Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been disrupting industries and transforming businesses for a while. One of the most prominent use cases of AI is in customer support, where chatbots powered by the technology can handle customer queries much faster than their human counterparts. This has led to the rise of the AI chatbot in customer support, with many companies adopting the technology to improve their efficiency and reduce costs. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of AI chatbots on customer support and how they are transforming the industry.
An AI chatbot is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. It can understand natural language, interpret queries, and provide relevant responses. The technology behind AI chatbots involves machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning. These chatbots can be integrated into messaging platforms, websites, and mobile applications, allowing customers to interact with them in real-time.
The numerous benefits they offer drive the adoption of AI chatbots in customer service and support. Here are some of the main benefits of using an AI chatbot in customer support:
One of the biggest advantages of using AI chatbots in customer support is the ability to respond to queries instantly. Unlike humans, chatbots can handle multiple queries simultaneously without getting tired or making mistakes. This means that customers can get the answers they need quickly without long periods of waiting.
Another significant advantage of AI chatbots is that they are available 24/7. This means that customers can get support at any time of the day or night without having to wait for business hours. This level of availability is essential for businesses that operate globally or have customers in different time zones.
Using AI chatbots in customer support can also save significant business costs. Chatbots can handle many queries, reducing the need for human support staff. This can translate into lower labor costs, as well as increased efficiency and productivity.
AI chatbots can also provide a personalized experience for customers. They can use customer data to tailor their responses, making them more relevant and engaging. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty and increase sales and revenue.
The Bangalore, India-based e-commerce startup Dukaan is one of the most well-known instances of a business implementing AI chatbots in customer assistance. After the company developed an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that could handle consumer inquiries considerably faster than its employees, the founder and CEO, Summit Shah, fired 90% of his support team.
The chatbot, which was created by one of the company’s data scientists in just two days, was able to answer initial consumer inquiries immediately, as opposed to his staff members, whose initial responses were often sent after 1 minute and 44 seconds. When a consumer communicated with the chatbot, the average amount of time it took to fix their problem decreased by nearly 98%.
According to Shah, the company has reduced the cost of its customer support function by around 85% since using the technology. He continued by saying that this area of the firm had long had challenges, including slow replies and a lack of worker availability during crucial moments.
While the benefits of AI chatbots in customer support are clear, there are also concerns about the impact of this technology on jobs. There are fears that AI will result in mass job losses, especially in low- and middle-skilled jobs.
According to research by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), although low—and middle-skilled jobs are most at risk of AI automation, specialists in finance, medicine, and law might also suddenly find themselves at risk.
The future of AI chatbots in customer support looks promising, with many companies adopting the technology to improve their efficiency and reduce costs. As this technology continues to evolve, chatbots will become more sophisticated and able to handle even more complex queries.
However, it’s important to note that while AI chatbots can provide faster and more efficient support, they cannot replace human interaction entirely. Human support staff will always be needed, especially for more complex queries that require empathy and understanding.
In conclusion, AI chatbots transform customer support by providing faster, more efficient, and personalized support. While there are fears about the impact of this technology on jobs, the benefits of AI chatbots in customer support are clear. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated chatbots that can handle even more complex queries.
First reported by CNN.
