Sales AI Assistant: A Game Changer for Agriware Customers

Soon, Agriware ERP Software can streamline daily, repetitive tasks with the Sales Assistant from Microsoft Business Central. This means that sales team members who currently spend significant time and effort managing sales orders, responding to emails, and searching for available products can now be supported by an AI assistant. This allows the sales team to focus on building customer relationships and making a real difference for your clients while the sales workflow is monitored, prepared and suggested by the AI Assistant, also known as a Sales Agent.

Autonomous agents for Horticulture?

A true game-changer is on the way for Agriware users: Microsoft is rolling out its first AI agent for Business Central in the coming months, with more autonomous agents to follow. In a nutshell, we can say that for any of these agents, the main purpose is to help users get more work done with less effort while enhancing the quality of interactions with customers and colleagues. That might sound futuristic but it’s only one month away of the first release.

So, what exactly are autonomous agents? They’re self-operating software tools that can make decisions, interpret data, and process communication based on preset instructions (even written in human language if you prefer). They adapt in real-time, acting like a colleague who reacts and responds as part of your team.

The first agent in this lineup is designed to support sales teams by handling time-consuming tasks and improving workflow. The AI Sales Agent facilitates sales order entry, adapts to daily order changes, and responds to customer requests by suggesting email text for your sales reps—requiring only their approval or minor adjustments. This setup is ideal for plant nurseries and greenhouse growers who often face last-minute changes, cancellations, or new orders on the day of shipment.

With the AI Sales Agent in Business Central, your sales team can focus on building real human connections with customers and colleagues instead of managing systems.

How does this sales agent work?

It automates repetitive sales tasks. While it automatically monitors requests from a shared mailbox, it can write drafts and forwards a sales quote for approval, and, upon confirmation, converts it to a sales order for fulfillment.

‍

‍

How does it benefit the sales team?

• Automated Order Entry: From entry to confirmation, orders are managed seamlessly from your mailbox.
• Intelligent Review: Flags tasks requiring human review and handles customer communication for clarifications.
• Inventory Awareness: Checks stock availability during order processing.
• Timeline Tracking: Provides a clear view of order engagement from start to finish.
• Personalization: Recognizes and applies previously flagged customer preferences.
• Prepares Quotes: Drafts quotes for easy final review before customer sharing.

Added value for Agriware users:

• Efficiency Boost: Free up time for your team with streamlined order processing.
• Improved Accuracy: Fewer errors, as the agent considers inventory and preferences automatically.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: Timely updates and personalized responses strengthen customer trust.

The Sales Order Agent is set to release in December 2024 (US only), with global availability planned for 2025. This is just the beginning, as Microsoft plans to roll out additional autonomous agents worldwide in 2025.

Shaking up the Horticulture Industry: Real-World Impact

Business management is increasingly directed by software, and these developments mark the future of automation, driving efficiency gains across industries.

We’re excited about this, as Agriware customers will automatically benefit from the expanding lineup of Microsoft Business Central features, both now and in the years to come.

We believe this innovation is able to shake up the industry, and we want our the Agriware community to be the first to know. Feel free to contact our sales team or your consultant to learn how this can be implemented in your sales processes. Configuration takes only a few clicks if your organization’s role-specific permissions are set up accordingly.

Agriware 365 introduces Teams chat with Business Central! Say hello to your new AI colleague. 🤝 Check order status, product availability, recent treatments, and so much more — directly in Microsoft Teams chat.