The business-to-business (B2B) search engine Accio, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and developed by Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, has reached a significant milestone – surpassing one million users from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in just five months since its launch. This remarkable achievement underscores the growing importance of AI in global commerce, particularly among SMEs looking to expand their reach and optimize their supply chains.
To further bolster its impact on global trade, Accio has introduced two innovative features: Business Research and Deep Search. These advanced solutions cater to the needs of SMEs by providing them with the tools necessary to enter new markets and streamline their supply chains efficiently. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including Alibaba’s open-source Qwen language model, Accio simplifies commercial operations for SMEs. The platform’s multilingual capabilities and precise market analysis enable users to transform product ideas into concrete strategies in a remarkably short period.
According to Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, “Reaching one million users is just the beginning. We aim to continue enhancing our tools so that SMEs can integrate AI capabilities into their workflows intuitively.” This vision is aligned with the company’s commitment to making AI accessible to SMEs, thereby empowering them to compete in the global market.
Alibaba’s Bet on AI in Global Commerce
The newly introduced Business Research feature automates time-consuming processes such as data collection and trend tracking. Users can input general objectives, such as launching a product in a new market, and receive detailed reports on consumer demand, price trends, and competition. The system identifies promising market niches and generates comprehensive business plans, including cost estimates and supplier recommendations, significantly reducing the preparation time for business expansion.
Deep Search, on the other hand, enhances supplier search by adapting to technical requirements, certifications, and budgets. If an initial search yields few results, the platform automatically expands the criteria using synonyms and industry-specific terms, mirroring the methodology of procurement experts. Furthermore, it verifies the compliance and reliability of suppliers, generating curated lists of potential business partners in minutes.
Revolutionizing International Trade with AI
A recent survey by Alibaba.com of over 4,000 business executives in the US, UK, Germany, and France revealed that 64% of companies plan to adopt AI in their procurement strategies by 2024. The primary reasons cited include sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. With global trade projected to exceed $33 trillion this year, companies are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to remain competitive. Accio responds to this need by making AI accessible to SMEs and empowering their ability to act in international markets.
As the global commerce landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of trade. With Accio at the forefront of this revolution, SMEs are poised to benefit from the platform’s innovative features, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of international trade.
- Accio’s AI-powered search engine has surpassed one million users from SMEs in just five months.
- The platform has introduced two new features: Business Research and Deep Search, designed to support SMEs in entering new markets and optimizing their supply chains.
- Alibaba’s open-source Qwen language model enables Accio to provide multilingual capabilities and precise market analysis.
- A recent survey found that 64% of companies plan to adopt AI in their procurement strategies by 2024, driven by the need for sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
The impact of Accio on global commerce is likely to be significant, as it bridges the gap between SMEs and the complex world of international trade. By providing SMEs with the tools and resources necessary to compete in the global market, Accio is poised to revolutionize the way businesses operate and interact with each other. As the platform continues to evolve and improve, it will be exciting to see the lasting impact it has on the world of commerce.