Today in B2B: o9 Solutions Launches AI-Powered Supply Chain Platform; Versapay Acquires AR Software Platform DadeSystems

Today in B2B payments, o9 Solutions rolls out a supply chain planning services powered by artificial intelligence (AI), while Versapay acquires accounts receivable (AR) FinTech DadeSystems. Plus, Jarafa debuts an eCommerce marketplace for B2B and B2C customers across Bangladesh, and millennial buyers push B2B digitization.

o9 Solutions Debuts Smart Planning AI-Powered Supply Chain Planning Service

AI software planning firm o9 Solutions and Deloitte have announced the launch of Smart Planning, a subscription program that brings together Deloitte’s supply chain and data science with o9’s planning platform. Smart Planning is an AI-powered, cloud-based digital insights, connectivity and workflow automation platform that streamlines strategic- and tactical-level supply chain activities by combining o9’s technical scale and solution architecture with Deloitte’s Planning-as-a-Service capabilities.

Versapay Acquires AR Software Firm DadeSystems

Collaborative AR provider Versapay has acquired FinTech DadeSystems to expand its AR automation, AI and machine learning capabilities. In addition, the deal “also expands the company’s enterprise and midmarket footprint while adding key talent to the growing Versapay team,” the company said. The DadeSystems team will continue to operate in Miami and will be fully integrated with Versapay’s teams in North America. The company did not release a dollar amount for the acquisition but said it was financed with the help of Great Hill Partners and Ten Coves Capital, past investors in both firms.

Bangladesh’s Jarafa Launches eCommerce Marketplace

Jarafa has launched its reseller and wholesaler marketplace that is open to both B2B and B2C customers and lets people communicate and buy and sell products from anywhere in India. The company also plans to offer a loan program, as bank loans and other sources of funding can be difficult for businesses to attain. Jarafa hopes to serve as a buffer between wholesalers and resellers, giving them support and management systems to expand their businesses.

Millennial Buyers Are Driving Force Behind B2B Digitization

The B2B space’s trend toward digitization is continuing, with an increasing number of interactions between B2B buyers and sellers taking place digitally. This move toward virtual B2B platforms is occurring amid shifting workplace demographics, with millennials — widely regarded as the first “digital-native” generation — steadily accounting for growing portions of the global workforce. Millennials make three-quarters of professional B2B purchasing decisions, as reported in “Innovating B2B Payments,” a PYMNTS and i2c collaboration.