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Before Supply Chain Management

A common buzz word today is Supply Chain or Supply Chain Management – and everyone seems to understand the substantial economic benefit of a finely tuned supply chain system. However, before this can be implemented, several cost effective steps need to be functioning. This article discusses these preliminary steps - which may be all you need for now.

To Host or Not to Host - That is the question

When adding Information Technology hardware and software, security, back ups, power, staffing, location, installation, and capacity issues arise. Traditionally, hardware and software was added, lead times of 6 months or more were accepted, and staff was added. Alternatively, a hosted application where the hardware and software are housed securely off site may answer all the needs at a lower capital and operating cost without staff additions.

Extranets Accelerate Collaboration for Inter-organization Groups

An Intranet is a hosted site that is limited to members of a specific group. An Extranet is similar to an Intranet in that its membership is limited, but the members do not belong to a specific group – rather the members are assigned to a specific task and the Extranet facilitates the task's completion. Perhaps an Extranet can be helpful to accelerate specific tasks in your organization.

What is “broadband” and what is best for me?

Broadband is a generic term that refers to conection speeds faster than the 56 k modem can provide. This can be provided by DSL, Fractional T 1, Integrated T 1, Full T 1, Cable TV, satellite, and other methods. 

FTP When it is Too Large to E Mail

It is easy to send an attachment by e-mail and we all know how to do this. However, when the file is too big for e-mail, and you need the speed of e-mail, FTP may well be the answer. In some cases you may be doing FTP already and not even know it.

Should I Use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Internally?

We hear of VoIP as the wave of the future, and a more cost effective means of providing both voice and data linking within the organization over a single network. A careful examination of all details usually suggests that there are costs involved in upgrading the existing data network, misunderstanding in what is involved, and exaggerated claims. This article is designed to address some of the fundamental steps required to implement and thereby help determine the value of a VoIP conversion internally. This article does NOT address a VoIP phone carrier who provides voice lines into your buildings nor does it discuss the merits of VoIP vs. tranditional carriers. 

Do I need a Server?

As the business grows, we often feel that we need a server to better manage, share, and control our information. Should a server be deemed prudent, it should be sized for likely future use and "barebones" initial server selection may prove wasteful. While there are benefits of a server, there is also added cost associated with installation and maintenance - and these costs need to be considered when determining the cost / benefit.

What is the Best Internet Service For Me?

In recent years, high speed internet service has become more available and in several cases, more than one provider is available. All have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the decision should not be made lightly.

Should I use VoIP when the Internet is the Carrier?

Many believe that Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the inexpensive way to make long distance phone calls and they freely use the public Internet as their carrier. No carrier can assure acceptable voice quality if they use the Internet for transport. Internal network hardware required to assure voice quality within the private network is a substantial investment and merely adding the voice tasks to the data network without modification will adversely affect voice quality. This paper discusses some of these limitations and encourages you to review this carefully.

Should I have a Wired or Wireless Network?

When we install or expand our internal Local Area Network, we are faced with the apparent ease and simplicity of a wireless network vs. an apparent harder to install wired network. However, security, dependability, and reliability of wired networks, especially in business situations often favor wired networks. 

Meeting OSHA Criteria via an Intranet

OSHA requires companies to make much information available to their employees. Typical information includes Policy Manuals that define exactly how a company complies with OSHA criteria and the Material Safety Data Sheets – among other things. Although paper methods are suitable, they are difficult to manage and are subject to continual update. An intranet may be the cost effective solution for this.

Initiating Supply Chain Management

After you have the proper foundations in place, real Supply Chain elements need to be considered – so that your customers, your suppliers, and you all reduce inventory. This "across the chain" inventory reduction is where the major economic benefit is seen

Meeting Quality Criteria via the Intranet

Quality Programs like ISO 9000, require companies to make much information available to their employees. Typical information includes Policy Manuals that define exactly how a company complies with Quality criteria, Inspection Forms, Training Documentation, – among other things. Although paper methods are suitable, they are difficult to manage and are subject to continual update. An intranet may be the cost effective solution for this.

Customer Relationship Management

Make sure your customers enjoy doing business with you by providing them with the information they need when they need it. This is how to attract and maintain customers - by managing the relationship positively. Here is how to implement this critical aspect.

Meeting Quality Criteria with an Intranet

Quality Programs like ISO 9000, require companies to make much information available to their employees. Typical information includes Policy Manuals that define exactly how a company complies with Quality criteria, Inspection Forms, Training Documentation, – among other things. Although paper methods are suitable, they are difficult to manage and are subject to continual update. An intranet may be the cost effective solution for this.

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Employee Discrimination - Are you Liable?

Workers who bring employment lawsuits to trial are increasingly victorious. In 1994, a plaintiff could expect a 49% chance of winning compared to 70% in 1999.  The study also found that the medium compensatory damages award soared from $127,500 in 1996 to $200,000 in 1999. It is the area of harassment, sexual, racial and others, that has grown the fastest. This article discusses your liability.

Employee Discipline and Termination: Make Sure it is Documented

Do not allow yourself to get caught up in the frequent employer dilemma of "we want to discharge this guy (or gal), but we don't have any documentation". The solution is a simple one and it only takes a little time, but the dividends are huge.

Good Interviewing - The Best Way for Hiring

Before you decide to hire that promising job candidate, stop, think and ask, is he or she as good in person as they looked on paper? A properly conducted interview is the best and possibly the only way for finding the right job candidate. Asking the wrong questions is not only detrimental to the interview process but it may cause legal problems in the future

Workplace Violence - Causes and Cures

Violence in the workplace, virtually unheard of 25 years ago, is now one of the fastest growing types of homicide in the United States. It has become a recurring nightmare for employers and has been labeled a form of Nationwide Terrorism. What should and can employers do and how should they do it?

How Good is Your Electronic Communications Policy?

Innovations in technology continue to have an impact on the workplace. While new technologies allow employer's to increase the efficiency and productivity of their employees, it also creates a distraction and diversion for the employees. An Electronic Communications Policy should be considered to help avoid the pitfalls.

Bullying: A New Look at Workplace Violence

It was recently noted that "bullying in the workplace can lead to stress-related illnesses, absenteeism among staff and increased turnover". A study in England also attributed high blood pressure, depression, high cholesterol and even suicide to this type of abuse at work. Establishing policies that prohibit workplace bullying by monitoring employee behavior is highly recommended.

Family Responsibilities Discrimination - Cases on the Rise 

Litigation in the area of pregnancy discrimination is on the rise and it is now occurring in a new form … Family Responsibilities Discrimination. A new generation of workers appears to be redefining the concept of discrimination and interpreting how and when it occurs in the workplace. This increase in family value cases is also changing how the employer will respond to and defend same.

Minimize Risk in the Face of Workplace Rumors

A recent California Court decision dealing with office romances may cause employers to take a closer look at adopting non-fraternization policies in their organizations.

Survey Says!

A recent BNA survey reported findings on how employees view the importance of their personal needs in the workplace and their reason for turning to unions. The results are interesting.

Guns not the Answer When Dealing with Workplace Violence

A more realistic look at our efforts to control violence in our workplaces, schools and homes. Increasing the use of guns is NOT the answer.

Labor Ruling Balances the Playing Field

The NLRB has rendered a long anticipated ruling on the definition of "supervisors" which may have an impact on union organizing.

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Communications Fundamentals for Non-profit Organizations

In non-profit marketing efforts, communication budgets must be justified, and dare not be wasted on brand awareness. All communication efforts should start with measurable objectives. At best, mass communications can be targeted to prospects where prospects are likely to see or hear the message, and when they have a need for your service. At worst, the creation of brand awareness for services that are not used universally and frequently, is a total waste.

Keys to Gaining or holding onto your place as preferred supplier.

In the marketing profession, it is often said, “Before you can have Share of Market, you must have Share of Mind.” But does that still hold true in the Internet era? A major research study of the high-tech industry* indicates that 7 of the Top 10 reasons why a company is chosen as the “preferred” brand has nothing to do with issues of price, technology, quality ... or even advertising. Sure, these are important, but the factor which resonates above all else, is your ability to deliver customer satisfaction.

Post 9/11 Marketing: Words Matter

In “Sales Training 101,” sales people are told to talk in terms of Customer Benefits, rather than reciting product Features and Advantages. Personally, I take an opposing point of view when it comes to developing effective Business-to-Business ads, website home pages and direct mail. Based on my years of B-to-B advertising experience, focusing on Benefit Statements is frankly, “BS.” If that sounds heretical to you, please read on.

Search Engine Optimization; or Why They Don’t Google Pictures

The primary challenge of the Search Engine Optimization writer is to get your Web site listed on major search engines. The higher your Web site ranks, the better chance it has of being found. This White Paper focuses on copywriting mechanics, that will help boost your Web site's chance of being more prominently listed in the organic or natural search results.