Over three decades of research and development, Smartsettle has honed nine core algorithms that power our intelligent negotiation solutions. Our neutral platform serves these algorithms to decision makers all over the globe, helping them navigate conflicting objectives. The neutral site, through a special API, receives information from its users and responds by serving information that helps collaborative negotiators reach fair, efficient, and timely agreements. In short this is a “collaborative negotiation service”.
The Core Smartsettle Algorithms
The Smartsettle algorithms are implemented at the neutral site in order to support the Smartsettle Software As A Service (SAAS) model. They typically operate in the following order:
1. Single Negotiating Framework℠ (SNF)
Establishes the overall context for negotiations and defines the conditions that apply once an agreement is reached
2. Comprehensive Preference Analysis℠ (CPA)
Captures the underlying priorities and interests of all parties involved, forming the basis for optimal decision-making
3. Visual Blind Bidding℠ (VBB)
Allows parties to submit both open and secret bids, expediting the path to an agreement
4. Share The Overlap℠ (STO)
Distributes any overlap in offers in a fair and unbiased manner, fostering trust and collaboration
5. Reward Collaborative Behaviour℠ (RCB)*
Distributes overlaps in ways that discourage holding back, motivating true collaboration
6. Small Gap Closer℠ (SGC)
Resolves minor impasses more effectively than traditional "split the difference" methods
7. Expert Neutral Decider℠ (END)
Introduces neutral intervenors as a last resort, ensuring a collaborative outcome
8. Fairness Enhancing Normalization℠ (FEN)
Adjusts satisfaction scales to allow fair comparisons among all parties, preventing any attempts to game the system
9. Maximize the Minimum Gain℠ (MMG)
Analyzes comprehensive preferences to harvest and fairly distribute hidden value, ensuring no benefit is left on the table
* also known as Smallest Last Move (SLM)
How It Works
The negotiation process begins with all parties agreeing to an SNF, which outlines the intended agreement, leaving blanks for unresolved issues. Once all parties accept the framework and establish negotiating ranges, the next step is to model the problem within the Smartsettle interface. CPA is used to understand each party's goals, allowing Smartsettle to facilitate the creation, rating, and exchange of proposals and secret bids through VBB, while STO facilitates agreements, often based on Smartsettle's intelligent suggestions.
When negotiations reach a small gap, SGC uses RCB to resolve the issue instantly and without bias. Should parties be unable to reach consensus, the Expert Neutral Decider (END) can ensure an agreement is achieved. For more complex, multivariate problems, FEN and MMG are used to ensure fair outcomes and that uncover hidden value.
Real-Life Applications
Smartsettle's solutions are used in simulations, games, and increasingly in real-life negotiations. In February 2019, Smartsettle ONE made history by being the first AI tool used for dispute resolution in a public court in England and Wales. According to the Law Gazette, the tool helped resolve a £2,000 dispute over an unpaid counselling course in just one hour, after the case had been stalled for months.
Users can either train themselves on the system or work with skilled facilitators. While a human mediator is optional, Smartsettle’s automated mediation functions often suffice. For simple negotiations, Smartsettle ONE is a great starting point—users can even practice against a Smartsettle robot before negotiating with an opponent. More complex negotiations may benefit from Smartsettle Infinity.
If you have an existing application that could be enhanced by Smartsettle’s intelligent tools, we offer branded site subscriptions via API integration, tailored to meet your needs. If your requirements go beyond our configuration options, we’re here to discuss custom plugin solutions.
Take the first step towards efficient, collaborative negotiation—explore Smartsettle's capabilities today.
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