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Requesting Materials by Text or Call in SureStock

Techs text or call a dedicated phone number to request materials. The AI processes the message and creates a Field Request instantly: no app, no login, no friction.


➡️ Call or Text to Create a Field Request: No App Needed

With AI Field Requests, technicians can text or call a dedicated phone number to request materials, and SureStock's AI will automatically create a Field Request for the office to fulfill. It's a hands-free, fast, and flexible way for techs to stay stocked while on the job, and it works alongside your existing in-app Field Request workflow.


➡️ Setup

Step 1: Generate a Phone Number for Your Business

Once your account is enabled:

  1. Go to Settings > Company and Billing

  2. Scroll to the "Receive Field Requests by Text or Voice" section

  3. Click Set Up Phone

This creates a dedicated phone number for your company. Techs will use this number to call or text material requests.

Step 2: Technicians Add Their Phone Number

Each technician must register their mobile number to use the AI Field Request feature:

  1. Go to Settings > Profile

  2. Click Create Phone Number

  3. Enter their mobile number

  4. Accept the messaging agreement

  5. Click Continue

⚠️ This whitelists the technician's phone number and gives them access to text or call the company's number. If the number isn't registered, the request won't go through and they'll receive an automated message instead.

Step 3: Making a Request via Text or Call

Once the technician's number is on file, they can:

  • Text the phone number with the items they need

  • Or call and speak their request out loud

The AI agent processes the message, matches the request to the correct technician and truck (based on their phone number and assignment in SureStock), and creates a Field Request in your workspace, just like one created manually.

Step 4: Review and Fulfill the Field Request

In the office, AI-created field requests appear in the Field Requests tab alongside any others. Admins or managers can:

  • Review the request details

  • View the AI Conversation History to see what the technician said

  • Match or edit materials as needed if names were unclear or phrased differently

Once the request is reviewed, it can be fulfilled like any standard field request:

  • Create a Pick List if the materials are in stock

  • Create a Purchase Order if any items need to be ordered


➡️ Things to Know

  • Each business has one phone number for AI Field Requests

  • Technicians must register their phone numbers under their own accounts

  • Requests are matched to the technician's assigned truck using the number on file

  • Unregistered numbers won't go through and will receive an automated error message

  • AI-created Field Requests behave exactly like manual ones, they can be edited, fulfilled, and tracked normally

  • This feature works alongside in-app requests, techs can still use the SureStock interface when needed

📞 Calling works too
Techs can also call the number and speak their request out loud. The AI transcribes the call and creates the same field request. Useful when they can't type (e.g., gloves on, driving).


➡️ How to Get the Best Results

The AI is flexible, but these habits make matching more accurate:

Result

Example

Why

Works Great

"Need 4 AC filters 16x25x1 and 2 capacitors 45/5"

Specific part names or descriptions with quantities. The AI can match these to your catalog reliably.

Also Works

"Running low on refrigerant and wire, probably 3 of each"

Informal language is fine. The AI understands casual phrasing and partial names.

⚠️ May Need Review

"Get me the usual stuff for an AC job"

Very vague requests can't be reliably matched. Admin may need to manually assign materials when reviewing.

⚠️ May Need Review

"Filters and caps"

Very short abbreviations might match the wrong item or create an unmatched request that needs manual review.


➡️ Common Issues

"A technician texted/called but no Field Request was created."
Confirm their phone number is registered under Settings > Profile. Unregistered numbers won't go through, the tech receives an automated error message instead.

"The AI matched the wrong materials to a request."
This usually happens with vague requests (e.g., "the usual stuff for an AC job") or very short abbreviations. Review and manually correct the matched materials in the Field Requests tab before fulfilling.

"I'm not sure which truck a request got assigned to."
Requests are matched to the technician's assigned truck based on the phone number on file. Check the technician's profile to confirm their truck assignment is correct.


➡️ FAQs

Can a technician still use the app instead of texting/calling?
Yes, this feature works alongside your existing in-app Field Request workflow, it doesn't replace it.

How many phone numbers does a business get for this feature?
One, shared across your whole business for AI Field Requests.


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