Customer service is a critical aspect of any business, and in today’s fast-paced world, automation technology has revolutionized the way businesses provide support. Customer service automation involves leveraging technology to enhance customer support processes, enabling businesses to address customer issues efficiently, whether with or without direct agent involvement. This article explores the definition, workings, examples, and benefits of automated customer service.
Definition of Automated Customer Service
Automated customer service is a purpose-built process that aims to reduce or eliminate the need for human involvement when providing advice or assistance to customer requests. It can take various forms, from utilizing AI chatbots and automated ticketing systems to interactive voice response (IVR) software and automatic translation tools. The goal is to streamline customer interactions, providing faster and more efficient support.
How Does Automated Service Work?
To understand how automated customer service processes, let’s consider a scenario. Imagine a customer having an issue with an electronic product they purchased. Here’s how automated customer service can guide them to resolution:
1. The customer visits the company’s website and navigates to the support page.
2. An AI chatbot greets the customer and asks them to describe their problem.
3. The chatbot analyzes keywords, such as “won’t turn on,” and directs the customer to a relevant article in the knowledge base.
4. The article guides the customer to check for a plastic tab in the battery slot, and they discover and remove it, resolving the issue.
In cases where the chatbot can’t resolve the issue, it may prompt the customer to email the support team. The customer receives a pre-written reply confirming the creation of a support ticket. When live agents return to the office, they can seamlessly pick up the ticket, already informed about the basic troubleshooting steps taken by the customer.
Examples of Automated Support
Automated customer service comes in various forms, catering to different industries and company sizes. Here are some examples:
1. Automated Ticketing Systems:These systems automatically route support tickets to the most suitable agent, decreasing resolution time and enhancing the overall customer experience.
2. AI Chatbots:Chatbots can answer customer questions, provide article recommendations, and resolve issues, as demonstrated by LendingClub, which used AI chatbots to resolve 12 per cent of tickets.
3. IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Software:This automated tool greets callers, directs them to the right place, and can even handle tasks like accepting payments using pre-recorded responses.
4. Automatic Translation:Automated customer service software can translate conversations, allowing global support. KRAFTON, a gaming company, used this to provide support in 13 languages.
5. Automated Notifications:AI automation can set up intelligent notifications based on rules, reminding agents to address service tickets promptly.
Whether deploying an AI chatbot for guidance or enhancing a contact center with IVR software, automated customer support systems can significantly improve the overall customer experience.
Benefits of Automated Customer Service
Automated customer service offers a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. Let’s explore some of these advantages:
1. Save Agents Time and Reduce Costs:
Automation tags and routes tickets intelligently, eliminating manual routing. This saves agents time and ensures tickets reach the right agent based on skills, channel, priority, and availability. Automation features, such as closing tickets automatically after resolution, further streamline workflows.
2. Deliver Fast, 24/7 Support:
Automation enables businesses to provide round-the-clock support. AI chatbots, in particular, operate continuously without the need for breaks, ensuring customers receive prompt answers to their queries, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
3. Gain Greater Insights:
Automated reporting and analytics tools provide instant customer service reports, offering insights to improve business processes. By eliminating repetitive tasks, automation allows businesses to focus on strategic improvements and innovations.
4. Proactive Customer Engagement:
Automated tools, such as chatbots, can proactively engage with customers. Lauren Hakim, Group Product Marketing Manager at [Company], notes that bots can reach out with meaningful, timely, and personalized interactions, driving engagement, retention, and increasing sales and conversion rates.
5. Efficient Ticket Handling:
Integration with ticketing systems allows agents to seamlessly address customer issues without redundant questions. This ensures a smoother customer experience and increases agent efficiency.
Customer Service Automation in Action
Following are the various customer service techniques to incorporate to form well engaging customer service
1. Self-Service: Treat Your Knowledge Base Like the Frontlines
When customers seek quick answers, self-service options are crucial. Creating a knowledge base that is easily accessible across your site can reduce support volume and increase customer satisfaction. Offering widgets and clear calls-to-action can guide customers to relevant articles, empowering them to find solutions independently.
2. Centralization: Behold, the Humble Inbox… Reborn!
Centralizing customer communications can be achieved through automated ticketing systems. By automating the routing of tickets to the right agents, businesses can streamline their support operations and significantly reduce response times.
3. Canned Replies and Auto-Responders that Don’t Completely Suck
Canned replies and auto-responders can be powerful tools when used thoughtfully. Providing pre-written responses for common queries ensures consistent and timely communication, especially during periods when live agents might not be available.
4. Live Chat and Chat Bots
Live chat, powered by chatbots, allows businesses to engage with customers in real-time. AI-driven chatbots can understand and respond to customer queries, providing immediate assistance and freeing up live agents for more complex issues.
5. Advanced Rules and Logic: Where Service Automation Comes to Life
Implementing advanced rules and logic in automation ensures a dynamic and personalized customer service experience. From setting up intelligent notifications to directing helpdesk requests to the right department, businesses can tailor their automation to specific needs and scenarios.
To know more about customer service automation, click here and read this guide.
Conclusion
Customer service automation is a powerful ally for businesses aiming to provide efficient and effective support. By leveraging technologies such as AI chatbots, ticketing systems, and automated notifications, businesses can enhance customer experiences, save time and costs, and gain valuable insights. While automation is a valuable tool, maintaining a balance between technology and human touch is crucial to ensuring a positive and personalized customer service experience.
So, as you explore the realm of customer service automation, remember to automate strategically, always keeping the customer at the center of your efforts. By doing so, you can unlock the full potential of automation to elevate your customer service and foster lasting relationships with your customers.