Why Educational Institutions Should Choose a Managed Service Provider Over a DIY Approach for Intelligent Virtual Assistants

Ai & Educational institutions

by Fastbrand Copywriter | 15.07.2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of student recruitment, institutions must adapt and innovate to attract and retain the next generation of students. To stay ahead of the curve and maximise enrolment for 2025, you must employ strategies that resonate with today’s tech-savvy and information-driven prospective students.

Expertise & Specialisation

Limited Skilled Resources in AI

Educational institutions often lack skilled resources in AI-driven technologies within their internal IT departments. Developing and maintaining IVAs require specialised knowledge in AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), which many IT teams do not possess. MSPs, on the other hand, are equipped with experts who have extensive experience and skills in these areas.

Avoiding Outdated Technologies

Institutions relying on in-house teams often default to using outdated technologies and scripted chatbots. These solutions fail to deliver the sophisticated interactions and personalised experiences that modern students expect. MSPs provide advanced AI-driven solutions that go beyond basic scripted responses, offering dynamic and engaging interactions.

High Cost of Hiring Experts

Hiring AI experts with the necessary skills to develop IVAs is cost-prohibitive for most institutions. The expense of recruiting and retaining such talent often exceeds the budget of the institution's entire IT department. MSPs offer access to a global team of experts at a fraction of the cost, providing specialised services that are otherwise unattainable.

Lack of Conversational Design Expertise

Effective IVAs require skilled conversational designers who understand human interaction at a deep level. Institutions often lack these experts, resulting in chatbots that fail to engage students. MSPs employ skilled conversational designers who craft intuitive and natural interactions, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

" offer 24/7 support through omni-channel platforms"

Efficiency & Effectiveness

Ineffective Internal Solutions

Internal chatbot solutions are often limited to basic functionalities and fail to provide automation that reduces HR workload and operational costs. MSPs offer comprehensive solutions that automate various processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Focus on Core Business

The primary focus of educational institutions is education, not AI-driven communication solutions. Internal IT departments are often preoccupied with operational tasks and lack the bandwidth to stay updated with the latest technologies. MSPs, however, are dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring that institutions benefit from cutting-edge solutions.

Continuous Improvement & Support

MSPs provide ongoing monitoring, support, and improvements to ensure optimal performance of IVAs. They offer continuous upgrades and developments as new technologies emerge, keeping institutions competitive and current.

Enhanced Student Experience

Personalisation & Engagement

MSPs deliver IVAs that provide personalised, two-way communication experiences, offering 24/7 support through omni-channel platforms. This level of engagement is crucial for meeting the expectations of today's students and enhancing their overall experience.

Measurable Outcomes

Internal solutions often lack the ability to measure effectiveness, leaving institutions guessing about student preferences and needs. MSPs provide measurable outcomes, offering valuable insights into student behaviour, feedback, and preferences, enabling institutions to make data-driven decisions.

Focus on Student Needs

Institutions may become too focused on their internal processes, losing sight of what students need and want. MSPs, with their deep understanding of the student journey, design solutions that prioritise the student experience, ensuring higher engagement and satisfaction.

Cost-Effectiveness and Reliability

Avoiding Failed Attempts

Many institutions have attempted to build their own IVAs, only to realise the limitations and failures of their efforts after significant investment of time and money. MSPs offer proven solutions that avoid these pitfalls, ensuring reliable and effective implementation.

Priority Support

MSPs provide priority support, ensuring that any issues with IVAs are promptly addressed. This level of service is often beyond the capability of internal IT departments, particularly outside regular working hours.

The IVA System

A game-changing platform designed to revolutionise student recruitment and drive enrolment growth. By harnessing the power of AI-driven communication, engagement, and support, The IVA System empowers your institution to deliver exceptional experiences to prospective students, ensuring prompt and personalised interactions around the clock.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your student recruitment efforts – take the next step towards success with The IVA System today!

In Conclusion, while the DIY approach may seem appealing for its potential cost savings, the reality is that building and maintaining intelligent virtual assistants requires specialised knowledge, continuous improvement, and a deep understanding of student needs.

Managed Service Providers offer a comprehensive, cost-effective, and efficient solution that enhances student engagement, reduces operational costs, and ensures institutions remain competitive in an evolving educational landscape. Choosing an MSP over a DIY approach allows educational institutions to focus on their core mission—providing quality education—while leveraging advanced AI technologies to improve student communication and support.