Automation & Scale

How AI Can Answer 80% of Customer Questions Automatically

The exact categories AI should own (and shouldn't). Building effective automated response systems.

Quick Answer

For search, voice, and "just tell me what to do".

AI excels at answering predictable, fact-based questions: order status, pricing, how-to instructions, policy explanations, and account information. The key is identifying your high-volume, low-complexity queries and building excellent AI responses for those specific categories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Most support volume is predictable and repetitive
  • Identify your top 20 questions for maximum impact
  • Quality of AI answers matters more than coverage
  • Build escape routes for edge cases
  • Continuously expand based on actual queries

Playbook

1

Analyze support data to find your top 50 questions

2

Categorize by AI suitability (routine vs. complex)

3

Build comprehensive answers for high-volume queries

4

Test AI responses with real customers

5

Monitor and improve based on resolution success

Common Pitfalls

  • Trying to automate everything at once
  • Poor quality answers that frustrate customers
  • No path to human when AI fails
  • Ignoring queries that fall outside AI scope

Metrics to Track

AI resolution rate

First-contact resolution

Customer satisfaction with AI answers

Escalation rate from AI

FAQ

What questions should AI NOT try to answer?

Avoid automating: complaints, complex multi-part issues, emotionally charged situations, edge cases, and anything requiring judgment or negotiation. These need human touch.

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Strategic restraint as a competitive advantage. Understanding when human touch is non-negotiable.

Next: browse the hub or explore AI Operations.

Salarsu - Consciousness, AI, & Wisdom | Randy Salars