The reason merchants stall on new technology is the fear of a long, painful project. OptiFlow is different by design. Because it is an AI layer on top of the systems you already run, there is nothing to migrate and nothing to rip out, so most merchants go from first look to live in weeks rather than months. Here is how the path works.
Step one, a proof of concept on your own data
We start small and real. Rather than ask you to take our word for it, we run a proof of concept against a sample of your actual order and enquiry traffic. You see OptiFlow read your real orders, match them to your catalogue, check live stock and the correct price, and build the results your team would build. This is the fastest way to know it works for your business, on your products, before you commit to anything wider.
Step two, connect to your systems
Once you are happy, we connect OptiFlow to the platform you already run, whether that is Kerridge, Intact, Ibcos or another trade system. This is a connection, not a migration, so your data stays where it is and your team keep working as normal while we set things up in the background. See how we handle your data on the data security and trust page.
Step three, tune it to how you work
Every merchant has its own quirks, from customer part numbers to account pricing to the way certain products are described. We tune OptiFlow to your catalogue, your pricing rules and your way of working, so the answers and orders it produces match what a good member of your counter team would do. You decide which actions run automatically and which a person confirms.
Step four, go live with people in the loop
We go live in a controlled way, with your team checking OptiFlow’s work at first so everyone builds confidence. As that confidence grows you let more run automatically, always with a person confirming the actions that matter. There is very little to learn because your team keep using the systems they already know. OptiFlow simply takes the routine load off them.
What we need from you
Onboarding is light on your side. We need access to the relevant systems, a sample of real order and enquiry traffic for the proof of concept, and a little time from someone who knows how your business runs so we can tune things correctly. That is largely it. There is no big internal project, no new hardware to buy for the core service, and no long training programme.
Ongoing support
You are not left on your own after go live. We keep an eye on how OptiFlow is performing, refine it as your range and rules change, and are on hand when you need us. As a UK company serving UK merchants, we are easy to reach and we understand the trade you are in.
We can run a short proof of concept against a sample of your real traffic before you commit to anything. Get a quote.
Related reading: data security and trust and AI for builders merchants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to go live?
Most merchants are live in weeks rather than months, because OptiFlow layers on top of your existing systems and there is nothing to migrate or rip out.
Do you start with a proof of concept?
Yes. We run a proof of concept against a sample of your real order and enquiry traffic, so you see it work on your own products and customers before committing to anything wider.
Will onboarding disrupt my team?
No. Connecting OptiFlow is not a migration, so your team keep working as normal while we set things up. At go live they check the work at first, then let more run automatically as confidence grows.
What do you need from us?
Access to the relevant systems, a sample of real order and enquiry traffic for the proof of concept, and a little time from someone who knows how your business runs so we can tune it correctly.
Is there a lot to learn?
Very little. Your team keep using the systems they already know. OptiFlow takes the routine load off them rather than adding a new tool to master.
What support do we get after go live?
We monitor performance, refine OptiFlow as your range and rules change, and are on hand when you need us, as a UK company that understands the trade.