ProgramsSpring 2024 Industry Capstone ProgramProjectsBatchBot

Project Title: BatchBot

TechMix.ai

Details
Project Title BatchBot
Project Topics Data Management Operations Product Design & Development Research & Development Software Design & Development
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
At TechMix.ai, we believe in empowering the Ready-Mix Concrete industry through transformative AI solutions. Harnessing the power of Generative AI and deep industry knowledge, we aim to centralize knowledge management, optimize operations, and catalyze innovation. Our commitment is to usher in an era where manual tasks are automated, decisions are data-backed, and every employee is equipped with AI-driven insights, ensuring the Ready-Mix industry is agile, efficient, and future-ready.

The pressing issues for the concrete producer involve enhancing customer interaction touchpoints, streamlining order processing, clarifying product information, and extending support beyond conventional hours. Addressing these challenges will likely involve the integration of automated systems and customer service platforms to provide a more responsive and user-friendly experience. We are partnering with ready mix producers to develop this technology and integrate it into their daily operation. 

Learn more about us at: TechMix.ai
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
The core objective of BatchBot is to address the common pain points in the ready-mix sector by offering a user-friendly platform that streamlines communications between the company and its clients. Through natural language processing and a comprehensive database of product knowledge, order histories, and delivery logistics, BatchBot's goal is to handle a wide range of queries with consistent accuracy. In order to achieve this, the following actions will need to be met:

1. Select technology platform
  • Choose the chatbot development platform that best fits your requirements
2. Define KPIs
  • Set clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will help measure the success of the chatbot.
3. Develop conversations flows 
  • Create scripts and conversation trees that the chatbot will use to interact with users.
4. Integrate with Databases 
  • Link the chatbot with producer product database, order management system, CRM, and order/delivery tracking systems.
5. Setup Language Processing models 
  • Implement and train NLP models to understand and process customer queries effectively.
6. Implement Transactional Functions
  • Ensure the chatbot can handle transactions such as order placements, modifications, and cancellations.
7. Secure the system
  •  Implement security measures to protect customer data and ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
8. Train Chatbot
  • Use historical data and simulated interactions to train the chatbot
9. Initial Testing 
  • Perform rigorous testing for functionality, usability, and reliability. 
10. Iterate based on feedback
  • Refine the chatbot’s responses and flows based on testing feedback.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
Validating the effectiveness of this product in a real-world setting is crucial. Success in this project could pave the way for further industry engagements and act as a case study for potential clients. The measurable results to look for would be indicators of both business impact and customer satisfaction. These would include: 

Business Impact:

  1. Increased Efficiency:
    • Metric: Reduction in average handling time per customer query.
    • Goal: Aim for a significant percentage decrease in the time staff spend on customer queries thanks to chatbot automation.
  2. Cost Savings:
    • Metric: Decrease in customer service operational costs.
    • Goal: Quantify the cost savings from reduced need for live agents due to chatbot resolution.
  3. Conversion Rate:
    • Metric: Increase in the number of orders placed via the chatbot.
    • Goal: Achieve a target percentage of total orders placed without human assistance.
  4. ROI (Return on Investment):
    • Metric: Comparison of the chatbot’s development and operational costs against the financial benefits gained (e.g., through increased sales, upselling, or cost savings).
    • Goal: Positive ROI within a defined timeframe post-launch.

Customer Satisfaction:

  1. Customer Engagement:
    • Metric: Number of interactions with the chatbot.
    • Goal: Steady month-over-month growth in customer interactions with the chatbot.
  2. Customer Retention:
    • Metric: Repeat orders and interactions from existing customers.
    • Goal: Improve customer retention rates as a result of enhanced service from the chatbot.

Project Timeline

TechMix.ai - BatchBot
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Tue, 01/02/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Initial Onboarding Information
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
The application for the Industry Capstone Program closed on December 29th. Starting on January 2nd, the Graduate Management Team will begin reviewing student resumes and applications. Over the next week or so, students will receive individualized emails with their project match, registration information, and next steps.

Once a student accepts their project match, they will be manually registered for the correct section of MGT 809. Please note that this is a three-credit course. Afterwards, students will be e-introduced to their faculty advisor, MBA (team) Lead, and student team members. 

If you have any questions regarding our application matching process, please email businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. 

All matched students will receive an email before January 12, 2024.
Wed, 01/17/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
First Day of Classes & Academic Calendar
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: Virtual
Event Description:
The first day of classes is January 17, 2024. All matched students will have received their project match and onboarding information (via email) prior to this date. Most teams will have their initial, virtual, meeting within the coming week or so.

Students should be checking their Stevens email for important messages from their faculty advisor, MBA Lead, and Kate Marsden (Manager, Industry Capstone Program). Students should also view/save a copy of the academic calendar so that they are aware of important dates for the semester ahead:

https://www.stevens.edu/office-of-the-registrar/academic-calendar
Wed, 01/17/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Stevens Brand Guidelines
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
The Stevens Brand Guidelines webpage is a helpful resource to utilize throughout the semester!

https://www.stevens.edu/brandguide

Feel free to download a virtual background (from this webpage) to utilize for Zoom meetings with your faculty advisor, student team, and corporate partner(s). We also encourage students to utilize a professional background for the midterm & final presentations.

MBA Leads: Please download the PowerPoint Presentation Template for your midterm and final presentations. Kate Marsden will also contact each MBA Lead, prior to these presentations, with instructions & specifics.
Wed, 01/17/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Industry Capstone Program Webpage & Resources
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
For information regarding the Industry Capstone Program, please visit the following link:

https://www.stevens.edu/industry-capstone

If you need any support, throughout the semester, please contact Kate Marsden. Kate is the Manager for the Industry Capstone Program and can be reached via email at businessprojects@stevens.edu with any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have. She is also available for 1-1 appointments, upon request, either via Zoom or on-campus. 
Sat, 02/10/24
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Student Pre-Kick-off Self-Assessment Form
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Student Pre-Kick Off Self Evaluation | January 2024

All Industry Capstone Program students are encouraged to complete surveys, via CapSource, throughout the semester. These surveys help provide our Graduate Management Team with important feedback about the course and overall experience.

Ideally, students should complete this form as early as possible in the Spring 2024 Semester. We understand that the first 1-2 weeks of the semester are typically spent onboarding, getting to know your team members, etc. This form will be available until 01/31/24 at 11:59 PM EST.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. 
Fri, 02/23/24
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Student Temperature Check
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
#1 Student Temperature Check | January - February 2024

All Industry Capstone Program students are encouraged to complete surveys, via CapSource, throughout the semester. These surveys help provide our Graduate Management Team with important feedback about the course and overall experience.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. 
Mon, 03/18/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Midterm Presentation Information
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
The chronological mid-way point of the semester is March 6th. Ideally, midterm presentations should be held during the weeks of March 18th or March 25th. No presentations will be held during the week of spring break. 

Kate Marsden will outreach to each MBA Lead to determine the best day & time for a virtual, midterm presentation. Once a day/time is solidified, she will send the faculty advisor & student team members a calendar invite with a Zoom link. She will also send the MBA Lead for each team important instructions and best practices for a successful presentation. Each presentation is scheduled for 45 minutes: students will have about 20-25 minutes to present, followed by Q&A from our Stevens Graduate Management Team.

Please note that corporate partners are not included in the midterm presentations, just the final presentations in May.
Mon, 04/01/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Midterm Presentation Submission
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
View Calendar
Description:
The MBA Lead for each team is responsible for uploading a copy of their midterm presentation here. If you have any questions or issues, please email Kate Marsden at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support.
Deliverable Instructions:
The MBA Lead for each team is responsible for uploading a copy of their midterm presentation here. If you have any questions or issues, please email Kate Marsden at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support.
Mon, 04/01/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Final Presentation Information
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
Kate Marsden will outreach to each MBA Lead, in early April, to schedule final presentations. 

Once a day/time is solidified, she will send the faculty advisor, corporate partner, and student team members a calendar invite with a Zoom link. She will also send the MBA Lead for each team important instructions and best practices for a successful presentation. Each presentation is scheduled for 45 minutes: students will have about 20-25 minutes to present, followed by Q&A from our Stevens Graduate Management Team and corporate partner.
Fri, 04/05/24
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Student Temperature Check
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
#2 Student Temperature Check | Post-Midterm Presentation

All Industry Capstone Program students are encouraged to complete surveys, via CapSource, throughout the semester. These surveys help provide our Graduate Management Team with important feedback about the course and overall experience.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. 
Tue, 05/14/24
12:00 AM EST (UTC-05:00)
Final Presentation Submission
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
View Calendar
Description:
The MBA Lead for each team is responsible for uploading a copy of their final presentation here. If you have any questions or issues, please email Kate Marsden at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support.
Deliverable Instructions:
The MBA Lead for each team is responsible for uploading a copy of their final presentation here. If you have any questions or issues, please email Kate Marsden at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support
Tue, 05/14/24
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Student Post-Engagement Self-Assessment Form
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Student Self Reflection Survey | End of Spring 2024 Semester

All Industry Capstone Program students are encouraged to complete surveys, via CapSource, throughout the semester. These surveys help provide our Graduate Management Team with important feedback about the course and overall experience.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. 
Fri, 05/17/24
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Industry Mentor Post-Engagement Team Assessment Form
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Thank you for participating in our Industry Capstone Program, this Spring 2024 Semester. If interested, please complete the following survey to describe your experience. If you have any questions or additional feedback, please contact Kate Marsden at businessprojects@stevens.edu for support. Wishing you a great summer ahead!