With machine learning developing at lightning speed, communication is an area that can’t be left untouched. Natural language processing (NLP) stands for the utilization of Artificial Intelligence to comprehend language in context and communicate responses based on trained algorithms. NLP assists organizations with basic processes such as the extraction of information and data from text-based documents to more advanced ones, like sentiment analysis.
All internet users have utilized at least one application that was based on NLP. Even the act of performing a search on Google or Bing makes you an active user of NLP-based systems. These search engines employ natural language processing to suggest suitable recommendations and respond to search requests.
However, natural language processing finds use in other software besides search engines. Alexa or Siri, which are both two well-known voice-activated virtual assistants, depend on natural language processing to recognize the human voice and respond to your questions. Also, chatbots base their answers on NLP.
Businesses and organizations can utilize this technology to retrieve information from unstructured data to build enhanced data sets. Before discussing the benefits that NLP has in comprehending and answering queries of written or spoken words, let us talk about its origin and how it came into use.
What is NLP (Natural Language Processing)?
Natural language processing (NLP) is treated as a specific branch of the realm of computer science closely related to artificial intelligence. It deals with the capability of computers to understand spoken and written words as a normal human.
Computational linguistics, which is rule-based modeling of human language, together with machine learning, statistical, and deep learning models work together to decipher sounds from voice data and process human language while taking into consideration the purpose and background of the writer or speaker.
NLP is the heart of translation software programs that adapt content into other languages and summarize large volumes of text in an instant and respond to voice requests in a matter of seconds.
You’d be surprised at the number of running systems that we use on a daily basis powered by NLP algorithms. These could be digital assistants, chatbots, GPS systems, or speech-to-text dictation software programs. NLP is not limited to the use of our everyday devices though. It finds use in large companies to simplify business processes, boost employee productivity, and guarantee smooth daily operations.
Advantages of NLP for Businesses
Human language has as many rules as it has exceptions, which makes it incredibly challenging to build software that comprehends voice and text data accurately. Programmers deal with these intricacies daily(metaphors, grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, etc.) but the product of their work is totally worth it.
Especially for businesses seeking to enhance their customer service experience, reduce the response time with context-based automated answers, or analyze customer conversations and produce insights. Some key points of using NLP are:
In-depth Data Analysis
Computers find it challenging and time-consuming to analyze and process unstructured data such as emails, documents, or research results. Using NLP technology, vast amounts of textual data are processed with much more ease.
Also, NLP helps recruiters reduce the time spent to hire new employees. NLP applications remove the need for manual screening of thousands of resumes by filtering based on keywords that define specific characteristics. Companies can easily rank candidates by analyzing their resumes with minimal mistakes and then qualifying for them for the next phrase in seconds.
Streamlines Sophisticated Processes
Businesses and organizations such as accounting firms and law offices have extensive amounts of contractual and legal documents that need reviewing before proceeding with a partnership or solving a legal case.
Searching manually through these documents for specific decisive phrases is not only tiresome but risky since the human eye is prone to loss of focus. A trained chatbot tailored for accounting or legal professionals powered by NLP can identify such phrases in under a few minutes. Thus, streamlining the contracts review and creation process while staff members work on tasks that can’t be automated.
Enhances Customer Experience
Large artificial intelligence systems are capable of retrieving data fast which helps in providing customers with answers on time. Trained chatbots answer predictable questions from customers regarding shipping costs, business hours, or other service details, eliminating the need to wait in a chat line or communicate through email.
Nevertheless, natural language processing accomplishes more than replying to queries with automated responses. It also has the capability to analyze customer responses and notice the sentiment in them, especially when analyzing reviews.
The hospitality sector, which relies on reviews and surveys for enhancing customer experience, can identify users’ emotions using trained algorithms. NLP solutions analyze patterns found in these reviews to find the conveyed emotions. Negative words such as “I’m tired”, ”I hate” could be the start of negative feedback, and so on.
Empowers Employees in Their Work
Numerous repetitive tasks can be eliminated by making use of NLP. Employees could automate most of their tedious processes and work on engaging and productive high-level tasks, increasing efficiency dramatically.
Chatbots could check several sources at once and elicit the essential data sets required for employees to answer queries or solve tasks. This makes the work process autonomous and independent and employees are more satisfied and deliver impeccable results, which elevates your company’s reputation.
Lowers Expenses
Increased efficiency means fewer manual processes, and less employees needed. An NLP solution reduces the need for more people to deal with manual work, together with potential mistakes. Whether tasked with data analysis or responding to clients’ queries, an NLP solution automates many costly operations.
Reducing repetitive tasks and streamlining processes frees time for employees to work on other tasks which gets more work done. Productive employees are prompt to stay longer in their workplace, lowering the hiring costs for new staff as well.
Final Thoughts
Implementing an NLP solution can greatly impact a business for good, but this shouldn’t be an instant decision. An organization needs to ensure that it is equipped with the proper resources and volumes of data required to feed the algorithms, and have employees ready to embrace this change.
Generally, natural language processing could be integrated for both small and large businesses dealing with ample voice or text information analysis. Analyzing data effectively is fundamental for businesses to step ahead of their competitors. If you’re in the search of an NLP solution, our Blue Orange Digital experts are prepared to provide a project roadmap for your business! Schedule your free consultation here.
