To continue to provide value for its franchisees, the company has adapted its service model around this improved technology stack that features proprietary AI software that helps franchisees immensely in their day-to-day operations. “We’re actually able to reduce their monthly technology fee. Because we now own this software and are managing maintenance and updating on our own without having to pay or wait for support from external providers,” Stuart explains, highlighting the increased total capacity the AI puts back into any given operation. Initially, the company rented multiple software platforms, integrating them all into a single process via delicate APIs that needed constant maintenance and updates. This prompted the company to take more ownership of its operation, which led to the birth of its AI software, which is quite secure and well-trained, relative to many other AIs on the market. “Our data is air-gapped from the larger internet by a function of its infrastructure design so the system, the internet, cannot access our data or our AI unless we allow it and at this point, we’re not allowing any external influence to the training of our AI. So, it only gives outputs as we define them,” Stuart says. This tool further solidifies franchisees’ understanding of product offerings and operational procedures and represents a leap forward in the company’s commitment to technological integration. COMMITMENT TO BRAND CONTINUITY AND FRANCHISEE SUCCESS One of the cornerstones of Bloomin’ Blinds’ expansion strategy is its robust training and support framework for franchisees. The company has recently overhauled its training program to include a comprehensive blend of digital 54 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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