Fluent Commerce Introduces Innovative AI-Driven Solutions
New capability utilizes AI technology to enhance order sourcing decisions
Fluent Commerce, recognized as the global leader in distributed Order Management System (OMS), recently unveiled an exciting feature set to transform retail fulfillment. This groundbreaking release, known as AI-powered order sourcing logic with A/B testing, offers retailers the chance to track and analyze the effectiveness of two distinct order sourcing strategies in real-time.
Understanding the Impact of Order Sourcing Logic
By implementing this innovative logic into their system, retailers can easily evaluate key performance metrics, including:
- Net margin — ensuring profitability on each order.
- Fulfillment and delivery costs — allowing for budget optimization.
- Split shipment rate — understanding how often orders must be split into multiple shipments.
- Order-to-door time — measuring how quickly customers receive their orders.
- Average delivery distance — assessing the carbon footprint associated with deliveries.
Traditionally, these metrics have been challenging for retailers to calculate, particularly in real-time during live orders.
Shifting from Intuition to Data-Driven Decisions
A standout feature of this capability is its use of AI to configure and manage A/B tests efficiently. Retailers can not just test different sourcing strategies but also swiftly implement the most successful ones based on immediate results. This aids in drastically minimizing the complexity of testing scenarios while amplifying their effectiveness.
"Order sourcing has always posed considerable challenges in retail decisions, often relying on outdated rules or gut feelings," stated Graham Jackson, CEO at Fluent Commerce. "Our new approach leverages AI to turn hypotheses into data-backed insights, providing clarity on how sourcing strategies impact critical factors like profitability and delivery efficiency."
Capabilities of AI-Powered Order Sourcing
The integration of this AI-driven logic into Fluent Order Management arms retailers with powerful capabilities:
- Define and configure testing scenarios that prioritize various metrics—whether that’s margin enhancement, cost reduction, or minimizing distance.
- Customize the duration of tests and establish what percentage of orders utilize each sourcing logic.
- Engage in parallel sourcing strategies while maintaining a seamless customer experience.
- Measure performance outcomes concerning financial figures, operational benchmarks, and overall customer satisfaction.
- Deploy effective sourcing strategies confidently on a broader scale following successful tests.
Real-Time Testing and Decision-Making
This capability ensures tests are conducted in real time utilizing existing production data, allowing for precise decision-making concerning trade-offs, like balancing net margins against delivery time.
Building a Foundation for AI-Driven Fulfillment
The introduction of this feature aligns with Fluent Commerce's vision of creating a data-centric engine tailored for AI-enhanced commerce operations. It not only empowers retailers with actionable data but also lays the groundwork for advanced AI-driven optimization in the future.
According to Jackson, "A/B testing is vital for paving the way toward autonomous sourcing optimization. It enables retailers to understand the implications of their decisions thoroughly before letting AI take the reins."
Availability and Collaboration
For those eager to explore this capability:
- Pilot program: Exclusive access available for select Fluent Commerce clients in H1 2026.
- General release: Anticipated in H2 2026.
Retail partners engaged in the pilot will work closely with Fluent Commerce to establish success metrics, test objectives, and rollout plans tailored to their operational needs.
About Fluent Commerce
Fluent Commerce is an innovative software company specializing in advanced inventory management and distributed order management solutions. Their flagship platform, Fluent Order Management, delivers accurate, real-time visibility of inventory across all locations, supporting order orchestration, fulfillment optimization, and customer service. The organization proudly collaborates with well-known brands such as JD Sports, L'Oréal, and LVMH. For additional information on their offerings, please visit fluentcommerce.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI-powered order sourcing logic?
AI-powered order sourcing logic is a feature developed by Fluent Commerce that enables retailers to efficiently test and compare different fulfillment strategies in real-time using artificial intelligence.
How does A/B testing enhance retail operations?
A/B testing allows retailers to measure the effectiveness of two different sourcing strategies simultaneously, helping them make informed decisions that improve profitability and efficiency.
When will this new capability be available to retailers?
The pilot program is set to launch in the first half of 2026, with general availability planned for the latter half of the same year.
What types of metrics can retailers measure with this capability?
Retailers can track important metrics such as net margin, fulfillment costs, delivery speed, and more to better understand the effects of their sourcing decisions.
How does Fluent Commerce support its customers?
Fluent Commerce partners with retailers to define objectives, establish success metrics, and develop rollout strategies for implementing new capabilities, ensuring their clients achieve optimal results.
