Saturday, February 27, 2016

Essential Things Businesses Require from Their Internet Service Providers



The Internet has become a permanent fixture for countless people across the world. From paying bills to posting on Facebook – the Internet is now embedded into the psyche of billions of new and existing users.  No truer is this then when it comes to global businesses – that depend on this interactive network for daily operations. This includes video conferences, along with e-learning platforms and large file downloads.

Whether for entrepreneurs or large brands, Internet connectivity is vital in performing daily tasks and errands. In fact, a day without the Internet or super slow speeds can result in:


  • Decreased productivity and performance across multiple departments.
  • Loss of leads – revenue – profits – conversion rates and potential customers.
  • Loss of clients – recurring business – diminished brand validity and awareness.


So vital is Internet connectivity that fiber platforms even boost value to real estate properties. 
With this mind, business owners must perform adequate research when selecting broadband providers. This will help them make worthwhile and informed decisions about which carriers to go with.

What Businesses Must Get from ISP Companies

Businesses are always looking for value in every dollar they spend. This is no different when selecting the right ISP – which should truly facilitate all business needs and requirements on a daily basis. The following are a few crucial aspects businesses should consider when choosing the right Internet services providers:

Maximum Bandwidth

Sufficient bandwidth is essential for any new or existing business. It is also a key requirement that businesses should evaluate when choosing the right ISP. While bandwidth does depend on the nature and size of any brand– companies can easily analyze and assess their needs with the following questions:




  • How much bandwidth does your business anticipate requiring?
  • How fast does the Internet connectivity need to be for handling everyday protocols?
  • How many devices will need to transfer and communicate data?
  • Does the business require point to point connectivity?


Once these questions have been answered, the next step is to understand the different high-speed options available. This includes:

Ethernet – Copper – DSL

Digital subscriber lines (DSL) are considered old Internet technologies. However, they are still in use today – and are incredibly affordable for new startup brands. The problem is that they are unreliable, and are considered ancient relics in today’s high-speed and broadband environment. DSL mainly utilizes local telephone lines to transmit data – but the farther you are from the line – the more sluggish and unreliable connections you get.

Cable Modems

Cable is still a staple in today’s high-speed Internet spectrum. Cable replaced outdated DSL and T-1 Ethernet lines decades ago, and continue to be a popular choice for residential and commercial customers. With cable modems and connections, customers receive:


  • Reliable coax cable lines that transmit data and communications at high speeds.
  • Modems that are easy to install, maintain, and compatible with several computers and operating systems.
  • Flexibility to update systems to faster services without penalties.


With cable Internet, however, speeds may slow down during peak hours – due to shared bandwidth among users in your vicinity.

Fiber

Fiber optics is certainly a better option than cable or standard DSL. For one, customers get equal upload and download bandwidth. Fiber also offers the convenience of scalability. For example: customers can start with 10 megabytes – and if they need 100 megabytes or more – providers can easily increase bandwidth without issues for penalties.

Replacing Your Phone System with Unified Communications



The ongoing debate about replacing existing phone systems with unified communications continues. In fact, this topic continues to hound several businesses in multiple industries. While there are countless benefits of UC in the workplace – why should companies consider switching over when their current systems are delivering? To understand the importance of streamlined and centralized communications, clients must first assess their specific needs – especially when it comes to catering Millennial needs in the digital age.

While Millennials continue to invade the market, desk phones are rapidly becoming obsolete. Even with traditional phone systems becoming extinct, however, these new arrivals are mere employees and should not dictate IT and management communication protocols. After all, these figureheads determine:


  • Company budgeting and overall business communications platforms.
  • Business policies –rules – guidelines – and overall directives.
  • BYOD plans – device allocation – hardware systems and software apps.


Even with these crucial aspects in mind, there are certain scenarios that are right for replacing existing phone systems. This goes for systems that are currently achieving all desired results. If deciding on switching over to unified communications for business, always keep the following in mind.

Legacy Systems

Many businesses continue to utilize legacy telephony in domestic and remote capacities. While there is nothing wrong with traditional business phones – their features simply pale in comparison to more advanced UC systems. For companies that have researched the benefits of UC and are ready to make the change, the following is important:


  • It is easier for companies to migrate first from legacy to VoIP.
  • Once comfortable with VoIP features and compatibility, businesses can then integrate UC across the board.
  • UC integration over common networks secures streamlined and centralized communications across multiple departments.


The Benefits of UC as Opposed to Standalone Solutions

While legacy telephony is basically a commodity service, UC can truly determine how businesses get things done. This includes client communications and fulfillment, along with file and document sharing. UC also connects parties with real-time audio and video – that guarantees crisp and clear communications across the board. Even if old systems are operating at peak performance rates, they will soon become a liability in this fast-paced business environment.

Scaling Down

Scaling down to IP phone is less common – but does play a role in transitioning to complete UC platforms. Even for businesses that have adopted VoIP technologies, many have also stayed with PBX systems. They seem to adore the countless features and unparalleled quality that PBX offers – even at costly rates. The difference for some companies, however, is that they opted for IP PBX systems, which are comparatively lower in price than legacy PBX.

While IP PBX has been on the market for numerous years, more businesses are opting for VoIP than ever before. The main reasons for this current and burgeoning trend are:


  • Transitioning to cost-effective cloud and UC platforms for new and existing companies.
  • Virtualization of business communication protocols enables more control and better features.
  • Software-based telephony is more reliable and cost-efficient than traditional and bulkier hardware systems.


With unified communications, businesses are able to generate more leads and revenue. They can also establish a comprehensive and cohesive communications platform that benefits all clients and staff – no matter where they are in the world.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Lean Master Class Event in Auckland to be Headlined by Keynote Japanese Expert



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Lean Master Class Event in Auckland to be Headlined by Keynote Japanese Expert


Simply Lean Business Solutions Master Class Event 2016


Auckland, NZ – January 29, 2016Simply Lean Business Solutions is proud to announce the Lean Master Class 2016 event – to be held in Auckland on February 16th and 17th. The two-day conference will be headlined by Japanese expert, Akinoro Hyodo. Mr. Hyodo is a reputable Sensei and Kaizen Leader - who brings immense industry knowledge and expertise to this innovative gathering. As Toyota’s Hi-Ace factory manager, Sensei Hyodo will discuss the many important facets of Lean Thinking for industries that want to improve overall productivity and performance. The event will also feature insight and examples used within Toyota – along with a detailed overview of the factory’s operations. Attendees will also get to visit Fisher and Paykel Healthcare – for a mini-tour and diagnosis of this local venue.

About Sensei Hyodo

Sensei Hyodo is a seasoned Toyota Production System Leader and former Factory Manager. As a certified Kaizen Leader – he now heads the Training arm of the factory via Lean Thinking courses for several companies within Toyota’s supply chain. He is also the central training component for the Lean Japan Tour, and has helped countless departments improve cost-efficiency, performance, and productivity over the years. Sensei Hyodo brings an immense wealth of knowledge and experience to the Lean Master Class Event 2016. The following are some of the accolades and achievements that Sense has amassed over this illustrious and storied career:


  • Factory Manager – Toyota Parts Factory.
  • Factory Manager – Toyota Assembly Plant.
  • 13 years of extensive industry experience – member – and leader of All-Toyota Kaizen Promotion Team.
  • 27 years of experience leading TPS Development within the No.1 ranked Toyota factory for Quality.
  • Global consultant for a myriad of non-automotive companies, brands, and commercial ventures.


Lean Master Class 2016 – Schedule of Events

The Lean Master Class 2016 will be broken down into two-day sessions. If wishing to be a part of this cutting-edge event, simply contact Lean Business Solutions for scheduling and availability. The events will cover:

Day 1:

·         TPS Principles
·         Developing human assets
·         Role of top management
·         Factory visit, diagnosis, and assessment

Day 2:

·         Factory visit review
·         SS and visual Management
·         Standardized Work creation
·         Continuous Improvement culture

The Lean Master Class 2016 is the brainchild of Simply Lean Business Solutions – and specifically developed for Managing Directors that want to foster greater growth and improvement within their respective organizations. The Event is also geared towards helping Production and Quality Control departments’ access vital tips for continuous productivity and performance. Guests and members will learn first-hand how process improvement is implemented across multiple levels and sectors. Attendees will also get intricate insight on how Japan’s leading companies are able to remain competitively viable in their respective and challenging industries. Most of all, the event teaches organizational leaders the core aspects and principles of increasing leads, revenue, and stability within their own brands and businesses. Relevant sectors that will be featured include Manufacturing and Food and Beverage services.

The Event is proudly hosted by Simply Lean Business Solutions in conjunction with their Australian partner – Shinka Management.

Simply Lean Business Solutions

Simply Lean Business Solutions is an industry leader in Lean Thinking services for New Zealand companies. Formed in 2001, the company and its consultants have ushered substantial growth and improvement for over 100 organizations in New Zealand and Australia. As pioneers of Lean Thinking strategies and implementation – the company is committed to excellence in all self-development projects and protocols for new and existing brands. No matter the industry, niche, or sector – clients are able to develop and expand business capabilities across multiple departments and levels. Simply Lean features a highly experience team of consultants that have held Senior Management roles within Toyota, Hamilton Jet, Electrolux, Macpac, Rolls Royce, and Delphi Automotive. The company is proud to bring this extensive wealth and knowledge to help clients secure Operational Excellence - via customized and proven Lean Thinking solutions.

With Lean Thinking solutions, continuous improvement strategies are designed to:


  • Develop business capabilities to meet daily operational challenges, while overcoming obstacles and hurdles.
  • Develop business capabilities to continually grow, adapt, and improve via new and successful Lean Thinking strategies.
  • Help businesses’ increase productivity and performance across multiple levels and departments – set a strong focus on people development.
  •   Foster greater brand growth, visibility, and value for all clients and customers.
  •   Retain local manufacturing activities and support local communities.

With these strategic goals in mind, clients are able to propel their brands and businesses to new heights in their respective industries. They are also able to remain competitively viable – while securing platforms for continued growth and business enhancement. If you are interested in tapping into these burgeoning business trends, this landmark event should not be missed.

Contact

For more information on the upcoming Master Class 2016 event, please contact or visit: 

Simply Lean Business Solutions
Auckland – Blenheim – Christchurch
Office: 0800 SENSEI (0800-736-734)

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