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.

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.

Adding Q&A bot sources

To streamline bot configuration, links to websites with existing FAQs can be added as sources. The bot evaluates these existing questions and answers using natural language processing to facilitate answers to expected questions.

To add a source:

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

2. Select New Source. An Edit Source popup appears.

   

3. Provide the following configurations:

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

   • URL: Enter the URL of the web page containing the FAQ.

4. Select Save. The source summary page appears.

   

   
   The Status value appears as "Running..." as the questions and answers are imported from the FAQ. When the process completes, the Status value changes to "Succeeded," and the imported questions and answers appear.

5. Select Publish to convert the existing questions into prompts. A confirmation popup appears.
    

6. Select OK to confirm. A popup appears to confirm the publish action. Select OK. The new prompts from the source now appear in the Prompts list on the summary page for the bot.

   

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.