Author: Brad Gerick

The Power of AI and Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

May 30, 2023 Brad Gerick

In today’s interconnected business landscape, a company’s value and performance are largely influenced by its technological prowess.

That’s why IT due diligence is an essential component of any business transaction. IT due diligence is a key aspect of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on a comprehensive review of a company’s IT infrastructure, software, data management and cybersecurity measures.

This assessment identifies potential risks and opportunities, offering vital insights into compatibility and potential integration issues that may arise during an M&A transaction.

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The Role of AI and Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics has ushered in a new era of possibilities for IT due diligence. The capability to process large volumes of data, identify patterns, and make accurate predictions has revolutionized the traditional due diligence process, providing a more robust view of the target company’s IT landscape. These advanced technologies can illuminate potential IT risks, uncover hidden synergies and even predict the future performance and needs of the IT landscape.

The Value Proposition of AI and Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

Incorporating AI and data analytics into the IT due diligence process offers a multitude of benefits:

  • Efficiency: AI’s capacity for rapidly processing and analyzing large data sets drastically reduces the duration of the due diligence process.
  • Accuracy: AI algorithms minimize the risk of human error, thus ensuring a more accurate analysis.
  • Predictive Power: AI’s ability to identify trends and predict future performance offers valuable foresight.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By automating routine tasks, AI can result in significant time and cost savings.
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Implementation of AI and Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

The application of AI and data analytics in IT due diligence involves a step-by-step process:

  • Data Collection and Preparation: Comprehensive data on the target company’s IT assets and operations are gathered and meticulously cleaned and prepared.
  • Selection of AI and Data Analytical Tools: Appropriate AI and data analytics tools are chosen based on the unique needs of the due diligence process.
  • Analysis and Insight Extraction: This stage focuses on deriving meaningful insights that can guide the M&A decision-making process.
  • Reporting and Decision Making: The final stage involves presenting the findings in a comprehensible format, which can inform strategic decisions about the transaction.

Challenges and Risks in AI and Data Analytics for IT Due Diligence

While AI and data analytics offer significant benefits, their implementation isn’t without challenges:

  • Data Privacy and Security: Compliance with data privacy and security regulations is paramount during the due diligence process. It’s crucial to meet the standards set by regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
  • Algorithm Bias: Algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases. Therefore, transparency and fairness in AI application must be ensured to avoid skewed analysis results.
  • Data Quality and Completeness: The quality and completeness of the data can significantly impact the success of AI and data analytics in IT due diligence. Poorly maintained or incomplete data can lead to misleading insights and flawed decision.

READ MORE: Benefits of Hiring an Interim CTO

The Future of AI and Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

Looking ahead, the role of AI and data analytics in IT due diligence is set to grow:

  • Continuous Improvement in AI Technology: As AI technology evolves, we can anticipate more sophisticated tools offering deeper insights and greater accuracy, revolutionizing the M&A landscape.
  • Increasing Importance of Cybersecurity Assessment: As cyber threats proliferate, assessing a company’s cybersecurity practices is becoming increasingly crucial. AI can facilitate thorough cybersecurity risk assessment, adding an additional layer of protection during M&A transactions.
  • Real-Time Analysis and Predictive Modeling: AI advances could enable real-time analysis during IT due diligence, offering immediate insights. Improved predictive modeling capabilities could also facilitate forecasting of future IT needs, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the target company’s potential.
Expert Due Diligence Resources

To optimize the benefits of AI and data analytics in IT due diligence, organizations should consider developing internal capabilities or collaborating with external experts. With its expertise in connecting organizations with the right service providers, BluWave can be an invaluable partner in this journey. Whether you need assistance in selecting appropriate AI models, interpreting complex results, or mitigating potential risks, BluWave can guide you through the due diligence process, helping ensure successful M&A transactions.

Ready to enhance your IT due diligence process with AI and data analytics? Contact BluWave’s team today, and let us connect you to the perfect resource for your needs.

Marketing Due Diligence: Comprehensive Checklist

May 30, 2023 Brad Gerick

Marketing due diligence is the thorough analysis and evaluation of a company’s marketing strategy, with the goal of identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Conducting proper marketing due diligence can be the tipping point toward increased profits.

Digital marketing due diligence, an integral component, focuses on the company’s online presence and digital strategy. Expert outside help that intimately knows your industry can streamline this process.

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Let’s talk about the different aspects marketing due diligence and why a BluWave-grade third party might be just the resource you need.

Conducting Marketing Due Diligence – Best Practices

Marketing due diligence is intertwined with your organization’s business plan, strategy and understanding of competitors and customers. It provides a foundation to determine if you could sell more to the same customers, use different channels or adjust your product messaging. Each component of the due diligence process provides insights that can optimize your business and accelerate growth.

Assessing the Business Plan and Strategy

Reviewing your business plan is a crucial part of marketing due diligence. It allows you to determine if your goals, targets and outlined strategies are still feasible and aligned with your overall marketing plans. Consideration of future marketing trends, innovation potential, scalability and adaptability to change should be central to this assessment.

It’s also important to stay vigilant about the legal side – industry-specific regulations and data protection and privacy laws can significantly impact an organization’s marketing efforts.

Assessing the Marketing Strategy

The digital marketing strategy is a key component of the main marketing strategy. Implementing digital marketing best practices such as maintaining a relevant social media presence, optimizing SEO performance and improving website usability and CTR is table stakes.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that good results from marketing campaigns don’t necessarily equate to profits. Focus on strategic goals like sales, profitability and customer acquisition. Understanding your target market and audience is key in this regard.

Analyzing the Competition

Competitor analysis is vital to understand how your organization performs relative to others. Identifying competitors’ marketing strategies, competitive differentiators and budgets can provide valuable insights. Uncovering their unique selling propositions (USPs) and identifying the advantage your company has can enhance your competitive edge.

Analyzing the Customers

Understanding your customers’ perspective can provide valuable insights into your marketing strategy. Identifying who your customers are, what values are important to them and what they want to see can provide valuable insights. It’s also beneficial to find out why customers like your company and what could potentially sway them toward a competitor.

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Marketing Due Diligence Checklist

The process of marketing due diligence can be complex and extensive. Following a structured checklist can help ensure that all key aspects are covered.

Business Plan and Strategy Checklist

When assessing your business plan, consider the following questions:

  • What does the business plan look like?
  • Does the company have a clear plan for profits?
  • What are the competitive advantages?
  • How many goals does the company have? Are they realistic, well-defined and quantifiable?
  • Did you review data protection and privacy policies? Are there any industry-specific regulations to keep in mind?
  • Did you outline any future marketing trends, innovation potential, scalability or adaptability to change?

Marketing Strategy Checklist

For your marketing strategy, consider the following:

  • Does the company have a niche within the industry? Is it sustainable?
  • What is the company’s message? Is it clear within the market?
  • Is the brand recognizable?
  • What are the active channels? Could they be changed or expanded?
  • What marketing tools are being used?
  • How are you measuring results? What KPIs are you using?

Competitive Landscape Checklist

To fully understand your competitive landscape, consider the following questions:

  • What’s the overall company positioning in relation to its competitors?
  • What are the marketing dynamics?
  • How do company sales compare to competitors?
  • What is competitor pricing?
  • What are the main economic, competitive or regulatory risks?

Pricing and Margins Checklist

Pricing can significantly influence consumers’ decision-making processes. The point is not just to be cheap, but well-calculated. Consider these questions:

  • What does the price sensitivity analysis look like?
  • What’s the company’s pricing strategy (target pricing, margin pricing, etc.)?
  • Is the pricing structure sustainable? What could impact the pricing in the future? (e.g. rising electricity costs, raw materials costs, etc.)

READ MORE: Hire an Expert Pricing Consultant

Customer Checklist

Understanding your customers can give valuable insights. Ask these questions:

  • What does the customer analysis look like? What trends did you identify?
  • Is it possible to interview clients and build case studies?
  • Is there a potential for cross-selling?
  • Could the positioning be improved?
  • Can you measure the loyalty of your customer base?

Mastering marketing due diligence can be an intricate process. Fortunately, there’s a deep bench of niche-specific service providers on standby to help.

BluWave’s research and operations team can connect you with an exact-fit service provider to help you navigate your marketing due diligence. Take the first step toward optimizing your strategy by contacting BluWave.

Human Capital Forum: Navigating the Labor Market, Investing in Talent Development

May 26, 2023 Brad Gerick

How do firms and portfolio company leaders manage through current labor market conditions? What are the emerging trends in different roles, industries, and sectors? These were among the pressing topics in the latest BluWave-hosted Human Capital Forum on May 24.

Esteemed panelists Peter Allen of Aegis Ventures, Steven Berman of Accel-KKR, Michelle Nasir of Arsenal Capital Partners, Dan Grosh of Diversis Capital, and Damon Beyer of Warburg Pincus LLC, joined our own Erez Schnaittacher for this insightful virtual event.

Here are some highlights of what was discussed.

Summary Takeaways

  • Find a balance in preparing portfolio companies without being overbearing.
  • Encourage knowledge sharing and development through forums for functional leaders.
  • Invest in developing the next generation of talent within portfolio companies.
  • The demand for leadership roles has shifted from growth-centric positions to CFOs.
  • Understand candidate priorities and ensure alignment with the company’s goals for higher performance and retention.
  • Invest time upfront in C-Level hires, including comprehensive assessments and coaching.

This event was conducted with the Chatham House Rule in place.

Navigating Through Current Labor Market Conditions

Panelists addressed how they are supporting their firms and portfolio company leaders in navigating the current labor market conditions. They discussed various considerations that have both short-term and long-term effects and whether these considerations are complementary or conflict with one another.

Uncharted economic cycles require balance between providing necessary support and respecting the autonomy of portfolio companies. Emphasis was placed on coaching and working with deal teams, managing cash prudently, and hosting functional leadership forums. These strategies ensure a well-prepared and resilient portfolio despite the labor market uncertainties.

The need for a long-term perspective was discussed, with a focus on nurturing talent for future needs and aligning compensation structures to foster loyalty and dedication. Panelists highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for growth, where employees feel recognized and challenged.

Emerging Market Trends

The discussion shifted toward emerging trends in different roles, industries and sectors across the portfolio companies. The panelists also shared where their focus had been this year.

In 2021, the focus was on revenue and GTM leaders, but the CFO role has recently seen a spike in demand. Companies are looking for CFOs who can manage costs efficiently, so the company can maintain a position of strength.

Panelists highlighted the challenges in filling entry-level jobs and niche roles such as business intelligence and business operations. Also, the current labor market is very competitive, particularly for C-suite roles in the healthcare sector.

In some instances, portfolio turnover is greater than 50 percent for all C-Level roles, indicating the importance of nurturing talent internally and conducting thorough assessments before making C-Level hires. Industrial and Manufacturing businesses are currently experiencing a shortage of mid-level management roles.

When you’re ready to use the same resources as the world’s best PE firms, contact BluWave to set up a scoping call with our research and operations team.

Whether navigating the labor market, investing in talent or any number of other services for business builders, we have an exact-fit solution for you on standby.

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In the Know: Make Confident Investments with Commercial Due Diligence

May 25, 2023 Brad Gerick

In an increasingly competitive private equity landscape, mastering commercial due diligence is integral to success. It offers a clear picture of potential investments, allowing firms to mitigate risks and assess value more accurately.

Our latest In the Know video explores how specialized service providers can help enhance your commercial due diligence process.

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Partnering with a specialized provider offers comprehensive industry, customer and competitive analysis, extending beyond what a generalist group can provide. They offer:

  • Specialized expertise for informed decision-making
  • Detailed examination of market dynamics
  • Effective risk evaluation and mitigation strategies
  • Assistance in fair company valuation
Continue reading “In the Know: Make Confident Investments with Commercial Due Diligence”

Maximizing Customer Retention: Strategies for Loyalty, Long-Term Relationships

May 23, 2023 Brad Gerick

What is Customer Retention?

Customer retention measures how well a business maintains its customer base over a specific period. It’s an important metric because it is often more cost-effective to retain existing customers than acquire new ones.

When customers consistently choose your brand over competitors, they bring repeat business, provide valuable feedback and often become brand advocates.

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Achieving high customer retention isn’t easy, though. It requires careful strategizing, meticulous execution and continuous improvement. This is where third-party resources can make a significant difference. Partnering with experts or leveraging cutting-edge tools can save you valuable time and resources.

Whether it’s designing an attractive loyalty program, implementing effective CRM systems or refining your customer experience, industry specific service providers have experience and expertise you need.

Let’s dive deeper into customer retention and how it can help your business.

I. Understanding The Importance Of Customer Retention

Building customer loyalty is a critical element of customer retention. The value it brings to business growth is immense as loyal customers often translate to repeat business and referrals. There are several key factors influencing customer loyalty, including product quality, customer service and overall customer experience.

Effective customer retention strategies play a pivotal role in fostering long-term relationships. They involve an array of initiatives ranging from loyalty programs to personalized customer engagements. Examining successful case studies can provide a insights for companies looking to improve retention.

ALSO SEE: Voice of Customer Process: Methodologies for Better Service

II. Implementing Customer Loyalty Programs

Customer loyalty programs are designed to incentivize repeat business. There are different types of loyalty programs, each with its own benefits. For example, a points system might encourage frequent purchases, while a tiered system could inspire larger transactions.

When designing a customer loyalty program, several key considerations come into play. These include understanding your customers’ preferences, setting clear and achievable rewards and ensuring the overall process is straightforward and accessible. Implementing and managing these programs effectively can have a significant impact on customer retention.

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III. Enhancing The Customer Experience

An outstanding customer experience can turn one-time customers into repeat clients and casual buyers into brand advocates. Employing strategies to consistently deliver exceptional experiences can significantly improve customer loyalty and retention.

Using CRM systems to manage customer relationships can have numerous benefits. They can help track customer interactions, provide personalized service and identify trends in customer behavior. Similarly, leveraging customer lifecycle management can enhance customer retention by delivering targeted engagements at each stage of the customer’s journey.

IV. Loyalty Management and Measurement

Effective management of customer loyalty initiatives is crucial to their success. This includes not only the implementation of the programs but also ongoing performance monitoring. It’s crucial to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like repeat purchase rate, customer lifetime value and churn rate. Interpreting and acting on these metrics, however, may require a certain level of expertise that specialized third-party services can provide.

Successful customer retention strategies are not set in stone, but are rather dynamic and adaptive. Continual refinement based on customer feedback, market trends and business goals is paramount to their sustained effectiveness. The process of monitoring and adjusting your customer retention efforts can be intricate and time-consuming. Expert third-party service providers, well-versed in data analytics and strategy adaptation, can be an essential asset in this journey.

READ MORE: What is the Voice of Customer Survey?

The journey of customer retention, from understanding its importance to implementing effective strategies, is an intricate, ongoing process. Customer loyalty programs, enhanced customer experiences, CRM and lifecycle management are all tools in your arsenal to foster loyalty and long-term relationships.

The value of maximizing customer retention is clear, but the path to achieving it can be riddled with complexity. BluWave is here to bridge the gap.

Our research and operations team is here to connect you with industry-specific, expertly vetted service providers to help you navigate the complexities of customer retention.

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Voice of Customer Process: Methodologies for Better Service

May 22, 2023 Brad Gerick

Customers shape the success of your business. Their feedback, preferences and expectations guide your strategies, refine your services and bolster your bottom line.

Enter the world of the Voice of Customer (VoC). This indispensable tool empowers you to tap into what your customers desire and harness their insights for growth.

Ready to get started on your VoC journey?

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VoC is a research method that captures customers’ expectations, preferences and aversions. By leveraging this approach, you can cultivate a customer-centric culture that not only boosts satisfaction but also propels your business to new heights.

READ MORE: Voice of Customer: Definition, Importance

VoC (Voice of Customer) Methodologies

VoC methodologies are a collection of techniques to gather valuable customer insights. They pinpoint customer needs, expose pain points and reveal opportunities to improve.

Customer Interviews and Surveys

Nothing beats a conversation when it comes to understanding customers. Interviews unveil the “why” behind behaviors, offering rich qualitative data. On the other hand, surveys, whether online, email or SMS, yield quantitative data, transforming feedback into measurable insights.

By pairing these methodologies, you gain a holistic understanding of preferences and experiences. But managing and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data can be complex. Collaborating with expert third-party services can alleviate this burden, allowing you to focus on leveraging the insights.

Social Media

Customers often voice their opinions on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok and more. Monitoring these platforms uncovers real-time feedback and sentiments. Social listening tools identify trends, track brand mentions and facilitate customer engagement. This goldmine of unfiltered opinions can equip you to refine your products and services.

Doing this on a regular basis, though, can become unwieldy. Experienced third parties who do this on a regular basis can save you time and help you get capture core customer sentiments.

Focus Groups

A small group of customers, a structured discussion and a skilled moderator – that’s a focus group in a nutshell. It’s enables customers to freely express their thoughts.

This format often reveals hidden perceptions and enables you to understand how group dynamics influence feedback. Nevertheless, coordinating and moderating focus groups can be time-consuming and requires expertise for accurate interpretation. Here, experienced third-party firms can step in, streamlining the process and ensuring valuable takeaways.

Ready to dive deeper into customer insights?

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Customer Support Data

When customers reach out for support, they reveal their needs and frustrations. Scrutinizing inquiries, complaints and feedback from support channels can reveal recurring issues and areas for improvement.

Website Behavior Analysis

How do customers interact with your website? Analytics tools – like Google Analytics 4 – offer the answer. By tracking page views, clicks and navigation paths, you gain behavioral insights.

Heatmaps, user recordings and conversion funnels also unveil usability issues and help streamline the customer journey. But analyzing such granular data and deriving meaningful insights isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It demands deep technical expertise and significant time investment. A third-party solution with a knack for analytics can be the key to unlocking these valuable insights, sparing you from getting lost in the complexity of data.

Online Reviews

Customer feedback thrives on online review platforms. By monitoring them, you can understand customer sentiments and address concerns. Engaging with customers on review platforms also shows your commitment to their satisfaction.

Feedback Forms

Feedback forms on your website or app offer a structured way to gather feedback. Well-designed, user-friendly forms capture specific information, enabling customers to express their thoughts in detail.

Net Promoter Score® (NPS®)

How likely are your customers to recommend your business? The Net Promoter Score® (NPS®) offers a clear answer. NPS® surveys categorize customers into promoters, passives and detractors. Analyzing this data uncovers the reasons behind customer ratings and helps craft strategies to boost loyalty.

Ready to unlock these VoC insights?

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VoC (Voice of Customer) Processes

Data Collection and Analysis

Gathering data is only the first step. VoC methodologies call for structuring and organizing data to facilitate effective analysis. Tools and techniques for data analysis spotlight key insights and patterns, making sense of what you collect.

Insight Generation

Converting data into actionable insights is the heart of VoC. Analysis uncovers customer preferences, pain points and emerging trends. Triangulating from different methodologies offers a comprehensive understanding of your customers.

Action Planning and Implementation

Insights are the foundation for action. Prioritize improvements based on both customer input and business goals. For instance, if feedback consistently points to slow website load times, prioritize website optimization. Effective implementation requires cross-functional collaboration to effect change.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The Voice of Customer process is not static, but rather a dynamic, ongoing endeavor. It evolves in sync with market trends and customer needs. Establishing continuous feedback loops, gauging progress and refining strategies based on the evolving customer landscape is essential.

This is where BluWave steps in, bridging the gap between understanding your customers and implementing that understanding into actionable strategies. Our research and operations team works diligently to connect you with industry-specific, vetted service providers who specialize in Voice of Customer methodologies. They assist you in maintaining the momentum of your VoC efforts, from the initial data collection to the final stages of strategy adaptation.

Through our extensive network, we’ve got you covered whether you are a private equity firm, a portfolio company, or a private or public company. Our exact-fit resources are at your disposal to ensure you remain customer-centric, adaptable and progressive in the ever-changing market landscape. We understand that your goal isn’t just to listen to your customers but to hear them, comprehend them and ultimately grow with them.

How BluWave Helps Business Builders

May 21, 2023 Brad Gerick

What does BluWave do? Who works there? How can it help me grow my business?

Existing and prospective clients often ask this – whether directly to us or to industry peers – about the BluWave Business Builders’ Network.

Today, we’re launching a new BluWave.net, designed to answer those burning questions while more efficiently getting you the resources you need.

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“We built our new website to improve our clients’ user experience, make it easier to navigate and more clearly articulate the things we do for our private equity and corporate clients across different use cases,” BluWave CEO Sean Mooney says. “The new website also makes it much easier and more seamless to do things like start a project and connect with our customer coverage team members.”

Some of the new features include:

Filters

Whether you’re at the Due Diligence, Value Creation or Prep for Sale stage, we have real-life case studies, informed blog posts and expert content to support you. Learn more about how our expertly vetted service providers can help your private equity firm, portfolio company or private or public business, no matter what industry you’re in.

Search Functionality

Quickly access resources related to your niche-specific need by using the search bar at the top of the site.

“One of the great things about BluWave is that our network covers a lot of ground for business builders and their needs. The challenge is that it can be difficult to concisely cover all the things we do for private equity and corporate customers,” Mooney says. “I’m excited about the enhanced search functionality that will help our clients more easily navigate areas of interest.”

New Team Pages

Meet the leadership and learn more about the experts at BluWave. Click into any of the individual profiles on the page to get to know us better or contact us directly.

BluWave’s head of client coverage is excited about how the business builders we work with every day will benefit from these improvements.

“Our primary focus is to ensure that our new website is relatable to our growing client base with our expansion into new markets,” Managing Director Rena Frackt Zimmerman says. “With an emphasis on speed and ease of use, our revamped website offers a seamless experience for visitors allowing them to gather information or fast-track directly into an engagement.”

BluWave’s marketing team spearheaded the months-long effort to launch the new site. Senior Director of Marketing Kyle Johnson says:

“The launch of our new website is representative of our continued focus to deliver the best experience to everyone that makes the BluWave network – the world’s best business builders and our best-in-class specialized service providers – what it is.”

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Technical Recruiter (IT): Find the Right Candidate Fast

May 18, 2023 Brad Gerick

What Does a Technical Recruiter Do?

A technical recruiter is in charge of finding, interviewing and selecting qualified candidates for technical roles like software engineering, data analysis and technical writing. They seek candidates who have the necessary skills to fill specialized positions in information technology, data science and engineering.

Technical recruiters work for either a company’s human resources department or a technical recruiting agency to fill open positions within a technology-focused company. Oftentimes, an expert technical recruiter who has experience across your industry can be the best way to find an exact-fit candidate, and fast.

GET STARTED: Niche-Specific Tech Recruiters for Your Business

“Any specialized recruiter is going to have a better network. They’ll also have a much better idea of ‘what good looks like’ and can help a hiring team calibrate the applicant pool more reliably,” says Houston Slatton, BluWave’s head of technology.

The digital revolution has emphasized the necessity for specialized roles within organizations, bringing to the fore the importance of technical recruiters.  They possess an intricate knowledge of the necessary skills and experiences required for these roles and are adept at identifying candidates that align seamlessly with the organization’s unique needs.

Interim CHRO
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Hire Interim CTO: Benefits, Advantages

May 16, 2023 Brad Gerick

Why should a private equity firm or a private or public business hire an interim chief technology officer?

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, technology leadership is crucial for businesses seeking to innovate, streamline operations and stay ahead of the competition. But finding the right CTO can be a challenge, particularly for private equity firms managing a portfolio of companies, or private and public companies undergoing significant change. This is why outside resources that are intimately connected to the top temporary tech executives can give you a huge advantage.

CONTACT US: Let Us Scope Your Exact-Fit Interim CTO

“For companies with tech products – internal or external – a good CTO can provide necessary leadership to make sure those products are built on time, at budget and with high quality,” says Houston Slatton, BluWave’s head of technology. “They can also play a role in architecture, validating the tech stack and helping determine the right path forward in growing organizations.

Interim CTOs can serve as a stopgap solution to either turn things around or simply keep the business moving forward while a long-term solution is sought.

Here are five benefits of hiring a temporary CTO.

sales and marketing
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M&A Integration Timeline: 10 Keys To Success

May 15, 2023 Brad Gerick

Navigating a merger or acquisition is a complex, multistage process that requires careful planning, strategic decision-making and effective execution. Understanding the timeline and key phases can significantly affect success, minimizing disruption and maximizing potential synergies.

Let’s look at an overview of a typical M&A integration timeline, breaking down each phase into clear, actionable steps. From pre-merger planning to ongoing post-merger optimization, we’ll explore each phase in detail, offering insights that can help private equity firms and businesses better manage their M&A processes, align teams and objectives and ultimately achieve their strategic goals.

ALSO SEE: Merger Planning & Integration: Best Practices for PE Firms

“Instead of hoping that all the pieces will simply fall into place once a merger gets underway, top PE firms use specialized PE-grade merger integration advisors from BluWave’s Business Builders’ Network to help guide and keep portfolio company acquisitions on track,” BluWave CEO Sean Mooney says. “These merger integration experts know what steps need to be taken and when they need to be taken in order for an acquisition to live up to its full potential.”

Continue reading “M&A Integration Timeline: 10 Keys To Success”

EDI Specialist: Get Help with Technical Implementation

May 11, 2023 Brad Gerick

What is an EDI Specialist?

An EDI specialist is a technical expert who designs, develops, implements and manages EDI systems and processes. EDI systems facilitate the efficient and secure exchange of data between organizations or within an organization.

Besides monitoring, troubleshooting, and enhancing EDI transactions and applications, an EDI specialist should possess excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and stay current with technology trends.

EDI specialists are instrumental in helping businesses eliminate record errors, expedite transactions and reduce data processing time. They implement and install operating systems tailored for data interchange, boosting efficiency across all functional areas. As these systems utilize digitally acquired records, error reduction and effortless retrieval become possible.

With the increasing need for businesses to exchange data electronically, the demand for EDI specialists is on the rise. As more companies adopt electronic data interchange, this trend is expected to continue.

Let’s dive into more details about this important role, and discuss how you can get an expertly matched EDI specialist for your specific situation fast.

I. The Role of an EDI Specialist

An EDI specialist’s responsibilities extend beyond setting up and configuring EDI connections. They also develop and test EDI messages, troubleshoot EDI problems and provide EDI training to employees. An EDI specialist’s primary duty is to design, develop and implement all EDI-related processes within a company or organization.

Their expertise in data exchange enables them to develop and refine methods for securely receiving and transferring data to and from various trading partners, ultimately optimizing supply chain operations.

READ MORE: What is Technical Debt in Due Diligence?

II. The Skills and Qualifications of an EDI Specialist

An EDI specialist should possess a comprehensive understanding of IT and various business units, working knowledge of EDI translation software packages, and a solid grasp of EDI standards and practices such as EDIFACT and XML. Additionally, they need to have a general understanding of networking protocols and web architecture.

Soft skills like strong communication and organizational talent are crucial for an EDI specialist. They must have an independent, structured, and responsible way of working to collaborate effectively with different teams and stakeholders and troubleshoot issues during EDI system implementation.

III. The Salary of an EDI Specialist

In the U.S., EDI specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. Factors influencing their salaries include experience level, education, location, and industry.

IV. Working with an EDI Specialist

Collaborating with an EDI specialist can help you streamline business processes and enhance supply chain management. They can assist in automating business processes, reducing manual data entry errors, and cutting costs by eliminating paper-based transactions. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective operation.

Continue reading “EDI Specialist: Get Help with Technical Implementation”