Sunday, September 30, 2012

Credit Unions - Where You Are More Than A Number

If you are tired of dealing with big banks and all of their stringent criteria when it comes to managing your money, maybe it is time for you to look into what credit unions have to offer. Even though these institutions are much smaller than most banks, they offer you plenty of similar services along with some extras for their customers. Since their membership requirements are less stringent, it is possible for people who haven't had the best of luck with their financial history to get an opportunity to utilize some of their services as well.

Credit unions offer their customers a more personal experience. Instead of you being bombarded by solicitations for services you don't need, you get to learn more about products that are more geared towards your personal needs. It is much easier for you to qualify for loans and other services, since most credit unions don't just look at your personal credit history; they also take into consideration your relationship and history with the institution. If you have had trouble separating yourself from the crowd when you have done business with traditional banks, you won't have much trouble at the smaller financial institutions.

Since many credit unions often have some sort of affiliations with local business, cities and other organizations, there are often additional perks available to customers who have some sort of ties to those organizations. Special programs, easier qualifying criteria and even a reduction or elimination of fees are some of the perks you get to enjoy as a member. Some facilities even have special events where they offer special pricing for cars and houses for those who are interested. Keep in mind that may of the programs and incentives they offer are much cheaper and more appealing than what you would receive if you were to do business with a traditional large bank.

Credit unions are more appealing to those who want to have more control over their money without all of the additional fees and rules. Instead of having to deal with all of the constant rules and regulations that make it hard for you to keep track of what is going on and where your money is going, you can have more freedom at a smaller and more local institution. Since it is your money and patronage that keeps these places going, they are more willing to listen to their customers. The more you do business with them, the more familiar they become. Instead of just being some random account to the tellers and financial officers, you are an actual person. If you need assistance or have some sort of special circumstances that creates a problem with one of your accounts, management is more lenient and more able to provide you with some additional assistance if it is possible. Improve your financial situation by taking advantage of the resources and products that are available at your financial institutio

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Whatever Change Your Business Makes, Make It A Positive One



During a company's lifetime it is common that they will need to change premises or possibly manage their buildings in a different way and want to ensure they are able to respond quickly and efficiently to new opportunities. It is important that this process has little negative impact on the productivity of a company as possible which is why it is such a good investment to work alongside a company that can help make this process as smooth and stress free as possible.

Instead of struggling with various companies and supply chains why not go to one facility management company that can help supply you with all the services that you require. This will reduce stress and confusion whilst also helping you form a more streamlined approach to business.

Whether your organisation needs help or advice regarding health and safety audits, comprehensive energy and carbon reduction projects or the recent recession and how to overcome this difficult time by rethinking your business model or reformatting your workplace there is a company that can overtake and advise, professionals who know what they are talking about with over a decade's worth of experience.

We all know the upheaval and hassle it can cause when you need to move offices or warehouse. Sometimes it would be great to invest in a company who can help you relax and deal with the process for you. That's why it is so important to choose a facilities management partner who understands office relocations and movements, with years of experience in managing them.

Your office relocation should be successful and efficient and with the help of workplace management this can be guaranteed. With experience of relocations in some of the UK's largest and leading organisations; helping them through periods of growth you can rest assured that your move will be a successful one.

Make the most of the specialist designers who can optimise your office layouts and rely on the teams who specialise in the reorganisation of IT and telecom infrastructure to ensure that the move is a success. Regardless of the buildings' previous use, it can be easily changed to reflect the desires of your organisation.

One of the main business concerns when looking to relocate is the effect it will have on the day to day running of the company and the impact it may have on customers. The good news is that you can rely on workplace management to ensure your business has no downtime during the changeover to ensure that your business is running as usual. This means happy customers and maximum business turnover during a month you may well be dreading.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Multiple Messaging - A Simple, Fast and Reliable Way to Grab the Attention of Customers



As text messages have become a popular mode of communication between people, multiple messaging service is one of the best ways to reach customers. In 2011, nearly 7.8 trillion messages were sent and it is expected to reach 9.6 trillion in 2012. On average, text Messages are read within 4 minutes compared to 48 hours with email. Besides, multiple messaging is a cheap, fast and reliable than other marketing strategies.

Multiple messaging is a process of sending multiple messages to people at the same time. As it is cheap, reliable and fast than other marketing methods it is often used in marketing field to promote products and services. It is usually known as bulk SMS service.

Nowadays, bulk SMS service is being used by various corporate and marketing organizations. It is not just used to promote products but it is also used to invite business partners, employees and suppliers to some important events or while launching new products and services.

In the recent years, bulk SMS has become a popular mode of marketing. As multiple messaging offers updates about special offers, discount coupons, freebies, free shipping and new products, customers find it pretty useful while shopping. Most of the customers even sign up for SMS alerts to get up-to-date information about new products and offers.

Some important features of multiple messaging are listed below:

Simple:

Unlike other marketing methods, you might not require any assistance or in-depth knowledge to initiate bulk SMS marketing campaign. All you need is a bulk SMS software and client's mobile numbers to start sending messages. Earlier, marketers had to rely on SMS service providers to send multiple messages but now using bulk SMS software you can send messages on your own. As SMS software have user friendly interface, even an inexperienced marketer can make use of it effectively.

Moreover, multiple SMS marketing campaigns are easy to manage and monitor. You will be able to analyze the progress of your marketing campaign in just a few weeks.

Fast:

As messages reach the customers directly, it is often faster than other marketing methods which are subjected to interference. As mobile technology is booming, mobile towers are designed with advanced features and are able to transfer the messages even during severe climatic conditions.

Reliable:

SMS has higher response rate than conventional marketing techniques such as email, telemarketing and internet marketing. It is found that around 95% of text messages are open and read by the people. So, promoting products and services through multiple messaging service is one of the best ways to boost sales.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Role of Short Messages in Business Marketing



In today's competitive marketing field, business owners are using a wide range of marketing strategies such as email marketing, internet marketing, direct marketing and telemarketing to promote products and services quickly and effectively. Currently, short message service is proving to be an effective marketing strategy. As there are over 4 billion mobile users worldwide, using SMS marketing is one of the best ways to reach customers quickly and effectively.

SMS (Short Message Service) is a service for sending short messages of up to 160 characters to mobile devices including smartphones, cellular phones and PDAs. It is often used in marketing field to send a common message to thousands of customers from various realm of life to check if they are interested in offers, services or products. Earlier, marketing was done by walking up to the customers and now the customers are invited to come to a particular showroom or an event to check out the products via short message service.

The event can give a live demonstration of the product and might tempt people to buy the product which ultimately boosts the business productivity. All these things are possible with the messaging system that does not take much time and you just need to gather the mobile numbers of the people to send the messages. The idea of bulk SMS has become revolutionary in the market today to promote products and services.

Sending massive quantity of text messages termed as bulk SMS has taken the messaging system from the hand of single users and have become in itself an innovative way to touch the lives of people in every aspect. Now it has become a tool that you can use to inform business partners, suppliers, employees and clients about an important event or launch of new service or product. However, it is mainly used to promote products and services.

SMS is used as an effective marketing tool to grab the attention of customers by sending promotional messages that usually comprise special offers, discount coupons, coupon codes and details about new products or services. As it is cheap, fast and reliable, bulk SMS is gaining recognition in various sectors including educational institutions, IT companies, hospitals, industries and real estate.

With the development of bulk SMS software, SMS marketing has become easier than before. Now, even an inexperienced marketer is able to use this software due to its easy to use interface. With increasing mobile users and popularity of text messages, SMS marketing is one of the best ways to boost business productivity.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Got Self-Defeating Money Conversations Lurking in Your Mind?



When I first started my coaching business I felt inept and powerless when it came to making money. I had a difficult time imagining that I could ever make a decent income. I believed that the only way I could end up with any money at the end of the month was to manage it very frugally.

However, I realized that if I were ever going to become successful at creating money that I had to become 100% responsible for how I was interpreting my ability to create it.

I became aware that I had an on-going internal dialogue about my inability to make money. I felt like it was out of my hands - and there wasn't anything I could do about it. I had the belief that entrepreneurs were either born with the "money making gene" or not. In short, I felt like I was powerless when it came to money.

At one point when I was feeling particularly frustrated with my failed attempts to make money I told myself, "I am sick and tired of struggling with this! From now on I'm going to be 100% responsible for my thoughts and beliefs around money."

I realized that what I think is my "reality", or what I believe to be "the truth" about my situation was really just my interpretation. One of my mentors, Jim Bergquist, a master at coaching the inner principals of creativity in business, helped me to see how I was interpreting my ability to get clients and make money.

Through this process I realized I had to discipline myself to actually BE different instead of just thinking differently. I started to tell myself, "I can see the way I'm interpreting this is not very powerful because I don't feel empowered... and then I would go to, "Am I willing to be 100% responsible for my financial circumstances?"

I now apply this to all situations and circumstances in my life - not just with money - and I'm actually getting really great at creating some amazing results!

I recently went out to dinner with my husband. He seemed preoccupied after having had a busy week. I started to feel resentful that he wasn't being present and more conversational. But then I stopped myself and realized that I was being judgmental. This served as an indicator that the way I was interpreting my situation wasn't very powerful.

Even though I had believed that my husband was "entirely to blame for his attitude" I chose to accept complete responsibility for how I was showing up.

And in that moment I had the insight, "I could just passively listen and feel resentful or I could actually show up differently - and while I can't control my husband I can control my reaction and therefore the quality of my experience."

I let go of my resentment and listened to him with genuine interest and without any judgment. Soon the energy shifted and we ended up having a wonderfully connecting evening.

Apply these principles and you'll find that you can transform not only the financial success you achieve in your business but in your life as well.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Elevator Repair - Tips on Finding a Great Company



If your building is in need of elevator repair, don't just hand the job over to your full-time handyman. Though their technology has been around-to some degree or another-for a long time, these lifts are complex systems that deserve the attention of an expert. Not only will you get it fixed more quickly when you call out a specialized company, but also you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the job was done right. The safety of your building's tenants and guests depend on taking the work seriously. Here are some tips you can use to find a great company.

Safety Precautions
When it comes to elevator repair, you can't afford to just hire the local jack-of-all-trades. That may do when it comes to fixing your faucets or even looking at your heating system, but this is a situation where people's lives literally hang in the balance. You need someone who is a certified expert in the field and has the proper precautionary standards. In larger cities, the entire industry should be well regulated. Look for companies that adhere to these regulations and won't try to take short cuts to save a few dollars. You want this job done correctly, even if it costs a bit more to hire the best people.

Longevity
The concept of elevator repair has been around a long time. Certainly, it has been around long enough for at least a few companies to establish a long history in the field. Give those companies preference when making your decision. By being able to point to a period of longevity in the area, the company shows that they take pride in their work. Businesses of any type have a hard time sticking around when they are disappointing customers left and right. If a company has been around awhile, they must be doing something right. Besides that, the more experience they have in the field, the better results you should expect from their service.

Dependability
Don't be afraid to switch elevator repair companies if you aren't getting what you need from the one you hired. Especially when it comes to larger buildings, you can't afford to have your lift out of service for any extended length of time. If the company you've hired keeps having to come back and fix the same problem, something is wrong. Find someone who can come out, make a correct diagnosis, and fix the problem the first time.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Effectiveness of the Swipe Clock System



As technology progresses today, more and more companies are resorting to technology based options in enhancing their business operations. This includes keeping time on their employees to ensure a fair production output for the wages offered. This is where many companies are looking at effective swipe clock system that would track the working hours of the employees to generate accurate payroll information for an efficient payday operation.

Preferred system

Timekeeping in any company that wants to be productive and thrifty must be simple, affordable and effective. There may be a plethora of swipe clock system solutions in the market today but every company must choose one that caters to its unique business nature and objectives. The best timekeeping solution would be a people-friendly system with an easy installation and usage. Employers and employees would welcome the system for the numerous benefits it offers besides the design and convenience.

Good swipe clock system would ease the workload of the managers and operators of such systems. The available features on the preferred time system should be flexible in catering to not just the current needs of the company but be able to accommodate the future needs of the company should it expand.

There should be warning "bells and whistles" to protect the business while offering the best of data and relevant reports.

Functional

The preferred swipe clock system must be functional as it is simple to ease the work demands of the operators. Most of the latest swipe clock solutions in the market offer simplistic hardware which is easy to set up while tracking employee work times accurately.

There is a lot of automation in such clock systems to increase the convenience of the employees and operators. Hence, accountability of operators is accurate with such a system. There is no need for faxing or phoning in of employee data which reduces human error through manual computation of time sheets. A swipe clock system allows the company a myriad of data collection option which include web, PIN, badge card and fingerprint options.

Benefits

Many modern companies are benefiting from swipe clock systems as these have proven to generate higher savings. The system is able to track precisely the work hours of every employee while eliminating wasted labor time. Administrative costs are reduced with an automated system; administrators can be more productive in other areas than keep track or gather work hours data of employees.

Employees' productivity tends to increase as they would be more diligent to present themselves punctually to work and fulfill their work obligations. The company would benefit from their employees' creativity and well of knowledge in the business.


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Reaping the Benefits of Online Payroll Processing



Payroll is a crucial component of any business in any nation. An online business would still require a payroll system if it is braced for expansion. With the developing technology today, it is not surprising to see companies adopting online payroll processing through online payrolls which are abundant in the market.

Technology progress

With the progressive technology of today, more and more payroll packages and systems are in the market for companies to choose. Hence, one can find advanced payroll features in many outstanding payroll systems which make it so convenient for companies to facilitate their payroll operations.

Payday is what most employees would look forward to; hence, an efficient system is expected to be installed to facilitate the payroll processing. Some experienced businesses may not even be well versed with their payroll operations which can be quite complicated with a large number of employees and many work options such as part-timers, hourly paid workers, temporary staff, full time workers, skilled employees, administrators and managerial level employees.

It is crucial to have the right payroll system in place to compute employee pays as well as tax deductions correctly and carefully. The payroll systems must be flexible in adjusting their features to accommodate the constantly changing IRS regulations in order to stay relevant; otherwise, the company would need to resort to new payroll purchases which can be costly and above the budget.

Online systems

With the latest technology, it is now possible to enjoy flexible systems online. Such payroll systems allow the payroll processing to be handled efficiently with the relevant data stored securely online. Such payroll systems offer a full range of payroll solutions online to improve the company's payroll process.

Online payroll processing can be handled by the company or through the professional services of experts in payroll and accounting. These service providers are experts in operating the full range of online systems to benefit the company. Their charges are reasonable and their service is efficient and prompt for every pay schedule required by the company to facilitate the different types of workers in the company.

Benefits

Online payroll systems for a more efficient processing is a viable choice for companies that wish to expand in the near future as there is no need to be concerned about system upgrades or maintenance; these are handled efficiently by the service providers at no extra charges.

As companies make use of technology quite heavily today in most of their business operations, it is not surprising that an online payroll service is highly considered to ensure a smooth operation on its payroll component.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

The Difference Between Credit Unions and Banks in Your Town



You probably have a checking account with one of the banks in your town. You have credit unions as well. Perhaps you never realized how different these two institutions are, or your decision was made based on hours of operation, and where the closest ATM was located. Looking for a financial institution based on convenience is not a bad thing. Convenience is one of many things we should consider. Another factor we should consider is how important supporting our own community is. How important is it that our financial institution work for us?

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two types of institutions is who they work for. A credit union is not for profit. This means that decisions made are made by volunteers, and shareholders in your community who were voted in to take on this responsibility. You are a shareholder if you have a share draft or checking account. When you make a deposit you are buying shares in the company. They pay you back with the lower interest rates on loans and the higher interest rate on checking. The downside to these institutions is getting money out may require going to a branch. ATM cards may have fees, or there may be few ATMs to withdraw money from without incurring fees. Another downside might be not having online bill pay. Of course some credit unions may offer more than others, you simply have to stop in and see.

When considering banks in your town you will see that they spend money on advertising. Why is that? They need to compete with other institutions, and have something that draws customers in. Free checking, no minimum savings or free use of ATM's, conveniently placed all over your town and neighboring towns may be their edge. However, while these services are often very convenient, they still might not be right for you. Banks are primarily interested in making money, and turning a profit whenever possible. When you deposit your money you are lending it to them, which, of course they pay you back with interest. However, that interest may not be very much.

In the end you are left to make your choice. You can, of course, use both institutions, but most people prefer one, or make the decision based on what is important to them. You may find that a credit union is more convenient for your family, and feels more secure since you know everyone who works there from your community. Or you may feel that using a bank in your town makes more sense because they have ATMs in the town you work in too. More access to your money might be your motivating factor. Both institutions have their place.


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

How to Find the Best Criminal Background Investigation Provider



No matter how much you may trust certain people, the fact of the matter remains that you don't really know who you are dealing with until you know more about their history. Even if you have known someone for several years, before you go to hire them to work for your company you need to make sure that you do a thorough criminal background investigation. You can't afford to put your business at risk. You have worked very hard to build a successful business and to leave it vulnerable to some untrustworthy employee is a mistake you can't afford to make.

There are many different companies that provide investigative services and claim that they can provide you with everything you need to know about anyone before you hire them. You should know that not all criminal background investigation companies are created equal. There are a few things you can do to help you choose the best provider for your company.

You need to find a company that has been in business for several years. This means that they should have a proven track record of success. They have been providing exceptional services and results for their customers. A good way to find out the names of several good providers is to ask some of your business associates who they use and who they would recommend for background checks.

Determine how many checks you would need performed each month, on average. Think about what information you want included on the reports that you are given. How far back do you want the investigators to go for a good history on your candidates? It is a good idea to have some sort of plan in place to help you screen your candidates and pick the most qualified.

Discuss what the criminal background investigation company can do for you. Find out about their pricing. Some companies charge according to how many searches you need performed on a weekly or monthly basis, while others charge per search. Find out which one is the most cost effective for you. If you are a medium to big business, and you plan on expanding in the near future, you may want to go with a package where you are charged for a certain amount of investigations per week or month. If you are a small business, it may be more cost effective for you to purchase reports as needed.

Check with the Better Business Bureau. You want to learn more about the reputation and credentials about any investigative company you are thinking about hiring. Once you have established that their credentials are current and they seem to be the best in the field, talk to the representatives and discover how you can start a good relationship with them. Once you have found a good criminal background investigation provider, stick with them. They will help you protect your business by thoroughly screening all potential employees, and that will make your hiring decisions much easier.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The 3 Most Important Factors of Catering



Whether you're planning a small dinner with friends or an enormous banquet for a fundraiser, the importance of good catering cannot be overstated. Not only does depending on an outside company to prepare the meal free you to concentrate on the other aspects of event planning, but if you choose wisely you can serve your guests a meal that would have been nearly impossible to pull together on your own. When it comes to choosing a company, there are many similarities to the factors you would weigh when choosing a restaurant. But there are other considerations as well. Here are three of the most important factors to think about when hiring one.

The Cooking

Obviously, it begins-if it doesn't necessarily end-with the food itself. Your first goal should be to find catering that will "cater" to your guests. In other words, you might not choose a four star gourmet company for a kids birthday party. Likewise, you might not choose a place that specializes in greasy BBQ if you're planning a white tie affair. But beyond making sure the food is appropriate, you also need to make sure it's actually good. Many places will allow you to taste test their wares before committing. It is a good idea to take them up on that offer.

Safety

Many local markets have news stations that provide behind-the-scenes looks at area restaurants, expose them for dirty practices, and warn consumers when an eatery is slipping underneath regulations. These stations rarely go after catering companies, however, which leaves the research to you. And, if anything, it's even more important to make sure the caterer you're thinking of hiring adheres to proper food safety techniques. This isn't coming straight from the kitchen to your table, after all. Make sure the company you hire has the means and capabilities to keep your food safe and warm (or cold) before it arrives in front of your guests.

Customer Service

It is as important in the catering business as it is in the restaurant field and it is something you should look into carefully before hiring a company. This is something you can usually form an opinion about well before the event itself. Most companies will work with you to create the perfect menu for the dinner. Before even that begins, you should be watching how their personnel interacts with you and what level of service you're getting. If you feel as though you aren't being treated like an important client, you may want to take your business to someone else.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Electronic Security Systems Are Vital For Businesses



In today's society we are living with constant developments in technology in every aspect of our lives; from our personal homes to working environments, improvements are being made to help us feel more comfortable. Security is a factor that helps us with this level of comfort, because of this we strive for the latest advances in security management to help us feel more at ease in any environment.

Whether you're at home or at work, it is important for you to keep your belongings safes; with a constant increase in theft and intrusion, it is more important than ever to secure your property effectively with the most efficient equipment. However security systems are not only there to keep your possessions protected; personal safety can be drastically important too.

Electronic security systems can work on many different levels; utilising different strategies to keep you and your possessions out of danger. In your home danger can usually strike when nobodies around; with the use of modern wireless alarm systems this issue can be a thing of the past. Remote monitoring has become a way to check on your property whilst you are not there; it is now possible to spot threats before putting yourself at risk.

The same situation applies to industrial companies handling expensive equipment; with the rate of crimes like metal theft increasing, it is more important than ever to protect your business. CCTV systems have been in recognised operation for many years, and work effectively to monitor important areas; new developments in the systems mean that they are working more effectively than ever. With remote access and the ability to integrate them into existing company systems, closed circuit practice can deliver even better results than ever.

A more advanced technology on offer from CCTV is perimeter intruder detection; knowing who is coming into your business is vitally important for detecting threats; with the use of technology like registration plate recognition, fibre optic perimeter protection and vehicle entry systems you can manage any possible threats before they've even set foot on the premises.

It's not only strangers coming into your business that you need to be aware of; in larger organisations it can be difficult to monitor all the employees you manage. Because of this, access control systems have become a development worth looking into; the old clock-in systems still in place in most places of work can't monitor who exactly is coming in and interacting with the business. With the use of developed key cards and identity checks, this can now become an issue of the past.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Nothing More Important Than Aviation And Transport Security



In the past 10 years, many of us have experienced the increase in airport security that has been introduced due to external threats to air travel both for leisure and commercial purposes. Passengers and employees are looking for peace of mind when they are travelling or working in this now hostile environment.

The department of transport and other regulatory bodies are constantly working to ensure the safety and security in these transport hubs, whether its airports, sea ports or railway stations. Regulations are now being put in place to ensure companies are working by set rules and guidelines to reduce the risk of threats to the public and employees.

Each year in the UK there are millions of passengers utilising air services, and demand is constantly increasing; the requirement for better security services is also intensified, creating more pressure on the regulatory bodies to ensure that all areas are covering protocol correctly, efficiently and strategically. Advances in technology are a constantly working on developments; hold baggage screening, CCTV monitoring, passenger profiling and the protection of aircraft, ships, and trains are all areas where continuous expansion and equipment are vital for the future running of the transport industry.

Creating a standardised approach to transport security has never been more important than in the current environment. Experience in the past few years of how gaps in security have caused major international implications has shown us where services need to be improved. Without this development, the same problems will continue to happen and put passengers and employees at risk to unresolved threats.

It's not only the passenger market that is affected by the constant threat surrounding the travel market as 95% of the UKs trade is handled through different types of port, security in varying environments differ to others whether it's airports, ports or rail terminals. With this we can understand the importance of using different security techniques in the appropriate situations.

One of the main technologies used in the security of any port is CCTV; it is important that only specific trusted members of personnel can access this level of surveillance. Control rooms, monitoring and alarms can be the key pieces of technology, however advanced or minimal they are, in tackling threats to the security of a port.

Another important step in security levels is understanding who everyone is; this can range from the passengers to the suppliers of the port. Using profiling and screening on anyone who has any interaction with ports is one of the most useful tools if anything goes wrong. With technological advances on identity checking, it is becoming easier to spot possible threats before they can become reality.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Centralising Your Business Processes



Technology is at the forefront of innovation, it changes the way that business is done and the way that consumers go about finding business. So why not invest in a company who can keep you up to date with technological advances working in a faster and smarter way to ensure that you receive better services and get more for your money!

By partnering with an integrated facilities management service you will receive a computer aided facilities management system which is an up to date and highly innovative software package on the market. You can access the system remotely using the internet meaning that services can be tailored to suit your individual needs. The system allows helpdesks to function from any location, wherever suits you best.

Automating of processes is becoming much more common, this means that integrating the systems of a facilities management company with your company systems is much easier than you think; this is ideal for those offices operating across different sites. With up to date security technology you will be able to invest in advanced remote security, alarm monitoring and tracking services across your organisation.

You may be surprised to discover that there is a successful web-based portal available for your business which is specifically designed for large integrated facilities management clients so if your business falls within these parameters then you can benefit from a service that brings together the information from all of the facilities management services in one consistent, easy to use format which will successfully blend into your own data seamlessly. Amazingly the result is a one stop shop to monitoring and managing all of your organisations buildings and equipment in one place instantly.

This system allows you to dig a little deeper into the details of your organisation by viewing the big picture but also choosing to view more information by unit, site, and service and even by region.

The most appealing aspect of this service is the ability to manage all costs centrally. The system allows you to view how efficiently each site is being used by showing you infrastructure costs such as IT, rent and rates, building by building which allows you to cut your overheads where you feel it would be appropriate. Having this detailed level of information makes business processes simpler and easier than ever before whilst allowing you to keep a firm eye on your business and its outgoings.

Using these services, you are able to predict future changes and react quickly to these before further issues arise.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Ensuring Your Security Team Has All The Required Technology



All employees are important to the successful running of a company, and it is important to keep all employees safe to ensure the business operations flow smoothly; this covers your entire workforce, including lone workers or self employed members of staff who may work based from different locations.

Lone workers and self employed people are covered in the legal responsibility an organisation holds, including the health and safety and welfare of employees as well as visitors and contractors. Risk assessments are a well known practice for ensuring the workplace is safe and responsible; they are equally as constructive for the lone worker environment, covering aspects that may not have originally been thought of.

There are many lengths that can be taken in protecting these members of staff; effective communication is needed in any working environment, if the lone worker and management do not operate on a two way communication system, issues can be lost, unidentified or passed off as unimportant. Not only small issues need to be raised; if a large predicament arises, it is important for the safety and wellbeing of the lone worker that somebody else knows about it.

Mobile devices have revolutionised the protection and safety of the lone worker; using technology such as GPS and 'push for help' systems has not only made the practice easier to manage, it has also made it cheaper and a more reliable source for looking after employees.

When safety is an issue outside of the working environment, GPS locating systems have become a way of tracking the safety of lone workers 'out in the field'. There are many issues that an employee could face when in the public environment, and sometimes verbal communication is not an option for an effective two way system. With GPS tracking however, the employee can be tracked to ensure their safety and effective running. Although some might think of this method as an intrusive form of tracing, it is in fact guaranteeing their safety.

If this is option is not the preferred approach, there are always other ways that safety can be implemented. 'Push for help' systems work again with mobile technology; if the lone worker finds themselves in a tricky situation, where again verbal communication is not manageable, the mobile device can be used to send a signal to anybody who could intervene, for example security professionals, members of the workplace and even the police.

Although these issues can be rare, they are not unusual; especially depending on the industry you work in. Because of this it is beneficial to have security in place for all employees working with the company, whatever their situation.