This post is sponsored by Clarus Communications, a leading technology services distributor and part of the Telecom Decisions Makers (TDM) family of brands.
Sourcing remains a top challenge for agents, with slow lead times often contributing to delivery delays and unhappy customers. Many agents are now seeking a better way to procure and deliver products to meet rising customer demands and scale their operations.
Fortunately the technology sourcing landscape is changing, with AI transforming how agents discover and procure products and services for customers. Agents can now leverage AI-assisted sourcing tools to navigate complexities and respond more efficiently to customer needs.
Keep reading to learn how AI-assisted sourcing works, and some of the top benefits it offers for partners.
What is AI-assisted sourcing?
AI-assisted sourcing uses a combination of AI algorithms, data analytics, and automation to streamline the discovery and delivery of technology services. This type of service can easily integrate into any agent or customer environment using APIs.
By leveraging AI-assisted sourcing, agents can proactively respond to customer requests while reducing backend work and avoiding delivery bottlenecks. AI-assisted sourcing can help deliver a range of technology and telecom services such as data storage and backup, UCaaS, SD-WAN, digital phone systems, and cable services, to name a few examples.
How AI-assisted sourcing helps technology agents
According to the latest research from Techaisle, some of the top priorities for channel partners in 2024 include developing AI offerings, driving growth, keeping pace with competition and improving speed to market. AI-assisted sourcing aligns with all these needs, as it eliminates manual and time-consuming workflows for agents while positioning them as expert providers.
Here are some of the top benefits to using AI-assisted sourcing:
- Analyze large amounts of data from multiple sources in real-time and capture a wider range of insights. An AI sourcing tool can sort through provider databases and historical transaction data to identify the most suitable providers and products for partners and their clients.
- Enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. This type of service can execute tasks related to contract management, provider onboarding, and order processing, freeing valuable time and leading to greater scalability and agility.
- Anticipate market trends and supplier dynamics and capitalize on opportunities in real-time. By leveraging predictive analytics, partners can stay ahead of the curve, identifying potential disruptions or cost-saving opportunities.
Clarus Communications: Changing the way agents approach sourcing
Clarus Communications is redefining sourcing for partners with a comprehensive solution that streamlines and improves the entire procurement process from end-to-end.
Clarus partners now have access to Charlie, a trainable intelligent chatbot purpose-built by Clarus for telecom. Charlie provides instant quotes, performs serviceability checks, and instantly connects agents with supplier channel managers.
Charlie also connects directly with Salesforce through an API. The chatbot has read/write access to Salesforce, which allows it to create and update records and display useful information such as quotes and orders back to the end-user. To best serve their partners, Clarus is consistently making updates to Charlie and how it disseminates information.
By leveraging AI to analyze data and enhance decision-making, Clarus partners can boost efficiency and cost savings while helping customers achieve their technology goals.
To get started with AI-assisted sourcing and learn more about Charlie, contact Clarus.
