Client Story
Empowering Independent HVAC Distributors Through AI-Driven Data Access
We built our client, an HVACR cooperative, an AI-powered analytics tool that provides its independent distributor members direct access to their rebate data. Now, these distributors can hit more rebate thresholds, find better opportunities, and directly increase earnings.
BLUE HAWK is a cooperative formed in 2005 to help independent HVAC distributors compete against big chains. The member-owned organization manages more than 750 rebate programs with multiple tiers through manufacturer partnerships and provides member services like 401K programs.
The Opportunity
BLUE HAWK used a custom FileMaker Pro ERP system to manage its members’ transaction data. Access was limited solely to its internal operational team, which had real impacts on members. They often failed to hit rebate thresholds without good information on how close they were. Though the organization provided members with regular static reports on their program performance, members couldn’t dynamically dig into their own data, answer their specific questions, or deeply evaluate their efforts. BLUE HAWK needed a solution that not only provided members with access to their data but also made the deployed solution easy to use for its less tech-savvy members.
Considering the organization’s complex rebate landscape of 750+ programs, this lack of access created a significant burden on BLUE HAWK’s team and didn’t capitalize on members eager to evaluate their rebate programs.
The Solution
Our team of AWS and FileMaker experts built a custom Amazon Quick Sight solution with generative AI querying built in through Q, Amazon’s Generative AI Assistant technology. We started with a Proof of Concept that demonstrated the power of an integration built between BLUE HAWK’s FileMaker Pro ERP system and Quick Sight.
Members can now type questions in plain English, asking questions like:
- What rebate program am I not doing well with?
- What rebate program did I have purchases for, but no rebate values?
- What are 5 programs with the best ROI?
They have access to self-service analytics and even guided insights, as the system suggests related queries and next steps on how to get more from their rebate programs. BLUE HAWK’s internal ERP remains protected and isolated from member activity.
Members can also find programs with purchase activity that don’t actually generate rebate value, allowing them to quickly address gaps in their earnings. They can even uncover the top five programs delivering the strongest ROI and pinpoint programs that are close to hitting rebate thresholds, ensuring no earning opportunity is left on the table.
Members can also analyze where business could be converted from existing suppliers to discover new manufacturer opportunities and forecast annual performance across multiple growth scenarios. They also can evaluate the potential revenue impact of onboarding new members to outline future growth opportunities.
Access has also been opened to board members, who can now evaluate program performance for themselves and make strategic growth decisions with the data they need at their fingertips.
Results
Since launch, BLUE HAWK has seen an increase in rebate generation, with more programs successfully hitting thresholds and an improved ROI on member spending. Their internal team has also nurtured new relationships with manufacturers, increasing both purchases and rebate values.
Members are now more self-sufficient, freeing up internal resources for improved reporting and better forecasting capabilities. The BLUE HAWK team is thrilled with the rollout of the system and how quickly it has made an impact on both their operations and member experience.
About Amazon Quick Sight
Amazon Quick Sight is a cloud-native business intelligence service that enables organizations to create interactive dashboards and perform self-service analytics at scale. The platform’s machine learning capabilities automatically discover insights and patterns in data and allow users to build informative data visualizations. Its serverless architecture makes advanced analytics accessible to all users within an organization.
About BLUE HAWK
BLUE HAWK is a 100% member‑owned purchasing cooperative of independent HVACR distributors formed in 2005 to help them compete and grow against large corporate chains. The organization brings together roughly 200 member‑owners with 1,600 locations in 49 states, leveraging combined purchasing power for competitive pricing, high‑quality products, and shared rebates from vendor partners. The co‑op also offers support programs such as transparent rebate reporting, group 401(k), health insurance captives, benchmarking, card processing, and its “Growing Forward” succession and M&A matchmaking program, all within a financially transparent, distributor‑owned model focused solely on the HVACR supply chain.
About Soliant.cloud
Soliant.cloud delivers cloud-based FileMaker hosting on AWS, managed by a team of AWS- and Claris FileMaker-certified experts. They handle full infrastructure setup, real-time monitoring, and automatic updates. When applications need changes, clients have direct access to FileMaker-certified developers who already know the environment. Soliant.cloud offers end-to-end management from people who understand both the platform and the infrastructure it runs on.
As an AWS Advanced Tier Partner, Soliant.cloud holds recognition across multiple AWS programs, including the AWS Solution Provider Program, AWS Well-Architected Partner Program, and AWS CloudFormation Delivery Program, reflecting our team’s deep expertise and commitment to AWS best practices.
Learn more at soliant.cloud.