BACKGROUNDA common pitfall of customer service is high customer service agent turnover. Training customer service agents is both expensive and time consuming, and agents may not remember all of the training materials they are exposed to, leading to longer call times and decreased customer satisfaction. Further, customer service agents may not be familiar with smaller concepts or projects at a large enterprise. The above factors may result in lower sales volume, fewer new customers, or fewer retained customers.
SUMMARYIn the following description, certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will become evident. It should be understood that the disclosure, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should also be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.
Disclosed embodiments include a system for providing resource material to a customer service representative (CSR). The system may include: a database storing a plurality of resources associated with a plurality of customer service contexts; one or more memories storing instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations may include: receiving data associated with an on-going communication, the on-going communication comprising a customer service request received from a customer; analyzing the data associated with the on-going communication; determining an identity of the customer associated with the communication; determining a context of the request based on the analysis and based on historical data associated with the determined identity; automatically identifying, based on the context, a resource in the database associated with the determined context; and displaying, via a user interface in real-time during the communication, the resource associated with the customer service request.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system environment for generating customer service prediction resources, consistent with the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 2 depicts an example of a customer device, consistent with the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 3 depicts an example of a device used by a customer service representative, consistent with the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an exemplary facility server, consistent with the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary prediction process, consistent with the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary customer service portal, consistent with the disclosed embodiments; and
FIG. 7 is an exemplary customer interface, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
The present disclosure describes advanced technical solutions for predicting customer service requests, solutions, and resolution resources. As used herein, “customer service request” will refer to any customer inquiry or problem requiring assistance. For example, a customer service request may be troubleshooting an app or website; requesting account modifications, such as an address change, billing assistance; and the like. The prediction of a customer service solution in response to a customer service request or based on recent customer activity may result in increased customer satisfaction and retention by decreasing the time to resolve an issue or an inquiry from the customer.
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of acomputer system100 that may be configured to perform one or more software processes that, when executed by one or more processors, perform methods consistent with disclosed embodiments. The components and arrangements shown inFIG. 1 are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments, as the components used to implement the disclosed processes and features may vary.
As shown inFIG. 1,system100 may include aserver102, a customer device104, arepresentative device106, and adatabase108. The components ofsystem100 may communicate directly, throughnetwork110. Other components known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be included insystem100 to perform tasks consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
Server102 may enable communication within external computer-based systems including computer system components such as desktop computers, workstations, tablets, hand held computing devices, memory devices, and/or internal network(s) connecting the components.
Customer device104 may be a personal computing device such as, for example, a general purpose or notebook computer, a mobile device with computing ability, a tablet, a smartphone, a wearable device, or smart watch, or any combination of these computers and/or affiliated components. In some embodiments, customer device104 may be a computer system or mobile computer device that is operated by the customer. In some embodiments, customer device104 may be a kiosk or automated teller machine (ATM). In some embodiments, customer device104 may be a landline telephone or device capable of receiving audio commands or commands via the telephone or device keypad.
In some embodiments,representative device106 may be a device that is operated by a customer service specialist, representative, or other employee of a business entity.Representative device106 may be a personal computing device such as, for example, a general purpose or notebook computer, a mobile device with computing ability, a tablet, smartphone, a wearable device, or smart watch, or any combination of these computers and/or affiliated components. In some embodiments,representative device106 may be a landline telephone or device capable of receiving audio commands or commands via the telephone or device keypad.
Network110 may comprise any type of computer networking arrangement used to exchange data. For example,network110 may be the Internet, a private data network, virtual private network using a public network, and/or other suitable connection(s) that enablessystem100 to send and receive information between the components ofsystem100. Network110 may also include a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) and/or a wireless cellular network.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of arepresentative device106, consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown,representative device106 may include adisplay210, one ormore processors220, one or more input/output (“I/O”)devices230, atransceiver240 memory250, and battery270.
Display210 may include one or more screens such as, for example, liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), or projected screens. Display may display information such as customer service resources, customer data, and solution information.
Processor220 may be one or more known processing devices, such as microprocessors manufactured by Intel™ or AMD™ or licensed by ARM.Processor220 may constitute a single-core or multiple-core processor that executes parallel processes simultaneously. For example,processor220 may be a single-core processor configured with virtual processing technologies. In certain embodiments,processor220 may use logical processors to simultaneously execute and control multiple processes.Processor220 may implement virtual machine technologies, or other known technologies to provide the ability to execute, control, run, manipulate, store, etc. multiple software processes, applications, programs, etc. In another embodiment,processor220 may include a multiple-core processor arrangement (e.g., dual, quad core, etc.) configured to provide parallel processing functionalities to allowrepresentative device106 to execute multiple processes simultaneously. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types of processor arrangements could be implemented that provide for the capabilities disclosed herein.
I/O devices230 may include one or more devices that allowrepresentative device106 to receive input from a customer service representative or other user. I/O devices230 may include, for example, one or more pointing devices, keyboards, buttons, switches, touchscreen panels, cameras, barcode scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and/or microphones.
Memory240 may include a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, solid-state, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium that stores one or more program(s)242, such as app(s)244, anddata246.Data246 may include, for example, customer account information, recent customer activity, predicted customer service solutions, and/or relevant customer service resources.
Program(s)242 may include operating systems (not shown) that perform known operating system functions when executed by one or more processors. By way of example, the operating systems may include Microsoft Windows™, Unix™, Linux™ Android™ and Apple™ operating systems, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) type operating systems, such as Microsoft CE™, or other types of operating systems. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments may operate and function with computer systems running any type of operating system.Representative device106 may also include communication software that, when executed by a processor, provides communications withnetwork110, such as Web browser software, tablet, or smart hand held device networking software, etc.
Program(s)242 may also include app(s)244, such as an interactive voice response (IVR) and/or touch-tone data entry (TDE) program which, when executed, gather initial information from a customer about a customer service request. For example, a customer making a customer service request via land-line telephone may be prompted to navigate through an automated menu and to provide details such as the nature of their request and/or their account number by speaking into the telephone or through by various numbers on the keypad.
FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary customer device104, consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown, customer device104 may include adisplay310, I/O device(s)320, aprocessor330, amemory340 having stored thereondata346 and one ormore programs342, such as app(s)344 (e.g., a financial services app), and anantenna350.
Display310 may include one or more devices for displaying information, including but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) screens, organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens, and other known display devices.
I/O devices320 may include one or more devices that allow customer device104 to send and receive information. I/O devices320 may include, for example, a pointing device, keyboard, buttons, switches, microphones, and/or a touchscreen panel. I/O devices320 may also include one or more communication modules (not shown) for sending and receiving information from other components insystem100 by, for example, establishing wired or wireless connectivity (via antenna350) between customer device104 tonetwork110, or by establishing direct wired or wireless connections between customer device104 and other components ofsystem100. Direct connections may include, for example, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth LE™, WiFi, near field communications (NFC), or other known communication methods which provide a medium for transmitting data between separate devices.
Processor(s)330 may be one or more known computing devices, such as those described with respect toprocessor220 inFIG. 2.
Memory340 may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium such as those described with respect tomemory240 inFIG. 2.
FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an exemplary facility server130, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, facility server130 may be a local server withinfacility system102. In such embodiments, facility server130 may include one or more distributed computer systems capable of performing distributed computing functions, cloud computing services and functions, and interface-related functions consistent with disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, facility server130 may operate in conjunction with network server130. In other embodiments, network server160 may operate alone, and facility server130 may be replaced by a network connection to network150 and/orlocal network110. In such embodiments, network server160 may perform all functions associated with the disclosed methods. In other embodiments, facility server130 may operate alone, without network server160. In such embodiments,facility system102 may operate as a standalone system, in which facility server130 performs all functions associated with the disclosed methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the computing arrangements are not limited to these examples, and that other embodiments may include one or more alternate configurations of computing systems capable of performing functions associated with the disclosed embodiments.
In some embodiments, facility server130 may connect to multiple facilities located in different geographical locations. In such embodiments, facility server160 may collect data from multiple facilities to evaluate performance times in different facilities, improve the accuracy of expected completion times for different types of tasks using one or more statistical/data regression algorithms, and predict future utilization of one or more of the facilities.
As shown inFIG. 4,server102 may include one or more processor(s)420, one or more memories storing programs440 (including, for example, a real-timedata processing module442, a historicaldata processing module444, a context determination module446, and/or a prediction module448),data450, and aninternal database460.Server102 may be a single server or may be configured as a distributed computer system including multiple servers or computers that interoperate to perform one or more of the processes and functionalities associated with the disclosed embodiments.
Processor(s)420 may be one or more known computing devices, such as those described with respect toprocessor220 inFIG. 2.
In some embodiments,server102 may include one or more storage devices configured to store information used by processor420 (or other components) to perform certain functions related to the disclosed embodiments. In one example,server102 may includememory430 that includes instructions to enableprocessor420 to perform operations by executing one or more applications, such as server applications, an electronic transaction application, an account status application, network communication processes, and any other type of application or software known to be available on computer systems. Alternatively or additionally, the instructions, application programs, etc. may be stored ininternal database460 or external database108 (shown inFIG. 1) in communication withserver102, such as one or more databases or memories accessible overnetwork110.Database460 or external storage may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium.
In one embodiment,server102 may includememory430 that includes instructions that, when executed byprocessor420, perform one or more processes consistent with the functionalities disclosed herein. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with disclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or computers configured to perform dedicated tasks. For example,server102 may includememory430 that may include one or more programs440 to perform one or more functions of the disclosed embodiments. Moreover,processor420 may execute one or more programs located remotely fromsystem100. For example,server102 may access one or more remote programs, that, when executed, perform functions related to disclosed embodiments.
Programs440 stored inmemory430 and executed by processor(s)420 may include one or more of a real-timedata processing module442, a historicaldata processing module444, a context determination module446, and aprediction module448. Real-timedata processing module442 may gather, analyze, and transmit data collected in real-time during a customer service request. Real-time data may include (IVR) data or a natural language translation of a customer telephone interaction with a customer service representative. Real-time data may also include text input, via a customer service interface or web chat, from the customer and/or customer service agent. Real-time data may include data such as a category of the customer service request (e.g., troubleshooting, account information, other inquiries, etc.), a customer account number, and/or data directly input by the representative via a customer service interface.
Historicaldata processing module444 may gather, analyze, and/or transmit historical data stored ondatabase108. Historical data may refer to data associated with a particular customer or account of the customer making the request, or may refer to global customer service data. Historical data may include statistical data on customer service requests and request outcomes (e.g., if a similar request was resolved and how the request was resolved). For example, historical data may include a ranking, input by a customer via an interface, indicating to what degree a customer service representative successfully resolved the customer's customer service request. Historical data may also include data collected for a specific customer indicating the customer's past account actions or activities (e.g., web site sign-on's, withdrawals, deposits, transfers, etc.). In some embodiments, historical data may refer to data from one or more customers or a subset of customers. In some embodiments, historical data may refer to data from one specific customer.
Context determination module446 may receive data from the real-timedata processing module442 and the historicaldata processing module444. The context determination module446 may use data to determine the context of a customer service request. For example, if a customer calls an entity's customer service helpline and navigates through an automated menu by selecting a help category such as “Website Troubleshooting,” IVR or keypad data received from the customer to make the selection may be received by the context determination module446 from the real-timedata processing module442. Context determination module446 may use this data along with speech-to-text data from the customer's telephone conversation with the representative to identify one or more keywords associated with the customer's problem or request. Context determination module446 may compile a list of keywords or phrases describing the problem presented by the customer. The context determination module446 may also use historical data, such as prior account activity by the customer or previous, similar customer requests that have been successfully resolved.
Prediction module448 may receive data indicating the context of a customer service request from the context determination module446. Based on the received context data, historical data, and real-time data, theprediction module448 may generate a prediction, in real-time, of how to resolve the customer service request.Prediction module448 may use the keywords or phrases generated by the context module446 to query a database (e.g.,database108 or460) for problems and resolutions and/or reference materials associated with the generated context. For example, if the context is determined to be a technical problem with a mobile application, theprediction module448 may generate a list of resources for troubleshooting the application. This list may be displayed to a customer using an ATM or kiosk, may be displayed to a customer via a graphical user interface on a customer device104, or may be displayed via graphical user interface on arepresentative device106 to a representative assisting a customer via telephone or web chat.
In some embodiments,prediction module448 may predict future servicing needs of the customer based on the determined context and customer account activity. For example, the context determination module446 may determine that a customer has attempted to transfer funds between accounts and visited the website help page. In this example,prediction module448 may generate a prediction that the customer is having trouble completing a balance transfer and identify appropriate resources to assist the customer service representative in troubleshooting the issue with the customer.Prediction module448 may also predict sales opportunities. For example, if the customer consistently pays off the balance of a credit card with a low limit,prediction module448 may identify credit cards with higher limits or rewards programs to offer to the customer.
In some embodiments,memory430 may storedata450 including data associated with customer service resources, common customer service requests, historical data, data derived from historical data such as trends, patterns, and correlative relationships.
In some embodiments,memory430 anddatabase460 may include one or more memory devices that store data and instructions used to perform one or more features of the disclosed embodiments.Memory430 anddatabase460 may also include any combination of one or more databases controlled by memory controller devices (e.g., server(s), etc.) or software, such as document management systems, Microsoft SQL databases, SharePoint databases, Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, or other relational databases.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of anexemplary prediction process500. In some embodiments,prediction process500 may generate and display resources for resolving a customer service request. In another embodiment,prediction process500 may produce one or more graphical user interfaces or other resources for guiding a customer service representative during a sales call, to offer one or more relevant products to a customer based on the customer's historical data.Process500 is discussed below as being performed by a server, e.g.,server102.
Instep502, data associated with a customer service request may be received from a customer during a communication with a customer service representative, e.g., a web chat and/or telephone call. In some embodiments, a customer service request may be received via a user interface on a mobile application, at a kiosk, and/or at an ATM. Data associated with the request may include one or more of audio data, text data, interactive voice response data, and the like. For example, thesystem100 may receive IVR data, data input in real-time by a customer service agent indicating the nature of the request, or real-time audio data received via a customer's telephone conversation with a customer service agent. Real-time data may also include data received via a user interface.
In some embodiments, for example, if the customer service interaction occurs via telephone, atstep503, the system may determine an identity of the customer. The identity of the customer may, for example, be an account number, name, security code, or the like, associating the customer to an existing account. In some embodiments, the system may use the identity to request historical data from one or more databases. The system may determine the identity of the customer based on, for example, the parsed audio or text data received during the customer service interaction.
Instep504,system100 may analyze the data associated with the customer initiating the customer service request. In some embodiments,system100 may receive raw data from one or more networked sources, and clean and/or normalize the data. In some embodiments, audio data may be received and transcribed, e.g., using NLP or other known audio data processing techniques to generate textual data from received audio data.
In some embodiments, for example, the system may use an algorithm, natural language processing (NLP) software, or other method known to one of skill in the art to parse the data and to determine, for example, one or more features of the data. Features may include, for example, call duration, common customer inquiries, keywords received as part of the request, and the like. For example, the system may analyze audio data using NLP and identifying keywords such as, for example, “transfer,” “international,” and/or “website.”
Instep506, a context of the customer service request may be determined, for example, by context determination module446, based on the analyzed data and/or on historical data collected prior to the customer service request. For example, real-time data may include the selection of an “Account Help” option by a customer via an automated telephone menu, and historical data for the customer may indicate that the customer has tried to log-in to a mobile application unsuccessfully during the past 24 hours. In this scenario, the context may be determined to be “Account Log-in Help.”System100 may use one or more of a machine learning process or neural network to determine a context. For example, classification techniques may be used to classify one or more characteristics associated with the context. In some embodiments, at least one context may be identified using a neural network trained, using a machine learning system, using a pattern recognition system, and so forth. Thesystem100 may also have a machine analysis algorithm incorporated such that a library of known contexts may be updated each time a customer contacts a customer service representative. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other methods for identifying one or more contexts based on received data that remain consistent with the present disclosure.
In some embodiments,system100 may determine a context using word recognition to identify words and/or phrases associated with one or more contexts. In another embodiment,system100 may pass one or more audio transcriptions to a neural network to identify one or more contexts. In addition, a neural network may determine a probability of a context based on received input data, and/or may determine a proximity of the context. In another embodiment, a convolutional neural network may receive audio data to determine customer tone. Customer tone may be used to identify resources to display to the customer service, such as de-escalation techniques, sales offers, and/or a prompt to contact a senior representative or manager. The system may combine information received as audio input with historical account information. For example, a customer request received over the telephone may include the phase “transfer.” Ifsystem100 determines that historical customer data indicates that the customer recently set up a new account,system100 may determine the context to be that the customer wishes to transfer funds to the new account. Historical data may indicate that the customer has previously made several transfers to another customer's account, and thus, the combination of audio and historical data may indicate that the context is that the customer is attempting to transfer funds to another person's account.
Instep508, theprediction module448 may identify resources in a database associated with the context of the customer service request. For example, resources may include a guide detailing how the customer may reset their password or steps to take to authenticate the customer if an unauthorized user is attempting to access the account. The prediction may be based on resources that have yielded resolutions for customers with similar request based on the generated context of the request. Resources may be retrieved from a remote database or cloud system. In some embodiments, the types of retrieved resources may depend on the type of customer service request detected. For example, if a request is received via a kiosk, the resource may include displayed instructions targeted toward a customer. In another example, if the request is received via telephone, e.g., from a customer directly interacting with a customer service agent, the resources may be internal documents targeted towards a customer service representative.
In some embodiments,prediction module448 may identify one or more resources based on results of previous customer interactions. In some embodiments, results of previous interactions may be calculated based on an individual customer. In other embodiments, predictions may be made based on customer data aggregated based on one or more customer characteristics, e.g., demographic information, account balance, late payment history, number of financial services used, etc. Predicted resources may include, for example, information about an incentive program or white glove treatment. For example, if a customer's historical data correlates to a future context of closing an account, a predicted resource may be one or more incentive programs. In some embodiments, incentive programs may be ranked based on the probability of a positive outcome, e.g., how likely it is that the incentive will prevent the customer from closing the account.
Instep510, the resources identified byprediction module448 may be displayed to the customer or customer service representative via a user interface. In some embodiments, the resources are displayed on a customer device104 such as, for example, a mobile device, kiosk, ATM, or computing device. In some embodiments, the resources may be displayed to a customer service representative, via a user interface, in real-time during a customer service communication.
FIG. 6 is an exemplarycustomer service portal600.Customer service portal600 may be accessed by a customer service representative in real-time on a device, e.g.,representative device106, connected tonetwork110.Customer service portal600 may display information including the customer servicerepresentative name602, the customer name andaccount number604, andrecent customer activity606.Customer service portal600 may also display previous customer service requests608 from the same customer. In some embodiments,customer service portal600 may display predictedsolutions610 anduseful resources612 based on the output fromprediction module448. Predicted solutions may include steps to take to resolve the customer request or contact information of representatives able to solve the customer's request. Useful resources may include customer service representative training materials, troubleshooting guides, and/or specific product information. Information displayed oncustomer service portal600 may better help the customer service representative to assist the customer by providing links to resources or guides that the representative may be unfamiliar with or may have forgotten since training.Customer service portal600 may update in real-time with predicted solutions as more data is received from the customer or representative.
FIG. 7 is anexemplary customer interface700.Customer interface700 may be displayed on a mobile device, kiosk, or ATM.Customer interface700 may require a customer to sign into their account by providing details such as a password, personal identification number, or credit/debit card.Customer interface700 may display the customer name andaccount number702 associated with the customer.Customer interface700 may display a prompt704, based on detected customer activity via an app, website, or directly at a kiosk, asking if the customer is trying to complete a specific action, e.g., make a transfer, make a deposit, check an account balance, etc.Customer interface700 may also display ahelp button706 to connect the customer with a customer service representative or to receive further input from the customer regarding their request.
While illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope thereof includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. For example, the number and orientation of components shown in the exemplary systems may be modified. Further, with respect to the exemplary methods illustrated in the attached drawings, the order and sequence of operations may be modified, and operations may be added or deleted. For example, in some embodiments, some of the steps may be performed as parallel operations. Other modifications are also contemplated.
Thus, the foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limiting to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments.
The claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification, which are non-exclusive. For example, aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being associated with data stored in memory, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can be stored on and executed from many types of tangible computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the above described examples, but instead are defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.