• Written by Azhar Aliyar, Director

A category manager at a large retail organisation is tasked with implementing a natural language query system to help the sales team quickly answer customer questions about product availability. They are considering two options: running another pilot with a new vendor or investing in a full-scale platform like AsscherAi. The decision is not as straightforward as it seems, and the category manager needs to carefully evaluate the commitment, costs, and benefits of each option.

Commitments of each option

Running another pilot commits the organisation to a limited investment of time and resources, typically with a small team and a narrow scope. The goal is to test the viability of the technology and the vendor, with the option to walk away if the results are not satisfactory. In contrast, investing in a full-scale platform like AsscherAi commits the organisation to a larger investment of time, resources, and budget, with the expectation of a long-term partnership and widespread adoption across the organisation.

The category manager needs to consider the level of commitment required for each option and whether the organisation is ready to invest in a full-scale platform. This includes evaluating the technical infrastructure, user adoption, and ongoing support required to ensure the success of the platform.

The case for the other option

There are cases where running another pilot is the right choice, such as when the organisation is new to natural language query technology or when the vendor is untested. In these situations, a pilot can provide a low-risk way to test the waters and gain experience with the technology. On the other hand, investing in a full-scale platform like AsscherAi may be the better choice when the organisation has already gained experience with natural language query technology and is looking to scale up to a larger user base.

A shift supervisor at a manufacturing plant, for example, may have already run a successful pilot with a small team and is now looking to roll out the technology to the entire plant. In this case, investing in a full-scale platform like AsscherAi may be the better choice to ensure widespread adoption and long-term success.

Hidden costs

One of the costs that only shows up later is the cost of integrating the natural language query system with existing systems and processes. This can be a significant undertaking, requiring substantial resources and budget. The category manager needs to consider the potential costs of integration and whether the organisation has the necessary resources and expertise to support it.

Additionally, the cost of user adoption and training should not be underestimated. Ensuring that users are able to effectively use the natural language query system requires significant investment in training and support. The category manager should consider the potential costs of user adoption and training and whether the organisation has the necessary resources to support it. For more information on how AsscherAi can support user adoption and training, visit our website.

Decision-making without a six-month evaluation

Rather than running a lengthy pilot, the category manager can use a number of factors to decide between running another pilot and investing in a full-scale platform. These factors include the level of complexity of the organisation's systems and processes, the size and scope of the user base, and the level of resources and budget available to support the implementation.

By carefully evaluating these factors, the category manager can make an informed decision about which option is best for the organisation. They can also consider seeking input from other stakeholders, such as IT and user groups, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the organisation's needs and requirements. For more information on how to get started with AsscherAi, contact our team.

Limitations of this approach

This approach to deciding between running another pilot and investing in a full-scale platform like AsscherAi assumes that the organisation has a clear understanding of its needs and requirements. However, in some cases, the organisation may not have a clear understanding of its needs, or may be unsure about the best way to implement natural language query technology.

In these situations, a more consultative approach may be necessary, involving external expertise and guidance to help the organisation clarify its needs and develop a effective implementation strategy. The category manager should be aware of the potential limitations of this approach and be prepared to seek external help if necessary.