Tankfarm, a propane distribution company headquartered in Millbrook, N.Y., announced Jan. 5 that it has released an AI-powered natural language processing sales bot to help onboard new propane users. The bot is able to discuss propane pricing, delivery, and tank monitoring, and walk the consumer through a comprehensive comparison with their current propane supplier.

“We are so proud of our engineering team for building software that truly delivers on our mission to delight our users,” said Andrew Heaney, Tankfarm co-founder and CEO. “And this is just the beginning. Our bot will only get smarter and better at what it does as more customers use it. We call the bot ‘Ashley’ and she doesn’t sleep and she doesn’t take vacation.”

The company invests in software and tank monitors to make deliveries more efficient and profitable for suppliers and more convenient for consumers. It aims to improve the propane industry’s approach to technology, so it can begin to meet the expectations of today’s propane consumer.

“The bot is an important part of the technology ecosystem we are building that includes mobile applications, tank sensors, and customer care software that delivers a uniquely superior experience for our suppliers and our users,” Heaney explained. “We believe this proprietary digital front end will eventually help make Tankfarm one of the largest propane suppliers in the country.”

Tankfarm builds software and applications that connect propane customers with suppliers in an easy, intuitive, transparent way. The company is focused on the residential propane market and delivers a seamless customer experience. The software is free to use. Tankfarm does not charge any hidden nuisance fees, and customer service is a priority. To fulfill deliveries, Tankfarm has partnered with top propane marketers in 30 states and from over 200 locations. Its mobile app communicates with a wireless monitor Tankfarm places on all tanks to help customers know how much propane they have in their tank, how much they’re using, and when they’re using it.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, January 7, 2021. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.