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Business strategy

It has already been a rough year for business owners, and we’re only at the halfway point. Brexit shocked the economy across the globe, and it wasn’t just British companies that took the hit. Every business owner braced themselves as the pound took a hit and economy tumbled down with it. That situation still hasn’t been resolved, and while it has stabilised, it could still have a greater effect. Particularly, after Britain officially leaves the EU, which may not be until 2021. Meanwhile, a recent report has revealed just how many employees receive basic benefits. Around seventy percent of employees in America alone do not receive health care. It’s no wonder that companies are inundated every year with injury claims. Without winning in court, it seems many wouldn’t get the money they need when they’re off work.

Then, there is the growth of other economies. Both China and India are growing at a rapid rate with new businesses opening up every day. In India, entire cities are being built up for business and will be active on the global market by the end of the year. This means a fresh dose of competition for companies that have already been established. New companies are almost always setup to run online. This means continued trouble for high street shop owners. Online companies can cheapen their costs and therefore sell at a lower price. These are just some of the issues that businesses are facing this year. However, it’s pointless to look at the problems, unless we can start to consider the solutions.

Increasing Competition

In many ways, increased competition from international businesses isn’t a problem. In fact, for the consumer, it’s good news. They can get the same product at a lower price, hopefully, made to the same quality. It also pushes other businesses to step up their game and deliver a better service to their customers. These are the advantages, so what are the disadvantages?

Well, firstly, it does create what is essentially a tilted playing field. Particularly when you consider that a lot of new international businesses are setting up where labour and tax laws are more lenient. China, for instance, have little to no laws preventing the use of cheap child labour. This is always going to make a manufacturing business cheaper to run. Ethically, the situation is questionable, but there is no doubt this practice does cut down costs. It is one of the reasons why Western companies are moving to countries like China. Then there are the tax laws that give companies incentives to set up in the first place. Both these facts make it more difficult for older companies to stay competitive.

They have to find other ways to cut costs. There are solutions to this problem, though. Businesses need to focus on how to make their companies more efficient. One possibility is to use outsourcing services. By investing in outsourcing services, companies can get rid of expensive costs in their model. Instead, another business takes on this cost for them. This makes the overall expense of the company a lot cheaper. There are countless services that can be outsourced in business from fully managed IT to legal services. Smaller companies can then be just as effective as bigger businesses with the same level of costs.

Businesses, may also want to look into advantages they have that other companies do not. A lot of international companies can not afford to invest in the latest tech and hardware. However, businesses that have already been stabilised can. This new tech makes these businesses a more powerful force on the market. They can improve their efficiency levels and make sure that their business is more productive.

Another advantage these businesses have is the access to skilled workers. Any economist will tell you that they key to a successful company is often hiring the right employees. With the right workers, you can guarantee you have the knowledge and the skill you need to make sure your company comes out on top.

Changing Dynamics

Recently, there has been a shift in the relationship between the business and the consumer. In the past, it was easy to keep business operations away from the interest of the customer. Now, customers and clients want to know everything about how businesses operate. They want to understand the production methods and connect with the people behind the business. Essentially, they want companies to engage with them in a more personal way than they had previously. This is putting pressure on businesses because a lot of companies are already doing this. They are connecting with their customers and making sure they feel more involved in the process. Marketing has become a far more interactive experience.

New and old businesses need to be doing this if they want to keep the interest of customers. One possibility to start considering is using social media to connect. Through social media, companies can easily interact with customers through technology. They can send updates, ask questions and provide customer services. They can even use it as a form of simple yet effective viral marketing. Even companies that don’t operate online should be using these types of resources. It is the only way to keep the interest of the customers.

Of course one of the current major problems has nothing to do with competition or customers. Rather, it is entirely based on the actions and decisions of employees. In particular, almost every business is dealing with the issue of premises liability. Premises liability is essentially a duty of care to employees in business. If an employee is injured, the business owner is held directly responsible. As such, they or their company can be sued for damages in the event of an accident. This is one of the reasons why it’s important have full insurance in place for your business. That way, if a claim is made, it should be partially covered by your insurance.

Recently, however, businesses are struggling to stay afloat in a sea of countless claims. This is why companies are working hard to make their properties safer than ever. It often costs money to ensure that safety levels are kept at a constant high. It is worth it to prevent an expensive lawsuit hitting a business fresh on the market. For a new company, an expensive PI claim could be a death sentence.

Due to the new level of engagement between companies and customers, there is a chance for public perception to be more damaging. An example would be the issue of the green company. In many ways, it is beneficial for businesses to go green. In particular, it will cut their energy costs right down, thus making their business more efficient. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact that the fixed costs of making a business green are expensive. For some companies, they are too high to handle. Yet, customers are now more aware of which companies are green and which aren’t. Many businesses might be more inclined to use companies that are less environmentally damaging. That’s why last year when the car pollution controversy exploded many brands stock prices took a tumble. Public perception is a powerful force in almost every major industry.

One reason for this is the increased reliance of views online. Almost every major business is reviewed online by the buying public. You may not think that one bad review of your business is going to make a difference. However, those bad reviews build up and could earn your company a negative rating. At that point, it may stop new customers buying from your business. This doesn’t mean that companies should avoid reviews online. Quite the opposite. Businesses need to be aware of the power these reviewers have. The worst thing that a business could do is ignore them completely. You need to do your best to reconcile with these customers. Although be aware, many people use these reviews in the hope of getting free benefits from a company.

Fluctuating Demand

If you are setting up a new business this year, it would be a mistake to believe that you can rely on a constant wave of demand. This is not how the market works, and a number of new businesses are learning this lesson the hard way. In particular, if the economy takes a turn for the worse, fewer people are buying. This is a particularly challenging problem for companies that sell what could be classed as luxury products. In this case, many customers are unlikely to buy at all. Even loyal clients may cease to make purchases during times of economic turmoil. This is why constant cost cutting is so important. You need to make sure that you do not raise your costs to the point where you won’t make a profit if demand decreases. When you run a business, it’s always best to hope for the best and prepare for the worse.

It’s clear that businesses will face a lot of issues on the market this year. But with the right strategies in place, they can overcome them.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

Business

What are EDC products, and why should you always have them?

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edc gear

EDC gear includes products that have become indispensable for improving one’s quality of life. These are the tools and implements that can solve everything from simple daily tasks to being vital objects capable of saving lives.

Regardless of the lifestyle you lead, there are countless situations in daily life where you need a tool or item that helps resolve inconveniences or facilitates completing tasks. This is where the category of products known as EDC (Every Day Carry) comes into play. EDC includes a variety of items that are necessary in unexpected moments.

For these tools to truly be useful in daily life, they must be durable and of high quality. For this reason, it is highly recommended to choose selected EDC gear by Onibai.com, an Italian brand with extensive experience in selling this kind of exclusive everyday carry equipment. The brand offers a wide selection of well-crafted, durable products that meet the demands of everyday carry needs.

Knives: essential for multiple situations

Knives, or EDC blades, are among the most essential tools in any EDC kit. In fact, they are often seen as a symbol of someone who is prepared, practical, and functional. Whether it’s opening packages or envelopes, cutting cords or ropes, or other simple daily tasks, a suitable knife can make these activities much easier. Additionally, a good knife can serve as a means of self-defence in case of sudden attacks.

Over time, the design of knives has evolved and diversified. Daily-use knives are now specifically designed for lighter cutting tasks, such as those mentioned earlier. Tactical knives, on the other hand, are made for more intense scenarios. They are stronger and reinforced, often designed for high resistance or self-defence situations.

Urban knives, tailored for city dwellers, are built to meet the needs of individuals in modern environments, so they often feature sleek finishes that complement contemporary lifestyles. Another popular category is multi-tool knives, which are designed to handle a variety of tasks. These knives have the resilience and sturdiness of a 3-inch blade while also fulfilling the precision requirements needed for various EDC tasks.

Other essential EDC products

In addition to knives, there is a wide range of other EDC products that are indispensable in daily life. One of these is, undoubtedly, a reliable wallet. A well-designed wallet needs to be robust enough to withstand daily use while keeping essential items like bank cards, identification documents, and more, safe and in good condition.

Flashlights are also vital components of any EDC kit. These tools are incredibly useful in many situations, particularly in dark environments or emergencies where additional lighting is critical. When selecting a torch, factors such as battery life, size, portability, and brightness should all be taken into account.

Purses, fanny packs, or backpacks also play an essential role in everyday carry. These items are where people store the various EDC products described above. They usually come with several compartments and are available in different sizes and materials, depending on the person’s style and daily activities.

Other items that are part of an EDC kit include beads and cords, Velcro patches, bottle openers, multi-functional key organisers, as well as durable, long-lasting, and stylish pens that adapt to any situation and lifestyle.

An interesting category of EDC products includes stress-relief toys for adults, which provide a means of alleviating daily stress. Popular options in this category include fidget spinners, fidget sticks, stress-relief sliders, poker chips with buttons, and mechanical coins. These items not only serve as a source of relaxation but can also be a fun and effective way to manage anxiety and tension during the course of a busy day.

In conclusion, EDC gear is not just a set of tools but a lifestyle that reflects preparedness, practicality, and a proactive approach to the uncertainties of everyday life. The more equipped you are, the more empowered you will feel in facing the challenges that arise.

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The importance of telescopic handlers: innovation and efficiency in load handling

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In the field of logistics, efficiency and safety are key aspects for the success of any project. Machines and tools must handle heavy loads and perform complex tasks with precision. In this sense, Magni TH telescopic handlers are the perfect option.

Telescopic handlers are lifting equipment that combine the capabilities of a crane and a forklift, featuring a telescopic arm that can extend and retract to reach considerable heights and access areas that may be difficult to reach manually. Thanks to this versatility, they become essential tools for a wide range of applications, indispensable in multiple sectors.

Today, the telescopic handler industry is constantly evolving, with technological innovations that enhance their functionality. One of the leading companies in this field is Magni TH, renowned for offering high-quality, efficient machinery with a focus on innovation and sustainability. This ensures that their telescopic handlers not only meet current demands but are also prepared for future challenges.

What does Magni TH offer?

Magni TH stands out in the market by offering a wide range of telescopic handlers that adapt to a long list of specific needs. Among their most notable models are fixed telescopic handlers (TH), rotating telescopic handlers (RTH), and heavy-duty telescopic handlers (HTH). They also offer aerial platforms, ranging from fixed models to articulated and rotating versions.

Furthermore, Magni TH machinery is widely recognised for its high-quality standards, due in large part to the selection of top-class raw materials. This attention to detail not only ensures compliance with market safety standards but exceeds them, guaranteeing that every machine is 100% reliable and durable.

Magni TH’s manufacturing process is another aspect that sets them apart. The company combines advanced industrial techniques with a craftsmanship approach, allowing for continuous innovation and enabling them to remain at the forefront of the market. This combined approach not only improves production efficiency but also allows for greater customisation.

In addition to their impressive product line, Magni TH is committed to providing proper advice and training to its customers. The company offers detailed descriptions of its products and services, ensuring that customers fully understand the capabilities and strengths of each machine model.

Magni TH also stands out for its focus on sustainability, reflected in the energy efficiency of each of their machines. This not only maximises user productivity but also ensures environmental responsibility at all times.

Innovation and safety

The use of innovative, high-quality telescopic handlers, like those manufactured by Magni TH, is essential for significantly improving operational efficiency across various sectors. These machines, thanks to their precision and speed in executing complex tasks, help reduce the time needed to complete projects, thereby increasing the overall productivity of companies. 

On the other hand, safety is another key aspect when using high-quality telescopic handlers. These machines are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as stabilisers, enclosed cabins to protect operators, and load control systems, ensuring operations are carried out efficiently and reliably. Moreover, their ability to handle loads with precision and care is crucial for ensuring the integrity of products, significantly reducing the risk of damage during transport and handling. This is particularly important in sectors where product integrity is critical to maintaining high-quality standards.

At the same time, the use of innovative telescopic handlers can also enhance a company’s competitiveness. Investing in high-quality equipment allows them to provide services with greater efficiency and safety, helping them stand out in the market. Ultimately, investing in this type of telescopic handler can be considered a strategic decision that can have positive long-term impacts on the sustainability and growth of a company, as adopting advanced technologies demonstrates a commitment to excellence and proactivity, keeping companies at the forefront and allowing them to adapt easily to the many changes in the market.

Versatile Applications of Magni TH

Magni TH telescopic handlers are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of applications. Unlike other companies that focus on specific sectors, Magni TH offers its products to any industry that requires load handling solutions. For example, in the agricultural sector, Magni TH telescopic handlers are key tools for tasks such as handling hay bales, transporting fertilisers, and loading livestock. Additionally, their ability to navigate uneven terrain and lift large volumes of material are essential advantages on farms and agricultural operations. 

Likewise, the maritime sector benefits greatly from the versatility of Magni TH telescopic handlers. These machines are ideal for storage and cargo handling on vessels and ports, as well as for small routine maintenance operations.

In construction, Magni TH telescopic handlers are one of the most widely used tools, enabling the lifting and positioning of heavy materials such as bricks, cement, and beams. Regardless of the size of the construction project, their ability to operate on difficult terrain and reach high altitudes makes them ideal for any occasion, improving productivity and minimising the risk of accidents.

Finally, telescopic handlers are also widely useful in the industrial and mining sectors. In industry, these machines are employed for material handling in factories and warehouses, while in mining, their robustness, and load capacity make them a perfect option for working in extreme conditions.

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ServiceNow Development Consultancy: Business Process Automation as Disruptive Technology

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In the age of AI and Machine Learning, automating business processes has become a must for any business that wants to remain competitive in their industry. Business process automation consists of setting up any process to be completed mostly by any existing technology with minimal manual input from human employees. For organizations seeking to optimize their workflows, engaging with a specialized ServiceNow implementation consultancy can be a game-changer, offering tailored solutions to streamline operations.

Examples include implementing an inventory management system so both you and your customers have access to accurate data on what products are available, sending out confirmation emails after purchase, having sales reports automatically generated through a CRM platform, social media posting schedules, and most email marketing tasks.

There are many reasons why business leaders have been turning to tech to improve their companies in recent years. The benefits of business process automation far outweigh the costs. These benefits range from increased efficiency, cost savings, scalability, and improved accuracy, to enhanced customer experience. Automating tasks in areas such as HR helps with employee onboarding and retention, and automation in all areas saves time when it comes to drafting reports and communicating with leads.

Marketing automation is responsible for a 14.5% boost in sales and a 12.2% decrease in marketing expenses (source: Nucleus Research). When employed in HR processes, business automation has shown that automation processes, when applied to onboarding, increase new hire retention by 16% (source: LinkedIn).

As is the case with any disruptive technology, business automation also poses risks, especially for more vulnerable sectors. It is estimated that by 2030, 47% of jobs in the United States are at risk of being displaced by automation (source: Science Direct). In the United States, workers aged 16 to 24 are the most exposed to the risk of automation, as 49% of these workers could have their jobs displaced by automation processes (Brookings).

Various government and company policies can be put in place to provide upskilling and reskilling for these workers to minimize the risk business process automation poses to some members of the workforce. However, it is clear that business process automation is here to stay.

Other concerns brought up by automation include data privacy and protection and copyright issues. Because automation involves storing confidential data in the cloud, businesses are concerned about security breaches by competitors or, worse, malicious users wishing to scam their current clients. Business leaders are paying more attention to cloud infrastructure services to minimize these risks.

Cloud infrastructure security can protect your business’ data through advanced encryption. Regular audits and compliance are automated but still supervised by human employees to ensure security has not been compromised. Data segmentation and isolation can also ensure your company’s data is not easy to access, even if there has been a breach.

On the other hand, some processes involving AI can end up infringing copyright laws in various industries. This can lead to large expenses in legal fees if AI is not used mindfully by departments, without mentioning the PR risks of your company accidentally employing someone else’s copyrighted content.

In conclusion, business process automation is a process including a wide array of existing technologies (AI, ML, etc.). Through business automation, business sectors start to delegate tasks to technological solutions.

As a result of automating tasks, there is proof of increased proficiency and accuracy, enhanced customer experience, and saved costs. However, there is also resistance from some sectors of society, as automation can result in job displacement for some existing members of the workforce.

To mitigate this, business leaders can emphasize the fact that they are automating processes while still making an effort to retain skilled workers. Upskilling and reskilling can help businesses retain employees whose jobs have become obsolete. Many governments are also expected to step up with a series of policies to protect the interests of these workers.

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