By The place of voice technology in business
The level of accuracy of latest speech recognition software and language processors is quite impressive. As a result, more business owners have started to warm to the idea of using voice technology for various aspects of their operations. Voice technology represents a new paradigm shift that will define consistency in profitability and efficiency. From making work easier to reducing operational costs, the benefits of adopting voice technologies in business is worth a try. Here are a few examples;
Planning journeys and controlling car operations
For a driver whose hands are religiously on the steering wheel and their gaze is stuck on the road, voice comes as a much-needed resource for a fulfilling driving experience. Some of the tasks where voice control can be used within a vehicle include navigation activation and music control. With these being major operations when driving, it is no wonder that the automotive sector is one of the largest consumers of voice recognition software. If you have a car that comes without an inbuilt brand-specific voice solution, consider installing common apps such as Siri, Google Assist and Alexa.
Voice recognition technology is not only designed for private car owners. Public transport can install AI interfaces to answer common passenger questions on fares, routes and times of travel. Investors in the logistics sector can also use voice assist technology to sell route tickets and even allow customers access to cargo tracking.
Making payment and banking
Because of the uniqueness of voice at an individual level, the use of speech recognition as a security tool is gaining attraction in the financial services sector. When you combine human capacity with technology ability, then the outcome can only be excellence. On one hand is the human touch that enhances customer experience and on the other is the efficiency, speed and accuracy of AI systems.
By integrating some aspects of customer service to voice recognition, it is possible for users to convert currency, affect payments and confirm account details. This is not just theory, the Turkish Garanti Bank has rolled out the use of a Mobile Interactive Assistant (MIA) that helps customers to transfer funds provided they start with the phrase, “I need to transfer money to…” followed by the name of the person on the receiving end. Reports from the bank have indicated that an estimated 60% of customers with the app have been using it and are satisfied to the point of using it again in the future.
Shopping
In most instances where payments are done from a voice-enabled system, it is in settlement of ecommerce transactions. As a brand, the catch is in enabling customers to pay for their purchases as easily as possible. Steps such as placing orders, cancelling orders and tracking deliveries can be done without as much as lifting a finger to offer a hustle-free experience. In grocery shopping for instance, people tend to repeat the same list multiple times. To leverage such a predictability, Walmart is leading other businesses by allowing customers to order groceries via Google Assist. This app keeps a history of items that a customer has been purchasing over time and will compile a list of preferred items with any new order.
Amazon is another pace setter in the adoption of voice assist technology – they too have a voice shopping facility that covers all platforms under Amazon. The only major setup with this technology in filling your shopping cart is that buyers are not able to thoroughly scrutinize an item as they would physically.
Hands-free treatment solutions
With the current Covid-19 situation that has prompted minimized human contact and promoted the need for increasing social distance, the traditional doctor’s appointment is changing face. Practitioners who have embraced voice assistants find that they are able to not only treat more patients but can serve a client base drawn from different parts of the world. In the same light, patients are spending less in doctor charges and transport. Do you remember going for treatment and when you got home realized that you did not discuss an important aspect of your health with the doctor? This is another area where voice assist technology will be of help.
Another great benefit is to patients with impaired hearing and eyesight. Voice technology can be an effective tool for seeking treatment without them needing to find assistance to move to where the doctor is.
The above examples merely give a sneak-peak into what is happening and expected to happen in the voice recognition space. This technology, although popular with young people as a communication tool has the potential to revolutionize human life as we know it. Take for instance the Apple HomePod Mini. While businesses uptake technology at their own pace, it is for those who consider early adoption that will get businesses advantage.
