Technology News Articles

Introducing Big Belly: The Bin That Texts

September 15, 2022 Comments Off

The concept of using SMS with machines is not new. Some vending machines use SMS technology to allow customers to pay and alert staff when restocking is required and many street pay and display units allow drivers to pay via SMS now too. These examples are fairly commonplace uses of SMS, but other intriguing ways of using SMS to simplify everyday tasks are being introduced all the time. One such innovation is the use of SMS with street bins.
The revolutionary Big Belly bin is seen on many streets worldwide because of its appreciable benefits. Created by Kyron UK Limited, the Big Belly uses a unique design which, when combined with SMS technology, makes it much more convenient, efficient and cost-effective than other bins.
How SMS Enabled Bins Work
Inside the bin there is an internal compactor which is connected to two volume sensors. When the rubbish reaches a certain level, the sensors trigger the compactor which forces the rubbish together more tightly thus increasing the bin’s overall capacity. This compaction allows the Big Belly bin to hold up to 8 times more than the average street bin used by most local authorities. It is at this stage of the process that SMS technology comes into play. The bin has a wireless monitoring system which will send a text and/or email to the relevant division when 85% of the bins capacity has been filled. The responsible authority is then able to schedule a convenient time to empty the bin, fitting it round other commitments and thus maximising their time management. Aside from all these amazing features, the bin is also completely self-powered because 100% of its energy needs are fulfilled by solar power, meaning that there is no need for any electrical connections.
The Advantages of Using SMS Enabled Bins
The use of a BP solar panel makes it self sufficient in terms of energy supply which makes it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. It is also safe, easy to use and designed to keep out pests. However, it is the ability to ‘communicate’ with the bin that is the most striking and useful factor. Using Big Belly reduces bin collection costs by up to 70% as the SMS feature ensures that the rubbish is only collected when necessary. This allows for a much better division of labour because workers are not wasting time checking or emptying bins that don’t need it. Monitoring the amount of rubbish and informing the responsible authority by text also eliminates the problem of overflowing bins and the need for weekend collections. This is particularly useful as overflowing bins are unsightly, unsanitary and encourage pests and weekend collections are expensive and inconvenient. Keeping up to date with the status of the bin then is clearly extremely valuable.
It is no wonder then that over 10,000 Big Belly bins have been installed worldwide given the overwhelming evidence to support their efficiency.
Yet again, the teaming of SMS technology with a device, this time street bins, has proven to be enormously effective in a number of ways.…

How to Integrate Technology Into a Real Estate Business?

June 24, 2022 Comments Off

Real estate has been one of the most profitable and sustainable business. People have become very rich through real estate dealing. Real estate agents use a lot of ways to ensure that they succeed in increase their business. Large businesses with a lot of real estate agents also use different tactics to improve their sales. Large property dealers often spend a fortunate of their earnings on training their sales staff for increase in business. They often however, overlook the fact that technology has been making a greater impact on our lives. This underestimation in role of technology brings a lot of problems for the old style real estate business people. First of all people have started using technology to locate the properties in any country of the world. Secondly, people use internet more then the physical resources to gather information and intelligence.
Search engines have change and there has been a new term coined, known as “social search” which is done through the online social networking sites. People now use technology extensively for all the purposes. Using technology has changed the way things are done for good. The first thing is to use technology for your online business presence. You can get your website designed specifically according to your demand for your real estate business. This would help you establish your online presence.
One other very important way to use technology is to have laptop along with you. Your laptop should have some arrangement for electricity as well as internet. Taking the laptop will help you make presentations to any new client and you can also add to it a lot of useful information, which you won’t be able to remember otherwise. It is also a good practice to find your way through and also the property details through the different internet applications, in case you have problems in finding directions. These are some of the very important technology uses you can have for your real estate property. If you are thinking about the possible benefits then you must rethink. Now people don’t use internet as a luxury in their businesses any more. They use internet to get their hands onto the latest information available so they don’t loose their edge over some other businesses already using technology to their advantage.…

Do You Want to Work With an IT Trophy Kid?

April 17, 2022 Comments Off

Even though the world currently looks like it is upside down, there is a much larger change going on that will have a much longer impact than this temporary financial crisis: the arrival of the millennial generation into the IT workplace. Are you ready?
Just to make sure that we’re all talking about the same thing here, the millennial generation were born between 1980 and 2001. With the baby boomer generation getting ready to walk off into the sunset, the millennials are the new kids in town and they are getting ready to shake things up.
Ron Alsop who writes for the Wall Street Journal has taken some time to study what this arrival means for all of us and he’s written a book with his answers in it called The Trophy Kids Grow Up: How the Millennial Generation is Shaking Up the Workplace. He’s discovered some eye-opening things that all IT Leaders need to be aware of.
If we had to describe the millennial generation’s view of work, the word that everyone seems to use is “entitled” – they want it all and they want it now. What are they asking for? How about: higher pay, flexible hours, promotions within a year, and more vacation/personal time. Why do they think that they’ll get it? Studies show that nearly half of the millennials have a “…moderate to high superiority beliefs about themselves.”
What’s up with these guys / gals? Where did all of this come from? Blame it on the parents (and teachers and coaches). This is the generation that was constantly told that they were the best, the ones that got trophies even when they didn’t win, and were rarly criticized in order to not damage their self-esteem. Now they are in your IT department…!
But hold on. Remember that the millennials have a solid grasp of cutting edge technology – it is a part of their life outside of work. They tend to work very well in teams and they get along well with baby boomers because they remind them so much of their own parents.
These are hard workers who will get the job done as long as an IT Leader points them in the right direction. How best to do that will be covered in another post……

Market Technology: The Missing Link

August 23, 2021 Comments Off

Although many, aspects of Industry have morphed and changed over the last, few decades, there are several outposts that continue to find their way. In spite of technological advances, process improvements, changing Market and Customer demands, fierce Competition and even the advent of the Internet and powerful, Marketing platforms – like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter – the prevailing mindset has not changed dramatically.
In 1981, we submitted a manuscript to Harvard Business School for review and consideration. It was titled, “Market Technology: The Missing Link.”
It certainly would not rival Ted Leavitt’s “Marketing Myopia,” however Market Technology approached the fundamental issue differently and distinctively.
The actual manuscript was a “library of congress” class of document complete with concept overview, relevant models, heavy detailed, descriptors, case examples to demonstrate that the stuff had been applied to the real world, etc.
In its raw form – Market Technology advocated that companies must treat their marketing, sales and business development needs similarly to the way core engineering and product development are handled. Determining the right response and the right mix for a company’s marketing and sales programs is no different than determining a company’s products and services. In fact, conceiving effective programs is as complex and critical to the company’s success, as conceiving its product set. This meant that the Marketing discipline and process need to be integrated into the business. In fact, with small-to-medium, sized companies – the Market Program – is classified, as critical – in that, it could make or break a company.
For smaller firms – they must get it right – out-of-the-gate, and may not get a second chance.
This is one aspect that distinguishes smaller companies from their larger counterparts – as the larger firm can absorb a missed opportunity or loss more readily.
How many companies have you been associated with that thought and operated this way?
Market Technology represents a Mindset, framework, methodology, process orientation and an implementation -ready, program all rolled-up in one, complete package.
In your company, what role does Marketing play?
Most, will respond by indicating that Marketing plays a support role for either the product/service or to provide mainline support to the company’s Salesforce or Distribution Network (Channel Partners).
Reference will be made to Trade Show support, MarComm, collateral material, brochures, data sheets and even the dreaded “lead generation program.”
In your company, what is the stature of Marketing?
There are exceptions (depending on the Industry and Company make-up), however most will indicate that it is not a Leadership role (although the Marketing Team wants it to be).
What is the missing ingredient?
Is it that Senior Management did not come from the Marketing discipline and will not give it its day and cut it loose?
Is it that companies have experienced too, many false starts with their Marketing Program or it just doesn’t work?
Is marketing too, risky and costly compared to making investment in other areas of the company?
Is marketing viewed, as a luxury vs. a mainline contributor?
There is no silver bullet answer, although some combination of these factors may be the root to understand the dynamics going on here – in your company.
Let’s revisit the elements of the All-in-One package referenced above:
*The Mindset – we continually get bombarded with messages that advocate a company must migrate to a Market-Driven or Customer-Centric state – well, how many successful transitions have you been involved in or led?
The point is that this involves cultural and many times, organizational change – and that is not a small step, but a giant leap. It may demand shift changes in focus and direction, which may also have an impact on the make-up of the Senior Leadership Team.
It takes careful assessment, planning, timing and relentless dedication to pull something like this off, however the starting point is the Mindset. If there is need to infuse or change the company mindset to embrace Marketing – then it must start with the Top Dogs (Senior Leadership Team) and then filter into the organization. Although the mindset sounds like “soft science,” if the company environment is not ripe and receptive and the mindset is not understood and put to practice, then there is no need to invest any time, resource and effort into driving this forward. It’s a Dead stop!
*Framework/Methodology – most companies’ Marketing efforts look-like a disjointed, puzzle. The pieces are laid out and some fit, however it just doesn’t hang together. The reason for this is that the make-up of the Marketing Program is comprised of discrete events (activity-based) vs. a well-thought out, integrated Program (defined and driven by Strategic intent). Further, there are times when something is put in-place to satisfy the interests of the Top Dog or to appease the Sales Team – avoid these activities like …

Tech Help For Delay in Booting

January 25, 2021 Comments Off

Personal computer users often report to their technical support service providers that their PC is taking much longer time to boot. In addition of not enough random access memory (RAM) and low hard disk space, invalid registry is one prime reason for this frequently-met computer problem. One survey of visitors carried out by tech help experts in a popular computer forum reported that more than 90% of PCs has problems with invalid registry entries for which they sought tech help assistance.
You may be thinking what invalid registry is actually all about. You need not be an information technology engineer or a tech help expert to understand it. However for that, you need to have some basic idea about your Windows registry first. Your Windows registry is a vital connecting link to align your personal computer for general settings for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions, Microsoft Windows 64-bit versions, and Windows Mobile. Whenever you install or uninstall any software or hardware program, their first source of contact with your Microsoft Windows is your Windows registry.
When you uninstall any computer program, you have not completely removed all the links of it from your system. You are still left with numerous file links and references in the Windows registry. These links and references remain because of cross network that has been formed with other software programs in your Windows. They point to files that no longer exist. Invalid registry records them as computer error. If you frequently install or uninstall software or hardware programs, after sometime there will be too many computer errors recorded. This will overstuff your Windows registry. As the space that connects your PC to the Microsoft Windows become more and more narrow, it makes Windows access to the system data more and more difficult and time-consuming. This delays the booting process.
To confirm that your booting process is indeed delayed because of invalid registry, you need to check the status of your current Windows registry. The first thing that tech help experts in information technology forums ask you to do is to run a good scanner that detects how many errors there are. Make sure that you run a good reliable scanner for this technical support. Today, many scanners artificially increase computer errors to make you purchase their solutions for this computer problem. If it does show more than125+ errors, then perhaps your PC has slowed down due to invalid entries.
To correct this computer problem, you need to delete invalid entries from the Windows registry. To clean up such debris manually may not be a smart thing for you to do. This is because of the sheer size and complexity of the Window registry database. Manually cleaning up debris and invalid entries perhaps would be totally impractical. According to Windows technical support professionals, you should instead install a good Registry cleaner program. Even tech help experts themselves prefer a good Registry cleaner program over performing steps manually in the Windows registry. Registry cleaners are software programs that automate the process of searching for invalid entries, broken links or file references within the Windows registry, and erase them. Today, there are many Windows invalid registry programs available free online. They are coded keeping diverse needs of PC users in mind. However, do make sure that you install only a good program. You cannot afford to take chance with it. Do consult your technical support service provider for a good and safe invalid registry cleaner program.
If you are particularly concerned that you may require to revert some functions erased from your Windows registy, then there are Windows invalid registry cleaners that comes with backup and restore functions. If you do need to revert changes, Windows registry cleaners with backup and restore functions will be most appropriate.
Windows technical support engineers stress time and again on the importance of Windows registry in good functioning of PC when they attend a seminar in computer forum.
Your Windows registry is gateway of your PC to connect the Microsoft Windows quickly and efficiently. You need to keep a control on overstuffing of invalid registries and take corrective actions when needed.…

State-Of-The-Art Design And Technology Can Meet Both Energy And Comfort Demands

January 2, 2021 Comments Off

The CFC phaseout has forced facility executives to take a hard look at their HVAC systems. At the same time, current technology offers significant opportunities for energy savings from the heating and cooling system, typically the second-largest energy user in commercial facilities. On top of all that, the definition of comfort has evolved rapidly over the past decade.
At one time, HVAC systems satisfied the comfort issue by simply making sure the work area was warm or cool enough for most occupants. Now, comfort is being refined to include indoor air quality and outside air exchange.
All in all, it’s a tall order: The HVAC system is expected to achieve comfortable conditions for the individual and the masses in the office without harming the delicate global atmosphere. A good example is the CFC phaseout.
Facility executives have three choices: contain CFCs in existing chillers, convert existing units to alternative refrigerants or replace existing machines. Installing new high-efficiency equipment can result in significant energy savings.
Modern HVAC equipment offers improved efficiencies, which are being achieved with better motor performance and better temperature splits in the refrigerant tubes. Today’s HVAC systems also offer better part-load efficiencies than older models. Multi-stack units and horizontal screws run more efficiently at part-load levels than earlier models. The economizer bundles are better than they used to be, so the systems run more efficiently.
The recent improvements in chiller efficiencies are the result of refinements in many small places. Manufacturers have done it by better designed compressors, by improving heat transfers. Every component has been reengineered.
New materials, notably plastics, offer major potential for increased HVAC advances that end up benefiting building owners and managers. New materials make units more efficient, easier to install and more corrosion resistant. HVAC systems are becoming more component oriented so they can be put in after the building is built.
Resolving IAQ via HVAC
One of the biggest challenges facing facility managers today is how to meet ASHRAE’s current standard for outside air exchange. Variable air volume systems and normal applications need to be reexamined to meet ASHRAE fresh air standard.
To maintain energy efficiency and meet the new standard, multi-zone air-handling systems may need some overhauls. The normal unit has two decks — one for warm air and one for cool. Provided air is mostly being recirculated, the two decks work effectively.
With the larger temperature differences involved with increased outside air, a neutral zone also may be needed. In a triple-deck system, the outside air is brought by the heat exchanger to that neutral point, before entering the air stream. The result is returned efficiency to the HVAC system in its heating and cooling modes.
Another promising solution is the use of dessicants to pre-condition air without mechanical cooling.
For buildings undergoing major retrofits, the building’s air should be tested before renovations begin. Establish the levels of existing contaminants, if any, so that you have a point of reference. After renovations, the air quality should be retested. Periodically, additional IAQ tests should be conducted.
What should building owners do when indoor air actually is better than outside air, as often is the case in buildings located adjacent to major airports? Filtration for gaseous contaminants can play a major role in cleaning the building’s air. The health care industry already is aware of the importance of air filtration in controlling the spread of airborne pathogens. But other building owners are just beginning to recognize the importance of proper filtration systems.
Custom comfort
Many advances have been made in HVAC control technology during the past decade. One of the most recent is the ability to control air flow, temperature and even air quality at individual workstations. Because of metabolism and dress in the office, women often complain that they are too cold, while men are too hot.
Advances in DDCs and control systems give us tools to get better air as well as energy conservation from HVAC systems. Everything now is automatic. We can set certain parameters for temperature and humidity with the outside air economizer.
And we can do so much more with the system to protect the health of the people inside the building. For example, if there is a fire and the smoke-detection system is activated, the HVAC controls can stop the air-handling system and start exhausting smoke from the space while alerting local fire and alarm departments.
Electronics in HVAC systems are becoming more integrated with each other: The air-handling unit knows how much is needed from it, and the chiller knows what each air handler is doing and can adjust itself accordingly.
Further refinements in HVAC system controls are on the near horizon. For example, comfort control that relies on more than the temperature to measure a space’s overall comfort currently is being investigated by researchers, …

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