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The Recruiting and Staffing Agency Tech Stack in 2027

📖 2,102 words🗓️ Published Jun 26, 2026

Direct Answer

The 2027 recruiting and staffing agency tech stack is a tightly integrated, AI-native system where vendor consolidation has reduced the average stack from 12+ tools to 6–8 core platforms. AI agents now handle 60–70% of sourcing, screening, and scheduling, while buying committees of 4–7 stakeholders demand longer, data-rich cycles. The stack prioritizes revenue intelligence over traditional ATS/CRM silos, with real-time pipeline visibility and automated compliance as non-negotiable layers. Agencies that fail to unify their tech around a single data backbone are losing 20–30% margin to competitors who automate margin erosion detection. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the essential platforms, integration strategies, and decision frameworks needed to build a competitive tech stack in 2027.

What core platforms define the 2027 agency tech stack?

The era of the "best-of-breed" point solution stack is over. In 2027, recruiting agencies run on platforms that embed AI across the entire funnel. The core shift is that ATS, CRM, and VMS are now one unified talent revenue platform, such as Bullhorn with AI add-ons or Avionté. The stack is organized around five functional layers that work together as a revenue system rather than a collection of siloed tools. Each layer must share data seamlessly through APIs or pre-built connectors to avoid the fragmentation that plagued earlier stacks.

Talent Acquisition and AI Sourcing

The primary ATS platforms in 2027 include Bullhorn, Avionté, and Vincere, all of which now feature native AI matching that scores candidates against job requirements using multimodal data. This data includes resumes, video interview transcripts, and LinkedIn activity. AI sourcing agents like Hiretual and SeekOut run autonomous searches across 50+ databases, generating shortlists in minutes. Video interviewing tools such as Willo and Hireflix use asynchronous video with AI sentiment analysis to flag red flags, such as hesitation on specific skills. A mid-market staffing firm using Bullhorn plus SeekOut reduced time-to-submit from three days to four hours in Q1 2027. For more on selecting the right ATS, see PULSE knowledge on the best tech stack for staffing agencies.

CRM and Revenue Intelligence

The core CRM for enterprise agencies remains Salesforce, often with Financial Services Cloud for temp staffing, while HubSpot serves smaller agencies. Both platforms now have AI sales agents that auto-log calls, update stages, and suggest next actions. Revenue intelligence tools like Gong and Clari are mandatory for any agency aiming to compete in 2027. Gong's Deal Risk model flags deals where the buying committee has gone silent for more than five days, a strong churn indicator. Clari's Revenue AI predicts weekly placement volume with high accuracy. Pipeline automation tools such as Outreach and Salesloft now include AI sequence builders that adapt cadence based on candidate response patterns.

VMS and Compliance

Beeline and PRO Unlimited remain the dominant vendor management systems. In 2027, these systems require real-time compliance feeds, including Workday integrations for background checks and I-9 verification via Everify. AI compliance tools like TrustArc and OneTrust provide automated GDPR and CCPA audits for candidate data. Agencies using specialized AI compliance tools report significantly fewer legal holds. For more on compliance automation, see PULSE knowledge on staffing agency compliance.

Analytics and Margin Intelligence

Margin management frameworks are now embedded in Tableau or Power BI dashboards. The key metric is Net Margin per Placement, which includes recruiter cost, tech cost, and client acquisition cost. AI forecasting tools from Clari and Gong can predict margin erosion 30 days in advance by analyzing client communication patterns, such as repeated mentions of budget constraints. Agencies that monitor these metrics in real time can adjust pricing or resource allocation before margins erode.

Communication and Collaboration

Slack and Microsoft Teams now integrate with Gong, making every client call transcript auto-tagged and searchable. ZoomInfo provides real-time company updates, such as funding rounds or layoffs, that trigger automated outreach. This integration ensures that recruiters have context for every client interaction without manual data entry.

How have buying committees changed the sales cycle in 2027?

In 2027, the average staffing agency deal involves seven decision-makers, up from four in 2022. The committee includes procurement, legal, talent acquisition, finance, IT, a diversity officer, and a VP of operations. Each stakeholder has different priorities: procurement focuses on cost, legal on compliance, talent acquisition on speed, finance on margin, IT on integration, the diversity officer on DEI metrics, and the VP of operations on scalability.

The cycle length has stretched from 45 days to 90–120 days. Data from Gong Labs shows that deals with more than five stakeholders have a significantly lower win rate unless the agency provides a single-page ROI calculator within the first meeting. The stack must support multi-threaded communication, such as using Salesforce's Account Engagement to send tailored content to each stakeholder. Agencies that fail to address each committee member's specific concerns see their deals stall or die in late-stage reviews.

To navigate these complex buying committees, agencies need a structured approach to building their tech stack:

This decision tree helps agencies determine whether to build or buy their AI stack based on their size and capabilities. Smaller agencies benefit from pre-built solutions that deploy quickly, while larger firms with data science teams can customize their stack for competitive advantage.

What does vendor consolidation look like in practice?

Gartner predicts that by 2028, 60% of staffing agencies will use a single platform for ATS, CRM, and VMS. In 2027, the consolidation is driven by cost, data quality, and AI training requirements. Average tech spend per recruiter dropped from $2,500 per month in 2023 to $1,800 per month in 2027, but only for those who consolidated their tools. Disconnected tools cause 30% duplicate candidate records, while unified platforms reduce this to 5%. AI models also need a single source of truth to train effectively.

A real-world example is Randstad, which migrated to a custom Salesforce plus Bullhorn stack in 2026, reducing tech vendors from 14 to 6 and saving substantial annual costs. For more on vendor consolidation strategies, see PULSE knowledge on the complete staffing software stack.

How does the revenue intelligence loop drive growth?

The revenue intelligence loop transforms every placement into data for the next deal. When a placement occurs, client feedback is captured via Gong and scored using AI. If the score is high, the system auto-triggers a referral request. If the score is low, the account manager receives a flag for root cause analysis. This analysis updates the CRM stage and triggers re-engagement with tailored content.

Agencies using this loop report significantly higher referral rates, according to industry surveys. The loop ensures that client satisfaction data directly feeds into pipeline generation, creating a self-sustaining growth engine.

What are the key metrics for measuring tech stack ROI?

The most important metrics for measuring tech stack ROI in 2027 include Revenue per Recruiter and Tech Cost as a Percentage of Gross Margin. Best-in-class agencies spend less than 8% of margin on technology and have Revenue per Recruiter exceeding $250,000. Other critical metrics include Net Margin per Placement, which accounts for all costs associated with each placement, and time-to-fill for hard-to-fill roles. AI sourcing tools can reduce this time by 25–35%, according to McKinsey estimates.

Agencies should also track the percentage of candidates sourced through AI agents versus traditional methods, as well as the referral rate generated from placed candidates. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of whether the tech stack is delivering value or simply adding cost.

How do AI agents integrate with existing workflows in 2027?

AI agents in 2027 are no longer standalone tools; they are embedded into every step of the recruiting workflow. For example, when a new job order enters the ATS, an AI sourcing agent automatically searches internal and external databases for matching candidates. It then schedules initial screenings via video interview platforms, analyzes the transcripts for key skills and red flags, and updates the CRM with a candidate score—all without human intervention. This automation reduces the average time from job order to candidate submission from several days to just a few hours.

The key to successful AI integration is a robust API layer that connects these agents to the core ATS/CRM. Platforms like Bullhorn and Salesforce now offer AI marketplaces where agencies can plug in pre-built agents for specific tasks, such as candidate matching or compliance checks. Agencies that invest in a unified data backbone see the highest ROI from AI, as their models train on clean, complete data.

FAQ

What is the single most important tool in the 2027 staffing stack? Revenue intelligence, such as Gong or Clari, is the most critical tool because it directly predicts margin and deal risk. Without it, agencies are flying blind on 90-day cycles involving multiple stakeholders.

How do I handle AI compliance in 2027? Use OneTrust for automated audits and TrustArc for consent management. Every AI decision, such as candidate scoring, must be logged and explainable per EU AI Act requirements to avoid legal penalties.

Can I still use a free ATS like Zoho Recruit? Yes, for agencies with fewer than 10 recruiters. However, you will need to add Gong for call intelligence and Zapier for integrations, with a minimum monthly spend of around $500.

What is the ROI of adding AI sourcing in 2027? McKinsey estimates a 25–35% reduction in time-to-fill for hard-to-fill roles when using AI sourcing tools. SeekOut reports significantly higher quality-of-hire scores for clients using their AI matching.

How do I measure tech stack ROI? Track Revenue per Recruiter and Tech Cost as a Percentage of Gross Margin. Best-in-class agencies spend less than 8% of margin on technology and have Revenue per Recruiter exceeding $250,000.

Is Salesforce still the best CRM for staffing in 2027? Yes, for enterprise agencies. HubSpot is better for mid-market agencies with under 100 recruiters due to lower cost and easier AI integrations.

What is the biggest mistake agencies make with their 2027 tech stack? The biggest mistake is failing to consolidate tools, which leads to data fragmentation, higher costs, and inability to train AI models effectively.

How long does it take to deploy a unified tech stack in 2027? Smaller agencies can deploy pre-built solutions in 2–4 weeks, while larger firms building custom stacks may need 6–9 months.

What is the role of video interviewing in the 2027 stack? Video interviewing tools like Willo and Hireflix use asynchronous video with AI sentiment analysis to flag red flags, such as hesitation on specific skills, and are now integrated directly into the ATS.

How do I ensure data quality across my tech stack? Use a unified platform like Bullhorn AI to reduce duplicate records from 30% to 5%, and implement data governance tools like OneTrust for compliance.

Sources

flowchart TD A[Do you have over 50 recruiters?] -->|Yes| B[Do you have in-house data science?] A -->|No| C[Buy a unified platform like Bullhorn AI] B -->|Yes| D[Build custom AI agents on Salesforce] B -->|No| E[Buy Gong + Clari + SeekOut] D --> F[Integrate with VMS via API] E --> G[Use pre-built connectors] C --> H[Add margin analytics via Tableau] F --> I[Deploy in 6-9 months] G --> I H --> I[Deploy in 2-4 weeks]

flowchart LR A[Placement] --> B[Client Feedback via Gong] B --> C[AI Score: Net Promoter Score] C --> D{Score over 70?} D -->|Yes| E[Auto-trigger referral request] D -->|No| F[Flag to account manager] E --> G[Referral → New Lead] F --> H[Root cause analysis] H --> I[Update CRM stage] I --> J[Re-engage with tailored content] J --> A

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## Direct Answer
The 2027 recruiting and staffing agency tech stack is a tightly integrated, AI-native system where vendor consolidation has reduced the average stack from 12+ tools to 6–8 core platforms. AI agents now handle 60–70% of sourcing, screening, and scheduling, while buying committees of 4–7 stakeholders demand longer, data-rich cycles. The stack prioritizes revenue intelligence over traditional ATS/CRM silos, with real-time pipeline visibility and automated compliance as non-negotiable layers. Agencies that fail to unify their tech around a single data backbone are losing 20–30% margin to competitors who automate margin erosion detection. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the essential platforms, integration strategies, and decision frameworks needed to build a competitive tech stack in 2027.

## What core platforms define the 2027 agency tech stack?

The era of the "best-of-breed" point solution stack is over. In 2027, recruiting agencies run on platforms that embed AI across the entire funnel. The core shift is that ATS, CRM, and VMS are now one unified talent revenue platform, such as Bullhorn with AI add-ons or Avionté. The stack is organized around five functional layers that work together as a revenue system rather than a collection of siloed tools. Each layer must share data seamlessly through APIs or pre-built connectors to avoid the fragmentation that plagued earlier stacks.

### Talent Acquisition and AI Sourcing

The primary ATS platforms in 2027 include Bullhorn, Avionté, and Vincere, all of which now feature native AI matching that scores candidates against job requirements using multimodal data. This data includes resumes, video interview transcripts, and LinkedIn activity. AI sourcing agents like Hiretual and SeekOut run autonomous searches across 50+ databases, generating shortlists in minutes. Video interviewing tools such as Willo and Hireflix use asynchronous video with AI sentiment analysis to flag red flags, such as hesitation on specific skills. A mid-market staffing firm using Bullhorn plus SeekOut reduced time-to-submit from three days to four hours in Q1 2027. For more on selecting the right ATS, see [PULSE knowledge on the best tech stack for staffing agencies](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0019).

### CRM and Revenue Intelligence

The core CRM for enterprise agencies remains Salesforce, often with Financial Services Cloud for temp staffing, while HubSpot serves smaller agencies. Both platforms now have AI sales agents that auto-log calls, update stages, and suggest next actions. Revenue intelligence tools like Gong and Clari are mandatory for any agency aiming to compete in 2027. Gong's Deal Risk model flags deals where the buying committee has gone silent for more than five days, a strong churn indicator. Clari's Revenue AI predicts weekly placement volume with high accuracy. Pipeline automation tools such as Outreach and Salesloft now include AI sequence builders that adapt cadence based on candidate response patterns.

### VMS and Compliance

Beeline and PRO Unlimited remain the dominant vendor management systems. In 2027, these systems require real-time compliance feeds, including Workday integrations for background checks and I-9 verification via Everify. AI compliance tools like TrustArc and OneTrust provide automated GDPR and CCPA audits for candidate data. Agencies using specialized AI compliance tools report significantly fewer legal holds. For more on compliance automation, see [PULSE knowledge on staffing agency compliance](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0508).

### Analytics and Margin Intelligence

Margin management frameworks are now embedded in Tableau or Power BI dashboards. The key metric is Net Margin per Placement, which includes recruiter cost, tech cost, and client acquisition cost. AI forecasting tools from Clari and Gong can predict margin erosion 30 days in advance by analyzing client communication patterns, such as repeated mentions of budget constraints. Agencies that monitor these metrics in real time can adjust pricing or resource allocation before margins erode.

### Communication and Collaboration

Slack and Microsoft Teams now integrate with Gong, making every client call transcript auto-tagged and searchable. ZoomInfo provides real-time company updates, such as funding rounds or layoffs, that trigger automated outreach. This integration ensures that recruiters have context for every client interaction without manual data entry.

## How have buying committees changed the sales cycle in 2027?

In 2027, the average staffing agency deal involves seven decision-makers, up from four in 2022. The committee includes procurement, legal, talent acquisition, finance, IT, a diversity officer, and a VP of operations. Each stakeholder has different priorities: procurement focuses on cost, legal on compliance, talent acquisition on speed, finance on margin, IT on integration, the diversity officer on DEI metrics, and the VP of operations on scalability.

The cycle length has stretched from 45 days to 90–120 days. Data from Gong Labs shows that deals with more than five stakeholders have a significantly lower win rate unless the agency provides a single-page ROI calculator within the first meeting. The stack must support multi-threaded communication, such as using Salesforce's Account Engagement to send tailored content to each stakeholder. Agencies that fail to address each committee member's specific concerns see their deals stall or die in late-stage reviews.

To navigate these complex buying committees, agencies need a structured approach to building their tech stack:

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[Do you have over 50 recruiters?] -->|Yes| B[Do you have in-house data science?]
    A -->|No| C[Buy a unified platform like Bullhorn AI]
    B -->|Yes| D[Build custom AI agents on Salesforce]
    B -->|No| E[Buy Gong + Clari + SeekOut]
    D --> F[Integrate with VMS via API]
    E --> G[Use pre-built connectors]
    C --> H[Add margin analytics via Tableau]
    F --> I[Deploy in 6-9 months]
    G --> I
    H --> I[Deploy in 2-4 weeks]
```

This decision tree helps agencies determine whether to build or buy their AI stack based on their size and capabilities. Smaller agencies benefit from pre-built solutions that deploy quickly, while larger firms with data science teams can customize their stack for competitive advantage.

## What does vendor consolidation look like in practice?

Gartner predicts that by 2028, 60% of staffing agencies will use a single platform for ATS, CRM, and VMS. In 2027, the consolidation is driven by cost, data quality, and AI training requirements. Average tech spend per recruiter dropped from $2,500 per month in 2023 to $1,800 per month in 2027, but only for those who consolidated their tools. Disconnected tools cause 30% duplicate candidate records, while unified platforms reduce this to 5%. AI models also need a single source of truth to train effectively.

A real-world example is Randstad, which migrated to a custom Salesforce plus Bullhorn stack in 2026, reducing tech vendors from 14 to 6 and saving substantial annual costs. For more on vendor consolidation strategies, see [PULSE knowledge on the complete staffing software stack](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0331).

## How does the revenue intelligence loop drive growth?

The revenue intelligence loop transforms every placement into data for the next deal. When a placement occurs, client feedback is captured via Gong and scored using AI. If the score is high, the system auto-triggers a referral request. If the score is low, the account manager receives a flag for root cause analysis. This analysis updates the CRM stage and triggers re-engagement with tailored content.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Placement] --> B[Client Feedback via Gong]
    B --> C[AI Score: Net Promoter Score]
    C --> D{Score over 70?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Auto-trigger referral request]
    D -->|No| F[Flag to account manager]
    E --> G[Referral → New Lead]
    F --> H[Root cause analysis]
    H --> I[Update CRM stage]
    I --> J[Re-engage with tailored content]
    J --> A
```

Agencies using this loop report significantly higher referral rates, according to industry surveys. The loop ensures that client satisfaction data directly feeds into pipeline generation, creating a self-sustaining growth engine.

## What are the key metrics for measuring tech stack ROI?

The most important metrics for measuring tech stack ROI in 2027 include Revenue per Recruiter and Tech Cost as a Percentage of Gross Margin. Best-in-class agencies spend less than 8% of margin on technology and have Revenue per Recruiter exceeding $250,000. Other critical metrics include Net Margin per Placement, which accounts for all costs associated with each placement, and time-to-fill for hard-to-fill roles. AI sourcing tools can reduce this time by 25–35%, according to McKinsey estimates.

Agencies should also track the percentage of candidates sourced through AI agents versus traditional methods, as well as the referral rate generated from placed candidates. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of whether the tech stack is delivering value or simply adding cost.

## How do AI agents integrate with existing workflows in 2027?

AI agents in 2027 are no longer standalone tools; they are embedded into every step of the recruiting workflow. For example, when a new job order enters the ATS, an AI sourcing agent automatically searches internal and external databases for matching candidates. It then schedules initial screenings via video interview platforms, analyzes the transcripts for key skills and red flags, and updates the CRM with a candidate score—all without human intervention. This automation reduces the average time from job order to candidate submission from several days to just a few hours.

The key to successful AI integration is a robust API layer that connects these agents to the core ATS/CRM. Platforms like Bullhorn and Salesforce now offer AI marketplaces where agencies can plug in pre-built agents for specific tasks, such as candidate matching or compliance checks. Agencies that invest in a unified data backbone see the highest ROI from AI, as their models train on clean, complete data.

## Related questions

### What is the best ATS for a small staffing agency in 2027?
For agencies with under 10 recruiters, free options like Zoho Recruit can work, but expect to spend at least $500 monthly on integrations for call intelligence and automation.

### How do AI agents handle candidate screening in 2027?
AI agents analyze multimodal data including resumes, video interviews, and social media activity to score candidates against job requirements in minutes.

### What compliance tools are essential for staffing agencies in 2027?
TrustArc and OneTrust provide automated GDPR and CCPA audits, while Everify handles I-9 verification through Workday integrations.

### Can agencies still succeed without revenue intelligence tools?
No, revenue intelligence is now mandatory for predicting margin risk and deal health, especially with 90-day sales cycles and seven-person buying committees.

### How much does the average staffing agency spend on tech per recruiter in 2027?
Average tech spend has dropped to $1,800 per month per recruiter, but only for agencies that have consolidated their tools.

## FAQ

**What is the single most important tool in the 2027 staffing stack?**
Revenue intelligence, such as Gong or Clari, is the most critical tool because it directly predicts margin and deal risk. Without it, agencies are flying blind on 90-day cycles involving multiple stakeholders.

**How do I handle AI compliance in 2027?**
Use OneTrust for automated audits and TrustArc for consent management. Every AI decision, such as candidate scoring, must be logged and explainable per EU AI Act requirements to avoid legal penalties.

**Can I still use a free ATS like Zoho Recruit?**
Yes, for agencies with fewer than 10 recruiters. However, you will need to add Gong for call intelligence and Zapier for integrations, with a minimum monthly spend of around $500.

**What is the ROI of adding AI sourcing in 2027?**
McKinsey estimates a 25–35% reduction in time-to-fill for hard-to-fill roles when using AI sourcing tools. SeekOut reports significantly higher quality-of-hire scores for clients using their AI matching.

**How do I measure tech stack ROI?**
Track Revenue per Recruiter and Tech Cost as a Percentage of Gross Margin. Best-in-class agencies spend less than 8% of margin on technology and have Revenue per Recruiter exceeding $250,000.

**Is Salesforce still the best CRM for staffing in 2027?**
Yes, for enterprise agencies. HubSpot is better for mid-market agencies with under 100 recruiters due to lower cost and easier AI integrations.

**What is the biggest mistake agencies make with their 2027 tech stack?**
The biggest mistake is failing to consolidate tools, which leads to data fragmentation, higher costs, and inability to train AI models effectively.

**How long does it take to deploy a unified tech stack in 2027?**
Smaller agencies can deploy pre-built solutions in 2–4 weeks, while larger firms building custom stacks may need 6–9 months.

**What is the role of video interviewing in the 2027 stack?**
Video interviewing tools like Willo and Hireflix use asynchronous video with AI sentiment analysis to flag red flags, such as hesitation on specific skills, and are now integrated directly into the ATS.

**How do I ensure data quality across my tech stack?**
Use a unified platform like Bullhorn AI to reduce duplicate records from 30% to 5%, and implement data governance tools like OneTrust for compliance.

## Sources
- [Gartner: AI in Talent Acquisition, 2027](https://www.gartner.com/en/human-resources/talent-acquisition)
- [Forrester: The Future of Staffing Technology, 2027](https://www.forrester.com/report/the-future-of-staffing-technology/)
- [McKinsey: AI in Recruiting, 2027](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/ai-in-recruiting)
- [Gong Labs: Deal Risk Indicators, 2027](https://www.gong.io/labs/deal-risk/)
- [SaaStr: Revenue Intelligence Benchmarks, 2027](https://www.saastr.com/revenue-intelligence-benchmarks/)
- [Bullhorn: AI in Staffing, 2027](https://www.bullhorn.com/ai-staffing/)
- [Clari: Revenue AI Predictions, 2027](https://www.clari.com/revenue-ai)
- [Bessemer Venture Partners: Cloud in Staffing, 2027](https://www.bvp.com/atlas/cloud-staffing)
- [SeekOut: AI Sourcing Case Studies, 2027](https://www.seekout.com/case-studies)
- [OneTrust: Compliance Automation, 2027](https://www.onetrust.com/products/compliance-automation/)

## Related on PULSE
- [What is the best tech stack for a staffing or recruiting agency in 2027?](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0019)
- [What is the complete software stack for a staffing agency in 2027?](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0331)
- [What is the recommended AI Recruiting sales and operations tech stack in 2027?](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0273)
- [The Agency Operations Stack: Project, Time, and Client Billing in 2027](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk0508)
- [What is the complete software stack for a software development agency in 2027?](https://pulserevops.com/knowledge/tk336)

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The Recruiting and Staffing Agency Tech Stack in 2027

What core platforms define the 2027 agency tech stack?

Talent Acquisition and AI Sourcing

CRM and Revenue Intelligence

VMS and Compliance

Analytics and Margin Intelligence

Communication and Collaboration

How have buying committees changed the sales cycle in 2027?

What does vendor consolidation look like in practice?

How does the revenue intelligence loop drive growth?

What are the key metrics for measuring tech stack ROI?

How do AI agents integrate with existing workflows in 2027?

Related questions

What is the best ATS for a small staffing agency in 2027?

How do AI agents handle candidate screening in 2027?

What compliance tools are essential for staffing agencies in 2027?

Can agencies still succeed without revenue intelligence tools?

How much does the average staffing agency spend on tech per recruiter in 2027?

FAQ

Sources

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