Accio Agent Mode: The new AI development for B2B procurement – One sentence is enough and the entire purchase is done

Forget Google – From weeks to minutes: This tool from Alibaba saves companies a huge amount of time in procurement

Accio.com has introduced Agent Mode, a groundbreaking new feature that fundamentally simplifies B2B procurement. This AI-powered technology enables all tasks to be completed with a single request – a critical advancement for companies of all sizes.

What is Agent Mode?

Agent Mode acts as your personal AI procurement assistant, automating and simplifying complex procurement processes. Instead of having to complete multiple separate steps, you can now describe all your requirements in natural language, and Accio will do the rest.

Main functions of Agent Mode

Intelligent task automation

• Processes complex, multi-stage procurement requests in a single operation
• Automatically creates requests for quotations (RFQs) and distributes them to suitable suppliers
• Performs intelligent price comparisons in real time

Comprehensive procurement support

• Automatic supplier evaluation and compliance check
• Guided conversations and real-time summaries throughout the process
• Direct integration into Alibaba's robust e-commerce infrastructure

Practical application examples

The following practical application examples are presented that illustrate how the agent mode can be used effectively in various procurement scenarios. Specific query examples demonstrate how flexible and targeted the agent is in the search for suppliers, products, and market information – whether in multi-certification, concept-based, customized, or market research-based procurement. This clearly demonstrates the added value the agent offers in complex purchasing processes.

Agent mode can handle a variety of procurement scenarios:

• Multi-certification: “Find manufacturers for high-quality facial cleansing brushes with OEM/ODM service, private label, MOQ 500, with ISO, CE, and FDA certifications”
• Concept-based procurement: “Find products for an 18th birthday party and suggest suitable categories and suppliers”
• Custom Sourcing: “Find manufacturers for 200 personalized name necklaces, 14K gold-plated, samples in 7 days, budget $25 each”
• Market research-based procurement: “Research market size and profit margins of coffee machines for middle-class families in the UK”

Technical basis

Agent Mode is based on Alibaba's advanced AI technology:

• Qwen Large Language Model trained with over 18 trillion tokens
• Integration of additional AI models such as DeepSeek and GPT-4o
• Over 200 million industry-specific parameters for precise results

Benefits for companies

Time saving

• Reduces weeks of research to just a few minutes
• Automates repetitive tasks such as RFQ creation and supplier selection

Precision and trust

• AI-verified product and supplier information
• Transparent decision-making processes with traceable data

Global reach

• Access to over 1 million verified suppliers worldwide
• Support in 7 languages (English, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese)

Availability and use

Agent Mode is currently available as a free trial until August 31. The feature can be activated via the Accio platform:

1. Log in to your Accio account
2. Select agent mode in procurement
3. Describe your requirements in natural language
4. Receive optimized supplier recommendations

success story

Since its launch, Accio has achieved impressive milestones:

• Over 1 million active SME users within 5 months
• 30% increase in conversion rate from search to inquiry
• 52% increase in payment conversion rate

Agent Mode represents the future of B2B procurement – a future where artificial intelligence simplifies complex business processes and provides companies of all sizes with access to professional procurement tools.

Agent Mode Basics

What exactly is Accio's Agent Mode?

Agent Mode is an innovative AI-powered feature of the B2B procurement platform Accio.com that acts as a personal procurement assistant. This technology automates and simplifies complex procurement processes by allowing users to describe all their requirements in natural language. The system intelligently processes these requests and executes all necessary steps automatically, eliminating the need for the user to perform multiple separate actions.

Why was Agent Mode developed?

The development of Agent Mode stemmed from the need to simplify traditionally time-consuming and complex B2B procurement processes. Companies often face the challenge of finding suitable suppliers, obtaining quotes, comparing prices, and meeting compliance requirements. These tasks typically require significant time and resources. Agent Mode was developed to automate these processes and dramatically increase procurement efficiency.

How does agent mode differ from traditional procurement methods?

Unlike traditional procurement methods, where users must manually search for suppliers, submit individual requests for quotes, and compare offers, Agent Mode enables a holistic approach. Instead of navigating through different categories and filling out multiple forms, users can simply formulate their requirements in a natural conversation with the AI. The system understands the context, interprets the requirements, and executes all necessary steps automatically.

Functionality and technology

How does intelligent task automation work?

Agent Mode's intelligent task automation is based on several integrated processes. First, the system analyzes the user's request, formulated in natural language, and extracts all relevant parameters such as product specifications, quantities, certification requirements, and budget limits. It then searches the database for suitable suppliers, automatically creates requests for proposals, and distributes them to the identified suppliers. Throughout the entire process, the system performs real-time comparisons and presents the results in a clear format.

What technological basis does agent mode use?

Agent Mode is based on Alibaba's advanced Qwen Large Language Model, trained with over 18 trillion tokens. This extensive training base enables the system to understand complex queries and respond contextually. Additionally, the platform integrates other AI models such as DeepSeek and GPT-4o to maximize performance. With over 200 million industry-specific parameters, the system can deliver precise results tailored to the specific requirements of B2B procurement.

How does the system ensure the quality of the results?

Quality assurance is achieved through several mechanisms. First, the system works exclusively with verified suppliers from Alibaba's extensive database. Second, the AI utilizes continuously updated information about products, prices, and supplier ratings. Third, the system performs automatic compliance checks to ensure that the suggested suppliers meet all required certifications and standards. The transparent presentation of the decision-making processes also allows users to understand the basis for the recommendations.

B2B procurement: supply chains, trading, marketplaces & AI-supported sourcing with accio.com – Image: Xpert.digital

More about it here:

• Find products and B2B insights with AI / advice and support

Practical application

What specific procurement scenarios can agent mode handle?

Agent mode is designed for a variety of procurement scenarios. For multi-certification requests, for example, the system can find manufacturers for high-quality facial cleansing brushes with specific requirements such as OEM/ODM service, private label options, and various certifications. For concept-based procurement, it can suggest products for special occasions such as a birthday party and identify suitable categories and suppliers. For customized procurement, it finds manufacturers for personalized products with specific budget and time constraints. The system can also analyze market sizes and profit margins for market research-based procurement.

How does a typical request via agent mode work?

A typical request begins with the user formulating their requirements in natural language. The system analyzes this input and, if necessary, asks for further clarification. After all details have been clarified, the agent mode begins searching for suitable suppliers, automatically creating and sending requests for quotation. The incoming quotes are analyzed and compared in real time. The user receives a clear summary with recommendations and can request further details if necessary or contact the suppliers directly.

How detailed do the requests need to be?

The strength of Agent Mode lies in its ability to handle both highly detailed and more general requests. Users can specify specific technical requirements, certifications, quantities, and budgets, but are not required to do so. The system is trained to fill in any missing information with intelligent queries. A request can be as simple as "I need office supplies for my startup" or as detailed as "500 ergonomic office chairs with lumbar support, CE certification, maximum budget of €150 each, delivery within 4 weeks."

Benefits for companies

What concrete time savings can companies expect?

The time savings achieved with Agent Mode are significant. Processes that traditionally take weeks can be reduced to just a few minutes. The manual search for suitable suppliers, creating individual requests for proposals, waiting for responses, and then comparing the offers are largely eliminated. Companies report a reduction in the time spent on procurement processes of up to 90 percent. This allows procurement teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

How does agent mode help reduce costs?

Cost reduction occurs on several levels. Automation reduces personnel costs for routine procurement tasks. Intelligent, real-time price comparisons help identify the best offers. The system's transparency prevents excessive pricing and hidden costs. Furthermore, access to over a million verified suppliers enables real competition, leading to better terms. Companies can reduce their procurement costs by an average of 15 to 25 percent by using Agent Mode.

What advantages does the system offer for small and medium-sized enterprises?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly benefit from Agent Mode, as they often don't have dedicated procurement departments. The system democratizes access to professional procurement tools and enables SMEs to operate at the same level as large companies. Its intuitive operation requires no special training or prior knowledge. SMEs gain access to verified suppliers worldwide, which is particularly valuable for specialized or hard-to-find products. The ability to efficiently procure even smaller order quantities meets the typical needs of SMEs.

Integration and cooperation

How does agent mode integrate into existing business processes?

Agent Mode was designed to integrate seamlessly into existing business processes. The system can be used as a standalone solution or integrated with existing ERP and procurement systems. The generated data and reports can be easily exported and transferred to other systems. For companies already working with Alibaba platforms, integration is particularly simple, as Agent Mode directly accesses Alibaba's robust e-commerce infrastructure.

What role does direct integration into Alibaba's infrastructure play?

Integration into Alibaba's e-commerce infrastructure is a key advantage of Agent Mode. This connection provides access to one of the world's largest B2B supplier databases, with over one million verified suppliers. The system benefits from Alibaba's decades of experience in B2B commerce and its established verification processes. Users can rest assured that the suggested suppliers have already undergone basic quality checks. The integration also enables seamless payment processing and logistics solutions.

How does the system's multilingualism work?

Agent Mode currently supports seven languages: English, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese. This multilingual capability goes beyond simple translation. The system understands cultural and business nuances in different markets and can provide tailored recommendations accordingly. Users can communicate in their native language and receive answers in the same language. Communication with international suppliers is automatically translated, effectively overcoming language barriers.

Security and Compliance

How does agent mode ensure data security?

Data security was a top priority in the development of Agent Mode. All communications and data transfers are encrypted. Sensitive business information is handled according to strict data protection guidelines. The system uses state-of-the-art security protocols and is regularly audited for vulnerabilities. Users retain full control over their data and can decide at any time which information they want to share. Compliance with international data protection standards such as the GDPR is guaranteed.

How does the automatic compliance check work?

Automatic compliance checking is an integral part of Agent Mode. The system automatically verifies whether suppliers have the required certifications and meet current compliance standards. This includes industry standards such as ISO certifications, product-specific requirements such as CE markings or FDA approvals, and country-specific import regulations. The system continuously updates its database with the latest compliance requirements and alerts users to potential issues.

What transparency does the system offer in decision-making processes?

Agent Mode places great emphasis on transparency in all decision-making processes. Users can understand at any time why certain suppliers were recommended and which criteria played a role in the selection. The system displays detailed evaluations, price comparisons, and compliance information. All steps of the procurement process are documented and can be accessed for later audits or analyses. This transparency builds trust and enables users to make informed decisions.

B2B trading platforms – strategic planning and support with Xpert.digital – Image: Xpert.digital

Business-to-business (B2B) trading platforms have become a critical component of global trade dynamics and thus a driving force for exports and global economic development. These platforms offer companies of all sizes, in particular SMEs – small and medium -sized companies – that are often regarded as the backbone of the German economy, significant advantages. In a world in which digital technologies come to the fore more and more, the ability to adapt and integrate is crucial for success in global competition.

More about it here:

• Business-to-Business (B2B) trading platforms

Use and availability

How can agent mode be activated and used?

Activating Agent Mode is incredibly easy. Users log in to their Accio account and select the "Agent Mode" option in the procurement area. Once activated, they can immediately begin formulating their requirements in natural language. The system guides new users through a short onboarding process that explains the key features. No special technical knowledge or training is required. The intuitive user interface makes it self-explanatory.

What costs are associated with use?

Agent Mode is currently available as a free trial until August 31st. This gives companies the opportunity to extensively test the functionality and evaluate the added value for their specific requirements. After the trial period, various pricing models will be offered, depending on the scope of use and required features. Flexible subscription models are expected to be available, suitable for both small businesses with occasional needs and large enterprises with ongoing procurement requirements.

What system requirements must be met?

The system requirements for Agent Mode are minimal. Since it's a cloud-based solution, users only need a current web browser and a stable internet connection. The system is optimized for use on various devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. No special software installations are required. The platform is compatible with all major operating systems and automatically adapts to different screen sizes.

Success and future prospects

What successes has Accio already achieved?

Accio's success story is impressive. Within just five months of its launch, the platform gained over one million active SME users. The conversion rate from search to actual inquiry increased by 30 percent, underscoring the system's effectiveness in matching business leads. Particularly noteworthy is the 52 percent increase in the payment conversion rate, demonstrating that deals initiated through the platform are more often resulting in successful deals.

How will agent mode evolve?

The further development of Agent Mode will focus on several areas. The AI models will be continuously trained and improved to provide even more precise recommendations. Language support is expected to be expanded to include additional languages. New features such as predictive procurement analytics and automated inventory management are planned. Integration with additional business systems will be expanded to enable even more seamless integration into existing workflows.

What impact does agent mode have on the future of B2B procurement?

Agent Mode represents a paradigm shift in B2B procurement. The technology democratizes access to professional procurement tools, making them accessible to companies of all sizes. The automation of routine tasks allows procurement teams to focus on more strategic aspects of their work. In the long term, AI-powered systems like Agent Mode are expected to become standard in B2B procurement and fundamentally change the way companies manage their supply chains.

Practical tips and best practices

How do you formulate optimal requests for agent mode?

For optimal results, requests should be formulated clearly and specifically, without being unnecessarily complex. It's recommended to state all known requirements right at the beginning, including product specifications, quantities, budget, and timelines. At the same time, be open to the system's intelligent follow-up questions that help refine the request. The use of industry terms and technical specifications is acceptable and will be understood by the system. For more complex projects, it may be useful to divide the request into logical subsections.

What common mistakes should be avoided?

A common mistake is to submit vague requests without specifying specific requirements. This leads to less precise results and requires more rework. Another mistake is ignoring the clarification questions suggested by the system. These are designed to deliver the best possible results. You should also avoid having unrealistic expectations regarding prices or delivery times. The system works with real market data and cannot perform miracles. Finally, it is important to consider compliance requirements from the start rather than adding them later.

How to maximize the benefits of agent mode?

To maximize the benefits of Agent Mode, companies should first analyze their internal procurement processes and identify where the greatest potential for optimization lies. It is recommended to start with smaller, less critical procurements to build trust in the system. Leveraging the analytics features helps identify procurement patterns and better plan for future needs. Regular feedback to the system improves the quality of recommendations over time. Integration with other business systems should be done gradually to avoid disruptions.

Comparison with traditional methods

How does the efficiency differ compared to manual processes?

The efficiency gains achieved with Agent Mode compared to manual processes are dramatic. While manually searching for suppliers can take hours or days, Agent Mode delivers results in minutes. Creating requests for proposals, which can take 30 to 60 minutes per supplier manually, is now automated for dozens of suppliers simultaneously. The comparison of proposals, traditionally spreadsheet-based and time-consuming, is performed in real time with visual representations. The error rate is significantly reduced because human transcription errors are eliminated.

Which aspects of traditional procurement remain important?

Despite automation, certain aspects of traditional procurement remain important. Personal relationship management with key suppliers can be supported by technology, but not replaced. Strategic decisions regarding long-term partnerships still require human judgment. Negotiating complex contracts with customized clauses remains a task for experienced procurement professionals. Final quality control and sample evaluation also require human expertise. Agent mode complements these aspects but does not completely replace them.

How is the role of procurement experts changing?

The role of procurement experts is transforming from operational to strategic tasks through agent mode. Instead of spending time searching for suppliers and preparing requests for proposals, experts can focus on developing procurement strategies. They become managers of AI-supported processes and leverage their expertise to evaluate complex situations. The ability to work with AI systems and critically evaluate their output is becoming a key competency. Procurement experts are increasingly becoming strategic advisors within their organizations.

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