#Onions Custom Data

[importexportinfo]

Onions are one of the most common vegetables used in cooking dishes; adding a striking taste, colour and smell. Dive into the layered world of onions import export data and its impact on global trade.

[mariacallous]

Shortly before noon on Aug. 19, 2023, a Russian cruise missile sliced past the golden onion domes and squat apartment blocks of the Chernihiv skyline in northern Ukraine. The Iskander-K missile slammed into its target: the city’s drama theater, which was hosting a meeting of drone manufacturers at the time of the attack. More than 140 people were injured and seven killed. The youngest, 6-year-old Sofia Golynska, had been playing in a nearby park.

Fragments of the missile recovered by the Ukrainian armed forces and analyzed by Ukrainian researchers found numerous components made by U.S. manufacturers in the missile’s onboard navigation system, which enabled it to reach its target with devastating precision. In December, Ukraine’s state anti-corruption agency released an online database of the thousands of foreign-made components recovered from Russian weapons so far.

Russia’s struggle to produce the advanced semiconductors, electrical components, and machine tools needed to fuel its defense industrial base predates the current war and has left it reliant on imports even amid its estrangement from the West. So when Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, major manufacturing countries from North America, Europe, and East Asia swiftly imposed export controls on a broad swath of items deemed critical for the Russian arms industry.

Russia quickly became the world’s most sanctioned country: Some 16,000 people and companies were subject to a patchwork of international sanctions and export control orders imposed by a coalition of 39 countries. Export restrictions were painted with such a broad brush that sunglasses, contact lenses, and false teeth were also swept up in the prohibitions. Even items manufactured overseas by foreign companies are prohibited from being sold to Russia if they are made with U.S. tools or software, under a regulation known as the foreign direct product rule.

But as the war reaches its two-year anniversary, export controls have failed to stem the flow of advanced electronics and machinery making their way into Russia as new and convoluted supply chains have been forged through third countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, which are not party to the export control efforts. An investigation by Nikkei Asia found a tenfold increase in the export of semiconductors from China and Hong Kong to Russia in the immediate aftermath of the war—the majority of them from U.S. manufacturers.

“Life finds a way,” said a senior U.S. intelligence official, quoting the movie Jurassic Park. The official spoke on background to discuss Russia’s evasion of export controls.

Some of the weapons and components analyzed by investigators were likely stockpiled before the war. But widely available Russian trade data reveals a brisk business in imports. More than $1 billion worth of advanced semiconductors from U.S. and European manufacturers made their way into the country last year, according to classified Russian customs service data obtained by Bloomberg. A recent report by the Kyiv School of Economics found that imports of components considered critical for the battlefield had dipped by just 10 percent during the first 10 months of 2023, compared with prewar levels.

This has created a Kafkaesque scenario, the report notes, in which the Ukrainian army is doing battle with Western weapons against a Russian arsenal that also runs on Western components.

It is an obvious problem, well documented by numerous think tank and media reports, but one without an easy solution. Tracking illicit trade in items such as semiconductors is an exponentially greater challenge than monitoring shipments of conventional weapons. Around 1 trillion chips are produced every year. Found in credit cards, toasters, tanks, missile systems, and much, much more, they power the global economy as well as the Russian military. Cutting Russia out of the global supply chain for semiconductors is easier said than done.

“Both Russia and China, and basically all militaries, are using a large number of consumer electronic components in their systems,” said Chris Miller, the author of Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. “All of the world’s militaries rely on the same supply chain, which is the supply chain that primarily services consumer electronics.”

Export controls were once neatly tailored to keep specific items, such as nuclear technology, out of the hands of rogue states and terrorist groups. But as Washington vies for technological supremacy with Beijing while also seeking to contain Russia and Iran, it has increasingly used these trade restrictions to advance broader U.S. strategic objectives. For instance, the Biden administration has placed wide-ranging prohibitions on the export of advanced chips to China.

“At no point in history have export controls been more central to our collective security than right now,” Matthew Axelrod, the assistant secretary for export enforcement at the U.S. Commerce Department, said in a speech last September. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has described export controls as “a new strategic asset in the U.S. and allied toolkit.”

Russia’s ability to defy these restrictions doesn’t just have implications for the war in Ukraine. It also raises significant questions about the challenge ahead vis-à-vis China.

“The technological question becomes a key part of this story and whether or not we can restrict it from our adversaries,” said James Byrne, the director of open-source intelligence and analysis at the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank.

In the Russian city of Izhevsk, home to the factory that manufactures Kalashnikov rifles, shopping malls are being converted into drone factories amid a surge in defense spending that has helped the country’s economy weather its Western estrangement. Arms manufacturers have been urged to work around the clock to feed the Russian war machine, while defense is set to account for one-third of the state budget this year.

“We have developed a concept to convert shopping centers—which, before the start of the SMO [special military operation], sold mainly the products of Western brands—to factories for assembly lines of types of domestic drones,” Alexander Zakharov, the chief designer of the Zala Aero drone company, said at a closed event in August 2022, according to the Russian business newspaper Vedomosti. “Special military operation” is what the Russian government calls its war on Ukraine. Zala Aero is a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Concern that, along with Zakharov, was sanctioned by the United States last November.

Defense companies have bought at least three shopping malls in Izhevsk to be repurposed for the manufacture of drones, according to local media, including Lancet attack drones, which the British defense ministry described as one of the most effective new weapons that Russia introduced to the battlefield last year. Lancets, which cost about $35,000 to produce, wreaked havoc during Ukraine’s offensive last year and have been captured on video striking valuable Ukrainian tanks and parked MiG fighter jets.

Like a lot of Russia’s weapons systems, Lancets are filled with Western components. An analysis of images of the drones published in December by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security found that they contained several parts from U.S., Swiss, and Czech manufacturers, including image processing and analytical components that play a pivotal role in enabling the drones to reach their targets on the battlefield.

“The recurring appearance of these Western products in Russian drone systems shows a keen dependence on them for key capabilities in the drone systems,” the report notes. Lancets are not the only drones found to contain Western components. Almost all of the electronic components in the Iranian Shahed-136 drones, which Russia is now manufacturing with Iranian help to use in Ukraine, are of Western origin, a separate analysis published in November concluded.

Early in the war, the Royal United Services Institute analyzed 27 Russian military systems, including cruise missiles, electronic warfare complexes, and communications systems, and found that they contained at least 450 foreign-made components, revealing Russia’s dependence on imports.

One of the principal ways that Russia has evaded Western export controls has been through transshipment via third countries such as Turkey, the UAE, and neighboring states once part of the Soviet Union. Bloomberg reported last November that amid mounting Western pressure, the UAE had agreed to restrict the export of sensitive goods to Russia and that Turkey was considering a similar move. Kazakh officials announced a ban on the export of certain battlefield goods to Russia in October.

Suspected transshipment is often revealed by striking changes in trade patterns before and after the invasion. The Maldives, an island chain in the Indian Ocean that has no domestic semiconductor industry, shipped almost $54 million worth of U.S.-made semiconductors to Russia in the year after the invasion of Ukraine, Nikkei Asia reported last July.

Semiconductor supply chains often span several countries, with chips designed in one country and manufactured in another before being sold to a series of downstream distributors around the world. That makes it difficult for companies to know the ultimate end user of their products. This may seem odd—until you realize that this is the case for many everyday products that are sold around the world. “When Coca-Cola sells Coca-Cola, it doesn’t know where every bottle goes, and they don’t have systems to track where every bottle goes,” said Kevin Wolf, a former assistant secretary for export administration at the U.S. Commerce Department.

While a coalition of 39 countries, including the world’s major manufacturers of advanced electronics, imposed export restrictions on Russia, much of the rest of the world continues to trade freely with Moscow. Components manufactured in coalition countries will often begin their journey to Moscow’s weapons factories through a series of entirely legal transactions before ending up with a final distributor that takes them across the border into Russia. “It starts off as licit trade and ends up as illicit trade,” said a second senior U.S. intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The further items move down the supply chain, the less insight governments and companies have into their ultimate destination, although sudden changes in behavior of importers can offer a red flag. In his speech last September, Axelrod, the assistant secretary, used the example of a beauty salon that suddenly starts to import electronic components.

But the Grand Canyon of loopholes is China, which has stood by Moscow since the invasion. In the first days of the war, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo warned that Washington could shut down Chinese companies that ignored semiconductor export controls placed on Russia. Last October, 42 Chinese companies were added to export control lists—severely undercutting their ability to do business with U.S. companies—for supplying Russian defense manufacturers with U.S. chips.

But as the Biden administration carefully calibrates its China policy in a bid to keep a lid on escalating tensions, it has held off from taking Beijing to task. “I think the biggest issue is that we—the West—have been unwilling to put pressure on China that would get China to start enforcing some of these rules itself,” said Miller, the author of Chip Wars.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) said: “Due to the restrictions imposed by the United States and key allies and partners, Russia has been left with no choice but to spend more, lower its ambitions for high-tech weaponry, build alliances with other international pariah states, and develop nefarious trade networks to covertly obtain the technologies it needs.

“We are deeply concerned regarding [Chinese] support for Russia’s defense industrial base. BIS has acted to add over 100 [China]-based entities to the Entity List for supporting Russia’s military industrial base and related activities.”

Export controls have typically focused on keeping specific U.S.-made goods out of the hands of adversaries, while economic and financial sanctions have served broader foreign-policy objectives of isolating rogue states and cauterizing the financing of terrorist groups and drug cartels. The use of sanctions as a national security tool grew in wake of the 9/11 attacks; in the intervening decades, companies, government agencies, and financial institutions have built up a wealth of experience in sanctions compliance. By contrast, the use of export controls for strategic ends is relatively novel, and compliance expertise is still in its infancy.

“It used to be that people like me could keep export controls and sanctions in one person’s head. The level of complexity for each area of law is so intense. I don’t know anyone who is truly an export control and sanctions expert,” Wolf said.

Export controls, experts say, are at best speed bumps designed to make it harder for Russia’s defense industrial base to procure Western components. They create “extra friction and pressure on the Russian economy,” said Daniel Fried, who as the State Department coordinator for sanctions policy helped craft U.S. sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia is now paying 80 percent more to import semiconductors than it did before the war, according to forthcoming research by Miller, and the components it is able to acquire are often of dubious quality.

But although it may be more cumbersome and expensive, it’s a cost that Moscow has been willing to bear in its war on Ukraine.

Western components—and lots of them—will continue to be found in the weapons Russia uses on Ukraine’s battlefields for the duration of the war. “This problem is as old as export controls are,” said Jasper Helder, an expert on export controls and sanctions with the law firm Akin Gump. But there are ways to further plug the gaps.

Steeper penalties could incentivize U.S. companies to take a more proactive role in ensuring their products don’t wind up in the hands of the Russian military, said Elina Ribakova, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “At the moment, they’re not truly motivated,” she said.

Companies that run afoul of sanctions and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a U.S. federal law that prohibits the payment of bribes, have been fined billions of dollars. Settlements of export control violations are often an order of magnitude smaller, according to recently published research.

In a speech last month, Axelrod said the United States would begin issuing steeper penalties for export control violations. “Build one case against one of the companies extremely well, put out a multibillion-dollar fine negotiation, and watch everybody else fall in line,” Ribakova said.

And then there’s the question of resources. BIS has an annual budget of just $200 million. “That’s like the cost of a few fighter jets. Come on,” said Raimondo, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum last December.

The agency’s core budget for export control has, adjusted for inflation, remained flat since 2010, while its workload has surged. Between 2014 and 2022, the volume of U.S. exports subject to licensing scrutiny increased by 126 percent, according to an agency spokesperson. A 2022 study of export control enforcement by the Center for Strategic and International Studies recommended a budget increase of $45 million annually, describing it as “one of the best opportunities available anywhere in U.S. national security.”

When it comes to enforcement, the bureau has about 150 officers across the country who work with law enforcement and conduct outreach to companies. The Commerce Department has also established a task force with the Justice Department to keep advanced technologies out of the hands of Russia, China, and Iran. “The U.S. has the most robust export enforcement on the planet,” Wolf said.

But compared with other law enforcement and national security agencies, the bureau’s budgets have not kept pace with its expanding mission. The Department of Homeland Security has more investigators in the city of Tampa, Florida, than BIS does across the entire country, Axelrod noted in his January speech.

On the other side, you have Russia, which is extremely motivated to acquire the critical technologies it needs to continue to prosecute its war. The Kremlin has tasked its intelligence agencies with finding ways around sanctions and export controls, U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Brian Nelson said in a speech last year. “We are not talking about a profit-seeking firm looking for efficiencies,” the second senior U.S. intelligence official said. “There will be supply if there is sufficient demand.”

[newstfionline]

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Canada’s largest drug ‘superlab’ in history has been taken down, police say (Washington Post) Canadian federal officers have dismantled what they described to be the largest, most sophisticated drug lab in the country’s history, seizing a massive cache of weapons and drugs intended for both international and domestic distribution. The facility, described by police officers as a drug “superlab,” contained enough fentanyl and precursor chemicals to produce more than 95.5 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, an amount that “could have taken the lives of every Canadian, at least twice over,” Assistant Commissioner David Teboul with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement. About 54 kilograms of fentanyl and 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, in addition to “massive amounts of precursor chemicals” and smaller amounts of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis, were discovered at the facility in Falkland, a small rural community in British Columbia, the police statement said, adding that the lab was believed to be behind the production and distribution of “unprecedented quantities” of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Falling Back (NYT) The transition to fall is scattered with seasonal markers: The occasional chill in the air; the urge to make soup. These changes so far have happened like clockwork, and next comes the one that actually involves clocks. On Sunday Nov. 3, people in the United States and Canada will “fall back” to standard time, setting their clocks back an hour and signaling the end of daylight saving time. (Hawaii and most of Arizona, which are on permanent standard time, keep their clocks the same.) For now, most of us will be making the switch. And while many scientists maintain that standard time is better aligned with human circadian biology, even a modest time adjustment can take some getting used to—particularly when it means shorter, darker days. The extra hour of afternoon darkness can be especially hard for people who are “vulnerable to feeling down in the autumn and winter—which is an awful lot of people,” said Norman E. Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine who coined the term “seasonal affective disorder.” “They may be low-energy, lethargic, prone to overeating and just out of sorts for a while.” Many people—if they’re not working the night shift or parenting a small child—will get an extra hour of sleep on the morning after the clocks change. And that’s “going to enable them to function better,” said Elizabeth B. Klerman, a professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

As data centers for AI strain the power grid, bills rise for everyday customers (Washington Post) Consumers in some regions of the country are facing higher electric bills due to a boom in tech companies building data centers that guzzle power and force expensive infrastructure upgrades. Companies such as Google and Amazon have ramped up construction of new data centers as they race to compete in artificial intelligence. The facilities’ extraordinary demand for electricity to power and cool computers inside can drive up the price local utilities pay for energy and require significant improvements to electric grid transmission systems. As a result, costs have already begun going up for customers—or are about to in the near future, according to utility planning documents and energy industry analysts. In the Mid-Atlantic, the regional power grid’s energy costs shot up dramatically, and data centers are cited as among root causes of rate increases of up to 20 percent expected in 2025.

Smuggling rings make billions from migrants (Washington Post) He called himself a simple onion farmer, a Mayan Indian with four kids and a fourth-grade education. U.S. prosecutors knew better. By his late 30s, Felipe Diego Alonzo had built a crime route stretching from Central America to Texas, allegedly paying off Mexican drug cartels along the way. He tooled around Guatemala’s western highlands in a loaded silver Ford Ranger pickup and had a show horse valued at $100,000. Alonzo’s business “was more profitable than drug trafficking,” said one of the Guatemalan officials who detained him. Alonzo was moving people. At least 80 percent of unlawful border-crossers hire smugglers. They guide people through treacherous jungles on the trek from Colombia to Panama. They whisk migrants over remote Guatemalan border crossings and up traffic-clogged Mexican highways. With revenue estimated at $4 billion to $12 billion a year, the smuggling of migrants has joined drugs and extortion as a top income stream for groups like Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, increasing their economic clout throughout the hemisphere.

Bolivia’s president accuses supporters of former leader Morales of seizing 3 military barracks (AP) Bolivian President Luis Arce on Friday condemned the seizure of three military units by supporters of former President Evo Morales, saying that “the taking of a military unit is a crime of treason against the homeland and an affront to the country’s Constitution.” Earlier on Friday the Bolivian Armed Forces said in a statement that “irregular armed groups” had kidnapped military personnel and took control of military units in the center of the country, where police officers began to clear the roads blocked 19 days ago by supporters of former President Evo Morales. The conflict broke out three weeks ago when Bolivian prosecutors launched an investigation into accusations that Morales fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016, classifying their relationship as statutory rape. Morales has refused to testify in court.

In Spanish Town Devastated by Flood, a Grim Search for Bodies (NYT) Plates with half-eaten dinners were still sitting on the white tablecloths in the nursing home’s dining hall on Thursday, amid muddy and overturned wheelchairs and walkers. Six people died in the facility on Tuesday, as a raging river exploded out of its banks and swept through villages and towns around the Spanish city of Valencia, on the country’s east-central coast. Among them was the town of Paiporta, where residents said the water came without warning. It had not even been raining on Tuesday night when the water from the river swept in suddenly. The floods killed at least 205 people in Spain, in the deadliest natural disaster in the country’s recent history, with almost all of those deaths, 202, in the Province of Valencia, the authorities said on Friday. More than 60 of the victims were killed in Paiporta, a working-class town on the southern outskirts of the city of Valencia, according to the official, Vicent Ciscar, the town’s deputy mayor. Amidst the mud, the grim search for bodies goes on.

US is sending $425 million in military assistance to Ukraine (AP) The Pentagon announced Friday it was sending an additional $425 million in military assistance to Ukraine as Kyiv prepares to face Russian forces augmented by North Korean troops. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had said more aid was coming, and soon, during his visit to Kyiv last week. This aid package includes weapons that will be pulled from existing U.S. stockpiles, including air defense interceptors for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155 mm artillery, and armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons.

Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers (AP) Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, dubbed a “conveyor belt road” by the government, to make up for a shortage of truck drivers. A computer graphics video made by the government shows big, wheeled boxes moving along a three-lane corridor, also called an “auto flow road,” in the middle of a big highway. A trial system is due to start test runs in 2027 or early 2028, aiming for full operations by the mid-2030s. The plan may sound like a solution that would only work in relatively low-crime, densely populated societies like Japan, not sprawling nations like the U.S. But similar ideas are being considered in Switzerland and Great Britain. The plan in Switzerland involves an underground pathway, while the one being planned in London will be a fully automated system running on low-cost linear motors. In Japan, loading will be automated, using forklifts, and coordinated with airports, railways and ports.

Israel’s path of destruction in southern Lebanon raises fears of an attempt to create a buffer zone (AP) Perched on a hilltop a short walk from the Israeli border, the tiny southern Lebanese village of Ramyah has almost been wiped off the map. In a neighboring village, satellite photos show a similar scene: a hill once covered with houses, now reduced to a gray smear of rubble. Israeli warplanes and ground forces have blasted a trail of destruction through southern Lebanon the past month. The aim, Israel says, is to debilitate the Hezbollah militant group, push it away from the border and end more than a year of Hezbollah fire into northern Israel. Even United Nations peacekeepers and Lebanese troops in the south have come under fire from Israeli forces, raising questions over whether they can remain in place. More than 1 million people have fled bombardment, emptying much of the south. Some experts say Israel may be aiming to create a depopulated buffer zone, a strategy it has already deployed along its border with Gaza. Some conditions for such a zone appear already in place, according to an Associated Press analysis of satellite imagery and data collected by mapping experts that show the breadth of destruction across 11 villages next to the border.

North Gaza 'apocalyptic,' everyone at 'imminent risk' of death, warns UN (Reuters) The situation in the northern Gaza Strip is "apocalyptic" as Israel pursues a military offensive against Hamas militants in the area, top United Nations officials warned on Friday. "The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence," they said in a statement signed by the acting U.N. aid chief Joyce Msuya, heads of U.N. agencies, including U.N. children's agency UNICEF and the World Food Programme, and other aid groups. Israel began a wide military push in northern Gaza last month. The United States has said it was watching to ensure that its ally's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north. "Humanitarian aid cannot keep up with the scale of the needs due to the access constraints. Basic, life-saving goods are not available. Humanitarians are not safe to do their work and are blocked by Israeli forces and by insecurity from reaching people in need," they said.

Almost two dozen countries at high risk of acute hunger, UN report reveals (Guardian) According to a joint report by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program, 22 countries across the globe are expected to experience heightened levels of acute food insecurity over the next six months. Five of those countries—Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Palestine, and Haiti—are expected to face famine or the risk of famine between now and May 2025. Situations are likely to degrade even further in some areas experiencing food insecurity as a La Niña weather pattern is projected to sweep the globe this winter. With unusually high levels of rainfall (and the accompanying risk of flooding) expected for some regions, “many countries experiencing humanitarian crises risk being further affected by La Niña, which could exacerbate food insecurity, increase human suffering and result in further economic losses,” added the representative.

[aroceu]

memes i've been tagged in

thank you @telomeke for tagging me in a couple of these! i'm gonna answer them all in one post since i don't do these very often but i do like talking about myself :)

get to know me

do you make your bed?

no-ish. sometimes i do if i wake up early enough but uh. usually i wake up late. on the weekends i try to, with varying results.

what’s your favourite number?

17 but it's not that serious to me

what is your job?

generally speaking, data entry

if you could go back to school, would you?

no

can you parallel park?

yes, it was mandatory for my driving test.

a job you had that would surprise people?

i think i've been pretty upfront about the jobs i've had so i don't think they're really that surprising? i also think they are very me-core. except maybe the last one (receptionist at a pet place) but that's how i met duke :)

do you think aliens are real?

my belief system does not include whether or not i think things that we have no definitive proof of but can theoretically exist are real

can you drive a manual car?

no

what’s your guilty pleasure?

telling people on reddit that they're wrong

tattoos?

yes! i have two - a stick n poke, and one i got on my birthday a couple of years ago. i'm also looking to get another one for my birthday this year :)

favorite color?

a slate grey-ish light blue. but when it comes to personal customization related things (such as fashion) i also like pink and reds because they stand out more than blues

favorite type of music?

any kind of pop! my music taste is vast but generally the closer to pop a song is, the more i will like it

do you like puzzles?

yes

any phobias?

yes

favorite childhood sport?

basketball (yes i am short)

do you talk to yourself?

yes, a lot of times i record voice memos in my car just to talk to myself (even though i usually don't listen to them back). otherwise i'm just muttering to myself

what movies do you adore?

kimi no na wa, the iron giant, and wreck-it ralph

coffee or tea?

tea because i can drink it more regularly, but i do love the taste of coffee as well

first thing you wanted to be growing up?

an actor, even though i was never into even the idea of acting, it was just the first career i knew that was associated with being famous (i no longer want to be famous). however i do think this contributes to me being surrounded by theatre kids my whole life

get to know me (better)

3 ships:

pat/pran from bad buddy

wangxian from mdzs

[insert one of my shameless rpf ships here]

first ship: gonna be real i started off being really into self-insert stuff and harry potter (neither of which i really want to detail here) so uhhhhhhhhhhh sasuke/naruto

last song: alligator tears by beyonce

currently reading: don't worry about it

last movie: i should watch movies again. pretty sure it was glass onion

currently craving: nothing

not tagging anyone but if anyone is interested in any of these please feel free to pretend i tagged you :3

[kamalkafir-blog]

KarmaLifeAI - Key Account Manager (2-7 yrs) Bangalore (B2B/Corporate Sales)

Job title: KarmaLifeAI – Key Account Manager (2-7 yrs) Bangalore (B2B/Corporate Sales) Company: KarmaLifeAI Job description: JOB DESCRIPTION: Customer Success/ Key Account Manager WHAT WE DO?KarmaLife (Onion Life Private Limited) is a financial… solution that addresses the unmet liquidity needs of India’s gig and contract workforce. KarmaLife captures real-time data… Expected salary: Location:…

[novaplatform]

Top Must-Have Features in a Food Truck POS System

Your food truck is a whirlwind of action—grills blazing, customers lining up, and orders coming fast. But a clunky Food Truck POS System can stall your flow with payment issues, order mix-ups, or tech glitches. For mobile vendors, a reliable POS is your business’s heartbeat, turning chaos into smooth operations and happy customers.

A cutting-edge Food Truck POS System is designed for the road, handling everything from quick transactions to inventory tracking. It’s more than a tool—it’s your growth engine. Ready to see the difference? Explore NOVA POS for Food Trucks for a solution built for you.

1. Mobility and Portability: Built for the Hustle

Why it matters: Your food truck goes anywhere—city streets, festivals, or private events. Your POS must keep up, working seamlessly without heavy gear.

A mobile POS is lightweight and durable, letting your team take orders on tablets or handhelds, cutting lines and boosting customer satisfaction.

Mobility essentials:

Compact Hardware: Tablets or handhelds built for tough conditions.

Long Battery Life: Devices that last all day, with chargers as backup.

Flexible Connectivity: Wi-Fi and cellular for reliable transactions.

Offline Mode: Process orders without internet and sync later.

2. Payment Processing: Quick and Secure

Why it matters: Slow payments or limited options can frustrate customers and stall your line. Your POS needs to handle all payment types quickly and securely.

NOVA POS for Food Trucks ensures fast, secure transactions, keeping your customers moving and your sales flowing.

Payment tips:

Integrated Processing: Built-in systems reduce errors and save time.

Contactless Payments: NFC hardware for tap-to-pay convenience.

Transparent Fees: Clear pricing avoids budget surprises.

3. Order Management: Get It Right Every Time

Why it matters: Order errors hurt your reputation and slow your kitchen. A strong POS ensures orders are accurate and flow smoothly to the grill.

An intuitive interface lets your team input orders, add modifiers, and send them to a kitchen display system (KDS), keeping your operation tight.

Order management features:

Simple Interface: Customizable menus for quick entry.

Fast Modifiers: One-tap customizations like “no onions.”

KDS Integration: Real-time displays for efficient kitchen work.

4. Inventory Management: Stay in Control

Why it matters: Stockouts or waste can hurt your bottom line. A POS with inventory tracking gives you real-time control, especially in a truck’s tight space.

Track ingredients automatically—sell a taco, and your POS deducts tortillas, meat, and toppings, helping you plan and save.

Inventory tools:

Detailed Tracking: Monitor stock at the ingredient level.

Low-Stock Alerts: Get warnings to avoid shortages.

Sales Forecasting: Plan inventory with data-driven predictions.

5. Reporting and Analytics: Smarter Decisions

Why it matters: Without data, you’re guessing. A POS with analytics shows your sales, labor costs, and customer trends, helping you optimize everything.

The guide for small businesses highlights how data can boost your strategy and customer experience.

Key reports:

Sales Data: Track performance by item or time.

Labor Costs: Optimize staffing with cost insights.

Customer Trends: Identify regulars for targeted promotions.

6. Customer Management (CRM): Build Your Fanbase

Why it matters: Loyal customers are your backbone. A POS with CRM tools tracks customer data, helping you create personalized experiences.

Collect contact info to track purchases and offer rewards, turning one-time buyers into regulars.

CRM benefits:

Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat visits with points or discounts.

Targeted Offers: Re-engage customers with special deals.

VIP Tracking: Reward your top customers.

7. Employee Management: Streamline Your Team

Why it matters: A small team needs efficient tools. A POS with employee management tracks hours, performance, and access, keeping your operation secure.

Employees clock in with PINs, and you can limit sensitive tasks to managers, ensuring accountability.

Employee tools:

Time Tracking: Accurate hours with PIN-based clock-ins.

Performance Data: Spot top performers or training needs.

Access Controls: Protect data with role-based permissions.

8. Ease of Use: Quick to Master

Why it matters: A complex POS wastes time. An intuitive system lets your team learn fast, even during a busy shift.

NOVA POS for Food Trucks offers a user-friendly design that’s powerful yet simple.

9. Security: Protect Your Customers

Why it matters: A data breach can ruin your business. Your POS must meet PCI Security Standards Council standards to safeguard customer data.

Security essentials:

PCI Compliance: Industry-standard data protection.

Encryption: Secure transactions from start to finish.

Private Networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for payments.

10. Cost: Get the Best Value

Why it matters: Budget is key, but value trumps price. Avoid hidden fees or rigid contracts that limit your options.

Cost factors:

Hardware: Buy or lease? Can you use existing tablets?

Software Fees: Understand subscription costs.

Processing Fees: Know rates for different payments.

Flexible Terms: Choose month-to-month contracts.

FAQs

What’s critical in a food truck POS? Mobility, offline mode, and fast payments are essential for your mobile business.

Can a POS work offline? Yes, with offline mode, you can process orders and sync later, ideal for remote events.

How do I ensure security? Choose a PCI-compliant POS with encryption and access controls.

Why NOVA POS? NOVA POS for Food Trucks delivers mobility, speed, and insights to streamline your food truck.

Ready to Transform?

Your POS is your food truck’s core. Choose a system that boosts efficiency and growth. Explore NOVA POS for Food Trucks today.

[codingprolab]

TCSS 342 Data Structures Assignment 1 ­ Burger Baron

The Burger Baron will make custom burgers including any of the toppings on his famous Baron Burger. The Baron Burger is made on the special Baron Bun and has on it ● Patties ­ Beef, Chicken, or Veggie ● Cheese ­ Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Pepperjack ● Veggies ­ Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickle, and Mushrooms ● Sauces ­ Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, and Baron­Sauce The Burger Baron’s official recipe…

[akramsblogs]

The Importance of Choosing the Right POS System in Saudi Arabia

In today’s competitive and digitally evolving business landscape, investing in the right POS system in Saudi Arabia is no longer optional—it is essential. Whether you operate a retail store, restaurant, café, pharmacy, or service-based business, the POS system you choose directly impacts your operations, compliance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

What Is a POS System in Saudi Arabia?

A POS system in Saudi Arabia is a digital platform that facilitates sales transactions, manages inventory, tracks customer data, and issues invoices in compliance with local tax regulations. It is much more than a billing tool—it is the digital backbone of any modern business.

With increasing regulations from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), especially in regard to e-invoicing and VAT compliance, choosing a certified and reliable POS system in Saudi Arabia ensures that your business avoids penalties and maintains operational efficiency.

Why Businesses Need a POS System in Saudi Arabia

Using a POS system in Saudi Arabia offers several critical advantages:

Regulatory Compliance: Ensures your business adheres to ZATCA requirements for e-invoicing and VAT reporting.

Inventory Management: Tracks product movement in real time and sends low-stock alerts.

Sales Analytics: Provides detailed reports on top-selling items, customer behavior, and staff performance.

Multiple Payment Options: Supports cash, card, wallet, QR, and contactless payments.

Customer Experience: Reduces wait times and enables loyalty programs or discounts.

Features to Look for in a POS System in Saudi Arabia

When selecting a POS system in Saudi Arabia, make sure it includes the following key features:

Bilingual Interface (Arabic & English)

ZATCA e-invoicing compliance

Cloud-based access and data backup

Integration with accounting and CRM tools

Customizable menus for restaurants or retail categories

User-level access control and real-time reporting

These features help businesses operate more effectively, minimize human errors, and scale easily with growth.

POS System in Saudi Arabia for Retail and Restaurants

Retailers require a POS system in Saudi Arabia that handles large inventories, barcoding, price variation, and promotions. On the other hand, restaurants need features like table-wise ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), modifiers (e.g., extra cheese, no onion), and split billing.

A reliable POS system in Saudi Arabia caters to both models by offering tailored modules and interfaces, making it suitable for supermarkets, fashion stores, cafés, food trucks, and fine dining outlets alike.

ZATCA-Compliant POS System in Saudi Arabia

One of the most important criteria is ensuring that the POS system in Saudi Arabia is compliant with ZATCA Phase 2 (integration phase). This includes:

Issuing electronic invoices with QR codes

Real-time data transmission to ZATCA servers

Secure digital signatures on invoices

Archival and traceability of all sales records

Compliance is no longer a recommendation—it's a legal obligation. Failing to adopt a ZATCA-compliant POS system in Saudi Arabia could result in fines or operational disruptions.

How to Choose the Right POS System in Saudi Arabia

Before purchasing a POS system in Saudi Arabia, consider the following:

Is it ZATCA-certified?

Does it suit your business size and industry?

Is it scalable for multi-branch operations?

Does it offer after-sales support and training?

Can it integrate with third-party platforms like accounting software or delivery aggregators?

Make sure to request a demo and assess the user experience, speed, and accuracy of the system.

Choosing the right POS system in Saudi Arabia is a strategic decision that affects every aspect of your business—from compliance to customer satisfaction. A well-implemented POS system empowers your team, improves transparency, and positions your business for sustainable growth in a competitive market.

If you're planning to launch a new venture or upgrade your current system, now is the time to invest in a reliable, scalable, and ZATCA-compliant POS system in Saudi Arabia.

[allmenuz]

Personalization in Restaurant Apps: Tailored Dining Tech

Personalization in restaurant apps - Eatery progresses the client encounter by customizing personalization materials, suggestions and advancements in apps that clients lean toward and do what they like. It utilizes information such as past orders, favored nourishments and area to supply person interfacing. Person thrust messages, faithful focuses and energetic menu clients increment intrigued and fulfillment. By giving Able proposals, privatization empowers eateries to extend deals and client dependability. The integration of AI and machine learning assist improves encounter, making each interaction more pertinent. At long last, personalization in eatery apps creates a smooth, simple nourishment involvement that rehashes the trade and develops the bond between the client and the brand.

Personalization in Restaurant Apps

The modern-day competitive food industry imparts immense importance to restaurant apps in regards to personalization for the term customer experience, loyalty, and sales. In the essence of data-driven insights, AI, and machine learning, restaurants take a kind of digital interaction from their customers and tailor it to each customer's individual preference, thus creating a dining experience that is parallelly engaging and efficient.

1. Why Personalization Matters in Restaurant Apps?

Lowering customer satisfaction with a mismatch in personalized experience includes:

Suggested options (food, combos, deals)

Custom Promotions/Discounts

Order Faster and Smoother (saved preferences, past orders)

Better Loyalty Rewards (personalized perks)

Higher Engagement (tailored notifications)

2. Key Personalization Features in Restaurant Apps

A. User Profiling & Preference Tracking

Registration or subscription preferences: candidate selection of dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free), easiest selection of cuisines, and spice levels.

Order history analysis: AI recommends dishes on past orders.

Behavioural tracking: Time of order, frequency, and spending.

B. AI-Powered Recommendations

"For You" sections: Suggest dishes based on past behavior.

Dynamic menu tweaks: Promote items that align with user preferences.

Combo suggestions: Pair common orders (burger + fries + drink).

C. Personalized Promotions & Loyalty Programs

Targeted discounts: Discounts for favorite items or under-ordered things.

Birthday/anniversary rewards: Select freebies or rebates.

Tiered loyalty programs: Personalized advantages for rehash clients.

D. Smart Reordering & Quick Checkout

One-tap reorder: Quick get to to most-ordered suppers.

Spared installment & address data: Speedier checkout.

Feast customization presets: Spared changes (e.g., "no onions, additional fiery").

E. Contextual & Location-Based Personalization

Geofencing offers: Send offers when clients are inside vicinity of a eatery.

Time-sensitive offers: Early morning breakfast offers, evening happy hour discounts.

Weather-recommended offerings: Spicy soups during cold weather, ice cream during hot weather.

F. Voice & Chatbot Assistance

Voice ordering: "Siri, reorder my routine order from XYZ Café."

AI chatbots: Respond to FAQs, provide meal recommendations, and take orders orally.

G. Social & Community-Driven Personalization

Friend suggestions: "Your friend Sarah enjoyed this meal!"

User-generated ratings & photos: Drive decisions based on peer influence.

Social media integration: Post orders, mention friends, and receive suggestions.

3. Technologies Powering Personalization

AI & Machine Learning: Gathers client behavior to foresee likes.

Enormous Information Analytics: Analyzes arrange history, area, and engagement designs.

Prescient Modeling: Predicts request and suggests upsells.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Progresses chatbots and voice look.

IoT & Reference points: Actuates in-store personalized offers through Bluetooth.

4. Benefits of Personalization in Restaurant Apps

✅ Higher Client Retention – Personalized encounters construct dependability. ✅ Increased Arrange Value – Brilliantly suggestions drive greater wicker container. ✅ Reduced Choice Fatigue – Quick reordering and customized menus make choices less demanding. ✅ Improved Showcasing ROI – Personalized offers improve transformation rates.

✅ Competitive Advantage – Separate in a competitive commercial center with select encounters.

5. Challenges & Considerations

Information Protection: Ought to be GDPR, CCPA compliant and have secure information administration.

Over-Personalization: Do not be meddlesome (e.g., over the top notices).

Algorithm Bias: Make beyond any doubt suggestions are comprehensive and shifted.

Usage Taken a toll: Modern AI and analytics include consumption.

6. Future Trends in Personalized Dining Tech

Hyper-Personalized Menus: AI-created individualized dishes for each customer.

Augmented Reality (AR) Menus: Meal previews through choices.

Blockchain for Loyalty: Distrust-free, decentralized reward management.

Emotion Recognition AI: Change recommendations according to mood (through camera/voice recognition).

Conclusion

Restaurant app personalization is revolutionizing the manner purchasers have interaction with brands, on every occasion serving a completely unique and convenient enjoy. Through the usage of AI, information analytics, and smart automation, eating places can set up stronger connections with clients, making sure their pleasure and repeat business. The manner to destiny eating era is thru hyper-personalization, wherein each digital interplay feels made for the person.

[raahiindiankitchen]

Best Indian Restaurants in Houston for Quick Lunches

If you live or work in Houston and you're craving Indian food on a tight schedule, you're not alone. The bustling city offers plenty of lunch options, but finding an Indian restaurant that combines flavor, speed, and value isn't always easy.

In this blog, we'll explore the top Indian restaurants in Houston for quick lunches. Whether you're rushing out from the office, need a healthy vegetarian bite, or want a sit-down experience that won't eat into your afternoon, this guide is for you.

Problem: You Want Indian Food, But You're Short on Time

Houston is known for its diverse food scene, and Indian cuisine has firmly established itself as a local favorite. But when it comes to lunch breaks, the challenge arises:

Long wait times during peak hours.

Overwhelming menus that take time to navigate.

Slow service at traditional sit-down spots.

Limited vegetarian or vegan options on the go.

Fast food that lacks authenticity or nutritional value.

If you've ever walked into an Indian restaurant at noon and walked out 45 minutes later only to return to work in a rush, you understand the issue.

Agitate: Time Is Precious and Choices Are Limited

The average lunch break in Houston for most working professionals is 30 to 45 minutes. That doesn’t leave much room for a drawn-out dining experience. Yet, settling for greasy takeout or bland sandwiches every day is neither satisfying nor healthy.

In a recent case study conducted by a local culinary review group, 72% of diners in Houston said they wished Indian restaurants were quicker during weekday lunches. Another 64% noted that they would dine out for Indian food more often if there were better quick-serve options.

You deserve more than a rushed meal or reheated leftovers. And Houston—with its growing Indian culinary scene—is slowly rising to meet that need.

Solution: The Best Indian Restaurants in Houston for Quick Lunches

Here are some standout Indian restaurants in Houston that have mastered the art of serving delicious, satisfying lunches quickly without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

1. Raahi Indian Kitchen & Sweets

Website: raahiindiankitchen.com

Why It Works for Quick Lunches:

Offers a specialized express lunch menu with curated combos ready in 10-15 minutes.

Located conveniently in Houston's Galleria area, perfect for professionals.

Combines traditional flavors with a modern approach.

Offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, prepared fresh and fast.

Clean, efficient dine-in experience and online ordering available for pick-up.

Popular Quick Lunch Picks:

Chicken Tikka Bowl

Paneer Masala Wrap

Mini Thali (includes rice, curry, bread, and dessert)

Case Study Insight: Raahi saw a 35% increase in lunchtime traffic after introducing its express lunch combos, driven largely by word-of-mouth and office crowds.

2. Govinda's Vegetarian Cuisine

Why It Works:

Buffet-style lunch service — walk in, grab a plate, and go.

Fully vegetarian and mostly sattvic (no onions, garlic).

Ideal for a spiritual or clean-eating mid-day break.

Quick Picks:

Daily rotating lunch buffet.

Lentil soups, sabzis, basmati rice, and dessert included.

3. Tarka Indian Kitchen

Why It Works:

Fast-casual setup with online ordering and easy customization.

Multiple Houston locations.

Great for grab-and-go Indian meals that don’t compromise on flavor.

Quick Lunch Picks:

Chicken Curry Bowl

Saag Paneer Plate

Biryani with Raita

Interesting Fact: Tarka's data shows that the average customer wait time from order to food pickup is under 12 minutes during lunch hours.

4. Shiv Sagar

Why It Works:

100% vegetarian, great for quick Indian vegetarian lunches.

Located in the Hillcroft area, near many offices and medical centers.

Many dishes can be made in under 10 minutes.

Quick Picks:

Dosa with Coconut Chutney

Pav Bhaji

Chole Bhature

Tips for a Faster Indian Lunch Experience in Houston

Order Ahead: Most modern Indian restaurants now offer online ordering. Apps or website pre-orders can shave 10-15 minutes off your wait.

Go at Off-Peak Times: If you can sneak away before noon or after 1:30 p.m., you’ll beat the rush and enjoy faster service.

Know the Menu: Having a go-to order helps eliminate decision time and ensures a speedy meal.

Combo Meals Are King: Look for restaurants that offer lunch specials or mini thalis, which bundle multiple dishes into one fast, satisfying tray.

Final Thoughts

Indian food doesn't have to be a slow, drawn-out affair. Houston’s evolving dining landscape is proof that you can enjoy flavorful curries, rich biryanis, and hearty vegetarian meals even on a tight lunch schedule. Whether you're looking for a quick dine-in experience or need something to grab on the way back to your desk, these restaurants have you covered.

[rihannafood]

🚀 The Hospitality Game Changer: Why Your Business NEEDS EPOS & Kiosks NOW! 🚀

We're talking about the silent revolution of EPOS systems and self-service kiosks. These aren't just fancy gadgets; they're your secret sauce for better operations, happier customers, and a fatter bottom line. Let's dive in!

The Vibe Shift: What's Hot in Hospitality Tech 🔥

The industry is buzzing, and here's what's driving the excitement:

Touch-Free Everything: Seriously, who wants to touch germy screens anymore? Contactless payments and digital ordering via kiosks are HUGE. Safe, speedy, sanitary. ✅

AI That Gets You: Imagine a kiosk that knows what your customer wants before they do! AI is making personalization real, leading to bigger orders and happier faces. 🤯

Cloud Power, Anywhere: Running multiple spots? Cloud EPOS means you're in control from your phone, your laptop, anywhere! Real-time data, instant updates. Total freedom. ☁️

Eco-Friendly Tech: Modular designs, energy-saving hardware, less paper waste. Good for your business, good for the planet. 🌎💚

But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and profits. We're still battling:

Staffing Struggles: Finding good people is tough. EPOS and kiosks step in to handle the grunt work, freeing your amazing team for what they do best: stellar service!

Tech Headaches: Integrating new systems can feel like a puzzle. That's why seamless, all-in-one solutions are key. No more tech silos!

Messy Data: Manual entry? Ugh. A unified EPOS gives you crystal-clear data, so you can make smart moves, not guesses. 📊

Who Benefits Most? 👇

This tech isn't just for the big players. It's for anyone looking to level up!

Restaurant & QSR Bosses: Need faster service? Fewer order mistakes? More money per customer? Kiosks and smart EPOS are your best friends.

Hotel Managers: Want smoother check-ins? Happy guests? Better control over room service? Elevate your guest experience, effortlessly.

Tech & IT Whizzes: Looking for robust, secure, scalable solutions with clear ROI? We've got the reliable, future-proof tech you've been searching for.

Real Talk: How EPOS & Kiosks Deliver the Goods 💰

Forget the hype. Let's talk results.

Your EPOS: The Brain of Your Business 🧠

⚡️ Lightning-Fast Orders: Get customers in, out, and happy. Speedy transactions mean more sales!

🎯 Perfect Orders, Every Time: No more "oops, I wanted no onions!" Less waste, happier customers.

📦 Smart Inventory: Know what you have, what you need. Save money, avoid last-minute dashes.

📈 Data Goldmine: See what's selling, when, and to whom. Make decisions based on facts, not feelings.

Self-Service Kiosks: Your Ultimate Salesperson (Who Never Takes a Break!) 🤖

👋 Bye-Bye Queues: Customers order themselves. Throughput goes UP. Your stress goes DOWN.

💸 Auto-Upsell Power: Kiosks are masters of suggestion. "Want fries with that?" Just hit 'yes' to higher average checks! Studies show up to a 22% increase in order value.

👩‍🍳 Empower Your Team: Let your staff focus on the experience, not just order-taking. They'll love you for it.

Case in point? One taqueria saw a mind-blowing 747% ROI in under two months with just two kiosks. Yes, you read that right. This isn't just about cutting costs; it's about boosting profits and creating a better experience for everyone.

Ready to Transform Your Business with Grub24? ✨

The future of hospitality is happening now, and it's driven by smart technology. You don't want to be playing catch-up.

At Grub24, we live and breathe food tech. We know the UK market inside and out because we're right here with you. We're not just selling software; we're offering solutions that directly impact your bottom line and customer happiness.

Here's how Grub24 can help you thrive:

Our GrubPos EPOS System: A powerhouse, cloud-based EPOS that handles everything: online orders (even from third parties!), inventory, staff, and deep analytics. It's your ultimate control center.

Grub24 Self-Ordering Kiosks: Sleek, intuitive, and designed to boost your average order value (AOV) by up to 35%. Fast, efficient, and customer-loved.

Your Own Branded Online Ordering: Ditch those hefty commission fees! Get your own website and app, build your brand, and own your customer relationships.

Seamless Integration: No more "tablet hell." Our solutions work together beautifully, from your kitchen display to delivery management, giving you a smooth, real-time overview.

We're here to help you get ahead, streamline your operations, and deliver an unforgettable experience to your customers. Let's make 2025 your year of transformation.

Want to see the magic happen?

✨ Book a Free Demo of Grub24's Solutions Today!

[sravan12]

AI Never Misses a Call (or an Upsell): How AI Phone Ordering Boosts Your Check Size

In the restaurant business, missed calls mean missed money. Period.

Every time a customer tries to place an order over the phone and no one picks up—or worse, gets a rushed or confused response—it’s a lost sale, a poor experience, and a dent in your reputation. And in today’s fast-paced world, people expect instant service. If they don’t get it, they move on. That’s where AI phone ordering for restaurants changes the game.

At Straunt, we believe your restaurant should never miss a single opportunity—especially not when it could increase your revenue. This blog breaks down exactly how AI answering systems help you capture every call, every upsell, every time.

The Hidden Cost of Missed Calls in Restaurants

Before diving into solutions, let’s look at the problem. Here’s what typically happens in many restaurants:

A customer calls during rush hour.

Staff are busy handling dine-in or delivery orders.

The call rings out or goes unanswered.

If answered, it’s often rushed, leading to errors or missed upsell opportunities.

Result: You lose that customer. Maybe forever. Worse, you lose the potential to increase the check size with simple add-ons like a drink, dessert, or combo.

Now, imagine this happening 3-5 times per day. That’s dozens of lost orders every week, which easily translates to hundreds or even thousands in lost revenue each month.

Why AI Phone Ordering for Restaurants is a No-Brainer for Owners

AI phone ordering for Restaurants solves all of that. Here’s how:

1. AI Answers Every Call—Instinctively and Instantly

With Straunt’s AI answering system, every incoming phone call is answered, regardless of time or staff availability. Whether it’s peak dinner hour or a quiet Tuesday afternoon, your AI agent is always on, never stressed, never distracted.

No missed calls.

No putting customers on hold.

No more “Sorry, can you repeat that?”

2. Accurate Order Taking—No More Human Errors

AI doesn’t mishear orders. It doesn’t forget modifiers. It doesn’t confuse “no onions” with “extra onions.” Every instruction is followed precisely and sent straight to your POS or kitchen display system.

This reduces:

Order returns

Complaints

Wasted food

Negative reviews

It also increases:

Operational efficiency

Customer satisfaction

How AI Upsells Automatically (and Subtly)

Now let’s talk about the real money-maker: upselling.

Smart AI agents do more than just take the base order. They follow logic and behavior patterns to intelligently suggest upgrades or add-ons. This is where most human staff drop the ball—either due to being too busy or simply forgetting.

Examples of AI Upselling in Action:

Let’s say a customer calls and orders a cheeseburger.

Instead of stopping there, the AI says:

“Would you like to make that a combo with fries and a drink?”

“Would you like to add a dessert today? Our most popular is the brownie sundae.”

“We’re offering 20% off wings with any burger today. Want to add 6 wings to your order?”

The customer didn’t come in thinking about these items—but they might say yes. AI doesn’t push hard. It offers gently, every time, with consistency, based on current promotions, weather (yes, even that!), time of day, and past customer behavior.

Why It Works:

Humans often skip upselling to speed things up or avoid sounding “salesy.”

AI doesn’t hesitate. It suggests without emotion, making it easier for customers to decide.

It doesn’t forget to apply for active deals or promotions.

Real-World Results: AI in Action at Restaurants

Let’s look at real data from restaurants using Straunt’s AI phone ordering system:

 Example 1: Local Burger Joint, Houston, TX

Before AI:

Missed ~15 calls per day during peak hours

Average order value: $12

After AI:

Missed call rate dropped to 0

AI suggested combos and upgrades

Average order value jumped to $17.80

Over $1,200/month increase in revenue—just from phone orders alone

 Example 2: Pizza & Wings Takeout, Chicago, IL

Before AI:

Staff didn’t upsell consistently

Orders were taken quickly, with errors

After AI:

AI agent always offered sides, drinks, and desserts

Upsell acceptance rate: 28%

Order accuracy hit 99%

Reduced food waste from fewer mistakes

Example 3: Indian Cloud Kitchen, New Jersey

Before AI:

Missed calls due to single-staff operations

No upselling in place

After AI:

AI handled 100% of calls, even after hours

Suggested naan, desserts, and combos

Added over $900 in monthly upsell revenue

Owner saved 12 hours/week not handling phone calls

Why AI is Better Than Hiring Extra Staff

Hiring staff to manage phones is expensive—and inconsistent.

People take breaks. AI doesn’t.

People call in sick. AI doesn’t.

People get overwhelmed. AI doesn’t.

With Straunt’s AI phone ordering:

There are no training costs

No additional overhead

No scheduling nightmares

And it scales effortlessly during busy hours or sudden surges

It’s like hiring your best, most polite, and most knowledgeable employee, available 24/7, for a fraction of the cost.

AI + POS = Full Automation

Straunt’s AI integrates directly with your existing POS. This means:

Orders go directly from the phone to the kitchen

No need to re-enter anything manually

No transcription errors

Faster ticket printing

Happier kitchen staff

You can also track which AI upsells are converting, adjust promos, and get real-time reporting on order trends. It’s like having a sales manager inside your phone system.

The Late-Night Advantage

One of the most underrated benefits of AI phone ordering is after-hours revenue. Some customers still prefer to call—especially older ones or late-night eaters.

With AI:

Your restaurant never truly “closes”

You can take orders even after staff go home

No more voicemail = no more missed business

This alone can add hundreds of dollars to your bottom line each week—especially for takeout-heavy or cloud kitchens.

Why It Matters More Now Than Ever

Customer expectations have changed.

People don’t want to wait.

They expect precision.

They want convenience and consistency.

AI answers all three needs while saving your team time and making your restaurant more money. It’s not just a tool—it’s a growth engine.

Final Takeaway: AI is Your New Profit Partner

Let’s recap:

✅ No missed calls ✅ 24/7 answering ✅ Accurate order taking ✅ Smart upselling suggestions ✅ Higher average check size ✅ Seamless POS integration ✅ Reduced labor burden ✅ Happier customers

This is not the future. This is now.

AI phone ordering is essential for any restaurant that takes phone orders and wants to grow. Whether you run a cloud kitchen, food truck, casual dine-in, or high-volume takeout spot—Straunt’s AI handles it like a pro.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. You just need to be smart enough not to leave money on the table.

Ready to Let AI Answer Your Next Call?

Start using Straunt AI phone ordering today and turn every ring into revenue.

[cle-news]

SafeNet Protocols Package (SPP) project

Still in cardboard boxes...

(Last update : Networks Managers who want to use SPP for security reasons should make sure that every other protocols are only allowed through VM or light sandboxes to do it properly. Attackers may use regular https internet links, in order to fish through e-mail boxes. As every SPP contents are certified, only a regular https website can carry malicious contents. As long as any content provider hasn't been hacked...)

Introduction / initial statement

The goal is not to completely erase https, smtp etc. It is to make a side network where there is no point watching clients.

Brainstorming

Because all contents are legal and certified, and clients can't publish publicly accessible contents on SPP (except if servers can be access by legal authorities). Banish clients tracking from SafeNet and a lot of other details... So, contents providers will have to find other ways to get money using SafeNet protocols. I'm sure they will ... SafeNet anonymous user identities, only known by SafeNet managers. Transitives mail box address ... optional VPN and optional onion-like access features (crypted) ... Integrate firewall with an "allow only SPP" button. We still have to work on softwares updates strategy ... A dedicated OS including virtualisation of other OS and access to regular network only by using a Virtual Machine.

The fact that the goal is to make it useless to track clients doesn't mean it will be immediately the case. The network will probably needs some time to insure that users can't do anything illegal or harmfull before : completely reject legal authorities access to clients or users "useless" data and just shot "everything" down on illegitimate legal requests.

Using only SafeNet on the host reduces risks to get virus as every contents are certified. You still can get a virus by opening a .exe file coming from an e-mail... Or if you still use other protocols on the host machine. A "no .exe or .zip or .vbs or .bat or docm or .dat or files without extensions etc. in e-mails => *allow only ... " policy stays on study. As SPP is not a network made for professional use but for private users. Find a way to allow e-mail boxes safely are a tuff challenge for SPP.

One of the major interest of SPP is that it allow you to watch videos or listen to audio contents with a garanty that you will not be tracked. As it was the case on Hertzien TVs. So, it may save audio/video industry.

SPP network cannot be use for remote access. Legal authorities should be convinced that there is no use of such a thing on a 100% SPP machine and may still use regular networks and protocols.

There also will be a policy about microphones and cameras but I think you get the idear. - Break your phone integrated microphone and use a removable hand-free kit to get a microphone... -

Contents Providers must respect more rules if they want to publish contents using SPP... They also have to financially contribute to SPP management. It's supposed to become a new market. A way to ensure better user experience and rich a new customer base.

The main protocol "shttps" will use same languages as https : html5, css3, JS, PHP, SQL etc. So, porting will be simplified. Developers can simply make a copy of their https website root directory and erase, from files, every stuff that is not allowed on shttps. Or make a completely new website using the same languages.

SPP contracts says that users data collected by contents providers can't be passed to third parts*. Yes, this means contents providers have to do everything by their own and can't sell users data.

*Except for anonymous SPP coordinates and only to deliver the service provided or receive a payment. We still have to work on that too.

SPP policies can evolve to become more permissives, in order to allow needed stuff, or to become more restrictives, in case of any legal flaw observation.

There is also a Public Health dimension to this project. Panem et circences ...

Taking commissions on financial transactions may help to reduce the cost of publication authorization requests.

First SPP e-mail virus

**** Nothing here ! *****

Solution found ! : "E-Mail through SPP" services providers will now have to check every attached contents : check if the extension is allowed as before and at least check if open it doesn't throw any errors, as "file may be corrupt" or stuff like that.

Fantasy statment : Microsoft also add one more safety protocol on .docm files. You now have to complete a puzzle that say "I know that asking peoples to unlock .docm files is a common way to hack a computer !" in order to unlock files.

Pirates strike back

****** Nothing here ! *****

So, we banned .txt files too...

Pirates strike back again

***** Nothing here ! ****

So, E-mail services providers also have to block any message containing scripts command or lines of code, especially batch or VBS. Senders must receive a message indicating that their message has been blocked because "In order to be allowed, your message should not contain .XXXX code lines, even in a simple text field or attached documents". "If you want to send this kind of information to a SPP user, through SPP network (SPPN), you need to become a certified provider and use publicly access documents. Or at least documents made accessible to our bots and Content Watch Offices. Or use an e-mail address certified by the SafeNet Identity Certification Service."

Demonstration : ***** NOTHING HERE ! ******

SafeNet E-mail services

Apps of "E-mail through SPP" service providers must now separate e-mail coming from Certified SafeNet Users from e-mail coming from a regular Internet user. Users are informed that the sender of message coming from uncertified senders may be impossible to identify. So, they should never follow instructions coming from a sender that they are not able to certify.

E-mail clients (apps) can't use nicknames instead of the real sender e-mail address except for the real name of Certified SPP Users.

E-mail services should never make it possible to join a real identity to a SPP anonymous identity. Therefore, SPP users must manage two mailbox address... To avoid errors the same application can't manage both real identities and anonymous identities. Providers can develop two applications that are mostly identical except for a very limited quantity of code lines. In order to make it easier to maintain both apps. Apps logo of both these apps must make it easy to know when you are using your "anonymous" mail box and your official mail box.

As a reminder, SPP Anonymous Identities are still attached to a real person, but only SafeNet Identity Certification Services (SICS) can make links between Real and Anonymous identities.

Anonymous Identities can only receive e-mails from SPP contents providers and cannot send mails. This may evolve if it happen to become essential for providers to get users direct returns. Which means a return whose not using their websites forms.

[exportimportdata-blogs]

How is Onion Powder Exported from India? A Comprehensive Guide

India has emerged as a significant player in the global spice market, with onion powder being one of the major commodities it exports. This article answers the most common questions related to onion powder export from India, including its export trends, associated data, and important details like HS codes and organic options. Let's dive in!

What is the Role of India in the Global Onion Powder Export Market?

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of onion powder globally. Known for its high-quality agricultural produce, the country supplies onion powder to various international markets. The primary reasons for India's strong presence in the market include its massive agricultural output, cost-effective production, and adherence to global quality standards.

What is Onion Powder Export Data, and Why is it Important?

Onion powder export data refers to statistics and figures that highlight India’s exports of this product. It includes details like the volume, value, export destinations, and trends over time. This data is crucial for businesses and investors as it helps them analyze market potential, growth opportunities, and key global markets.

For instance, in recent years, India has seen a consistent rise in the demand for onion powder, with exports reaching multiple countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This reflects India's growing dominance in the spice export market.

Which Countries Import Onion Powder from India?

India exports onion powder to various countries around the world. Some of the major importers include:

United States: A significant market due to its demand for processed foods. United Kingdom: High demand for organic onion powder in this region. Germany: Known for importing large volumes of dry onion powder for the food processing industry. United Arab Emirates: A critical market for Indian onion powder exporters. These regions prefer Indian onion powder for its strong flavor and quality, which is unmatched in the global market.

What is the HS Code for Onion Powder Export from India?

The HS code (Harmonized System Code) is a standardized system for identifying and classifying products during export and import. For onion powder, the HS code is 071220.

This code is vital for businesses as it ensures smooth customs clearance and helps classify the product correctly in international trade.

What is the Process of Dry Onion Powder Export from India?

Exporting dry onion powder from India involves several steps to ensure quality and compliance with international regulations:

Production: Fresh onions are dried and ground into powder form. Organic onion powder is also gaining popularity due to increasing consumer preference for chemical-free products. Packaging: The powder is packaged in airtight, export-grade packaging to retain freshness and flavor. Compliance: Exporters adhere to global food safety standards and obtain necessary certifications like FSSAI, ISO, and HACCP. Shipping: Onion powder is then transported to international markets via sea or air.

Why is Organic Onion Powder in High Demand?

Organic onion powder is cultivated without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers, making it a healthier and environmentally friendly alternative. This product has seen an increase in demand, particularly in countries like the United States and Europe, where consumers prioritize organic and sustainable products.

Indian exporters are leveraging this trend by focusing on organic onion powder production and export.

How Can Businesses Access Onion Powder Export Data from India?

Businesses can access onion powder export data through:

Government Websites: Portals like APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) provide reliable export statistics. Trade Analysis Platforms: Websites like TradeMap offer insights into India’s onion powder exports, including destination countries and trade volumes. Custom Reports: Many private agencies provide detailed export data, customized for specific business needs.

What are the Challenges in Onion Powder Export from India?

While onion powder export from India has grown significantly, it faces challenges such as:

Price Volatility: The price of raw onions fluctuates, impacting production costs. Quality Standards: Meeting the stringent food safety standards of international markets can be demanding. Logistics Issues: Delays in shipping or storage can compromise product quality. Despite these challenges, India's exporters have consistently adapted to meet global demands.

What Makes India a Preferred Exporter of Dry Onion Powder?

India’s dominance in the dry onion powder export market is due to:

High-Quality Produce: Indian onion powder has a strong flavor and long shelf life. Competitive Pricing: Due to lower production costs, Indian exporters offer competitive prices. Strong Agricultural Base: India has vast onion farming areas, ensuring a steady supply. Advanced Technology: Use of modern drying and processing techniques enhances quality.

What is the Future of Onion Powder Export from India?

The future of onion powder export from India looks promising due to:

Rising Global Demand: The use of onion powder in processed foods is increasing worldwide. Focus on Organic Products: More exporters are transitioning to organic onion powder to cater to health-conscious consumers. Technological Advancements: Innovations in packaging and processing will further boost export quality.

How Can New Exporters Enter the Market?

New exporters looking to enter the onion powder export market should:

Understand Export Regulations: Familiarize themselves with India's export policies and the onion powder HS code. Build Strong Supply Chains: Ensure a reliable source of high-quality onions. Invest in Marketing: Establish their brand in key international markets. Focus on Organic Production: Tap into the growing demand for organic onion powder.

What are Some Key Facts About Onion Powder Export?

Onion powder export from India has seen double-digit growth in the past five years.

The United States is one of the largest importers of Indian onion powder.

Organic onion powder commands a higher price in international markets.

What Packaging is Used for Onion Powder Exports?

To retain the freshness and quality of onion powder during transit, exporters use:

Vacuum-sealed bags

Food-grade containers

Bulk packaging options for large-scale buyers

How Do Exporters Ensure Quality Compliance?

Indian exporters follow strict quality guidelines to meet international standards. This includes:

Obtaining certifications like FSSAI, ISO, and HACCP

Regular quality testing

Ensuring the product is free from contaminants

Is Onion Powder Export a Profitable Business?

Yes, onion powder export from India is a profitable venture due to:

Growing global demand for spices and processed foods. Increasing preference for organic and dry onion powder. India’s ability to produce high-quality onion powder at competitive rates.

Conclusion

Onion powder export from India is a thriving industry with immense potential for growth. With robust export data, high-quality production, and rising global demand, Indian exporters are well-positioned to dominate the market. Whether you are an established player or a new entrant, understanding the nuances of this business, from HS codes to organic production, can set you up for success.

[onionhost]

How to Choose the Best Offshore Dedicated Hosting Plan for Your Website

Choosing the right hosting plan is crucial for your website's success, especially when it comes to offshore dedicated hosting. For websites that require high performance, security, and privacy, selecting the best offshore dedicated hosting service is key. In this guide, we’ll explain how to make the right decision for your needs.

Understanding Offshore Dedicated Hosting

Offshore dedicated hosting means your website is hosted on a dedicated server that is located in a country other than your own. This can provide several advantages, like enhanced privacy and stronger protection against certain regulations. If your website requires higher levels of security and performance, offshore dedicated hosting plans can be a great option.

Why Choose High-Performance Offshore Dedicated Servers?

When you need the best performance for your website, high-performance offshore dedicated servers are essential. These servers are designed to handle large amounts of traffic, complex operations, and provide a seamless experience for your users. By choosing the right high-performance offshore dedicated hosting, you ensure your website runs smoothly even under heavy traffic or resource demands.

Key Factors to Consider for Your Offshore Dedicated Hosting Plan

Server Location: Offshore dedicated hosting services often offer servers in countries with strong privacy laws. When selecting your hosting provider, think about the country where your server will be located and how its privacy regulations align with your business needs.

Performance and Speed: High performance is a must. Offshore dedicated servers should be equipped with fast processors, plenty of RAM, and solid-state drives to ensure your website loads quickly. Look for providers that offer high-speed connections and low latency, ensuring a smooth experience for your users worldwide.

Security: Security is a major factor in choosing the best offshore dedicated hosting plan. With high-performance offshore dedicated servers, your website is safer from cyber threats. Offshore hosting can also offer better protection against data privacy breaches, depending on where the server is located.

Reliability and Uptime: It’s essential that your hosting provider offers a reliable and consistent service. Look for offshore dedicated hosting services that guarantee at least 99.9% uptime. A reliable hosting provider ensures that your website will be online and available to your visitors at all times.

Support and Maintenance: A responsive support team can make a big difference in the smooth operation of your website. Choose a provider with strong customer service and maintenance offerings. When selecting offshore dedicated servers services, ensure they offer 24/7 support to resolve any issues you may encounter quickly.

Choosing the Right Offshore Dedicated Server Provider

Finding the right offshore dedicated server provider is crucial. You’ll want to partner with a provider that understands your needs and offers high-performance servers at competitive prices. Look for a company that specializes in high-performance offshore dedicated servers hosting services and has a good reputation in the industry.

For instance, The Onion Host is known for offering high-performance offshore dedicated hosting that guarantees both privacy and performance. By choosing the right provider, you can rest assured that your website is in good hands.

Conclusion

Choosing the best offshore dedicated hosting plan for your website involves understanding your specific needs, from performance and security to server location. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right hosting provider. Remember, the right high-performance offshore dedicated servers can significantly impact your website’s success and growth.