Backoffice AI Blog

While e-commerce continues to grow in importance for B2B sellers, it's crucial to understand why it will likely remain just one component of the overall order mix. The reality of B2B ordering processes is deeply rooted in established technical systems and workflows that continue to serve businesses effectively.

EDI: The Hidden Giant of B2B Orders

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) accounts for a substantial percentage of B2B orders, particularly among larger organizations. This often-overlooked system continues to dominate for several reasons:

• Direct integration between buyer and seller systems
• Automated processing of routine orders
• Established standards that work across industries
• Deep integration with existing ERP systems
• Efficient handling of large, recurring orders

Many major retailers, manufacturers, and distributors have invested heavily in EDI infrastructure over decades, making it their preferred ordering method.

ERP Systems and Purchase Order Workflows

For companies not using EDI, the ordering process is typically driven by their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system's requirements and workflows. Here's how this commonly works:

1. Purchase Orders Must Start in the ERP
   • Companies require all purchases to be initiated within their ERP system
   • This ensures proper approvals, budget tracking, and audit trails
   • The PO creation process is integrated with inventory and accounting functions
2. Email-Based Order Submission
   • Once approved, many ERP systems automatically generate purchase order documents
   • These systems often include functionality to email the PO directly to vendors
   • Buyers are accustomed to this workflow as it maintains their internal controls
   • Sales representatives receive these emailed POs and process them in their systems
3. Phone Orders
   • Many buyers still prefer to call in orders, especially for:
     • Complex or rush orders requiring immediate attention
     • Orders needing special pricing or terms
     • Situations requiring clarification or technical discussion
   • These calls are often followed by emailed PO documentation

Where E-commerce Fits

Given these realities, B2B e-commerce serves important but specific functions:

• Product research and discovery
• Access to technical documentation and specifications
• Simple reorders of standard items
• After-hours ordering capabilities
• Self-service for smaller, straightforward purchases

Planning for Multiple Channels

Successful B2B sellers need to accommodate all these ordering methods:

• Maintain robust EDI capabilities for large customers
• Ensure sales teams can efficiently process emailed purchase orders
• Provide phone ordering options with trained staff
• Offer e-commerce as an additional channel for appropriate situations

Looking Forward

While e-commerce platforms continue to evolve, the fundamental nature of B2B ordering systems means that EDI and ERP-generated purchase orders will remain significant portions of the order mix. However, new AI technologies are revolutionizing how these traditional ordering methods are processed.

For example, Backoffice AI offers innovative solutions that streamline the processing of emailed purchase orders. Our technology:

• Automatically converts PDF purchase orders and other order documents into actionable data
• Eliminates manual data entry and associated errors
• Validates imported data to identify inconsistencies before processing
• Seamlessly integrates the extracted order information into existing ERP systems
• Reduces order processing time while improving accuracy

This type of AI-driven automation represents the future of B2B order processing - not by forcing customers to abandon their preferred ordering methods, but by making the handling of these orders more efficient. Successful organizations should focus on:

• Supporting multiple ordering channels efficiently
• Understanding which customers prefer which methods
• Ensuring smooth processing regardless of order source
• Maintaining flexibility to meet varying customer needs
• Implementing AI solutions like Backoffice AI to automate manual processes
• Continuously improving order accuracy and processing speed through automation

The key to success isn't maximizing e-commerce adoption, but rather ensuring that all ordering channels - EDI, emailed POs, phone orders, and e-commerce - work together seamlessly to serve customers effectively. With AI-powered solutions handling the conversion and validation of traditional order documents, companies can maintain their customers' preferred ordering methods while dramatically improving their internal efficiency.

Backoffice AI offers efficient integration options for businesses looking to streamline their order processing. This article explores how our platform can integrate with your existing systems to automate data extraction from order emails.

The Advantages of Integration over Manual Data Entry

1. Increased efficiency and speed in order processing
2. Improved data accuracy by eliminating human error
3. Scalability to handle growing order volumes
4. Better resource allocation, freeing staff for strategic tasks

Integration Methods

Backoffice AI offers two primary integration methods:

1. API Integration

Our API allows direct access to extracted order data, offering:

- Flexibility in data utilization
- Real-time updates
- Seamless incorporation into existing workflows

This method is ideal for businesses with an EAI tool / middleware app or ability to integrate directly from their existing systems.

2. Pre-built Connectors

For quicker implementation, we offer pre-built connectors for popular systems including:

• Shopify
• BigCommerce
• Magento
• Acumatica 
• NetSuite

These connectors provide a plug-and-play solution, reducing integration time and complexity.

Choosing the Right Integration Approach

Consider these factors when selecting an integration method:

• Current systems in use
• Order volume
• Available technical resources
• Future growth plans

Additional Benefits of Integration

Integrating Backoffice AI can lead to:

• Improved customer satisfaction through faster order processin
• Enhanced business intelligence from centralized, digitized data
• Competitive advantage through operational efficiency

Conclusion

Integrating Backoffice AI with your existing systems offers significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Whether you choose API integration or pre-built connectors, our solution can adapt to your specific business needs.

For more information on integrating Backoffice AI with your systems, please contact our support team.

The Three Types of B2B Orders and Why Sales Person In The Middle Orders Are Stuck in a Time Warp

B2B ordering is super, super exciting. Right? Right? Well, maybe not exciting, but the same characters show up. Let’s take a look at the main players: EDI Orders, Web Orders, and the ever-resilient Sales Person In The Middle Orders.

1. EDI Orders: The Big Volume Heavyweight (Edna)

Picture this: a bustling warehouse, forklifts zooming around, and pallets stacked high with products ready to ship. Enter Edna, the EDI Order, the heavyweight champion of B2B orders. These orders come in large volumes and are typically exchanged between systems without a human in sight. It's like watching two robots doing a complex handshake that no one else understands.

But let’s be honest, Edna is the epitome of efficiency—until something goes wrong. When a hiccup occurs, you might find yourself frantically searching for an EDI translator, and not the kind that helps you order pasta in Italy. Despite the occasional glitch, Edna is the unsung hero of high-volume transactions.

2. Web Orders: The Self-Service Savant (Wally)

Next up, we have Wally, the Web Order. These are the orders that make us feel like we’re living in the future. Customers can log onto a snazzy portal, pick out what they need, and voila, the order is placed. It's as easy as ordering a pizza, but instead of pepperoni, you’re getting industrial-grade widgets.

Wally is all about self-service. He's like the introvert of the B2B world—efficient, straightforward, and he doesn’t need to talk to anyone. Everything is smooth sailing until the customer accidentally orders 10,000 units instead of 1,000. Cue the frantic phone calls to customer service and the inevitable facepalm.

3. Sales Person In The Middle Orders: The Classic (Stuart)

Finally, we arrive at the timeless classic: Stuart, the Sales Person In The Middle Order. If Wally is the introvert, Stuart is the extrovert, always needing that human touch. It's like watching an old movie where the protagonist has to meet someone in a smoky bar to close the deal.

In the world of B2B sales, this type of order hasn't changed much in decades. Stuart is there, in the middle of everything, guiding the customer through the process, offering a personal touch, and making sure everything is just right. It's charming, really, but also a bit like using a rotary phone in the age of smartphones.

Despite the charm, Stuart is notorious for inefficiencies. There's paperwork, phone calls, emails, and sometimes even faxes (yes, they still exist). It’s like trying to navigate a labyrinth with only a candle to light the way.

The Punchline: Backoffice AI to the Rescue

Here’s the kicker: while Edna and Wally have evolved with the times, Stuart is stuck in a delightful yet inefficient time warp. Enter Backoffice AI. Our mission? To bring the efficiency of Edna and the convenience of Wally to the classic Stuart.

With Backoffice AI, we streamline those cumbersome processes, driving efficiencies and boosting revenues. We take that rotary phone and upgrade it to the latest smartphone, complete with all the bells and whistles. So, whether you're placing a massive EDI Order with Edna, a sleek Web Order with Wally, or a nostalgic Sales Person In The Middle Order with Stuart, Backoffice AI ensures it's done with the highest efficiency and a touch of modern flair.

After all, in the ever-evolving world of B2B, why should one order type get left behind? Let’s bring Stuart into the 21st century together—because even classics deserve an upgrade.

Subject: Proposal for Implementing Backoffice AI to Boost Sales Efficiency

Dear [CFO’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to propose an initiative that can significantly enhance our sales efficiency and drive revenue growth: the implementation of Backoffice AI for our sales team.

The Challenge

As you know, our sales representatives thrive on selling and building customer relationships. However, a significant portion of their time is consumed by administrative tasks, particularly order entry. This manual process, especially for orders received via email, is not only tedious but also time-consuming. It's a bottleneck that hinders our sales team from focusing on their primary role—selling.

The Solution: Backoffice AI

Backoffice AI can revolutionize our order processing by automating the extraction of order details from emails and entering them into our system. Here’s why I believe this implementation is crucial:

• Efficiency Boost: By automating order entry, we can significantly reduce the time our sales reps spend on administrative tasks. This will free them up to engage more with customers and close more deals.
• Error Reduction: Automated data entry minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring that our order processing is more accurate and reliable. Catching errors early in the process prevents costly processing, shipping, and error resolution expenses down the line.
• Enhanced Focus: Sales reps can review orders for accuracy without getting bogged down in data entry, allowing them to maintain their focus on high-value activities.
• Better Use of Technology: Implementing Backoffice AI aligns with our goal of leveraging advanced technology to improve efficiency and decision-making. This is a great opportunity to experiment with AI to improve our sales and order processes.
  
  

Proposal for a Trial

To ensure that we can build a solid financial model for a general rollout, I propose starting with a trial phase. This will allow us to:

• Assess the effectiveness of Backoffice AI in our specific context.
• Quantify the time savings and error reduction.

By analyzing the results of the trial, we can develop a comprehensive financial model that demonstrates the ROI and supports a company-wide implementation.....and the Backoffice AI team will take on the work of doing the financial modeling for us.

Next Steps:

I recommend initiating a trial phase with a select group of sales reps. This trial will provide the data we need to make an informed decision about a full rollout. I am confident that the results will speak for themselves, showcasing the significant benefits of this investment.

I look forward to discussing this proposal with you in more detail and obtaining your approval to proceed with the trial.

Thank you for considering this initiative.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Contact Information]

In the world of B2B manufacturing and distribution, the efficiency and accuracy of order processing are paramount. Companies rely on a variety of channels to receive orders, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. The primary sources of orders include Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), ecommerce portals, phone calls, and emails with attached order files. While each method has its unique benefits, one particular challenge that often arises is the "order email gap." This concept highlights a critical inefficiency in the order management process that can impact both customer satisfaction and operational productivity.

Understanding the Four Primary Order Sources

1. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

   • Pros: Highly automated, reduces manual errors, ensures standardized communication.
   • Cons: Requires technical expertise to implement, can be costly for small businesses, inflexible to changes.

2. Ecommerce Portals

   • Pros: User-friendly interfaces, real-time inventory updates, self-service for customers.
   • Cons: Initial setup and maintenance costs, requires customer training, may not handle complex orders well.

3. Phone Calls

   • Pros: Direct and personal interaction, immediate clarification of queries, good for complex orders.
   • Cons: Prone to miscommunication, time-consuming, not easily scalable.

4. Emails with Attached Order Files

   • Pros: Convenient for customers, allows detailed order information, no special infrastructure required.
   • Cons: Prone to delays in processing, higher risk of manual errors, difficult to track and manage.

The "Order Email Gap" Explained

The "order email gap" specifically refers to the delay and inefficiency that occur between the moment an order is received via email and when it is entered into the backend system for processing. Unlike EDI and ecommerce portals, where orders are automatically fed into the system, email orders require manual intervention. This manual process can lead to significant delays and errors, impacting overall business performance.

The Impact of the Order Email Gap

1. Delays in Order Processing

   • When orders sit in an email inbox waiting to be manually entered, it slows down the entire order fulfillment process. This delay can result in extended lead times and customer dissatisfaction.

2. Increased Risk of Errors

   • Manual data entry is inherently error-prone. Miskeyed information, overlooked details, and inconsistent data handling can lead to incorrect orders, returns, and strained customer relationships.

3. Operational Inefficiencies

   • The time and resources spent on manually entering orders could be better utilized elsewhere. This inefficiency can also lead to bottlenecks, particularly during peak order periods.

Bridging the Gap with Backoffice AI

To address the "order email gap," B2B manufacturers and distributors can leverage the power of Backoffice AI. Backoffice AI uses Artificial Intelligence t transforms order emails into structured data that can be imported directly into backend systems such as Order Management Systems (OMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and ecommerce platforms. Here’s how Backoffice AI bridges the gap and adds value to the order processing workflow:

1. Automated Data Transformation

   • Backoffice AI uses AI to automatically parse order details from emails, extracting essential information such as product names, SKUs, quantities, prices, payment and shipping details. This automation eliminates the need for manual data entry, significantly reducing the time required to process orders.

2. Seamless Integration with Backend Systems

   • The structured data generated by Backoffice AI can be accessed via API or sent in various backend systems through pre-defined connectors. Whether it's an OMS, ERP, or ecommerce platform, this seamless integration ensures that orders are processed in real-time without any manual intervention.

3. Error Reduction

   • By automating the data extraction process, Backoffice AI minimizes the risk of human errors. Accurate data capture leads to fewer mistakes in order processing, reducing the likelihood of incorrect shipments and returns, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

4. Operational Efficiency

   • With Backoffice AI handling the transformation of email orders, employees can focus on more strategic tasks rather than repetitive data entry. This boost in operational efficiency can lead to faster order processing times and improved productivity across the organization.

5. Scalability

   • As order volumes increase, especially during peak seasons, Backoffice AI can scale effortlessly to handle the additional load. This scalability ensures that businesses can maintain high levels of service without compromising on accuracy or speed.

The Value of Bridging the Gap

1. Improved Customer Satisfaction

   • Faster and more accurate order processing means customers receive their products quicker and with fewer errors. This improvement in service quality can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Cost Savings

   • By reducing the time and resources spent on manual data entry, businesses can achieve significant cost savings. Additionally, the reduction in errors minimizes costs associated with returns and rework.

3. Enhanced Data Accuracy

   • Accurate data is critical for effective inventory management, forecasting, and decision-making. Backoffice AI ensures that the data flowing into backend systems is precise and reliable.

4. Competitive Advantage

   • Companies that leverage advanced technologies like Backoffice AI can outperform competitors who rely on outdated, manual processes. The ability to process orders swiftly and accurately provides a distinct competitive edge in the market.
   • Additionally, when integrated into ecommerce systems, customers can check on the status of their orders and pay invoices in their ecommerce systems.

By embracing Backoffice AI, B2B manufacturers and distributors can effectively bridge the "order email gap," transforming a traditionally cumbersome process into a streamlined, efficient operation. This transformation not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives better business outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Contact us to learn more.

Sales representatives thrive on selling, not paperwork. Every single great sales rep that I have worked with HATES paper work. So, reducing their administrative burden can significantly increase your revenues and their job satisfaction. Here’s how:

Sales reps are most effective when they concentrate on selling. One of the most tedious and time-consuming tasks for them is order entry (followed by Quoting). Manually processing orders, especially those received via email, can be a huge pain, taking up valuable time that could be spent on more productive activities. This is where back-office AI can make a significant difference.

By automating the process of extracting order details from emails and entering them into the system, AI can dramatically reduce the effort required for order processing. Sales reps can always review the orders to ensure accuracy, but they no longer need to spend hours on data entry. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors, making the entire process more efficient.

Reducing administrative tasks for sales reps enhances their ability to sell, increases job satisfaction, and drives revenue growth. Investing in Backoffice AI to automate your sales admin processes can unlock the full potential of sales teams, leading to greater business success. Contact us to learn how.

B2B ecommerce is a strategic shift for manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. It's not just a sales channel; it transforms operations. Successful B2B ecommerce transformation depends on:

• Streamlining Processes: Automating manual tasks to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.
• Enhancing Integration: Seamlessly connecting ERP, CRM, and other backend systems for unified operations and real-time data synchronization.
• Improving Customer Experience: Providing an intuitive online purchasing experience that meets modern B2B buyers' expectations.
• Expanding Market Reach: Using the online platform to access new markets and customers.

BUT there is an data gap between receiving Order Emails and then getting those emails into backoffice systems. quickly and efficiently.  Ecommerce platforms like Magento, Shopify, BigCommerce and OroCommerce deliver significant opportunities to streamline processes, but to truly realize the value of streamlining processes, you need to address the inefficiency of order emails sent for manual entry. This manual process is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Backoffice AI tackles the "Order Email TO System Data Gap" by using AI to analyze incoming emails, convert them into data files, and seamlessly integrate them into backoffice systems like ERPs, OMS, and ecommerce platforms. This automation enhances efficiency and accuracy, making the entire process more streamlined.

Business customers today expect the convenience of self-service portals from manufacturers and distributors. They want to look up product information, check product availability, view pricing, pay invoices, check order status and shipment information without waiting for a response from customer support or a sales rep. However, a significant hurdle remains to getting customers online: many customers still send email orders from their internal systems, avoiding the hassle of entering data twice—once in their system and again in the supplier’s portal. Here’s how manufacturers and distributors can enable effective self-service while addressing this challenge.

The Need for Self-Service

Business customers are used to quick and easy online tools in their personal lives and expect the same at work. A good self-service portal offers:

• 24/7 Access: Customers can get product details, check stock, see prices and look-up order details anytime.
• Simplified Ordering: Streamlined processes save time (even if they still send email orders)
• Easy Payments: Online portals make paying invoices faster and easier.

The Double Entry Challenge

Customers often place orders through their own systems, which then send these orders via email. Asking them to re-enter orders into a separate portal is inefficient and error-prone. To overcome this, suppliers must provide solutions that integrate smoothly with customers’ systems.

Strategies to Avoid Double Entry

1. System Integration:

   • Develop APIs that connect customer order systems with the supplier’s portal.
   • Use middleware to ensure orders placed in the customer's system are automatically transmitted to the supplier's portal.

2. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI):

   • Implement EDI to transfer orders automatically from customer systems to supplier systems.
   • Highlight EDI benefits like fewer errors and faster processing.
3. Transform Email Orders to Digital Orders
   • Deploy AI Tools to turn Email Orders into regular Digital Orders 
   • Backoffice AI can help you with this.
4. User-Friendly eCommerce Sites:

• • Design intuitive, easy-to-use eCommerce sites / user portals.
  • Offer training and support to help customers get started.

Conclusion

Shifting to self-service portals in the B2B world is challenging, especially with the issue of double entry. By support customers’ processes and "the way that they do business" and providing user-friendly tools and AI Order Email transformations, manufacturers and distributors can make this transition smoother. These strategies will enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations, benefiting everyone involved.

When purchasing AI-based Software as a Service (SaaS), it's crucial for business buyers to understand how their data is used to refine and enhance the AI models they are subscribing to. Here are essential terms and considerations to keep in mind, and how Backoffice AI addresses them:

1. Data Collection: Understand what type of data the AI SaaS provider is collecting. This can range from user behavior, interaction logs, to more sensitive data like personal information or proprietary business data. Clarifying what data is collected will help you assess the risks and benefits. [Backoffice AI collects the data required to deliver and enhance our services, such as obscured order information and validated results. We are committed to transparency and minimizing data collection to protect your privacy.]

2. Data Usage: It's important to know how your data will be used. AI models rely on data to learn and make decisions. Providers should specify whether they are using your data just to deliver the service or also to improve the AI model's accuracy and capabilities. This distinction is crucial for assessing data privacy and security implications. [At Backoffice AI, we use your data exclusively to provide and improve the services you've subscribed to. We ensure that all data usage is in strict compliance with our ethical standards and privacy commitments. We do not sell your data.]

3. Data Access: Who has access to your data? This question addresses the security measures in place to protect your data from unauthorized access. Understanding who can view and manipulate the data (e.g., AI trainers, system administrators) is essential for maintaining data integrity. [At Backoffice AI, access is strictly limited to authorized personnel running authorized routines. We enforce rigorous access controls and auditing to ensure data integrity and security.]

4. Data Sharing: Find out if the AI SaaS provider shares any data with third parties, and under what circumstances. Some providers might share data with research institutions or business partners. Ensure that there are strict guidelines and transparency about what data is shared and how it is protected. [At Backoffice AI we do not share your data with third parties. If the opportunity arises in the future, we will get your explicit consent.]

5. Data Privacy: Compliance with data protection regulations (like GDPR or CCPA) is a must. Verify that the provider has robust policies and practices to protect user data and privacy. Knowing how data is stored, processed, and deleted when no longer needed or upon your request should be part of your provider’s privacy policy. [Backoffice AI adheres to international data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA. We maintain robust policies to protect user data, ensuring it is handled with the utmost care throughout its lifecycle.]

6. Model Tuning: This involves how the AI SaaS provider uses your data to adjust and improve their models. Understanding the specifics of model tuning can help you assess how the service will evolve over time and what impact it might have on the service you receive. [We use aggregated and anonymized data for model tuning to enhance our AI's performance. This process respects the privacy of your data while continually improving the service quality.]

7. Opt-out Options: It may be possible to opt out of certain data uses, such as contributing your data for model improvements. This can be important for maintaining control over your data in certain industries (e.g. healthcare). [At this time Backoffice AI does not have an options to opt out of data uses not directly related to service delivery, such as model training enhancements. However, all data is anonymized (ie. your data is not identifiable as your data).]

8. Transparency and Reporting: Effective providers should offer transparency about how data impacts the AI model's performance and provide reporting on data usage and model improvements. This transparency builds trust and allows you to make more informed decisions about the service. [At Backoffice AI we believe in clear communication to foster trust and enable informed decision-making by our clients. When we have important updates we will share them with our clients] 

By keeping these key terms and considerations in mind, business buyers can better navigate the complexities of AI SaaS solutions, ensuring they choose a service that not only meets their needs but also aligns with their data usage and privacy standards.