Invoice Processing
Data Entry
JBI Interiors, a longstanding leader in manufacturing decor for Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), embarked on a transformative journey by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. Boasting over 50 years of history and maintaining significant relationships with giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks, JBI sought to leverage AI to sustain its competitive edge. This case study explores JBI’s venture with Kognitos, focusing on the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of embedding AI in their conventional operations, enriched by insights from David Calvert, CFO of JBI Interiors.
JBI Interiors, a longstanding leader in manufacturing decor for Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), embarked on a transformative journey by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. Boasting over 50 years of history and maintaining significant relationships with giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks, JBI sought to leverage AI to sustain its competitive edge. This case study explores JBI’s venture with Kognitos, focusing on the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of embedding AI in their conventional operations, enriched by insights from David Calvert, CFO of JBI Interiors.
JBI launched over 50 years ago as a strategic partnership with McDonalds, to manufacture all of their decor. At the time, JBI was the sole provider of interior decor and architectural millwork and that business and that relationship stands to today. JBI is still the largest supplier of construction materials to McDonalds. Over the years it’s branched out into serving other Quick Service restaurants, and around 2018 or 2019 launched with Starbucks, growing by over 20% year over year with that relationship. During its history JBI has completed over 35,000 projects, and scaled its team both organically and through acquisitions. So the next time you walk into a Starbucks, anything you see, like the front bar, the back bar, the seating etc. is likely manufactured and installed by JBI.
David Calvert has a rich background with experiences spanning advertising and manufacturing industries. David possesses a few unique skills including the ability to speak Mandarin Chinese which helped him manage 15 plants across mainland China. With experience in both COO and CFO roles, David joined JBI as CFO a little over a year ago to help with a new phase of growth.
Inspired by interactions with venture capitalists, the idea of AI utilization came from within the leadership ranks. Despite initial reservations about readiness and security, the team saw AI as a strategic tool for future success. “Our leadership urged us to be pioneers in this space… to drive competitive advantage,” Calvert shared, highlighting the tech-forward approach that propelled JBI towards AI.
The reaction to AI use and automation within JBI was mixed but generally positive, especially among younger employees. Calvert noted, “Many of our younger employees…were giving us high-fives,” indicating a generational divide in the acceptance of AI but also pointing towards a successful cultural integration over time as employees across the organization grew comfortable with the technology and began to realize benefits.
Concerns about security and technological adaptation initially challenged the team. Kognitos’s assurances and tailored approach eased these worries. Calvert emphasized, “Kognitos answered each of our questions, making us comfortable very quickly, helping us leap after we asked all the questions we needed.”
Choosing AP invoice processing as the starting point showcased the practical benefits of AI. Calvert humorously described the initial AI implementation as picking “Fruit on the ground,” underlining the ease and immediacy of deriving value from AI in areas previously bogged down by manual processes.
The relationship between JBI and Kognitos has been a testament to collaboration and mutual growth. Calvert praised Kognitos for their role in this partnership, saying, “The team has been very good at responding… and with proper follow up gave us confidence to ramp things up further.” This reflects the effective communication and support that has been crucial in navigating the challenges of AI implementation. Building on the initial success, JBI now plans to expand their use of Kognitos, automating processes in sales order entry and quote building.
Conclusion
Through the lens of CFO David Calvert’s insights, JBI Interiors’ journey with AI and Kognitos showcases a forward-thinking approach to innovation in traditional industries. The case study illustrates not just the technological shift but also the cultural adaptation within JBI, emphasizing the importance of leadership, partnership, and strategic vision in navigating the path of digital transformation. With AI empowered employees, JBI is set to continue it’s historic legacy, and capture more business as they grow not only in the QSR market, but with new initiatives in areas like millwork for hotels, museums and full service restaurants.
Invoice Processing
Data Entry
