, or delete each chat.

  7. Switch Models: Click the model name at the top of the chat area or hit the plus sign to use multiple models side by side

  8. Access Settings: Click your profile picture in the top-right corner or bottom left corners.

You're now ready to start using AI CTRL Secure Chat! The next sections of this guide will help you understand AI basics and explore all the powerful features available to you.