Bidding Assistant

Overview

Bid Bot includes an AI-powered chat interface that provides real-time assistance and support. This guide explains how to use the chat feature to get help with bids, questions, and platform features.

Prerequisites

• A Bid Bot account
• Access to the chat interface
• Internet connection for real-time chat

Accessing the Chat Interface

Chat Widget

The chat interface is available as a floating widget:

1. Look for the Chat button in the bottom right corner
2. Click to open the chat widget
3. Chat interface opens in a pop-up/overlay

Chat Interface

1. Chat Header: Shows chat controls
2. Message History: Displays messages in the current session
3. Message Input: Enter and send messages
4. Chat Controls: Minimise and close chat

Understanding Chat Context

Context Types

The chat understands different contexts:

All Bids Context

• General Questions: Ask general questions about Bid Bot
• Platform Features: Get help with platform features
• Usage Guidance: Learn how to use features
• Best Practices: Get recommendations

Bid Context

• Bid-Specific Questions: Ask questions about a specific bid
• Bid Analysis: Get help analysing a bid
• Bid Improvement: Receive suggestions for improving bids

Bid Question Context

• Question-Specific Help: Get help with specific questions
• Answer Guidance: Receive guidance on answering questions
• Analysis Help: Understand question analysis reports

Dashboard Context

• Analytics Questions: Ask about dashboard analytics
• Report Interpretation: Get help understanding reports
• Performance Insights: Receive performance insights

Context Awareness

The chat automatically understands:

• Current Page: Where you are in the application
• Open Bid: If you have a bid open
• Selected Question: If you’re viewing a specific question
• Dashboard Filters: Current dashboard filters

Using Chat

Starting a Conversation

1. Open Chat: Click the chat widget to open
2. See Context: Chat shows current context (if available)
3. Type Message: Enter your question or request
4. Send: Click send or press Enter

Sending Messages

1. Type your question or request in the message input
2. Press Enter or click the Send button
3. Message appears in chat history
4. AI processes and responds

Message Guidelines

• Be Specific: Ask specific questions for better answers
• Provide Context: Include relevant context in questions
• Clear Language: Use clear, understandable language
• Reasonable Length: Keep messages reasonable in length

Conversation Management

Current Session

The chat maintains messages in the current session:

• Message Thread: All messages in the current session
• Message Timestamps: When each message was sent
• Context: What context does the chat have

Chat Features

Real-Time Responses

The chat provides real-time AI responses:

• Quick Responses: Fast response times
• Contextual Answers: Answers based on the current context
• Comprehensive Help: Detailed and helpful responses

Suggested Responses

The chat may provide:

• Suggested Follow-ups: Related questions to ask
• Quick Actions: Suggestions for next steps
• Helpful Links: Links to relevant documentation

Chat Analytics

If available:

• Usage Stats: See how often you use chat
• Feature Insights: Understand chat usage patterns

Best Practices

Effective Communication

1. Be Clear: Ask clear, specific questions
2. Provide Context: Include relevant context in questions
3. Be Patient: Allow time for responses
4. Follow Up: Ask follow-up questions if needed

Using Context

1. Use Bid Context: Ask bid-specific questions when viewing bids
2. Use Question Context: Ask question-specific questions when viewing questions
3. General Questions: Use general context for platform questions
4. Context Switching: Chat adapts as you navigate

Using Chat Effectively

1. Ask Specific Questions: Get focused, helpful answers
2. Use Context: Take advantage of contextual chat when viewing bids/questions
3. Follow Up: Ask follow-up questions for clarification
4. Note Answers: Keep track of helpful information from chat

Troubleshooting

Chat Won’t Open

• Check Button: Verify chat button is visible
• Refresh Page: Refresh the page if the chat doesn’t open
• Browser: Try a different browser if the issue persists
• Check Permissions: Verify you have access to chat

Messages Not Sending

• Check Internet: Verify internet connection
• Wait: Allow time for the message to send
• Try Again: Retry sending message
• Check Length: Ensure message isn’t too long

No Response from AI

• Wait: Allow time for AI to process and respond
• Check Connection: Verify internet connection
• Retry: Try sending the message again
• Check Context: Ensure context is properly set

Chat Context Wrong

• Navigate: Navigate to the correct page/bid/question
• Refresh: Refresh the page if the context seems wrong
• Contact Support: If context is consistently wrong

Message History Issues

• Refresh: Refresh the page to reload messages
• Check Storage: Ensure browser storage is available
• Contact Support: If messages are consistently lost