Q&A chat bots are one of the four types of bots you can create in Slate. They are the oldest type of bot and are the most rudimentary, but can nonetheless be effective. Q&A bots are primarily based on a structured answer bank, not external knowledge sources. A Q&A bot will provide the best-fitting verbatim response to a question being asked. These bots must be prompted with outputs as well as possible inputs. Unlike AI chatbots, this type of bot cannot compose responses outside of the given prompts.

Creating a Q&A chat bot

To create a Q&A chat bot:

1. Go to Database → Bots.

2. Select New Bot.

3. Configure the following settings:

   • Status: Active

   • Name: Enter a name

   • Type: Q&A Chat Bot

4. Select Save.

Creating Q&A bot prompts

Prompts include inputs and outputs.

In the following example, a prompt for "Greetings" is created to include terms that users might enter or text to the bot (as inputs) and responses from the bot (as outputs).

To create a new prompt:

1. From the Bots summary page, select the bot name in the list. The summary page for the bot appears.

2. In the Prompts section, select New Prompt. An Edit Prompt popup appears.

3. Provide the following configurations:

   • Name: Provide an appropriate and recognizable name for the prompt.

   • Input: Each input value is provided in a separate field. Enter the expected words, phrases, or questions in the Input field. If multiple inputs are desired, select Insert Input and enter the additional content in the field that appears. Repeat as necessary to configure all desired input values.

   • Output: Provide the desired bot response or answer. If multiple outputs are desired, select Insert Output, and enter the additional content in the field that appears. Repeat as necessary to configure all desired output values.

   • Follow-up Prompts: A follow-up prompt (to an existing prompt for this bot) can be added, directing the bot to offer additional prompts. If a follow-up prompt is desired, select Insert Follow-up Prompt. Enter an appropriate name for the follow-up prompt, and select the existing prompt from the list.

     

4. Select Save.

Each bot is restricted to a maximum of 500 prompts.

Assigning a Q&A bot to an SMS or voice device

If you have a number provisioned that you wish to assign to a bot, you can choose the bot in the settings for the individual SMS number on the Deliver Configuration page.