Knoxy capability · Plans
The right order, suggested before anyone asks
Suggestive orders are the Knoxy capability that proposes what an outlet or distributor should order next — based on purchase history, stock and forecasts — for field reps in Sales Track and for distributors in Distribution+.
- For reps at the outlet and for distributors
- Based on history, stock and forecasts
- Starting points people can adjust
The idea
What is a suggestive order?
A suggestive order is a proposed order prepared before the buyer asks: which products, and how much of each. It replaces the usual approach of asking an outlet or distributor what they want, or repeating last month's order out of habit.
For a field rep, a suggested order turns a visit into a quick review instead of a long list read-out. For a distributor, it means ordering against expected demand rather than guesswork, which reduces both stock-outs and dead stock.
Knoxy, the AI Chief of Staff in IMAST 360, prepares suggested orders from purchase history, current stock and its order and inventory forecasts. Distribution+ already offered AI suggestive orders; Knoxy brings the same thinking to reps and distributors across IMAST 360.
Where it helps
Suggested orders across the channel
Who sees suggested orders, and where.
| Who | Where | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Field reps | Sales Track, at the outlet | Visits start from a suggested order |
| Distributors | Distribution+ | Orders follow expected demand |
| Distribution heads | Across distributors | Fewer stock-outs and less overstock |
How it works
How suggestive orders work
From data to a confirmed order.
- 1History
Past purchases
What the outlet or distributor bought, and when.
- 2Stock
Current stock
What is on hand at the distributor.
- 3Forecast
Expected demand
Knoxy's order and inventory forecasts.
- 4Suggest
Suggested order
A proposed order the rep or distributor reviews and confirms.
Best practice
Getting reps and distributors to use suggested orders
Introduce suggested orders as a time-saver, not a target. Reps adopt them fastest when they see a visit get shorter and an order come out more complete.
Encourage adjustments. A rep who knows an outlet is renovating, or a distributor who knows a large project is coming, should change the suggestion. Those adjustments are exactly the local knowledge an AI cannot see.
Watch the outcomes, not just usage. Look at whether stock-outs and returns fall where suggested orders are used, and share those results with the teams.
- Position it as a time-saver
- Expect and welcome adjustments
- Track stock-outs and returns
- Combine with focus-SKU schemes where relevant
Rolling it out
Getting reps and distributors to use suggested orders
Suggested orders save time only if people trust them. Introduce them as a starting point: the rep or distributor reviews the suggestion, adjusts what they know better, and places the order. That keeps local knowledge in the loop while removing the guesswork.
Explain where suggestions come from — purchase history, stock and forecasts — so reps can explain them to retailers. A suggestion a rep can justify is far more likely to be accepted than one that appears from nowhere.
Watch how often suggestions are accepted, changed or ignored. Frequent changes for a product or outlet usually point to a data issue, such as stock positions or product masters, which is worth fixing at the source.
Use suggested orders alongside schemes. When a focus-SKU scheme is running, reps can use the suggestion to start a conversation about the scheme with the retailer.
- Position suggestions as a starting point
- Explain the data behind them
- Track accepted, changed and ignored suggestions
- Pair suggestions with running schemes
FAQs
Suggestive order FAQs
What is a suggestive order?
A proposed order — products and quantities — prepared for an outlet or distributor before they ask, based on history, stock and expected demand.
Who sees suggested orders?
Field reps in Sales Track and distributors in Distribution+.
What data are suggestions based on?
Purchase history, current stock and Knoxy's order and inventory forecasts.
Can a rep change a suggested order?
Yes. Suggested orders are starting points that reps and distributors review and adjust.
How does this relate to forecasting?
Knoxy's order and inventory forecasts feed suggested orders; the forecast predicts demand and the suggested order is the action.
Does Distribution+ already have suggested orders?
Yes. Distribution+ includes AI suggestive orders on the Enterprise plan; Knoxy brings suggestive orders across IMAST 360.
Does it work offline?
Sales Track is offline-first; suggestions prepared before a visit can be used and orders sync when back online.
Can reps change a suggested order?
Yes. Suggestions are a starting point; reps and distributors review and adjust them before placing the order.
Make every order a better order
See suggested orders for an outlet and a distributor in one demo.