How It Works
Operators order in many different ways: a forwarded email, a quick text, a photo of a notepad, a voicemail from the road. Order Agent turns all of it into clean, reviewable draft orders in your app.
This article is a running list of every format Order Agent can process. The flow is always the same on your end: it shows up in Order inbounds, Order Agent matches it to the customer's account and order guide, and a rep reviews and confirms it into the ERP.
Note: Every order must name the restaurant or account it's for. Order Agent uses that name to route the order to the right account, whether it's in an email subject or body, a text, or spoken aloud.
At a glance
Order Agent accepts orders through three channels, and reads typed text, attachments, photos, and audio across them.
Channel | Ways to send | What Order Agent reads |
Forward an order email, or compose a new one to | Typed text, PDF and spreadsheet attachments, photos | |
Text message | Text an order directly, forward a text, send a photo, PDF, or spreadsheet, or dictate one with Siri | Typed text, PDF and spreadsheet attachments, photos |
Voice | Leave a voicemail, or send a voice recording | Spoken orders, transcribed automatically |
Every method produces the same result: a draft order in Order inbounds, ready for a rep to review. Every method also needs the restaurant or account named in the order.
Your Order Agent email inbox is [distributor]@orders.usepepper.ai. Anything sent there becomes a draft order. Order Agent reads the email body and any attachments, including PDF order forms, spreadsheets, and photos.
Forward an existing order email
How it works Forward the operator's order email to [distributor]@orders.usepepper.ai, with the restaurant name in the subject or body.
Example use cases
An operator sends the same standing order by email every week.
A customer replies to a reorder reminder with their changes.
Compose a new order email
How it works Email the items to [distributor]@orders.usepepper.ai with the restaurant name in the subject; free-form text is fine.
Example use cases
A rep types up an order from notes taken on a call.
An operator reads off an order in person and the rep emails it in.
Attach a PDF or spreadsheet
How it works Attach a photo, PDF, or spreadsheet (Excel or CSV) to an email or text, and Order Agent reads the items off it.
Example use cases
An operator snaps a photo of an order scribbled on a notepad.
A customer sends a PDF order form or a spreadsheet exported from their own system.
Text message
Operators can text their order straight to the distributor's order line and get an automatic confirmation back. Order Agent reads the message, drafts the order, and matches it to the account. Operators should still name the account in the text, since many order for more than one location and the name is what routes the order to the right account.
Text an order directly
How it works The operator texts the order and restaurant name to Bronco's order line, and Order Agent confirms by reply.
Example use cases
An operator fires off a quick order between services.
A customer who never opens email but always answers a text.
Forward a text
How it works Forward an order received by text to Bronco's order line, items and all.
Example use cases
An operator texts an order to a rep's personal phone and the rep forwards it in.
A staffer passes along a customer's text from the floor.
Send a photo, PDF, or spreadsheet
How it works Attach a file to an email or text: a photo of a handwritten order, a PDF order form, or a spreadsheet (Excel or CSV). Order Agent reads the handwriting or the file and drafts the order.
Example use cases
An operator snaps a photo of an order scribbled on a notepad.
A customer sends a PDF order form or a spreadsheet exported from their own system.
Dictate an order with Siri
How it works The operator tells Siri to text the distributor and speaks the order, which Siri sends to the order line.
Example use cases
An operator places an order hands-free while prepping or driving.
A customer who'd rather talk than type.
Voicemail/Voice Note
Order Agent transcribes spoken orders and matches them just like text or email.
Leave a voicemail
How it works The operator calls the distributor's order line and leaves a message, and Order Agent transcribes the voicemail into a draft.
Example use cases
An operator calls in an order out of habit instead of typing.
A customer leaves an after-hours voicemail.
Send a voice recording
How it works The operator sends a recorded voice memo by text or email, and Order Agent transcribes it into a draft.
Example use cases
An operator sends a WhatsApp voice note with their order.
A customer records a memo on the go and texts it in.
However it arrives, every order lands in Order inbounds and Order Agent gets to work. From there, a rep reviews the draft, makes any corrections or swaps, and confirms the order into the ERP. Walk through that side of the workflow in the End-to-End Walkthrough.