Chatbot uses artificial intelligence to solve employees’ questions

Former human resources manager develops software product to save time

A bulging inbox of employee queries led a Dundee human resources specialist to develop a software product that automates replies to HR questions.

HaRi-Bot is an HR chatbot that learns a company’s policies and procedures and has the ability to quote from policies, send links and attach forms.

Developed by Human Resources Intelligence, the software also uses artificial intelligence to learn how to give the best answers.

If it fails to answer a question, there is the ability to raise a ticket for the enquiry to be answered by a member of staff.

Company owner Louise Rogers has previously worked as an HR director for Alliance Trust Savings before founding the company in December 2017.

She said: “I’ve managed HR teams small and large and employees ask questions that are very important to them.

“But, from an HR perspective, you are often dealing with some of the larger issues that help a business like recruitment, wellbeing or diversity.

“A huge amount of time and effort that goes into providing these answers which are generally available in a policy or process, but they are often not easy to find, search or understand.

“It can be hard to find the time to answer employee questions quickly and people can get frustrated if they have to wait for an answer.

“HaRi-Bot is a way to automate that process while still making it a positive experience for employees.”

The software takes the form of a confidential, secure web-interface available on an employee’s phone, tablet or computer.

It is designed to cover topics such as benefits, holiday and sickness.

The development process started last year. A project with Abertay University students last summer tested the concept and full development started in August.

It is now being used within Dundee and Angus College with several firms interested in using the product, which is customisable.

“It’s been built specifically from an HR perspective and the UK market is our primary focus at the moment,” Ms Rogers added.

“The early interest has been very good and we will be looking to increase employee numbers over the coming months.

“This is our first product. I’ve got ideas for products two, three, four and five as well.”

Ms Rogers said she was looking to add software and HR specialists to the team.

Louise Rogers, founder of Dundee-based Human Resources Intelligence, which has developed an HR chatbot.