FranConnect launches Frannie AI suite in Australian market

FranConnect has announced the introduction of Frannie AI, a suite of artificial intelligence agents, to the Australian market, aiming to automate key business functions for franchises and multi-location businesses.

Frannie AI is integrated into FranConnect's platform and serves as an intelligent partner for various business operations.

It employs multiple generative language models to deliver insights and automation tailored to the specific needs of franchise and multi-location businesses. The platform introduces three types of AI agents: Analyser, which provides personalised insights and prompts; Builder, which creates content such as targeted campaigns and visit summaries; and Automator, which focuses on optimising performance with actionable recommendations.

Gabby Wong, Chief Executive Officer of FranConnect, highlighted the critical role generative AI plays in helping franchises and multi-location businesses navigate complex challenges. "Franchises and multi-location businesses manage hundreds of variables across development, operations, and complex ownership structures, that have consequential outcomes. Generative AI comes at a critical time for our customers who must navigate ever-changing markets and competing constraints while delivering growth to shareholders and exceptional products to consumers," Wong stated.

The development of Frannie AI reflects FranConnect's strategic focus over the past two years on leveraging AI to transform businesses. Wong commented, "We have spent the better part of the last two years thinking through how we can leverage AI to help our customers fundamentally transform their businesses. Frannie AI simplifies the complexity of running a multi-location business by surfacing what truly matters—whether it's pinpointing your next high-performing location or identifying unit-level challenges before they impact revenue and autonomously recommending actions that will improve business results."

In addition to internal expertise, FranConnect formed a dedicated team of specialists to innovate with AI, both internally and for their clients.

Wong said, "We are lucky to have some of the best minds in the industry focused on AI. Last year, we carved out a team of analysts, engineers, and AI specialists to focus on innovating with AI, both for our internal operations and for our end-market. Frannie AI is one of the successful projects arising out of this initiative and we are thrilled to announce its launch."

Jaffrey Ali, Chief Product Officer and Head of Innovation at FranConnect, emphasised that Frannie AI stands out from generic AI models due to its specialised design. "General purpose generative AI models by themselves cannot replicate what FranConnect delivers," Ali stated. "Frannie AI is architected on a proprietary franchise data model refined through years of deep domain training and based on the breadth of our reach in the market. This enables a level of system-wide intelligence that we are uniquely positioned to provide."

The launch in Australia follows a notable period of growth for FranConnect, which recently achieved its largest global sales bookings and formed partnerships with over 150 brands, gaining 105 new customers.

FranConnect supports nearly 1,500 brands and operates across 1.3 million locations globally, as the company underscores its reputation as a significant player in the franchise industry. Gabby Wong, CEO, reaffirmed their commitment to solving industry challenges through technological advancements.

"Over the past year, we made a concerted effort to advance our products in the areas of operations, analytics, and AI to solve the hardest problems faced by franchise and multi-location businesses," Wong explained.

"As the leading and pioneering technology provider supporting franchise and multi-location businesses, we are doubling down on innovation to cement our market leadership position further. Our multi-year product roadmap and M&A activities over this past year demonstrate our dedication to serving this market now and for many years to come."

Wong continued, "We are excited about the market opportunities ahead and are dedicated to continuously investing in our market, products, and people. Our commitment to innovation will further propel growth and operational excellence for years to come."

Frannie AI is now available to FranConnect customers in Australia on a subscription basis.