Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background. New ways of modeling abstract concepts have been enabled due to the recent boom in generative machine learning brought on by transformer architecture. By modeling abstract concepts within high-dimensional vectors their semantic meaning can be inferred and compared, which allows for methods such as embedding-based retrieval and the groundwork for a retrieval-augmented generation. Large language models can augment their parametric generative capabilities by introducing non-parametric information through retrieval processes. Objectives. Previous studies have explored different uses of embedding-based retrieval and retrieval-augmented generation, and this study examines the impact of these methods when used as an aid to support technicians. Methods. By developing and deploying a proof-of-concept system using embedding-based retrieval and retrieval-augmented generation to the Södra ITs service desk, the thesis could monitor system performance. Introducing a system to the service desk that generates instructional solutions to the support tickets and presenting them to the technician. The thesis investigates both systems' perceived performance based on the participating IT technician's input along with the retention of generated solutions and the quality of the solutions. Results. With 75.4% of the systems generated solutions being classified as reasonable solutions to ticket problems the system was deployed to the service desk. After an evaluation period where the technicians had been working with the system, it was shown that the solutions had a retention rate of 38.4%. These results were validated by a survey conducted at the service desk where the inputs were gathered from the technicians, showing a great deal degree of user engagement but a varying opinion on the system's helpfulness. Conclusions. Despite the varying degrees of opinion on the usefulness of the system among the technicians the numbers from the production test show that a significant amount of tickets were solved with the help of the system. Still, there's a huge dependency on seamless integration with the technicians and ticket quality from the requester.
Author: Cederlund, Oscar
Institution: Blekinge Institute of Technology
Language: English
Topic: Topic Modeling
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7064120666