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5 Reasons to Consider GPS Vehicle Tracking for your Business

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5 Reasons to Consider GPS Vehicle Tracking for your Business

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) has revolutionised the way we communicate and this technology can be used in many ways to improve a business or organisation. If, for example, you have delivery vans running through a major city, it would be great to know exactly where they are at any given time – something that GPS technology gives you.

Here are a few benefits to be gained from installing a GPS system.

  1. Real Time Data – It can be terribly frustrating when a driver has to call you when he reaches his next destination, but if all your vehicles are equipped with GPS, you can track them in real time, and what’s more, you can plan your deliveries and collections, saving money. Things happen and if you have an urgent need for a driver to pick something up, you can communicate directly with the driver in real time.
  2. Monitor Driver Behaviour – If you are connected to the GPS grid via the Internet, then you have an easy-to-use interface that allows you to see when a driver stopped, where and how long for, plus you can even check speed and fuel stops. When a driver knows their vehicle is fitted with GPS, he or she will drive responsibly and will not deviate from the planned route, which means increased efficiency and productivity.
  3. Tracing Packages – Using a GPS system allows your customers to instantly find out where their package is currently located and this releases your human resources, as people no longer have to call and enquire about their consignment. Of course, this service would not exclusively be for the customer, as your logistics can effectively plan the day’s routes, which elevates your ability to make real-time decisions.
  4. Intelligent GPS Tracking Systems – The latest generation offers an easy-to-use web-based interface, from where you control your vehicles, and in real time, you have all the data you need at your fingertips. Aspects include the current location of the vehicle, speed, stop locations and duration of stop, and all the data is available to be processed by specialist software that plans out the best routes, making your job much easier.
  5. Specialist Software – By making the best use of available technology, your business will benefit in many ways. With many software packages that are industry-specific, you can tailor the software to meet your very specific needs, whether you run a bakery or a luxury limo service, there is specialist software. Using state-of-the-art business software makes your organisation more efficient by default, and this can only be good for business.

Many thousands of businesses are reaping the benefits of GPS technology and if you would like to find out how this can aid your company, an online search will lead you to a service supplier that covers your region. Cutting down your costs can be combined with boosting your customer service by simply investing in a GPS tracking system, and this is not a big ticket item and it will streamline your business processes for many years to come.

Infographic created by Track Your Truck, a GPS vehicle tracking devices provider

Technology Changing the Media Industry

Abigail
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Technology Changing the Media Industry

Ken Kurson is someone who has worked in a series of different industries in different capacities. Whether in politics as a consultant, or whether in media with a longtime stint at The New York Observer as its editor in chief, Kurson has been a sought after and talented practitioner for companies in an array of different industries. But he’s always rightfully focused on certain business tools that have excelled and succeeded beyond the expectations of certain business executives. 

We often hear about the need for there to be reforms in various industries in the spirit of adjusting to the changes in the times; and to conforming to what some would argue is the need for adaptation. The hypothetical scenarios that have been drawn up concerning the impact of the proliferation of the blogosphere; and the democratization of the traditional media model are a legitimate subject of discussion for any educated and well-informed observers of the future of the media industry. 

Ken Kurson has expressed his own thoughts on the matter in a series of different ways. How is our media model in the future going to look; and to what extent can we control and manage that futuristic situation and circumstances associated with it . These are all questions that are legitimate for one to ask; and even encouraged in the interest of learning and dedicating time to changing and redefining the system. 

The reality of the situation is that as more citizens get access to platforms – be it  a product of the digital media development or the outgrowth of continued rise in popularity of social media platforms and the companies associated with them, there will be more of a need to manage this. The changes that are happening are occurring rapidly. They are providing for the ability for more and more people to latch onto the prospect of further rapid development of this space, in favor of the public interest. 

Arguments made about the ways that the democratization of the media structure due to the development of the blogosphere and social media platforms are having positive effects on the situation, are very cogent and logical. There is now no longer a need to be employed by a major cable news television network; or any news channel for that matter on the broadcast side, to be able to broadcast one’s own reporting to the general public.


Instead, Youtube can be used to create content in a condensed fashion that sheds light on whatever the citizen’s journalism might be on whatever subject they are reporting on. And then that same citizen can use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and whatever other media platforms he or she wishes in order to aggressively promote that piece of broadcast journalism. No longer is there a need for a bright-lit television or broadcast studio. Now with the tools and devices of the contemporary age, there is an increased amount of momentum that exists revolving around this possibility. 

And it’s in no way limited to journalism done using broadcast techniques. If somebody wishes to share their own reporting through other media, they now have the ability to do that as well. If there is an item that they’d like to broadcast via digital properties, they can pitch established publications in a freelance capacity; or they can even seek to publish themselves using a myriad of blogging platforms that they can easily access and have at their disposal. This type of democratization of the technological media sphere would have been unheard of even five or three years ago. And many human rights activists have been quick to point out the inherent advantages this especially affords their positive work – since they no longer have to rely on the media outlets that are established to get their groundbreaking reporting and valuable information out to the general public. Instead, it is able to get out there in a systematic and consistent fashion. But a fashion that is nonetheless strategic and nimble in its approach. 

Ken Kurson created Book and Film Globe as a reflection of these dramatic developments in the digital, social and traditional media spheres. These changes are not going to dissipate anytime soon. And certainly, not in the foreseeable future. Instead, they are here to stay; and are certainly slated to be durable and long lasting. There’s no telling what the future holds for these various platforms and for the ways that media continues to be consumed differently. The economic and business models of the media industry have changed on their heads. That’s happened for good. 

Dr. Joel Arun Sursas Discusses the Application of Virtual Reality-Based Training in Surgical Education

Chavez
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Dr. Joel Arun Sursas Discusses the Application of Virtual Reality-Based Training in Surgical Education

Medical education programs are rapidly integrating simulation-based training. Virtual reality simulators generate datasets that can later be analyzed with machine learning for training and educational purposes. Here, Dr. Joel Arun Sursas outlines the growing role of integrated artificial intelligence and virtual reality simulation in surgical training.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have become vital to effective training in many fields, especially medical and surgical. The massive databases used by these systems assist in understanding a wide array of skills and expertise. [2, 3]

The rapid growth in recent years of medical technology and data management capacities has dramatically increased the feasibility of advanced surgical procedures and the overall safety of technology-assisted procedures. AI is becoming more vital in teaching surgical techniques and assessing performance, especially concerning new processes and technology. Usually, surgeons have limited training with new devices provided short-term by manufacturers. [1] As a result, surgeons have often gone a while since before performing that skill on a patient. As a result of this “on-the-job training”, skill development and patient outcomes can suffer. Virtual reality-based training allows surgeons to train when they are able before performing an actual procedure on a patient. [2, 1]

A recent study conducted by UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine found that virtual reality training leads to a performance rating on specific procedures more than twice that of traditional surgical training. [4] AI and VR are more important in training as new procedures become more technical. Surgeons are expected to complete certain numbers of cases to become competent in new procedures. As complexity with new procedures continues to grow, more surgical residents are finding that they are not prepared to handle certain procedures on their own. [5] VR training allows these individuals to become more comfortable and competent with a procedure before working directly on a patient. Although the expense of full-scale simulators can be prohibitive and usually does not employ machine learning and adaptation, modern VR is driven by software and often only involves a headset and hand controllers.

A recent study with state-of-the-art algorithms indicates that sufficiently powerful machine learning tools can differentiate between training participants based on their skill level and experience. Based on careful examination of the performance of experienced surgeons, residents, and medical students, training systems can direct learning exercises based on individual skill, allowing for remedial work for those who need it and more advanced exercises when appropriate. [4]

Because of the greatly enhanced training capacities and the unlimited opportunity for individualized, risk-free surgical training, medical education is sure to become more rooted in the world of virtual reality in the coming years.

About Dr. Joel Arun Sursas

Dr. Joel Arun Sursas is a team leader and facilitator with a proven track record and a niche skill-set developed over the past seven years in his capacity as an established Medical Doctor and Health Informatician. He is most passionate about Medical Informatics, working to bridge the gap between doctors and engineers to improve patient care. His interest in the field emerged when he began working as a Project Officer for PACES — the Patient Care Enhancement System for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Dr. Sursas has been instrumental in designing and implementing the largest Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in Singapore, spanning 53 medical centers, as well as developing a data analytics platform to trend epidemiological data.

References

  1. Harvard Business Review, Research: How Virtual Reality Can Help Train Surgeons, October 16, 2019, Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2019/10/research-how-virtual-reality-can-help-train-surgeons
  2. Khor WS, Baker B, Amin K, Chan A, Patel K, Wong J., Augmented and virtual reality in surgery-the digital surgical environment: applications, limitations and legal pitfalls, Ann Transl Med. 2016;4(23):454, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5220044/
  3.  PLOS Journal, The Virtual Operative Assistant: An explainable artificial intelligence tool for simulation-based training in surgery and medicine, February 27, 2020, Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229596
  4. JAMA, Machine Learning Identification of Surgical and Operative Factors Associated With Surgical Expertise in Virtual Reality Simulation, August 2, 2019, Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2740782
  5. Stat News, Virtual and augmented reality can save lives by improving surgeons’ training, August 16, 2019, Retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/2019/08/16/virtual-reality-improve-surgeon-training/

Technology Changes Leading to a Media Revolution

Abigail
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Ken Kurson has led various technological advancements across a variety of platforms over the last decade. These have included journalistic and media properties. But the industry is changing dramatically. With those changes, editors, executives, marketing and communications teams, bear a tremendous amount of responsibility to ensure their news properties’ stay with the times. 


In some cases that can require creativity, innovation and an approach that at times is cutting-edge. Change doesn’t necessarily have to be challenging – if approached in a strategic manner that is understandable and rational it  can prove to even be productive and a positive development in a business or technology product’s development and lifetime. 

This is something that Ken Kurson has voiced on numerous occasions. The importance of changing with the times keeps a business or product or even service consistent with consumers’ desires depending on a whole slew of different variables. When change is coming you better adapt and you better adjust to the changing circumstances. Technology itself is such a rapid aspect of our lives; and it  will continue to accelerate in an aggressive fashion over time. 

There is no sign of that level of acceleration and aggressiveness slowing down anytime soon. Take a look at the digital media landscape and how quickly news is able to be disseminated and generated by citizen journalists or anyone today with a handheld camera, or even a cell phone.

You look at some of the biggest news stories of the last few years and they are not traced back to the reportage of veteran journalists with the resources of an entire media department and division at their helm. Instead, they are taken by regular folks who see something and decide to share it  because it  is justifiably newsworthy. 

With everyone having smartphones that have cameras installed on them; and the ability to access social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and so many more, the ability to share content and create content is ubiquitous. This has positive and negative side-effects. But the reality is that it  also ensures that the power and authority to break news stories is not merely concentrated among an elite few, but instead extends beyond that circle of people to include an entire public that has the ability to create, generate and cover media stories.

This development serves the public interest in an important manner, and a distinct fashion. It  ensures that there are activists and advocates on behalf of important humanitarian causes who now have a voice and the ability to amplify their messages and stories in a responsible but vocal manner. This ability and capacity affords the public the ability to be educated about events and news stories that they might not otherwise be aware of. Frankly, there are so many news stories that none of us would be aware of, and that likely would never even surface and rise to the level of being “news” but for this development. 

Ken Kurson created Book and Film Globe with this concept in mind – wanting to widen the gap that existed between journalists and ordinary citizens and members of society. There is a great value to citizen journalism and it  should be commended, promoted and respected. Instead of being frowned down upon by some elitist members of the ivory coast tower, it  should be viewed with endearment, appreciation and respect. Some citizen journalists have been responsible for incredibly important stories that they broke that have served the public interest in a remarkable fashion. 

These developments and changes will continue coming to this industry that is rife for change and exorbitant and substantial change, at that. The technological advancements that we are all experiencing and witnessing are clearly a function of the times that we are living in. Changes that are coming to technology have a direct effect on the media industry and visa versa. This is a reality that is clear, and it  is usually constructive – so long as one views it  in the long term, instead of in a reckless fashion, in the short term. All things considered, news properties will have to make changes. But looking back a few years from now, these changes will be ones that editors and press barons will have been proud to have made. 

Cloud Access Security Brokers: An In-Depth Guide

Chavez
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Cloud Access Security Brokers: An In-Depth Guide

The cloud is a huge part of how businesses run these days. Cloud computing hasn’t only enhanced efficiency in business but it has created a new level of agility that we have never seen before. Besides, cloud systems are scalable.

Even as your business grows at rapid rates, it can always rely on the cloud to get all the computing resources that it needs to reach its goals. One thing that seems to make the cloud a staple in business operations is the availability of apps.

Yes, your business needs software to run and there are millions of apps out there. But this doesn’t mean you will be using them all the time. In some cases, you may need specific software or app for just a few hours or days.

The cloud simply allows you to access these apps if and when you need them, for the duration of time that you want them. No doubt these apps are a lifesaver, but they open up a lot of security risks that your business will have to deal with.

For example, if you have put in place the best state-of-the-art cloud security for your business, it doesn’t mean that the app you’re using has. This may be a weak point that gives malicious third-party access to your network. Well, the great news is that you can take care of this with cloud access security brokers.

What is Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)?

So what is CASB? Well, a Cloud Access Security Broker is software that sits in between the cloud service and the applications you are using.

Think of it as the go between your apps and your cloud networks. The primary purpose of these brokers is to enable your company to access a wide range of apps without putting your network at risk.

The brokers simply provide a control center that allows you to monitor data traffic between the apps and your cloud. This ensures that if there are any security breaches, you will be able to detect them.

Picking the Right Cloud Access Security Broker

There are many Cloud Access Security Brokers and each of them will give loads of promises on what they can do. But there are some important considerations you need to keep in mind.

First, you want something scalable. As your business continues to grow, you will need to access a wide range of apps in the cloud. A broker that can be able to grow with you and provide the security you need to leverage the internet for success is always recommended.

You may also want to pick brokers that offer seamless transitions into mobile. It’s not a guarantee that you will be in a position to access cloud apps via a PC.

Something that gives you the chance to use these apps on mobile and on the go can bring an invaluable level of flexibility that will make your business even better.

Promoting Wellness Through Technology

Abigail
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Promoting Wellness Through Technology

Helen Schifter has written extensively about the value of maintaining a lifestyle filled with health and wellness. This is a topic that has not gotten the attention it most definitely deserves. There are likely many reasons for this – including the fact that the topic is not as healthy and does not involve immediate benefits of positive sensations and gratification. 

For instance, fitness is one of many different exercises that Helen recommends one engage in, in order to maintain a lifestyle filled with health and wellness. But fitness and going to the gym is a very labor intensive activity, undoubtedly so. Moreover, no matter how many hours one might spend at the gym it  will take considerable time and rigorous exercise patterns before one begins seeing real and substantive results in their physical body shape.

This is a reality that is not lost on many people and unfortunately explains why there’s this sluggishness among so many about going to the gym and keeping up in this way. And of course, this is very unfortunate. The obesity rate in the United States, especially among younger generations, is astronomically high. In fact, the rate seems to continue increasing over time. 

Helen Schifter on her website has discussed this phenomenon in great detail. It’s a phenomenon that is unfortunate and can really have adverse consequences that could prove very challenging for everyone involved. There needs to be a real campaign that is public and that reaches the masses, spelling out the incredible value in working out. 

But as Helen has pointed out elsewhere, there are also other avenues through which one can promote a healthy lifestyle and ensure they are leading a lifestyle devoid of the sort of toxicity and junk that runs rampant in some areas. Among those is the importance of maintaining a healthy diet that is based on healthy nutritions that includes proteins, but also a healthy amount of sugar and calories.


One of the common mistakes people make when it  comes to their diet, is thinking that somehow removing all calories and sugar is a prudent decision. It most definitely is not. You need both calories and sugar to function properly. This is something that people must internalize in order to comprehend it  accordingly and act in a way that comports to this fashion. 

Beyond fitness and also maintaining a healthy diet, it’s also important to ensure that one is mentally and emotionally healthy. This is something that needs to be stressed more by influencers and people of prominence that have audiences and the ear of younger audiences over time. 

It’s why there’s been a movement among health and wellness professionals to seek to promote such a campaign so that younger people especially, get a better understanding of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, and the negative and adverse implications that can manifest themselves in the event that such a lifestyle is not maintained. 

This is an issue that unfortunately appears to have been lost on many people. But regardless of one’s background, including social strata, this is an issue that has to find more people and activists willing to champion. Time will tell whether the message will be heard resoundingly, as it  should be. 

Technology in the Healthcare Business

Abigail
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Technology in the Healthcare Business

The healthcare industry has gotten an exorbitant amount of attention in recent years, with media rightfully documenting the horrors of what’s taking place in the nursing homes and elder care centers. Nadia Kiderman has been a vocal advocate throughout, given what the intense scrutiny of these elder care centers has unearthed. The patient neglect; the archaic methodologies and lack of proper technologies in so many of them is deeply disheartening. 

There needed to be a public light shone on this horror show well before the Coronavirus pandemic even began. Unfortunately, lawmakers and others failed to oversee and regulate the elder care industry more broadly for the last decade. It’s not just nursing homes that were immune from this sort of oversight, regulation and scrutiny. It’s all forms of elder care facilities that were catering to the elderly, our population and society’s most vulnerable. And of course, the population most vulnerable to God forbid contracting the Coronavirus. 

But this population was never taken care of properly. As mentioned, elder care industry as a whole let down society and this population and its family members. Residents from across various backgrounds – racial, ethnic, social and religious; were let down through this pandemic. But this didn’t start yesterday. Besides for nursing homes these issues were and are prevalent in the assisted living facilities; and other elder care centers. 

Nadia Kiderman on Facebook has written about these issues. Her views are strong on this particular topic; and it’s heartening to see many in the public eye now joining in understanding the severity of the issue and the need to resolve it . This is a problem that certainly did not start recently; and it  must change. The change must start at the very top. 

In New York State for example, Albany has to be far more conscious about the situation on the ground in elder care centers. There has to be more of a proactive ability of lawmakers to institute reforms to this industry so as to advance a pro-elderly agenda that ends up proving immensely constructive for the hundreds and thousands of our state’s elderly who are in these homes. 

Lawmakers need to respond to the needs of their constituents. Their health issues need to be paramount and on the minds of every lawmaker whether on a regional, state or local city level. Each locale has to operate in such a way. Unfortunately, the way the political machine works, it’s not until we have mobilized a grassroots outcry and there is real political pressure that lawmakers feel, that leads them to acting in a substantive way. 

Although this should certainly not be the case; it  is the case. And there’s no changing the current political situation. It’s the same fundamental political situation that was the case for many years and decades. And it’s in no way limited to America in that way. This is an issue that defines the political systems of nearly every country worldwide. 

So let’s have more activists come out like Nadia Kiderman to protest through their writing, speeches and in other forums about the neglect taking place to our nation’s most elderly and vulnerable. One can only hope that there will be sweeping change and reform that takes place as a result. Together, we can make that happen. We can make that a reality. 

Technology in the Media Business

Abigail
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Technology in the Media Business

Media has changed dramatically in the last decade. In part, this is due to the fundamental economic conditions of the marketplace. It’s also because more and more people have migrated to the internet in order to browse for their news, fundamentally evading the past-time of print media, and all that came from it.

Ken Kurson created Book and Film Globe with this in mind. The internet has changed things dramatically for so many businesses; and it goes without saying, that the business of print journalism has certainly been one of them. The print business is a dying breed in the eyes of many journalists, editors and marketers working in the journalism and media industries.

What one needs to be conscious of is that these changes that have been brought don’t need to be viewed through a negative lens. On the contrary, the change can create immeasurable opportunity for content creators who have a litany of platforms to choose from through which they can disseminate their content in an effective manner.

Ken Kurson for example, has a keen understanding of exactly how to go about communicating his various passions through the lens of the blogosphere. Of those passions is politics; and the need to ensure we are all leading lifestyles filled with stoicism.

The dying trend of print media is not a novel concept. It’s something that many have been discussing for a very long time; and any intelligent analyst in the industry could have easily forecasted many years in advance. As the digital world and the way the public consumes media started changing in an aggressive fashion, the journalism and media industry were both rife for change.

The shift for some media outlets from print to digital media outlets has been challenging nonetheless. The changes in streams of revenue for news publications have complicated things for some veterans of the industry. The reality is that challenges create and present opportunities. That’s something that people have to be conscious of, regardless of the industry they might be operating and working in.

There is so much change going on now during the Coronavirus pandemic; given the changes that social distancing has led to. Among them of course, is in the spirit of complying with social distancing guidelines, people are working from home, in a remote fashion.

With this, the commercial real estate business has taken a very serious hit. The hit will continue being more severe with time, undoubtedly. The reason is simple. People are realizing that for many businesses, including media businesses, it’s in no way a necessity or a requirement to work within a physical media space.

For that reason, this is one of many examples of trends that the Coronavirus has spurred that might just end up serving a durable and permanent purpose. Why should businesses incur extra costs associated with office spaces, when in some cases there’s no need for what amounts to an extraneous and excessive cost?

This is a question that many are proposing; and many companies have already made official announcements along the lines of the fact that these changes from working inside the office to working remotely, will be lasting. There’s no reason to change it . It’s more cost-effective; more secure; more healthy and certainly better for all involved.

This is a great example of what the pandemic has wrought that might even prove constructive in the long-run. Regardless, and in any event, this is an issue that has been brought to the light in an effective way due to the pandemic. For some, these changes will merely be temporary; but for others, they will be permanent.

For many industries – including for journalists in the media industry, these changes are certainly manageable. This is merely a continuation of what the industry has already experienced, in the form of changes from the rigidity of old business practices to new ones.

Innovation in every industry is healthy; and creativity is important. These changes create opportunities. Some that are effective at capitalizing on them will be able to develop their businesses further in constructive fashions. Others will not be as fortunate. It remains to be seen what happens.

Summer Home Improvement

Track
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Summer Home Improvement

With summer just around the corner, there are a lot of people scrambling to get their home and yards ready for summer. Guests coming over, family reunions, friends of family, and neighborhood lawn competitions are all rearing at the door, and you have to be ready.

With that said, there are a lot of things that need to be done to de winterize. One of the most obvious things that needs to be done, is lawn and roof work. Winter takes its toll on your plants, often by killing them. It sounds harsh, but a lot of lawn plants just can’t survive a harsh winter, and depending on where you live, that’s exactly what they get.

Having a good looking lawn and garden  is one of the most important things you can do to increase your curb appeal, and look better than your neighbors. Bright, freshly cut grass, and healthy, trimmed plants show that you take care of your home, and make it look just that much better. With that said, it’s probably one of the first things you’ll want to get started on, especially if you need to plant more seeds or take out old, dead plants. Roof and outside wall work are another great project to work on, since harsh winters can also take their toll on your shingles.

It’s important to make sure that your roof is in working condition, and that you don’t have any shifted, broken, or missing panels or shingles, as well as any leaks. While you’re up there, it may be worth packing up your chimney, and covering it for the summer. Walls are a very durable part of the house, and may not need any attention, but they’re also seen the most. Making sure that your paint isn’t fading and that your panels are all intact and not missing any screws or nails is important to increasing your curb appeal. While paying attention to the walls, it’s also worth washing windows and checking all of your trim to make sure that everything is sealing properly, and isn’t tearing or peeling up.

When it comes to inside your home, there are endless possibilities for summer home improvement. Of course, the obvious is keeping it clean. Making sure that you keep floors and walls clean, washing your carpets, and dusting all of your furniture are all obvious ways you can keep your house that much cleaner, and ready for guests.

But if you have the time, it’s also worth taking a look at counters and tabletops, and making sure that paint isn’t getting faded or scratched and repairing or touching it up if it is. It’s also important to realize that no matter how clean your house is, if it smells bad, it’s going to lose a lot of brownie points. Essential oils are a great way to help your home to smell better, while creating a more enjoyable environment! You can use essential oils however you’d like,  whether you want a relaxed environment, an energetic one, or maybe want to set the mood for a loved one. 

Freight Hub Group Shows How to Design Client-Centric Technology

Abigail
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Freight Hub Group Shows How to Design Client-Centric Technology

Many of the giants of the modern global economy are companies with a focus on technology. Due to the dominance of technology to give companies a competitive advantage, many businesses work to create their own software to provide superior customer service. Though this is a laudable goal, it can be easier said than done. With some businesses launching quite cumbersome systems, and others amazing technical assistance for customers worldwide. Like Shiply in shipping for instance, where you can control your own workload as a customer trucker, shipping or logistics company, and be your own boss.

To assist our readers in creating workable applications of their own, we’ve turned to the example set by Freight Hub Group and its TruckHub software. Under the guidance of CEO Luis Lopez, the third-party logistics company has helped highlight a method of software development that can be applied across many different industries.

Know your industry

This may seem apparent to some, but it can be surprising how many business owners attempt to implement technology into a new venture without fully understanding the industry in which they are working. This type of “leap before you look” approach can often be doomed to failure as early mistakes may steamroll into critical downfalls as time passes. Without a firm grasp of the unique challenges of a particular industry, a business leader may find themselves ill-equipped to articulate to developers exactly what issues need to be solved through the creation of a piece of technology.

The example of Freight Hub Group CEO Luis Lopez makes for an instructive example to show the type of legwork that can help you gain a more complete understanding of an industry. The shipping professional’s experience in his field dates back to his time in high school, where he was first introduced to the work through a part-time job. That first exposure to third-party logistics not only taught him many fundamentals that are still relevant in the field to this day, it also gave him an understanding of areas that could be improved upon. One such area that caught his eye was the lack of flexibility in the industry, and the opportunity to create a company that could be more agile in its ability to serve client needs.

Know your clients

That simple observation highlights a second important concept that can be critical for any business owner seeking to design technology to aid in their goals. It is absolutely critical to know and understand your clients. This idea goes beyond an understanding of the industry itself which, though important, is often focused on the nuts and bolts of delivering services. By contrast, knowing your clients hinges on understanding the pain points on their end and better understanding what might be done in order to more fully achieve their goals.

To continue drawing from the example of the third-party logistics company, the CEO’s understanding of a client’s need for flexibility was a direct inspiration for his push to create his TruckHub platform. One early way in which he saw this need manifest was through his observations of the handling and shipping of hazardous materials. Early in his career, he noticed that regulations and other burdens created a slow-moving environment for this type of transportation, causing unnecessary bottlenecks for clients. Through this observation, he worked to create a more streamlined hazardous material handling service that offered same-day pick-up to allow the company to better meet client needs.

Take feedback

No piece of software is created in a vacuum. Though a business owner or design team may come up with the original concept for a piece of technology in order to solve or alleviate a perceived problem, it is the users themselves who ultimately decide its worth. For this reason, keeping an open line of communication with users as to how to best serve their needs can make the difference between a successful product launch or a lackluster attempt.

The launch of TruckHub illustrates this concept perfectly. The application was the result of a long design process with input from a range of sources. Though Luis Lopez was instrumental in the initial conception of the software, he and his design team made the decision early on to solicit input from actual clients. This led to the design process being heavily guided by the desires of clients as the company sought to implement features that had been explicitly requested through user feedback. This has been one of the top factors leading to the successful launch of the TruckHub platform.

Feature selection

Ultimately, the design and implementation of a piece of software comes down to the prioritization of features. The decision to include or exclude certain features can be one of the most important parts of the design process and can contribute greatly to an application’s success. Though the above process of soliciting user feedback can be a great determiner of which features to focus on, it is generally left up to the individuals in charge of the software to make the final decisions regarding implementation.

To better understand this idea, let’s take a quick look at the features that have been implemented in the software created for Freight Hub Group. The TruckHub application is a tool used by clients to track the status and whereabouts of their goods throughout the transportation journey. It also allows dispatchers, drivers, and shippers to share contact information and rate quotes for business owners seeking to utilize the company’s transportation services. The use of GPS and real-time updates to achieve the software’s goals helps to illustrate how focused the platform is on streamlined client-driven features.

While technology is often at the heart of many of the largest and most successful companies in the modern economy, it can sometimes be tricky to implement on a case by case basis. Rather than act as a deterrent, however, this concept can serve as motivation for business owners to become better educated regarding the specifics of software design and implementation. Looking to the above overview of Freight Hub Group and how CEO Luis Lopez has led the design process for its TruckHub software can be informative. Look for additional resources through the company’s website to get a better idea of this process and to see how you can implement a similar process in your own pursuits.

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