Need For Efficient Systems Integration Solutions

Over the past decade, systems integration has become a core factor in operations, competitive advantage and strategy of most corporations in a multiple industry verticals, such as automotive, computing, military systems, telecommunications and aerospace. To explain in simple terms, systems integration is a strategic task that permeates through business management at a technical, as well at a strategic and management level as well.

 

Over the past few years systems integration has evolved manifold in to an emerging model of industrial organizations where firms collaborate and merge various domains of knowledge, practices and skills, human resources, software and hardware know-how to come up with new products for the marketplace. As technology continues to advance not many can keep up pace with it. Business owners and entrepreneurs can have a tough time making sure that their systems are upgraded to leverage the latest developments and technologies. However, inspsite of the complexity to cope up with the ongoing technological advancement, these advancements are crucial to the success of a business, more so from a systems-integration point of view.

 

Systems Integration – Concerns and Solutions

Let us consider a business that is expanding rapidly owing to its newly deployed ecommerce solution. It could be that the web store has garnered greater business that they might not have attained otherwise. There could be a situation where the order are overwhelming, that might lead to quick stock-outs. In this case, an efficient t ERP system with reorder levels might help to avert such circumstances. There are times, when stock outs are unavoidable, but effective systems integration between ecommerce and ERP software consumers will be aware of this situation. If the consumers are informed after their order that it cannot be delivered, then it will lead to a negative purchasing experience.

 

There could be another situation of maintaining the systems separately. Proper systems integration will enable in automatic product updates appearing in the web store when there are web changes in the inventory system. Without appropriate systems integration it can be quite an ordeal to monitor the online services along with the conventional sales channels.

 

Keeping in mind all these aspects and concerns, eminent supply chain consulting firms have introduced advanced systems integration and configuration solutions, offering the following services:

 

  • System Integration, Assembly and Test
  • Turnkey Contract Manufacturing
  • Consignment Contract Manufacturing
  • On-line Management, Control, Inquiry and Reporting
  • Data Center Rack Integration services

 

Hence, advanced systems integration will help companies in smooth operation leading to efficient functionality and productivity.

 

Also read more about : retail packaging

 

Services Offered By Supply Base Management Programs

Suppliers play a crucial role in assisting manufacturers to attain accelerated performance. Effective supplier base management can help in taking costs out of the supply chain. In various industries the management of suppliers can result in as much as 60 to 80 percent of the manufacturing expenses. However, cost reduction is not the only advantage. There are other benefits as well, that includes end-to-end improvements in service and product quality by implementing instant and timely delivery systems, quality enhancement programs and electronic data exchange. Simultaneously, process and product designs can be improved by including chosen suppliers in the early stages of new product development. Furthermore, a streamlines supply base management enables partnerships to be established with the remaining suppliers.

 

Keeping in mind all the above mentioned aspects, today companies need efficient supply base management solutions that will offer them a wide selection of material models, such as full consignment programs, full turnkey programs or a combination of the two. The main objective in obtaining this is to stay ahead of the market changes and fluctuations and respond fast with the new options.

 

Today leading supply chain solutions providers have introduced innovative supply base management programs that offer the organizations and other end users complete access to inventory levels through their proprietary online interface round the clock. Selected supply base management services include the following:

 

  • Material planning and procurement
  • Domestic and offshore sourcing
  • Turnkey and consigned materials
  • Supplier qualification along with certification
  • Vendor managed inventory
  • Kan Ban and other models
  • Complete materials life cycle management

 

Leading market players of supply base management solution with their partnerships and associations cover a worldwide spectrum of suppliers and industry verticals. These associations are well established and ensure best cost quality and delivery on time. Furthermore, they have the capacity to help in an organization’s engineering staff in component qualification.

 

However, selecting an appropriate supply base management solution provider is a crucial task. Prior to partnering with one it is essential that companies analyze their requirements and budget capacity. Post this they can select a solution provider who can cater to their requirements, suit their budget limits and has a favorable market feedback from other clients and end users.

 

Also read more about : retail packaging

 

Understanding the Semantic Web

The word “Semantic Web” is the latest buzzword in the IT landscape. In a nutshell, it is all about machines communicating with machines. It is about making the Web even more intelligent. The best way the Semantic Web phenomena can be described are computers analyzing all the information on the web, i.e. the links, content and the transactions between computers and people?


Semantic Web – Is really Web 3.0?


There are many who feel that the Web 3.0 is going to be the semantic web. If we are to consider that Web 1.0 was all about utilizing the web as a tool and Web 2.0 was primarily about incorporating ourselves to the web, then it is a logical explanation that Web 3.0 is going to be about teaching the web to understand us.


However, it is a little too early to make assumptions about the Web 3.0 and what it is likely to be. There is no doubt that it is going to be used as a buzzword for semantic web and other advancements. However, the next generation web can likely go  in a completely new direction, for instance a virtual world taking over the web browsers. However, it is equally essential to consider that Mobile 2.0 too has a lot to say about the future web.


What is the Semantic Web and the way to get there?


As reiterated before, the semantic web is a the concept of teaching the web, that is to say teaching the next generation of web search engines and browsers i.e. how to understand the content than just the structure of the web. It is all about teaching the search engines to understand, read and draw out the essence and be able to offer it to us.


One of the primary usages of this is better search engines. Web browsers as well as search engines being capable of allowing answering simple questions by mining the web for answers. At the same time, you might just be able to highlight a particular phrase in your browser and then have it come up with greater information about the phrase. For instance, if you have been researching on horses, highlighting a phrase on the types of horse food then you might have the browser search up more information pertaining to the topic and deliver it on the search page as sub topics.


If you want to read more about the developments in semantic web then you can register with a digital library online that features numerous IT and software development articles. These libraries are a resource house of computer articles and magazines along with author articles from industry experts with updated information on Semantic Web and its applications.


Also read more about : IEEE computer magazines , IEEE computer society

A Close Look at Business Entity Formation

When deciding to start a business the first step is to decide on the entity to form the business. This decision depends upon two factors namely


* The type of business being created, and

* The extent to which the entity will protect its principals from personal liability

In the US, the most basic and the most common forms of entity formation or ownership are


* Sole Proprietorship


Also known as a sole trader, or simply proprietorship, it is inexpensive to form and easy to dissolve. As the name suggests, it is owned and run by an individual who owns all assets and all debts of the business. In this type of ownership, there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business. This type of business entity is disregarded for tax purposes since profits and losses of the business are simply part of the owner’s personal income.


* Partnerships


It is formed by two or more persons (or any business entity) who make an agreement to share profits and losses. Taxation is more complex, but the partnership itself pays no taxes. It is only required to file an informational return to the government to report what the profits and losses of the partnership were and how these were allocated to the partners. A partnership ceases to exist in the case of the death or bankruptcy of a partner or when they decide to terminate the partnership.


* Limited Liability Companies or LLCs


Such type of entities is highly flexible, and can be used for a various types of nature of business. Depending on state law, an LLC can have the same limited liability for members as a corporation, or have some members with limited liability and some without limited liability or no limited liability for any members. Unlike corporations, some States require that their LLCs designate a date in the future at which the LLC will automatically dissolve. Some States also require that if a member dies, goes bankrupt, or meets some other calamity the remaining members of the company must either dissolve or vote to continue.


* Corporations


Compared to the above, corporations are more complex. Forming a corporation means creation of a new legal entity, which is separate from its owners. Therefore, its life is independent of the life of shareholders. Depending on state law, a corporation can be owned by just one person and have just one director and officer. Corporations are legally required to follow more formalities than any other entities. Taxation of corporations is much more complex.

Since the selection of the proper type of entity formation is important for any business, entrepreneurs should seek the help of service providers to make the right selection.


Read More About: Foreign Bank Account, FBAR, IRS Amnesty, Overseas voluntary disclosure

Idea Pipeline Management- Success Mantra in an Innovative World

The word innovation brings out the images of creativity, freedom and ideas generation. It facilitates individuals and workforce to be liberated with original thoughts, without any shackles and constraints. However, to convert ideas into products and service there needs to be the right set of discipline and process.  Therefore to implement ideas organizations need to manage them through a systematic pipeline for it to have the greatest impact.

 

Idea pipeline management is about a systematic and sustainable approach to ensure management of innovation in all areas of organizational activity. Described as a structural process, it helps enterprises to tap on the creative potential of human capital within the context   to deliver business value


When American Airlines CEO introduced the AA Strategy way back in 1996, this low cost airline was richer by 17,109 ideas from their employees, that helped the airline save a whopping US$43M. Further, converting various other ideas into action from the idea pipeline, American Airlines has benefited with more than US$300M.


This methodology of idea management is designed to handle both large and small innovative products right from new product development, process development, strategic alliances, and corporate venturing, to implementation. IBM's “Innovation Jam” was the IT major’s idea pipeline management strategy, which has been considered as the one of the largest idea management exercises. With the help of crowdsourcing software, the industry major took the crowd of  over 100,000 employees, families and clients participating through a 72-hour session of idea capturing on set topics. The large number of  ideas generated ready for  implementation was worth  US$ 100 M.


Enterprises in their attempt to capture ideas make use of a number of techniques to bring out the creativity of the people. From brainstorming to the use of crowdsourcing software to providing an ideation platform, are all used.  The technological development has paved way for leading service providers to facilitate a more process-focused idea pipeline management irrespective of the industry.


Being challenged by their competitor, Maytag in 1999 with the innovative washing machine, Whirlpool CEO introduced the idea pipeline management system the I-Pipe to collect and handle the ideas crowd sourced and pooled into the I-Board. This made Whirlpool richer by 7,500 ideas worth over US$3.3B in 2005.


An idea pipeline model that  provides a point of reference and collection of  ideas as they emerge and to be developed upon, passes through four different phases: raw ideas, generation of innovative solution, proving a concept and preparation before it reaches the implementation stage. However, the key components of idea pipeline management that add vigor to accommodate a wide variety of projects and bring benefits are:


* Front-end idea capture tools

* Back-End processes

* Architecture

* Support systems for IT


An effective and transparent idea pipeline management is a vital factor for enterprises keen on incorporating innovations as their success mantra.


Read More About: idea management system, idea management solutions, innovation products

Engineering Outsourcing Companies Providing Value-optimized Solutions

The world is developing at a fast pace today. The focus is on industrialization that results in complete economic development. Engineering is a core industry and has been expanding into various sectors such as machinery, aerospace, oil and gas, avionics and the like. This indicates that the engineering needs too are diverse and has risen in the last decade. Enterprise’s today are aiming at engineering solutions, resources, advanced methodologies and technologies that will help them in offering the best products in the market within a less time. Therefore, the main objective today is to make optimum use of resources. At the same time, there is a demand for cost-efficient solutions that would provide companies a competitive edge over others.

 

When it comes to cost efficient engineering manufacturing, outsourcing is a process that is being resorted by most engineering giants. Leading engineering services outsourcing brands provide their consumers and end users with cost efficient solutions that bring down the total cost of operation and production development. These brands have an extensive network and presence globally. The global operation centers managed by them are accountable for exporting controlled projects in numerous locations.


Top notch engineering outsourcing companies have their group of project engineers and engineering consultants who work on projects that vary from concept designing, production realization, oil and gas transportation, power generation, industrial products and many more. This apart, these organizations have their own global product development team involved in offering better and value-optimized solutions. Other services are as follows:


* Design and detailing

* Manufacturing engineering

* Plant and Process

* Sustenance engineering

* Special Services

* Technical Publications

* Embedded Systems

* Engineering Analysis


There are multiple advantages of these services. They are:


* Increased focus on core activities

* Users can have access to more manpower flexibility

* The time to market is quicker

* Production development expenses are lessened significantly

* There is knowledge retention

* Consumers are able to shift to a variable cost model


Reasons to resort to engineering consultancy services are plenty. One of the most essential reasons is to reduce operational costs. The other reason is that enterprises get the chance to access information and expertise from a global talent pool of prominent brands and expert engineers. Furthermore, the final engineering products and machined parts that are provided by outsourcing companies undergo several levels of mechanization and inspection. This is done to ensure that the products are durable and has longevity. This means the outsourcing process also guarantees value for money.


Related links: aerospace product and parts manufacturing, engineering services

Role Played By Bio Clinical Laboratories In Drug Development

Owing to the present day ailments, epidemics and diseases that go untreated because of lack of appropriate medication and treatment, the medical field along with its able doctors and clinical technicians have been compelled to come up with unique and better treatment modalities. A decade back ailments such as Cancer was taken as incurable, but with the present day advanced treatment methods today it is curable making a patient go back to normalcy. Most doctors and medical experts have realized that the cure to any and every treatment lies in the human cell. Hence, they have engaged themselves in experiments and clinical trials and researches to come up with innovative drug development methods.

 

Most clinical experiments and other forms of medical researches include a testing and analyzing procedures that are conducted in bio clinical laboratories. Therefore, these laboratories act as a base or platform with state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-end medical devices that are required to carry on the medical experiments. The medical technicians carry on several experiments in order test the effects of a certain drug in the blood, to analyze how a patient is responding to the healing techniques offered, to understand the optimum amount of drug dose that needs to be given to the patient for recovery and many more.


Most Indian CRO’s (Clinical Research Organization’s) has their own bio clinical laboratories that are the base of multiple studies and research activities and is approved by NABL and CAP. The laboratory takes part in several external proficiency testing programs with other national and global laboratories in order to retain excellent quality control standards. This apart, the laboratory is also equipped with advanced medical infrastructure and impeccable logistics to aid the treatment process. Furthermore, apart from offering various services for clinical trial having numerous sites these laboratories are completely geared up to support a host of investigations comprising the following:


* Hematology

* Urine Analysis

* Coagulation Studies

* Biochemistry

* Clinical Pathology

* Endocrinology

* Serology

* Inflammatory/Immune markers

* Infectious Disease Markers

* Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

* Tumor Markers

* Lipid Profile

* Liver Function Test

* Anemia Profile

* Renal Profile

* Diabetic Profile

* Biomarkers

* Capabilities for other tests


This apart, bio clinical laboratories also have their own team of well-trained and experienced medical professionals, supported by the latest medical technologies such as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that helps in online data transfer and ensuring lesser turnaround time with high levels of quality and consistency.


Read More About: Clinical Pharmacokinetic, Bioavailability, biometrics companies

Why Software Engineering is Still the Best Job in the World

If you’re a software engineer, you’ve got the best job in the world. At least that’s what some people think. High pay. Low stress. Little physical exertion. Yes, it’s time again for the “Best Jobs” rankings—those glitzy slideshows ranking occupations in terms of job prospects, pay, stress, job satisfaction, and working conditions–and making the top jobs all sound just perfect.

 

In Careercast’s “Best Jobs of 2012” list, software engineer earned the No. 1 ranking for the second year running—followed by actuary, human resources manager, dental hygienist, and financial planner. With an overall score of 176 and annual salary of $88,142, software engineers deal with low stress and are in relatively high demand.

 

But occupations in the healthcare industry are nipping at tech jobs’ heels. Medical assistant ranked higher than database administrator, Web developer, computer systems analyst, and computer programmer in the “Best Jobs of 2012” list. And pharmacist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist were also in the Top 10.

 

Those of you working in the technology field already know that you’ve got it made, relatively speaking. Sure, it can be stressful when you’re finishing a project on deadline or trying to solve problems that at times seem unsolvable. But the pay and working conditions are much better than say, a lumberjack, which ranked among Careercast’s “Worst Jobs of 2012” due to its low pay, lack of job prospects, and dangerous working conditions.

 

And you can heave a collective sigh of relief that not a single technology job category made an appearance on Career Bliss’s “Unhappiest Jobs of 2012.” No, those were reserved for product manager, program manager, marketing manager, and director of sales (just in case any of you think about making the leap into sales or marketing).

 

And in case any of you are resenting that the software developer occupation was knocked from its pedestal by registered nurse, know that registered nurse was also the third-most-unhappy job of 2012. Just remember that next time you’re in the hospital.

 

If you work in software engineering or development engineering, what do you think of your job? And if you’re looking for opportunities in software, visit the IEEE Computer Society ‘s computer careers.

 
Read more about : computer articles

 

Efficient Ediscovery Litigation Support Solutions for Optimal Processes

Most law firms that employ older processes and tools, often struggle to cater to the increased litigation demands. Identifying evidence and assessing cases early is impeded by the enormous and growing volume of electronically stored information (ESI). With the growing number of cases to handle each month, litigation support software is an investment worth making. An effective litigation software support would help a firm manage large amounts of data and documents easily.

In litigation, there is a need to pay attention to detail and eDiscovery support in litigation requires precision and order. A good litigation support uses an integrated process to handle all the functions to maintain a flexible environment that provides accurate solutions. It provides an easy and effective way to organize relevant information.

Potentially important ESI (Electronically Stored Information) can be gathered within a matter of minutes, saving valuable time. An effective litigation discovery solution can help streamline your ediscovery process, thereby increasing productivity. Owing to the advanced capabilities, litigators can now start a cost and benefit analysis early in the eDiscovery process. Investing in a good solution for electronic discovery litigation ensures faster early case assessments, improved case outcomes and reduced litigation costs.

To move your legal process in the right direction, litigation teams need to be provided with the best eDiscovery litigation support solutions. It is prudent  to opt for a solution that is easy to use, and reduces time and cost. Litigation Software support could easily ensure early case assessment breakthroughs with better success rates. Look for a solution that can

  • Consolidate the entire ediscovery process from identification & legal hold through review and production
  • Remove the expensive and time consuming transfer  of data between multiple disparate tools
  • Lower processing costs and time
  • Reduce review volume
  • Gain rapid insight to better prepare for the keyword negotiations
  • Quickly perform early case assessments
  • Rapidly identify key custodians and relevant evidence to meet court appointed and FRCP deadlines
  • Provide full transparency and Lifecycle reporting to ensure the defensibility of the e-discovery process and reduce the risk of court sanctions


The right e Discovery tools can help legal teams to view the status of every case and also take timely and decisive action. Legal teams are comprehending how search technology can help reduce discovery costs and mitigate legal risks. With the right solution ensure that law firms to respond to litigation in a timely and cost effective manner.

Read more on - corporate investigation, electronic disclosure

Resolve Tax Issues with Overseas Voluntary Disclosure Programs

Tax relief programs are meant to help the public servant, business enterprises and every working individual pay their taxes  to the government without fail.  Taxpayers irrespective of them being an individual or a business enterprise,  in their busy schedule fail to follow  according to the norms of filing their tax returns. The income tax departments have designed and developed various amnesty and  voluntary disclosure programs allow these tax defaulters  to come forward to pay their taxes in full.

 

Effective tax planning on the part of the of the taxpayer will help them avoid the penalties that come with  delayed filing of taxes .  Today's  globalized  work environment has led to a large number of distantly distributed and offshore teams. With such a  mobile workspace, it becomes quite easy for individuals to avoid tax payments. However, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Government organizations have  engaged themselves through various practices to  bring the taxpayer with  undisclosed foreign bank accounts meet the  tax regulations in compliance with the U.S requirements. This is so because under the U.S. Department of Treasury and FBARpolicies, any  citizen of the United States  needs to file an annual FBAR if he has any  financial account that is situated outside U.S or the value of the account surpasses $10,000 during the financial year.

 

The Overseas Voluntary Disclosure Program developed by the IRS is meant to  assist people  who have unintentionally or intentionally failed to pay and report the taxes on their foreign income and instead tend to cancel their offshore accounts. With  less penalty added,  this program aims to help those individuals or business enterprises to  willingly admit their missing tax dues and report voluntary disclosures.  Similar   IRS amnestyprograms implemented earlier helped the government generate more than $4.4 billion.

 

In the era of globalization, the US IRS tax code requires every US citizen irrespective of presently residing or being a non-resident to declare their global income,  failure of which may lead to penalties. The penalties however depend on the tax evasion activities. However, the OVDP penalty framework  for the present year requires defaulters  too

 

  • Pay a penalty up to the maximum of 27.5% of the highest aggregate balance in any undisclosed  foreign accounts for  eight full tax years prior to the disclosure
  • File all tax returns including  payment of  back-taxes and interest for up to eight years, as well as any penalties incurred.

 

Though effective  tax planning by efficient service providers and tax professionals will  help the tax payers, the defaulters who file their tax returns under the Overseas voluntary disclosure Program  are also benefited. The voluntary disclosure provides them total compliance with US tax laws, analysis and planning to reduce FBAR penalty,  AMT strategies and foreign tax credit besides other benefits.