Throughout the past two decades, there have been immense changes within our entire society. All across the world, people have been experiencing a global technological revolution, as the Internet and other web-based technologies like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices have become ubiquitous. You should know how a B2B payment solution can aid your e-commerce company.
This rise in the amount of technology across the world has led to a multitude of transformations, and as the century progresses, we will continue to see even more change. One of the greatest changes has been in the economy, where technology has created a multitude of novel industries. One of the most prevalent new fields in the past 20 years has been e-commerce, also known as online shopping. Ecommerce has grown immensely in recent years, as billions of dollars are spent in this industry across millions of e-commerce stores.
Many people run their own e-commerce businesses online, and if you are one of them, then you understand that you require the top technologies in order to succeed in this field. While there are numerous e-commerce services that the best online store owners utilize, a B2B e-commerce payment solution is one of the most integral.
What is a B2B Payment Solution?
There are many top services that your e-commerce business needs to invest in, but one of the most essential is a B2B payment solution. A B2B payment solution is a service that allows you to get paid instantly when accepting payments from other businesses. Having one for your e-commerce business will enable you to more effectively manage your company and will let you get your hard-earned money into your account extremely quickly.
You will be given the opportunity to see your company’s account balance, payments, and payout history on a single dashboard, and you will also be able to automate difficult processes. This will enable you to have more time to grow and improve your business model. A B2B payment solution will allow you to get paid faster from wholesale customers with a streamlined user experience that leads to more efficient checkouts.
How Will a B2B Payment Solution Benefit Your Business?
Once you understand what a B2B payment solution will do for your company, it is imperative that you understand how it will actually help your e-commerce company. One of the most important benefits that this system will provide for you is advanced security. Top B2B payment solutions utilize TLS 1.2 encryption for transactions as well as checkout, so you know that your business’ money will be secure.
Along with security, a B2B payment solution will also enable you to stay in control of your cashflow by simplifying lengthy bank transfer processes and having to manage your money across multiple platforms. You will also be able to start using your B2B payment solution immediately after signing up, which is a great benefit that will aid your company.
Final Thoughts
Operating an e-commerce company is challenging enough without having to think about all the logistical hassles of operational procedures. Having a B2B payment solution will certainly alleviate your burden and will ensure that your e-commerce company can be a success.
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Small business owners face numerous considerations when deciding whether to purchase or lease a business facility.
Once a business owner identifies their specific facility requirements and successfully locates the ideal property, they encounter another crucial choice: Should they buy or rent the property?
This decision arises in two distinct scenarios: First, when the owner of the desired property is open to either selling or leasing it, and second when you have multiple options, some available for purchase and others for lease.
To make this decision confidently, it's essential to evaluate the financial aspects and the determining factors that influence the suitability of leasing versus buying a business facility.
Comparing The Economics Of Leasing Vs. Buying
What should you go for when it comes down to lease vs buy for business?
In business decisions, few choices are as pivotal as determining whether to lease or buy assets. This holds for many assets, from real estate to equipment, vehicles, and more.
This decision can have significant financial implications for business owners, and understanding the pros and cons of leasing versus buying is crucial for informed decision-making.
Let’s explore the economics of these two options, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each to help business owners make the right choice for their specific circumstances.
The Economics Of Leasing
Leasing, as a financial arrangement, is a concept that extends beyond the realm of property and includes various assets such as vehicles, equipment, and even software.
At its core, leasing is a method of obtaining the use of an asset for a specified period while making regular payments to the asset's owner, whether it's a lessor or a financial institution.
The economics of leasing involve several key factors that affect the decision to lease rather than purchase outright.
One of the primary economic benefits of leasing is the conservation of capital. When you lease an asset, you avoid the substantial upfront cost of purchasing it. This is particularly advantageous for businesses, allowing them to allocate their capital to other essential operations or investments.
For individuals, it means not having to deplete their savings to acquire a costly asset, whether it's a car, a piece of machinery, or even a home.
Leasing often offers more predictable and manageable cash flows compared to outright ownership. Lease agreements typically involve fixed monthly payments over the lease term, making it easier to budget and plan for expenses.
Tax benefits can also make leasing an economically attractive option. In some cases, lease payments are tax-deductible as a business expense.
This can lead to significant tax savings for companies. However, tax benefits can vary depending on the asset being leased and the specific tax regulations in place.
However, There Are Economic Drawbacks To Leasing As Well:
Long-Term Costs: Over an extended period, leasing can be more expensive than buying, primarily due to the cumulative cost of lease payments.
No Equity Buildup: When you lease, you do not build equity in the asset. It remains the property of the lessor.
Limited Control: The lessee must adhere to the lessor's terms and conditions, which can be restrictive.
The Economics Of Buying
The decision to buy an asset, whether a property, a vehicle, or any significant investment, is a fundamental economic choice with both immediate and long-term financial implications.
Understanding the economics of buying involves considering various factors that impact the purchase decision and how ownership affects one's financial situation.
One of the central economic aspects of buying is the upfront cost. When you decide to buy an asset, you typically need to pay the full purchase price, which can be a substantial one-time expense.
This upfront payment represents a significant commitment of financial resources and can affect your liquidity, especially for big-ticket items like real estate or high-end machinery.
Buying an asset often means having complete control and decision-making authority over it. You can customize, modify, or use the asset as you see fit.
This sense of ownership can be economically empowering, allowing you to tailor the asset to your specific needs or preferences.
Mortgages and loans are common financial instruments for buying high-value assets like real estate or vehicles. These arrangements enable individuals to spread the cost of the asset over time.
While loans may involve interest payments, they make the purchase more accessible and can be financially strategic.
However, Buying Also Has Its Economic Downsides:
Higher Initial Costs: Purchasing assets often requires a substantial initial investment, burdening businesses with limited capital.
Risk of Depreciation: Some assets, like vehicles and certain equipment, can depreciate over time, impacting their resale value.
Maintenance Costs: Owners are responsible for maintenance and repairs, which can be costly.
Reduced Flexibility: Selling owned assets can be time-consuming and might not be feasible in rapidly changing business environments.
Factors To Consider When Making The Lease Or Buy Decision
The lease vs. buy decision is critical and can significantly impact a business's financial health and long-term prospects. To make an informed decision, business owners must weigh several important factors.
Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Financial Considerations
The financial aspect is often the cornerstone of the lease or buy decision. One of the initial considerations is the upfront costs. Buying a property typically involves a substantial financial commitment, including a down payment, closing costs, and potential expenses for renovations or furnishing.
On the other hand, leasing usually requires a security deposit and the first month's rent, which are notably lower than the upfront costs of buying. Another critical financial factor is the monthly expenses associated with each option.
While leasing tends to result in lower monthly costs than buying, owning a property often entails higher mortgage payments. However, these payments contribute to building equity in the property.
Additionally, the potential for property appreciation is a financial consideration, as owning a property allows you to benefit from the property's value increase over time. Conversely, leasing may increase annual rent, impacting your financial planning.
Lastly, the tax implications are significant. Property ownership can provide tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest. In contrast, leasing does not offer these tax advantages but may simplify financial management.
Long-Term Goals
Your long-term objectives play a pivotal role in the lease or buy decision. Buying might be the more suitable choice if you are interested in benefiting from property appreciation and potentially selling the property for a profit.
On the other hand, if flexibility is a priority, such as the ability to relocate or change your living situation without the responsibilities of property ownership, leasing provides greater adaptability.
Understanding your long-term goals is crucial in deciding to align with your aspirations.
Responsibilities and Maintenance
The responsibilities and maintenance associated with each option are essential factors to consider. Property maintenance costs, such as repairs and upkeep, are the responsibility of property owners.
Leasing, however, often shifts these responsibilities to the landlord responsible for maintaining the property. Moreover, property ownership allows for customization and renovation, allowing you to modify the property to your preferences.
In contrast, leasing may come with limitations on modifying the property, as any alterations typically require landlord approval. These factors highlight the practical aspects of the lease or buy decision and the degree of responsibility you are willing to undertake.
Market Conditions
The state of the real estate market at the time of your decision is a critical external factor. It can significantly influence the cost-effectiveness of leasing or buying.
Buying may be more advantageous in a buyer's market, characterized by lower property prices and favorable interest rates.
In contrast, leasing might be the more prudent choice in a seller's market with rising property prices, as property prices may be inflated, making buying less cost-effective.
Duration of Stay
Your anticipated duration of stay in the property is a key factor. For a short-term stay, leasing is often a more practical option.
Buying may not provide enough time to build equity and recover the upfront costs of property ownership.
Conversely, plan to stay in the property for an extended period. Buying can be financially advantageous in the long run, allowing you to benefit from property appreciation and build equity over time.
Making The Decision
The decision to lease or buy should be based on your business's unique needs, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, factoring in your specific circumstances, and considering how the economics of leasing or buying align with your business strategy is advisable.
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Sales growth in e-commerce is good. But as the business expands, it becomes increasingly difficult for warehouse managers to track large volumes of goods.
Products can get lost, deteriorate or, conversely, take up extra space. In order to restore order and have time to respond to customer requests on demand, warehouses turn to IoT devices.
Let's look at how the Internet of Things simplifies inventory control and revolutionizes warehouse management.
Inventory management means coordinating and controlling the movement of goods in a warehouse:
getting new products;
their movements around the warehouse;
storage of products;
return of units;
SKU extension;
checking the rack code and so on.
It is often impossible to fit such volumes of information into spreadsheets, besides it is not very convenient. Therefore, enterprises buy IoT solutions for warehouse management in order to work efficiently.
IoT solutions for enterprises
IoT devices automate warehouse processes and reduce labor costs.
This can be done by implementing the following technologies:
Drones
It is not easy to move around a large warehouse to describe the location of goods and climb the stairs to high shelves. In addition, it takes a lot of time to search.
Amazon has long had an army of 200,000 robots working in warehouses with humans for better drone management delivery systems. They saved people from having to walk 10-20 miles a day on a concrete floor and helped the company store 40% more inventory. They also increased the average productivity of the assembler to 100 units per day, and managers plan to increase these figures by 3-4 times.
Robots
Industry and warehouses are priority places where global robotization is unfolding. According to recent reports, the warehouse robotics market is steadily growing by 15.26% per year and will reach $9.5 million by 2026.
Amazon has long had an army of 200,000 robots working in warehouses with humans. They saved people from having to walk 10-20 miles a day on a concrete floor and helped the company store 40% more inventory. They also increased the average productivity of the assembler to 100 units per day, and managers plan to increase these figures by 3-4 times.
Radio frequency identification tags
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags can be embedded in IoT devices. These tags store much more data than traditional barcodes. They can be used to scan up to 200 tags at a time.
The received inventory information is stored in the cloud platform, automatically processed, and analyzed. The expiration date, serial numbers, sizes, manufacturers, and other product information do not need to be entered manually on the panel.
Voice selection systems
Warehouse workers can use IoT devices to increase the efficiency of operations. For example, voice systems allow you to work without the help of hands, giving instructions and directing workers through their list of orders.
Sensors
Connected devices are able to track the productivity of warehouse workers using speed, motion, and GPS sensors. Managers also better control the goods in the warehouse by measuring humidity, temperature, and other characteristics that can spoil the products.
DHL has implemented similar innovations in its warehouses. The company uses smart glasses, robots, drones, a digital twin, and other technologies. The IoT increases warehouse security, tracks the location of goods, and predicts weather changes and possible equipment failures or breakdowns. Up to the point that the warehousing of goods begins 30 minutes after receipt, and outgoing goods are ready for shipment in 95 minutes.
Problems that IoT solves
The main problem of warehouse management is manual work. Working with their hands, employees perform operations more slowly, with a higher probability of errors and damage to inventory. IoT solutions for enterprises simplify the following management and work tasks:
Product search
Imagine that the manager has a warehouse of several floors at his/her disposal. How to track where a particular product is located? Or how to avoid a situation when an employee wants to pick up a product from the right place, but it is not there?
You will have to spend time correcting errors and searching for the goods, which will delay the shipment. To avoid such problems, it is worth using IoT and the best warehouse management system, which automates registration and data tracking.
Movement of goods
Any movement of the goods must be recorded by the manager. At the same time, he/she needs to know how many units are arriving and how many are leaving. It's hard to keep track of the exact numbers, but with IoT solutions for business, it becomes easier.
Thus, reporting will not be such a difficult task. In addition, connected device analytics will tell you which products will increase demand in the near future.
Use of storage areas
In the warehouse business, it is important not only to accept goods but also to place them efficiently. Then it will be convenient for employees to pick up goods from the shelves, and they will do their job without delay. If you configure the storage system manually, you can repeatedly make mistakes and redo the layout. With IoT, this is done quickly and with minimal effort.
Warehouse equipment maintenance
Any equipment breakdown can lead to downtime, which distributors do not like. IoT devices for enterprises are able to monitor the status of equipment and warn about possible failures. Thus, managers will be able to prepare spare equipment in advance, avoid downtime, save money, and preserve their reputation.
Storage of goods
It is extremely important that during the storage period in the warehouse and during its delivery to consumers, the goods do not deteriorate. According to the latest data, about 11% of products die during transportation due to the fact that managers did not provide proper conditions for their storage.
It is necessary to maintain the desired temperature and humidity so that the product can be brought to the endpoint and sold. IoT devices are able to control environmental parameters, saving goods from deterioration.
Advantages of using IoT
And now let's take a deeper look at the advantages of the Internet of Things, supporting them with figures.
Saving on salaries
An average warehouse with a hundred employees can allocate about $3.7 million a year for wages. This amount is approximately 65% of the operating budget.
With the help of the IoT, employees sort goods on shelves faster, in addition, they search for goods, check equipment and perform other tasks more efficiently. Automation brings great money savings.
Better use of the warehouse
The average warehouse area is 16,400 feet. This is a huge space where you need to conveniently and appropriately arrange products. However, overloading and improper distribution of goods can lead to traffic jams and delays on the roads.
You have to move inventory or take it out, which takes time and labor.
With the help of the IoT, you can place more goods in the same area, so that it is convenient to find empty seats and later fill them with new goods. Automated storage and search systems are able to increase the accuracy of orders by up to 99%.
Taking into account the fact that rents are growing and will not stop growing in the future, rational use of space is a matter of saving and making a profit.
Information support
The number of goods is growing, and slow goods are taking the place of strategically important products. Less relevant products stay in stock longer and require placement, which increases the rental cost.
Not all warehouses have an adequate information support system. In other words, managers have no idea what the supply and demand in the market are. IoT analytics provides information about the state of the market so that managers can rationally manage purchases and plan other operations based on inventory.
IoT devices for enterprises give managers the opportunity to cover large warehouse work, put it in order, automate, and speed up.
Andersen will help implement the warehouse management system software and automate important operations. If you are ready to save time and resources with the help of new digital technologies, contact our team for a private consultation.
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Have you ever attended an important business meeting and you didn’t carry your business card to give out? Well, in this day and age, it’s important to carry with you some form of promotional material.
Also, you want to put your best foot forward with the first chance you get. Here are some business card design tips to put you ahead of the game.
Different Ways To Design A Killer Business Card For Your Business Awareness
There are multiple ways you can use a killer business card for your business awareness. Some of them are as follows
1. Consider Your Audience:
Your target market should always come first. Besides, they are the source of your business revenues. Without them, your business will close its doors.
Among the questions you should ask yourself include:
Who is your target audience?
What will capture their attention?
From the questions, you can see that they are customer-oriented. This means when coming up with the business card design, you should always have your consumer in mind. Otherwise, what’s the point?
2. The Text:
The main aim of a business card is to market your services or products. Therefore, you need to relay the message as clearly as possible. With such limited space on the card, you need to be brief and straight to the point.
You want to include contact details, the business logo and the message. Also, you want to position the text where the customer can see it. This means keeping the text far from the edges. The text should also be legible in order to convey the message without any error.
You can also include a QR barcode on the card to link the card with various online platforms you’ve already set up.
3. The Colors and Overall Design:
If you’re not tech savvy, you might want to get a pro-designer to put all your thoughts together in a creative design. One of the mistakes many people make is to use different colors from the company’s colors. This creates confusion on the consumer’s side. Therefore, maintain the company’s colors on the card.
The company’s logo is also important to put a face to the company. For the logo, ensure you use high definition photos. Don’t go for pixelated images.
4. Focus on the Finish:
This is where quality printing services come in hand. You might have the best design, but if the printing is done by an amateur, you risk looking like an amateur yourself. Apart from this, consider this:
The thickness of the paper – Use a deluxe business card with a colored layer. It might be expensive, but you’ll get a professional look. What’s more, these cards are more durable. Also, when choosing a colored layer, keep in mind the company’s colors.
The cut – Many people go for the rectangular cuts, but don’t you go for rounded corners? Rounded corners give your card character and uniqueness. Remember you’re in a competition and you have to get it right in everything lest you come in second.
Embossing – Embossing your card introduces a 3D effect. This means it will raise certain areas of the design.
Spot UV – This technique is used to varnish parts of the card to create a richer look on the card.
Foil blocking – As the name suggests, this process involves placing foil on paper. This is done to logos and text, thus giving the card a metallic touch.
Summary:
Your business card is your marketing ambassador. It carries your brand to places you won’t get to. For this reason, it’s important to stay ahead of the competition by keeping tabs with the latest printing technology.
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