Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 94 | Page 57

CASE STUDY experience . The implementation of the chatbot on WhatsApp has empowered NCM to provide accurate and timely weather updates directly to users , fostering a stronger connection between the organisation and its audience .
Technical description
The ValueFirst solution uses the Surbo ValueFirst Chatbot builder platform and API integrations to deliver real-time weather updates to citizens of Saudi Arabia via WhatsApp . By leveraging the power of this platform , NCM can ensure that users have easy access to accurate and up-to-date climate and weather information .
The Chatbot acts as a reliable and convenient channel for NCM to engage with users . Through intuitive interactions and user-friendly features , such as requesting weather updates or receiving push notifications for severe weather alerts .
For deploying the service initially , ValueFirst created a WhatsApp Account for NCM by using the Facebook Manager ID . ValueFirst Product team mapped the concerned Number with the Surbo Account in-order to create the Chatbot .
NCM WhatsApp Chatbot will only work for Saudi mobile number . The Bot has been designed in such a manner that , whoever has been a subscribed user of NCM will be able to get relevant updates and alerts on the Weather updates in Saudi Arabia . For this purpose ValueFirst was subject to have API integration with NCM CRM .
The Chatbot is intended to provide sufficient information , creating awareness among users regarding weather conditions and alert services on climate changes . It is also possible that users can subscribe to get such alerts and notifications over the Chatbot itself .
ValueFirst implemented API integration with the NCM CRM to push such kind of information over WhatsApp whenever an alert has been configured in the NCM CRM . Surbo ValueFirst offers secure API integrations across channels with reliable fall back mechanism to schedule notifications .
Customer experience
Apart from this , users will be able to understand the background of NCM , its major initiatives and locating the nearest centres available . And most importantly users can directly connect with any of the support team to resolve their queries with the help of Live Chat agent functionality enabled in WhatsApp by ValueFirst .
Or they can directly reach out to the concerned centre via normal call or social media channel links incorporated in the bot .
Any enquiry NCM has missed to respond to the users will be available in the panel which ValueFirst has provided . The entire bot script has been created by ValueFirst in both Arabic and English language which in turn drives more engagement . User can choose his preferred language option .
All the user engagements are end-to-end encrypted and NCM will be able to access the real-time reports within the Surbo Panel itself to take proper actions against any customer inquiry if necessary
The implementation of the ValueFirst solution has brought numerous benefits to the end users . Citizens of Saudi Arabia now have a direct channel to receive daily or weekly climate change and weather updates . They no longer have to rely on indirect sources or wait for general announcements .
The NCM chatbot on WhatsApp ensures that users stay informed about the latest weather conditions , allowing them to plan their activities , make informed decisions , and take preventive measures accordingly .
“ The ValueFirst solution adopts an initiativetaking approach in disseminating critical weather information . In the event of severe weather alerts like floods or thunderstorms , the chatbot promptly sends push notifications to users , ensuring they receive immediate alerts and can take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and protect their property . This feature proves particularly crucial during emergencies , where every minute counts , and swift action can make a significant difference in preserving lives ,” adds Al Qahtani . p
Hussain Mohammed Al Qahtani , Media Manager , National Centre for Meteorology
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