Vertical AI Agents at Alfred Technologies: A Strategic and Differentiating Choice
Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming business operations, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors. At Alfred Technologies, we’ve chosen a unique and targeted approach: the use of vertical AI agents. This direction clearly sets us apart from generalist solutions on the market and, more importantly, delivers tangible results for our clients.
But first, let’s go back to the basics.
What is an AI agent?
An artificial intelligence agent is an autonomous or semi-autonomous system that observes an environment, analyzes data, makes decisions, then acts or recommends an action — all continuously. The agent can optimize, anticipate, alert, or even automatically trigger processes.
In other words, an AI agent doesn’t just observe: it acts to improve performance.
Two types of agents: Horizontal vs. Vertical
There are mainly two broad categories of AI agents:
Horizontal Agents
These are generalist agents capable of responding to a wide range of requests across various industries. For example, ChatGPT can write marketing copy, help debug code, or explain a recipe. It’s flexible but lacks specialization.
- ✅ Versatile
- ❌ Less relevant for specific business use cases
- ❌ Often requires human interpretation to take action
Vertical Agents
These are specialized agents designed for a specific domain, with a deep understanding of its challenges, rules, data, and operational contexts. This is the approach Alfred Technologies has chosen.
- ✅ Built-in industry expertise
- ✅ Contextual and automated recommendations
- ✅ Measurable results and concrete actions
Alfred’s AI: A New Way to Manage Operations
Our platform integrates five vertical AI agents that work together to optimize all the critical levers of management in the restaurant sector, franchises, and tightly regulated establishments.
🎯 Exception Management
Detects anomalies (e.g., pricing errors, inventory discrepancies) and suggests targeted audits to prevent recurring mistakes.
🧪 Example: The last inventory check shows one bottle of Petrus missing, but no sale was recorded in the POS. Alfred triggers a priority audit compiling all related data so a manager can investigate.
📦 Smart Purchasing
Optimizes buying by recommending the right formats and volumes, based on projected sales.
🧪 Example: Alfred forecasts a drop in red wine sales in the coming weeks. Current inventory will suffice. The agent adjusts the reorder quantity to zero.
💰 Sales Strategy Optimization
Continuously adjusts menus, pricing, and product highlights based on seasonality, weather, events, and trends.
🧪 Example: When a new signature cocktail launches, Alfred adds it to all relevant menus with the correct pricing and image. The update is immediately reflected in the menus and POS.
🧾 Smart Inventory Management
Anticipates shortages or surpluses by adjusting PAR levels, recommending transfers, or triggering promotions.
🧪 Example: A wine nearing the end of its optimal tasting period is featured in a “Sommelier’s Choice” section to boost sales and avoid waste.
🧠 Hyper-Personalization
Personalizes the customer experience in real-time based on preferences, past behavior, and buying habits.
🧪 Example: A loyal customer who enjoys Bordeaux wines sees those options prioritized when browsing the menu.
Why is this approach a winning one?
At Alfred, we believe that the true value of AI doesn’t lie in its ability to do everything, but in its ability to do what really matters — and do it well. By focusing on vertical agents:
- We deliver recommendations grounded in the real context of your operations.
- We trigger concrete actions, either automated or assisted, to produce measurable results.
- We help your teams save time, money, and stress, allowing them to focus on what matters most.
