What is an NLP chatbot, and do you ACTUALLY need one?

Tired of hearing that AI is “revolutionizing customer service,” yet unclear about what is really going on under the hood? The revolution is taking many forms, and one of them includes the rise of a natural language processing chatbot (an NLP chatbot) - the sophisticated software used to automatically engage with your clients. 

In this article, we uncover the mechanics of NLP chatbots - are these generative AI chatbots a novelty or a paradigm shift in customer engagement? More critically: should your executive team be budgeting for an NLP chatbot right now? We’ll answer these questions for you in the following paragraphs. 

Before we do that, however, let’s look at the context.

Brief introduction to the rise of AI in customer service

Since the emergence of artificial intelligence in the customer service sector in the 1990s, there has been a significant evolution in the functionality and utility of chatbots. Take, for instance, Dr. Sbaitso, an early chatbot designed for MS-DOS-based personal computers. Distributed alongside Sound Blaster cards, its primary purpose was to showcase Creative Labs' capabilities in digitized voices rather than address actual customer issues. When faced with unfamiliar phrases or queries it could not process, Dr. Sbaitso would often respond with a dismissive “THAT'S NOT MY PROBLEM.” 

Fast-forward to 2016, and the landscape had radically changed. Dutch airline KLM found itself inundated with 15,000 customer queries per week, managed by a 235-person communications team. DigitalGenius provided the solution by training an AI-driven chatbot based on 60,000 previous customer interactions. Integrated into KLM's Facebook profile, the chatbot handled tasks such as check-in notifications, delay updates, and distribution of boarding passes. Human agents would only step in for complex queries. Remarkably, within a short span, the chatbot was autonomously managing 10% of customer queries, thereby accelerating response times by 20%.

In the years that have followed, AI has refined its ability to deliver increasingly pertinent and personalized responses, elevating customer satisfaction. Today's virtual agents and chatbots employ natural language processing (NLP) to offer assistance that is both automated and convincingly human in its interaction, far outpacing the capabilities of their rule-based ancestors.

This evolution has not gone unnoticed by decision-makers. With an eye toward both cost-efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction, as many as 80% of companies are planning to augment their customer experience (CX) budgets with a keen focus on technologies like AI chatbots to maintain a competitive edge. However, despite the compelling benefits, the buzz surrounding NLP-powered chatbots has also sparked a series of critical questions that businesses must address.

For a deeper dive into the ways AI is impacting customer service these days, you can refer to our article on the most recent chat app development trends that continue to shape the industry.

Understanding NLP (Natural Language Processing)

How does an NLP chatbot facilitate such engaging and seemingly spontaneous conversations with users? The answer resides in the intricacies of natural language processing.

NLP definition and basics

Natural language processing is a specialized subset of artificial intelligence that zeroes in on understanding, interpreting, and generating human language. To do this, NLP relies heavily on machine learning techniques to sift through text or vocal data, extracting meaningful insights from these often disorganized and unstructured inputs.

The objective is to create a seamlessly interactive experience between humans and computers. NLP systems like translators, voice assistants, autocorrect, and chatbots attain this by comprehending a wide array of linguistic components such as context, semantics, and grammar.

The key pillars within NLP chatbots that allow them to interpret human input include:

• Natural Language Understanding (NLU). This aspect is concerned with interpreting the user's input, breaking it down into components like intent and entities to better understand what the user wants.
• Sentiment analysis. This feature helps in gauging the emotional tone behind user inputs, allowing the system to respond in a way that aligns with the user's mood or sentiment.
• Contextual understanding. Beyond mere words, an NLP chatbot employ this feature to discern the broader context in which a conversation is happening, resulting in more accurate and relevant responses.
• Natural Language Generation (NLG). This facet takes the machine's understanding of the human input and converts it into a coherent, contextually appropriate response, thereby enabling an NLP bot to reply in a manner similar to how a human would.

How NLP enhances chatbots

NLP equips chatbots with the tools they need to evolve from simple, rule-based platforms to dynamic, context-aware engagement systems. Specific capabilities that enhance both user experience and operational efficiency of NLP chatbots include:

• Language comprehension. NLP allows chatbots to grasp the nuances of unstructured language inputs, such as slang and colloquialisms. 

For instance, if a user types “What's the 411?” the chatbot using NLP can understand this slang term and respond with relevant information.

• Adaptive learning. Unlike static rule-based systems, an NLP chatbot can leverage machine learning algorithms to learn from data, such as conversation histories and user information, to continually refine their understanding and response mechanisms. However, it is worth noting that not all NLP chatbots are designed to learn adaptively; some may operate on a predefined database, such as product knowledge base, albeit with far more advanced language processing skills.
• Contextual sensitivity. Beyond isolated keywords, NLP technology takes into account additional factors like the sequence of questions and user sentiment to provide contextually relevant responses. 

For example, if a user first asks about refund policies and then queries about product quality, a chatbot using NLP can combine these to provide a more comprehensive reply.

• Conversational depth. With techniques like sentiment analysis, NLP chatbots can sense the mood of the conversation and tailor their responses accordingly. 

For instance, if a user expresses frustration, the NLP chatbot can shift its tone to be more empathetic and provide immediate solutions.

The move from rule-based to NLP-based chatbots represents a considerable advancement. While rule-based chatbots operate on a fixed set of rules and responses, an NLP chatbot brings a new level of sophistication by comprehending, learning, and adapting to human language and behavior. 

For example, a rule-based chatbot might simply answer a hotel reservation query with room availability, but an NLP-based chatbot could also offer complementary information like special room rates, ongoing promotions, or even local attractions, based on the user's profile and conversation history.

Comparative analysis: NLP chatbots vs rule-based chatbots

Understanding the nuances between NLP chatbots and rule-based chatbots can help you make an informed decision on the type of conversational AI to adopt. Each has its strengths and drawbacks, and the choice is often influenced by specific organizational needs.

Despite the ongoing generative AI hype, an NLP chatbot are not always necessary, especially if you only need simple and informative responses. Rule-based chatbots can sometimes be more effective and reliable.

What is a rule-based chatbot?

Rule-based chatbots continue to hold their own, operating strictly within a framework of set rules, predetermined decision trees, and keyword matches. Programmers design these bots to respond when they detect specific words or phrases from users. To minimize errors and improve performance, these chatbots often present users with a menu of pre-set questions.

Advantages of rule-based chatbots

The virtues of rule-based chatbots should not be underestimated, as they have characteristics that can be beneficial in certain settings:

1. Quick deployment. Rule-based chatbots can be set up in a relatively short span of time, especially for defined purposes such as FAQ bots.
2. Predictable performance. When operating in a controlled environment where the scope of questions is limited, these chatbots excel by providing consistent and reliable answers.
3. Cost-effectiveness. The simplicity in design and function translates to fewer resources needed for both development and ongoing maintenance.
4. Narrow expertise. These chatbots can be highly effective in specialized fields where the nature of queries is limited and well-defined.
5. User guidance. By offering pre-set query options, rule-based chatbots can guide the user toward the information they seek, minimizing chances of error.

Disadvantages of rule-based chatbots

The rigidity of rule-based chatbots becomes a liability outside of limited use cases. Some inherent constraints that should be carefully weighed include:

1. Rigid structure. These chatbots can falter when presented with user inputs that do not align with their predetermined triggers. The limited framework often fails to handle typos, colloquial expressions, or any input that deviates from its narrow scope. 
2. Lack of adaptability. Any expansion of capabilities or updating of the knowledge base requires manual intervention. 
3. Unnatural dialogue. Conversations can feel stilted and less engaging, as the NLP bot's responses are scripted and lack natural flow. 

Although rule-based chatbots have limitations, they can effectively serve specific business functions. For example, they are frequently deployed in sectors like banking to answer common account-related questions, or in customer service for troubleshooting basic technical issues. They are not obsolete; rather, they are specialized tools with an emphasis on functionality, performance and affordability.

What is an NLP chatbot?

As the narrative of conversational AI shifts, an NLP chatbot bring new dimensions to customer engagement. While rule-based chatbots have their place, the advantages of NLP chatbots over rule-based chatbots are overrunning them by leveraging machine learning and natural language capabilities.

Advantages of NLP chatbots

When considering customer service as a pivotal business function, an NLP chatbot bring to the table a set of unique advantages that can significantly uplift the service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

1. Nuanced comprehension. AI-powered customer service bot can interpret complex queries and alternative phrasing, reducing the need for user corrections.

For example, they can understand that “How's the climate in New York?” and “Tell me the weather in NYC” are essentially the same request.

2. Engaging dialogue. Rather than using scripted replies, NLP chatbot benefits include engaging the user in a more human-like conversation, thanks to technologies like sentiment analysis. This makes for a more pleasant user experience.
3. Personalized interactions. An NLP chatbot can offer customized responses based on user data and interaction history.

For instance, if a repeat customer inquires about a new product, the NLP chatbot can reference previous purchases to suggest complementary items.

4. Multi-channel support. NLP bots can be easily integrated across various communication platforms like email, social media, and messaging apps, providing a seamless experience for the customer. Whether a client prefers WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or direct email, the service quality remains consistent.
5. Proactive issue resolution. NLP chatbots can predict and identify issues by analyzing conversation data, often solving problems before a customer even recognizes there is an issue. 

For example, if several customers are inquiring about a specific account error, the NLP chatbot can proactively notify other users who might be impacted.

Given these customer-centric advantages, NLP chatbots are increasingly becoming a cornerstone of strategic customer engagement models for many organizations. Their utility goes far beyond traditional rule-based chatbots by offering dynamic, rapid, and personalized services that can be instrumental in fostering customer loyalty and maximizing operational efficiency. However, there are possible challenges.

Potential disadvantages of NLP chatbots

While an NLP chatbot offers a range of advantages, there are also challenges that decision-makers should carefully assess.

1. Complexity. Compared to rule-based chatbots, NLP bots require intricate programming and ongoing adjustments, increasing the initial and ongoing investment.
2. Data dependence. Adequate machine learning models require vast datasets for effective training, which can be particularly challenging for niche markets, finer operations scales or smaller budgets.
3. Ethical concerns and compliance. The use of machine learning algorithms can sometimes perpetuate existing biases present in the training data, which can be seen as a reputational risk with an NLP chatbot.
4. Cost factors. Beyond development, the computational resources required to run sophisticated NLP chatbot models can add to the operational costs, especially for large-scale deployments.

The advantages clearly seem to outweigh the disadvantages for most use cases. But where exactly are NLP chatbots delivering value today?

Real-world case studies of NLP chatbots

NLP chatbots are driving transformational outcomes across customer service, sales, and operations. Let's analyze some compelling examples.

Transforming customer service

Leading brands across industries are leveraging conversational AI and employ NLP chatbots for customer service to automate support and enhance customer satisfaction.

» More on measuring customer satisfaction can be found here «

RateMyAgent implemented an NLP chatbot called RateMyAgent AI bot that reduced their response time by 80%. This virtual agent is able to resolve issues independently without needing to escalate to a human agent. By automating routine queries and conversations, RateMyAgent has been able to significantly reduce call volume into its support center. This allows the company's human agents to focus their time on more complex issues that require human judgment and expertise. The end result is faster resolution times, higher CSAT scores, and more efficient resource allocation.

AWeber, a leading email marketing platform, utilizes an NLP chatbot to improve their customer service and satisfaction. AWeber noticed that live chat was becoming a preferred support method for their customers and prospects, and leveraged it to provide 24/7 support worldwide. They increased their sales and quality assurance chat satisfaction from 92% to 95%.

Enhancing operational efficiency

Order management, account updates, appointment scheduling. Beyond transforming support, other types of repetitive tasks are ideal for integrating NLP chatbot in business operations.

For example, password management service 1Password launched an NLP chatbot trained on its internal documentation and knowledge base articles. This conversational bot is able to field account management tasks such as password resets, subscription changes, and login troubleshooting without any human assistance. By automating these repetitive tasks that make up a large share of their support volume, 1Password has managed to save 16,000 hours of human work in the first six months after the introduction of their NLP chatbot. 

The food delivery company Wolt deployed an NLP chatbot to assist customers with orders delivery and address common questions. This conversational bot received 90% Customer Satisfaction Score, while handling 1,000,000 conversations weekly.

Does your business ACTUALLY need to invest into your own NLP chatbot?

Investing in any technology requires a comprehensive evaluation to ascertain its fit and feasibility for your business. And it is no different when it comes to NLP chatbots. Here is a structured approach to decide if an NLP chatbot aligns with your organizational objectives.

Assess your current customer service capabilities

Take a comprehensive look at your existing customer service infrastructure. Understanding your current capabilities can provide you with actionable insights that help you decide whether or not an NLP chatbot would be a beneficial addition. The key factors are:

• Volume of repetitive queries and tasks. Start by auditing the number and types of queries your customer service team handles regularly. High-frequency, repetitive questions or tasks like order status checks, password resets, or account information updates are prime candidates for automation via NLP chatbots. Quantifying this volume can give you a sense of the workload that could be transferred from human agents to an NLP bot, thereby increasing efficiency.
• Performance metrics. Review key performance indicators like resolution time, customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores, and first-response times. They can reveal the strengths and weaknesses in your current customer service operations. Low scores in any of the above could indicate a bottleneck or a pain point that an NLP chatbot might remove.
• Resource allocation. Evaluate how your human resources are currently utilized in customer service. Are your agents bogged down with trivial tasks that could be automated, or are they primarily focused on complex issues that require human intelligence and empathy? Understanding this allocation can help you identify opportunities for automation without sacrificing the quality of customer interactions.
• Channel effectiveness. Examine the efficacy of your existing customer service channels (email, phone, live chat, etc.) in meeting your customers’ needs. Take note of customer preferences for certain channels, as this can inform which platforms would be most appropriate for an NLP chatbot deployment,
• Customer feedback and pain points. Finally, do not overlook the value of customer feedback. Complaints and suggestions from your customer base can point to specific issues that might be more efficiently addressed by an NLP chatbot. Identifying these pain points can be instrumental in tailoring your NLP bot to deliver solutions that enhance the overall customer experience.

Analyze costs and ROI

When it comes to the financial implications of incorporating an NLP chatbot, several factors contribute to the overall cost and potential return on investment (ROI).

• Initial setup costs. The upfront investment usually includes the licensing fee, development, and integration. Depending on the complexity and custom features, you might need to budget between $15,000 and $30,000 for this phase. This provides the foundation upon which your chatbot will operate. Here’s an overview of must-have chat application features and those that add a competitive edge.
• Recurring fees. Fees vary greatly depending on the LLM (Large Language Model) in use, the number of interactions handled, or the needed data storage.
• Maintenance and updates. Natural language processing models need regular tuning and updates to remain effective. Additional costs can arise from software updates, adding new features, or scalability requirements.
• Personnel training. Staff needs to be trained to manage and operate the NLP chatbot system. This might require in-house expertise or external training programs. Although a one-time cost, it's a crucial factor for the effective deployment of your chatbot.

On the other side of the ledger, chatbots can generate considerable cost savings. They can handle multiple customer queries simultaneously, reducing the need for as many live agents, and can operate in every timezone, often using local languages. This leads to lower labor costs and potentially quicker resolution times.

Beyond cost-saving, advanced chatbots can drive revenue by upselling and cross-selling products or services during interactions. Although hard to quantify initially, it is an important factor to consider in the long-term ROI calculations.

Technical considerations

When contemplating the NLP chatbot development and integrating it into your operations, it is not just about the dollars and cents. The technical aspects deserve your attention as well, as they can significantly influence both the deployment and effectiveness of your chatbot.

• System integrations. Your NLP chatbot will likely need to interface with existing systems such as CRM software, databases, and ticketing tools. Assess the compatibility and the level of customization required for these integrations. This could influence both the timeline and costs of deployment.
• Data security. The NLP chatbot will handle customer interactions, which often include sensitive information. Non-compliance can pose a serious threat to your organization’s reputation as well as lead to legal issues.
• Scalability. Your chatbot should be capable of growing with your organization. Assess the scalability options of the chosen platform, especially how easily it can handle increased traffic and additional features without a drop in performance.
• Updates. NLP models require periodic training and updates to stay current. Factor in the frequency and complexity of these updates, along with who will be responsible for them (in-house team or vendor), as they can affect ongoing costs.
• Latency and response time. Customer experience can be significantly affected by the speed of the NLP chatbot’s responses. Verify that the system architecture can meet your expectations for latency and can deliver quick, accurate responses, especially during high-traffic periods, and using the most demanding models, such as GPT-4.
• Multi-channel support. Evaluate if the NLP chatbot can seamlessly operate across various channels like website, mobile app, social media, and voice assistants. Each channel may require different configurations, affecting the overall complexity of the setup.

Software development services with RST Software

Are you ready to answer the critical question: does your business actually need an NLP chatbot? Weighing the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and technical considerations, the decision is yours to make. However, if you find that NLP chatbots align with your strategic goals for customer engagement, operational efficiency, and ROI, then it may be a prudent investment. 

At RST Software, we specialize in developing custom software solutions tailored to your organization's specific needs. If enhancing your customer service and operational efficiency is on your agenda, let’s talk.