Defining Hazard-Free processes for Environmental Protection

The production and handling of hazardous chemicals and materials for experimentation and lab research, whether in academia or industry, must be methodical and rigorous.  Errors can lead to lethal results.  Effective management of hazardous materials includes monitoring every stage in the handling lifecycle, including:  production, storage, distribution, consumption, and disposal.


Following proper procedure at time of disposal is critical in order to avoid potentially significant consequences.  Improper disposal of toxic and harmful chemicals can destroy the environment and cause catastrophes. Even the storage process has to be foolproof to ensure no leakage of dangerous elements occurs.


Implementing a hazardous materials management software system ensures safe and hygienic operations, with no detrimental effects to the environment or to those involved with the enterprise.   The software enhances visibility so that the movement of chemicals from one location to another can be easily tracked. A transparent inventory system facilitates and automates the precise accounting and calculation of any required materials, thus reducing excess stocking of potentially hazardous (and often, very expensive) items. Any hazardous items can be tagged with special instructions for personal protection. For disposal purposes the software tracks the request orders and the pickups. It applies barcode labeling and documents the entire process till its final stage.


One extremely valuable outcome is the ability to clearly report facilities and location characteristics to assist fire and public safety personnel during emergencies.  The software has intelligent settings which help in weighing the amount of chemicals being stocked in a particular location and immediately triggers an alert when the quantity reaches its permissible limit. And, all hazardous items are labeled with NFPA or GHS characteristics, and the location (door, floor, etc.) of  these items are also labeled to provide advance notification prior to entry.


Hazardous materials management software integrated with applications used for maintenance management and tool crib management, can greatly improve materials handling efficiencies and operations.  Paperwork is significantly reduced, reports are prepared faster, and security and safety practices are improved when cmms software and systems now follow a systematic process for utilization and disposition of hazardous materials.  This impact is even more enhanced when the overall application suite is built on a platform that is robust, and also provides a simple, user-friendly, software environment from which all users - operators, supervisors, management, and executive staff - benefits from and participate in.


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Manage Return Goods Better With Returns Management Solutions

To explain in simple words, returns management system refers to the system that looks after the return of defective goods for businesses. There are numerous ways in which the system can be deployed within an organization. It can be custom software developed in-house or through a third – party software.

 

Leading service providers of returns management have come up with solutions that are especially designed to manage the returns process in an efficient and logical way. They have experienced staff that can manage products in less time and can get them back to the field tested with 24 hours or less. The common procedures involved in returns management are:-

  • Date code based warranty assessment

  • Refurbishment

  • Legally compliant disposal

  • Detrash and destruction of returned materials (CDs packaging materials, etc.)

  • Software and/or firmware upgrades

  • Warehousing and Retail Distribution

  • Repackaging

  • Test diagnostics and repair

     

Users can gain numerous values from returns management service providers. Firstly, the way of handling returns is commendable, as most distribution networks are not well equipped to handle goods that come back from clients. There are cases, where product boxes pile up in warehouses occupying huge space and nothing being done by the supply chain consulting team. Therefore the process of returns goods management has become quite a challenge in today’s competitive market.

 

The solution lies in partnering with an experience service provider. This will eliminate all the shortcomings with the return and rework of good. Furthermore, it produces valuable resources from the waste goods. Efficient return products management ensures customer satisfaction with the help of a “no hassle” return system at work. This system minimizes the cost and helps in increasing the profitability. Other services of Supply Chain Solutions include the following:-

  • Warranty Returns

  • Web Based Inquiry and Reporting

  • RMA(Returns Materials Authorization) Support

  • Refurbishment

  • Disposal (remarketing, recycling)

  • Test and Debug

  • Fulfillment

  • Repackaging

  • Lease Returns

     

The best returns management system is set up in a way to recognize outdated revisions and constituents instantly as they are received. The service providers are well equipped to build up suitable disposition methodologies for their clients. This saves then the warehousing stock expense that has gone stale.

Lern more about : order fulfillment

Fulfillment Solutions, an Integral Part of Supply Chain Solutions

Supply chain can be defined as the movement of products or services from the suppliers to the customers. That is to say, in a supply chain the supplier provides raw materials to the manufacturer, the manufacturer supplies the finished goods to the distributor, which then passes on to the retailer and finally to the customer. However, before the product reaches the customer, it goes through the hands of the fulfillment house. Hence, it is highly necessary that a business enterprise have a state-of-the-art fulfillment department to deliver products to the customers without any damage, delay and confusion. They are an important part of forward logistics and reverse logistics.

Though some companies have their own fulfillment department it is not a feasible option when a company plans to expand its market. Hence, it is always fruitful to take the services of a fulfillment service provider. The fulfillment solutions provided by service providers include the following:

Storage and Warehousing

Until the orders for the items come in, the products must be stored in a safe and secure place. Not only that, the service provider must make sure to place the products in those conditions that are essential to their longevity. Apart from taking typical storage measures for protecting the products from pests, insects, animals, rain and moisture, the fulfillment department must also ensure to provide additional facilities depending upon the kind of products stored. For instance, perishable products require refrigeration, while those products that react to extreme heat and cold, the temperature should be set to suitable degrees.

Inventory

The fulfillment department maintains an inventory of the number of finished goods in their warehouses. Such a move help companies not only in placing orders and but also in controlling losses due to obsolescence and spoilage. Since finished goods are an important business asset, steps must be taken to ensure that the companies have neither very high inventory nor very less.

Order Processing

When a customer places an order, the order fulfillment department must take all the necessary steps to ensure that the customer receives the most recent products that too in quantities as ordered by the customer.

Packaging and Shipping

Be it for retail distribution or for product delivery to a customer, the kind of packaging done must depend on the kind of product being shipped. So depending upon the type, the packaging can be retail box, RF sealing clamshell packaging, blister pack, shrink-wrap, and so on.

Returns Management

A well-equipped fulfillment department would also take care of the returns and exchange requests that too according to the policies of the companies and organizations.

That is why fulfillment solutions are increasingly becoming an integral part of supply chain solutions

 

Heed to the Phishing Warnings For a Safe Business Environment

Phishing is a dangerous threat that seems inconspicuous but renders severe consequences on its victims. Everyday these cyber criminals target innumerable online visitors and those who are not aware of their mode of operation become easy victims. These criminals know that you check your inbox and they send very ordinary emails that look like they have been sent by your banks or financial consultants. These emails contain more links or attachments provoking you to open them making you think the information are for your benefit.

Unknowingly you open these links and you are directed to a fake website that looks exactly like your bank’s though it is not so in reality. Here they request you for confidential information like bank accounts, credit card details etc. If you fall for this trap and share your confidential data then you fall in the phishing fall rate category. If for some reason you do not fall for this trap, yet you visit the fake website and reveal your information you fall in the phishing fail rate category. In both circumstances you will end up losing your money.

These phishing criminals have realized that the people are the weakest links in an organization. They exploit the weak links to make illegal gains. Thus they target bank customers and those who are associated with some financial institutions. The recent development is that they have expanded their network to the social networking sites too. This form of operation is called enterprise spear phishing where they target the people of an enterprise. This is a warning for you to tighten the security reins in your enterprise too. However you cannot be sure that your enterprise is completely secure because you have no idea about the awareness level that exists in your organization. Some of your employees may know something about it while some may be totally ignorant.

To help you out of this difficult situation the anti-phishing software provides you solutions that help check all phishing attacks effectively and ensure a safe environment. The software ensures that all the employees are on the same page regarding the awareness of phishing effects. It deploys an automated mock phishing attack on the employees to test their alertness and their level of readiness to implement corrective actions. It tracks the responses of your employees and after the test sends personalized emails to them with the analysis reports and suggestions on how to address the risks more effectively.

If you want your business operation to continue without any major handicaps you need to implement robust and intelligent solutions for protection against phishing. This proactive step not only helps in preparing your personnel against daunting challenges but also saves your enterprise from unwarranted costs incurred to employ remedies after the attack.

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Canvassing Your Business Globally with Potential Language Translation Tools

Language translation has longbeen regarded as a valuable asset and important tool to utilize while operating in a corporate environment. In order to increase profitability and progress, many wise business owners have employed experienced translators to alleviate the challenge of language barriers in trade and commerce. The ability to read content in a familiar language will often motivate trade relations and enhance the overall business relationship.

Language fluency is a must in global trade relations, and this need increases every day. When language translation is utilized, communication becomes easy and collaboration is more effective thus rendering a mutually beneficial working environment.

Business and corporate culture is currently influenced tremendously by technology. Various sophisticated applications are employed to increase business productivity and streamline operations. Have an active internet presencehas been a significant resource for the promotion of business prospects. Every business needs a website to propagate and market its products and services. The website is the link between you and your potential customers. This communication tool provides opportunities for growth and brand popularity through positive customer feedback posted on the websites.

The website also provides an ideal platform to help you gauge the needs and requirements of your customers through surveys, polls and contests. You can also evaluate the customer experience levels depending on the scores on the website. All these factors help you understand what does and does not work, and you also get an opportunity to make changes leading to optimized results. The website content is your tool that helps you to connect with your customers. This makes it necessary for the content to be presented in a clear, crisp and simple language which the customer can understand.

When you embark upon a global venture it is very critical to present the content in the local language so that customers can understand the message that you want to convey and take a keen interest. The best way to ensure that content is provided to the customers in their own language is by implementing language translation software. This software should have the capability to translate the original content in a simplified manner without any errors.

Automated machine translation is the best policy that can produce instant translation without any inaccuracies. The possibilities of errors are minimal compared to human translation and costs are not affected adversely. Businesses that employee software localization strategies often experience a powerful boost in revenues as resources are optimally used.

Know more on - translation technology


Lead Nurturing Solution – Uncover the Wealth of Sales Opportunities

The secret to successful lead generation, in the B2B space today, is to nurture leads over time and convert more inquiries into qualified leads and qualified leads into sales. Industry studies show that it takes an average of 12 touches to convert a cold prospect into a hot lead, yet most sales reps under pressure to achieve targets focus on immediate leads only, neglecting the prospects, the most valuable assets. 

 

Sales lead optimization or lead nurturing has quickly become the single most cost effective tool that B2B firms can use to increase sales, decrease costs and improve profitability. 

 

Lead nurturing helps build relationships with prospects through consistent and meaningful communication. Not every prospect is ready to buy, but if you discard them after the first call, you may have missed a golden opportunity.

 

It has been observed that sales people who connect well with their prospects and become their trusted advisors are more likely to fill the sales pipeline with quality leads. You don’t sell, you don’t make pitches, but this can be done by providing valuable information to prospects. You provide insights and solutions, all within the realm of your expertise and thus become the first they call when there’s a need.

 

An effective lead nurturing program specifically designed to nurture and develop a relationship to turn interested parties into active prospects over time is needed.  If done properly, successful lead nurturing can create a strong brand and solution long before a prospect is actively engaged in a buying process. Remember if inquiries are simply passed on to sales people, reps, dealers or distributors for follow-up, you may be leaving a major part of sales prospects on the table for your competitors.

 

Powerful yet easy B2B lead nurturing solution can effectively automate and measure integrated lead nurturing campaign without requiring any specialized skills or training. Lead nurturing can:

  • Build brand awareness with the prospect.

  • Keep your company top of mind among prospects by providing meaningful letters, emails, voicemails, case studies, success stories, articles, events, white papers and webcasts.

  • Create Relevant, Personalized Dialogues with Qualified Prospects.

 

With a successful Lead Nurturing program, organizations can bridge the gap between sales and marketing by delivering truly qualified, sales-ready leads to their clients, helping them achieve dramatic improvement in ROI, increase win rates from fewer resources and make their entire team successful.

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Managing Critical Assets and infrastructure within Municipalities

Effective asset management processes are a must for any infrastructure or equipment centric operation. Municipalities understand this reality and more.  Water and Wastewater operations, for example, must manage assets and optimize utilization efficiencies, and do so without impacting the environment and ensuring the production of a vitally critical resource. Water treatment plants are entrusted with the duty of providing clean and hygienic water for consumption. Contamination may occur if equipment is not in perfect working condition - potentially exposing serious consequences to consumers and citizens.   Similarly, wastewater plants have to efficiently execute the water reclamation process, without causing damage or impact to the environment.


Water and wastewater treatment plants and operations are massively capital and infrastructure intense enterprises, encompassing an array of equipment and machines that are expensive and complex. Thus it is imperative that these machines are maintained at correctly timed intervals, based on the asset type. And, at time of repair, a process must be in place to ensure that responsive, well equipped, and knowledgeable work is expended.  Due to these factors, in conjunction with the logistics and regulatory issues that municipalities face, proper asset and maintenance management can be daunting.   Deploying a computerized asset management software system becomes a key element in successfully implementing a process to track maintenance activities effectively.


The software provides flexible options for scheduling work orders thus facilitating the organizational team's ability to have complete control over the operations. This includes prioritizing tasks and allocating the desired amount of labor and materials required for a particular task at a given point of time. The software also enables tracking the time taken to accomplish a task, the materials used and measures responsiveness. With a properly implemented system, an intuitive and simple interface allows personnel to carry out preventive maintenance, repair or other work order types, such as equipment condition based, rapidly and accurately.  The focus is on timely maintenance management which ensures the longevity of the assets and continuity in production without interruptions or downtime.


A well designed interface helps staff to view new work orders and track the status of any ongoing and pending work orders.  Employees and all authorized personnel through the municipality can also enter service, work, or other requests easily - often with immediate notification to maintenance and operations personnel via emails, web, or other electronic means.


The system will also provide a detailed description and a record of attributes of all enterprise assets.   Flexible, properly architected enterprise asset management software  will interoperate easily with other existing systems, therefore dramatically improve workflow, and help all departments within the municipality to achieve their respective targets successfully.


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Translation Technology- Bridging Global boundaries

Communication is incomplete and ineffective without the use of language. The globalized and technology savvy corporate environment has allowed business and opportunity growth in the farthest corners of the globe. However, to capitalize on this opportunity requires the businesses to communicate with their customers worldwide in a language they understand. The process of reading, understanding, interpreting, rephrasing, and delivering an original message to impact a new audience is known as translation. The development of translation technologies has been of great help to the organizations in this process.

The history of translation technology researches dates back to 1954with the Georgetown experiment that saw a successful automated translation of 60 Russian sentences into English. The constant development and upgrading of technological tools ensure a bright future for the translation technology and a society free of language barriers and restrictions. Further, the advances of computing technology and low cost PC’s enable widespread translation technologies and translation software to enter every business segment.

However, the mid 2000’s saw growth in the dotcom sector, web based transactions and e-commerce. This gave rise to the inception of online language translation companies. With a number of freelance translators on their network, these online translators could help the clients around the clock.

The companies that offer professional translation services have three categories of translation technology. These are translation workflow, translation memory and machine translation. Translation workflow automates processes while being both time and resource efficient. Translation memory facilitates the storage of translated phrases for repetitive use, thus increasing productivity. Machine translations on the other hand are very useful tools in case of large and voluminous translation requirements.

Machine translation offers great opportunity through the online translation services. This service makes it feasible for organizations to create multilingual content and extend communications levels to various user segments. This paves way for global organizations to reach out to a worldwide customer base and establish good brand communication and better revenue prospects. The translation software uses a technology based on statistics and translates new information based on the previously recorded translations.

The advent of cloud computing and its integration with translation technology have given birth to the concept of using the cloud platform for real-timetranslationand communication. The global business scenario now demands to make use of this feature and be able to address a larger customer base through the online language translation features.

 

Noise Protection Devices to Combat Occupational Hearing Loss

The phrase Occupational Hearing Loss has been the buzzword for quite sometime now. To explain in simple terms if refers to the hearing loss that is generated from loud noise backgrounds in the working place. Such atmosphere is prevalent in industry segments such as aviation, mining, metallurgy, construction and many others. The task at hand hence is to find a solution to protect workers from the adverse affects of high noise surroundings.

It has been observed, that the conventional forms of hearing protection devices though aided the situation, yet they also reduced the chances of hearing the speech and minimized the awareness of the immediate surroundings. Times have changed, and today there are eminent brands that have come up innovative solutions for Occupational Hearing Loss with their wide range of advanced electronic ear muffs.

These electronic ear muffs and ear plugs are able to separate and improve the speech quality and bring down the adverse noise level to a safe level, for the worker to communicate and hear better and stay secured in a noisy setting. In addition to that, these noise protection devices offer a 360 degree binaural situational awareness to assure the wearers have complete awareness of what is taking place in and around them.

That is not all. These electronic ear muffs enable the users to determine the distance, nature and the directionality of the noise. This also includes the following:-

1. Speech

2. Machinery/Vehicles

3. Alarms

Furthermore, these devices provide incorporated FM radio and an easy connection with the MP3 players and other audio equipments. These earplugs and ear muffs have put under scrutiny and passed the necessary hearing protection industry certifications that assure complete hearing protection as well as ensures maximum output “in the ear”. The noise range supported is 82Db to 105Db and other devices up to 120Db. Not only this, these devices are easy to manage and come with adjustable headbands and tactile buttons. This helps the wearer to customize the equipment and use it appropriately to stay secured from excess noise.

Know more on : Safety Earmuffs.

 

Addressing IT Threats with effective Healthcare Compliance Solutions

The proliferation of sophisticated IT threats has caused irreversible damages to the businesses. All business operations are heavily reliant on IT tools and these attacks can either temporarily disable the operations or cause permanent damage. Irrespective of the nature of the attacks business suffers and the remediation actions barely compensate the extent of the damage. To avoid such detrimental circumstances it is advisable to initiate some proactive measures so that the aftermath is less dismal.


Many health care providers had to bear these fateful experiences painfully. Your health care organization is responsible for affecting the privacy of  your clients and your business if you cannot provide effective information security. You know the consequences that you may have to bear in case of any incidents of security breach. Deploying robust and reliable IT compliance and security policies will help to keep a check on these incidents, either caused intentionally or by accident. The deployment of an automated compliance management software helps to streamline your processes and establish a centralized healthcare compliance management process with high levels of transparency.


The software enhances cohesion and collaboration amongst the processes and helps in building an alert defense system. It supports integration and thus can accommodate all compliance frameworks and regulations such as HIPAA, HITECH, PCI, COBIT, SOX and other local compliance frameworks. It monitors the online threats consistently and provides you with real-time online analysis reports. This helps you to assess the compliance status existing in your organization and even gives you an idea on ways to improve your standards with tighter security controls.


The compliance management software maintains a strict and vigilant process with rigorous scanning and authentication processes to check for vulnerabilities. It conducts regular audits and maintains an exhaustive audit log. It automatically updates the organization’s security policies and aligns it with the current policies. It ensures a tenacious payment system for all credit card payments thus meeting every PCI compliance requirement.


The HIPAA compliance standards are exacting and the compliance management software ensures that your policies are in alignment with the HIPAA standards. The services are provided on the cloud giving you relief from investing heavily on additional infrastructure. Since the services are cloud-based you are provided with instant and accurate updates which help in amending your organization’s security policies without delays and eliminating the risks that may destabilize your finances. The software helps in identifying the weak areas and proposes effective remediation measures for any anticipated threats.


Also read on - Vendor management, ISO 27002