Younger customers are less loyal to brands than previous generations. Image: Eugenio Marongiu/Shutterstock
Comtrade Digital Services announces the launch of its new chatbot platform that works with instant messaging apps.
A new chatbot platform, Assisto, was created to meet evolving consumer needs. It’s currently being used by airlines and banks, and can securely process payments and requests via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Viber.
The software was developed in just three months by a team of Comtrade Digital Services engineers, and is designed to attract younger customers, many of whom carry out a lot of their transactions while on the go.
Elusive millennial brand loyalty
Brand loyalty doesn’t seem to be a factor in the decision-making process of millennial customers, according to Dejan Cusic, business director of Ireland and the UK at Comtrade Digital Services.
“It is getting increasingly hard for brands to retain the loyalty of their customers, particularly younger consumers. We are living in an instant world and, as a result, customers are becoming more demanding than ever before.
“An intelligent chatbot provides businesses with a fast and effective platform to meet their customers’ evolving needs.”
Flying and fintech
For airlines, Assisto works by providing travellers with flight options for their chosen time period within two seconds of a request being made.
Relevant flights from partner airlines are shown by Assisto, with users being able to securely pay within the chatbot itself. A flight itinerary is sent on, as well as a whole host of hotels and activities based on the user’s destination.
Assisto interface. Image: Comit
There’s also an innovative fintech element to the new chatbot. The integration of Assisto with the infrastructure of banks and financial services providers means that users can transfer funds, check their account balance and even exchange currencies – all from within the chatbot itself.
Tight security
In terms of security, users sign up with multiple-factor authentication, involving single-use activation codes and out-of-band verification. Two-factor authentication is then required for each transaction after sign-up.
Cusic explained that Assisto is just one way a company can respond to the needs of a younger customer base, who expect efficiency and snag-free transactions: “Assisto is quick and easy to implement, and provides brands with an additional channel to address younger customers, and respond to their expectations.”
