Support Request Assignment Using Conversation Pace Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customer service providers face challenges in effectively managing support requests due to inefficiencies in assigning operators based on the pace of conversation, leading to potential frustration and dissatisfaction among customers.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that performs textual analysis of user inputs during current and previous support sessions to classify users into predefined classes describing the pace of conversation, allowing for dynamic assignment of support requests to appropriate operators, thereby improving customer satisfaction and resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If support requests are assigned using static or simple routing methods, then device complexity is reduced, but customer satisfaction deteriorates due to mismatched operator-user pace compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment system complexityVSAvoidcustomer satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the parameter of operator assignment based on the detected pace of conversation. By calculating a pace metric from user inputs and matching it with operator characteristics, the system adapts the assignment decision to current conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple routing and satisfied customers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The assignment system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously monitoring user inputs during support sessions and adjusting assignments in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain customer satisfaction without requiring overly complex predetermined routing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If textual analysis is performed on all user inputs in real-time, then assignment accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepace classification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs textual analysis selectively on key user inputs rather than processing every single input with equal depth. By focusing analysis on inputs that most significantly indicate pace of conversation, the system achieves sufficient classification accuracy without incurring excessive processing time penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary textual analysis on user inputs during the support session to detect pace of conversation early. This preliminary classification enables timely operator assignment without requiring exhaustive analysis, balancing accuracy with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If operators are assigned without considering pace of conversation, then resource allocation is simplified, but productivity decreases due to longer resolution times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport request resolution efficiencyVSAvoidassignment management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pace of conversation as a dynamic parameter in the operator assignment decision. By calculating pace metrics from user inputs and matching them with operator capabilities, the system optimizes resolution efficiency without requiring complex manual assignment management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs textual analysis, pace detection, and operator selection without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach to assignment management improves productivity while keeping the complexity hidden within the automated system rather than requiring complex external management processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11252202B2Support request assignment using pace of conversation
Publication Date: 2022.02.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11252202B2 patent drawing
  • US11252202B2 patent drawing
  • US11252202B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects discussed herein include a computer-implemented method comprising receiving a support request from a user, and during a current support session responsive to the support request, performing textual analysis of one or more inputs provided by the user during one or both of: (i) the current support session and (ii) one or more previous support sessions. The method further comprises applying one or more features determined by the textual analysis to a model to classify the user into a first class of a predefined plurality of classes that describe a pace of conversation during the current support session. The method further comprises, based on the classification of the user, assigning the support request to be fulfilled by a first operator of a predefined plurality of support operators.