Maintenance Tasks You Should Always Complete On Your Commercial Building

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Commercial Building Maintenance|Maintenance Tasks You Should Always Complete On Your Commercial BuildingMaintaining a commercial building is no easy task. There are many things that you need to keep track of in order to ensure that your building is running smoothly. From cleaning the windows to installing a new roof, there are a lot of tasks that need to be completed regularly. The following blog post will outline some of the most critical maintenance tasks that you should always complete on your commercial building!

Inspecting And Repairing The Roof

One of the most critical maintenance tasks you must complete on your commercial building is inspecting and repairing the roof. The roof is one of the most essential parts of the building, and it must be kept in reasonable condition to protect the rest of the structure. Make sure to inspect the roof regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, make sure to repair them as soon as possible!

It’s also important to keep an eye out for any leaks in the roof. Leaks can cause severe damage to your building if they’re not fixed right away. So be sure to check for leaks after every heavy rainstorm and have them repaired immediately if you find any!

If you are not comfortable inspecting and repairing the roof yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the commercial roofing installation for you. Just be sure to get multiple quotes before making a decision.


Cleaning The Windows

Cleaning the windows is one of the most essential maintenance tasks that you should always complete on your commercial building. Not only does it make the building look more presentable, but it also allows natural light to shine through, making a big difference in energy efficiency.

To clean the windows properly, you will need to invest in a good quality window cleaning solution as well as some soft cloths or sponges. Once you have all of your supplies, follow the instructions on the window cleaning solution and be sure to rinse off any residue with clean water.

If you have large windows, you may want to consider hiring a professional window cleaning service to come and do this task for you regularly.

Checking The HVAC System

Another essential maintenance task you must complete on your commercial building is checking the HVAC system. The HVAC system is responsible for keeping the building comfortable all year long, so it’s essential to ensure it’s running properly.

Be sure to check the air filters regularly and replace them when they get dirty. You should also have the entire system serviced by a professional at least once a year to ensure that everything is in good working order.

In conclusion, these are just a few essential maintenance tasks you should always complete on your commercial building. By keeping up with these tasks, you can help ensure that your building stays in good condition for many years!

Future Manufacturing Trends Your Business Needs to Know

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Manufacturing Trends|Future Manufacturing Trends Your Business Needs to KnowManufacturing businesses are a staple in the global market, as they endeavor to keep up with the supply and demand of consumers. To do this, they have to continuously identify problems and inefficiencies, improve processes and overcome any challenges that are thrown their way.

One of the best ways to stay ahead in the industry and ensure your business is competitive is by keeping up with the latest manufacturing trends. This is because the manufacturing trends are driven by the needs of the industry and tools that are going to improve the objectives of any business, for example, technological advances.

While the industry is changing, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also played a role in shaping the future of manufacturing due to the new obstacles and challenges the industry had to face. This meant a huge overhaul in the way that manufacturers had to run their businesses, as well as a shift in the way that consumers shop and purchase products. It has given many businesses a new perspective on the way things are run.

Many future trends in the manufacturing industry are going to be a response to these challenges that society faces, and provide businesses with sophisticated opportunities.

Here are some of the top future manufacturing trends that your business needs to know.

#1 Smart factories

It seems the manufacturing industry is at a tipping point, where more businesses will begin to build smart factories. This may include smart equipment, as well as smart software that provides a central monitoring system and data analytics, such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness software.

The free time during the COVID-19 pandemic was able to raise a variety of problems and inefficiencies with current software and machinery, and many businesses are using this as an opportunity to phase out older equipment and bring in new machines that are equipped with the latest technology and combines several processes into one machine.

Incorporating smart equipment will play a huge role in how efficient your business is, and the quality of your output. It will ensure you remain competitive in the market, as you will be able to keep up with your competitors who are reaping the same benefits. If you don’t, you will create a big gap between yourself and your competitors, and find your business plateaus.


#2 Sustainable processes

Sustainable processes are a huge focus for many businesses in the manufacturing industry. As Governments all over the world are implementing high targets for emissions, it is up to businesses to play their role and make positive and impactful changes. They are also going to come under pressure from their clients, who are going to want to work with businesses that are meeting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standard requirements.

Manufacturing businesses are responsible for a large portion of toxic emissions. This is because of the variety of activities that are involved in the business, such as transporting goods, producing energy to run machinery, chemical reactions when working with raw materials, and waste in the production process.

In the near future, manufacturing businesses are going to be making more sustainable choices, for example, by only working with suppliers that have a Green certificate, not running equipment unnecessarily, using quality machines, utilizing renewable energy resources, reducing plastic consumption, pursuing carbon-neutral practices, reducing waste by recycling and reusing materials and much more.

#3 Health and safety

Health and safety should always be a priority, especially in a manufacturing business where the risk of injury is much higher. However, there are hundreds of fatalities per year, and this number only continues to rise. This has resulted in health and safety becoming a trend, in the hopes that more businesses will take it seriously.

Many businesses are employing a range of different systems and processes that will help make the workplace a much safer place for employees to be, with the goal of reducing risks and accidents. There will be more reviews in the workplace to monitor safety habits and behaviors, as well as regular training for all staff members, especially with the introduction of new technology.

Businesses are also investing in advanced equipment that will monitor the movement of their employees and even other aspects such as their temperature. This is to help with the control of COVID-19 and ensure employees are fit and well for work, and do not disrupt the workforce. During the pandemic, many businesses suffered with staff on furlough and off sick. Stricter measures that look after employees’ health will help keep staff well, happy and working.

With new technology and sustainable practices being introduced, the future of manufacturing is close.

6 Helpful Tips to Utilizing Technology in a Modern Corporate Environment

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Utilizing Technology|6 Helpful Tips to Utilizing Technology in a Modern Corporate EnvironmentTechnology is an integral part of any business. It helps us stay connected with our customers, makes it easier to manage our operations, and allows us to be more efficient in our work. However, to make the most of technology in a corporate setting, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. This blog post will discuss six helpful tips for utilizing technology in a modern corporate environment.

Keep your devices and software up to date:

In today’s world, technology is constantly evolving. It is important to keep your devices and software up to date to stay ahead of the curve. New updates often include security patches and new features that can help improve your productivity. If you are using an outdated version of a piece of software, you may be missing out on important security updates that could protect your data. Additionally, newer software versions often include new features and improvements that can make your work easier. Keeping your devices and software up to date will help you get the most out of technology in a corporate setting.

Use cloud-based storage and applications:

Cloud-based storage and applications can be an excellent asset for businesses. Cloud-based applications can be accessed from anywhere, which makes it easy to stay connected to your work. Additionally, cloud-based storage can help you save space on your device. If you are working on a project with multiple people, you can all access and edit the same document simultaneously. This can help save time when compared to emailing documents back and forth. Utilizing cloud-based services can help you make the most of technology in a corporate environment.

Invest in security:

When using technology in a corporate setting, it is vital to invest in security. Hackers are always trying to find new ways to access data; if you are not careful, they can succeed. You can take several steps to improve your security, such as investing in a good antivirus program and using strong passwords. Additionally, you should be sure to back up your data regularly or consider learning what is incognito mode. If your computer is hacked or damaged, you will lose all your data unless you have a backup. These steps will help you keep your data safe and make the most of technology in a corporate setting.


Educate employees:

One of the most important things you can do to make the most of technology in a corporate setting is to educate your employees. Your employees need to be familiar with the various technologies that you are using. They should know how to use them and what they are for. Additionally, you should provide training on how to stay secure when using technology. Many people are unaware of the risks of using technology, such as clicking on malicious links or opening email attachments from an unknown sender. If your employees are adequately educated on these risks, they will be less likely to make mistakes that could put your data at risk.

Streamline processes:

Technology can help you streamline various processes in your business. For example, you can use technology to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This can free up your employees to focus on more critical tasks. You can also use technology to track your inventory and customers. This information can help you make better decisions about how to run your business. Utilizing technology to streamline processes can help you make the most of it in a corporate setting.

Stay flexible:

Finally, staying flexible when using technology in a corporate setting is important. Things change quickly in the world of technology, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Therefore, it is important to adapt to new technologies as they arise. Additionally, you should be open to trying new things. New applications and devices are always being released, and you never know when one of them could revolutionize the way you do business. By staying flexible, you can ensure that you always make the most of technology in a corporate setting.

You can do many things to make the most of technology in a corporate setting. Technology can help you improve productivity, streamline processes, and stay connected to your work. Investing in security and educating your employees on using technology safely is also essential.

Why Carbon Accounting is Important for Your Business and How to Set it up

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Carbon accounting|Why Carbon Accounting is Important for Your Business and How to Set it upGreen accounting is an important managerial tool, whose implementation can benefit businesses now and in the future. Keep reading to discover why green accounting matters, what are the benefits, and how to implement it.

What’s carbon accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of quantifying the environmental impact that a given entity emits. For example, carbon footprint calculators and national inventories use carbon accounting methods to determine the greenhouse emissions of organizations and entire countries.

Carbon accounting isn’t new in corporate settings, since environmental reports have been in place for a few decades. But as global sustainability concerns continue to grow, so does the need for businesses to become more accountable in this respect.

The development of platforms devoted to helping business owners decarbonize their company, like Greenly, confirms the growing importance of carbon accounting.

In this article, we’ll look at why green accounting matters and will offer a three-step carbon accounting guide to help you get started.

Why green accounting is important for your business

Improved decision making

Quantifying the environmental cost of business operations gives access to granular data relevant to both financial and environmental goals. With this information, decision makers can define or redefine the policies, practices, or operations that will bring the highest impact in the medium and long term.

A value-driven business

New values are emerging as a result of growing environmental concerns. Through green accounting, you can better align your business practices and corporate mission with current social values.

This can help highlight your contribution to sustainable community development and offer maximum transparency to all stakeholders.

Support your CSR strategy

Green accounting and corporate social responsibility are a natural match due to the importance they place on the true impact of business practices.

Thanks to its quantitative nature, green accounting can be a valuable tool that provides insights and facilitates decision making. Green accounting data can help determine how to best fine tune your CSR strategy, so that your business makes a valuable contribution to society while remaining profitable.


Better compliance

Implementing green accounting can facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements. Such requirements are only expected to become more stringent in years to come, so acting now is vital in order to build a future-ready business.

Three steps to set up green accounting

Essentially, the process of implementing green accounting in corporate settings involves setting up tools and practices that facilitate the systematic collection, organisation and reporting of data.

The first step is to determine where exactly your business is in the path towards full implementation. This means knowing where your business stands in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.

To do this, you can use one of the following green accounting methodologies:

  • The spend-based method, which estimates the carbon footprint of purchased products and services relative to their cost.
  • The activity-based method, which quantifies the emission output of each business activity.
  • The hybrid method, which combines spend and activity-based methodologies for better accuracy.

Secondly, become familiar with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s tools and standards, created to help organizations develop an accurate and comprehensive approach to measure emissions.

And third, choose the right tools. Dedicated software can simplify the green accounting set up process by:

  • Consolidating all your data in a single platform.
  • Using the latest technologies to reduce the risk of errors and miscalculations, which cost time and money.
  • Providing expert industry-specific recommendations on how to minimize your corporate carbon footprint.

Implementing green accounting can help your business stay relevant in a changing world. The keys to successful implementation are systematizing your approach to data collection, organization and reporting, and supporting your efforts with dedicated software tools.

Now is a good time to take the initiative and embrace green accounting to ensure your business is future ready.

How Small Businesses Can Make Their IT Department More Efficient

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |IT department|How Small Businesses Can Make Their IT Department More EfficientRegardless of the sector, your business operates in or the size of your organization, small, mid-sized, and large corporations lose hundreds and hundreds of dollars each year due to inefficiencies. So much so that the market research firm IDC has calculated that businesses lose 20-30% in revenue each year due to poor decision-making.

Whether using better technology than needed, incorrectly marketing, having more staff than required, or simply poor tracking of expenses, inefficient decision-making can damage your company in many ways. Unfortunately, your business IT department is no different, and providing that you are not forward-thinking with your decisions, your IT department can cost you significantly.

However, the key to avoiding unnecessary costs in your business IT department is to use IT proactively and determine ways to make the department more efficient. Fortunately, there are many ways that small businesses can improve their IT department’s efficiency, from using outsourced IT services to improving communication; we list several of the best practices below:

Optimize Communication In Your IT Department

A communication breakdown is one of the biggest obstacles in your IT department’s path. Understandably, it can be hard to describe a problem if the individual describing it has no idea how to communicate this to another person or if they are particularly tech shy. Yet, failure to communicate correctly can cause frustrations, resulting in a potential conflict between employees.

In addition, if a problem isn’t communicated effectively to your IT department, it can cause other issues such as misunderstandings, lower productivity, an unwillingness to co-operate, and many more. You can make communication easier between your IT department and your other employees by granting them access to more robust communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and many more.

Through more robust communication platforms, your IT department has a range of tools at its disposal to assist other employees with any technical issues they might be experiencing. For instance, some of the best team messaging applications have tools like remote access, screen-sharing, audio calls, etc., which makes the communication process much more straightforward and eliminates the need for detailed explanations since your IT department can see the issue first-hand.

Access to better communication tools makes it easier for your IT department to resolve issues, especially for employees who work remotely and cannot visit the IT department in person to discuss the problem they are experiencing. As a result, you’ll find that members of the IT department resolve issues more effectively and have more time to invest in more critical areas of IT.


Invest In Outsourced IT Services

Another way businesses can improve their IT department’s efficiency is by investing in outsourced IT services. Sometimes the best way to help your IT department is to relieve them of routine, everyday IT tasks or auxiliary services that take time out of their day and enable them to filter the time that would have been wasted into more critical areas that need their attention.

Depending on the needs of your business, you might decide to use outsourced IT services to take care of one aspect of your IT department like cloud management, cyber security, project management, help desk, etc. On the other hand, you might want to turn to outsourced IT services to take care of all the issues within your IT department.

Whichever option you choose, outsourced IT services can offer various benefits for your business, from quickly implementing new technology, reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, reduced risks, and much more.

For more inspiration, look at the outsourced IT services from Solution Builder, which provide small and mid-sized businesses with a range of IT services from cloud management and migrations to cyber security. Consider visiting their website or contacting a team member directly to learn more about their outsourced IT services and how they could help maximize efficiency in your business.

Perform Regular Software Reviews

Performing reviews is essential in every area of your business, so much like you wouldn’t skip an employee performance review, ensure that you don’t forget to perform periodic checks of the software your workforce is using and whether it is still suitable.

Especially if you’re paying for a monthly package, it’s vital that you conduct regular reviews to ensure that the package is still relevant for your business needs, as there is no point in paying for something unsuitable for your needs.

Ensure that you conduct the same checks with any software your business might be using, as you might be keeping an older platform around for a handful of users or a specific department, which can soon burn holes in your budget.

Start by making a list of all the packages or software that your business pays for, then go through the list and evaluate whether replacing or canceling the subscription would make your IT department more efficient or if it’ll be more cost-effective for your business.