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    Flow-alerta.cab

    Chatbot

    Process automationConversational AgentDialogue system
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 14 words

    In short

    Software that automatically interacts with people via text or voice in a dialogue-like exchange.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Chatbot. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/chatbot. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Relevant for customer service, internal knowledge search, lead qualification and recurring information requests.

    Example scenario: An internal chatbot answers questions about policies from shared documents and links the sources.

    First, clearly delineate which questions are answered, which data is used and when to escalate to people.

    At a glance

    Core
    A chatbot receives user input and generates responses or actions. Early systems were mostly rule-based; modern chatbots can combine language models, retrieval, tools and business logic. A chatbot is not automatically an autonomous AI agent.
    Use
    Relevant for customer service, internal knowledge search, lead qualification and recurring information requests.
    Example
    Example scenario: An internal chatbot answers questions about policies from shared documents and links the sources.
    Limits
    Equate chatbot and AI agent; output answers without source verification; lack of handover to people; define no boundaries for sensitive topics.

    In context

    AI Agents

    AI agents handle tasks over several steps and select tools and next actions within specified limits.

    Human-in-the-Loop

    Human-in-the-loop means that people decide or examine in important places.

    Questions about this term

    Is every chatbot generative AI?

    No.

    Is a chatbot automatically an agent?

    No.

    Can a chatbot perform actions?

    Yes, if appropriate tools and rights are connected.

    All details and background

    A chatbot receives user input and generates responses or actions. Early systems were mostly rule-based; modern chatbots can combine language models, retrieval, tools and business logic. A chatbot is not automatically an autonomous AI agent.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    A chatbot is software that you can write or talk to and respond to.

    Why it matters in practice

    Relevant for customer service, internal knowledge search, lead qualification and recurring information requests.

    Example

    Example scenario: An internal chatbot answers questions about policies from shared documents and links the sources.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Equate chatbot and AI agent; output answers without source verification; lack of handover to people; define no boundaries for sensitive topics.

    Origin & history

    Dialogue systems have existed since the 1960s; generative language models expanded chatbots from the 2020s onwards.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • First, clearly delineate which questions are answered, which data is used and when to escalate to people.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesUse Case: internal knowledge chatbot with reference to sources and handover to responsible persons.

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

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