Shepherds and Suppliers

Robo-Hub operates as a two-sided B2B marketplace connecting shepherds (demand) with suppliers (supply).

Shepherds

What is a Shepherd?

A shepherd is a fleet operator or service coordinator who:

• Manages supplier relationships for a fleet or network of fleets

• Creates RFQs to procure services

• Negotiates and manages contracts

• Monitors SLA performance across suppliers

Who Becomes a Shepherd?

Role	Description
Fleet Manager	Managing vehicles and their service needs
Procurement Lead	Responsible for vendor relationships
Operations Director	Overseeing fleet operations across zones
Service Coordinator	Coordinating services for multiple fleets

Shepherd Capabilities

• Browse and search supplier marketplace

• Create and manage RFQs

• Evaluate and compare quotes

• Negotiate contracts

• Track SLA performance

• Manage supplier relationships

• Use AI-powered procurement assistant

Shepherd Metrics

Metric	Description
Coverage	% of zones with supplier coverage
Spend	Total procurement value
SLA Health	Aggregate supplier SLA compliance
Response Time	Average service response time

Suppliers

What is a Supplier?

A supplier is a service provider who:

• Lists services on the Robo-Hub marketplace

• Responds to RFQs from shepherds

• Enters into contracts for fleet services

• Delivers services per agreed SLAs

Who Becomes a Supplier?

Business Type	Examples
Mobile Services	Tire service, roadside assistance
Fixed Locations	Garages, parking lots, charging stations
Specialized	Fleet maintenance, cleaning services
Parts	Parts suppliers, distributors

Supplier Capabilities

• Create and manage service listings

• Respond to RFQs with quotes

• Negotiate contract terms

• Manage active contracts

• Track performance metrics

• Use AI assistant for quote optimization

Supplier Metrics

Metric	Description
SLA Compliance	% of services meeting SLA
Response Time	Average time to respond
Rating	Customer satisfaction score
Win Rate	% of RFQs won

The Relationship Dynamic

Matching Process

1. Shepherd needs service
       ↓
2. Creates RFQ with requirements
       ↓
3. System routes to qualified suppliers
       ↓
4. Suppliers submit quotes
       ↓
5. Shepherd evaluates and selects
       ↓
6. Contract negotiation
       ↓
7. Active relationship begins

Ongoing Relationship

Once contracted:

• Shepherd monitors SLA performance

• Supplier delivers services

• Both parties communicate through platform

• Issues are tracked and resolved

• Contract renews or ends

Balance of Power

Shepherd Leverage	Supplier Leverage
Multiple supplier options	Specialized expertise
Volume commitments	Limited alternatives in zone
Long-term contracts	Performance track record
Rating/review power	Price competitiveness

Progressive Roles

From FleetOS User to Shepherd

FleetOS users become shepherds when they:

• Manage 10+ suppliers

• Need volume pricing

• Operate in multiple zones

• Want formal contracts

From FleetOS Supplier to Robo-Hub Supplier

FleetOS suppliers upgrade when they:

• Want long-term contracts

• Can handle larger volumes

• Want to expand to new zones

• Need formal SLA tracking

Best Practices

For Shepherds

1. Diversify suppliers: Don't rely on single providers

2. Set clear SLAs: Be specific about requirements

3. Communicate proactively: Address issues early

4. Review performance: Regular relationship assessments

For Suppliers

1. Be realistic: Don't overpromise on SLAs

2. Respond quickly: Speed matters in RFQs

3. Maintain quality: Ratings affect future business

4. Expand thoughtfully: Only add zones you can serve well