Gartner defines the CRM customer engagement center (CEC) as a cohesive set of software built around core case management tools, dedicated to providing customer service and support by engaging with customers, and intelligently orchestrating the processes, data, systems, and resources of an organization. CRM CEC is a key software platform used in delivering end-to-end customer service and support experiences. It enables customers to engage and interact with an organization as well as for the organization to orchestrate its internal and external processes and resources to fulfill the customer’s expected outcome.
Workforce engagement management (WEM) software is a collection of technologies that help manage the customer service workforce to ensure a high level of operational performance while elevating employee well-being, discretionary effort and satisfaction. The core capabilities of WEM products include: • Evaluation and improvement • Time management • Metrics and recognition (that is, performance management) • Assistance and task management • Voice of the employee (VoE) feedback • Recruitment and onboarding
Conversation analytics platforms enable service departments to extract insights by processing natural language interactions between customers and the organization. Conversation analytics platforms focus on voice and text interactions, whether postcontact or real-time, by telephone, chatbot, virtual assistant, live chat, messaging, and email channels. Extracting insights from natural language customer interactions is crucial for optimizing customer service. Conversation analytics allows customer service leaders to identify opportunities to improve customer and agent experience. It helps track process improvements, customer sentiment and service department compliance with regulatory and quality assurance guidelines; reduces the cost of agent training; and provides agent assistance to improve productivity.
Gartner defines conversational AI platforms (CAIPs) as SaaS products that primarily enable the development of applications simulating human conversation across multiple channels and media. CAIPs leverage composite AI, including generative AI (GenAI) and natural language technologies. Conversations can use a mix of modalities such as text, voice and visual content. To support the building of conversational applications, platforms provide extensive coding options, from pro-code to no-code. Application areas include chatbots, virtual assistants (VAs) and conversational AI (CAI) agents. CAIPs are used to create, deploy and manage AI-driven conversational interfaces. These platforms enable businesses to develop VAs and conversational AI Agents that facilitate both customer-facing and internal interactions through pro-code/low-code/no-code tools. CAIPs empower businesses to centralize and democratize the development and management of multiple, diverse CAI initiatives, leading to more cohesive and efficient operations. The blend of capabilities provided by CAIPs is distinctive compared to those offered by other CAI solutions, such as targeted extensions for CAI found in other enterprise applications (e.g., CRM systems, contact center platforms) or stand-alone GenAI-native apps. In comparison, CAIPs are a better fit for strategic and scalable enterprise-grade CAI adoption.
Network video recorders (NVRs) are IP-based appliances that are purpose-built for managing cameras, recording and viewing camera feeds at a site. NVRs are usually PC-grade or low-end server systems made using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware components. They usually contain an embedded operating system or a client operating system that hosts video management software, which provides users a mechanism to view, record and manage camera feeds.
Gartner defines speech-to-text (STT) platforms as business applications that process speech content, either live or in batch to produce: A transcript of the conversation Metadata about the call, the callers, attributes of call, emotional context Value-added services (e.g., biometric, legal) Workflow tools to support downstream work (e.g., intent detection, CRM updates) The capabilities of STT solutions vary. At a minimum, providers can offer a set of generic APIs with no tailored industry offering. More advanced solutions support complex deployments of edge technologies tailored to specific industries such as medical and legal. As natural language experiences are rapidly adopted by customers, users and employees, STT solutions must address a number of deployment configurations and be tailored for end-user domain knowledge to improve their accuracy.
Gartner defines a voice of the customer (VoC) platform as one that integrates feedback collection, analysis and action into a single interconnected platform that helps understand and improve the customer experience. Sources of feedback extend beyond direct surveying to include other, more indirect and inferred sources. VoC platforms enable leaders responsible for functions such as customer service, marketing, or sales to better manage the customer experience (CX) through a deep understanding of customer needs, motivations, goals and behaviors. The resulting insights trigger recommendations and actions across the enterprise.