AI Data Collection vs Lead Status: What's The Difference?
📝 Learn the difference between AI data collection (automated) and lead status (manual) so you always know what each one means.
LeadTruffle shows two status types on every lead. One is set automatically by the AI as it works the conversation. The other is set manually by you and your team. This guide breaks down both so you know exactly what you're looking at.
Table of contents
Overview
There are two distinct status fields on every lead in LeadTruffle:
Status type | Set by | What it tracks |
|---|---|---|
AI data collection | The AI (automated) | How much of the info you asked for has been gathered from the lead |
Lead status | You and your team (manual) | Where the lead sits in your sales pipeline |
The two run independently. The AI controls one. You and your team control the other.
AI data collection (automated)
AI data collection reflects how much of the information you asked for in your AI prompt has actually been collected from the lead. It's fully automated — you and your team can't change it.
There are three stages:
Not started
The AI has sent its first message, but the lead hasn't responded yet. No info has been collected.
Example: Your prompt asks for name, phone, and address. A Yelp lead comes in, the AI sends an opening message, and the lead never replies. Status stays as Not Started.
In progress
The lead has started responding, but the AI hasn't gathered everything you asked for yet.
Example: The lead replies "My name is Johnny" — but hasn't shared phone or address. Status moves to In Progress.
Completed
The AI has collected every piece of information specified in your prompt.
Example: Johnny replies with his name, phone number, and address. Status moves to Completed.
Lead status (manual)
Lead status is set by you and your team. Every lead starts as New, and from there your team moves it through your pipeline however you've defined it.
- Statuses are fully customizable — name them to fit your workflow (e.g. Quoted, Booked, Won, Lost)
- If a lead is showing as anything other than New, it means someone on your team changed it
- You can update the status from the Leads Board (including drag-and-drop in Board view) or from the Conversations Inbox
Where to find these statuses
Both statuses appear in several places throughout LeadTruffle.
Leads Board
The Leads Board displays both fields side-by-side. Your team can update lead status from here — either through the dropdown on each row or by dragging cards between columns in Board view.
Conversations Inbox
Open any conversation and you'll see the AI data collection status at the bottom of the lead details panel — Not Started, In Progress, or Completed.
Email notifications
Daily and weekly summary emails include AI data collection stats. You'll see counts like:
- X leads with AI data collection complete
- Y leads with AI data collection incomplete
This gives you a quick read on how well the AI is gathering what you've asked for, without having to log in.
Need help? Contact us at support@leadtruffle.com or message the team via the chat on this article or in-app.
Updated on: 19/05/2026
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