Artificial Intelligence boss tasked with coming up with B2B digital solution… and it's got some legs
Could a robot really do my job? It’s a question none of us had spent too much time mulling over a couple of years ago, but now it’s something that most of us have given at least a little bit of thought to.
With all the headlines around the growth of generative artificial intelligence, the power of tools such as ChatGPT and Bard, and concerns about technology gazumping humans in the not-too-distant future, it’s made us more aware that our skills are not as irreplaceable as we thought.
While automation for processes or straightforward tasks have been areas we’ve seen drops in the need for a human workforce for years now, the idea that a virtual being could fulfil a senior role that relies on knowledge and human ingenuity is still hard to grasp. So, in the name of technology, we decided to put it to the test.
To ease our CEO Rob Mannion’s ever-busy schedule, we decided to draft in his AI alter-ego to pick up some of the slack. And while given the reins, the ChatGPT stand-in started spitballing to see if he could come with another solution to add to our suite of B2B modules.
Admittedly, the first few were pretty pedestrian or didn’t offer too much that was new or innovative, but then what sort of brainstorm lasts only five minutes?
Eventually, the AI Chief Exec came up with something that piqued our interest. And while there would be certain logistical and political hurdles to jump to be successful, there was the germ of something there. See what you think.
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B2B.STORE: As the CEO for a B2B technology solutions providers specialising in the UK food and drink wholesale sector, what would be the best possible new product that you would launch?
ChatGPT: A good example is the B2B Food and Drink Sourcing Platform. It is a comprehensive online platform that connects food and drink wholesalers with suppliers, enabling efficient sourcing, procurement, and relationship management.
Key features and benefits of the B2B Sourcing Platform could include:
- Supplier Discovery and Evaluation: The platform would provide a centralised database of verified suppliers, categorised by product type, location, certifications, and other relevant criteria. Wholesalers could easily discover and evaluate potential suppliers, ensuring they meet their specific requirements.
- Streamlined RFQ and Negotiation: The platform would facilitate the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, allowing wholesalers to send RFQs to multiple suppliers simultaneously. Suppliers could submit their quotes through the platform, streamlining the negotiation and selection process. This would save time and effort for both wholesalers and suppliers.
- Product Catalogue and Specifications: Wholesalers could access a comprehensive product catalogue, featuring detailed specifications, images, and pricing information. The platform would allow suppliers to update their product listings in real-time, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for wholesalers.
- Supplier Performance and Reviews: The platform would include a rating and review system, enabling wholesalers to provide feedback on suppliers' performance and quality. This would help other wholesalers make informed decisions when selecting suppliers, fostering transparency and accountability within the industry.
- Order Management and Tracking: The platform would offer order management tools, allowing wholesalers to track the status of their orders, monitor delivery schedules, and manage invoices. This would streamline the procurement process and provide better visibility into the supply chain.
- Insights and Analytics: The platform would provide analytics and reporting capabilities, offering wholesalers valuable insights into their purchasing patterns, supplier performance, and market trends. These insights could help identify cost-saving opportunities, optimise procurement strategies, and drive business growth.
By launching a B2B Food and Drink Sourcing Platform, your company could revolutionise the way wholesalers discover, procure, and manage their suppliers. This platform would enhance transparency, efficiency, and collaboration in the industry, empowering wholesalers to make informed decisions and strengthen their supplier relationships.
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As ideas go, it’s far from the worst. So good in fact that when Rob returned to his desk, he swiftly turned off ChatGPT and declared the AI experiment over.
