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AI reshapes contact centers: New report reveals industry shift

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RingCentral’s newly released report, “The future of customer engagement: How AI is reshaping contact centers,” examines the increasing use and advantages of artificial intelligence in customer service. This in-depth analysis is derived from a subset of data from RingCentral’s broader “The state of AI in business communications” study, specifically focusing on responses from contact center leaders. By isolating these key decision-makers’ perspectives, the report provides crucial insights into AI’s current impact and future prospects in this essential business sector.

Key findings

Key findings from the report highlight the rapid integration of AI into customer interactions. A significant 51% of contact center leaders have already incorporated AI into their customer conversations, with only 11% having no plans to adopt the technology. This widespread adoption reflects the increasing recognition of AI’s potential to improve operational efficiency and customer experiences.

Among the most desired AI features, real-time transcription tops the list at 51.2%, followed closely by automated call summaries at 43.6%. These capabilities are transforming how contact centers operate, enabling more accurate and efficient customer interactions.

Perhaps most striking is the unanimous agreement on AI’s benefits among those using it for conversation analysis. All respondents reported improvements such as faster resolution times, enhanced customer satisfaction, and reduced agent burnout. This 100% positive feedback underscores AI’s potential to address key challenges in contact center operations.

The report also reveals that contact center leaders have a nuanced view of AI’s impact. While 52% express optimism about AI’s influence on their team’s work, 36% maintain a realistic perspective. This balanced outlook suggests a thoughtful approach to AI integration, recognizing both its potential and limitations.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Looking ahead, 95% of respondents expect AI to replace certain tasks within the next three to five years. Data entry, automated messaging responses, and customer service scripting are among the top functions likely to be automated. This shift promises to free up human agents for more complex, value-added interactions.

However, the report also warns of the risks associated with failing to adopt AI. Longer process times, reduced competitive advantage, and lower customer satisfaction scores are cited as potential consequences of delayed AI implementation. With consumer expectations at an all-time high – 46% find hold times unacceptable – the pressure to improve service quality through AI adoption is mounting.

As contact centers navigate this AI-driven transformation, the report emphasizes the importance of aligning AI initiatives with clear business goals, selecting the right solutions, ensuring organizational readiness, and continuously monitoring and iterating on AI strategies.

The launch of this report marks a significant milestone in understanding AI’s role in reshaping contact centers. By providing data-driven insights and practical guidance, it equips business leaders with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about AI adoption and implementation in their customer service operations.

Originally published Jan 21, 2025, updated Jan 30, 2025

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