Introducing the Beta Version of Business Analyst Assistant in ArcGIS Business Analyst Web App

The introduction of the Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) in the June 2024 release of ArcGIS Business Analyst Web App marked a significant milestone for Esri, as it introduced the company’s first in-app assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This assistant aims to enhance user experience by recommending and running popular workflows, as well as providing tips for using the app effectively.

Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) serves as a valuable tool for both new and existing users of the app. By leveraging a large language model, the assistant can interpret user intent and suggest relevant workflows. Users can then select from these suggestions to perform a desired workflow, making the process more streamlined and efficient. This implementation of AI is known as “human in the loop,” as it involves user interaction in the decision-making process.

The availability of Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) in the app header allows users to easily toggle the assistant on or off in their app preferences. Organization administrators also have the option to enable or disable the assistant for their entire organization, providing flexibility in its usage. Additionally, the assistant is designed as a beta capability, encouraging users to provide feedback for further improvements. Users can use the thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons to indicate the effectiveness of content suggestions and submit feedback through a form.

Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) can assist users with tasks related to various capabilities, including creating infographics, utilizing points of interest search, and generating color-coded maps. The assistant also offers tips to guide users through workflows, similar to a guided tour, without consuming credits. Users can either use the suggested prompts provided by the assistant or write their own queries to interact with it.

When using suggested prompts, users can create reports or maps based on predefined queries and modify them as needed. The assistant provides recommendations for workflows and offers tips on customizing outputs, enhancing user productivity and efficiency. Users can also write their own prompts to query the assistant, following best practices such as using the term “how” for guidance and keeping queries concise for faster processing.

It is important to note the limitations of AI in generating suggestions, as they may sometimes be misleading or inaccurate. User data is not saved or used to train the AI, ensuring privacy and data security. Currently, Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) is English-only and focuses on specific capabilities, with plans to expand its functionalities in the future.

In conclusion, the introduction of Business Analyst Assistant (Beta) in ArcGIS Business Analyst Web App represents a significant advancement in user experience through AI-powered assistance. By leveraging this in-app assistant, users can enhance their productivity, learn new workflows, and receive valuable tips for utilizing the app effectively. As the assistant continues to evolve, it promises to further streamline user interactions and improve overall user satisfaction.