What AI agents can and can't do with your suppliers

AI agents can take a lot of routine communication off your plate, but they should not make your commercial decisions. Here is a practical way to draw the line.

What they do well

• Draft and send routine emails, such as quote requests, order confirmations and shipping-date follow-ups
• Track every conversation and flag the ones that have not been answered
• Summarize long threads and line up quotes side by side
• Alert you early when a production or shipping date slips

What they should not do alone

• Approve orders, change quantities or make payments
• Negotiate price and terms without your review
• Judge product quality or the nuances of a supplier relationship
• Handle serious disputes that call for a call or a visit

How we work with them

Our agents communicate with suppliers and forwarders by email. Every message is logged, so you can review what was sent and what came back. Anything that involves money goes to you for approval before it happens.

Why this split works

Routine communication is repetitive and time-sensitive, which is where automation helps most. The decisions carry cost and relationship risk, which is where a person should stay in charge.