In a field where limits are only imposed by the imagination, businesses must continue to learn, evolve and partner to create ongoing success. Technology today is as simple as it will ever be. It is advancing exponentially, daily and the real challenge is not only to keep up, but to get ahead, delivering solutions before the world even knows it needs them.

Thirty years ago, South Africa’s professional landscape looked completely different to what it is today. The investigations industry has been revolutionised by the advent of auditing firms which conduct internal investigations, and innovative technology that both simplifies and complicates the sector.

The corporate world is often described as being a ‘cut throat’ and ‘dog-eat-dog’ environment, where the strong survive and thrive by trampling on the weaker people below them. However, with the increase in psychological studies and research into the impact of aggression versus humanity in the workplace, it has become more and more evident that a positive, inclusive environment yields better work cohesion, a stronger team and (ultimately) more success.

Climate change is a real problem, it is not just going to go away simply by looking the other way. It is a serious issue that needs to be recognised and addressed. The issue, although fundamentally and most importantly an environmental one, also has a ripple effect which negatively impacts businesses and the economic climate at large.

In a world often ruled by its CEOs and top-level influencers, it is hard to imagine these magnates as vulnerable or helpless. They are powerful players in the South African economy, they rule their organisations and guide them towards success – but what if they were wheelchair bound and reliant on others for their every daily need?

Facility management is no easy task. The added pressure of needing to gain and maintain a green status can be overwhelming for even the most efficient facility managers. Understanding which products to use and just how to use them can be a time consuming and exasperating task.

Thanks to Industry 4.0, globalisation and rapid digitalisation, today’s consumers are very connected and mobile.  How does this impact the hospitality industry?

Service-centered industries face two key challenges in their pursuit to success; becoming ever more responsive, and delivering accurate, reliable services at speed. The services industry can be fickle. Research reveals that customers are twice as likely to report a bad experience than share about a good one. This means that services must be delivered on time, as required, and in excellence to avoid watching customers walk out the door.

The automotive industry faces constant change. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), to achieve success, the automotive industry must deliver: internationally competitive products; fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles; improved quality and choice; and high quality after sales service.

There are parts of society that are often forgotten in the modern, chaotic, commercial world in which we live. However, the forgotten are not absent. They still exist and, in the right hands, thrive. The truth is that South Africa, and the world at large, has a population of people who struggle with profound intellectual disabilities and the related challenges.  

Specialist Business Intelligence (BI) software product development company,  QVAuctor – ebiexperts, recently announced its new distribution partnership with South Africa Qlik Master Reseller (SAQMR, SAQlik).

As the year winds to an end, most corporate, commercial and industrial organisations are planning year end functions. These events are designed to thank employees for their loyal service throughout the year, give them the opportunity to strengthen team dynamics in preparation for the new year, and energise them for the work to come. Nothing could dampen spirits faster than event crashers, theft, disruption, or event suppliers failing to deliver on their promises on the day.

As African manufacturers begin to upgrade their operations, mapping out an incremental approach is essential. Smart factories, digitisation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all hot topics in the manufacturing sector, generating considerable buzz - and some consternation. These disruptive technologies are exciting, yet the complexity can also be overwhelming.

After conducting intensive research* into the topic of strikes and labour unrest, the Mandela Initiative came to several conclusions. One of these was that the right to strike is made up of a delicate balance between the power of firms and the rights of employees, and is considered a sign of a healthy democracy.

The redemption of Cape Town dam water levels has been met with marked relief. Day Zero was effectively kept at bay. Reportedly, dam levels in the Western Cape have continued to rise. According to Capetownetc.com, these levels have now pushed past the 74% mark. This is a drastic improvement on the 37.5% that was reported at the same time last year. The Western Cape also has a strong forecast of good rainfall for the coming weeks.

In South Africa, stringent Labour Laws have created somewhat of a minefield for employers to navigate when it comes to disciplinary procedures. While protecting the rights of the employee is paramount, employers that are not completely up to date with the relevant legislation could soon find themselves in hot water.

Customisation is often sold as a software benefit. “It is tailor-made, unique and built only for your organisation” – these were the constant and reliable sentiments of the past. While bespoke software design certainly had its place in history, as the pace of innovation in tech continues to rise, the value of customisations must be weighed up against the benefits of easy upgrades.  

With the recent ill-health and food borne diseases that have plagued South Africa, it seems that the need for a reassessment of hygiene and health standards in the industrial and food sectors is vital. Yet, there are many handwashes and hand sanitisers on the market today that do not seem to cover the required standard of continued protection against pathogenic microorganisms. 

In any organisation, a key element of success is the ability to deliver what is promised. When demand outstrips supply, brand reliability is damaged and potential growth thwarted. In a modern age, businesses that don’t rely on software innovations to ensure maximum profit and productivity are missing a crucial step.

In many organisations, the recruitment function is often left up to the Human Resources department. While there is certainly merit in partnering with HR throughout the talent acquisition process, seeking the advice and guidance of professional employee screening services is essential.  

Modern enterprise applications must deliver business that drive extended best of breed solutions. From the core enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions through supply chain planning to extended warehouse management, asset maintenance, product life cycle management, information management, and enterprise performance management – every element of operations can be managed to perfection.

In recent years, the terms ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘going green’ have become increasingly popular. With the millennial generation calling for establishments to become “woke” about green living and green hospitality (among other things) there is a higher demand than ever before on the hospitality and tourism industry to go green, and to maintain a green status. 

The relationship between artificial intelligence and business intelligence is deepening daily, as augmented analytics takes centre stage. In a world where global market shifts can occur in a matter of minutes, access to real-time data – and the capability to analyse that data effectively – has become more important than ever before.

During June, parts of Johannesburg were plunged into darkness – not from load shedding, but due to striking Eskom workers damaging company property during a one-day wage strike. The South African Communications Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, has slammed striking workers, confirming that “damage to Eskom property during strike is economic sabotage,” reports EWN. 

According to the Green Hotels Association, “Green Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties (where) managers are eager to institute programmes that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste - while saving money.”

In an ever more connected world, it is essential that businesses find their footing on the transformation journey. Data is the foundation of this journey, providing the key to get the vehicle to insights moving. 

Modern businesses are beginning to uncover how visual analytics can be used to discover hidden relationships in simple and complex data. Why does this have such a resounding impact? It provides the key to unlock powerful insights, meaning businesses can make better-informed decisions, faster, while experiencing incredible business benefits.

To be effective, Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) must be progressive and multi-methodology driven. When implemented correctly, it allows for superior business planning and strategy execution, using business intelligence (BI) as a methodology in a portfolio of EPM tools. 

Many South Africans are still reeling from recent bout of Cash In Transit heists in and around Johannesburg. The violence is unspeakable, the targets are often left for dead, and although some arrests have been made, no real action has been taken to stop these attacks before they happen.

In manufacturing, constantly increasing demands apply immense pressure to supply. According to a Deloitte report, ever shorter product life cycles must be delivered. To achieve this, agile manufacturing practices are a necessity. On the other hand, the facilities management (FM) and the property sector carry the heavy burden to reduce costs, while adding more value to clients’ core businesses.

A well-maintained facility is imperative for any business. Poor working conditions lead to a decline in the health and motivation of staff members, which, in turn, leads to a decline in productivity and profitability.

In an information driven world, not making use of the data at hand is operational suicide. With a wealth of business insights readily available, it simply doesn’t make sense not to capitalise on this data to make better decisions, faster. 

The world is constantly evolving. The modern-day business environment has vastly changed and continues to develop at a faster rate every day. With these advancements comes the need for progressive leadership, strong management and innovative thinking from the top. 

As criminals and crimes continue to evolve, it is essential that security providers challenge the status quo. 

Condition assessment allows public sector agencies to guarantee the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient service to their constituents.

In the wake of the listeria outbreak that continues to plague South Africa, it is imperative that manufacturers and wholesalers in the food and beverages industry ensure their factories and kitchens are effectively cleaned and sanitised.

Many businesses focus their loss control strategies on preventing unwanted elements from getting in from the outside. While this is certainly an important step in securing assets and minimising risk, what if the truly dangerous element has already made itself comfortable within the operations of the organisation?

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.