Latest news with #Plainfield
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Flipping The AI Pricing Model: Putting Humans First
Vidya Plainfield - Growth Officer at TechSpeed Inc. The promise of AI technology is real, but so is the risk… and the price. It may be time to reconsider our approach. The latest advances in AI software promise to bring your business improved speed, efficiency and accuracy. The right technology can enhance your productivity, free your people up to use their talents in more meaningful ways and empower your organization to reach new heights of success. On the other hand, implementing new technology can be risky, expensive and disruptive. Not only that, but if you don't have the right people in place to leverage this technology, all those promises can come up empty. That's why some service vendors are rethinking their approach to pricing. Forward-looking vendors are dispensing with software licensing fees, instead charging clients for access to human-in-the-loop (HITL) support and throwing in access to powerful AI tools for free. But before we explore this new approach, let's consider the current state of AI pricing. The Status Quo: Licensing First, Outcomes Later The standard pricing model used for modern AI traces back to ancient technological times—the mid-1970s, to be precise. That's when companies began to copyright software as intellectual property and charge businesses licensing fees to use their technology. With this traditional pricing model, businesses typically pay for tiered subscription plans to access proprietary software. Subscription plans often included usage limits, maintenance fees and additional charges for customized integrations or enhanced customer support. Interestingly, while our technology has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 50 years, this pricing model has remained largely unchanged. When it comes to paying for access to advanced AI tools like OCR, document processing, customer service bots, transcription engines and machine learning platforms, we're still living in the '70s. What's Wrong With This Pricing Model Businesses may be paying for licensed ownership of AI technology, but it's rare that these tools come optimized for your needs right out of the box. You'll usually need to address issues of data quality, identify process exceptions, adhere to regulatory constraints and adjust inputs to match your unique operational nuances. This is a heavy lift, one that requires regular human intervention. That intervention may come from your own in-house team, along with a learning curve and some degree of operational disruption, or it could come through additional third-party support. Either way, that layer of human intervention is rarely priced into the initial licensing and implementation of the software itself. As human oversight proves necessary, you can expect the cost of ownership to rise. This can delay your ROI, or worse yet, place it entirely out of reach. Lowering The Cost And Risk Of AI Now, consider a pricing model in which businesses pay for the true source of value—the human beings turning AI tech, tools and output into insight, action and productivity. In this pricing model, businesses pay for the HITL support that makes AI technology function effectively. The AI tools are then simply embedded in those human services. After a one-time setup fee, there are no additional expenses for licensing. If the technology changes or evolves, those human providers evolve with it at no extra cost to the client. In this context, AI software is no longer sold as the primary product. It is merely one of many tools used by the provider to honor your service agreement. Here's how it works: • Setup Fee: Client pays a small fee for onboarding, system setup and workflow design • Free AI Tools: Client gains access to AI tools that are optimized by, maintained by and licensed to the vendor • Human-In-The-Loop Pricing: After setup, pricing is based on the level of human oversight required for ongoing tasks, such as exception handling, quality assurance and validation. Why This AI Pricing Model Is Better Than The Status Quo With this model, you aren't just purchasing technology from a vendor. You're entering into a partnership with a service provider. You aren't dealing with a provider who will simply sell you the tech, then 'take the money and run.' This human-first approach means that your vendor has to stick around to make sure your AI is usable, reliable and tailored to your needs. The biggest hurdle many small- and medium-sized companies face when scaling up is the cost of expensive software licensing. Some of the most advanced and sophisticated AI innovations are only available to the biggest corporations. By removing the software licensing cost from the equation, vendors can level the playing field for smaller businesses and startups. This makes it possible for smaller players to access the leading-edge AI solutions without the costly upfront investment. Once you've invested in in-house AI implementation and software licensing, that money is spent. There's no scaling back on your investment, even if your business or the economy takes a sudden hit. In contrast, paying for human support on a usage basis means you can be nimble about managing your costs. Need more support during peak seasons? Need to reduce capacity during a slow quarter? When you're paying for usage-based human services, you can scale your spending up or down as needed. This elasticity can be a game-changer for businesses seeking that delicate balance between growth and caution. The Growing Role Of BPO Leading business process outsourcing (BPO) vendors are uniquely positioned to pioneer this new pricing model because of the access they provide to the latest technology and because of the experience, knowledge and expertise of the people they deploy to harness this tech. This means that BPO clients gain access to something more than sophisticated tools; they get the value of real human ingenuity. Rather than focusing solely on cost, this "flipped" AI pricing model prompts businesses to consider not just technology and data, but also how to leverage these assets to their advantage. The flipped pricing model operates on a crucial premise: qualified human beings remain the secret ingredient for success. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Plainfield, N.J. flood victims to get some relief, thanks to benefit concert. Here's more on how you can help.
Two devastating storms earlier this month wreaked havoc on communities in Plainfield, New Jersey. On Sunday, a benefit concert was held to help flood victims. City officials say the money will help those who have lost their homes and have no insurance. The sounds of music at Plainfield High School was uplifting and a much-needed tune as people filed in with their hearts full of warmth and their wallets open. City officials say so far they have raised more than $65,000 for victims of the July 3 and July 14 storms and flooding that killed four people and left a path of destruction, inundating homes and streets and taking down trees. With that came the arduous process of cleaning up and the strain on the city workers tasked with doing it. Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp didn't have an estimate how much damage was caused, but said city leaders are getting ready to pass an emergency resolution to get $5 million to reimburse the city for expenses incurred. "So much damage, and so, there's a lot to be made. And we know that the flood insurance isn't gonna cover most of the damage. And in some cases, most people don't have much choice, and that's why we need to have these kinds of people and the legislation that sends them to know that is local, local, right, local legislation," Mapp said. Those who showed up to help weren't just from Plainfield but from all parts of New Jersey and even Pennsylvania. There were current residents and even some who have moved away but came back to lend a hand. "Insurance doesn't cover everything. I've never been in a studio where there was a death. Funerals are expensive, so if I can help by giving a couple of dollars to help the family, even though I don't live here," former Plainfield resident Renee Sterling said. The concert was scheduled to end at 8 p.m, but you can still donate after on the city's official website.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Recovery continues after storm that left 3 dead in Central Jersey
Life is slowly returning to normal as the cleanup continues after a severe thunderstorm with winds between 60 and 80 mph carved a narrow path of destruction in Plainfield, North Plainfield and Dunellen on the evening of July 3. As of 2 p.m. July 7, there were still more than 100 customers without power in Plainfield and Dunellen. PSE&G estimatated that full power restoration may not be made until 7 p.m. July 8. In Plainfield, Public Works employees are continuing to remove all trees from roads. The city's Signal Division is fixing traffic lights and replacing street signs damaged in the storm. In North Plainfield, Mayor Lawrence La Ronde said the cleanup could take up to two weeks and the borough has hired outside contractors to assist in the operation. More: Death toll rises to three in violent storm in Central Jersey Three people died during the quick-moving but violent storm. Authorities have released the name of the third fatality, 44-year-old Diana Ospina of Middlesex Borough. Ospina was driving along Greenbrook Road in North Plainfield when she pulled over to sit out the storm. But a large tree and electrical wires came down on her vehicle. A GoFundMe page has been established to help support her family. She is survived by her husband and two sons. "The sudden loss has devastated her children, who must now navigate life without the comforting presence of their mother," according to the GoFundMe post. In Plainfield, 79-year-old Rocco Sansone of North Plainfield and 25-year-old Brian Ernesto Valladares, a Plainfield resident and native of El Salvador, lost their lives when a tree fell on the vehicle they were traveling in on Myrtle Avenue. A GoFundMe page has also been established to pay for Valladares to be returned to his family in El Salvador. Another GoFundMe site has also been set up to help the Fairchild family in Dunellen. A large tree fell on their house, destroying the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and master bedroom. Email: mdeak@ . This article originally appeared on Recovery continues after violent storm that left 3 dead in Central Jersey Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after torrential rain, flooding
Heavy rain in Central Jersey from a July 14 storm killed two people in Union County and brought flashed flooding that left local streets and highways impassable and motorists stranded. Two women died in Plainfield when a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm, according to Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but both people died at the scene. Mapp said the women's names are being withheld pending notification of their families. 'All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss. To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable," said Mapp, referring to the two men who died after a tree fell on their vehicle during the July 3 storm. "We mourn with the families, and we remain committed to doing all we can to strengthen our emergency response systems and protect our residents from future harm.' One Parkview Avenue home in North Plainfield was destroyed after an explosion late Monday night at the same time there was flash flooding in the area. Gov. Phil Murphy said the cause of the explosion is under investigation, and no one was hurt in the blast. The explosion as well as water rescues occurred at a time when some areas of Somerset County, like Watchung and North Plainfield, received more than 5 inches of rain in about four hours, while Hillsborough received about 3 and parts of Union County, like Linden and Clark, received more than 5 inches of rain. The heavy rain resulted in reports of foundation damage and buildings in danger of collapse in North Plainfield and Dunellen. Route 22 and Route 28 were closed in both directions to clear debris and make emergency roadway repairs caused by flooding in Somerset and Middlesex counties. Motorists are advised to avoid both roads. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties due to flooding caused by torrential rains and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. During a Tuesday news conference in Berkeley Heights, Murphy said New Jersey is seeing more frequent and more intense storms. He said Berkeley Heights experienced 6 inches of rain in less than two hours and more similar weather is likely. "This clearly was a significant weather event," said Murphy, adding water has killed more people during his time as governor than any other type of weather event, including power outages, tornadoes and snow storms. "We have not experienced anything like this in decades," said Mapp, who reported cars in the city were stranded in flood waters, while homes and businesses took on water in basements after flood waters rose two to three feet. More: See rainfall totals in your Central Jersey town Route 22 closed Route 22 was closed in both directions between Washington Avenue in Green Brook and Terrill Road in Watchung. There is severe damage in four locations on Route 22, including sections where the roadway has buckled and heaved, median barrier has been dislodged and washed into travel lanes, and debris is covering the highway. Abandoned cars that were caught in the flood waters need to be 22 eastbound was closed near Washington Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. July 14 due to roadway damage near Jefferson Avenue (mile post 42.5) in Green Brook caused by flooding. As flood waters receded, three other locations were identified with significant damage: Mile post 43.5 west of West End Avenue/Cardinal Lane in North Plainfield Mile post 44.7 at Somerset Street in North Plainfield Mile post 46.5 west of Terrill Road in Watchung Crews were on scene and working to clear debris and make repairs to the damaged roadway. It is unclear how long repairs may take. Motorists should avoid using Route 22 in this area. Bridgewater police report Route 22 west at Thompson Avenue reopened around noon July 15. Route 28 closed Route 28 is closed in both directions between Mountain Avenue (mile post 2.86) in Bridgewater, Somerset County and Warrenville Road (mile post 11.36) in Dunellen due to damage from flooding. Motorists should avoid using Route 28 in this area. Route 28 has reopened in all directions in Middlesex Borough, according to police who reported other roads still remain closed. More than seven inches of rain fell over a two hour period in South Plainfield, resulting in numerous calls and 50 plus water rescues all over the Borough, according to a post on the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page. New Market Avenue and Clinton Avenue Extension are closed, according to South Plainfield Business Administrator Glenn Cullen. He said police made about 50 water rescues for people stranded in vehicles. Those rescued on the northside of the borough were brought to the rescue squad building on Plainfield Avenue while those rescued on the southside were brought to the Holiday Inn on Stelton Road. Borough Hall and the library operated July 15 on a two-hour delayed opening. The municipal building is operating on generator power. The community pool had large amounts of silt and dirt that the flood waters brought down from West Crescent Parkway and will likely need a week to be operational again. Legends camp is open, but all other camp activities at the schools are closed. Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, the former Plainfield Area Humane Society on Rock Avenue, Plainfield reported on Facebook they lost everything in the storm, including food, bedding, litter and other supplies. All of the animals, who were found sitting in the dark with water filling their cages, are safe after being moved to higher ground. Linden police reported first responders assisted a number of drivers to safety after their vehicles were disables in the flood waters, and firefighters made nearly a dozen more boat rescues. After the rain stopped, Fire Department personnel also pumped out nearly two dozen residential basements. All Linden roadways were reopened, and most abandoned vehicles have been moved to the side of the road. There were a couple of transformer issues overnight, but there are currently no widespread power outages in the city. Linden Public Works is working to clear the streets and catch basins of debris, especially in flooded areas, police said in a Facebook post. The American Red Cross is in Dunellen supporting the Offices of the Mayor, Borough Administration and the Dunellen Office of Emergency Management. Their team has set up a tent in the back parking lot of the George W. Hodulik Firehouse, 231 S. Madison Ave., to provide cleanup kits and water to residents at no cost. The Red Cross will be on site until 7 p.m. July 15 and from 9 a.m. to noon July 16, 17 and 18. The team will load all supplies into residents' vehicles upon 5 to 7 p.m. July 15, the Red Cross will be offering a free, light meal at the firehouse to Dunellen residents who are without power to assist with their needs. Throughout the next few days, American Red Cross teams will also visit areas throughout the Borough affected by the storm to provide aid to residents. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call 1 (800) REDCROSS or 1 (800) 733-2767. Email: sloyer@ Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on NJ storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after flooding
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to help the animal shelter that 'lost everything' during NJ flooding
PLAINFIELD – The Hope4Paws Humane Society, previously known as the Plainfield Area Humane Society, lost everything to flooding on July 14. The organization currently has no way to accept physical donations but is accepting monetary donations. Rescues able to assist with animals are also greatly appreciated. The 92-year-old shelter at 75 Rock Ave. 'lost everything,' not expecting the entire shelter to be underwater. Hope 4 Paws is run by a small staff and a volunteer-based board of trustees and serves Berkeley Heights, Springfield, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Scotch Plains and Bound Brook. Director Josh Reyes, Shelter Manager Allison Scarinci, a board member and a volunteer were able to swim through the debris to get inside and check on the animals. Despite the chaos, all animals were moved to higher ground and are safe. "They were sitting in darkness with water quickly filling their cages, many were already chest deep in the flood," according to a Facebook post. "We have absolutely nothing − no food, bedding, litter, or supplies of any kind. What we do have are our animals and for that we are eternally grateful." The shelter said the main focus right now is on the welfare of the animals and trying to relocate as many as possible. Hope4Paws was already working on recovering from the July 4 storm which flooded the area. All animals were safe, but the property suffered damages including the loss of the dog yard. As they are still assessing the damage and "just beginning the long road to recovery," Hope4Paws is asking those to hold off bringing anything to the shelter for now. "We will have our hands full during this recovery," said the Facebook post. "We truly appreciate your patience and support." email: cmakin@ Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@ or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on How to help the NJ animal shelter that 'lost everything' during flood
