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Ben Franklin Venture Idol Preview: Bethlehem’s Orbweaver improves efficiency in the EMS sector

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Keystone Edge is profiling contestants in the upcoming Ben Franklin Venture Idol competition (Nov. 20 at Ben Franklin TechVentures). After earning their way through the afternoon selection process, entrepreneurs pitch their startups to investors and attendees. Ben Franklin will invest $15,000 based on the “crowd-funded” audience vote.

For electronic circuit board makers and others in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry, sourcing and procuring components is time consuming, inefficient and expensive.

Bethlehem's Orbweaver Sourcing has developed a cloud-based software solution that boosts the speed, accuracy and productivity of the parts procurement process. The platform automatically analyzes and filters search results from hundreds of suppliers based on nearly a dozen customizable settings. Tailoring results to a customer's unique demands saves time and money.

Established in 2012, Orbweaver launched its QS2 supply-chain management software in 2013, first as a browser-based app and Excel add-in, and later as a cloud-based product. Today the company has several dozen clients around the country, reports CEO Christopher Ciesielka. 

Orbweaver is preparing to launch two new products in the next quarter.

“We are looking to release a sizable upgrade…that will include client specific pricing, which will enable users to aggregate electronic component pricing based upon the prices specifically offered to them by suppliers, as opposed to generic retail pricing,” says Ciesielka. “This upgrade is a substantial improvement in electronic component quote cycle efficiency, [and] moves our toolset into the procurement and logistics cycles of the EMS industry.”

In response to feedback from suppliers and distributors, Orbweaver is also preparing to launch a second toolset for use further down the supply chain. 

The company recently hired its fifth full-time employee.

Source: Christopher Ciesielka, Orbweaver Sourcing
Writer: Elise Vider

Manufacturing, News, Venture Idol

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