Archive for June, 2024

Did you see the new AI features coming from Apple?

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you don’t follow Apple news you may not know that they introduced Apple Intelligence the other day.  It is a personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative model at the core of the iPhone, iPad and Mac.  The Apple Intelligence is heavily integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.  According to Apple their unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence.  And can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them.

Using the Apple Intelligence will help the users to improve and enhance their writing and help them to communicate more effectively.  The brand new Writing Tools that are built into Sequoia, iPadOS 18 and iOS 18 can be used to help users rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere that they write including such apps as Notes, Mail, Pages and other third-party apps.  With the rewrite feature the Apple Intelligence will allow the users to choose from different versions of the text that they have written and allow them to adjust the text to better communicate.  The proofread feature will check your grammar, word choices and your sentence structure and will suggest edits with explanations of the edits and allow for you to quickly review and accept the edited option.  The AI in the Mail will contain a new section at the top called Priority Message which will show you the most urgent mails such as same day invitations.  There is also a feature called Smart Reply that will provide suggestions for your quick response and will identify questions within an email to ensure that all question are answered.  Below are some of the other AI features Apple announced as well.

  • New Siri
  • ChatGPT Integration
  • Genmoji and Image Playground
  • AI Photo Editing
  • Transcribed Calls
  • Prioritize Notifications

If you are looking to purchase new smartphones or devices for your company and would like help researching available options, feel free to contact SafeSourcing.   We can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which one meets your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

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Procurement and Innovation

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

 

Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR, and Administration at SafeSourcing Inc.

Procurement has traditionally been seen as a cost-control function, but people are discovering that it may also be a strategic lever to drive innovation and unlock new business value. There are a few ways in which innovation can be seamlessly integrated into procurement practices to foster growth and sustainability.

Procurement has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. No longer confined to negotiating prices and managing supplier relationships, procurement now plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of an organization. This shift is largely driven by the recognition that suppliers are not just vendors but potential partners in innovation. This collaboration with suppliers is the first step towards leveraging procurement for innovation by fostering strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers. By involving suppliers early in the product development process, companies can tap into their expertise and innovative capabilities. This collaborative approach can lead to co-creation of products and solutions that are more advanced and better suited to market needs.

Recently, the digital transformation in procurement has been a game-changer. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) enhance transparency, streamline processes, and improve decision-making. AI can predict market trends, Blockchain ensures secure and transparent transactions, and IoT provides real-time data that can be used to optimize supply chains. Strategic sourcing involves analyzing the total cost of ownership and not just the initial purchase price. This approach encourages the consideration of innovative solutions that might have a higher upfront cost but result in long-term savings and value creation. By focusing on the total value delivered rather than just cost, procurement can drive significant innovation.

A great example of how procurement helps innovation is by looking at Apple. Apple’s procurement strategy is a prime example of innovation. The company’s close collaboration with suppliers has led to the development of unique components like the Retina Display and custom processors. Apple’s procurement team collaborates closely with suppliers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring their products stand out in the market. Integrating innovation into procurement is not just a trend but a necessity for modern businesses aiming for long-term success. By fostering collaboration, embracing technology, focusing on sustainability, and managing risks, procurement can become a powerhouse of innovation.

For more information on how the SafeSourcing team can help your organization with procurement and innovation, or on our Risk-Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

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