...more than compliance
Friday, 24 December 2010
Friday, 10 December 2010
Eric & Bob
Post 3, Dec 10 2010
Post 1 - Click here!
Post 2 - Click here!
Allow us to introduce Ernest, a longstanding and dedicated worker at ACME Heating & Plumbing:
Click here to see the full-size image
About 1000 electrical accidents are reported to HSE every year, but there are simple precautions that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of electrical injury - click here to go to the HSE site and find out what you can do.
Employee of the week: Ernest Rogers
By name and by nature, Ernest is sincere, wholehearted and frank - three very dangerous characteristics for a worker at ACME!
Though intimidated by Eric at times, Ernest tries his best to tell it like it is, pointing out health and safety hazards and concerns; perpetually fighting for justice and peace of mind, in the offices, the canteen, and of course the metaphorical war zone that is the factory floor.
Post 3, Dec 10 2010
Post 1 - Click here!
Post 2 - Click here!
Allow us to introduce Ernest, a longstanding and dedicated worker at ACME Heating & Plumbing:
Click here to see the full-size image
About 1000 electrical accidents are reported to HSE every year, but there are simple precautions that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of electrical injury - click here to go to the HSE site and find out what you can do.
Employee of the week: Ernest Rogers
By name and by nature, Ernest is sincere, wholehearted and frank - three very dangerous characteristics for a worker at ACME!
Though intimidated by Eric at times, Ernest tries his best to tell it like it is, pointing out health and safety hazards and concerns; perpetually fighting for justice and peace of mind, in the offices, the canteen, and of course the metaphorical war zone that is the factory floor.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Data Backup
Today, most companies, large and small, rely heavily on computers. It is therefore essential to have a backup strategy to prevent loss of vital information. Data loss can have a devastating effect, and may occur for any number of reasons, many of which are simply uncontrollable, such as:
For most people, the importance of backing up files only becomes apparent the first time such data loss occurs. Data backup is a very simple operation to implement within an organisation, despite being overlooked by many. The first question that should be asked when looking to backup files is "How often should we backup data?" Methods and strategies will vary from large businesses utilising a client-server model to peer-to-peer networks and of course smaller non-networked environments. But if data is constantly changing and being added to, it is not infeasible to backup daily. Incremental backups (only including files changed since the last backup) might be performed daily, and full backups weekly.
A common method is via media such as tapes, CDs and external hard drives. Magnetic tapes have tremendous storage capacity but are considerably expensive. Windows-based NTBackup, up to Windows XP; and Windows Backup and Restore Center, for Vista, make it easy to transfer backup data to such external media; other operating systems have similar applications and utilities.
Other companies choose to backup using online providers such as Comodo Backup, LiveVault, MobileMe and more. Whatever the method, backup implementation is paramount for averting data loss disaster! Don't wait to get stung before making the change.
Today, most companies, large and small, rely heavily on computers. It is therefore essential to have a backup strategy to prevent loss of vital information. Data loss can have a devastating effect, and may occur for any number of reasons, many of which are simply uncontrollable, such as:
- attacks from viruses and other destructive tools
- hardware failures
- accidental deletion by users, both untrained and experienced
- deliberate deletion
For most people, the importance of backing up files only becomes apparent the first time such data loss occurs. Data backup is a very simple operation to implement within an organisation, despite being overlooked by many. The first question that should be asked when looking to backup files is "How often should we backup data?" Methods and strategies will vary from large businesses utilising a client-server model to peer-to-peer networks and of course smaller non-networked environments. But if data is constantly changing and being added to, it is not infeasible to backup daily. Incremental backups (only including files changed since the last backup) might be performed daily, and full backups weekly.
A common method is via media such as tapes, CDs and external hard drives. Magnetic tapes have tremendous storage capacity but are considerably expensive. Windows-based NTBackup, up to Windows XP; and Windows Backup and Restore Center, for Vista, make it easy to transfer backup data to such external media; other operating systems have similar applications and utilities.
Other companies choose to backup using online providers such as Comodo Backup, LiveVault, MobileMe and more. Whatever the method, backup implementation is paramount for averting data loss disaster! Don't wait to get stung before making the change.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Firewalk Night
Gofal Cymru Firewalk Caerphilly (see original article below) was a huge success - there were 14 Firewalkers on the night and in total around £2500 was raised; £250 of that from one of our Solutions boys, Jonathan.
The participants were briefed beforehand on safety and given a session on the powers of positive though. Meanwhile, supporters outside the Pontygwindy Inn watched on as the Firemasters tended to the flaming coals that warmed the frosty night-time air. Eventually the first Firewalker trooped out from the inn, followed by the rest of the Fearless Fourteen. They crossed the barrier, and prepared themselves for the 20 foot of coals at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit that lay ahead. One by one, they yelled their names and battlecries, and marched down the fiery path, cheered on enthusiastically by the crowds. Thankfully no-one was burned, and some even wanted to go around again, if only to keep warm!
All in all, a fantastic night out for a fantastic cause. Congratulations to the crazy Firewalkers, their dedicated supporters, and to everybody who dug deep for Gofal Cymru.
Gofal Cymru Firewalk Caerphilly (see original article below) was a huge success - there were 14 Firewalkers on the night and in total around £2500 was raised; £250 of that from one of our Solutions boys, Jonathan.
The participants were briefed beforehand on safety and given a session on the powers of positive though. Meanwhile, supporters outside the Pontygwindy Inn watched on as the Firemasters tended to the flaming coals that warmed the frosty night-time air. Eventually the first Firewalker trooped out from the inn, followed by the rest of the Fearless Fourteen. They crossed the barrier, and prepared themselves for the 20 foot of coals at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit that lay ahead. One by one, they yelled their names and battlecries, and marched down the fiery path, cheered on enthusiastically by the crowds. Thankfully no-one was burned, and some even wanted to go around again, if only to keep warm!
All in all, a fantastic night out for a fantastic cause. Congratulations to the crazy Firewalkers, their dedicated supporters, and to everybody who dug deep for Gofal Cymru.
Friday, 12 November 2010
What is quality?
The most successful organisations are those that give customers what they want. Satisfied customers are loyal to the company they feel best understand their requirements, and reciprocate the benefits they bring by recommending the company to friends. Quality is therefore about learning what works well and doing it better; finding out about what has to change to meet and exceed the expectations of the customer. The cost of improving quality can be expected to be recovered manyfold by increased sales, more satisfied customers, fewer problems and a greater competetive advantage.
The most successful organisations are those that give customers what they want. Satisfied customers are loyal to the company they feel best understand their requirements, and reciprocate the benefits they bring by recommending the company to friends. Quality is therefore about learning what works well and doing it better; finding out about what has to change to meet and exceed the expectations of the customer. The cost of improving quality can be expected to be recovered manyfold by increased sales, more satisfied customers, fewer problems and a greater competetive advantage.
Good quality management is an organisation-wide approach to understanding what customers need, and consistently and accurately delivering. It ensures the effective design of processes that verify needs, that plan product life cycle, and that design, produce and deliver the product or service.
Quality Checklist
Quality Checklist
- know what you hope to achieve and decide how you want to go about it
- learn from your experience
- use this new-found knowledge to help develop your organisation and its services
- always look to achieve continuous improvement (rinse and repeat)
- satisfy your customer as a result, and enjoy the benefits!
Friday, 5 November 2010
Environmental management
Step by step
We all have a major role to play in helping protect and enhance the environment, in line with wider goals of sustainable development.
The way in which your business manages its interaction with the environment is coming under closer scrutiny - there is an increasing spiral of new legislation. However, increasingly companies are recognising that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of compliance.
When evaluating your environmental system, make sure that emphasis is placed on the following: an environmental policy and impact review, clear and measurable targets and objectives, and mechanisms for improvement.
An effective policy does not have to be complicated. It is simply a realistic statement about what you are doing and how you are doing it. An environmental impact review will allow you to assess your company's baseline.
Based on your environmental impact review, you will also be able to make short-term targets and longer-term objectives to ensure that the policy is followed by all employees. Targets can be straightforward, for example 'to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by x% each year', but in all cases you should ensure that targets and objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound).
Remember that small investments can reap large rewards and that environmentally friendly practices can save money while resulting in happier customers and of course a healthier ecology.
Step by step
We all have a major role to play in helping protect and enhance the environment, in line with wider goals of sustainable development.
The way in which your business manages its interaction with the environment is coming under closer scrutiny - there is an increasing spiral of new legislation. However, increasingly companies are recognising that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of compliance.
When evaluating your environmental system, make sure that emphasis is placed on the following: an environmental policy and impact review, clear and measurable targets and objectives, and mechanisms for improvement.
An effective policy does not have to be complicated. It is simply a realistic statement about what you are doing and how you are doing it. An environmental impact review will allow you to assess your company's baseline.
Based on your environmental impact review, you will also be able to make short-term targets and longer-term objectives to ensure that the policy is followed by all employees. Targets can be straightforward, for example 'to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by x% each year', but in all cases you should ensure that targets and objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound).
Remember that small investments can reap large rewards and that environmentally friendly practices can save money while resulting in happier customers and of course a healthier ecology.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Gofal Cymru Firewalk Challenge!
1 in 4 of us will experience mental ill health in our lifetime. Gofal believes no-one should be disadvantaged by their mental health. They want to challenge the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health. Gofal makes the difference via services that support independence, health and recovery.
Jonathan Davies is fundraising for Gofal Cymru via their Caerphilly Firewalk Challenge - he will be walking across 20 feet of hot burning coals barefoot! A JustGiving page has been set up to help raise money, as donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and completely secure. It's the most efficient way to donate! Please click the pic or follow the link below and dig deep. Thank you.
1 in 4 of us will experience mental ill health in our lifetime. Gofal believes no-one should be disadvantaged by their mental health. They want to challenge the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health. Gofal makes the difference via services that support independence, health and recovery.
Jonathan Davies is fundraising for Gofal Cymru via their Caerphilly Firewalk Challenge - he will be walking across 20 feet of hot burning coals barefoot! A JustGiving page has been set up to help raise money, as donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and completely secure. It's the most efficient way to donate! Please click the pic or follow the link below and dig deep. Thank you.
Jonathan's JustGiving page
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)