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Sunday, September 15, 2013

5 Ways To Fund Living Overseas High Lifestyle

The cost of living continues to increase. It is sometimes manageable, but not everyone with a mortgage can afford living from paycheck to paycheck. It may be more affordable to live across the pond and require less money than you think. We all worry about how we are going to pay for all of our expenses wherever our lives take us, and we all need a little extra to pamper ourselves once in a while. Leaving our comfort zone to find another job is something we all dread, but there are multiple opportunities made available for our disposal; it is up to us to find them. Here we will share five ways to fund an easy lifestyle while overseas.

First establish what it is that needs to be shipped by searching for the best international shipping rates.

There are affordable rates offered to travelers worldwide, it is just a matter of finding the right price and proper care for your belongings. There are shipping companies that provide door to door shipping service, all you will need to do is book their service and they will pick up your luggage for you and send it to your destination undamaged. They can provide anyone with heavy packaging a low cost shipping method, with quality assurance.

According to Going Global, a business committed to informing working class travelers about international employment, listed the most affordable places to live overseas were: Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Costa Rica and Belize. Spending less is something that most American citizens want to be in the habit of and in another country it is possible. Things that are cheap for the traveler may be expensive for people living in the Philippines. As long as you have the sense to conserve and plan ahead, anyone can be able to make their money stretch in a new location.

What can I do to make a living in another country? It is important to be creative while venturing off in a new country. Think about some of the things you are good at that most people can relate to and make yourself available to those sources of employment. Roll up your sleeves and hustle while enjoying the fruits of your new community. Here is a list of some platforms for any traveler looking for a means of work.

Travel Writing and Photography

The Internet is making it easier than ever to share your story via photos and the written word, and people want to hear about it. Organizations like International Living are always in demand for traveling and foreign lifestyle articles. Some may even offer to cover traveling expenses. You do not have to be a professional photographer or writer to get your story across in a million words and crafty pictures. Sometimes a simple photo and a short article is something people enjoy most.

Teach your native language

As long as you have a degree, a certificate, or even experience working in education there will be opportunities to explore in universities, small schools or tutoring facilities. Native speaker teachers are always preferred as teachers in another country.

Sell goods online

Interesting and new products are always on demand, especially items that are not made available to people in the U.S. You could meet with the owner of the product and propose to set up a website or sell their products on eBay. Keep a portion of the profit and build revenue for the client. After all, money does make the world go round.

Work as a bartender or server

There is always a need for bartenders and waiters in busy towns and cities looking for English speakers, especially in popular touristy communities. It does not hurt to ask your hostel manager for some help about restaurants or pubs looking for new employees.

Develop your own tours for American tourists

Most travelers want to be able to understand their tour guide while out discovering the new foreign city. Being able to share with them your story about the town and its perks make for pleasant work and you get to make some new friends with every tour .

The opportunities are endless overseas. Don't sell yourself short for working for a grumpy old boss that always forgets to pay you on time in America. Work for yourself and start a new business in Costa Rica, teach English to kids in the Philippines, or give tours to tourists in Thailand. Anything you can think of has a demand for it, your new career in another country today.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Disaster And Incident Command System

Disaster system and structure works and quick respond.There is a disaster in waiting every moment, so it is of utmost importance to have a system in place that would tackle the challenges faced during any such emergency and provide the required help to the people in need.

This system needs to be available in all the departments of a particular business, practice and residential or commercial structures to make them foolproof from any emergency that can occur at any given time. Also, this system must have all the required equipments and people to pull off a rescue operation with high success percentage.

One such system which is followed in the US is called the Incident Command Structure or System (ICS). The ICS is particularly defined as a method that takes care of the 3C's (control, coordination and command) during an emergency. It could be better explained in a better way as a structure containing predefined rules, a certain number of experts, a fully equipped facility and processes which are used all together to cater response to emergencies of any complexity and type.

The Incident Command System is a well tested and trusted form of managing and reducing the damage caused by an uncalled for emergency. This method of limiting damage has been successfully used by many government and non-government structures, including hospitals and military. The system has also proved its worth in a lot of businesses as well. The major role of ICS is to significantly narrow down the damage caused to property and people during a case of an emergency as well as non-emergency disaster.

The ICS looks majorly into the planning, command, logistics, administration and operations during any particular emergency. Every part of the system is handled by an expert personnel, who takes care of the proper working of his respective are of interest. First of all there is the Planning Section Chief who collects all the required information from every other department and thus constructs a plan of action. Then, there is the incident commander who directs every person and every action. The logistic Chief caters to providing relief material at the facility in question.
The administration Chief looks into the finances during any emergency operation. While the Operation's Chief handles the staff and the residents of the facility in need of emergency help. Apart from these people, there are several others as well who get the operation rolling and inform the media and outside world about the happenings.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Effective Reasons Transformation Programs

A 2011 study was published by the UK government that showed 1,471 programs that averaged $167m in budget, with an average overspend of 27%. Therefore over $65 billion was committed to programs that had hit significant problems. The worst part was, one in six overspent by over 200% and went over time by 70%.
So what were the clear lessons from such a series of debacles, how can we identify the risks and then minimise their impact?

1. Methodology

How many times have you seen program or project specifications that require skills in lean, Six Sigma, Agile or another form of business school approach? The trouble is, these are not one size fits all solutions, despite their supporters.

In fact, the larger the program, the less likely they are to succeed. Why? Because the layers within such a program require an inherent form of elasticity in their management. It's not all about cost.

2. Complexity

The larger the program, the more the number of stakeholders, participants and suppliers. The more the systems employed by such parties, the more the communication becomes difficult.

Programs affect other people, processes and systems whilst creating their own. The impact of these new approaches can result in collateral effect. Another side of the issue is that large programs take time, people have careers to progress and it's not always possible to lock the same people in to deliver the end as the beginning.

3. Technology

Many programs are about upgrading technology whether it's machinery, information technology or information systems. Many companies still maintain old software because they know how it works and that the bugs have generally been worked out.

Building new systems requires a hitherto untested level of interoperability and whilst everyone is concerned about security, that can be threatened through server downtime whilst data is migrated, servers are upgraded, for example.

4. Governance

Embedding robust governance is believed to be the cornerstone of any successful program and, whilst it is certainly effective, changes or refinements can exacerbate the struggles that the program may be facing.

5. Quality Assurance

The standards achieved by a program are difficult to estimate accurately at the beginning, despite best wishes. This is not an excuse to let standards slide, more that an acknowledgement of the potential inaccuracy of the requirements aids the planning process.

6. Time

As programs progress, conditions can change, whether it's the market, technology or the other areas of the business. Clinging on to a failed program, come what may, or prolonging its life beyond a prudent business decision can sometimes be merely a matter of pride or ignorance.

7. The Budget

Although funds are allocated, they are often based on estimates, no matter how scientifically reached. These can be affected by a number of factors outside the control of the program and, as time goes by, it is likely that these factors will increase in number. For example, international supply chain restructures can always struggle in times of changing exchange rates over a protracted period.

What can you do?

Despite numerous books and treatises on successful management, flexibility is not a promoted approach. It veers away from the certainty that decision makers can crave, it flies in the face of the claims of many leaders and yet it is the single greatest tool anyone can bring to a planning process.

Secondly, it is vital to approach the programs in stages. Planning for discrete stages with quantifiable benefits and agreed gateways will assist in embedding a culture of commitment and also a tool to monitor the genuine benefits.

It's never easy, but planning with flexibility and approaching such challenges in a staged process is key to reducing some of the all too present risks in running large programs.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Construction Safety Is A Big Deal

Construction on its own is somewhat of an inherently dangerous trade. Construction workers are in environments with lots of people and equipment, and the chances of injury are higher on a construction site than those at the average cubicle- filled office.

How can construction workers have a safer work environment? There are several factors, and one of the most important is worker education. There are quite a few rules and regulations associated with construction sites, and making sure workers are educated about safety is crucially important to preventing injuries.

Although there are many types of construction, one method that is growing increasing popular is modular construction. Often celebrated for its ability to be built quickly and for its green benefits, modular is a great alternative to traditional building methods. 

On a traditional building project the materials are brought to the construction site and then used for the actual building. This leads to lots of excess waste, as well as being incredibly intrusive to the job site. These materials often take up a lot of space and are used by a multitude of contractors and subcontractors. This process leads to lots of coming and going, as well as moving materials around.

Modular construction is quite different in that instead of bringing all those materials to the site and working on them there, components are built in an off-site factory. This means that all the heavy lifting and hard work is done in the factory, which translates to no mess or dust at the job site.

Recent studies have also shown that modular construction is safer than traditional means. One study found that modular construction companies have a much higher adoption of safety practices.

After all the modular components are completed at the factory, they are shipped to the build site. Instead of having painters, electricians, framers and other specialized laborers, an installation team can have the project done in record time. Studies have shown that modular construction is completed about 40% - 60% faster than traditional construction methods. Most modularity built projects are completed in days, not months.

In conclusion, construction safety is very important. Many companies are seeing a direct connection between modular construction and safety. It's no accident that modular companies are safer and produce a high quality product.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

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.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

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.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

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.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

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.
 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

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.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

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.

Monday, August 19, 2013

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.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

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.

Friday, August 16, 2013

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,