What exactly are voice controlled systems?

Voice controlled systems support the operator in the most natural way possible. They come in two main ways these days. On the one hand there are text-based systems such as chatbots or SMS transaction systems, on the other hand there are voice controlled cloud assistants for consumers such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa.

For companies in particular, dialog-oriented software systems offer even more advantages than just changing communication with customers. A large number of internal processes – some of which are already software-supported – can benefit from a natural language interface. It does not matter whether the language interface is spoken or written. Especially for untrained operators, voice controlled systems are more intuitive and significantly more productive than systems based on optical interfaces with clear and rigid rules that are specified by the program.

Voice controlled systems are almost always a combination of the following components:

  • Voice recognition
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • API / databases for information gathering and processing
  • Answer creation
  • Conversion of text to speech

Typical application scenarios for voice controlled dialog systems

Information capture

Voice controlled dialog systems can be used very well to capture and output information, precisely because of their easy accessibility. Simple examples are querying weather data, time or share prices. Simple entries can be made, for example, when recording inventories, control inspections and damage surveys. Here, the user can still use his hands freely and interact with the system via speech to perform inputs and outputs.

Control advisor

Coupled with a random generator and a database of possible controls, voice assistants can be used in quality assurance not only for logging, but also for the selection of necessary random control actions. The advantage here is that the users do not have a multi-optional interface, but are guided very closely by voice. This ensures the correct sequence and compliance with the existing QA protocols without the user needing an input device or a screen.

Product advisor

The right selection of wines or cosmetics are areas in which we have already worked successfully with voice controlled product advisors. In addition to the very natural access via language, the AI behind it also plays a major role in meeting customer requirements. The usage potential of voice systems is disproportionately high. Especially at the POS, as you can interact with the system directly on the shelf and do not have to use a terminal or other technical device.

Control of hardware

Light, heating and blinds are things that are often controlled by voice, we speak of the so-called smart home. But of course kitchen appliances, furnishings or entire laboratory areas can also be controlled by voice assistants. Here it is often an advantage that the systems are accessible everywhere. Therefore, the user only needs to be within range of a microphone and does not need any screen or input device.

Two other voice-controlled systems: chatbot and smart speaker

Advantages and disadvantages of speech-supported dialogue systems

The greatest advantages of voice controlled systems:

  • Intuitive operation
  • Strong user focus of the entire system
  • Hands-free
  • No high hardware requirements
  • Can be used almost anywhere
  • Simple multilingualism
  • Design focused on language

The disadvantages of voice controlled systems:

  • Complex conception through diverse contexts and processes
  • Quiet environment required for voice input
  • No visual support for complex contexts

Dialog-oriented e-commerce

Conversational e-commerce will grow significantly in the next few years. Especially the natural and less technical interaction via voice or chat offers the customer considerable added value and ensures a higher conversion. We are working on several systems that make it possible to use voice controlled, dialog-oriented e-commerce systems via WhatsApp, SMS, phone call, in the store and on special advertising spaces. Existing e-commerce systems are connected to the dialogue systems and create self-learning customer systems using deep learning algorithms, which can be trained at the lowest possible cost per sale or maximum customer experience.

Our conclusion on voice controlled systems in the corporate environment

Voice controlled systems are a real innovation for business processes and internal applications. The naturally voice controlled access enables employees to use the systems without extensive training and can also provide the right solution for the employee’s needs in complex situations. The development is still at the beginning, but in the next 12 months we will see considerable growth in the area of voice and text controlled systems in the corporate environment. Existing complex and time-consuming company processes with voice controlled systems in particular can be designed much more efficiently – without generating high costs.

Are you planning a voice controlled system?

Then get in touch right away. We have experience in the design and implementation of voice controlled systems and will be happy to advise you without obligation.

Together we can create great things. Shall we talk about it?

hello@thisisdmg.com

You can find more about our services in the area of voice assistance on our service page Chatbot & Voice Interface