How RushFlow uses AI to detect duplicate products by photo
On plans with Rush AI, RushFlow compares the actual product photo — not just the text — so it recognises the same item even when the name and SKU are different, or the picture was taken from another angle or on a different background. This is the AI layer on top of RushFlow’s always-on duplicate check. The barcode, SKU, name and supplier-code checks (see detect duplicate products) run on every plan; AI visual matching adds the one thing text rules cannot do — catching a duplicate that was named differently. It is the single biggest source of hidden duplicates on a large catalogue.
Step by step
- Add a product and attach a photoOpen Products → Add product (web), or New product on the POS or management app, and add a photo by camera or gallery. As soon as an image is present, RushFlow runs the visual check.
- Review the visual matchesAny existing product that looks like the same item is surfaced in the duplicate panel with a match score, alongside the name, SKU, image and supplier matches.
- Confirm with a big-image quick viewTap a match to open a quick view with a large, zoomable image and the product’s current stock, so you can be sure it is the same item before you decide.
- Add stock instead of duplicating — or keep creatingIf it is the same product, add stock to the existing record in one tap. If it is genuinely different, continue creating the new product.
What the AI actually compares
The visual layer turns each product image into a numerical fingerprint (an embedding) and compares fingerprints, so it matches by what the item looks like rather than by its file or its name.
| Check | Runs on | What it catches |
|---|---|---|
| Exact barcode / SKU | Every plan | Reused codes — blocked outright |
| Name + supplier code | Every plan | Similar names, same supplier code |
| Image (perceptual hash) | Every plan | Identical, resized or recompressed photos |
| Image (AI embedding) | Plans with Rush AI | The same item shot differently, on any background |
Reuse an image you already have
You do not always need a fresh photo. When you create a product, RushFlow lets you pick an image already in your own catalogue and reuse it as the new product’s photo — useful for variants and for keeping a consistent look. The library only ever shows your own tenant’s images.
- Open “Use one of my images” on the create form (web, POS and management app)
- Pick from a grid of your existing product photos
- The chosen image becomes the new product’s primary photo — no re-upload
When it is available
AI visual detection and photo lookup are part of Rush AI, so they are available on plans that include it (or via the AI add-on / credits). If your plan does not include Rush AI, you still get the full barcode, SKU, name and supplier-code duplicate check on every plan, and an in-app prompt shows how to upgrade.
Where to find it
The duplicate panel appears wherever you create a product:
- Web: Products → Add product
- POS app: Home → New product
- Management app: Inventory → New product
Frequently asked questions
Can RushFlow catch the same product entered under a different name?
Yes, on plans with Rush AI. The AI visual layer compares the product photo rather than only the text, so it recognises the same item even when the name or SKU differs or the photo was taken from another angle or background.
How is AI detection different from the standard duplicate check?
The standard check matches barcode, SKU, name, perceptual image hash and supplier code, and runs on every plan. AI visual detection adds an image-embedding match that catches a renamed or re-photographed duplicate the text checks would miss. It is available on plans with Rush AI.
Does the AI work if the background is different?
Yes. The embedding compares the product itself, so it tolerates a different background, lighting or angle rather than needing an identical photo.
Can I reuse an existing product image for a new product?
Yes. On the create form, “Use one of my images” lets you pick a photo already in your catalogue and reuse it as the new product’s image. The picker only shows your own business’s images.
Is AI visual detection available on every plan?
The barcode, SKU, name and supplier-code duplicate check is on every plan. AI visual detection and photo lookup are part of Rush AI, available on plans that include it; other plans can upgrade to unlock them.
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