In many businesses, Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be a mystical term in the present. However, how can implement it into every day use? This is what the Progent programmers work each day. “How amazing is it that AI continuously alerts you that a client who typically order strawberries on Tuesday did not order the last week!”

Progent specialises in turning data into practical insight for the fresh-cut industry. Progent has the largest fresh produce trading businesses as clients. “We integrate information from ERP systems as well as financial software, manufacturing machines as well as truck-on-board computers, into an Data Warehouse. We then create visual dashboards to provide an instant overview of the company’s performance” says William Verhoeven.

When it comes to AI the business takes the next step, but there’s a prerequisite. “A firm must maintain its data management system properly in place. If the foundation is strong then we could make use of AI to link analyses, forecasts, as well as calculations” says Mark Verloop. “This lets businesses identify missing sales, like swiftly. I believe this could bring in substantial profits for many firms.”

William Verhoeven And Mark Verloop of Progent using their initial release of their AGF chatbot

The reading of PDFs with price list

“A future step in the direction of AI which is becoming more intelligent it is to handle unstructured information for example, emails that include price information. Today, companies begin with benchmarking their prices by using documents that are often provided as PDFs. They are typically written manually. But, AI can now be used to scan PDFs or Excel files, and then make comparisons of prices efficiently.”

“Another stage is to respond to questions from customers via the software, like the time when a truck is expected to be arriving,” Verloop continues. When asked whether AI can already do that, the software developer responds, “It’s still AI, however, it’s not perfect across all areas, however the modules are able to learn extremely quickly. It is crucial for businesses to define clear objectives, so they are able to expect the system to provide the answers they want. We’re currently working on chatbots that are specifically targeted at fresh produce industry. This is truly unique to the marketplace.”

If asked about what AI isn’t able to do yet, Mark replies, “AI is currently in the process of development. Things that were unimaginable in the past are getting feasible. It’s however not as easy as flicking an switch in order to build an accurate pricing forecast which you are able to trust blindly. You can, for instance, suppose that bad weather within Costa Rica will result in an unfavourable season, which will affect pricing and availability, but this is still a prediction, not an exact reality. It’s impossible to predict the magnitude of hurricane DANA in Spain such as.”

Recognizing patterns

“Currently Progent’s AI chatbot has already answered several questions. Which client has the most sales in the in the last month? Which was the largest customer of pomegranates? and who was the one to file the largest claim? These questions which would typically require consulting with an accountant are now able to be addressed in real-time and with a focus on spotting patterns,” Says William. “But this isn’t an easy task and a well-structured data model is required for the correct setting up.”

Customers of Progent’s, the AI module is nearly ready. “We’re trying to put the final elements and are scheduled for launch in the next calendar year. This is why we’re already in the process of getting ready for the potential that AI can offer. Customers we service already have access to a Data Warehouse, so they’ll have the ability to begin using immediately!”

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William Verhoeven

Progent

Tel: +31 (0)85 82 24 12 4

[email protected]

www.progent.nl