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Martin Luther King, Jr., did plenty to change the world for the better. And nearly 60 years after his assassination, he’s at the center of a major concession by the world’s leading AI company that puts a battle over intellectual property and the right to control your image into the spotlight. In the weeks after OpenAI released Sora 2, its video generation model, onto the world, King’s image has been used in a number of ways that his family have deemed disrespectful to the civil rights campaigner’s legacy. In one video, created by Sora, King runs down the steps of the site of his famous “I have a dream” speech, saying he no longer has a dream, he has a nightmare. In another video, which resembles the footage of King’s most famous speech, the AI-generated version of the civil-rights campaigner has been repurposed to quote Tyga’s ‘Rack City’, saying “Ten, ten, ten, twenties on your titties, bitch.” In another, which Fast Company is not linking to, King makes monkey noises while reciting the same famous speech. “I can’t say how shocking this is,” says Joanna Bryson, a professor of AI ethics at the Hertie School in Berlin. Bryson, a British citizen since 2007 but born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, says that the videos featuring the civil-rights campaigner were particularly distasteful because of his role in historical events. “I was born in the 1960s so any kind of atrocity against his memory is incredibly distressing,” she says. “But also, his family is famously excellent and activist in protecting his legacy.” That activist intervention has resulted in OpenAI rethinking its approach to how people are depicted in Sora. Sort of. King was far from the only dead individual whose image was recreated and resuscitated with the help of Sora, as Fast Company has previously reported. While the King Estate has managed to secure something of a climbdown from OpenAI in one form—the AI firm said on Oct. 16 it “believes public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used”– the concession is only a partial one. The public statement continues: “Authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos.” “This is an embarrassing climb down for a company that just two weeks ago launched a deepfake app that would generate realistic videos of pretty much anyone you liked,” says Ed Newton-Rex, a former AI executive-turned-copyright campaigner and founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit certifying companies that respect creators’ rights. “But removing one person’s likeness doesn’t go nearly far enough. No one should have to tell OpenAI if they don’t want themselves or their families to be deepfaked.” An opt-out regime for public figures to not have their images used—some would argue abused—by generative AI tools is a far cry from the norms that have protected celebrities or intellectual property owners in the past. And it’s an onerous requirement on individuals as much as corporations to try and fight fires. (Separately, Fast Company has reported that OpenAI’s enforcement of registering Sora accounts in the names of public figures has been patchy at best.) Indeed, the huge imposition that such an opt-out regime would have on anyone has been appealed at governmental levels. Following Sora 2’s release, the Japanese government has petitioned OpenAI to stop infringing on the intellectual property of Japanese citizens and companies. In this instance, it goes beyond IP alone. “This is less of an IP issue and more of a self-sovereignty issue,” says Nana Nwachukwu, a researcher at the AI Accountability Lab at Trinity College Dublin. “I can look at IP as tied to digital sovereignty in these times so that makes it a bit complex. My face, mannerisms and voice are not public data even if—big if—I become a viral figure tomorrow. They’re the essence of my identity. Opt-out policies, however intentioned, are often misguided and dangerous,” she says. “We simply can’t ask every historic figure to rely on this kind of body to ‘opt out’ of sordid depictions,” says Bryson. “It would make more sense to demand some lower bounds of dignity in the depiction of any recognizable figure.” Says Newton-Rex: “It’s really very simple—OpenAI should be getting permission before letting their users make deepfakes of people. Anything else is incredibly irresponsible.” Newton-Rex has long been a critic of the way that AI companies approach copyright and intellectual property. OpenAI has defended its partial stand down by saying “there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures.” A spokesperson for the company told The Washington Post this week: “We believe that public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.” Bryson believes that some sort of AI-specific approach to how living figures are depicted through these tools is needed, in part because of the speed at which videos can be produced, the low barrier to entry to doing so, and the low cost at which those outputs can be disseminated at speed. “We probably do need a new rule, and it will unfortunately only depend on the brand of the AI developer,” she says. “I say ‘unfortunately’ because I don’t expect the monopoly presently enforced by compute and data costs to hold,” she adds. “I think there will be more, less expensive, and more geographically diverse DeepSeek moments [in video generation].” Experts suggest that the world shouldn’t necessarily celebrate the King climbdown as a major moment, in part because it still tries to shift the window of acceptability over intellectual property and recognizable individuals further than it stood before Sora was unleashed on the world. And even then, there may still be workarounds: Three hours after OpenAI published its statement in conjunction with the King Estate, an X user shared another video of the iconic figure. In this one, at least, King’s words weren’t too twisted. But the fact it could be made at all was. “I have a dream,” the AI character said to applause, “where Sora changes its content violation policy.” View the full article

Advertisers are spotting a fresh Google Maps ad format featuring scrollable light blue sitelinks beneath promoted pins. The new layout gives brands more clickable real estate directly inside Maps. Update confirmed. Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin confirmed the rollout, saying the feature is now fully launched. The update allows sitelinks — already common in Search ads — to appear in Maps ads, linking users to specific pages on an advertiser’s website. How it works. These sitelinks can show from Search or Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. To enable them you’ll need at least two sitelinks for both desktop and mobile. Sitelinks can be added at the account, campaign, asset group, or ad group level. Why we care. Maps has long been a high-intent environment for local and in-person searches. Adding sitelinks turns those “near me” moments into deeper engagement — and potentially higher conversions — without requiring users to leave Maps. The bottom line. Google continues to blur the lines between Search and Maps ad experiences, giving marketers more flexibility to guide users straight from discovery to action. First seen. This update was first noted by Founder & CEO at ADSQUIRE, Anthony Higman on X View the full article

It might start with a cassette deck that streams Spotify and charges your phone. It doesn’t have to stop there. These days, yesterday is big business. A retro revival is underway in the design world: mushroom-shaped lamps, walnut stereo consoles, daisy dishware, neon Polaroid cameras. It’s like our homes just hustled over from “One Day at a Time” or “That ’70s Show” or moonwalked in from “Thriller”-era 1982. Welcome to the retro reset, where ‘70s, ’80s, and ’90s aesthetics are getting a second life. It’s not just in fashion and film but in home décor and tech. Whether you actually lived through it or long for a past you never experienced, nostalgia is fueling a surge of interest from Gen X to Gen Z in throwback styles that blend vintage charm with modern convenience. Old-school tech, new-school tricks A big part of the trend is tech that looks analog but functions digitally. Think portable CD players in the kind of candy colors popular at Radio Shack in the 1970s, AM/FM radios equipped with USB outputs, or turntables with Bluetooth amplification to wireless speakers. Compact radios styled after 1970s transistor models now double as smart speakers. There’s even a growing market for clunky-but-charming mini cathode-ray-style TVs — and boomboxes with streaming capability. It’s as if the Carter, Reagan and Clinton eras have collided with the latest of the digital age. What draws us? Some of it is the tactile appeal of dials and buttons — of interacting with something that feels solid, more “real.” In a room, these elements aren’t just nods to the past. They’re also aesthetic statements that add way more character than a giant, flat, black screen, or a “smart” sound system you can’t even see. Stereo consoles in a woodgrain finish or a pastel-colored lacquer offer not only music but a nice furniture addition to a space. (Though who knows: Will those minimalist black screens be ”retro” one day for our children and grandchildren?) “Whether it’s turntables, cassette players, speakers or musical instruments, there’s definitely a fascination among younger audiences with analog technology and how things worked before the digital age,” says Emmanuel Plat, merchandising director for MoMAstore, the design shop at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The store has Tivoli’s Model One table radio, with a throwback-style, wood-grain frame, circle speaker grill and knobs, but 2025’s sound quality and connectivity. They’re also stocking pocket synthesizers, Bluetooth turntables, and “Peanuts”-themed Polaroid cameras and cassette players. Who’s into it — and why Gen Z is seeing it all with fresh eyes, and enjoying the hunt for vintage or vintage-look stuff. Millennials and Gen X may enjoy reliving their childhood aesthetics. And that can be comforting in today’s stressed world, says Joseph Sgambatti, 37, a design journalist in New York City. “Nostalgia-driven design choices become comforts that help us cope,” he says. There’s also an ironic, social-media component to the trend. “Midcentury modern and retro design objects are simple, often show-stopping artifacts,” Sgambatti says. “These finds carry a lot of social currency in a generation that prioritizes publishing their life online.” Style trends do tend to arrive in cycles — think “Happy Days” portraying the 1950s for the 1970s, or the current Gen-Z crush on Y2K fashion. Plus, a steady diet of nostalgia-rich media from “Stranger Things” to “Barbie” has reintroduced retro design to younger audiences. But there’s also an emotional component. After years of digital overload and pandemic-era disruptions, we’re gravitating toward styles that feel warmer, softer — more human, even. Colors that carry meaning If you walk by the E.C. Reems Academy, an elementary school in Oakland, California, or Houston’s Children’s Assessment Center, you can’t miss the vibrant graphic murals done by Berkeley-based Project Color Corps. The group, which helps transform libraries, schools and other community spaces with eye-catching wall art, often uses graphics, typefaces and an overall palette with a ’70s and ’80s vibe. In the 1970s, “we sought solace in warm, earthy tones that symbolized grounding and stability. Browns, oranges, olive greens and deep yellows dominated the aesthetic landscape, reflecting the growing Earth movement,” says Laura Guido-Clark, who founded the nonprofit. It was a different aesthetic in the ‘80s — one dripping with materialism, consumerism, the emergence of ‘”yuppie” culture, says Guido-Clark. “Neon colors, bold patterns and vibrant fashion choices.” And there’s affection for that, too. Her group recently worked with the design firm Gensler on a lounge space at Chicago’s NeoCon trade fair for commercial interior design. The space featured retro-flavored colors and motifs. Gensler’s design director, Marianne Starke, says the colors draw viewers into a sensory experience that might be rooted in memory: “A popsicle on a ‘90s summer day, an ’80s striped T-shirt, a rollerskating rink in the ’70s.” Furniture with curves and confidence In furniture, the revival of those slightly distant decades leans toward soft silhouettes, rounded edges and a low-slung vibe. Arched bookshelves, bubble chairs, Lucite tables and terrazzo finishes have all reentered the conversation. Wallpaper and textile patterns feature bold geometrics, Memphis-style squiggles and Pop-Artsy botanicals. It’s a deliberate swing away from the chilly gray-on-white-on-gray look that farmhouse modern décor gave us for the past couple of decades. In the process, eras get conflated. Who’s to say whether an inspiration or design comes precisely from the ‘70s, the ’80s or the ’90s — or contains elements of all three? Designers are even revisiting some once-controversial elements of the disco era: Smoked glass, chrome accents and mirrored surfaces are making subtle (not a word often used in connection with the 1970s) comebacks in upscale interiors and product lines. Whether it’s a lava lamp grooving on a media console, daisies and doves dancing on wallpaper, or a sofa rocking a bunch of ruffly chintz pillows, the retro revival feels less like a gimmick and more like a shift in how people want to live — integrating elements of the past that offer comfort and delight. As long as those cassette players keep syncing to Bluetooth and we can stream “Annie Hall,” “Saturday Night Fever” or “Miami Vice,” the past, it seems, is here to stay — at least until our own moment inevitably becomes a nostalgia play in itself. —Kim Cook, Associated Press View the full article

Approximately three years after the one-time non-depository bought Roscoe (Texas) State Bank, Cornerstone Capital Bancorp agreed to purchase Peoples Bancorp. View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. OpenAI's new Sora app has been the main focus concerning hyper-realistic AI slop over the past few weeks. Sora makes it all too easy for users to generate short-form videos that seem real enough to most people, including videos that showcase real people's likenesses. But before Sora dropped, it was Google that was stirring fears about these realistic AI videos. With Veo 3, Google launched an AI model that not only produced lifelike videos, it also generated realistic audio synced to the action. Sound effects, environments, even dialog could all generate alongside the video itself, selling the effect entirely from one simple prompt. Veo 3.1Now, Google is back with an upgrade to Veo, appropriately named Veo 3.1, which the company announced in a blog post on Wednesday. This isn't necessarily an overhaul or a revolutionary new video model. Instead, Veo 3.1 builds on top of Veo 3, adding "richer audio" and "enhanced realism" that Google says generates "true-to-life" textures. The new model also reportedly supports new narrative controls tools, which pairs with new upgrades to Flow, Google's AI video editor. Flow users now have more granular controls when editing, and can add audio to existing features like "Ingredients to Video," "Frames to Video," and "Extend." What does that mean in practice? According to Google, Ingredients to Video with Veo 3.1 lets users add references images to their scenes, such as a specific person, clothing items, or an environment. The new Flow editor can then insert those elements into the finished product, as you can see in the demo video below: Building off of this new feature, Flow now lets you add new elements to an existing scene as well. With "Insert," you can tell Veo 3.1 to add new characters, details, lighting effects, and more to the clip. Google says it is also working on the opposite as well, to allow users to remove any elements they don't like from a generation. Google also now has a new way for users to dictate how they'd like a scene to generate, called "First and last frame." Users can choose reference frames for the beginning and ending of a scene. Flow with Veo 3.1 will then fill in the gap, and generate a scene that starts and ends based on those images. There's also now a way to create videos that are longer than previous iterations of Flow would generate. The new "Extend" feature lets you either continue the action of the current clip, or cut to a new scene that follows it, though Google says the feature is most useful for generating a longer establishing shot. According to the company, Extend can create videos that last over a minute. Veo 3.1 is available for users in the Gemini app as well as Vertex AI, as long as you have a Google AI Pro subscription. Developers can access it via the Gemini API. Google says Ingredients to Video, First and last frame, and Extend are coming to Gemini API, but "Add object" and "Remove object" are not available. "Extend" is also not yet available in the Vertex AI API. Is this really a good thing?Google sees all of these advancements as a boon for creatives and creativity, but I'm highly skeptical. I could see Veo 3.1 and Flow as a good tool for envisioning shots before filming or animating them (i.e. a storyboarding tool), or even a way for new and budding filmmakers to learn editing by seeing their ideas in a more realized form. However, as a whole, I don't think AI-generated content is the future—or, at least, not a future most of us want. Sure, there's humor or novelty in some of these AI-generated videos, but I'd wager most of the people who enjoy them do so ironically, or exclusively to social media. The idea of replacing human filmmakers and actors with AI generations seems absurd, especially when it puts all of us at risk of disinformation. Is it really so important for companies like Google and OpenAI to make it easy to generate hyper-realistic fully-rendered scenes, when those videos could so easily be used to trick the masses? This could be the ramblings of someone resistant to change, but I don't think most of us would like to see our favorite shows and movies made with passion and emotion, replaced by realistic-looking people delivering muted and robotic performances. View the full article

President says Venezuela’s leader ‘offered everything’ to prevent American military pressureView the full article

To develop an effective brand strategy, you need to follow five fundamental steps. Start by defining your target audience, as comprehending their demographics and needs is vital. Next, identify your brand positioning to differentiate from competitors. Then, craft a vision statement that resonates with stakeholders. After that, set clear goals to measure your success. Finally, create a strategic plan that addresses market opportunities. By excelling in these steps, you can build a brand that stands out. Key Takeaways Define your target audience by analyzing demographics and conducting market research to understand their needs and pain points. Identify your brand positioning by highlighting unique selling propositions that differentiate your brand from competitors. Develop a vision statement that articulates your brand’s aspirations and aligns with market trends and consumer needs. Set clear, measurable goals to track brand success and involve your team in the goal-setting process for accountability. Create a strategic plan that identifies market opportunities and solutions, regularly reviewing and refining it based on performance metrics. Define Your Target Audience Defining your target audience is an essential step in building an effective brand strategy. Start by analyzing demographics like age, gender, income, and location to understand who your ideal consumers are. Use market research, such as surveys and interviews, to uncover specific pain points and preferences. This information helps you tailor your messaging to meet their needs more effectively. It’s important to focus on the most motivated consumers, rather than trying to appeal to everyone, as this leads to a more impactful brand strategy. Furthermore, consider both functional needs—like convenience and quality—and emotional needs—such as belonging and security—to define brand strategy accurately. Regularly revisit your target audience to guarantee your brand remains relevant and resonates with your desired market segment. Identify Your Brand Positioning To effectively identify your brand positioning, start by grasping how your brand differentiates itself from competitors in the marketplace. Focus on your unique selling propositions (USPs) that resonate with your target audience. A solid brand strategy definition includes insight into your consumer target, market space, and differentiation points, along with support points that validate your brand’s promise. Conduct thorough market research to uncover gaps in the marketplace, revealing unmet consumer needs and preferences. Analyzing competitors’ offerings can provide insights into effective positioning strategies. Remember to highlight both emotional and functional benefits in your messaging, as this aligns with brand marketing best practices and helps establish a compelling brand promise that connects with consumers on a deeper level. Develop a Vision Statement A vision statement serves as a guiding beacon for your organization, outlining your long-term aspirations and the direction you aim to take in the next 5 to 10 years. To create the right brand, focus on crafting a vision that inspires and aligns with your overall brand strategy and management. Here are four key elements to take into account: Articulate: Clearly state where you envision your brand in the future. Inspire Stakeholders: Guarantee it excites employees and engages stakeholders. Align with Market Trends: Keep it relevant to consumer needs and industry shifts. Differentiate Your Brand: Use the vision to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Set Goals Setting clear and measurable goals is essential for driving your brand’s success and ensuring alignment with your overall business objectives. To create an effective brand marketing strategy, establish specific outcomes, like increasing brand awareness by 20% within a year. Utilize a brand dashboard to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), tracking consumer behavior and market performance data. Your goals should encompass not just financial targets but also consumer engagement and market positioning for a holistic approach. Set clear timelines for achieving each goal, allowing for quarterly assessments to adjust strategies as needed. Involve your team in the goal-setting process to promote alignment and accountability, ensuring everyone understands their role in achieving these brand objectives. Develop a Strategic Plan Once you’ve established clear goals for your brand, the next step is to develop a strategic plan that serves as a roadmap for achieving those objectives. This plan should align your resources with your brand’s long-term vision and help tackle key issues. To create an effective strategic plan, consider these steps: Identify market opportunities and consumer insights to guarantee relevance. Define clear solutions for challenges that may hinder your brand’s progress. Establish measurable goals to track your progress and promote accountability. Regularly review and refine your plan based on performance metrics to adapt to market changes. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Pillars of Brand Strategy? The five pillars of brand strategy are Brand Purpose, Brand Positioning, Brand Identity, Brand Messaging, and Brand Voice. Brand Purpose defines your mission and values, aligning them with customer needs. Brand Positioning establishes your unique market space. Brand Identity includes visual elements like logos and colors for recognition. Brand Messaging articulates key messages to connect emotionally with consumers, whereas Brand Voice maintains a consistent communication style across channels, reinforcing your overall brand identity. What Are the 5 Steps of Branding? The five steps of branding are crucial for establishing a strong market presence. First, discover your brand purpose by aligning it with customer needs. Next, develop your brand audience using existing data to create detailed profiles. Then, conduct competitor research to identify your unique selling propositions. After that, define your brand voice to guarantee consistency in communication. Finally, create a compelling brand message and story that resonates with your target audience, nurturing loyalty. What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for analyzing your brand’s environment. First, focus on the Company, defining its mission, vision, and unique selling proposition. Next, understand your Customers by researching their needs and preferences. Then, analyze Competitors to identify strengths and weaknesses. Collaborators are important too, as partnerships can improve your brand’s reach. Finally, consider the Climate, which includes social and economic factors that might impact your branding strategies. What Are the 5 Steps to Be Done in Developing a Brand Name? To develop a brand name, start by defining your brand’s purpose and values. Next, research the market to understand competitors and naming trends. Then, brainstorm potential names that align with your brand’s identity and are memorable. After generating ideas, test your top choices with focus groups for feedback. Finally, confirm your selected name is available legally, including domain registration and trademarks, to protect your brand effectively. Conclusion By following these five steps, you can create a robust brand strategy that effectively targets your audience and differentiates your brand. Start with a clear comprehension of your audience, establish your unique position, and formulate a compelling vision. Set measurable goals to track your progress, and develop a strategic plan that adapts to market changes. Regularly review your performance metrics to guarantee continuous improvement. Implementing these steps will help you build a strong and successful brand. Image Via Envato This article, "How to Develop an Effective Brand Strategy in 5 Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To develop an effective brand strategy, you need to follow five fundamental steps. Start by defining your target audience, as comprehending their demographics and needs is vital. Next, identify your brand positioning to differentiate from competitors. Then, craft a vision statement that resonates with stakeholders. After that, set clear goals to measure your success. Finally, create a strategic plan that addresses market opportunities. By excelling in these steps, you can build a brand that stands out. Key Takeaways Define your target audience by analyzing demographics and conducting market research to understand their needs and pain points. Identify your brand positioning by highlighting unique selling propositions that differentiate your brand from competitors. Develop a vision statement that articulates your brand’s aspirations and aligns with market trends and consumer needs. Set clear, measurable goals to track brand success and involve your team in the goal-setting process for accountability. Create a strategic plan that identifies market opportunities and solutions, regularly reviewing and refining it based on performance metrics. Define Your Target Audience Defining your target audience is an essential step in building an effective brand strategy. Start by analyzing demographics like age, gender, income, and location to understand who your ideal consumers are. Use market research, such as surveys and interviews, to uncover specific pain points and preferences. This information helps you tailor your messaging to meet their needs more effectively. It’s important to focus on the most motivated consumers, rather than trying to appeal to everyone, as this leads to a more impactful brand strategy. Furthermore, consider both functional needs—like convenience and quality—and emotional needs—such as belonging and security—to define brand strategy accurately. Regularly revisit your target audience to guarantee your brand remains relevant and resonates with your desired market segment. Identify Your Brand Positioning To effectively identify your brand positioning, start by grasping how your brand differentiates itself from competitors in the marketplace. Focus on your unique selling propositions (USPs) that resonate with your target audience. A solid brand strategy definition includes insight into your consumer target, market space, and differentiation points, along with support points that validate your brand’s promise. Conduct thorough market research to uncover gaps in the marketplace, revealing unmet consumer needs and preferences. Analyzing competitors’ offerings can provide insights into effective positioning strategies. Remember to highlight both emotional and functional benefits in your messaging, as this aligns with brand marketing best practices and helps establish a compelling brand promise that connects with consumers on a deeper level. Develop a Vision Statement A vision statement serves as a guiding beacon for your organization, outlining your long-term aspirations and the direction you aim to take in the next 5 to 10 years. To create the right brand, focus on crafting a vision that inspires and aligns with your overall brand strategy and management. Here are four key elements to take into account: Articulate: Clearly state where you envision your brand in the future. Inspire Stakeholders: Guarantee it excites employees and engages stakeholders. Align with Market Trends: Keep it relevant to consumer needs and industry shifts. Differentiate Your Brand: Use the vision to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Set Goals Setting clear and measurable goals is essential for driving your brand’s success and ensuring alignment with your overall business objectives. To create an effective brand marketing strategy, establish specific outcomes, like increasing brand awareness by 20% within a year. Utilize a brand dashboard to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), tracking consumer behavior and market performance data. Your goals should encompass not just financial targets but also consumer engagement and market positioning for a holistic approach. Set clear timelines for achieving each goal, allowing for quarterly assessments to adjust strategies as needed. Involve your team in the goal-setting process to promote alignment and accountability, ensuring everyone understands their role in achieving these brand objectives. Develop a Strategic Plan Once you’ve established clear goals for your brand, the next step is to develop a strategic plan that serves as a roadmap for achieving those objectives. This plan should align your resources with your brand’s long-term vision and help tackle key issues. To create an effective strategic plan, consider these steps: Identify market opportunities and consumer insights to guarantee relevance. Define clear solutions for challenges that may hinder your brand’s progress. Establish measurable goals to track your progress and promote accountability. Regularly review and refine your plan based on performance metrics to adapt to market changes. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Pillars of Brand Strategy? The five pillars of brand strategy are Brand Purpose, Brand Positioning, Brand Identity, Brand Messaging, and Brand Voice. Brand Purpose defines your mission and values, aligning them with customer needs. Brand Positioning establishes your unique market space. Brand Identity includes visual elements like logos and colors for recognition. Brand Messaging articulates key messages to connect emotionally with consumers, whereas Brand Voice maintains a consistent communication style across channels, reinforcing your overall brand identity. What Are the 5 Steps of Branding? The five steps of branding are crucial for establishing a strong market presence. First, discover your brand purpose by aligning it with customer needs. Next, develop your brand audience using existing data to create detailed profiles. Then, conduct competitor research to identify your unique selling propositions. After that, define your brand voice to guarantee consistency in communication. Finally, create a compelling brand message and story that resonates with your target audience, nurturing loyalty. What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for analyzing your brand’s environment. First, focus on the Company, defining its mission, vision, and unique selling proposition. Next, understand your Customers by researching their needs and preferences. Then, analyze Competitors to identify strengths and weaknesses. Collaborators are important too, as partnerships can improve your brand’s reach. Finally, consider the Climate, which includes social and economic factors that might impact your branding strategies. What Are the 5 Steps to Be Done in Developing a Brand Name? To develop a brand name, start by defining your brand’s purpose and values. Next, research the market to understand competitors and naming trends. Then, brainstorm potential names that align with your brand’s identity and are memorable. After generating ideas, test your top choices with focus groups for feedback. Finally, confirm your selected name is available legally, including domain registration and trademarks, to protect your brand effectively. Conclusion By following these five steps, you can create a robust brand strategy that effectively targets your audience and differentiates your brand. Start with a clear comprehension of your audience, establish your unique position, and formulate a compelling vision. Set measurable goals to track your progress, and develop a strategic plan that adapts to market changes. Regularly review your performance metrics to guarantee continuous improvement. Implementing these steps will help you build a strong and successful brand. Image Via Envato This article, "How to Develop an Effective Brand Strategy in 5 Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. If you've been anywhere near TikTok lately, you've likely seen the proliferation of posts of people posing with celebrities in elevators, like this one. They are, of course, fake—products of AI image generation tools—but it's a fun kind of fakery that's super easy to be part of. There are a wealth of free AI tools out there you can use to make any kind of photo or video, but if you want your celebrity-meeting-in-an-elevator post to fit in with the current trend, the easiest way is to use CapCut. How to make a celebrity elevator selfie with CapcutCapCut is the easiest option for making a video that fits the current TikTok trend. Here's how to do it. Make sure you have both CapCut and TikTok installed—they're both made by ByteDance, so they integrate seamlessly. Find an elevator celebrity video you like on TikTok Hit the "share" arrow and choose "copy link" Hit "back" and then "try this template." Confirm your choice and choose "Use AI template" Upload a picture of yourself and your celebrity crush. Hit "next" and CapCut will put it together. Hit publish to TikTok and voila, you're a meme! Here's a video tutorial if that's more helpful. How to make a celebrity elevator selfie with Gemini Using Google's Gemini AI is another easy way to make an elevator picture. Here's how to do it: Go to Gemini's homepage. Drag a photo of yourself and one of your favorite celebrity into the window. (Mine is William Howard Taft.) Add a prompt. Here's what I used, so feel free to cut and paste if you like my results below: "Take these two photos and make a realistic, photo-like image of these people standing in an elevator. The camera is positioned in the top corner of the elevator, with a slight fisheye lens distortion pointing down toward them. The elevator walls are metallic with soft overhead lighting reflecting off the surfaces. Both people are looking up slightly toward the camera, capturing a cinematic and dramatic tone." Gemini will spit out a picture for you. Here's mine: How to make a celebrity elevator selfie videoIf you want an animated video, you can put the AI photo you've already made into an animation program. I used Grok for mine, because it's free and does a nice job. Add a prompt. It doesn't have to be elaborate—mine was something like, "The two men greet each other and fall in love." Download your video and post it to TikTok with the appropriate hashtags, and you'll end up with something like this. View the full article

The MrBeast burger. MrBeast toys. Rumors of a MrBeast phone company. Could a MrBeast bank next? The world’s most-subscribed-to YouTuber, with 446 million subscribers, has filed an application with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office for a service called MrBeast Financial. The recent trademark application for the latest venture from MrBeast — whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson — lists plans for a “mobile app and online services for a range of banking, financial advisory, crypto exchange, and other services.” The venture has not yet been approved and the full details remain unclear. However, the trademark application, which was filed on Oct. 13, aligns with a 2025 fundraising pitch deck, reported by Business Insider, outlining plans to expand into financial services. Much of MrBeast content is built on the promise of huge cash prizes in exchange for partaking in bizarre tasks. “Would You Risk Dying for $500,000?” is the title of one video posted this month. “Survive 30 Days Chained To Your Ex, Win $250,000”, reads another. Now, rather than throwing money at fans, he wants to help them manage it. “Having to explain to your wife and 3 kids mrbeast is taking your house away because you didn’t pay your mortgage on time and the only way you can get it back is by winning beast games season 3 on amazon prime,” one X user joked. Yet, it’s easy to see why a self-made 20-something, who’s big on philanthropy, would be an appealing financial role-model to MrBeast’s predominantly young audience. A 2023 study found that Gen Z places greater importance on being rich than any other age demographic and Gen Alpha are already busy earning big online before they are even old enough to drive. If this latest venture gets off the ground, it would join Donaldson’s growing list of companies including chocolate brand, Feastables, packaged food brand, Lunchly, as well as his Amazon Prime series Beast Games. Through these various exploits he achieved billionaire status in 2024. However, he admitted, his mom still controls his bank account. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. When the latest iPad Air with the M3 chip came out in March, Lifehacker Senior Tech Editor Jake Peterson warned you not to buy it, as its advantages didn't justify the premium price compared to an older model. But things have changed in the time since: The new iPad Air has dropped $300 in price, reaching its lowest levels since its release, according to price-tracking tools. You can now get the 13-inch M3 iPad Air with 512GB of storage for $999.68 (originally $1,249). iPad Air 13-inch with M3 (512GB) 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life $999.68 at Amazon $1,249.00 Save $249.32 Get Deal Get Deal $999.68 at Amazon $1,249.00 Save $249.32 The M3 chip overpowers the M2 chip, and more power also means a longer lifespan for your iPad. In theory, you'll also see more efficient multitasking, heavier applications working more efficiently, and more speed overall. As Jake noted, on the specs, this new iPad Air is among the best tablets Apple has ever made. The M3 chip enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing, meaning lighting effects in games and graphically intensive apps look better. But other than the new chip, there's not much difference between it and the older M2 version. The M3 iPad Air comes with a 2,360 by 1,640 pixel resolution display at 264 ppi; a 12MP Center Stage front camera (that follows your face around); a 12MP Wide back camera with flash, USB-C and Touch ID; and a battery life of up to 10 hours, depending on use. Of course, you'll also have Apple Intelligence (if you care about that), and it supports the Apple Pencil, as well as the new Magic Keyboard. If you already have an M2, there's no reason to upgrade. For those looking for a more affordable iPad, the basic model is just $299 (originally $349) right now, and it will be good enough for most people. But if you want the latest and greatest, the M3 iPad Air is your best pick at the current discounted price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $819.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $69.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $149.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $79.99 (List Price $99.98) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $49.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $359.89 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — (List Price $139.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Apple’s mission to remake Apple TV into a streaming hub for sports is on track, literally. Apple will buy exclusive broadcast rights to Formula One (F1) races in the U.S. for the next five years, the company announced Friday. Apple cited the success of F1: The Movie in its decision to partner more deeply with Formula One, as the international motorsport gains a foothold among U.S. viewers. The five-year deal aims to extend the appeal of an Apple TV subscription to a broader swath of viewers while converting existing Apple TV users into racing fans, if things go as planned. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but reports from CNBC and New York Times-owned The Athletic put it in the ballpark of $140 million. Apple TV will air practice, qualifying, and sprint sessions and Grand Prix events for subscribers, and some races and all practice sessions will be available for free through the Apple TV app. F1’s existing subscription service, F1 TV Premium, will remain available in the U.S. only through Apple TV. “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula One and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. “2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula One—from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world—and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.” The deal follows Apple’s success with the summer blockbuster F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, its highest-grossing original film to date. The movie earned $293 million at the box office 10 days after release and marked a high point for Apple’s at times faltering film strategy. After earning $629 million at the global box office to date, the racing film will hit Apple’s streaming service on December 12. Streamers scoop up sports With the Apple deal, F1 will leave its existing media partner, ESPN, for greener pastures. ESPN was paying roughly $90 million for each F1 season, but Apple offered around $140 million to poach broadcast rights to the sport, according to CNBC. Apple’s move to throw cash at a growing sport to lure it away from a stagnant ESPN contract has echoes of Paramount’s recent $7.7 billion play for UFC, which will double what it earns each season under its new terms. In its announcement, Apple notes that it will boost the sport across its suite of apps, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. Apple’s Sports app will include live F1 updates, real-time leaderboards, driver standings, and a special home screen widget. Apple’s F1 deal isn’t its first foray into sports in the U.S. In 2022, Apple announced a 10-year deal to air all Major League Soccer matches. The company charges $14.99 for MLS Season Pass, its soccer streaming package, on top of an Apple TV subscription, though existing subscribers get a few bucks off. Based in the U.S. and Canada, MLS doesn’t approach the popularity of soccer leagues in Europe and South America, but it does host Argentine legend Lionel Messi. Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023, giving the world a reason to tune into Apple’s exclusive MLS streams and earning a revenue-sharing agreement with the tech giant to boost the more than $20 million he makes on the field each season. In 2022, Apple also picked up the streaming rights to weekly Major League Baseball doubleheaders, branded as Friday Night Baseball, during the regular season. The company pays $85 million a season for the games, but it’s not yet clear if that relationship will continue as MLB negotiates new media rights deals for its games. Even if Apple does back away from its exploratory relationship with MLB, it’s clear the company sees big potential in owning the rights to stream growing sports in the United States. Soccer and F1 aren’t exactly niche sports, but neither dominates U.S. viewership like the classic American trifecta of football, basketball, and baseball. With a big boost at the box office over the summer, F1’s U.S. growth might be on the cusp of booming, a trend Apple hopes to amplify by bringing its races under the Apple TV umbrella. View the full article

Regulators also accused Southern California-based E Mortgage of failing to properly supervise remote employees and cooperate with their examinations. View the full article

When considering a Warehouse Management System (WMS), several key factors affect pricing that you should be aware of. The type of deployment—whether cloud-based or on-premise—can lead to significant differences in initial costs. Furthermore, the level of automation, including robotics or real-time tracking, influences overall expenses. Customizations designed for your specific needs play a critical role. Comprehending these elements is crucial as you evaluate options, but there’s more to uncover about hidden costs and industry-specific pricing. Key Takeaways The choice between perpetual licenses and subscription models significantly impacts the initial cost and long-term expenses of WMS solutions. Customization requirements and integration with existing systems can lead to substantial additional costs, ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands. The level of automation desired influences pricing, with advanced solutions incorporating robotics and analytics raising overall expenses. Hidden costs such as training, maintenance, and potential downtime during implementation must be factored into the total ownership costs. User count affects pricing due to potential license limits, additional training needs, and scalability considerations for system performance. Understanding WMS Pricing Models What factors should you evaluate when assessing Warehouse Management System (WMS) pricing models? WMS pricing usually falls into two categories: perpetual licenses and subscription-based models. Perpetual licenses involve considerable upfront costs, often starting around $100,000 for Tier 3 systems and exceeding $1 million for Tier 1 solutions. Conversely, subscription models typically range from $500 to $2,000 per month, making them more accessible for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s essential to examine hidden costs like training and system integration, which can greatly affect total ownership costs. Engaging with multiple vendors allows you to align system capabilities with your operational needs, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective WMS pricing model for your business. Key Features Impacting Cost When evaluating Warehouse Management System (WMS) costs, the key features you choose can greatly influence your overall expenses. The level of automation required, for instance, considerably impacts warehouse management software costs, with advanced solutions incorporating robotics and voice commands. Features such as real-time tracking, inventory management, and analytics can further increase expenses, enhancing operational efficiency but adding premium costs. Customization needs likewise play a role; basic modifications might cost between $2,000 to $15,000, whereas more extensive adjustments can exceed $100,000. Moreover, integrating your WMS with existing systems like ERP can incur setup costs of $2,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity. Consequently, carefully evaluating these features is crucial for effective budgeting. Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Deployment Selecting between cloud-based and on-premise Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a critical decision that can greatly impact your operational costs and flexibility. Cloud-based WMS typically incurs lower initial setup costs, ranging from $9,000 to $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems often require a hefty upfront license fee around $75,000, plus additional setup costs exceeding $20,000. With cloud solutions, you enjoy anytime access and easier integration with other systems, enhancing your operational flexibility. Conversely, on-premise WMS gives you full control over data and security but likewise involves ongoing maintenance and hardware investments, leading to higher total costs. In the end, your choice will profoundly influence your overall WMS system cost and operational efficiency. Initial Setup and Customization Expenses When you’re planning for a Warehouse Management System (WMS), it’s vital to understand the initial setup and customization expenses involved. Implementation costs can range considerably, with cloud-based setups typically falling between $9,000 and $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems may require upfront license fees around $75,000, plus additional setup costs. Moreover, customization and integration fees can add thousands to your budget, so it’s important to account for these factors to guarantee your WMS aligns with your operational needs. Implementation Cost Breakdown Implementation costs for a Warehouse Management System (WMS) can vary widely based on the chosen deployment model and the specific needs of your business. For cloud-based systems, initial setup typically ranges from $9,000 to $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems usually start with a license fee of at least $75,000, plus setup costs exceeding $20,000. Customization expenses play a significant role in the overall warehouse management system cost, with basic modifications ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 and extensive changes potentially reaching $100,000 to $500,000 per module. Furthermore, integration costs can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity. It’s crucial to budget for these factors to manage total ownership costs effectively. Customization and Integration Fees Customization and integration fees are crucial components of the total cost when implementing a Warehouse Management System (WMS). These costs can vary considerably based on the complexity of your existing systems and the level of automation required. Basic customization might set you back between $2,000 and $15,000, whereas extensive modifications can reach $100,000 to $500,000 per module. Integration fees typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 for setup, data migration, and testing. It is vital to budget for ongoing maintenance, as this can add an annual cost of 10% to 20% of the license fee. Cost Type Estimated Amount Basic Customization $2,000 – $15,000 Extensive Customization $100,000 – $500,000 Integration Setup $2,000 – $10,000 Ongoing Maintenance 10% – 20% of License Fee Hidden Costs in WMS Implementation Hidden costs in warehouse management system (WMS) implementation can greatly impact your overall budget, often catching businesses off guard. When calculating WMS costs, don’t overlook installation fees, which can include hardware, software configuration, and integration expenses, potentially adding thousands to your initial investment. Ongoing support and training can accumulate and may increase total ownership costs considerably. Furthermore, maintenance and upgrade expenses typically require budgeting 22-24% of the initial license cost annually, leading to unexpected financial burdens. Customizations, crucial for specific business needs, can range from $2,000 to $500,000 per module. In addition, factor in potential downtime during implementation, as this can further affect operational efficiency and increase indirect costs as a result of lost productivity. WMS Costs Across Different Business Sizes As businesses grow, their Warehouse Management System (WMS) costs can vary considerably based on size and operational needs. Small businesses often look for affordable WMS options, with basic features costing around $240 AUD monthly, totaling approximately $14,000 AUD per user over five years. Mid-size businesses face costs ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 AUD, as they require additional user licenses and features. For larger enterprises, WMS costs skyrocket because of complex requirements, with Tier 3 solutions starting at $100,000 and Tier 1 solutions potentially exceeding $1 million. In addition, WMS SaaS pricing typically starts at $75 per user per month for retail and e-commerce, with advanced features pushing costs above $500, plus setup and customization expenses between $10,000 and $40,000. Industry-Specific Pricing Variations When evaluating Warehouse Management System (WMS) pricing, it’s important to recognize that costs can vary greatly across different industries, each with unique operational requirements. For instance, retail and e-commerce WMS prices typically start at $75 per user monthly, with advanced features pushing costs above $500. Manufacturing systems, in contrast, can begin at $10,000, reflecting their complexity. Large enterprises often face higher WMS prices, starting around $100,000 because of the need for customization. Furthermore, Third Party Logistics (3PL) solutions can range considerably, with some starting at £6,000 and monthly fees beginning at £900. Small businesses, seeking affordability, typically look for basic options around $240 AUD monthly, accumulating substantial costs over time. The Role of User Count and Automation Level Comprehending the interplay between user count and automation level is essential for accurately budgeting your Warehouse Management System (WMS). Your WMS pricing will fluctuate based on both user numbers and the extent of automation you choose. Here are key factors to take into account: User Count: More users often mean higher costs, especially with on-premise systems that have license limits. Automation Level: Basic automation features can add thousands to your costs, whereas advanced solutions may escalate expenses considerably. Budget Planning: Both user count and automation choices drastically alter your total cost of ownership. Understanding these elements helps you make informed decisions, ensuring you choose a WMS that aligns with your operational needs and financial constraints. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Factors Affecting Warehouse Costs? Warehouse costs are influenced by various factors, including location, as real estate and labor prices vary considerably. Storage duration plays a role, with longer commitments often leading to discounts. Volume and space requirements are essential, as facilities charge based on the square or cubic footage utilized. Furthermore, handling costs depend on service complexity, with more intricate tasks typically incurring higher fees. Seasonal demand fluctuations can likewise raise costs during peak periods, necessitating strategic planning. How Much Does WMS Software Cost? WMS software costs vary widely, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per user per month for subscription models. Entry-level services start around $100 per user, whereas advanced functionalities can cost between $200 to $300 per user. Perpetual licenses begin at approximately $2,500 per facility, reaching over $200,000 for enterprise systems. Additional costs may arise from implementation, training, and integration, so it’s crucial to budget for both initial and ongoing expenses effectively. How Can the Cost of Warehousing Management Be Reduced? To reduce warehousing management costs, consider implementing a cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS), which typically has lower upfront expenses. Automate processes using technologies like RFID and IoT to improve inventory accuracy and cut labor costs. Negotiate subscription pricing models to spread costs over time, and explore tiered pricing for discounts on long-term commitments. Regularly assess your system’s features to eliminate unnecessary functionalities that may not align with your current business needs. What Are the Key Features of a Warehouse Management System? A Warehouse Management System (WMS) features critical tools like inventory tracking, which provides real-time visibility into stock levels, enhancing accuracy. It automates order fulfillment tasks such as picking and packing, reducing cycle times. Advanced reporting tools offer insights into performance metrics, facilitating informed decision-making. Moreover, integration with ERP and e-commerce systems guarantees seamless data flow. Automation options, like RFID and robotics, optimize labor efficiency and minimize errors, driving productivity and reducing operational costs. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the factors that influence Warehouse Management System pricing is vital for making informed decisions. By considering elements like deployment type, automation level, and hidden costs, you can better estimate the total cost of ownership. Each business’s needs vary, so evaluating the specific features and customizations required is fundamental. Finally, a thorough analysis helps you select a WMS that aligns with your operational goals as you optimize costs and efficiency within your warehouse. Image Via Envato This article, "Factors Influencing Warehouse Management System Pricing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering a Warehouse Management System (WMS), several key factors affect pricing that you should be aware of. The type of deployment—whether cloud-based or on-premise—can lead to significant differences in initial costs. Furthermore, the level of automation, including robotics or real-time tracking, influences overall expenses. Customizations designed for your specific needs play a critical role. Comprehending these elements is crucial as you evaluate options, but there’s more to uncover about hidden costs and industry-specific pricing. Key Takeaways The choice between perpetual licenses and subscription models significantly impacts the initial cost and long-term expenses of WMS solutions. Customization requirements and integration with existing systems can lead to substantial additional costs, ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands. The level of automation desired influences pricing, with advanced solutions incorporating robotics and analytics raising overall expenses. Hidden costs such as training, maintenance, and potential downtime during implementation must be factored into the total ownership costs. User count affects pricing due to potential license limits, additional training needs, and scalability considerations for system performance. Understanding WMS Pricing Models What factors should you evaluate when assessing Warehouse Management System (WMS) pricing models? WMS pricing usually falls into two categories: perpetual licenses and subscription-based models. Perpetual licenses involve considerable upfront costs, often starting around $100,000 for Tier 3 systems and exceeding $1 million for Tier 1 solutions. Conversely, subscription models typically range from $500 to $2,000 per month, making them more accessible for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s essential to examine hidden costs like training and system integration, which can greatly affect total ownership costs. Engaging with multiple vendors allows you to align system capabilities with your operational needs, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective WMS pricing model for your business. Key Features Impacting Cost When evaluating Warehouse Management System (WMS) costs, the key features you choose can greatly influence your overall expenses. The level of automation required, for instance, considerably impacts warehouse management software costs, with advanced solutions incorporating robotics and voice commands. Features such as real-time tracking, inventory management, and analytics can further increase expenses, enhancing operational efficiency but adding premium costs. Customization needs likewise play a role; basic modifications might cost between $2,000 to $15,000, whereas more extensive adjustments can exceed $100,000. Moreover, integrating your WMS with existing systems like ERP can incur setup costs of $2,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity. Consequently, carefully evaluating these features is crucial for effective budgeting. Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Deployment Selecting between cloud-based and on-premise Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a critical decision that can greatly impact your operational costs and flexibility. Cloud-based WMS typically incurs lower initial setup costs, ranging from $9,000 to $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems often require a hefty upfront license fee around $75,000, plus additional setup costs exceeding $20,000. With cloud solutions, you enjoy anytime access and easier integration with other systems, enhancing your operational flexibility. Conversely, on-premise WMS gives you full control over data and security but likewise involves ongoing maintenance and hardware investments, leading to higher total costs. In the end, your choice will profoundly influence your overall WMS system cost and operational efficiency. Initial Setup and Customization Expenses When you’re planning for a Warehouse Management System (WMS), it’s vital to understand the initial setup and customization expenses involved. Implementation costs can range considerably, with cloud-based setups typically falling between $9,000 and $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems may require upfront license fees around $75,000, plus additional setup costs. Moreover, customization and integration fees can add thousands to your budget, so it’s important to account for these factors to guarantee your WMS aligns with your operational needs. Implementation Cost Breakdown Implementation costs for a Warehouse Management System (WMS) can vary widely based on the chosen deployment model and the specific needs of your business. For cloud-based systems, initial setup typically ranges from $9,000 to $18,000 annually, whereas on-premise systems usually start with a license fee of at least $75,000, plus setup costs exceeding $20,000. Customization expenses play a significant role in the overall warehouse management system cost, with basic modifications ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 and extensive changes potentially reaching $100,000 to $500,000 per module. Furthermore, integration costs can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity. It’s crucial to budget for these factors to manage total ownership costs effectively. Customization and Integration Fees Customization and integration fees are crucial components of the total cost when implementing a Warehouse Management System (WMS). These costs can vary considerably based on the complexity of your existing systems and the level of automation required. Basic customization might set you back between $2,000 and $15,000, whereas extensive modifications can reach $100,000 to $500,000 per module. Integration fees typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 for setup, data migration, and testing. It is vital to budget for ongoing maintenance, as this can add an annual cost of 10% to 20% of the license fee. Cost Type Estimated Amount Basic Customization $2,000 – $15,000 Extensive Customization $100,000 – $500,000 Integration Setup $2,000 – $10,000 Ongoing Maintenance 10% – 20% of License Fee Hidden Costs in WMS Implementation Hidden costs in warehouse management system (WMS) implementation can greatly impact your overall budget, often catching businesses off guard. When calculating WMS costs, don’t overlook installation fees, which can include hardware, software configuration, and integration expenses, potentially adding thousands to your initial investment. Ongoing support and training can accumulate and may increase total ownership costs considerably. Furthermore, maintenance and upgrade expenses typically require budgeting 22-24% of the initial license cost annually, leading to unexpected financial burdens. Customizations, crucial for specific business needs, can range from $2,000 to $500,000 per module. In addition, factor in potential downtime during implementation, as this can further affect operational efficiency and increase indirect costs as a result of lost productivity. WMS Costs Across Different Business Sizes As businesses grow, their Warehouse Management System (WMS) costs can vary considerably based on size and operational needs. Small businesses often look for affordable WMS options, with basic features costing around $240 AUD monthly, totaling approximately $14,000 AUD per user over five years. Mid-size businesses face costs ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 AUD, as they require additional user licenses and features. For larger enterprises, WMS costs skyrocket because of complex requirements, with Tier 3 solutions starting at $100,000 and Tier 1 solutions potentially exceeding $1 million. In addition, WMS SaaS pricing typically starts at $75 per user per month for retail and e-commerce, with advanced features pushing costs above $500, plus setup and customization expenses between $10,000 and $40,000. Industry-Specific Pricing Variations When evaluating Warehouse Management System (WMS) pricing, it’s important to recognize that costs can vary greatly across different industries, each with unique operational requirements. For instance, retail and e-commerce WMS prices typically start at $75 per user monthly, with advanced features pushing costs above $500. Manufacturing systems, in contrast, can begin at $10,000, reflecting their complexity. Large enterprises often face higher WMS prices, starting around $100,000 because of the need for customization. Furthermore, Third Party Logistics (3PL) solutions can range considerably, with some starting at £6,000 and monthly fees beginning at £900. Small businesses, seeking affordability, typically look for basic options around $240 AUD monthly, accumulating substantial costs over time. The Role of User Count and Automation Level Comprehending the interplay between user count and automation level is essential for accurately budgeting your Warehouse Management System (WMS). Your WMS pricing will fluctuate based on both user numbers and the extent of automation you choose. Here are key factors to take into account: User Count: More users often mean higher costs, especially with on-premise systems that have license limits. Automation Level: Basic automation features can add thousands to your costs, whereas advanced solutions may escalate expenses considerably. Budget Planning: Both user count and automation choices drastically alter your total cost of ownership. Understanding these elements helps you make informed decisions, ensuring you choose a WMS that aligns with your operational needs and financial constraints. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Factors Affecting Warehouse Costs? Warehouse costs are influenced by various factors, including location, as real estate and labor prices vary considerably. Storage duration plays a role, with longer commitments often leading to discounts. Volume and space requirements are essential, as facilities charge based on the square or cubic footage utilized. Furthermore, handling costs depend on service complexity, with more intricate tasks typically incurring higher fees. Seasonal demand fluctuations can likewise raise costs during peak periods, necessitating strategic planning. How Much Does WMS Software Cost? WMS software costs vary widely, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per user per month for subscription models. Entry-level services start around $100 per user, whereas advanced functionalities can cost between $200 to $300 per user. Perpetual licenses begin at approximately $2,500 per facility, reaching over $200,000 for enterprise systems. Additional costs may arise from implementation, training, and integration, so it’s crucial to budget for both initial and ongoing expenses effectively. How Can the Cost of Warehousing Management Be Reduced? To reduce warehousing management costs, consider implementing a cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS), which typically has lower upfront expenses. Automate processes using technologies like RFID and IoT to improve inventory accuracy and cut labor costs. Negotiate subscription pricing models to spread costs over time, and explore tiered pricing for discounts on long-term commitments. Regularly assess your system’s features to eliminate unnecessary functionalities that may not align with your current business needs. What Are the Key Features of a Warehouse Management System? A Warehouse Management System (WMS) features critical tools like inventory tracking, which provides real-time visibility into stock levels, enhancing accuracy. It automates order fulfillment tasks such as picking and packing, reducing cycle times. Advanced reporting tools offer insights into performance metrics, facilitating informed decision-making. Moreover, integration with ERP and e-commerce systems guarantees seamless data flow. Automation options, like RFID and robotics, optimize labor efficiency and minimize errors, driving productivity and reducing operational costs. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the factors that influence Warehouse Management System pricing is vital for making informed decisions. By considering elements like deployment type, automation level, and hidden costs, you can better estimate the total cost of ownership. Each business’s needs vary, so evaluating the specific features and customizations required is fundamental. Finally, a thorough analysis helps you select a WMS that aligns with your operational goals as you optimize costs and efficiency within your warehouse. Image Via Envato This article, "Factors Influencing Warehouse Management System Pricing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Buffer analyzed 11.4M TikTok posts and found 2-5 weekly posts deliver the steepest per-post gains. The post Study Shows 2-5 Weekly TikToks Deliver Biggest View Increase appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Would you want to be in a group chat with your favorite sports celebrities and athletes? You’ll have your chance this fall thanks to a collaboration between WhatsApp and OffBall. OffBall, a year-old sports media startup that focuses on careful curation for its followers, announced on Friday that it was bringing back The Chat, which it had previously conducted with sports stars such as LeBron James. The franchise is designed to get users to participate in big group chats and discuss sports or anything else. High-profile personalities—such as professional athletes or others—also take part, and everyone can text or message each other like any other group chat, or simply follow along with the discussion. With the success of previous iterations of The Chat, OffBall is going to hold additional Chats, featuring F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, media personality Kylie Kelce (wife of former NFL player Jason Kelce, and future sister-in-law of Taylor Swift), and NBA players Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton. The Chats will occur during live sporting events, allowing fans to engage and discuss what’s happening, Offball said. The company describes it as a unique “second screen” experience. Here’s the announced schedule for the future chats: October 19: F1 Austin Grand Prix with Daniel Ricciardo, Hunter Lawrence, and Jett Lawrence. November 12: NBA Los Angeles Lakers versus Oklahoma City Thunder with Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton. November 23: NFL Indianapolis Colts versus Kansas City Chiefs with Kylie Kelce and Caleb Hearon. In an interview published earlier this year by Lia Haberman on her Substack newsletter ICYMI, OffBall cofounder Michaela Hammond said that The Chat was born of athletes’ love of social media, and fans’ love of group chatting around sports. “The Chat is built on an existing product feature on WhatsApp called Communities,” Hammond said. “People already use it for larger community-based chats, like neighborhoods, parents at a school, and workplaces.” View the full article

The AI boom is helping to sustain growth but demand is coming from the richest consumers who own stocks while poorer Americans are being squeezed View the full article

Evolution of abandoned Conservative ‘Brit Isa’ plan also includes stamp duty tax breakView the full article

The U.S. has succeeded in blocking a global fee on shipping emissions as an international maritime meeting adjourned Friday without adopting regulations. The world’s largest maritime nations had been deliberating on adopting regulations to move the shipping industry away from fossil fuels to slash emissions. But U.S. President Donald The President, Saudi Arabia, and other countries vowed to fight any global tax on shipping emissions. The U.S. had threatened to retaliate if nations support it. The President urged countries to vote “No” at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London, posting on his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday that “the United States will not stand for this global green new scam tax on shipping.” The IMO is the United Nations agency that regulates international shipping. Saudi Arabia called for a vote to adjourn the meeting for a year. More than half of the countries agreed. “Now you have one year, you will continue to work on several aspects of these amendments,” Arsenio Dominguez, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, said in his closing remarks. “You have one year to negotiate and talk and come to consensus.” Ralph Regenvanu, minister for climate change for the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu, said the decision is unacceptable, “given the urgency we face in light of accelerating climate change.” If the green shipping regulations were adopted, it would have been the first time a global fee was imposed on planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Most ships today run on heavy fuel oil that releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants as it’s burned. “The delay leaves the shipping sector drifting in uncertainty. But this week has also shown that there is a clear desire to clean up the shipping industry, even in the face of U.S. bullying,” said Alison Shaw, IMO Manager at Transport & Environment, a Brussels-based environmental nongovernmental organization. Shipping emissions have grown over the past decade to about 3% of the global total as trade has grown and vessels use immense amounts of fossil fuels to transport cargo over long distances. In April, IMO member states agreed on the contents of the regulatory framework, with the aim of adopting the “Net-Zero Framework” at this London meeting. Adopting the regulations was meant to demonstrate how effective multilateral cooperation can deliver real progress on global climate goals, said Emma Fenton, senior director for climate diplomacy at a U.K.-based climate change nonprofit, Opportunity Green. Delaying the process risks undermining the framework’s ambitions, they added. The regulations would set a marine fuel standard that decreases, over time, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed from using shipping fuels. The regulations also would establish a pricing system that would impose fees for every ton of greenhouse gases emitted by ships above allowable limits, in what is effectively the first global tax on greenhouse gas emissions. The IMO, which regulates international shipping, set a target for the sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by about 2050, and has committed to ensuring that fuels with zero or near-zero emissions are used more widely. “What matters now is that countries rise up and come back to the IMO with a louder and more confident yes vote that cannot be silenced,” said Anaïs Rios, shipping policy officer for Seas At Risk. “The planet and the future of shipping does not have time to waste.” ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Sibi Arasu and Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press View the full article

The U.S. stock market seems to be steadying on Friday, as banks recover some of their sharp losses from the day before. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% in midday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 23 points, or 0.1%, as of 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.5% lower. All three indexes drifted between gains and losses through the morning, but the moves weren’t as jarring as the big hour-to-hour swings they had earlier in the week. Drops for Big Tech stocks weighed on the market, including a 0.5% dip for Nvidia. They’re fighting criticism that their stock prices have soared too high because of the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology, even though their profits have also been growing quickly. Bank stocks stabilized after several reported stronger profits for the latest quarter than analysts expected, including Truist Financial, Fifth Third Bancorp, and Huntington Bancshares. That helped steady the group, a day after tumbling on worries about potentially bad loans hitting smaller and mid-sized banks. The two banks at the center of Thursday’s action also rose Friday to trim some of their sharp losses. Zions Bancorp., which is charging off $50 million of loans where it found “apparent misrepresentations and contractual defaults” by the borrowers, added 2.8% following its 13.1% loss. Western Alliance Bancorp, which is suing a borrower due to allegations of fraud, rose 1.3% after its 10.8% fall on Thursday. Scrutiny is rising on the quality of loans that banks and other lenders have broadly made following last month’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing of First Brands Group, a supplier of aftermarket auto parts. One of the financial firms that could feel pain because of First Brands’ bankruptcy, Jefferies Financial Group, rose 5.1% Friday. It had lost roughly 30% of its value since mid-September. The question is whether the lenders’ problems are just a collection of one-offs or a signal of something larger threatening the industry. Uncertainty is high following a long stretch where many borrowers were able to keep running, even with the weight of higher interest rates. And with prices soaring to records for all kinds of investments, the appetite for risk may have gotten too high. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon addressed the issue on an earnings conference call with analysts earlier this week. “When you see one cockroach, there are probably more,” Dimon said. “Everyone should be forewarned on this one.” “But banks make loan loss provisions and typically have plenty of capital to keep the cockroaches from causing structural damage,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management. “Based on earnings and data so far, it looks like this isn’t an infestation” and that the potential canary in the coal mine “is probably passed out and not dead.” Trading has been shaky on Wall Street, with stocks regularly swinging between gains and losses, since President Donald The President threatened to crank tariffs much higher on China at the end of last week. But The President told Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that such high tariffs are not sustainable, helping to ease some of the worries. He also said that he would meet with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, at an upcoming conference in South Korea after earlier saying there seemed to be “no reason” for such a meeting. In the bond market, Treasury yields steadied following their sharp slides from Thursday, which came as investors rushed into investments seen as safer. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged up to 4.00% from 3.99% late Thursday. Gold also pulled back from its latest record as more calm seeped through the market. The price for an ounce slipped 1.3% to fall back to $4,247.40, but it’s still up more than 60% for the year so far. Besides worries about tariffs, gold’s price has also surged on expectations for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve and concerns about the massive amounts of debt that the U.S. and other governments worldwide are building. In stock markets abroad, indexes tumbled across much of Europe and Asia after Wall Street’s weakness from Thursday moved westward. Germany’s DAX lost 1.7%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng sank 2.5% for two of the world’s bigger moves. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Writers Teresa Cerojano and Matt Ott contributed. View the full article

An American businessman whose firm invested in several European soccer clubs that struggled under its ownership has been indicted in New York on charges of financial wrongdoing in an alleged $500 million fraud scheme. Josh Wander was a co-founder of Miami-based 777 Partners that owned stakes in an Australian airline, plus soccer clubs Hertha Berlin in Germany, Genoa in Italy, Standard Liege in Belgium, and Vasco da Gama in Brazil. The 777 story became a cautionary tale in the global soccer trend of multi-club ownership — investors taking stakes in several clubs in different countries. European soccer body UEFA has identified the trend as a threat to the integrity of games and the player trading industry worth more than $10 billion each year. “As alleged, Wander used his investment firm, 777 Partners, to cheat private lenders and investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars by pledging assets that his firm did not own, falsifying bank statements and making other material misrepresentations about 777’s financial condition,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. The indictment charging Wander with wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit those crimes was unsealed Thursday in federal court in Manhattan. Most of the charges carry a maximum prison term of 20 years. Wander’s lawyer, Jordan Estes, told The Associated Press on Friday that Wander looks forward “to setting the record straight.” “This is a business dispute dressed up as a criminal case,” Estes said in a written statement. Wander and 777 had failed last year in targeting their biggest capture in soccer, nine-time English champion Everton, amid increasing scrutiny of the business and a lawsuit in New York from a London-based investor. Reporting about 777’s soccer interests, led by Norwegian soccer magazine Josimar, intensified even before Wander was elected to a board seat at the influential European Club Association, a network of hundreds of teams that shapes the Champions League and other competitions. Wander’s firm had moved heavily into soccer in 2021, buying stakes in financially distressed clubs recovering from playing in empty stadiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former chief financial officer at 777, Damien Alfalla, “is cooperating with the government,” the FBI said, and made a guilty plea this week. “The women and men of the SDNY and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to protect our investors and our markets,” Clayton said. Another 777 executive, Steven Pasko, also is targeted in a civil law court filing Thursday by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It wasn’t immediately clear who is representing Pasko. View the full article

While borrowing activity increased from a year ago, seasonal patterns and economic concerns suggest near-term slowing, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. View the full article

Solve stages an acquisition, Intercontinental Exchange partners on new indices, Optimal Blue adds updates and Incenter offers a CRA loan trading platform. View the full article

Delay and darkness suggest the UK government is scared of making decisions View the full article