# Running an Alpha ## Manual Alpha Operations The simplest case of Alpha is appointing an EOA to run the operations to manually using the interface. The app.ipor.io website has an interface for interacting with smart contracts via widgets. Widgets abstract the fuse functionality and provide a consistent interface for executing transactions. If the interface is unavailable for the fuse you want to interact with, you can always build the transaction by hand. Fusion implements a diamond proxy pattern so that the vault implements the function calls from the connected fuses. ## Automated Alpha The core philosophy of IPOR Fusion is to build the vaults in such a way as to enable automation without sacrificing transparency and security. In principle, there is no difference between a manual and an automated Alpha. They both have the same privileges and from the perspective of the vault so there is no difference whatsoever. The main difference is the interface through which management is done. Since the automated Alpha doesn't need UI it needs to build all its transactions via the provided [SDK](/build-on-fusion/alpha/sdk.md), or by communicating directly with smart contracts. When operating an Alpha there are certain security precautions one needs to take. Because the Alpha has direct access to the vault, albeit limited by the fuses and validations, it can still manage the assets freely. Natively, the Alpha architecture does not require any form of consensus. Of course, if this is your choice, you may implement the logic the have the decision-making process decentralised and more sophisticated. ## Handling Points One particular scenario when operating vaults as Alpha is accounting for points. Thanks to the structure of Fusion, all the points are accrued by the vault. If you need to distribute those points or rewards based on those points it has to be handled by your backend logic. Service providers like Merkl can also forward points to the users of the vault. If you need to show points on your vault's page on the IPOR web app, and this particular type of points is not yet supported, reach out to the IPOR DAO via Discord, where you can request adding that integration. It's up to the individual Atomist/Alpha. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ipor.io/build-on-fusion/alpha/running-an-alpha.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.