Designing For Data Quality Technique

The quality of data across and in your enterprise systems.

Most, if not all, data quality problems are caused by human error.

Approximately 80% of errors are simple data capture errors - users entering the wrong information - with the balance largely arising through poor data integration.

Over the last fifteen years I have delivered multiple data quality audits and assessments, in different environments and, based on my experience, suggest that a few simple design choices can have a dramatic impact on your ability to manage information quality at an holistic level.

1. Plan to capture the User and Date that information was captured, or modified.

Data profiling and discovery tools uncover interesting patterns of behavior in your systems. If this behavior can be linked to specifics users, groups, or time periods then it can be managed.

For example, we may identify that x% of our information has an incorrect link between supplier and product code. We can now go ahead and fix the problem but we have no real insight as to when, or why, it occurred. Data governance, and root cause analysis, require context for our information.

Date of Capture information gives you important context.

Is this an old problem that has subsequently been resolved?

System validation may have improved but we have been left with a legacy of erroneous, poor quality records.

Or maybe the errors can be tied back to a historical event. Do these records link back to the migration of information

from the previous ERP platform into the current one?

Maybe the errors have started recently - have there been any recent system changes that may have allowed users to capture faulty records?

 Similarly, User information gives you context

Can you track patterns of behavior to specific users or teams?

Users will develop certain patterns of behavior, or work around, in order to bypass system restrictions where these are considered to be onerous, or where they do not allow the task to be performed.

For example, a system may require a Client Account ID to be captured before allowing a call to be completed. If the client does not know, or will not share, this information the call center agent, under pressure to complete the call timorously, may capture another Client's ID instead.

Patterns in behavior by specific users, or groups of users, are a key indicator of a broken business process.

Further investigation will need to be done by the data stewards.

Maybe the problem can be tied back to overly ambitious system validations?

Do the users need training or additional support? In many cases, these errors can be solved by education.

Do your user's KPIs need adjustment? Many data quality errors are caused because users are measured on volume of data captured rather than on quality of data captured.

Quite possibly there will be a combination of some or all of these factors.

Designing with data quality in mind means giving context to errors! You may want to add additional information to your systems.

2. Use a "soft" delete / merge

Another issue we may uncover in your information is that of so-called "orphan records" - records that have lost their partner.

Two simple examples - a delivery note that does not have a delivery address, or an order that does not have a customer.

In some cases, these records are simply captured incorrectly - the user accidentally types in a non-existent customer number.

In this case, you can do root cause analysis as per point 1.

However, in many cases this issue is caused by one of the records being deleted after the event. Your user linked the order to an existing customer and, later, another user deleted the customer record.

Deletion and merging are important tools for managing data integrity. If you want to reduce faulty or duplicate records you must give users the tools to sort out these issues.

A deletion is used when a record is no longer relevant. There can be a number of good business reasons to delete a record
- for example, a legal requirement to cease doing business with a particular client. A so-called soft delete provides you with a means to treat the record as deleted, without losing any information.

A soft delete means that, instead of physically removing the record from the underlying database, the record is marked as deleted. This means that users will not be able to access or use that record, but that it will still be available for audit purposes.

A merge is used when you identify that two or more records exist for the same entity. This is an extremely common problem, most efficiently picked up through the use of automated data cleansing and matching tools.

For example, the supplier records for "Mr J Bloggs, CDO at Widgets Co" and "Joseph P. Bloggs, Chief Data Officer, Widgets Company Inc." represent the same supplier.

In order to clean up our system we need to merge these records to create a single, unified supplier records.

A soft merge would link both records via a common key, allowing us to maintain the integrity of all linking transactions, before soft deleting all but one of the set.

Your system should be designed to facilitate soft deletes and soft merges.

Plan to allow the addition of linking keys to group similar or related records, as well as for the use of a soft delete.

When used in combination with a data quality metric program these simple tips provide a solid foundation to solve most data quality issues.

Four Types Of Change Management Jobs

You are considering a change management job but aren't sure where to start, or even sure if the field is right for you? Look no further; all your doubts will be assuaged in this nifty article. We'll be looking at the various types of job you will encounter and what to expect from each different type of position. By the end of this article readers should aim to walk away with a clearer picture of what they could expect in the different Change Management Jobs out there.

The Hard Jobs

As they say it's better to start with the worst first, so we thought we'd get the worst out of the way and dispel the myth that all jobs in the change management field are absolutely wonderful and a walk in the park. There a great deal of jobs in this field that are, hard. They will be testing, both mentally and physically due to the long hours and the internal conflicts you'll be expected to deal with and conquer on a daily basis. However, these jobs generally yield the best reward - to the victor goes the spoils. Bear this in mind when applying for Change Management Jobs.

The Easy Jobs

Now that we've got the bad news out of the way, it's time to move on to the good news. There are going to be easy jobs out there, jobs which don't tax you mentally and have flexible hours to suit you and your working life. Just because you're working in change management it doesn't mean you're expected to be some kind of superman devoted to changing the world. These jobs however, generally, won't yield as big a pay packet as some of the more taxing positions which is to be expected. Consider these Change Management Jobs if they appeal to your ambition.

The Boring Jobs

Which brings us on to door number 3, the boring jobs. As well as many change management jobs being hard or easy, a number of them can be classified as boring or fun as well. These labels might seem trivial, but there's no need to over complicate things with terms that nobody understands or can relate to! The boring jobs are exactly that, they are incredibly taxing and include repetition of menial tasks over and over again to get the job done. If you're not a logical and analytical person by nature, these Change Management Jobs would not be a good fit for you.

The Fun Jobs

Ultimately if you're looking to work in a position that you enjoy doing work that you love, you'll want to search for one of the jobs categorized as 'fun'. These positions are perfect for those who enjoy spending time with people and investing time in their fellow man. The fun jobs are few and far between, but when you do find one the wait is certainly worth it.

Starting New Job For A New Career

Ready to make a huge change that will get you a big payback? Have you always had a dream, but never thought it possible? If you are not in the profession of your dreams, stop wasting time and start searching for a new career today! Life is too short to spend time in a business that you do not love, and there are so many opportunities out there for a great new job. There are no excuses for staying in a job you hate, when you can be in a new career now!

Where can you find this dream job? There is the tried-and-true method of searching newspaper advertisements for job listings, and some great jobs can come from that resource. Some may suggest cold-calling businesses to ask if they are hiring, but that method is generally considered old-fashioned and is not generally advised by hiring professionals. Cold-calling a business can make you seem unacknowledged of the market industry, especially as most businesses that are hiring will place an advertisement for the position. Some people have had success with this method, though, so it is good to remember that it is always an option.

Business professionals generally suggest using online methods of finding a job, scouring job boards and using job search engines to find a new career.

Companies are finding it to be more fiscally responsible to place advertisements online on job boards designed to filter traffic to the job board, giving companies a huge return for their money by making their open job position viewable by many. For this reason, many companies use online job boards, so the job positions listed on boards are extensive.

Job search engines allow you, as the consumer, to enter specific search words in order to find a job in a specific market, pay rate, or location. Websites that use job search engines usually have extensive job listings available in a larger physical area. This is a great option, especially if you are willing to travel for a job, or even move to a different city.

Finding a website that combines both a job search engine and job boards is an excellent resource to landing your new career. With the combination of the two, more positions are able to be seen on the same website, and you can apply for jobs twice as fast as using one option alone.

By using online job boards and job searches, you can be in a new career fast. Do not give up on chasing your dreams - find a way to make your dreams come true with a new job today. With a little effort, you can start your new job in your dream field and make a difference in someone Else's life and in the world. It is never too late to start the search, no matter how old you are or what financial position you are in at the moment. With a new job, and renewed passion.

The Advantage Modern Architecture Business

The commercial hub of our county of Mumbai,is constantly abuzz with industrial and commercial activities. While start-ups in Mumbai are constantly on the rise, even established companies are looking to expand their reach. Setting up new offices or looking out for new spaces becomes a norm in such an environment. But does our cramped city have the ability to offer space for more?

The answer lies in the concept of business parks. The advantage of these office parks is that in a defined space, a number of office buildings can be grouped together. With distinguished internal features and external amenities, business parks offer enough to cater to the needs of corporates and companies. And it doesn't stop there.

It is no wonder that L&T's Business Park in Navi Mumbai are attracting a large number of IT companies, ITES and corporates. Seawoods, a unique combination of commercial, retail and hospitality, is being designed on international standards.

The internal features of this business park will include fully air-conditioned offices, high efficiency spaces, elevators, CCTV security, smoke detection and fire fighting systems. The external amenities will comprise a cafeteria, gymnasium, sit-out areas and much more. Superior traffic management with ample parking space is also being developed with utmost care by L&T. High-rise towers will house the commercial offices. Small and large floor plates will ensure that all kinds of clientele are catered to. These features are all set to make this business park in Navy Mumbai an upcoming, iconic destination to watch out for.

Apart from the upmarket offices and its employees, Seawoods will also have a number of leisure and entertainment options. With the Seawoods-Darave railway station being only a stone's throw away, this place will surely attract a number of couples, families and professionals. The excellent connectivity makes Seawoods a convenient option, especially for retail activities.

Over the past few years, people have started realizing the growing potential of Navy Mumbai's real estate market. Recent reports have also suggested that Navi Mumbai and Thane will see highest price rise in realty. A growing number of industrial and commercial activities are taking place in places like Airoli, Vashi and Belapur. Considering the lack of space in Mumbai, people are now looking to expand retail, residential and office spaces to Navy Mumbai. The future looking bright.

Farming Implements And Agricultural Equipment

The process of cultivating the land stems back over many millennial and is still as important now as it has ever been. With each huge advance in technology, the techniques used to create more efficient farming implements has increased. The landscape may still be much the same as it was in the early days, but the methods of working that land are now unimaginably different.

From scythes to horse driven ploughs, right up to the sleek combines of today, which replaced unreliable threshing machines; the climate of farming is now run by motors. After all, the most important aspect of farming is time - and to get the most land worked in as little time as possible is the key to success.

Arguably, the climax of the industrial revolution in the mid 19th Century saw the largest growth in evolution of agricultural implements. It was a time of mass conversion from old methods to new and people yearned for an easier way of doing things. With the advent of the engine, factories could mass produce inventions and there followed many races to patent the best machine possible.

Before the industrial revolution, the farming community used much the same equipment that had been seen on the land for many hundreds of years prior. The advent of mass industry changed all that, as did the idea of faster worldwide commerce and trading. The world became a smaller place and money fuelled the production of new, exciting products.

Implements such as the corn picker, grain lift and cotton harvester greatly inspired similar types of machinery. These made farming quicker by carrying out multiple jobs at once. This, in turn, increased profits for the farmers and became incredibly popular devices. The cutting of hay and creation of bales was always labor intensive and took many hours to complete. The invention of new cutting machines led to many improvements and the process was soon made significantly easier. The baler became wide spread during the mid 19th century and soon farming was becoming more and more mechanized.

The last great revolution came in the early 20th century, with the birth of the car and the world wars pushing technological boundaries ever further. Agriculture needed to be made faster and on a larger scale than ever before. With the introduction of plough-led tractors the time of the ox and horse on the fields became increasingly rare. Farming implements have gone through much change over the last three hundred years, as industry took over the world.

Symbol of A Flag For Promote Organization

A unique way to brand and promote any organization. Cities, counties, towns, districts, state or federal organizations, private or publicly held corporations, small businesses, trusts, charitable or nonprofit institutions, schools, colleges and even self employed professionals can use custom flags to create a presence, to display one's presence and to promote an idea or the company and make a symbolic representation.

Schools and colleges are as proud of their custom-made logo flags as a citizen is proud of one's national flag. Businesses and organizations can be proud of their custom-made logo flags because it is not just a banner or a mode of exposure but an emblem.

When an expert flag designer develops custom flags, it can serve multiple purposes and achieve more than what the objectives were. They can be put up at offices, on buildings, at homes, public places such as parks or on roadsides, at events or perennially outside the office buildings or where an institution is based.

 

The many benefits of custom made flags are as follows:

• A sense of unity can be instilled among employees of a company or members of a team or organization and can forge a sense of pride and ownership as well.

• Custom flags can become a symbol of a company or any brand and thus becomes the recognizing medium for customers and the general public at large.

• It is difficult to not notice custom flags. It is simpler to not pay heed to a billboard or a glow sign, a poster or any other marketing material because there are far too many of those on the streets and at events.

• Helpful in creating a brand image and it can be an effective communicative tool. Custom flags can have business logos, trademarks, patent products and the philosophy, principle or vision of a company. This can help in reaching out to the target audience and in creating a direct emotional and psychological connect with the prospective customers.

• An all season marketing tool. There is no shortcoming at all. They can be used anywhere and everywhere at any point in time. They are durable and reusable. A custom made flag is an investment that would make an impact which can last a lifetime.

Flags are just one of the many options available when you are ready to custom brand your logo. Outdoor flags, banners for light poles, bow-flags, car flags and garden flags are just some of the choices available for promote organization.
 

Time Clock Software for Your Business

Your company is unique, you'll want to find software that is compatible with your unique needs. The features that sell another company on a time clock software package may not be the features that are right for your company, and it may take some work to find which has the best features for the needs of your business. In addition to features, there are four important considerations in selecting a time clock software:

1. What kind of trial is offered?

2. What kind of technical support is available?

3. Is the provider reputable?

4. What are the costs of the software and support?

Let's consider each:

1. Time Clock Software Trials

Free trials are a great way to get acquainted with new software. They give you an opportunity to explore the features and get a feel for the utility and ease of use of the software. This can be a great way to do side by side comparison of rival time clocks. Some companies only offer limited versions of the software to trial users. The most useful trials give you full access to the software, allowing you to explore everything it will allow you to do.

2. Time Clock Technical Support

Good technical support can spare you hours of frustration and lost time and ensure that you are getting the full benefits of the software you purchase. Because you don't want to be bogged down with technical issues, you'll want to purchase a time clock system that is backed by reliable technical support. When looking for technical support, there are several important factors to consider:

Format: What types of support are offered with the software? Common forms include email, live chat, and phone support. Having live support via chat or telephone can get you real-time solutions and ensure you get minimal frustration and maximum usefulness from your time clock software.

Hours of availability: You'll want to know when support is available and if the hours work for you and your company. If a company's live technical support is only available from nine to five in the Philippines, but you operate in the North America or Europe, the support might not be very compatible with your business.

Availability during trial period: Can you access technical support during the trial period? This access can help you determine whether the technical support is going to meet your needs and can allow you to make an informed decision on the software and support package that you purchase. The trial period is a great time to learn how easy it is to contact technical support, whether you get to talk to an actual person, how timely technical support is in responding to your communications, and how helpful the people are to you. These factors will all make a big difference when you run into questions or issues down the road.

3. Reputation of Time Clock Provider

The legitimacy of a company is important to consider in any kind of purchase. While the Internet allows you to compare thousands of options before making a transaction, the ability to purchase remotely comes with certain risks. Among these is the difficulty of distinguishing reputable companies from pop-up companies or schemers.

One determinant of credibility is the length of time a company has been in business. If the company has been around for years, it is likely to be a legitimate company. It is also more likely to have reviews from external sources that support (or detract from) its claims, and these can help you to make an educated buying decision. A company that has sustained success over a long period of time is likely to have the skills and infrastructure to remain a viable company in the future. This means they're more likely to be there to support you and stand behind the time clock software you purchase.

External software reviews come in various forms, ranging from customer reviews to professional reviews. Customer reviews can be found on company websites, personal blogs, and throughout social media. These can give you an indication of the satisfaction of current or past customers with the company, its products, and the customer service it provides. Professional reviews can be found on industry websites or professional review websites. These often review multiple products or services in the same category and can help you compare one company or product to another. Such reviews are a great way to compare time clock features and support plans side by side and determine which software package is best equipped to meet the needs of your business.

4. Time Clock Software and Support Costs

When it all boils down, costs can largely determine which time clock program will meet the needs of your business. You'll need to consider how much you are willing to pay for a time clock software package. The nature, structure, and size of your business will determine the savings you can expect by purchasing an electronic time clock, and this can help you decide on a price that is right for you.

Comparing prices of similar time clocks can help you get a feel for the range of reasonable prices. You should also consider the payment method and structure. Will the purchase require monthly or yearly payments or a one-time fee? Will you be charged per number of computers or number of users? Are there additional fees?

One additional fee that's important to consider is technical support. Support is often available on a per-incident basis, but it can be much less expensive in the long run to have a support plan that will cover all of your needs. You will want to ensure that you have access to good tech support.

Importance Of Time Expense (T&E) Management System

Over the years, time and expense management systems have become an essential part of all sizes of organizations. Employees need to accurately keep track of their work hour schedules so that the organization gets paid by the clients for the dedicated amount of time and expenses for their projects. As the organization keeps growing, the employee strength increases and so does the number and variety of projects handled by the employees. Inevitably, it becomes a headache for the organization to allocate and optimize resources with considerable visibility to fetch the maximum output as well as to maintain the account receivables with utmost accuracy.

There lies the importance for a time and expense (T&E) management system. This kind of a system can help an organization to effectively manage T&E entries and timely generate the invoices in order to keep the cash inflow running. An efficient application can keep track of all the work hours based on tasks, projects and/or resources for a particular client in order to bill the clients correctly and timely. It can also contribute to streamline the work flow at various levels of running projects. Organizations, big or small, are increasingly turning up to third party providers or for in-house development team to implement T&E management system as per organizational structure and project requirements. There exist a number of such application products in the market that enable single users as well as organizations to manage their project schedules and invoicing data efficiently.

 Employees, however, do not always feel free to use these applications. Most of the time, it takes a whole new system for them to understand thoroughly before they can actually fill the time sheets up online. Often the T&E applications are complex and difficult to interpret for the users. It requires a lot of time to first learn the system and then completing the process on a regular basis. Most of the employees consider this tasks as out of their project scope and nothing but waste of time.

Therefore, it is important for organizations to opt for a system that is simple and easy to use. It should have rich functionality to track time and expenses incurred in projects, separately and together. There should be some efficient tools to analyze the data stored in the system so that it can keep track of all invoiced and un-invoiced T&E entries and accordingly bill the clients for UN-invoiced time and expense sheets. For example, an effective dashboard view can help to slice and dice all the data and make reports of invoiced and un-invoiced T&E entries based on different parameters. Also, convenience is very important for such a system. As employees have to submit time sheets on a regular basis, it is essential that they can add, save and submit T&E entries as well as upload any necessary document/file without any hassles.

Currently existing web-based or browser-based systems have some restrictions when it comes to convenience and user experience. Such a system asks for certain hardware and software requirements. Employees can full up time sheets only while working in office network. But if an employee is working out of office or in some other remote place, he/she may not be able to log in to the system and submit time sheets.

This difficulty can be overcome by newly emerging cloud based systems. A cloud based system requires no upfront investment. A computer with Internet connection will suffice. The system can be accessed anytime anywhere as it demands no software or hardware. All the data is stored in the cloud and can be freely accessed. Employees, irrespective of where they are working from, can simply log in to a computer or a mobile and can submit time sheets on a regular basis. A cloud based application can offer all these advantages in order to optimize the time tracking and invoicing process with minimal complexity. The only
constraint for a cloud application is that some big organizations who deal with huge resources find it not secure enough to rely upon.

Organizations of varied sizes are increasingly adopting time and expense management applications into their systems. Even individual professionals and freelancers who work alone or in small groups are understanding the importance of such a tool that can help them to collaborate more effectively with the clients and keep the payment system more transparent. And with the ever growing complexity of organizational hierarchy and increase in clientele, cloud based applications are sure to make a big impression in near future in addressing the time sheet and billing management issues in organizations. Proper running and record management system.

Perfect Place For Office Space

When selecting an office space, there are a number of crucial factors to consider to ensure that your business thrives after the move.

Location

To make sure your key employees have a relatively easy commute - otherwise, they may be tempted to seek employment elsewhere. You should also consider whether you'll have access to a skilled work force in case you decide to take on additional employees. If you're relocating to an urban area, you should look into how close the nearest subway, rail, or bus line is, and don't hesitate to speak to your staff members about how the move will affect their daily routine.

Likewise, you'll want to be close to the customers you serve. If your company sells a physical product, will you have easy access to your suppliers in your new location?

In addition, it can be helpful to look into whether there are amenities close to the office space, such as places where your workers can buy lunch or restaurants where you can treat clients to a meal.

Cost

Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to calculate the complete cost of your new location, factoring in any utilities, moving expenses, and construction fees. If you're worried about hidden costs, hiring a professional broker may be a good option to give you a clear picture of your upcoming financial expectations. You should also be sure that you have a secure lease and rental rate-you don't want to get settled and established in your new area only to have your landlord hike up the price or rent the space to someone else.

The Building

One of the first things to look into is whether the building has effective, reliable security measures in place. Some buildings feature manned reception; if that's the case, you'll want to check out the customer service at the front desk and see if it lives up to your standards.

You should also be aware of your new building's parking situation. Is there sufficient parking for all your employees and customers? If you plan to offer your employees special rates for parking, you'll need to work that into your budget.

Lastly, is the building well maintained? You can talk to other tenants about whether they're pleased with the services offered. It may be a good idea to find out whether your building is slated for any upcoming renovations, as construction can be extremely disruptive to productivity.

The Office Space

Deciding whether a location will work for your company may take a little imagination. You'll have to ascertain whether there is sufficient room for all your employees and whether the layout will suit your company's style of work. You'll also want to ask the management company if there are any restrictions on decorating.

Finally, is there room for your company to expand? It's important to consider the well being of your business down the line, and if your new office space will prevent your company from growing, you may want to try to secure a shorter lease or ask about the possibility of later negotiating rights to adjacent spaces.

How Many Types Of Flame Detectors

It detects the presence of an open flame and gives off a visual or auditory warning. They are extremely useful in factories which deal with hazardous materials and are slowly starting to become more popular in houses as well. If you are looking to buy a flame detector for your home or business, you should be aware of the various options available to you. This helps you make a more informed decision.

Most flame detectors which are presently available detect flames by using methods like infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy and visual flame imaging. The flame produced by the combustion of specific materials produces waves at specific wavelengths. The analysis of the wavelengths in an area helps the detector distinguish between dangerous fires and false alarms.

Here is a look at the different types of flame detectors.

Ultra Violet Detectors

These flame detectors respond to waves in the UV spectrum. They are extremely sensitive and react quickly at short ranges. Since they are sensitive to other sources of waves like lighting, halogen lamps, arc welders, etc. they are not used in outdoor settings. Their sensitivity can also be affected by the presence of thick and soot smoke.

UV/IR Detectors

When an infrared (IR) device is attached to a UV sensor, it creates a detector which is sensitive to both bands of the spectrum. This increases the effectiveness of the detector and works at moderate speeds over a much larger distance. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses as well. However, like with UV detectors, their efficiency is affected by the presence of thick smoke.

Multi-spectrum infrared detector

The multi-spectrum IR flame detector uses multiple IR regions to help it differentiate between flame regions and non-flame backgrounds. They are well suited to areas which have smoky fires. They are effective within a range of about 200 feet and work at a moderate speed and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They also exhibit a high level of immunity to most hot objects in industrial areas such as welding, sunlight, lightning, etc.

Visual flame detectors

These detectors use charged couple device (CCD) sensors commonly used in closed circuit TV cameras, along with special algorithms to detect flames. The algorithms are able to process a live video feed and analyze the shape and progression of a flame to distinguish between various sources. Unlike other detectors, they are not dependent on the intensity of the fire or the kind of waves it produces. Therefore, they are used in factories to distinguish between an accidental fire and an intentional, process-related fire. These detectors cannot be used to detect flames which are invisible to the eye, such as hydrogen fires. Their efficiency is also greatly affected by smoke.

The Organization's Communication And Energy

You may lead or work in an organization that has a lot of potential for success, but if communication in that organization is not vibrant, the chances of success are greatly diminished. Just as a well charged battery energizes the automobile, vibrant and effective communication energizes the organization.

Simply put, communication in the organization drives understanding and allows for getting something done. On the corporate level, the individual members of the organization, both leaders and working members, need communication about the organization's vision, mission, values and goals. They also need to know about the products and services and how these impact the end used, customer or client.

Members also need to know about the policies and procedures that allow the organization to function in an orderly manner to accomplish its goals. Members need to know what is important about their jobs and what contribution they make to the organization's output. They need to know the necessary levels of quality of that contribution and what performance expectations are.

On an interpersonal level, communication is also vital. We hear so much today about the importance of using social media to be connected to other people. We communicate on these media to exchange viewpoints, information and ideas. and when we do it for business purposes, we connect to people who share the kinds of work we are engaged in. We gain by belonging to these networks and others can gain from us, as well.

We need to stoke the energy in the network called "our organization." This demands lots of internal interpersonal communication, developing an internal social media. Organizations today should be energized by communication that can easily be conducted across divisions and departments, up, down and in all directions.

The organization's communication battery can remain highly charged if there is understanding of the communication process on the part of all. While personalities differ and members are from different backgrounds and cultures, the following simple suggestions ensure interpersonal communication remains effective:

-Communication is a mulch-directional process wherein parties involved seek to understand as well as be understood.

-Use a variety of means including speaking, writing and visual.

-When giving information, do so at a reasonable rate so others involved have time to digest.

-Seek feedback and ask questions to ensure all parties involved understand.
 

There are reasons communication in an organization can break down. Perhaps there is not enough action on the part of leadership to charge the battery. Or there is a culture that inhibits communication from being the organization's life blood. There can also be interpersonal conflicts.

It is important for the organization to monitor how well communication is flowing, both within the structure of the organization and inter personally. Putting energy into cultivating the positive communication that drives the organization pays off both short and long term in contributing to success.

How Founders Angel Investors And Dilution

A lot lately in Jakarta. Start ups with 4-5 founders who are pretty much equal shareholders will look for very early Angel funding, which (if they get it) brings another shareholder on board.

Now you've got a situation with 5-6 shareholders in a company that still has to land its first serious funding. This is in my opinion a situation far from desirable, for some obvious and some less obvious reasons.

In general, when a start up approaches an (angel) investor for a pitch and shares that the company has 4 or 5 shareholders with pretty much similar voting rights, my first question would be "Who wants to give up his or her shares?". It's just too early to have so many shareholders. Start ups succeed for a large part because they can make decisions instantly, and react faster than competitors, who are often more "corporate". With having 4 or 5 voting shareholders on board, chances are your company won't be that flexible and dynamic anymore. Also, any investor would prefer to just talk to 1 or 2 persons, which for them is just more clear and manageable.

But let's look ahead a bit. Let's say your start up has 4 founders with equal shares and voting rights and you land an angel investment who "after-money-in" gets 20%. So now your start up has 5 shareholders and a capital to last a year. I'm making this assumption because I'm mostly talking about digital start ups that will need a longer period to become bootstrapped and even when bootstrapped will require more (growth) capital in the future.

In my experience (and I was one of them as well), start up entrepreneurs tend to ignore looking into the future. This is often because start up entrepreneurs have a very positive outlook on life in general, and specifically on their business. But in most cases it's clear as day that at some point you will need extra capital, whether it's for compensating losses, solving cash-flow issues or growth capital. 

 

This is where investors will strike, a (most of the time) non-profitable company in need of quick cash is an easy target. The result is the existing investor or a new investor will take a large part of the shares resulting in the founders diluting to a questionable percentage while still very much in start up phase.

Needless to say that as a founder you won't be too happy diluting to let's say 10-15% after just 1-2 years. But also from investor point of view this is not really the ideal situation. Many shareholders who are all less incentive doesn't strike me as a perfect situation. The simple solution of buying out some of the shareholders often fails because there's simply no value yet so why would they sell?

My tips to anyone planning to start a digital business would be:

1. Start with just two founders;
2. Don't give people shares because you can't pay salaries (!);
3. Hold of any (angel) investment as long as possible, create as much value first. If needed borrow money  from family or friends or find alternative income sources;
4. Plan ahead! Talk to people who have been there and be realistic in your expectations. In any case avoid a situation in which you need money urgently, this will put you in an unnecessary weak position in any negotiations;

To anyone saying "That's easy when you have money!" True, so be creative and work hard. Many digital start up entrepreneurs have alternative income sources. In the early days of Tokobagus we were selling e-commerce development services which allowed us to pay the bills and work on building Tokobagus.

Are you involved in a really early phase (digital) start up and considering to get (angel) funding to make life a bit easier? Wanna pay some of your key staff with shares instead of salary? Though money is both a problem as well as a necessity,

Five Basic Points To Team Building

Everyone needs to know and and team building basic option run every department.

1. Team Building Explained

For years now, people's perception of team building has been synonymous with images of people building rafts, taking part in 'awkward' trust exercises, or being stranded whilst orienteering in the middle of nowhere.

It may come as a surprise to a lot of people to learn that things have actually evolved.

A survey by Videophone UK and You Gov has concluded the UK staff have become turned off by team building as they often breed 'awkwardness'. According to the survey, experiences like being blindfolded and led by colleagues are considered the least effective team-building activities.

Findings showed the most effective events are social events like going out for a drink or a meal; Team building events that are interactive, fun, fast-paced and down-right entertaining event are the sort you will want to share with colleagues.

2. Conferences - The Good/The Bad

Whilst conferences are the single most common way to converge an entire company in one location for a collaborative session of discussion and networking, quite often you are asked to provide Conference Energiser activities to whip-up the room and revitalise delegates throughout the away-day after prolonged periods of intense presentations and slide shows.

A poorly delivered Staff Conference can have a negative impact on the morale of your employees.

Without the addition of carefully choreographed team building activities, energisers or keynote speaker, you can be faced with delegates criticising the day for being "death-by-PowerPoint", "chalk-and-talk" or another favourite is "analysis-paralysis".

3. Think about Going Abroad

Organising team building events that are to be delivered overseas and internationally can be a daunting event to manage as there are so many variables and added logistics to cope with; hundreds of flights, hundreds of requirements, hundreds of hotel rooms - all in a venue that aren't exactly fluent in English - needless to say things can be lost in translation!

That being said the output of such an event is very useful to a team and something where people are away from their comfort zone and having to work together will definitely mould a team quicker and stronger than anything local.

4. What team building events will your team most enjoy?

Often clients want to drill down to finite details about the specific activities that make up team building workshops including a minute-by-minute agenda. Not only is that not applicable for this type of training since it's often a fluid and dynamic process, but it is really focusing on the texture of the bark on the trees rather than stepping back for a view of the forest.

What is important is having a clear goal for this portion of your meeting. One mistake companies make is having a "We do a team building activity at this meeting every year" attitude with no real thought about what they want to get out of it. How do you choose the right team building activity? It's best to take the Stephen Covey approach and begin with the end in mind.

Before you start filling out Internet forms and making phone calls to team building companies, think about the goals for this session. If you are the information gatherer, press the decision makers for additional information beyond the tired and overused "team building" and "communication" for something more concrete like breaking down silos or building creative problem solving skills. On the surface you might be looking for something fun and interactive, but there's a good chance that if the company is spending thousands of dollars on this event, someone is looking for tangible outcomes.

Team building activities are exercises that can help teams build cohesion and work through a host of common group issues. They are used as educational tools to provide opportunities to at least begin discussions that can be continued back at the workplace.

How do you choose the right team building activity for your meeting? It's like the ingredients of a delicious recipe. Instead of focusing on the bok choy, which isn't particularly interesting in itself but put in context of other ingredients becomes a flavourful dish, begin with the end in mind. If you take a step back and focus on the goals and outcomes from your meeting you will make the right decision for a team building activity.

5. When to do team building? Take a look at January!

Research has shown that one of the best ways to avoid that after Christmas lull into depression is by doing things that actually give you a cause to look forward to something. So why not invigorate your team and give them something to get excited about with a January kick-off team building events. A fun corporate event means that whilst Christmas is over, the gifts just keep on giving. Activities testing physical, mental, skill and creative capabilities revive the thrill of Christmas and good old family fun, and your team will be left feeling energised and ready to take on the working world once more. Or why not revitalise your team and get their engines going with a straight-talking super-car racetrack experience or Golf Day?

There are a range of no-nonsense successful packages catering to any budget and that really aim to target the core skills for devising your perfect team, team building events are guaranteed to put a much needed smile on your employees face... and yours too!

New Year's resolutions - we've all made them. Whether it's deciding to join the gym and actually use it this year, de-clutter the house or stick to your diet for longer than just New Year's Day this time around, January 1st is a day designed for CHANGE.

But for all our good intentions and spirit, studies have shown that by January 10th most of us will have already given up our resolutions, a mere nine days after they were made, with three-quarters of 3,000 British admitting they were no longer confident they would stick to their promises for the rest of the month.If you're failing to see these changes through at home though, don't let this be the case at work. Take the opportunity to really target the issues you may have with your team and challenge them to raise their game.

CRM Transportation Logistics And Storage

Launching new services, targeting different industries, moving into new territories requires that company's communication with partners and clients will be effective. In addition to transportation and storage, logistics companies can also assemble or package goods and provide consulting work to address complex global supply chain problems. For this reason Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system appeared on market to serve as a key point for sales funnel and client relations in logistics companies.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a model for managing a company's interactions with current and future customers. CRM tool is an advanced solution to integrate, organize, automate and synchronize sales, customer services, marketing, order management, pricing, technical support which helps improve customer satisfaction and deliver goods on time. There are several reasons why it's profitable for logistics service providers to invest in a CRM system:

Reason 1: Increased productivity

Well-developed and thought out CRM system always helps pre-define some general work flows for every department and automate administrative tasks. Using it, your staff members will spend less time on filling forms, making quotes & proposals, creating reports, running calculations and will thereby raise their productivity.

Reason 2: Systematic way to track business activity

CRM solution helps understand when and what is needed to be performed for which customers. With the help of this IT tool you are able to unify all your business areas and thus track them in one place. Leveraging this market information, a logistics company will be able to maintain competitive pricing and delivery options.
 

 Reason 3: One source for all the necessary data

A CRM system allows you to have access to constantly updated information for decision-making and communication between staff members and departments with different office locations. It's an opportunity to build intelligent customized interfaces with all contacts along business lines available by CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and line managers.

Reason 4: Measurability of marketing and sales activity

CRM services can help transportation and logistics business capture better understanding of customer needs and behavior. This will give a possibility to manage effectively time, business resources and efforts which then benefits clients and overall business.

Reason 5: Individual customer service

Industry-based CRM platform gives a clear road map for effective communication with partners or clients and provides access to industry best practices. Knowing your customers needs and the main points to contact them you can identify major clients increasing their loyalty and mitigate the possibility of relationship with irresponsible customers.

Reason 6: Automated information updating

CRM software helps benefit business profitability focusing on timely updating customer information and fast order processing. It also allows to organize efficient shipping of FCL/LCL freight and delivery of dangerous/perishable goods.

Reason 7: Ensuring safety of shipments

Due to cross-globe operations and various regulatory systems in all the different countries it's usually hard to propose on-time delivery and 100% safety of goods. Customized CRM system can have integration with electronic databases such as Transit MRN to provide information about current status and location of the cargo.

Taking into consideration all the above mentioned advantages, it's evident that a customized CRM system can drive up profitability and provide a systematic way to measure and control everything that is happening in your business regarding communication and relationships with customers.

Industries and Technology Areas:

Industries: logistics, transportation, information technology

Technology Areas: software CRM development, CRM application development

With over 15 years of experience and over 300 professionals on board worldwide, Eli next Group is a global supplier of IT solutions for various industries, including advertising, accounting, banking, education, finance, health care, hospitality, real estate, retail, tourism and others.

Why We Should Buy Local Products Meaning

The next time you have the option of purchasing a locally produced good over something outside your region, consider those who are ultimately benefiting from your purchase. When you embrace local businesses, you are keeping money within your own community. If you were to buy foreign or non-local goods, you are not only hurting a local seller, you are also hurting yourself. The money which you sent out of your area by purchasing that foreign product will likely never circulate through your community creating jobs, roads, schools, and countless other beneficial elements.

These days, it's not uncommon to see "Buy Local" decals on cars, trucks, surfboards, and restaurant doors. The reason behind this advertising is to encourage customers to think about buying local when they are out and about in their communities. The "Buy Local" phrase is really just asking people to embrace the bounty that their own areas and communities have to offer. These offerings can include: produce grown locally and sold at markets, seafood caught in our country's waterways, or the products made by businesses in and around different communities. Local businesses often survive solely off the profits they receive from their neighbors and community members.

Here are some important facts you should know about buying local:

 77 million Americans are employed by small businesses.

Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.

If just half the U.S. employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.

Many people who will read this or see "Buy Local" stickers may often think to themselves, "but I can't buy some products locally." This is true. There are many things which cannot be produced or grown locally within communities across the nation. 

For example, some foods grown in San Diego, California may not grow well in Atlanta, Georgia or even as close as Los Angeles. Every geographic region, every state, every city has something different and unique to offer. The buying local movement isn't trying to make all communities self-sufficient overnight; it is simply trying to shift the balance back, putting money back in you and your community's pocket.

Identity Badge System For Security Purpose

ID badge systems can be a convenient way to monitor the occasions that people enter and leave the building without having to look over tedious sign-in sheets or even other antiquated techniques. Not only can they be used to track exactly how people move all through your building, they will also serve as an all-purpose pass card. One such example on this versatility is the all-in-one student card that allows students to enter the campus, obtain food from the on-campus store, or check out materials from the library. The possibilities pertaining to ID cards are unlimited today. 

ID Badge systems are easy to implement and affordable, making it easier for you to monitor how people are moving throughout the workplace. There are many card printers available on the market today. It really depends on your individual needs as to what sort of printer you should buy. You should consider some of the following points before investing in a printer: 

- Why are you printing id cards? Are they required for a small businesses or a college? 

- How many cards will you need to print? If you need to print in bulk you will need a specific type of printer. If you are only going to print a few cards then you can purchase a smaller printer. There are three main types of ID badge printers: Value, Standard, and Premium, with Value being the most economic up to Premium which is one of the most robust and versatile ID badge printers on the market. 

- Would you like to print both sides on the card? Some id badge cards only offer single-side production, while these usually are cheaper, it might be necessary to get double-sided printing. You should definitely know which one you need. 

- What kind of encoding features do you need from your ID badge printer? Depending on the level of security needed, there are multiple options you can choose. Bar codes are one of the easiest options for encoding. 

The ID badge software includes the bar code technology. Some cards possess a magnetic stripe that allows data to be stored around the magnetic band located on the back of the card. Credit and debit cards will often have this option. Even more advanced smart cards include Contact and Contact less cards. These cards enable you to store more advanced data, such seeing that encrypted certificates. 

There are many advantages to using ID badge systems in your workplace, school, or apartment complex.