The U.S. steel industry in 2024 saw a continuation of protectionist trade policies, leading to shifting import patterns and rising production costs. While steel imports remain crucial to meeting domestic demand, manufacturers are being forced to reassess how they manage costs and maintain efficiency under tighter margins.

Recent data shows that the top exporters of steel to the U.S. were:

• Canada – 6.88 million tons

• Mexico – 4.18 million tons

• Brazil – 3.94 million tons

Interestingly, China—despite being the world’s largest steel producer—supplied just 508,000 net tons, amounting to only 1.8% of total U.S. steel imports. This sharp drop is the result of sustained tariffs and trade restrictions aimed at reducing America’s reliance on cheaper foreign steel.

The Cost of Protection: Tariffs and Their Ripple Effects

The increased tariffs have had a dual impact. On the one hand, they provide a cushion for U.S.-based steelmakers by limiting price competition from countries with lower labor and production costs. Domestic giants like Nucor, Cleveland-Cliffs, and U.S. Steel stand to benefit as buyers look inward for supply.

However, for downstream manufacturers—especially those producing machinery, auto parts, or structural components—the tariffs translate to higher raw material costs. This is especially concerning for companies that still rely on imported specialty steel or alloys not readily available in domestic markets.

Automation: The Competitive Differentiator

In this cost-sensitive environment, forward-thinking manufacturers are turning to automation to control operational expenses and unlock productivity.

A key area of transformation is Mill Test Report (MTR) processing. MTRs, which validate the quality and specifications of each metal shipment, are still handled manually by many organizations. This outdated practice not only slows down production but also increases the risk of errors, non-compliance, and labor costs.

Companies like Nucor Skyline have already automated their material certification workflows—achieving 84% gains in processing efficiency. Similarly, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries implemented document digitization across its fabrication lines, cutting manual processing time by more than half and accelerating customer deliveries.

Real-Life Example: Faster, Smarter Fabrication

Take the case of a Midwest-based industrial equipment manufacturer that handled over 3,000 MTRs per month manually. Each report took an average of 8-10 minutes to process and verify. After switching to an AI-driven document automation platform, they reduced processing time to under 1 minute per report, freed up two full-time employees for higher-value tasks, and shortened their order-to-delivery cycle by 12%.

That’s not just cost-saving—it’s a strategic edge.

Preparing for a New Normal

The global metal supply chain is entering a period of prolonged uncertainty. With tariff-driven inflation, fluctuating import volumes, and rising labor costs, automation is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it's a necessity.

Whether it's streamlining MTR workflows, automating purchase order validation, or reducing compliance burdens, manufacturers who adopt automation early will be better positioned to survive and thrive in this evolving landscape.

Accounts Payable (AP) has long been viewed as a back-office function responsible for processing invoices and making payments. However, in today's dynamic business environment, AP plays a crucial role in optimizing cash flow, enhancing supplier relationships, and driving financial strategy.

Traditionally, AP teams have struggled with inefficiencies due to manual data entry, invoice mismatches, delayed approvals, and fraud risks. These challenges often lead to late payments, missed discount opportunities, and poor financial visibility. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is transforming AP into a strategic powerhouse, enabling finance leaders to make data-driven, real-time decisions that enhance overall business performance.

AI in Accounts Payable: More Than Just Automation

While automation reduces manual work, AI-driven AP systems take automation a step further by introducing intelligence, predictive insights, and strategic decision-making capabilities. Here’s how:

1. Intelligent Invoice Processing and Automated Matching

• AI-powered OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) extract key data from invoices, eliminating manual data entry.

• Machine learning models auto-match invoices to purchase orders and receipts, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplicate payments.

• AI detects inconsistencies and errors in real time, flagging issues for review before they cause delays.

🔹 Strategic Impact: Faster processing times, improved accuracy, and reduced operational costs.

2. Predictive Analytics for Cash Flow Optimization

• AI analyzes historical payment trends to forecast future cash flow requirements.

• Advanced algorithms recommend optimal payment schedules to balance liquidity and supplier relationships.

• AI helps finance teams decide when to pay invoices to maximize early payment discounts or defer payments strategically based on business needs.

🔹 Strategic Impact: Better cash flow management, lower borrowing costs, and improved working capital.

3. Fraud Detection and Risk Mitigation

• AI detects suspicious transaction patterns by analyzing historical invoice data, supplier behavior, and payment anomalies.

• Machine learning models identify fraudulent invoices, duplicate payments, and vendor manipulation schemes.

• AI-driven compliance checks ensure regulatory adherence, preventing financial and legal risks.

🔹 Strategic Impact: Reduced financial losses from fraud, enhanced regulatory compliance, and improved internal controls.

4. AI-Driven Vendor Management and Negotiation

• AI categorizes supplier performance data, assessing reliability, delivery times, and pricing trends.

• AI-powered insights enable strategic negotiations, helping businesses secure better payment terms and discounts.

• Dynamic AI-driven vendor scoring helps organizations decide whether to expand, consolidate, or replace suppliers for efficiency gains.

🔹 Strategic Impact: Strengthened supplier relationships, cost savings, and optimized procurement strategies.

5. Real-Time Insights for CFOs and Financial Leaders

• AI-powered dashboards provide real-time visibility into AP metrics, payment cycles, and outstanding liabilities.

• AI generates reports on spending patterns, cost-saving opportunities, and risk assessments to support strategic decision-making.

• AI-driven benchmarking tools compare AP performance against industry standards, helping finance leaders identify areas for improvement.

🔹 Strategic Impact: Data-backed decision-making, improved financial planning, and greater alignment between AP and business objectives.

The Future of AI-Driven Accounts Payable: What’s Next?

As AI technology continues to evolve, AP will transition from a transactional function to a fully autonomous, insight-driven financial hub. Some emerging AI trends in AP include:

✅ Hyperautomation – AI combined with RPA (Robotic Process Automation) will enable end-to-end touchless processing, eliminating the need for human intervention.

✅ Cognitive AI and Self-Learning Systems – Machine learning models will continuously refine invoice recognition, fraud detection, and decision-making strategies.

✅ Blockchain and AI Integration – Secure, AI-powered smart contracts will automate B2B transactions, further reducing fraud and errors.

✅ Conversational AI for AP Teams – AI-powered virtual assistants will facilitate AP inquiries, invoice status tracking, and approvals via voice or chat interfaces.

✅ AI-Driven ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Compliance – AI will ensure sustainable procurement practices, tracking vendors’ ESG performance and enforcing compliance.

Why AI in AP Is a Competitive Advantage

AI-powered accounts payable is no longer just about automation—it’s about enabling smarter, faster, and more strategic decision-making. Organizations that adopt AI-driven AP solutions will benefit from:

🔹 Improved cash flow management and working capital optimization
🔹 Stronger fraud prevention and compliance adherence
🔹 Better vendor relationships through AI-powered negotiations
🔹 Real-time financial insights for strategic planning

As AP continues to evolve, finance leaders must embrace AI-driven solutions to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive business landscape. The future of AP is intelligent, autonomous, and strategic, and AI is the key to unlocking its full potential.

The insurance industry is one of the most document-intensive sectors, handling vast amounts of paperwork daily, from claims and policy documents to regulatory filings. Traditionally, processing these documents has been a slow, error-prone task, often requiring extensive manual intervention. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology are transforming insurance operations, enhancing speed, accuracy, and fraud detection while reducing administrative burdens.

By leveraging AI-powered OCR, insurers can automate data extraction, validation, and document analysis, significantly streamlining workflows. This transformation is revolutionizing three critical areas: claims processing, policy management, and fraud detection.

Accelerating Claims Processing with AI

One of the most time-consuming aspects of insurance is claims processing. Customers expect quick settlements, but manual verification and data entry often lead to delays. AI-powered OCR is addressing these challenges by:

• Automating Data Extraction – AI-enabled OCR can scan, extract, and interpret information from claims forms, medical records, invoices, and supporting documents in seconds.

• Ensuring Accuracy – By cross-checking extracted data against policy details, AI minimizes human errors and speeds up approvals.

• Detecting Anomalies – AI models identify inconsistencies in claim submissions, flagging potential fraudulent activities or incomplete documentation for further review.

For instance, leading insurers have reduced claims processing time by up to 70% by implementing AI-driven automation, allowing them to settle claims faster and improve customer satisfaction.

Optimizing Policy Management with Intelligent Automation

Managing policies efficiently is critical for insurers, particularly when handling renewals, updates, and compliance requirements. AI-powered OCR simplifies policy administration by:

• Digitizing Documents for Easy Access – AI converts paper-based policies into searchable digital formats, reducing reliance on physical storage.

• Automating Policy Updates – Customer details and policy terms can be automatically updated based on extracted data from renewal applications and endorsements.

• Enhancing Compliance Management – OCR-powered systems ensure policy documents meet regulatory requirements by flagging missing or outdated information.

With these capabilities, insurers can reduce administrative overhead, improve turnaround times, and focus on delivering better customer service.

Enhancing Fraud Detection with AI-Driven Insights

Insurance fraud is a major concern, costing the industry billions annually. Fraudulent claims often slip through manual reviews, making fraud detection a crucial area where AI-powered OCR excels. Key advantages include:

• Spotting Document Manipulation – AI-driven OCR can detect signs of tampering, such as altered invoices, forged signatures, or mismatched details.

• Cross-Referencing Historical Data – AI compares new claims against past records, identifying suspicious patterns and duplicate submissions.

• Predicting Fraud Risk – AI-powered analytics assess risk scores based on extracted data, enabling insurers to take proactive measures before approving claims.

By leveraging AI-powered document automation, insurers can drastically reduce fraudulent payouts, safeguarding profitability and ensuring legitimate claims are processed faster.

The Future of Insurance with AI-Powered OCR

As AI and OCR technologies continue to evolve, insurers that adopt these innovations will gain a competitive edge through improved efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced customer experiences. By automating document-heavy processes, AI-driven OCR is setting a new standard for claims processing, policy management, and fraud prevention.

The future of insurance is digital, and AI-powered OCR is leading the way in transforming document management for the industry.

The regulatory landscape for quality control and compliance in the United States is evolving rapidly. With agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EPA tightening their oversight, businesses handling Certificates of Analysis (CoA) must adapt to new compliance requirements. Manual CoA processing is no longer sustainable—errors, delays, and inefficiencies pose serious risks. Automation is emerging as the key to ensuring accuracy, speed, and regulatory adherence in 2025 and beyond.

The Growing Importance of CoA Compliance in 2025

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, chemicals, and manufacturing rely heavily on CoAs to verify product quality, composition, and compliance with safety standards. However, recent regulatory updates and stricter enforcement mean that outdated, manual methods of handling CoAs could lead to non-compliance, fines, or even product recalls.

Key regulatory trends in 2025 include:

• FDA’s Increased Digital Documentation Requirements – The FDA’s shift towards digital records and electronic submissions under 21 CFR Part 11 is making automated CoA solutions a necessity.
• Stricter Labeling & Traceability Laws – The USDA and FDA now demand enhanced product traceability, requiring more precise and immediate access to CoA data.
• Environmental & Sustainability Reporting – Companies in the chemical and manufacturing sectors must align with EPA’s sustainability initiatives, ensuring CoAs reflect eco-compliance.

How CoA Automation Ensures Compliance

1. Eliminating Human Errors in Data Entry

Manual data entry can lead to miscalculations, missing information, and incorrect product certifications. AI-powered CoA automation tools extract, verify, and standardize data with minimal human intervention, ensuring compliance with FDA and ISO standards.

2. Real-Time Regulatory Updates & Compliance Checks

Automated CoA platforms integrate with regulatory databases, ensuring that every certificate aligns with the latest FDA, USDA, and EPA standards in real time.

3. Streamlining Audits & Document Management

Regulatory bodies increasingly demand faster access to documentation. CoA automation systems store and organize certificates digitally, allowing businesses to retrieve compliance records instantly during audits.

4. Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency & Traceability

With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) emphasizing end-to-end traceability, automated CoA solutions facilitate seamless data sharing across supply chains, improving visibility and reducing compliance risks.

5. Ensuring Secure & Tamper-Proof Documentation

With blockchain integration, CoA automation ensures data integrity, preventing unauthorized modifications and guaranteeing an unalterable audit trail.

Business Benefits Beyond Compliance

Apart from avoiding penalties, CoA automation offers:

• Cost Savings – Reduced manual labor and fewer compliance errors mean lower operational costs.
• Faster Time-to-Market – Automated verification and submission of CoAs expedite product approvals.
• Improved Customer Trust – Real-time, accurate CoA data enhances brand credibility and reliability.

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve in the USA, businesses must embrace CoA automation to stay compliant, improve efficiency, and reduce risks. In 2025, automation is no longer an option—it’s a necessity for regulatory success. Investing in AI-powered CoA solutions today ensures long-term compliance, cost savings, and a competitive edge.

Are you ready to future-proof your CoA compliance? Now is the time to automate.

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation isn't just a buzzword—it's a survival strategy. While companies continue to push for innovation, document workflow automation is a crucial aspect often overlooked. Whether it’s Material Test Reports (MTRs), Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), Invoices in finance, or transcripts in education, manual processing of documents remains a bottleneck that slows operations and inflates costs. Following are some of the challenges of manual paperwork -

• High Costs: Processing delays, manual errors, and inefficiencies increased operational expenses
• Compliance Risks: Regulatory adherence becomes difficult when records are scattered and processes lack standardization
• Scalability Issues: As businesses grow, manually handling large volumes of documents becomes impractical

The True Cost of Manual Document Processing

Manual workflows are riddled with inefficiencies, errors, and delays. McKinsey & Company highlights that in approximately 60% of occupations, at least one-third of workday activities could be automated, showing the immense potential for automation-driven efficiency.

In finance, the reality is even starker. While Gartner reports that 82% of CFOs increased their investments in digital technology in 2024, the gap between ambition and execution remains significant.

• 49% of finance departments still operate with zero automation, relying on manual data entry and Excel spreadsheets
• 38% have implemented partial automation, using outdated technology that still requires heavy manual intervention
• Only 13% are fully automated, with 50%+ straight-through processing across their document journey

The result? Wasted time, high operational costs, and a frustrated workforce.

The US Perspective: Balancing Innovation with Skepticism

Despite leading in AI adoption, the US manufacturing sector remains divided on automation:

• 12% of US finance departments currently use Generative AI
• 32% of US business leaders fear automation may replace the majority of employees
• 34% of US leaders see more risks than opportunities in automation

This hesitation creates a paradox, while companies acknowledge the benefits, fear of change slows adoption.

The Financial Impact of Digital Transformation

A 2024 KPMG survey found that 88% of US executives reported improvements in profitability and performance after implementing digital transformation strategies, a massive jump from 45% in 2023.

Similarly, a 2020 PwC report estimated that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, primarily through its ability to enhance human capabilities.

Yet, despite these clear benefits:

• 49% of business leaders have zero automated processes in their departments
• 66% of UK finance departments still depend on Excel spreadsheets
• 46% of business leaders resist when it comes to automation

Key Drivers Behind Automation Adoption

According to Forrester’s 2024 Automation Predictions, businesses now see automation as a strategic necessity, not just a cost-cutting tool. The key motivators for adoption include:

• Efficiency gains (43%)
• Cost reduction (32%)
• Improved decision-making (27%)

When discussing automation’s ROI:

• 42% expect a medium to very significant impact from automation initiatives
• 39% expect a small to very small impact
• 20% remain uncertain about the returns

This mixed sentiment highlights the need for automation solutions that deliver tangible, measurable benefits.

The Case for Document Automation Across Industries

Manual document workflows are a universal challenge. Whether it’s MTRs, CoAs, invoices, contracts, or employee records, industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and banking suffer from slow processing times, human errors, and compliance risks.

• A report from KPMG indicates that retailers must reduce costs by 20% to stay competitive, suggesting that automation is key to achieving these savings.
• Deloitte's Tech Trends 2025 report highlights that AI and automation are becoming integral to business operations, enabling smarter and more efficient workflows.

Partnering with Star Software for Your Digital Transformation

Star Software stands at the forefront of document automation, offering tailored solutions that address the unique needs of diverse industries. By partnering with Star Software, organizations can seamlessly transition from manual to automated workflows, unlocking new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Real-World Success Stories: Companies That Made the Shift

Several companies have already reaped the benefits of document automation by leveraging Star Software’s #TrueAutomation to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy. Here are some success stories:

• Nucor Skyline digitized its invoice processing, cutting down payment cycles and improving vendor relationships.
• United Performance Metals implemented an AI-driven document workflow, improving compliance and audit readiness.
• Apollo Scientific eliminated manual invoice processing, enhancing data accuracy and speed by 64%.
• Flack Global Metals automated its MTC processing, reducing approval times from hours to minutes.

The Future of Work is Automated

As organizations strive for digital excellence, those relying on manual workflows will be left behind. The reality is clear - automation isn’t just an option anymore, it’s a necessity. Companies must embrace AI & digital transformation now to remain competitive in the years ahead.