This Week in B2B: Automation, AI, Embedded Finance Reinvent Corporate Backbones
B2B industries are shifting from manual, outdated systems to intelligent platforms powered by automation, AI, and embedded finance. These technologies are replacing legacy infrastructure, enabling real-time insights and smoother financial operations. Logistics and finance are becoming strategic priorities as companies like Ryder and Uber transform logistics into data-driven services. Meanwhile, startups such as Tradeverifyd and Ontik leverage AI to reduce supply chain risk and automate trade finance.
CFOs are stepping up as strategic leaders, using real-time data and advanced ERP and TMS tools to manage liquidity, forecast scenarios, and maintain agility amid economic uncertainty. This marks a move toward smarter, more flexible enterprise operations.
Logistics Moves From Backroom to Boardroom
Logistics has evolved from a background support function into a key competitive advantage. Ryder exemplifies this shift; their supply chain business now accounts for more than half of their revenue. Stephanie Wicky, Ryder’s VP of marketing, highlights how supply chain expertise has long been a secret weapon for their clients.
Uber is also expanding beyond ride-hailing with Courier XL in India, a B2B logistics service focused on large-item deliveries. This move targets the fragmented logistics market in emerging economies and demonstrates a shift from competing on delivery volume to competing on data integration and automation.
Startups are playing their part as well. Tradeverifyd raised $4 million to enhance its AI-powered platform for assessing supplier reliability and managing disruptions from tariffs, regulations, or environmental factors. Ontik secured $3.7 million to grow its digital trade credit platform, which provides flexible payment terms and improves cash flow management for businesses.
Automation and Embedded Finance Take Over
B2B commerce is closing the gap with B2C in digitization by adopting straight-through processing (STP) to reduce manual interventions. Suppliers are moving away from manual invoice matching and email orders toward cloud platforms, API integrations, and automated reconciliation.
Visa’s AR Manager tool exemplifies this trend by helping suppliers manage virtual card payments with real-time status updates and ERP integration. This technology aims to clear bottlenecks that delay billions in payments annually.
Singapore-based CrediLinq raised $8.5 million to expand its AI-driven embedded finance platform into the U.S. It allows B2B marketplaces to offer financing solutions to small and medium businesses by analyzing real-time digital data to assess creditworthiness.
Playbook for Liquidity
CFOs have transformed from traditional financial overseers to strategic risk managers and liquidity planners. They are diversifying funding sources and improving working capital management to boost financial stability.
Mid-sized company treasurers increasingly rely on dynamic forecasting models and real-time data to simulate financial scenarios and prepare contingency plans. Innovations in ERP and treasury management systems help organizations respond quickly to market changes.
Recent initiatives from major tech players like Microsoft, Dell, Google, and SAP reflect a broader trend: integrating AI with core enterprise infrastructure beyond cloud migration. This shift ushers in a new era of intelligent B2B operations affecting boardrooms, warehouses, and finance departments alike.
For finance professionals looking to deepen their understanding of AI, automation, and embedded finance, exploring targeted training can provide a practical edge. Resources like Complete AI Training’s automation courses offer valuable insights into these technologies shaping the future of corporate finance.
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