The emergence of certain technologies, like AI, has been a game changer to the larger market, which is fantastic, as it allows companies to positively niche and differentiate themselves against competitors. In this case, Bloomin Blinds is one of the few companies that understands this and is capitalizing on it now. 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 246 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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