The Procurement AI Engine
Sun Store reads your project pipeline, cross-checks supplier stock and lead times, and gives your purchasing team a ranked order plan before install week arrives.
From Project Award to Order Plan in Minutes
When a project enters your pipeline, you specify the installation size, the equipment categories you need, and your target start date. The AI reads that specification and queries your connected supplier sources for current stock levels, quoted lead times and active pricing on each relevant line item.
The engine returns a ranked order plan: which supplier to use for each line item, in what quantity, and by what date to place the order to clear lead time before the install window opens. The ranking is configurable. Prioritize lead time on a critical path item and the fastest available source rises to the top. Widen price tolerance and the AI balances both dimensions.
When stock is tight across all connected sources, the engine flags the gap and surfaces compatible substitute items from your supplier catalog that meet the same specification. Your purchasing team reviews the alternatives and decides, rather than discovering the shortage the morning of delivery.
The finalized order list exports to a structured format that drops into your existing purchase order workflow. Nothing in your current process changes. Sun Store adds a planning layer above it.
Where the AI Gets Its Information
Three data categories drive every procurement plan Sun Store generates for solar installation and retail operations.
Supplier Catalogs
The AI connects to distributor price lists and inventory feeds from your approved supplier network. It reads current stock positions, package units and list pricing, storing a timestamped snapshot each time a plan is generated. Stock levels are treated as directional indicators since distribution inventory moves between snapshot and order confirmation.
Quote History
For project-volume orders, the engine draws on your historical quote files to identify patterns: which suppliers typically come in under list for orders above certain unit counts, and which product categories show systematic seasonal price shifts. The AI uses this pattern data to adjust ranked recommendations beyond simple catalog pricing.
Project Schedules
Sun Store reads project phase dates from your project management tool, or accepts manual date entry if you do not use scheduling software. The AI uses those dates to calculate an order-by window for each material line item, working backward from your installation start date through confirmed lead time plus a configurable buffer for dock handling and site staging.
Early-Access Program Outcomes
Across 8 early-access teams. Self-reported by participant purchasing leads and operations managers. First 60 days of active use.
Fits Into Your Existing Workflow
Sun Store is a procurement planning layer, not a replacement for your existing systems. It sits above your current process and outputs in formats you already use.
- Connect supplier portals, distribution feeds and quote files during setup. The AI reads them on each plan generation without manual data entry.
- Import project schedules from your project management tool or enter installation dates manually. No new software is required for your field team.
- Review the ranked order plan in Sun Store, approve line items or swap in alternatives, then export as CSV or structured data for your purchase order system.
- Run the AI at any point in the pre-construction phase: at project award, at permit approval, or at a fixed number of weeks before your scheduled start date.
- On the Scale tier, connect Sun Store directly to your ERP via API for automated order export. Starter and Pro use CSV export.
- Delivery confirmations go to the purchasing lead and, optionally, the project manager via email or Slack on Pro and Scale tiers.
Ready to see it on your project list?
Request pilot access and a member of the Sun Store team will follow up with onboarding details within two business days.