5 Ways to Make Your Manufacturing Process More Efficient,

5 Ways to Make Your Manufacturing Process More Efficient

5 Ways to Make Your Manufacturing Process More Efficient

Handling a bunch of employees working on the manufacturing floor is no simple task. Even if you streamline all the processes and provide the right guidance, we still can’t neglect the human factor. Fatigue, discipline, and work ethic are just a few things you should be wary of. As if that wasn’t enough, the management has to consider the use and maintenance of heavy machinery. Small mistakes on the floor can cost employees their limbs while potentially leading to lawsuits. Such situations are devastating for everyone involved, causing major stress and discord within the team. Luckily, there are ways you can improve efficiency while making the manufacturing plant a safer place. In this article, we’ll share 5 ways to make your manufacturing process more efficient. Enjoy!

1. Optimize your workflow

As a manager, your main task is to constantly look for ways to increase efficiency, improve time management, and minimize errors. Now, you don’t have to be a tyrant and reduce workers’ rest time, but you should still find ways to motivate the team. When assessing your workflow, you should focus on workers’ performance and process efficiency. Truth be told, you’ll never achieve high efficiency if you have bad hiring practices. Everything starts with workers and their skills, and the best solution is to hire top experts in the field. Also, you should pay close attention to bottlenecks. Nowadays, manufacturing companies use software to analyze their processes and optimize them. We suggest you apply this practice to all departments, not just workers on the production floor.

2. Upgrade the technology

The technology field has become global and, thus, extremely competitive. Revolutionary manufacturing machines produced in China hit the American market in just a few weeks, becoming accessible to local consumers. There’s always some better solution available, and you can never invest enough in upgrades. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should replace old machinery and software just to get a few extra features. However, if there’s a new revolutionary product on the market, it makes sense to buy it. This is something you’ll have to do either way and by reacting quickly, you’ll get a temporary advantage over the competition.

3. Reduce repair and replacement time

The scariest thing for manufacturers is when a piece of machinery breaks down. As your workers start twiddling their thumbs, you’ll start assessing the cost of downtime. And trust us when we say it’s never pretty! The best way to avoid mishaps is to perform scheduled maintenance according to the producer’s specifications. Although preventative maintenance can be annoying as it takes time to conduct, it beats production stoppages. Furthermore, periodic repairs will help you squeeze the most use out of your equipment. If you wish to further increase efficiency and prevent potential downtimes, we suggest that you keep spare parts nearby. Aside from regular items such as springs, shims, and couplings, you should have specialized components such as valve assemblies, custom metal stamping parts, and injection-molded parts in your inventory.

4. Improve the environment

Plant management should make constant strides to improve the workplace. Aside from increasing production speed, there are a few other tangible benefits to this mindset. First and foremost, the floor manager needs to ensure there’s no waste or tool lying around. Not only do they represent a hazard for employees, but they also make necessary clutter. Also, a person looking for a specific tool might not find it in the usual place, causing more time wasting. However, we also shouldn’t neglect the human factor. Having a clean and neat environment can also improve workers’ efficiency and reduce stress. Depending on the type of business you’re running and the plant layout, you can add various interior solutions to make the compound livelier. Lastly, adding extra light, guard rails, and fire extinguishers can improve workplace safety.

5. Spend money on training

Some employees perceive training as a necessary evil. Most people are used to their daily routine and don’t want to exit that comfortable bubble. However, there are a few tangible benefits to training for both the company and workers. Additional training is one of the better ways to increase floor efficiency. This is especially true for complex tasks. It’s also fantastic for companies that are continuously innovating and introducing new machinery to their premises. But training can also present a developmental opportunity for employees. Your workers can gain new skills, which they can employ in your (or some other) company. Among others, specializing in a particular field or cross-specializing opens new and better job opportunities.

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Improve The Comfort Of Your Office With These Smart Advice

Improve The Comfort Of Your Office With These Smart Advice

Are you a hardworking businessperson looking for ways to make your office more comfortable, productive, and efficient? You’re in luck! We have compiled some of the best advice from successful entrepreneurs and managers on how to enhance the work environment you create. From simple changes like adjusting lighting, to investing in specific furniture or gadgets, these smart tips can help transform any space into a haven that is conducive to productivity and coziness. No matter what type of business you run, we guarantee that our tried-and-tested advice will bring new life into your workspace and make working much easier. So if you are ready for an office transformation, let’s get started!

Create a comfortable area

To create a truly comfortable workspace, investing in ergonomic furniture and accessories should be your top priority. Good posture is essential for preventing injury and feeling relaxed as you work; ergonomic computer chairs and knick-knacks provide support exactly where you need it in order to stay upright, alert, and energized throughout the day. From adjustable computer chairs to footrests and wrist statements, there’s something out there to fit your needs – so don’t skimp, invest in quality materials that are sure to last you years of enjoyable work sessions.

Let natural light in

Utilizing natural light is a great way to boost the comfort and atmosphere of each office. Make sure you take advantage of the sunlight throughout the day, by opening your blinds or curtains to let in the natural light. Not only will it improve your space’s aesthetic, but it has reported benefits including increased concentration and productivity! Natural light can also save you on energy bills compared to constantly relying on artificial light sources. So make sure to open up your window coverings often in order to reap all its benefits – you will be glad you did!

Introduce some plants

Greenery has a significant part to play in improving the comfort of an office. Introducing plants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to smarten up an office space. Plants not only help clear toxins from the air but can also have a calming effect on workers, helping reduce stress levels and boost concentration. A variety of different plants can be chosen, depending on their purpose or design appeal – whether for aesthetics or for providing extra oxygen particles – so no matter what your workspace needs, adding some green will help bring it alive.

Add personal touches

A home office should be a reflection of you, so don’t hold back when it comes to personalizing with items that bring joy. Photos of family and friends are an easy and meaningful way to brighten up any workspace. Whether arranged neatly on a gallery wall or just hung on the walls at random, adding pictures of your loved ones is guaranteed to make your day brighter when anxiety or stress threatens to set in. If wall art isn’t your style, consider displaying some knick-knacks or trinkets that remind you of special memories and moments. With a few special touches here and there, your office will become much more inviting and comfortable – exactly how it should be!

Choose the right background music

When choosing the right background music for your office, think about how it might affect your concentration. Soft instrumental music and nature sounds have been known to help focus and create a peaceful atmosphere. Even at low volumes, they can provide some necessary inspiration while you work. Additionally, there are online options like Spotify or YouTube, so you can access a variety of styles without spending too much money. Finding something that truly fits with your working aesthetics is the key – in this way, you’ll be able to really maximize the comfort of your office workspace!

Make the space inviting

To make your office feel even more like a second home, be sure to keep inviting items nearby. Snacks, books, magazines, and other items can give your workspace a cozy atmosphere that encourages productivity and comfort. Having relevant reading materials and tasty snacks on hand can also be a great way to make it through those long workdays with energy and focus. By stocking the space with the elements that make you feel most at ease, such as favorite coffee mugs or photos of beloved family members, you can enhance the productivity in your office and create an inviting space that is entirely yours.

Consider implementing some or all of this smart advice to improve the comfort of your office. Better ergonomics and a variety of decor can quickly change the atmosphere and make daily work more enjoyable. Moving around and getting fresh air are also important – taking frequent breaks to buy plants, organizing bookshelves, or doing whatever else helps you feel energized when returning to your workspace. Finally, good background music is also essential – choose something like soft instrumental music to relax your mind while still maintaining focus. With just a few conscious decisions, you can easily upgrade your office space for a better working experience.

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/12-neat-suggestions-to-minimize-digital-clutter/

12 Neat Suggestions to Minimize Digital Clutter,

12 Neat Suggestions to Minimize Digital Clutter

12 Neat Suggestions to Minimize Digital Clutter

Digital clutter can make it challenging to stay organized, productive, and efficient with our work and day-to-day tasks. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid it on your devices. 

1. Regularly Sort Through Your Files: 

Take some time each week to go through the files on the desktop or in other folders. For example, if you notice a duplicate file copy, get rid of it. This link explains how to manage and solve duplicates on tablets and smartphones. Generally, delete any unnecessary files or move them into an archived folder. Doing so will help you keep your desktops and folders organized and less cluttered.

2. Utilize Cloud Storage: 

Make use of cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud. These services offer access to a large amount of secure storage space where you can store documents, photos, videos, and more in one easy-to-manage place.

3. Use Smartphone Apps to Track Tasks: 

There are many great apps available that can help you manage daily tasks and keep an eye on important information, such as grocery lists and calendars, eliminating the need for paper clutter.

4. Archiving Emails: 

To avoid having too many emails cluttering up your inbox, create an archive folder for emails that don’t require action or need further reference at a later date but don’t need immediate attention. You can also utilize auto-archiving so that emails older than a certain number of days get automatically moved into a dedicated archive folder without any manual intervention required from you.

5. Unsubscribe From Unnecessary Email Lists: 

Another way to reduce email overload is by unsubscribing from email lists and newsletters you no longer read or find useful. This will help declutter your inbox significantly over time as well as cut down on spam messages that can pile up quickly if left unchecked.

6. Delete Old Social Media Posts: 

Social media platforms are filled with old posts which take up valuable space in our feeds; delete these posts periodically so that only the most recent content appears in your feed, which makes it easier to manage conversations with friends and colleagues without getting overwhelmed by everything from past years or months ago that may have lost relevance today.

7. Turn Off Notifications You Don’t Need: 

Many apps send push notifications to alert users about new updates or promotions which can get overwhelming quickly if not managed properly. Disable notifications for apps you don’t frequently use so that only relevant messages come through when necessary instead of being bombarded with unnecessary notifications.

8. Keep Everything Automated With IFTTT (If This Then That): 

IFTTT is a powerful automation platform that enables users to connect all their devices together so they can create automated tasks without having to do them manually. The service helps save hours while avoiding digital clutter since everything happens seamlessly in the background without requiring input from the user.

9. Use Bookmarking Software To Save Links For Later Reading: 

Instead of cluttering up your browser history with bookmarks, utilize one of the many bookmarking tools available online, such as Pocket or Pinboard. These apps make it easier to find important links when needed without having them scattered across different browsers.

10. Save Space By Releasing Unused Apps & Programs: 

On average, we have around 20 applications installed on our computers but rarely use half of them at most times. Freeing up space by uninstalling unused applications significantly reduces digital clutter, as it eliminates unnecessary programs taking up precious resources on our device(s).

11. Automate File Backups: 

A surefire way of avoiding data loss due to hardware damage is by setting automatic backup schedules using software like Time Machine (for macOS) or Backblaze (for MS Windows). These services ensure that all data is kept safely stored away in external servers, so even if something were to happen with hardware, there would still be copies available online, ready for retrieval whenever necessary.

12. Take Advantage of Shared Drives & Collaboration Platforms:

It’s far simpler to manage documents when multiple people are involved by using shared drives such as Google Drive or Dropbox, which facilitate collaboration between different stakeholders while also helping avoid duplicate versions being created due to big teams collaborating on a project together. It all translates into reducing both physical paperwork while also digital clutter since every person working on something is able to access the latest version from one centralized location.

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/how-to-increase-the-level-of-data-security/

 

Car Accidents and the Rule of Law: Legal Tips Every Driver Needs to Follow

Car Accidents and the Rule of Law: Legal Tips Every Driver Needs to Follow

Car Accidents and the Rule of Law: Legal Tips Every Driver Needs to Follow

As a driver on the road, it’s important to recognize the law and its impact on automobile accidents. Not only must drivers understand what their responsibilities are if they’re involved in an accident, but also the breaking of any relevant or applicable laws can often have serious negative repercussions for both parties. That’s why we’re here today to provide you with some essential legal tips every driver needs to follow—and become better informed of your rights and potential liabilities when behind the wheel.

Contact A Lawyer Immediately

The most important thing to do after an accident is to contact a lawyer right away. Not only can they provide you with essential legal advice, but they can help protect your rights and interests in the case of any dispute or litigation that may arise later down the road. A qualified lawyer can review all aspects of your accident, including evidence and witnesses, to determine if any laws were broken and whether you have a case to pursue. Reputable Baton Rouge lawyers at the Joubert Law Firm note that it’s important to have a legal professional on your side, so you can ensure your interests and rights are protected. It’s particularly essential if you feel like the other party involved in your accident is at fault or has acted negligently.

Understand The Impact Of Any Tickets Or Violations Assigned By the Police

If any tickets or violations were assigned to either of the individuals involved in an automobile accident, these are important documents to understand and review for accuracy. Any tickets you receive from the police should be reviewed carefully with your lawyer, as this can determine who is at fault for the accident and what liabilities or consequences either party may face. An experienced attorney can ensure that any tickets are correctly assessed and issued with accuracy, which could minimize potential risk in court proceedings.

Stay Up To Date With Your Insurance Policy

It’s also important to stay up to date with your insurance policy, as this can determine who will be liable for the cost of any damages or medical bills arising from an accident. Comprehensive policies should cover all aspects of a potential claim and protect you in the event of any dispute. Knowing what is covered by your insurance can give you more peace of mind and help you make more informed decisions if a legal battle is necessary.

Know Your State’s Laws 

Every state has specific laws pertaining to car accidents, such as who’s at fault and the timeframe in which a claim must be filed. Depending on the laws of your state, it could be imperative that you file a claim within a certain time period. Additionally, some states have modified comparative negligence rules that may determine who is at fault and how much compensation each party receives. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s car accident laws before filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. This will help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities after the incident. 

Understand Your Rights and Obligations

It’s important for drivers to understand their obligations when it comes to traffic rules and regulations in order to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. Every state has its own set of rules that need to be followed—from speed limits, lane changing laws, and signal usage to traffic light timings. It’s also a good idea to review the rights you have when it comes to filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against another party involved in an accident with you. 

Be Sure To Collect Evidence After An Accident

Finally, make sure that you collect evidence from the scene of an accident, such as photos and statements from any witnesses. This can help prove who is at fault in the case of a dispute. It’s also important to save all medical records to demonstrate that you have sustained injuries or other damage caused by the incident. You should also keep a copy of the police report, as this can be used to back up your claim. All of these documents should be kept safe to provide evidence in court if necessary.

Having all the facts prepared and organized before you take legal action is important for ensuring that your case has the best chance of success. If at any point during the process, you feel overwhelmed or confused, it can be beneficial to hire a lawyer to help protect your rights and interests. A legal professional will have the expertise necessary to ensure that all aspects of your case are properly addressed, so you can receive the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/

What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide,

What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever been in a car accident? Even if it was just a minor fender bender, the experience can be incredibly confusing and stressful. But no matter the size of your accident, there are certain steps you should take during the aftermath — both for yourself and for others involved — to ensure that everyone is safe and taken care of. This post provides a step-by-step guide on what to do after being in an automobile collision. From tips on how to stay calm afterward, all the way through filing insurance claims and dealing with legal issues, this blog will help walk you through everything so that you know exactly how to handle an auto collision situation when it happens.

Contact A Lawyer

It is always wise to consult with a lawyer after an automobile accident, especially if there are any legal issues involved. A lawyer can provide you with important advice on how to handle the case and what your rights are as a driver in the state where the accident occurred. He or she can also help ensure that all proper paperwork is filed correctly and can work with insurance companies and other lawyers to make sure that you get the most out of your claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, a lawyer can also help you pursue any necessary medical care and file personal injury claims. They can also help you recover any damages that you may be due.

Call The Police

Under no circumstances should you ever leave the scene of an accident without checking in with the police first. Even if it seems like a minor fender bender, it is still important to call the police so that they can document the accident and ensure that all of the required forms are filled out correctly. The police will also be able to provide valuable information about who is at fault for the accident, as well as any other relevant details.

Get Medical Attention

If you were injured in an automobile collision, it is important to get medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it is important to be checked out by a doctor just to make sure everything is okay. If you believe that another person was at fault for the accident and you suffered an injury as a result, you may be eligible for compensation. In order to pursue this, it is important to have official documentation of the injury that was caused by the accident.

Gather Information

If the accident was minor and both drivers are uninjured, you should take the time to exchange insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, addresses, make and model of cars involved in the accident, and insurance companies. If possible, you should also take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to both vehicles. While still at the scene of the accident, it is also a good idea to write down a detailed account of what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. You may also want to speak with any witnesses that were present, taking down their contact information in case they need to provide testimony. 

Dealing With Insurance Companies

After an automobile accident, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. You should also contact the other driver’s insurance company, if applicable, to see if they will cover any of the damages. It is important, to be honest, and provide accurate information when speaking with these companies so that you do not get into any legal trouble. You may also want to consider hiring an attorney who specializes in car accident cases to represent you and make sure that you get the most out of your claim.

Take Care Of Yourself

Lastly, it is important to take care of yourself after being involved in a car accident. If you were injured, follow all of your doctor’s instructions and take the time to rest and recover. Even if you were not injured, it is important to take some time for yourself and make sure that you are dealing with the mental trauma of being in a car accident. It can be difficult to come to terms with what happened after an auto collision, so taking the time for self-care is essential.

Overall, being involved in an auto accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience. It is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being, as well as that of any other parties involved. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and legally will help you move forward with confidence after the incident. 

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/useful-guide-on-how-to-act-after-a-car-accident/

 

 

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Hiring a Lawyer: 7 Things to Know

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Hiring a Lawyer: 7 Things to Know

Hiring a lawyer is important, so you want to ensure you get it right. Finding the right attorney for your legal needs can be challenging, as countless lawyers are all vying for your business. To ensure maximum success and protection when hiring a lawyer, it’s essential to understand what mistakes should be avoided and what steps should be taken throughout the process. This guide will provide seven key pieces of advice on properly hiring a qualified legal professional while avoiding common pitfalls. Read on.

1. Research Your Options

When something is as important as legal matters, it pays to do your research. Checking out the Jorge Vela criminal defense lawyer’s proven track record, reading reviews, and speaking with past clients are all great ways to get a better understanding of the attorney’s reputation and quality of service. It also helps to compare different lawyers’ rates, experience levels, and specialties before making your final choice. Taking the time upfront to ensure you have the best lawyer on your case can be the difference between a successful outcome or disaster. So do yourself a favor – put in that extra effort today, and you’ll be glad tomorrow.

2. Understand the Fees

When you decide to hire a lawyer for your case, it is important to understand all the associated fees and ask questions upfront. This includes asking about hourly rates and flat fees to assess the total cost of legal services better. It could be confusing to receive an invoice with various costs for your service, so ensure transparency from the beginning before committing to any work. Many law firms now offer free consultations, which you may consider investing time in gathering information and preparing questions about charges. This way, you know to make an informed decision.

3. Get Everything in Writing

Documenting all conversations with a lawyer before, during, and after the process is essential. This includes emails, phone calls, in-person meetings, and other communication exchanges. By having evidence of all agreements between both parties in writing, you can avoid misunderstandings that could lead to costly disputes. Without getting everything in writing from the lawyer, potential financial and other problems could arise during the case or transaction process.

4. Ask About Specializations

Choosing an attorney can be one of the most important decisions, and the right one for your case can make all the difference in its outcome. That’s why it’s important to ask plenty of questions when selecting a legal professional – including verifying that they have experience handling similar cases.

Feel free to inquire about their specializations and specific past successes. After all, you need an expert in the area of law you require assistance with. When interviewing potential attorneys, you’re sure to have peace of mind when it becomes apparent they know that practice area inside and out.

5. Know Your Timeframe

Thinking long-term in a legal setting can often be difficult, but it’s an essential skill to cultivate. Knowing your time frame is key to understanding what to do and when. When you start a new case, take the time to speak with your attorney about what kind of timeline should be expected. Establish realistic expectations for the progress of your case – if your attorney promises two weeks for answers. Still, realistically it will take six weeks due to the current workload. Make sure they explain the details, so you don’t feel frustrated or disappointed down the line.

6. Get Updates Regularly

You should receive updates from your attorney regularly so you’re always aware of what is going on with your case. Ask your lawyer to keep track of any communication, and all the information exchanged between both parties. To ensure that everything is recorded accordingly, ask if they can provide an update after each meeting or conversation. This way, you’ll always be aware of the present state of your case and have a record to refer back to at any time. Make sure the lawyer is available if you call or email them so that they can answer any questions. That way, you can rest assured that everything is on track with your legal case.

7. Communicate Effectively

Communication is key during any legal process. The more accurately you can explain your situation, the better your lawyer will be able to serve you. Neglecting to provide pertinent information or leaving out details could result in a negative outcome. Take notes and write down questions beforehand, so you remember everything when discussing your case. By speaking, you can ensure that all instructions will be followed and expectations are met on both sides. It’s important to remember that having a lawyer is an investment in your legal needs, and it pays off when you take the time to find the right one. Asking questions, researching specialties, knowing your timeline, and getting regular updates will help you make the most of their services and get the best possible outcome for your case. With all this in mind, you can take comfort in hiring an attorney well-suited for your needs.

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/what-is-employment-separation-certificate/

In the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, oil remains a critical commodity

How To Get Your Finances In Order

How To Get Your Finances In Order

By organizing your monthly expenditures into different categories, you can make sure that you understand exactly where your money is going and also prioritize your spending habits. Everyone will have their own way of handling their finances, but below are a few ways that you can get organized:

* Establish A Budget 

Create a budget for your spending. Use an online calculator that allows you to calculate how much money you have coming in and how much you have to spend on your bills. By understanding the extent of your spending, you can figure out how much money you will need to save and where you can actually make some budget cuts such as by reducing entertainment or streaming spending. You can also decrease your expenditures by regularly checking to see if you’re paying a fair rate for your insurance policies. By doing comparison shopping every 6 months, you can save a great deal of your budget and put it towards paying off your debt.

* Prioritize Your Bills

When you understand just how much money you have to spend each month, it also makes sense to prioritize your bills. There are certain expenditures that you have to pay off no matter what. Usually, not paying your mortgage or your car will mean repossession or paying significant fines.

Common examples of priority bills may include:

-Rent or mortgage payments

-Utility bills

-Government taxes

* Consider Your Interest Rates

It’s also important to know how much you’re paying in interest rates, and whether you have any options for repaying your debt. If you have any outstanding loans or credit card debt, make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules of repayment are and what interest rates you’re paying. Usually, these bills are a priority because choosing to not pay them costs more and the implications are significant.

* Try Consolidating Your Debt!

You can get a better handle on your finances by choosing to consolidate your debt into one lump sum payment. For example, in certain instances, you may be eligible for moving your credit card debt to a different card and paying lower interest rates. Even if transferring your balance may seem like the correct option for you, it’s important to know exactly what the benefits and the associated costs are so you can make an informed decision. An IVA is a good option for many, often the question is raised: Can I get a loan with an IVA? 

How To Adequately Handle Debt Concerns

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of debt you have, which is why you need to level-headedly assess the situation by taking a deep breath and looking at the bigger picture.

Ask yourself some questions such as:

-Do you have trouble paying your bills on time?

-Do you often exceed your credit limit?

-Are you seemingly piling up debt?

-Do you ever withdraw cash from your credit card?

-Do you greatly rely on your overdraft protection in order to make ends meet?

If you’re answering “yes” to one or multiple of the questions outlined above, we can help you get a better handle on your finances!

If you’re still not entirely sure that you need some outside objective help to get a handle on your finances, take the StepChange 60 debt test! This charity will help you get a better understanding of where you need the most help, and outlining your spending habits will have you create a better financial plan for your future.

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/privacy-protection/

 

 

Privacy Protection: 6 Tips for Safely Handling Sensitive Customer Data,

Privacy Protection: 6 Tips for Safely Handling Sensitive Customer Data

Privacy Protection: 6 Tips for Safely Handling Sensitive Customer Data

Handling sensitive customer data is critical for their protection and yours. Information such as names, payment info, social security numbers, addresses, bank information, and account logins are directly targeted by malicious actors. By implementing preventative security measures like cloud data recovery, file encryption, and 2FA, you can mitigate the risks and ensure all data is responsibly managed and protected. Before we jump in, it’s important to evaluate your technical capacity and create a comprehensive list of all devices in use. What you implement and protect on one machine must be protected on every machine that can access the same data. From here, consider taking the following security measures: 

Preventatively Implement Software for Cloud Data Recovery

Once you have identified the customer data that needs to be protected, it must be backed up and stored safely. By implementing reliable cloud data recovery systems, you can automatically back up critical data. If a breach or technical compromise occurs, it’s ready and waiting to be recovered and seamlessly restored. Cloud storage also gives you a failsafe should your physical location be compromised or fall victim to a natural disaster. Your data and customer information will be safely stored and ready to be accessed from your new secure location. 

Organize Sensitive Data for Easy Management

Establish a structured system for organizing and managing client data. This system should match the flow of your internal processes, ensuring it supports your team rather than burdening them with extra steps. Sensitive information should be digitized, and the hard copies destroyed or stored in a secure location with restricted access. Modern document scanning apps can tell the difference between handwritten text and computer-generated text, so this process doesn’t have to be as complex or time-consuming as it seems. 

Encrypt Files

Once everything is organized, sensitive information should be encrypted. This is especially important if the data is being moved from one digital location to another. Even if someone were to mistakenly receive the file or take it with malicious intent, they won’t be able to access the data without the password or encryption key. 

Implement Password Security and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

While this may seem obvious, it’s so obvious that it’s often neglected. Passwords should always be unique, unguessable, and changed regularly. Sticky notes and Word Docs containing passwords are a quick path to a data breach. So look into a company-wide password security software that will help your team keep track of their account information in a secure way. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is another critical step in account access management that can prevent digital exposure. It requires a two-stage process for accessing data from different accounts or devices to ensure whoever is attempting to open the file has the authorization to do so. 

Ensure On-Site File Safety Access

If customer data is stored in on-site servers or your team has the data displayed on their monitors, it may be exposed to a physical breach. Office visitors, tradespeople, and industry partners with on-site access could pose a threat to data security. All devices that store sensitive data should have security measures in place to ensure access is limited to those who are authorized. Locked server rooms, biometric access control systems, and device time-out settings will help reduce the likelihood of a physical leak. 

Engage in Regular Employee Training

Your team should be on the alert for potential threats and trained to change passwords regularly, lock their computers, properly organize data, and maintain access restrictions at all times. Most importantly, your customers will thank you for keeping their data safe and secure. Which protection strategy will you implement first? 

Check Next >https://www.neoadviser.com/ai-opportunities/

AI Opportunities

AI Opportunities: 5 Ways the Latest AI Tools Can Benefit Your Business

AI Opportunities: 5 Ways the Latest AI Tools Can Benefit Your Business

In 2022, AI skyrocketed in popularity, and 2023 is bound to see that trend continue. Everyone from digital marketing agencies to managed IT service providers is keen to leverage the power of AI tools to improve their businesses. Below are five ways you can bring AI into your business today:

1. Automate repetitive tasks

The business world is full of repetitive tasks that are perfect for AI automation. In marketing and finance, AI tools can help with social media management, consumer research, payroll processes, and more. For administrative tasks and customer support, AI can help keep track of employee communication and build stronger customer relationships. In particular, businesses can use AI chatbots to streamline the process of answering routine questions. Doing so can improve accuracy while freeing up time for more critical tasks. 

2. Create more personalized experiences

Customers want to feel that the companies they do business with care about them. One of the easiest ways to prove that you value your customers is to give them more control over the products and services they use. AI improves this level of personalized control.  For example, streaming services can integrate AI functionality to enable the app to learn more about the users. When users sign in, the AI can understand what kind of movies, music, or books they like and suggest similar media. Of course, this personalized approach isn’t limited to streaming services – any business can use AI to create better customer experiences.

3. Improve decision making

The world is full of data that can lead to better decisions. Unfortunately, humans don’t have the time or ability to analyze everything. That’s where AI tools can help. Crunching through mountains of data to tease out what’s relevant is where AI excels. Whether it’s identifying current trends or predicting future challenges, Big Data tools can help. Businesses can use that valuable information to make more informed decisions about what to do next and how to fulfill their company goals. 

4. Source talent more efficiently

For years now, the recruitment process has fundamentally stayed the same: post job ads, review resumes, and conduct interviews. Although essential, hiring is also a costly and timely process. Luckily, AI can reduce the temporal and financial expenditures involved. For example, AI tools can comb through thousands of resumes, compare them with the posted job description, and filter out the most promising candidates. From there, AI chatbots can work with hiring managers to screen shortlisted candidates by asking questions, receiving answers, and identifying patterns within those answers. With that data before them, hiring managers can easily understand the pros and cons of each candidate before making their final decision. Once the decision is made, AI can inform all candidates rather than having them wait for weeks on end.

5. Filter customer messages for timely support

When contacting a business, most customers want a timely response that answers their questions or solves their problems in one go. Getting this process right every time is a big ask for modern businesses because the number of customer queries generally outweighs the number of customer support staff. Hiring more staff is a possibility. However, AI can significantly improve business-customer relations at a fraction of the cost of hiring new staff. For example, AI-powered tools can read incoming customer messages, pick out certain words, and filter them by tone, category, and urgency. Then, the AI can send the customer messages to the appropriate person with a few added notes on how and when to reply. The five above benefits are far from exhaustive. However, they give a glimpse into how AI tools allow businesses to improve customer support, decision-making, talent scouting, and much more.

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Discovering Dairy: 6 Fascinating Facts from the History of Human Milk Consumption,

Discovering Dairy: 6 Fascinating Facts from the History of Human Milk Consumption

Discovering Dairy: 6 Fascinating Facts from the History of Human Milk Consumption

Many people add milk to their tea or coffee without a second thought. However, these same people would probably be horrified if you suggested they switch to a dog or donkey milk. But why is that? Why are we so comfortable with one animal’s breast milk but not all the others?  From our first experiments with dairy to the development of the best milk brand in Australia, here are six fascinating facts from the history of human milk consumption. Hopefully, by the end of the article, we’ll have a greater understanding of why we’re so comfortable drinking bodily fluids from cows.

1. Milk consumption predates writing

The first evidence of writing has been dated to around 3,400 BCE. Meanwhile, evidence of human milk consumption stretches back at least 6,000 years to around 4,000 BCE. This explains why we’re so comfortable with cow’s milk but would turn our noses up at milk from most other animals – we’ve had a lot of time to grow accustomed to dairy! 

2. We evolved to digest milk because we started drinking it

As any vegan will happily tell you, drinking milk as an adult is not natural. Humans generally stop producing lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose – long before we reach adulthood. However, over the millennia, with the continued consumption of dairy, our genes mutated, developing the capacity to produce lactase and digest milk. Of course, not everyone carries the requisite gene mutation, and those who don’t are lactose intolerant. 

3. Lactose tolerance is evidence of the theory of evolution

Many religious zealots will claim that “evolution is only a theory,” but what they’re doing with this claim is conflating the common use of the term “theory” with its scientific definition. The American Museum of Natural History defines a scientific theory as “a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts.” Humanity’s gradually acquired ability to digest milk is one of many aspects of the natural world that substantiates Darwin’s theory of evolution. 

4. The Maasai milkshake

The Maasai tribe of Kenya has one of the most unusual diets on Earth, consisting primarily of blood, milk, and meat. They sometimes mix the blood and milk of a cow together to create the most metal milkshake imaginably. Though more than 60% of their calories come from fat, the Masaai tend to be robust and healthy, with incredibly low levels of heart disease.  

5. Fat and fabulous

Traveling from Kenya to Ethiopia, we find another unique and ancient cultural tradition that relies on milk. Here, the men of the Bodi tribe engage in an annual ritual that involves drinking milk and blood until they’ve gotten themselves as fat and fabulous as they can. Once the allotted time is up, the tribe picks a winner, and the glory of this title is something all young Bodi men hope to claim for themselves one day. 

6. Easy-to-digest milk

The a2 brand is commonly recognized as the best milk option in Australia as it is far easier to digest than traditional dairy. The reason is that a2 milk is drawn from cows that only produce the a2 protein. Since the a1 protein can cause non-lactose-related digestive issues, a2 milk has been a game-changer, allowing people to have their milk and their comfortable tummy too.  Next time you reach for a bottle of milk, remember that you’re taking part in an honestly rather strange ritual that has a wild and twisted history. 

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