ASKUL introduced OpenAI’s conversational AI ChatGPT plugin function to its B2B e-commerce service “ASKUL,” enabling AI to guide and support the procurement process from product search, comparison and selection through to ordering.
On 5 November, ASKUL announced that it had enabled the ChatGPT plugin function and begun app integration for its B2B e-commerce service. This enables procurement staff to describe their requirements and intended use in a conversation with AI, then move to the ASKUL website to proceed with the purchase. The aim is to improve procurement efficiency and reduce the time traditionally required for searching, comparing and selecting products.
To use the service, users select “ASKUL” in ChatGPT’s plugin search and authorise the plugin connection the first time only. By entering “@ASKUL” at the start of a conversation, users can ask questions and describe requirements for packaging materials or office supplies, after which relevant products are presented and the process continues from comparison through purchase. In actual interactions, users describe the intended use and requirements in natural language, and the system displays suggestions accordingly.
The initiative reflects changes in purchasing behaviour driven by AI agents. Building on the growing use of such systems in B2C areas such as fashion and travel, the technology is now being extended to B2B. Future developments and the possibility of applying it to other categories are attracting attention.