Artificial Intelligence – Helping the Help Desk
The help desk industry has undergone a paradigmatic shift in the last some years. Customers are still calling the help desk but their expectations are higher than ever. Help desk is increasingly becoming dependent on various technologies. There is a growing reliance on analytics and artificial intelligence to assuage customers’ pain points.
The surveys and predictions about the impact various technologies are going to have on customer service are staggering.
“Improved technologies are predicted to automate all or parts of up to 40% of customer service needs by 2019.” (Source: Gartner)
According to another report by Gartner,
“By 2020, 85% of the customer experience is going to be managed without human assistance.”
While these figures might not get actualized in the stipulated time yet the help desk industry is set to be completely transformed in the coming years and AI is going to be one of the key factors in bringing about that transformation.
Integration of AI in the help desk increases the overall productivity, reduces costs, removes human shortcomings, and provides reliable responses. AI embedded monitors are already prioritizing customer’s issues and providing real-time support for their resolution. Historical data is being exploited by deploying AI bots within the customer ticketing interface. Doing so helps in identifying and reacting to recurring issues/queries swiftly.
Gartner predicts that by 2020, an average person will have more conversations with bots than with their spouse. It’s surprising that a fair number of them won’t even realize who they are talking to – a bot or a human agent!
As AI chatbots continue to pave way for more engaging customer interactions and redefining the help desk industry, it is yet to be seen how many contact center jobs will they cost. What is already certain is that they will increase efficiency, yield better results, and boost customer experience.
Anthony Banford is an esteemed executive with 19 years of experience in technology, consulting, and education. He begins his latest chapter as Chief Revenue Officer at BlackBeltHelp, aiming to innovate in the higher education support industry. His move follows a successful stint as Head of Revenue at StudentBridge since March 2023, where he significantly contributed to the company’s merger with Full Measure Education, enhancing its service offerings.
Todd Hollrah joins BlackBeltHelp bringing 25+ years of experience managing service delivery operations for several Fortune 500 clients around the globe. After a distinguished career as an executive in the BPO industry, Todd will provide critical insight into building an exceptional customer experience combining both live voice and automated solutions.
Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, Chris Uthe has submerged himself in business and technology for the last 20 years. His first company, a PC repair and networking business, was started at just 16 and successfully fueled a deep interest in solving problems as he helped business customers throughout his hometown adopt technology into their business. He would go on to successfully run a media & managed IT company before joining the Ed Tech industry with a successful 13-year tenure within an ERP/SIS company leading the Student Portal & Learning Management division. His last startup, EdSolio, helped to fuel the winds of competency-based education by providing a comprehensive view of a student’s work and achievements. Chris is now focused on creating successful learners by ensuring the highest quality help and support through the use of AI backed toolsets spending the last 3 years in the student engagement and support markets.
Quaiser Absar is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Institutional Computing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Bringing in over 2 decades of experience with him, Manish has ensured seamless operations in terms of client delivery, reporting & analytics, quality, training, and transitions with a special focus on technical integrations to help reduce costs and improve the bottom-line.
Anthony has served higher education in diverse, leadership roles for over 30 years and has helped organizations thrive through his expertise in developing, analyzing, and executing growth strategies. Prior to joining BlackBeltHelp, he served in College Administration as well as in leadership roles within Blackboard Student Services and Ellucian, Inc.
Accomplished IT Specialist and Manager with extensive experience in a higher education setting and demonstrated abilities to effectively manage both student and professional staff. Self-motivated problem solver, who is skilled in managing many issues and prioritizing their importance to find resolutions in a timely and effective manner. Possesses strong abilities to adapt to new technologies by extrapolating from existing experience. Possess first-rate communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse groups effectively.
Lila Buytendorp has been serving as the Director of User Services at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) since 2000. In this role she is responsible for staff & lab desktop computing and end user support. She guides and supports technology based on the curriculum needs and ensures technology is implemented to support the emerging needs of the college. She builds and supports integrated systems to improve efficiencies and uses technologies to support data-driven decision making. Lila is a member of the Capital Projects Planning and Design Committee to ensure new or remodeled facilities have appropriate technology.