PYMNTS

JUNE 11, 2018

In the pharmacy business, convenience is often seen as the key to success. Industry giants like CVS Health, Walgreens and Express Scripts, Inc. have become household names, enabling more than 50 percent of prescription drug sales in the U.S. by giving customers what they want most: a smooth, simple experience. Consumers want to refill prescriptions online or on their mobile phones, and they also want to be able to chat with their pharmacists.

Pharmaceutical 67

Pharmaceutical Technology New York Retail 67

Katz,Sapper&Miller

JUNE 14, 2018

Many taxpayers have heard of the research tax credit (also known as the R&D credit), which may conjure up images of scientists in an experimental laboratory. However, the research tax credit (research credit) casts a much wider net. There are many other activities that may qualify for the credit, including those commonly performed in the construction industry.

Construction 40

Construction Tax 40

PYMNTS

JUNE 14, 2018

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) leading authority on bitcoin, cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings (ICOs) has ruled that some well-known cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and Ethereum are not securities. However, the coins offered during initial coin offerings very likely are entirely — or mostly — securities, according to news from CNBC.

Finance 63

Finance Technology Legal 63

PYMNTS

JUNE 11, 2018

Loyalty programs can come with two challenges for retailers: getting consumers to sign up, and then making them feel like the rewards are worth the program. Some merchants are quick to think big to tackle these issues, offering hundreds to thousands of rewards points for the simplest of acts, such as downloading a merchant’s app. All those points come at a marketing cost and liabilities on the balance sheet, but still don’t guarantee loyal customers.

Retail 56

Retail Start-ups 56

Speaker: Danny Gassaway and Wayne Richards

Finance leaders are prioritizing efficiency and digital transformation, yet many hesitate to automate due to uncertainty. Without a clear understanding of its impact, organizations risk falling behind competitors who are leveraging automation to drive productivity and cost savings. Join Wayne Richards and Danny Gassaway from AvidXchange for a practical guide on bringing accounts payable (AP) automation to your organization.

Finance

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

Shares of the Dutch payment processing firm Adyen debuted Wednesday (June 13) at €400, or about $470, which stood at 67 percent higher than the company’s IPO pricing. Share were selling at more than €500 ($589). Trading of Adyen shares took place on Amsterdam’s Euronext exchange. The company had raised €947 million ($1.1 billion) for its investors in the biggest technology IPO in Europe so far this year.

Technology 55

Technology 55

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

In the age of Big Data, global supply chains quickly flocked to analytics solutions that offered predictability and agility in a market swayed by geopolitical shifts, regulatory risks and even the weather. Initially, the enterprise struggled to be able to collect the data they needed, and to ensure that the data was of a high enough quality to make use of that information.

accounts payable 54

accounts payable accounting and finance Retail Finance 54

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

It was once the case that innovation — no matter the industry — took time. Judicious planning. Trial and error. Increasingly, though, time has become the scarcest of commodities. Thus, when it comes to payments, the name of the game is innovation on the fly. Innovation in real time, you might say, is key in bringing new technologies and new methods to markets.

Technology 53

Technology Start-ups Gaming accountant 53

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

B2B eCommerce software provider OroCommerce is integrating payments capabilities into its platform through a new collaboration with Limonetik. A press release issued Monday (June 11) revealed OroCommerce is turning to the cross-border payments FinTech to provide payment services for its corporate customers via API. The solution links businesses on the OroCommerce platform to more than 125 international payment methods to pay for the goods they purchase online.

B2B 53

B2B accounted Account accountant 53

PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

From QSRs to casual dining operations, restaurants are tapping into mobile ordering to capture busy customers with no time to dine in. In the June Mobile Order-Ahead Tracker, PYMNTS explores how casual dining restaurants are balancing mobile ordering with table service, and are seeking to get ahead of changing consumer preferences. Plus, the latest on taking the chaos out of order pickup and more new developments in the space.

Rhode Island 52

Rhode Island Massachusetts Technology Maine 52

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

There is a sudden surge in construction technology startups, and investors have perked up. Analysts forecasted a 40 percent increase in venture capitalist (VC) funding for construction startups between 2014 and 2017, with investments totaling $375 million last year. This year, that figure has already been eclipsed thanks to SoftBank ‘s $865 million investment in Katerra.

Construction 52

Construction Technology payroll Legal 52

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It's the time of year to give our close process some TLC. Join us in this one hour webinar where we discuss how to adopt leading practices and infuse technology into the month-end close process to improve our experience and increase our productivity during month-end and quarter-end close. Learning Objectives: This course's objective is to understand how the month-end close can be improved with automation and adoption of leading practices.

Technology

PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

Chubb, the insurance company, has partnered up with Sure Inc., a startup, to sell insurance to users of ride-hailing apps including Uber. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sure has created a product that gives passengers of ride-hailing apps accident and death coverage on a per-day basis. The insurance can be purchased on demand via a mobile app and will protect the passenger from any injuries he or she received while in the vehicle.

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PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

A new study reveals that while Americans are generally overconfident in their financial knowledge, only a few could score a top grade on a financial quiz. The “ Financial Literacy: Prosperity Begins with Knowledge ” study from Raddon, a provider of innovative research, also found that the vast majority have never attended a financial education program, although many think such a program would be extremely or very valuable.

Education 51

Education Finance 51

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

As the Silent Generation is aging deeper into their 80s, and the oldest members of the Baby Boomer Generation are celebrating birthdays deeper into their 50s, elder care in the United States is becoming a more pressing and complicated issue by the day. Yet, Karen.care Co-founder and CEO Paul Shustak told Karen Webster in a recent conversation that those huge costs and complexities are a bit on the invisible side to most people, because family members providing unpaid care for older family member

Start-ups 51

Start-ups New York Finance 51

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

There are apps for all sorts of tasks, but Apple doesn’t want apps to do one thing in particular — mine crypto, CNBC reported. In an update to its developer guidelines, Apple has banned mining. “Apps, including any third-party advertisements displayed within them, may not run unrelated background processes, such as cryptocurrency mining,” Apple said on its website.

Sports 51

Sports 51

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

payroll

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

Samsung NEXT has announced the launch of Samsung NEXT Q Fund to fund startups involved in artificial intelligence (AI). Q Fund will provide Seed and Series A financing to startups solving AI problems, as well as those using AI to solve computer science problems. Vincent Tang, principal at Samsung NEXT Ventures said , “For the past 10 years, we’ve watched software eat the world.

Maine 51

Maine Finance Technology 51

PYMNTS

JUNE 9, 2018

Snapchat’s Sizzly Fizzle, or Fizzly Sizzle . Usually in this column the sizzles and the fizzles are pretty distinct. But every so often there’s a player that managed to do a little of both at the same time, and this was one of those weeks. The player: Snap Inc. The news out of Snap for the last seven or so days has been a mixed bag. In short: Snap is beloved, often imitated but also kind of broke.

Technology 51

Technology Sales Legal Start-ups 51

PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

Payments firm Wirecard is expanding its presence in the B2B payments market, and is deploying blockchain technology in the process. An announcement on the company’s website on Thursday (June 14) said Wirecard is expanding its B2B services, using blockchain to connect merchants with producers. Distributed ledger technology will also be used to facilitate the creation and transmission of smart contracts to reduce the risk of fraud, the firm noted. “In this way, all steps along the comm

B2B 51

B2B Technology 51

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

New Jersey Transit announced it is planning to modernize its fare payment system through proposed upgrades that would reduce cash and paper-based tickets, and provide customers with quick, easy and convenient ways to pay. NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett said , “Improving the customer experience has been at the top of my priority list. Giving customers the ability to utilize the latest technology to pay fares offers a major convenience to them and multiple benefits, including easier p

New Jersey 50

New Jersey Transportation Pennsylvania New York 50

Speaker: Sierre Lindgren

Fraud is a battle that every organization must face – it’s no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Every organization is a potential target for fraud, and the finance department is often the bullseye. From cleverly disguised emails to fraudulent payment requests, the tactics of cybercriminals are advancing rapidly. Drawing insights from real-world cases and industry expertise, we’ll explore the vulnerabilities in your processes and how to fortify them effectively.

Finance

PYMNTS

JUNE 11, 2018

American Express and Parley , an organization focused on combating marine plastic pollution, are teaming up to raise awareness about the issue. The payments company is planning to launch the first Amex card made from plastics recovered from the oceans and coasts. In a press release last week, Amex said it is also committing to reduce the use of single-use plastic within its operations around the globe.

New York 50

New York 50

PYMNTS

JUNE 14, 2018

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? If so, some European regulators might like what’s going on with California in regards to digital privacy. This fall, voters in California will vote on a ballot initiative called the California Consumer Privacy Act. According to supporters, they have enough signatures to put it up for statewide approval on Nov. 6.

California 50

California New York Start-ups Government 50

PYMNTS

JUNE 13, 2018

Microsoft and human resources management company ADP are partnering for a holistic business management solution that combines financial and human capital data analytics, the companies recently announced. Together, the businesses revealed they are integrating ADP’s Workforce Now HCM solutions with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Joint business customers of the solution can unify their payroll, HR, time management, tax and other HCM functions with their business management processes

Healthcare 49

Healthcare payroll Maine Tax 49

PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

As cars and trucks become “smarter” (deeper connections to the web, improved self-driving capabilities), the technology required to keep those vehicles connected to the digital world is becoming more important. An example of that came this week. According to Bloomberg , Japan-based wireless provider KDDI , which developed an “auto connectivity platform” for Toyota , has “signed on several other Japanese carmakers to test and deploy the technology.

Technology 49

Technology Manufacturing 49

Speaker: Debra L. Robinson

CPAs know the drill: taxes, compliance, rinse, repeat. But what about the sneaky cash flow that’s quietly messing with your organization’s success? It’s time to step into the spotlight and expose the “dirty little secrets” of cash flow to fuel strategic growth. By upskilling your accounting practices and shifting focus from tax compliance to the strategic movement of money, you can transform your role from reactive accountant to proactive financial strategist.

CPA

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

Borrowing from the strategy of fast food restaurants, Dine Brands is working on a new order-ahead technology. Through an app, diners can order their food ahead of time before dining in and then pay their bill electronically, the New York Post reported. “It’s like converting casual dining to fast food,” Dine Brands CEO Stephen Joyce told The Post. Dine Brands, which oversees IHOP and Applebee’s Grill & Bar , is developing and experimenting with the technology, as same-store sales at Applebee

Technology 49

Technology New York Sales Retail 49

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

Time is money, and Walmart wants to save customers both – but it’s also asking for them to invest a little of the same. The big box retailer has ventured into the world of podcasting, recently launching Season Two of its “ Outside the Box ” podcast, which is focused on the value of time. Walmart has already invested in various strategies around time and convenience.

Technology 49

Technology Retail Start-ups 49

PYMNTS

JUNE 15, 2018

Following new alliances with Tencent and Google , Carrefour ’s chief executive Alexandre Bompard said that the company is making big progress on the digital front. He explained that the retailer’s expansion in digital commerce was an “absolute” priority as the company faces competition from online rivals, such as Amazon , Reuters reported. “Six months ago we were isolated,” Bompard said at the company’s yearly shareholders meeting. “All the retail alliances were taking place without

Retail 48

Retail Sales Technology 48

PYMNTS

JUNE 14, 2018

Equifax , the embattled credit scoring company announced Thursday (June 14) that it named Bryson Koehler as Chief Technology Officer. In a press release, Equifax said Koehler, who was previously the Chief Technology Officer at IBM Watson and Cloud Platform , will be in charge of the company’s global information technology strategy and development.

Technology 48

Technology Maine Gaming 48

Speaker: Aaron Berson

Managing spend is more than a cost cutting exercise – it's a pathway to smarter decisions that unlock efficiency and drive growth. By understanding and refining the spending process, financial leaders can empower their organizations to achieve more with less. Explore the art of balancing financial control with operational growth. From uncovering hidden inefficiencies to designing workflows that scale your business, we’ll share strategies to align your organization’s spending with its strategic g

Spend Management

PYMNTS

JUNE 14, 2018

The world is becoming more digital , and digital-transaction-friendly , at an almost exponential rate over the last few years. All to the good — and all adding to the case of greater efficiency. However, inefficient pockets hang on. Transparent allocation processes often make corporate spending opaque, even to CFOs most of the time — and even though they should presumably know such things.

Retail 48

Retail 48

PYMNTS

JUNE 12, 2018

For banks, beyond the vagaries of interest rates, income depends in part on managing costs. Manage them well, and margins get a boost. The converse is also true, of course, as inefficiencies can paint bottom lines a stark shade of red. In its starkest definition, the efficiency ratio is operating expenses divided by revenues. A lower ratio means the bank is operating with better cost control.

Technology 48

Technology Expense Management Gaming 48

PYMNTS

JUNE 11, 2018

Before the internet made car pricing transparent, a car’s value was a big unknown for the consumer. Buyers would dealer-hop, negotiate for hours and do the back-and-forth between dealers before, mostly out of sheer exhaustion and frustration, buy a vehicle. Still never knowing if they’d gotten a good deal on the purchase, or their trade. According to Scott Painter, founder of TrueCar and (more recently) the Fair app , the post-digital age of shopping is very, very different.

Start-ups 48

Start-ups Manufacturing accounting and finance Finance 48

PYMNTS

JUNE 11, 2018

Cryptocurrencies fell fast in just a few hours due to a flash crash that wiped out $15 billion. According to News BTC , the crypto markets fell more than 6 percent over a day, with bitcoin kicking it off by shedding $300 in just over an hour and 4.5 percent on the day. And as BTC points out, since all cryptos are tied together, if a big one falls, they all do — and often harder.

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Bleisure travel — where employees combine work and leisure — has been around since the advent of corporate travel and is here to stay. Successful bleisure policies strike a balance between employee preferences and company goals — workers report a 64% improvement in work-life balance, while companies benefit from reduced travel costs and increased workforce innovation.