In the fast moving, volatile and critical poultry industry, control over processes within various divisions and sites is essential. Linking different divisions with each other and the business to provide an integrated view of the entire organisation provides accurate insights to ensure better performance. Management via manual processes and Excel spreadsheets simply doesn’t achieve the results needed to remain competitive. 

By their very nature, many businesses operating in the digital era are constantly inundated with massive data sources. 

South African businesses need a different mindset to address ongoing stock losses and fraud.

Tech Terms defines an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as “a company that produces hardware to be marketed under another company's brand name”. Earlier this quarter, Tracker Connect (Pty) Ltd was named the SA Qlik Master Reseller OEM Partner of the Year for 2017.

Picture the 1980s businessman dictating an important message for his assistant to type and fax to his client. Time is money – but it certainly seemed to move a little slower a few decades ago. 

Considering how maintenance and parts inventories have evolved in recent years, and the increasingly strategic approach to Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), it is apparent that visibility is one of the most important drivers at every step in the manufacturing and plant engineering process.

In the security industry, discipline and integrity are critical factors. A United States security expert* recently confirmed that; “the supervision of security guards is the most important and most difficult challenge of a security company.” Guarding is a career that requires a large set of skills – and while guards may be proficient in one area, this does not mean that they are able to deliver on the full skillset required. 

Across South Africa, the outbreak of the food-borne disease Listeria has been reported as possibly being the largest outbreak of its kind the world has ever seen. This disease has already claimed more than 170 lives. According to The National Health Laboratory Service, 915 cases of Listeria have been reported since January 2017. Those most vulnerable are young people, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

Manufacturers based in South Africa often face unique and intricate operational challenges. From labour unrest to an unstable electrical grid, water shortages, harsh conditions and asset risks, there are various factors to consider, and strategic management is essential. With the right technology, however, these challenges can be overcome for a profitable, seamlessly run manufacturing plant.

With the exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the ever-expanding digital era, businesses face a flurry of data. This constant stream of information demands attention. Why? Because businesses already have all the information at hand to make impactful, positive, strategic decisions; if only they knew how to access it.

In a world that is currently driven by all things transformation, the revolution of working practices must be given its due consideration. From disruptive business software to digital transformation, the optimisation of investments and services, and the need for (transformative) speed – businesses that do not focus on empowering the organisation to perform better will soon be left behind.

Water is a valuable commodity. It has been said that the third world war will be fought over water. It is a resource that is quickly running out, as Cape Town is set to become the first city to run out of water. The world has its eyes on the water crisis in the Cape with “day zero” looming. 

In facilities management, inspecting large institutional, engineering, manufacturing, mining and commercial facilities and assets can be a challenging, dangerous, and dirty job. Ensuring that assets are performing reliably to design standards means balancing tight budgets and aging infrastructure or finding new ways to maximise the value of existing assets. 

Mauritius has long been known as an idyllic holiday destination. Unfortunately, environmental news from this paradise had started to become somewhat underwhelming and serious action needed to be taken to help bring Mauritius back to its former glory. Mauritius’ Vice-Prime Minister Mr Showkutally Soodhun announced that the government of Mauritius “is committed to upholding the country’s cleanliness and safety for the benefit of the population.” 

From phishing to identity theft, the invasion of privacy, Internet/ATM/wire fraud, file sharing and piracy, counterfeiting and forgery, child pornography, and hacking – cybercrime is a chilling and imminent threat across the globe. 

A recent poll has revealed that the South African facilities management, manufacturing and fleet management industries face four distinct pain points; work orders, asset registers, downtime and contractors. 

In our modern-day world of technology, it is of utmost importance to remain on the forefront of innovation and technology. Companies that strive to better the world we live in help to pioneer a future that encourages growth and development, to the benefit of those around us. These role models are the true stalwarts of our business world. 

TechTarget defines enterprise asset management (EAM) as; “a broad term vendors use to describe software that provides managers with a way to view company-owned assets holistically"

In any industry, being under the influence at work can become a deadly habit. Whether the staff member is responsible for security, transport, warehousing or factory work, dulled senses put themselves, their colleagues and their customers at risk. There are no legal stipulations in South African law about whether a company can request an employee to undergo a breathalyser. As such, companies are well within their rights to request same.

It is no secret that ‘going Green’ is a growing trend with many positive effects. However, how do you know when green really means green? There are many products and energy saving ‘tips’ that don’t actually benefit a green environment all that much. 

When asked what it takes to be successful in the hospitality industry, most would say; the personal touch. It’s about attention to detail and delivering service excellence - from the greeting at the entrance to the turn-down service. The hotel’s facilities must be immaculate and offer guests the utmost in luxury and convenience. Collectively, industries across the globe are turning to technological innovations to achieve these goals. No less the hospitality sector. 

Without a secure failover, erratic fixed line connectivity can cause havoc, especially in the high-demand, fast-paced fast food sector. As the name suggests, the expectation is that both the food and service are delivered quickly, and at a standardised (high) level of quality.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) boasts many benefits, the most obvious being the ability to fast track obtaining a qualification. Many people today have extensive experience in their field but not the qualifications behind their name to back that experience. RPL offers a solution for those eligible candidates. 

Public shooting incidents do not end when the gun fire stops. They have far-reaching effects and consequences that shopping malls, their tenants, contractors, employees must deal with effectively.

In every industry, asset management is critical to ensuring productivity, reducing downtime and promoting profits. Across South Africa, asset management, facilities management and manufacturing industries have been challenged with an economic mountain which appeared to bring many to rock bottom. Yet digital transformation has offered the stepping stones needed to overcome, as digitisation brings with it great competitive advantage. 

Throughout operational periods, most commercial/industrial sectors and business premises are a hive of activity. With staff constantly occupying the premises, the threat of external crime is usually kept to a minimum. In general, during operational periods, standard armed response and alarm systems are sufficient to protect the business against break-ins or damage to property. 

As the world delves ever deeper into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, modern enterprises are forced to evolve their operational practices. With this digital transformation comes an onslaught of information, resulting in massive datasets and the responsibility to analyse this data effectively. 

In today’s facilities management (FM) market, achieving Green Building Status has become vital. According to Matt Sena’s Green Industry Analysis 2017; “Green industry practices not only enjoy favorable public sentiment and the psychic income of a lower carbon footprint, but increased cost savings, supportive government policies, and ever-increasing profitability as well.” 

In manufacturing, accurate and comprehensive real-time information about plant floor operations is essential to making informed decisions that drive productivity. What could be more crucial than the equipment itself? Downtime, which is detrimental to any business, is especially damaging and costly for manufacturers. According to Mining Global, each hydraulic power and belt drive failure can result in up to $180,000 in lost production.

Collaboration is the act of working together. It is the coming together of ideas and strategies to create a better final product, and ensure the advancement of a group, a business or an industry. In the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, collaboration is seen as the driving force behind success, ensuring the multiplication of innovation, delivery and efficiency. 

The purpose of skills development is to facilitate access to and progression within career paths through high quality education and training. As the skills development arena continues to evolve, the reality of the skills crisis is becoming evident. Skills development is becoming a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) scorecard conversation, yet 7,2 million South African people are still illiterate, with new forms of illiteracy developing with every new workplace innovation.

In the field of industrial cleaning, the antiquated mantra dictates that the stronger the product smells, the better it works. Using this approach, many companies utilised acrid, chemically driven products that were ineffectual against many strains of bacteria and dangerous to the health of those using the products. However, as Africa (and the world) became ever more conscious of the need for environmentally friendly approaches, the rise of biological cleaners began. 

Earlier this year, a report from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed shocking facts about employee theft. The report confirmed that approximately 27 percent of large companies have seen an increase in theft cases and up to seven percent of annual revenues are being lost due to fraud, 37.1 percent of which was committed by managerial staff. 

In the facilities management (FM) industry, listening to the client plays a critical role in ensuring the delivery of a flexible solution. Understanding the client’s requirements is the first step to tailoring an FM solution that meets their needs, while delivering measurable results and reliable monitoring and reporting. To achieve this, the right technology and software must be utilised, ensuring modern and agile service delivery. 

SA’s public sector faces constant turbulence, with widespread corruption, local inefficiencies and infighting across government. This culminated in the Democratic Alliance petitioning for an emergency election, with the belief that the majority of South Africans have lost confidence in president Jacob Zuma. The public sector has a long way to go, effective data management has proven it packs a powerful punch in thwarting corruption & driving municipal efficiencies. 

A large managerial role entails making people work, driving productivity and reducing inefficiencies. Part of making people work is making work for people. Too often management holds onto the reigns, gathering all the more balls until they simply cannot be juggled any longer. 

In the world of enterprise applications, the most effective solution is usually bestowed upon the largest organisation with the biggest budget. Yet, these applications are the engine room of all organisations, regardless of their size. Without effective solutions, businesses suffer from a lack of agility, responsiveness and flexibility, hindering management’s ability to make fast, sound decisions. 

Contrary to the predictions of the futuristic movies of the 80s, the “rise of the machines” will not be the downfall of mankind – but rather deliver the business application support system that drives greater efficiencies with more intelligence, less error and greater data control. As enterprise software continues to evolve, the introduction of mainstream artificial intelligence has become the logical focus point for innovative solutions. 

Earlier this month, Eyewitness News reported that the latest South African jobs statistics continue to reflect an appallingly high unemployment rate. According to the World Bank, the 2016 average unemployment rate for all upper middle-income countries was 6.2 percent. In 2016, South Africa’s rate was at 25.9 percent, rising to 27.7 percent in 2017. Of these unemployed droves, a staggering 39 percent have never worked before, highlighting the plight of unemployed youth.

Digital transformation is more than a mere buzzword. Modern businesses must evolve as the digital age continues to overtake lives, both personally and professionally. To maintain the capability to leverage intricate market changes, businesses must undergo an in-depth metamorphosis. This digital transformation must bring the business and its organisational activities in line with the fourth industrial revolution and all of the opportunities it holds. 

Across the globe, security technology is constantly developed, improved upon and provided in order to create an environment that is truly safe and secure. According to a report issued by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), violent crime remains an ever-present threat in South Africa. 

The latest Lancet Healthcare Access and Quality Index recently confirmed that South Africa’s healthcare ranks poorly, at 119 out of 195 countries in the world. With the misappropriation of funds, unaffordable medical aid rates and the generally abhorrent state of government hospitals (with some exceptions), it seems real transformation is required to save costs, increase efficiencies and improve patient care. 

For the last decade, South Africa has been on an educational journey, as the market began to embrace greener living, cleaner results and smarter practices. The planet is finite, and its resources are limited. In legal terms, there’s a saying that “ignorance of the law is no excuse” – the time has come where ignorance of our effect on the planet could be our own downfall. This is why the best time to be an #ecowarrior is now.

As an organisation moves through the five stages of the business lifecycle, rapid growth must be coupled with sound processes and access to information to reach maturity. With the correct systems in place, the business can function at the same efficiency regardless of its size. However, if there are deficiencies in these systems, the deficits will grow as the business grows, ultimately resulting in decline and the death of the enterprise.

As both local and global markets face constant and intricate business changes, relevant, reliable and secure Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become not only a dire need, but also a prerequisite for success. To deliver an effective ICT strategy, one must take a view to the future and consider what the business requirements will be next month, next year or in the next decade. 

As industries the world over strive to keep pace with technological advancements, the retail industry has engaged with “omni-channels” (multiple operational channels). This creates more data, delivers more engagement from customers, and draws from more data sources. Through social engagement and the Internet of Things, a greater understanding of customers and their needs can be fostered - if this mass of data from all channels is harnessed correctly.

The African ethos of Ubuntu promotes the power of a village, supporting one another to achieve common goals. For conservation efforts to be successful, many areas of vulnerability must be addressed. To be successful, this requires a collaborative approach with efforts being made by a variety of passionate contributors. 

The South African labour market is heavily legislated, regulating the relationship between the employer and the employee – often in favour of the employee. In any business, selecting the right candidate for a position is essential to business success. In this highly protected labour environment, hiring the wrong candidate can be devastating and could prove to be a decision that is very difficult to reverse without legal repercussions. 

According to a scientific paper entitled “Building and Environment”, the practice of sustainable facilities management (FM) is rapidly evolving with the increasing interest in the discourse of sustainable development. “Survey results show that time constraints, lack of knowledge and lack of senior management commitment are the main barriers for the implementation of consistent and comprehensive sustainable FM policy and practice.” 

Last month, Trading Economics reported that South African manufacturing production had declined 0.8 percent year-on-year, following an upwardly revised 4.2 percent drop in April, which was the highest since July of 2014.

The current unemployment rate in South Africa is 27,7 percent. That’s almost a third of the population. A large portion of the unemployed are in fact graduates, with an overwhelming 60 percent of graduates remaining unemployed, or being employed in a career that is not in their field of study. Where does this leave the future of human resources (HR)? 

In 2015 Mail & Guardian reported that technology may very well save the mining industry. In engineering, construction and mining, this statement still rings true today. Gone are the days when spread sheets were the optimum performance platform. Innovation drives growth, and falling behind means losing ground instead of breaking it.

Leading counter-poaching operations has always been part and parcel of a ranger's responsibilities. There has been a massive surge in rhino poaching across Africa in recent years as a result of well organised poaching syndicates targeting this iconic species for their own economic gains.

In any business, data holds the power to drive the bottom line, ensure uptime and feed an informed strategy for the future. With financial constraints impacting facility operations, managers face decisions about how to maximise their workforce and make the most of all resources. 

The Produce Marketing Association recently conducted in-depth industry research, indicating that the current extreme drought has decreased food production and significantly increased costs. The report confirms that agricultural production and security of domestic food supplies are at risk. 

In South Africa, “strike action” has become a metaphor for “violent outbursts against all authority”. The reality is that striking employees simply do not abide by the rules. With a single-minded focus to disrupt business and productivity, these employees can do irreparable damage if they are not contained. 

Further Education and Training (FET) should strive to achieve three goals: making graduates employable; creating a diverse workforce; and meeting the needs of the country’s economy. The 2017 Youth Day theme is; “The year of OR Tambo: Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment”. The goals of FET and the theme for the celebration of youth could not be more perfectly aligned. 

From poached rhinos to killing for subsistence, and criminal farm attacks, the agricultural, wildlife ranching and tourism industries face an onslaught of incursions. 

WaaS is a high speed WiFi solution that is fully managed using cloud based management systems for connectivity, as well as the configuration of the WiFi network. WaaS is supplied on a subscription basis, and is considered the future of connectivity tech. 

Local green cleaning product manufacturer, Green Worx Cleaning Solutions, proved its eco-friendly approach. As such it was awarded as the Most Sustainable Cleaning Product Manufacturer 2017. “Green Worx Cleaning Solutions is South Africa’s leading developer and manufacturer of green cleaning products that are kind to people and the environment.”

The Institute of People Development (IPD), which offers Learning & Development and Management training, was recognised as the Best Education Management Company in Gauteng, while also scooping an Award for Excellence in Training and Development Services.

Since 2012, the Rhino Conservation Awards have been held annually, honouring those that put themselves between Africa’s rhinos and those who seek their destruction. 

On the 10th and 11th of May, the SAFMA Annual Conference 2017 was held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The Conference featured experts, presenting the latest innovations in facilities management. 

In the modern workplace, filled with distractions and illusions of grandeur, it can be an overwhelming task to maintain motivation, and drive a workforce to deliver productivity. To achieve this, 21st century managers should focus on two elements; getting people to work, and making work for people. 

We’ve all read the note on the bathroom stall – “please leave these restrooms in the condition you found them”. While the appearance of cleanliness and the pungent aroma of bleach gives us a sense that the toilets we use at work are sanitised, studies show this is not the case. 

According to Jane Thomson, Managing Director of Softworx (an Infor partner), the key to ensuring sustainable production is an efficient and reliable value chain. “To achieve efficiency in the agricultural value chain, the four Ds of agri-tech must be implemented; depth, dispersed operations, development, and drive.” 

With the metal worker's srtrike looming, D&K Management Consulting's Kyle Condon sheds some light on the need for preparation, for effective strike protection. 

WiFi is no longer just a conduit to connect to the internet. If used properly, it is a connection to the world, and all of the opportunities it holds. As the South African business IT landscape moves away from outdated 20th century tech, the increased focus is placed on the Internet of Things (IoT).

At its most granular level, facilities management is the maintenance of an organisation’s buildings and equipment. The South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) defines facilities management as; “An enabler of sustainable enterprise performance through the whole life management of productive workplaces and effective business support services.” 

The managerial ladder is often built with rungs that depend on technical expertise. If an employee proves that they have the skills to perform the business tasks required of their position, they are promoted to the next rung. While technical proficiency is essential to performance, management skills are critical to get others to perform. 

Creating a happy working environment is critical to productivity, employee satisfaction and profitability. There are three key elements impacting on the cultivation of such environments; management techniques, management-employee relationships and peer-to-peer relationships.

In this 21st century, the first of the third millennium, a unique and composite leadership approach must be employed to ensure staff remain engaged, encouraged and energised. 

Jane Thomson of Softworx – an Infor partner - examines how the right technology can mean the difference between profit and loss in the dairy industry.

While South Africa continues to move towards a green trend when developing new buildings, the real test of sustainability begins on occupation.

In an African context, business intelligence and data analytics add immense value to businesses’ operations.

In determining how to achieve purposeful leadership, one must first determine what the word “purpose” means – to the company, and its employees.

The 2017 Employee Health and Wellness Conference featured a common thread; the need to approach health and wellness in a new way.

Ease of use is one of the most important factors when clients are selecting BI and analytics solutions today

The recent Softworx EAM Showcase was hosted to explore asset management solutions.

This month, local manufacturer, Green Worx Cleaning Solutions, was certified by Global GreenTag as having truly green products. 

Forbes’ list of 2016’s most sustainable companies has highlighted the fact that sustainability still matters. The reality is that, while we live, work, and rely on planet earth, we need to look after the limited resources that remain. 

The universal adage that time is money has never been more accurate. In the current ultra-modern age, where technology is driven by daily innovation, any business seeking success simply cannot afford to be offline, or fall behind with its information technology infrastructure.