Mexican software developer takes AI to the HR department

Mexican software developer Sicoss has partnered with technology firm IBM to develop chatbots that answer common enquires related to human resources.

Sicoss used IBM's Watson artificial intelligence platform to develop cognitive agents - systems that use cognitive technology to interact with people for human resource applications. The system, known as Eko Neural, can learn about HR subjects such as pensions, leaves of absence or annual bonuses, among others.

Eduardo Sabatés, founding partner at Sicoss, said in a presentation in Mexico City that an expert in any topic can train a cognitive agent on a determined subject. The agent can then address questions such as how much a worker will get for their annual bonus based on the number of years they have worked at the company.

According to IBM's 2017 customer experience index, 45% of companies take longer than 24 hours to answer to a question sent by a client via social media. Eko Neural can respond almost immediately, which according to Sabatés, allows HR to focus on added-value activities.

Miguel Galindo, chief innovation officer at Sicoss, added that EkoNeural allows to virtually expand a company's sales force or call center agents.

David Ruíz, director of IBM's Watson in Mexico, underscored that his company is moving away from the traditional business-to-business model. Under the new scheme IBM's partners deliver the company's technology to individuals, which is what Sicoss is doing with its Watson-based solution.

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY

Sicoss has developed several enterprise solutions, including a cloud-based payroll platform for SMEs. Regarding the Eko Neural cognitive agents, Sabatés told BNamericas that the company created several models to ensure that the technology is accessible to all types of companies.

Large companies can train their cognitive agents in specific topics according to their needs. On the other hand, smaller players can pay for access to any of the cognitive agents that Sicoss has already trained in nine areas. In addition, companies can lease agents on a seasonal basis for subjects such as annual bonuses.