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DeepSeek’s Just-in-Time LLM: Applying an Old Manufacturing Methodology to Create Cheap AI
Just-in-Time Manufacturing (JIT) revolutionized industrial production when Toyota pioneered it in the 1970s, though its roots can be traced back to the company’s experiments in the 1950s. The core principle was radical yet simple: produce only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed. This approach stood in stark contrast to… Continue reading
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Debunking AI Myths: When ‘Artificial Intelligence’ Isn’t Really AI in Business Software
As a fractional CFO working with numerous companies across various sectors, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: the rampant misuse of the term “artificial intelligence” in business software marketing. Having evaluated countless software solutions for different organizations, I’ve learned to distinguish between genuine AI capabilities and clever marketing of traditional programming. Today, I’m pulling back the… Continue reading
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The Hidden Truth About AI in Finance: Why Process Automation Must Come Before AI Implementation
As a fractional CFO working with multiple organizations across different industries, I’ve witnessed first hand a common misconception plaguing financial leaders: the belief that they can leap directly into artificial intelligence (AI) without laying the proper groundwork. While the allure of AI’s transformative potential is undeniable, there’s a crucial truth that many organizations overlook –… Continue reading
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Operational Analysts: Why They Belong in Finance, Not IT or Business Units
Operational analysts play a crucial role in transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. We are in a data-driven world and having actionable data distinguishes the leaders from the laggards. I am not sure there is really a debate on this topic. At least not for me, but it is worth discussing… Continue reading
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Payment Processing Optimization: How to Leverage Software to Maximize Revenue
In my years as a fractional CFO, I’ve watched promising companies hit a wall. It typically happens around the $5M ARR mark – the payment infrastructure that seemed robust at startup begins buckling under the weight of scale. The symptoms are similar: finance teams drowning in reconciliation, revenue leaking through failed payments, and customer churn… Continue reading
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From Too Many Messaging Apps to Just One
Taming Messaging App Sprawl 2024 has been a year of heavy networking, and too many messaging apps became a problem for me. This messaging app sprawl was an unintended consequence of my efforts to network and build my services practice. After all of my productive networking, I found myself drowning in a sea of notifications,… Continue reading
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My Experience with AI-Powered Excel Tools: Numerous.ai VS Excel Formula Bot
I’m always on the hunt for tools that can help me work more efficiently and effectively. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out two of the most talked-about AI-powered Excel tools on the market: numerous.ai VS Excel Formula Bot. After putting both tools through their paces, I’m excited to share my thoughts and experiences… Continue reading
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When to Say Goodbye: Managing High-Cost Customers in Ecommerce
In the world of ecommerce, the customer is king. But what happens when the king becomes too costly? As counterintuitive as it may seem, there are times when an ecommerce business needs to consider “firing” certain customers to maintain profitability and operational efficiency. This strategy, while controversial, can be crucial for long-term success, especially when… Continue reading
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How a Financial Model Serves as Your North Star
A financial model roadmap is a helpful rubric for any founder or entrepreneur. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a sound financial model. It’s not just a set of spreadsheets; it’s the North Star that guides a business through the unpredictable seas, even in the startup world, but especially as your business grows and… Continue reading
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The Hidden and Visible Sources of Truth in Olympic Competition Data
The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of athletic achievement, where fractions of a second or millimeters can separate gold from silver. I was wondering how this all gets done. So many competitions, so many competitors, so many judges. It’s a large-scale real-time data mash-up. Behind the scenes, a complex network of measurement systems and protocols.… Continue reading
