Managing customer relationships is crucial for small- to medium-sized local manufacturers aiming to scale up. However, this involves many tasks that can quickly escalate, such as generating quotes, discussing design requests, and calculating pricing before entering it into accounting software. Traditionally, a mishmash of communication channels like WhatsApp, SMS, and email have been used, making the process cumbersome. Singapore-based startup Phasio has stepped in to alleviate this issue by automating these communications.
Streamlining communication through a single interface
Phasio’s solution channels all WhatsApp, SMS, and email messages into its dedicated manufacturing interface. Its AI chatbot, named ManufacturingGPT, interacts with customers to understand their requirements, assists them in opening a design request with the manufacturer, and suggests the right technology for fabrication. It also offers an instant quote using Phasio’s automated pricing system. This initiative aims to simplify customer relationship management, allowing local manufacturers to allocate resources towards global expansion.
On October 11, Phasio disclosed that it had secured US$2.5 million in seed funding. The round was spearheaded by AirTree Ventures and saw contributions from 500 Global, Entrepreneur First, Michael Sorkin’s Gattaca Ventures, and Tan Teik Guan. Founded in 2021 by Harry Conor Lucas and Sudharshan Raman, Phasio is now aiding over 50 local manufacturers in various markets like Singapore, Australia, Germany, India, the UK, Greece, and the Netherlands.
Broadening horizons for local manufacturing sectors
Phasio primarily collaborates with small- and medium-sized manufacturers in additive, vacuum casting, and moulding. It has recently ventured into the computer numerical control (CNC) segment, where computers automate tool control. The platform integrates seamlessly with various CAD software, accounting software, and shipping providers. It facilitates crucial aspects of the manufacturing process, including instant quotations, real-time status updates, design collaboration, and digital order processing.
The collaborative features of Phasio’s platform allow manufacturers and customers to review designs on the manufacturer’s website and provide feedback on 3D-rendered parts. According to Phasio, this feature alone can simultaneously boost an engineer’s project capacity from two to ten without compromising customer communication quality.
Phasio envisages a more diversified and robust supply chain by enabling local manufacturers to scale up. The funds from the seed round are earmarked for bolstering Phasio’s go-to-market strategy. The startup is engaging directly with manufacturers and has been organically growing its customer base through word of mouth.
Phasio faces competition from other platforms in additive manufacturing like DigiFabster, AMFG, 3yourmind, and Oqton and is also pitted against legacy ERP systems. Despite the competition, Phasio sets itself apart by fostering full design collaboration within its platform, pushing for more than incremental efficiency improvements in the manufacturing sector.
