Field notes on AI in business
Practical writing on AI, automation and the day-to-day work of running a business. From the team that builds and runs AI systems.
Automation
Robotic Process Automation in 2026 Is Not What You Think It Is
The global RPA market is projected to reach $35 billion in 2026, and the growth is not coming from simple screen-scraping bots. Modern cognitive RPA combines machine learning, NLP, and computer vision to handle unstructured data and make decisions within guardrails.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Company analysis
Analyzing Healthcare Companies Without a Medical Degree
You do not need to understand the mechanism of action of a drug to assess whether the company selling it is well-run. The business signals in healthcare are surprisingly accessible if you know where to look.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Due diligence
Manufacturing Companies Leave More Public Data Than You Think
Manufacturing operations generate an enormous amount of publicly accessible data. The regulatory and compliance requirements that govern physical production create a paper trail that most analysts never bother to follow.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Company analysis
The Signals That Separate Genuine Cleantech From Greenwashing
Real cleantech leaves measurable traces, and greenwashing tends to fall apart under systematic scrutiny. The reliable approach is looking for consistency across multiple indicators.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Ecommerce retail
AI-Powered Product Recommendations That Actually Convert
Most recommendation engines suggest products customers have already seen. The ones that convert use collaborative filtering, context, and intent signals.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
The Accounting Talent Shortage in Numbers: 340,000 CPAs Left Since 2019
The accounting profession has lost 340,000 professionals since 2019. Here are the real numbers and what they mean for firms.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
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Accounting tax
Why Entry-Level Accountants Are Leaving Within 18 Months and What Firms Can Do
Half of new accounting hires leave within 18 months. Exit interviews reveal the real reasons, and they are fixable.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
Offshore Staffing vs AI Automation: Real Cost Comparison for Mid-Size Firms
Offshore staff cost $15-25/hr. AI automation costs $3-8 per task. Here is a real cost comparison across common firm functions.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
How a 12-Person Firm Handles a 200-Client Book Without Hiring
A firm in Oregon serves 200 clients with 12 people by automating everything that does not require professional judgment.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
Building a Remote-First Accounting Firm: Technology Stack and Workflow Design
The technology and workflow decisions that make a remote-first accounting firm work, from collaboration tools to client portals.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
Automated Client Onboarding for Accounting Firms: From Engagement Letter to First Filing
Automated onboarding cuts new client setup from 3 weeks to 5 days. Here is the step-by-step workflow.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
Accounting tax
AI-Powered Tax Return Review: Catching Errors Before They Reach the IRS
AI review tools catch 23% more errors than manual review alone. Here is how they work and what they find.
Basel IsmailApr 2, 2026
1,319 articles