**London**: Microsoft Dynamics 365 has introduced the Supplier Communications Agent in Public Preview, automating supplier interactions to reduce manual tasks, improve accuracy, and streamline procurement processes for purchasing teams.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 has introduced its new Supplier Communications Agent, designed to enhance efficiency in procurement operations by streamlining supplier interactions. The innovative tool addresses common challenges faced by purchasing teams, such as managing manual processes, delayed responses, and missed opportunities for optimisation.
Purchasing personnel frequently dedicate up to 50% of their working day to supplier communications, which includes sending purchase orders, following up on delayed shipments, and updating orders based on supplier emails. These repetitive tasks can be time-consuming and prone to errors, potentially resulting in delayed orders and customer dissatisfaction.
The Supplier Communications Agent, now available in Public Preview with release 10.0.44, automates many of these manual processes, enabling purchasing teams to focus on higher-value activities. It processes both inbound and outbound communications with suppliers, reducing the workload and improving accuracy.
Key features of the Supplier Communications Agent include:
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Automated Follow-ups: The agent can be configured to send reminders for unconfirmed orders or those that have not been received within a specified timeframe. Users can set custom criteria, choose the tone and content of the emails, and even have communications delivered automatically in the supplier’s language.
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Order Updates from Supplier Emails: The system reads incoming supplier emails to understand their intent and extracts relevant information to summarise changes or update purchase orders accordingly.
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Delivery Change Management: It identifies changes in delivery quantities and receipt dates highlighted by suppliers, allowing purchasing agents to review and approve these updates seamlessly.
Users can select which mailbox the agent monitors, whether it be a shared procurement mailbox or individual purchasers’ mailboxes. Additionally, the tool supports a phased rollout, enabling companies to start automating communications with select suppliers before scaling up.
The Supplier Communications Agent also includes a learning component, allowing it to improve data mapping from supplier emails and PDF documents over time, enhancing its accuracy and efficiency.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 emphasises that this tool will save purchasing departments significant time on routine tasks while streamlining procurement processes, reducing manual errors, and minimising order delays. The rollout in Public Preview signals the company’s commitment to leveraging automation to transform supplier communication for purchasing professionals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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