Rob Stevens

According to government estimates, the U.S. Manufacturing sector loses well over $100B annually because so many companies remain over-dependent on outdated manual processes. For such companies, creating a more “eCommerce-like” buying experience for their suppliers is imperative.    That’s why today Cleo launched CIC ORCA (Order to Cash Automation), a new capability in our Cleo Integration Cloud platform that dramatically improves #B2B buying experiences by delivering seamless “eCommerce to EDI” workflows for businesses that don’t happen to have EDI capabilities.    CIC ORCA is intended for #manufacturers, #wholesalers, and #distributors who must cater to the modern B2B buyer’s preferences for ease-of-use, self-service, and efficiency when procuring goods, getting delivery updates, and receiving invoices from their suppliers.     In an era shaped by the “Amazon Effect,” suppliers are increasingly expected to emulate the B2C buying experience. Cleo's CIC ORCA gets everyone singing from the same song sheet. For the full story see today's Cleo Press Release or visit the CIC ORCA web page -- https://lnkd.in/gqFn4hCj

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Last week, we shared the first part (1/2) of our perspectives on vertical SaaS (vSaaS), more specifically on which metrics define the performance of vSaaS businesses and outlining the benchmarks for each of these metrics. If you have not yet read the piece, give it a read here - https://lnkd.in/d94n2bgN This week we published the second part (2/2) where we call out certain strategies deployed by successful vSaaS companies like Procore Technologies Toast ServiceNow Zenoti and others that can be used to improve the metrics that matter. Read on to layer the numbers with the strats- https://lnkd.in/dPkmWFax Do reach out if you are building in the space or want to exchange notes / feedback on the perspectives. #fintech #verticaSaaS #embeddedfinance #investments

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Effective leadership is a lot like flying—whether you’re performing a demo or in an operational mission, you need both precision and adaptability. Demo flying requires clear plans, preparation, and flawless execution. Everything needs to go as planned, and you have to be on point every second. That’s similar to leadership when you have a detailed strategy in place—planning, preparation, and making sure every step is executed well. But then there’s the operational side, where quick decision-making, tactical flexibility, and trust in your team are key. Sometimes things don’t go as expected, and you have to make split-second choices. As a leader, you need to know when to rely on detailed strategy and when to trust your instincts and your team to get you through the unknown. Both aspects are crucial—being prepared but also flexible enough to handle anything that comes your way. This balance between strategy and adaptability is what inspires great performance and allows you to lead through any challenge. If you want to lead with precision and flexibility, Fighter Pilot Focus is for you. The link is here https://lnkd.in/ghnF4sSz, join today!

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How Do You Drive Growth in an Ever-Changing Industry... Last week, Joe and I had the pleasure of hosting Dan Mottram on The Assembly Line Podcast. Dan has over 20 years of experience in the industrial sector, moving from engineering roles to advising top firms as a strategic consultant. In this episode, Dan shares his insights on how he overcame industry challenges, fostered innovation, and drove business growth. His personal journey is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to push their business forward. Curious about how to navigate these challenges yourself? Don’t miss this episode! 🎬 Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube & Spotify 🎙️ (Link in the comments 🔗) #BusinessGrowth #IndustrialLeadership #Innovation #Podcast

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Just as China & its Axis proxies threaten to upend the world economy, China is more reliant on foreign trade demand than at any time since 2008. Are USA & EU, on track for “Made in China 2025” trade wars? Or will Beijing make them offers they can’t refuse to clear the way for its conquest of strategic supply chain bottlenecks, digital networks & network infrastructure, & industries of the future?

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Looking forward to seeing the latest (tech) and greatest (people) at IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago in September. American manufacturing continues to surge despite economic obstacles and global instability, which inspires my confidence in the sector positively exploding when those headwinds are reversed and become tailwinds. I can't wait to reconnect with both longtime and new friends and acquaintances, discover wonderful manufacturing innovations, and meet the companies and people behind them. #Americanmanufacturing #manufacturing #IMTS2024 #technology #techtradeshow #manufacturingtradeshow #robotics #automation #data #digitaltransformation #industry40 #investinginmanufacturing #madeinusa #madeinamerica

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Ryan Gilliam and his team at Fortera bowled me over with their approach to cutting emissions from cement: they started with the needs of the people working in the industry, and designed their process around those needs and the cement business realities. That's a rarity in the "green" space, and I applaud them. It'll be great fun watching where they take this thing. To learn all about it, check it out at the links to Episode 120 of my Manufacturing Talks Web Show and Podcast in the comments below.

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Integrating advanced tech into military gear like jets can seriously ramp up performance and effectiveness. It's about the necessity of staying ahead in a world where tech evolves at warp speed. In the military, like in many tech-heavy fields, staying on top means constantly adapting and improving. That drive for the latest and greatest is all about survival and maintaining superiority. My push for using the F-22 over the F-15? It's based on seeing firsthand how vital advanced tech can be in high-stakes scenarios. When you're up there, the confidence you have in your equipment can make or break missions. It's a lesson that's pretty universal, whether you're in the air or on the ground in any high-tech field: always innovate, always adapt, and trust in the best tools at your disposal to get the job done. #fighterpilot #f22 #f15 #fighterjet #airforce #aircraft #aviationvideos #aviationgeek #reels #joshgunderson

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🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 As part of our venture portfolio, Logic Robotics is transforming supply chains with innovative robotic pallets, optimizing spatial utilization in warehouses. Founder Michael Santora, a former NYC architect, is revolutionizing warehouse automation. Check out his recent interview for more insight. Excited to see where they go next! ⚙️🤖 #VentureCapital #PortfolioCompany #Robotics #Innovation #SupplyChain #SpatialUtilization #Automation #Logistics

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Don’t let technology outpace your ability to use it effectively. Take it from me, flying the Raptor was NOT just about having advanced tech at your fingertips, it's about knowing how to use it. In any field where tech plays a big part, like in surgery or software development, the real magic happens when top-notch tools meet top-notch talent. That's why we always stress the importance of training. Knowing your stuff, inside and out, turns potential into performance. #tech #techinnovation #techvideos #airforce #usairforce #aviation #aviationvideos #viralpodcast

Excited to speak at MIT on the intersection of AI, modular architecture, and identity. This conversation isn’t just about where technology is going but about how we make tech that respects and represents individuals. Ethical AI is not optional; it’s the only way forward. #MIT #EthicalTech #AI https://lu.ma/ziqrxjp7

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From todays webinar wirh Kristen Siemen “Sustainability is a requirement to be a supplier of choice for the Fortune 500” Learn more at Greenplaces

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I had a chance to join DPW this year bringing together supply chain and procurement startups with enterprises that are on a journey to digitalise, automate and improve their procurement processes. Thanks Matthias Gutzmann for putting this together! 🤩One of the highlights (obviously ;) was listening to how Pactum AI customers talk about RoI and success with every expansion. 🙄 what is common across the customer success stories? Willingness to change and a pain point.

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⏰ Humans will go backwards in time within 5 years. 🧠 Dr. Ray Kurzweil, the American computer scientist, author, entrepreneur, AI futurist, and inventor was recently interviewed by Talia Goldberg at Bessemer Venture Partners about the concept of longevity escape velocity. 👇 Below is an excerpt from that interview. 💬 Talia: “I want to talk about longevity escape velocity. It's a topic I'm passionate about, and you've been talking about it for a long time. For those that aren't aware, longevity escape velocity is when life expectancy increases by more than a year per year.” 💬 Ray: “Right. So right now you go through a year and use up a year of your longevity. However, research is advancing and it's curing various diseases. You're actually getting back on average about four months a year. So you lose a year of longevity. You get back about four months because of scientific research. However, scientific research is also on an exponential curve. By 2029, you'll get back a full year. So you lose a year, but you get back a year. Past 2029, you'll get back more than a year. Go backwards in time. Once you can get back at least a year, you've reached longevity escape velocity.” 💬 Talia: “So it's safe to say that you think everyone in this room can reach longevity escape velocity.” 💬 Ray: “Yes. Now that doesn't guarantee you living forever. You could have a 10 year old and you could compute that he's got many, many decades of longevity, but he could die tomorrow. Although we're also addressing things like accidents. Self driving cars will virtually eliminate many accidents. We're not quite there yet. But that will happen as well.” 💬 Talia: “Does longevity escape velocity apply to the body too? Is the body going to decay? Or will we upgrade our body parts at various points? How do we physically get to longevity escape velocity?” 💬 Ray: “We're constantly replacing a lot of our body all the time. In fact, most of our body is constantly dying and recreating. And as we go through more and more scientific progress, we'll extend that. Forever. So once you're past longevity escape velocity, you go through a year, you're not a year older and you're not more likely to die. You can be less likely to die. Doesn't guarantee that you won't have an accident, but that's really where we're headed.” #healthcare #medicine #artificialintelligence #future

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This is the beginning of big corporates in industrial and foundational industries solving the data availability problem to leverage the power of generative AI

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Are you developing a medical device or digital health? Come learn about regulatory and legal impacts and how design for manufacturing is critical to your startup's success.

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