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May 30, 2006

SLA Management Powered by SAP NetWeaver® will be Demonstrated by Digital Fuel at SAPPHIRE® ‘06 Paris

Digital Fuel will demonstrate its service level agreement (SLA) management solution, powered by SAP NetWeaver, at SAP's SAPPHIRE Paris conference. Digital Fuel ServiceFlow running on SAP NetWeaver combines the flexibility of multi-vendor services management with the power of an integral SAP platform solution that reduces total cost of ownership and enables fast time to value.

Paris, France (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Digital Fuel, the leader in software solutions for the management of service level agreements (SLAs) and service cost management, today announced that it will participate in SAPPHIRE ’06 Paris, SAP’s international customer conference, taking place May 30 - June 1, 2006, at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. Digital Fuel will demonstrate how Digital Fuel ServiceFlow™ can help SAP customers quickly automate the management of IT and business process services to drive increased business value. Conference participants can schedule a time to meet with Digital Fuel by clicking here.

Digital Fuel ServiceFlow manages SLAs and contract obligations throughout the business process and IT service governance lifecycles. Leveraging the power of SAP NetWeaver, Digital Fuel enables customers to control the quality and cost of outsourced services and integrate outsourcing into a companywide services and service governance strategy.

“With SAP NetWeaver, we give enterprises visibility into their global business processes while running on the SAP® platform,” said Yisrael Dancziger, CEO of Digital Fuel. “This increased visibility enables customers to greatly reduce service costs, while making business process performance and service quality more transparent to its business users.”

Digital Fuel ServiceFlow running on SAP NetWeaver combines the flexibility of multi-vendor services management with the power of an integral SAP platform solution that reduces total cost of ownership by facilitating the integration and alignment of people, information, and business processes across organizational and technological boundaries. Digital Fuel’s SLA Management helps customers quickly automate the management of IT and business process services with ServiceFlow on the comprehensive SAP NetWeaver integration and application platform.

Built on SAP NetWeaver, Digital Fuel ServiceFlow can be deployed on the SAP NetWeaver Application Server. Since ServiceFlow dashboards are built into the SAP NetWeaver Portal component, customers reduce total cost of ownership by managing both SAP and mixed-vendor services from a single standard company-wide platform.

About Digital Fuel
Digital Fuel is the leading provider of SLA management and service cost management solutions, helping service providers and shared services organizations manage the performance, financial, and regulatory aspects of IT and business services. Digital Fuel has the largest deployments for SLA and service cost management in the world, with thousands of concurrent users, SLAs, KPIs and metrics. With Digital Fuel’s patented visual approach, customers are deployed rapidly to quickly drive value from automating the management of service level agreements with their customers and vendors. ServiceFlow manages billions in business and IT services for global companies such as Procter & Gamble, General Electric, Cummins, IBM, Siemens Business Services, O2, Atos Origin, and CSC. Digital Fuel is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices across North America and Europe. Learn more at www.digitalfuel.com.

SAP, SAP NetWeaver, SAPPHIRE and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

Software Management of PDF Documents within Organizations Large and Small Just Got a Whole Lot Simpler with Absolute PDF Server

Investintech.com's new Absolute PDF Server offers both PDF extraction and creation functions on a server base for the first time ever. This means that PDF conversion capability, instead of being available only on individual desktops, is now available to all units in an enterprise. For IT administrators, it means there is centralized administrative control over how documents are created throughout the organization.

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- The newest software release from Investintech.com, the leading developer of PDF conversion solutions, offers both PDF extraction and creation functions on a server base for the first time ever.

This means that PDF conversion capability, instead of being available only on individual desktops, is now available to all units in an enterprise. For IT administrators, it means there is centralized administrative control over how documents are created throughout the organization.

The product that takes this long-awaited leap forward is Absolute PDF Server, was released world-wide on May 17 at the Adobe Acrobat and PDF Conference at the Disney Colorado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.

“We’ve had many requests from IT directors to put our highly successful desktop based PDF solutions into a server format,” explains Investintech.com president David Moon.

“Now that is a reality. Absolute PDF Server was designed specifically for multiple users and high volume conversions. As such, there are no limits per server license on how many conversions can be achieved throughout the organization.”

For IT departments, centralized control dramatically simplifies the electronic document management process. The software is deployed once. Maintenance and updates are centralized. There is no desktop software to manage. The administrator has total control. Permissions, document properties and security can easily be set centrally in accordance with the organization’s document retention policies.

Like other Investintech PDF conversion products, Absolute PDF Server delivers huge efficiencies when PDF documents have to be opened, edited, repurposed or recreated.

Time spent re-typing, retrieving and reformatting data is eliminated and productivity is enhanced because conversion into and out of PDF is instantaneous. End users can transport PDF data into formatted Excel spreadsheets for analysis, editable Word documents for reversioning, and into HTML, Text and more.

Absolute PDF Server permits everyone in the enterprise the ability to create and extract their PDF files on demand at any time.

Investintech’s executive vice-president Keith Bradbury points out: “Absolute PDF Server is the first server-based enterprise product to offer complete round trip PDF capabilities—that is, Absolute PDF Server extracts from existing PDF documents to other formats and then after editing permits creation of a revised PDF document. It is the only such product available anywhere.

“As well, there are no extra modules or add-ins to license. What you get is a fully featured product that can be used as much as needed per server for PDF creation and extraction, by anyone in your organization.”

To learn more about Absolute PDF Server or to take a free trial, please give us a call at 416-920-5884 or visit us at http://www.investintech.com/products/server/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

Webcom, Inc. Announces New Release of WebSource CPQ (Configuration, Pricing, Quotation & Proposal) Solution

Enhancements to WebSource CPQ Focus on Managing the Entire Order Workflow

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Webcom, Inc., the leader in simplified quote-to-order enablement for the selling of complex products and services, announced today the availability of Version 5.1 of its market leading WebSource CPQ (Configuration, Pricing, Quotation & Proposal) solution. With this latest version, enterprise customers may utilize a robust web services API, realize enhanced document content management, currency and market pricing processing, workflow history and analysis, workflow processing, including file attachments, new order management functionality and industry-leading CRM integration.

“Our clients are being challenged to address the unique needs of each individual customer. Personalized documents, unique approval processing, thereby requiring full history tracking, and the like, continue to present opportunities to innovate and drive value,” said Aleks Ivanovic, CEO and founder of Webcom, Inc. “WebSource CPQ V5.1 is the culmination of our client-driven approach,” added Ivanovic.

Based on client feedback and requests and implementation work done with our CRM partners, WebSource CPQ V5.1 provides many key new features and enhancements, including:

· Unlimited nesting of documents, including management by exclusion, not just inclusion
· Rules-based currency and market pricing management
· Complete workflow history in support of regulatory requirements
· E-mail notification at the action level, including dynamic quote and order content
· Robust web services API covering areas such as status updates, shopping cart properties, product/service details, users and companies
· Quote “status” control of field-level data revisions
· Unlimited file attachments, such as drawings, specifications, RFP/RFQ, etc.
· User-specific order approval rules, including parallel and serial approval request processing
· Shipment tracking at the line item quantity level
· Enhanced CRM integration addressing the needs of customers with multiple channels to market

“Doing business globally with direct sales people and value-added resellers poses a set of challenges when trying to use a CRM system to manage the total pipeline, which we cannot arbitrarily impose on our partners,” stated Mike Carow, Senior Vice President of Operation and Administration at PKWARE, Inc., creator and owner of ZIP, the most widely used portable file handling system in the world. “As our channel partners use WebSource CPQ to create quotations by using our CRM account database, opportunities will be automatically created within Salesforce.com, our CRM system, providing management a comprehensive view of the business”, added Carow.

WebSource CPQ is designed to help drive increased revenues and margins, increased customer satisfaction, reduced costs and improved productivity. Requiring nothing more than a web browser, WebSource CPQ allows sales people, channel partners and consumers to easily and skillfully configure, price, quote and propose products/services. “Demand for our solution is at an all-time high across a diverse range of industries, confirming the idea that delivering the perfect order is a challenge faced by all industries,” stated Chris Lesar, Executive Vice President of Webcom.

About Webcom, Inc.
Webcom, Inc. provides software solutions that simplify the quote-to-order process for the selling of complex products and services. Requiring only a browser, WebSource CPQ allows customers to configure, price, quote and propose their offerings across multiple sales and distribution channels, anytime, anywhere. WebSource CPQ not only handles the traditional bill of material, routing and diagram generation tasks frequently associated with product configurators, but also addresses the guided selling, proposal generation and multi-level channel management tasks associated with sales configurators. The solution helps drive increased revenues and margins, increased customer satisfaction, reduced costs and improved productivity. Companies utilizing Webcom’s products and services include Rockwell Automation, Danfoss, Corning Cable Systems, Verity, Grayhill and GE Industrial Systems. Founded in 1997, Webcom is a privately held corporation headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with offices in the USA and Europe. For more information, visit Webcom at http://www.webcominc.com or call 414-273-4442 (toll free 877-508-6323).

Media Contact:
Webcom, Inc.
Chris Lesar
(414) 298-9229

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

UID Quarterly Spring Edition Available Online

A2B Tracking Solutions, Inc, the leading provider of unique identification (UID) compliance products and outsourced services, is announcing the Spring Edition of its UID Quarterly newsletter.

Portsmouth, RI (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- A2B Tracking Solutions, Inc, the leading provider of unique identification (UID) compliance products and outsourced services, is announcing the Spring Edition of its UID Quarterly newsletter available online at http://www.uidsolutions.com/c/cnt/down/newsletter-spring06pdf.pdf UID Quarterly educates and supports Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and suppliers who must comply with the unique identification (UID) mandate.

“UID Quarterly continues to win rave reviews from our many readers, especially contractors with new DoD contracts and property managers and military personnel who are facing mandated compliance deadlines,” says editor Joan Hacker. “That’s a real testimony to our contributors who are experts in various technologies and methodologies related to UID compliance.”

Each issue of the online newsletter highlights commentary from military or industry experts. In the Spring edition “Opinion” column, Dr. Douglas N. Goetz, CPPM, CF, Professor of Contract and Property Management at the Defense Acquisition University writes about a “New World Coming” where UID is creating a fundamental paradigm shift associated with numerous issues surrounding the property of the Government.

Manufacturers of end item deliverables will want to read the featured “UID Success” case study on VT Miltope Corporation, a leading U.S. manufacturer of computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industrial, and commercial tactical and aviation applications.

Property managers will be particularly interested in a tutorial on embedded items and the IUID Registry from A2B’s technical team, while Greg O’Connell, Government Sales Manager at Zebra answers frequently asked questions about creating and printing UID labels.

A2B Tracking Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of total solutions for bar code tracking. Most recently A2B has developed UID Comply! ™ a total solution package that streamlines the UID compliance process. Since it was founded in 1994, A2B has lead the bar code industry movement into mobile computing, developing a state-of-the-art mobile tracking system for one of America’s largest parcel delivery companies. Principals of A2B include founders of the bar code industry who have lead innovations in applications for 40 years. To date, A2B has completed more than 2,000 tracking installations around the world. For more information about A2B Tracking, visit www.uidsolutions.com or phone 800-733-7592.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:47 AM | Comments (0)

New Workplace Safety Resource Center at Safety.BLR.com Marks National Safety Month

Safety.BLR.com is commemorating National Safety Month with a comprehensive free resource center to help employers get their workplace safety message out to their employees. Free training resources in the center will be available throughout June to help safety professionals plan and execute workplace safety events and activities.

Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- June 2006 is National Safety Month, and Safety.BLR.com is commemorating the occasion with a comprehensive free resource center to help employers get their workplace safety message out to their employees. Training resources in the center will be available throughout June to help safety professionals plan and execute workplace safety events and activities during the month.

National Safety Month is designated and sponsored by the National Safety Council (NSC), a public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. To help with planning, NSC has assigned topics to each of the four full workweeks in June as follows:

• June 5 – 9: Driving Safety
• June 12 – 16: Workplace Safety
• June 19 – 23: Emergency Preparedness
• June 26 – 30: Home and Community

Safety.BLR.com’s Center for Workplace Safety Month will feature practical training meeting tools on each of the four topics designated by NSC. Go to the center each week and download these workplace safety training meetings, traditionally available only to our subscribers. They are available at no charge:

• Defensive Driving Safety Presentation (PowerPoint)
• Workplace Safety Under OSHA Trainer’s Outline
• Emergency Chain of Command Tool Box Talk
• Home Safety Meeting

BLR is also making the June edition of its popular Safety Works for Employees newsletter available as a free download to help improve safety in the workplace. The two-page newsletter contains how to tips and easy to digest training messages - and is meant to be photocopied and distributed to every employee in an organization. Download it here: http://www.blr.com/landingpr/?landingprid=8&source=PRS&effort=108

About BLR
Old Saybrook, Conn.-based BLR produces plain-English compliance and training resources for HR, compensation, safety, and environmental managers. For more information, call 800-727-5257 or visit www.BLR.com.

Contact:
Enviro.BLR.com Managing Editor
Steve Quilliam
860-510-0100, x2148

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)

Allied Modular Receives Product Approval from the City of Los Angeles This Week

Modular Build Company receives product approval in the City of Los Angeles. Allied Modular is making advancements in modular construction.

Orange CA, (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Allied Modular Announced this week the approval from Los Angeles research report center (LARR) in California. "This approval is a major step in code compliance in our industry. Making us the first company in our industry to receive such approval is a great victory for our company and our industry" said Barry Sim, Technical Manager of Allied Modular.

"Doing business in the city of Los Angeles has never been easy, but we expect to make our products a standard in factories, distribution centers and commercial and industrial applications throughout the city. We have worked over a year to get this approval and we have been receiving many calls across the state congratulating us on the victory. Our competition has to work double time to get were we are. We are happy to be in front of them"

The mission of the Department of Building and Safety is to protect the lives and safety of the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, preserve the City's quality of life, and contribute to the City's economic development. This is accomplished through implementation of the Zoning, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, as well as Engineering, Energy, and Disabled Access regulations, and local and State laws for construction and maintenance of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

With most companies changing facility layouts, expanding facilities and or relocating facilities approximately every 3 years, the future looks bright for Allied Modular. "We welcome everyone to visit and tour our 10,000 sq showroom and large manufacturing facility. You can see first hand look at the great things we are building" said Raj Singh, Vice President. Ninety five percent of the office space at their facility has been created with their own products and it makes a great showplace for distributors and customers.

Allied Modular Building Systems Products are distributed nationally throughout the country and provide cost effective, time saving, versatile alternatives to standard stick construction. All of their products are 100% modular and can be relocated and reassembled. Product lines include; modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, clean rooms, 2 story offices, guard houses, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and many custom applications.

To arrange a facility tour or for additional information, please contact Allied Modular Building Systems at (800) 959-0810 or visit our website at HTTP://www.alliedmodular.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:45 AM | Comments (0)

Exchange Rate Forecast: Theory, Reality and Effect

Preparing for fluctuations in the currency market and developing defensive tools against unfavorable market movements vs. “playing the market.”

(PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Have you been trying to time your foreign exchange transactions to minimize your financial loss in this ever-fluctuating currency market?

Many factors have an effect on the way currency changes its course. Even with the analysis, computer models, and experts available today, an accurate forecast on the exchange rate is simply not available from any source.

A foreign currency exchange broker has to invest 9-10 hours a day to follow the currency market to keep up with daily trends. It’s easy to assume that keeping such a close eye on the market should provide a fairly accurate perspective of where the market is going. The reality, however, doesn’t support that.

When we’re expecting positive economic news, like strong GDP growth for example, we can anticipate seeing the dollar gain some strength – in theory. In reality, the foreign exchange market can react to the news in a positive way, then completely change its pattern and react differently to the same news.

Sometimes currency begins to “react,” or fluctuate, one week before the news is actually released. The unpredictable and ever-changing patterns are often due to speculations by financial analysts. The currency market is reacting to the speculation rather than the economic data.

The best way to prepare for fluctuations in the currency market is to consult a specialist in the field of foreign exchange, who can keep you up to date with the latest financial news, help you develop defensive tools against unfavorable market movements, and alert you to market spikes that work to your advantage. These are called “non speculative trading techniques.”

Unfortunately, some people treat commercial foreign exchange as a chance to gamble, an attempt to “play the market.” They place bets and rely on different financial forecasts and charts that can only provide information that was accurate yesterday, leaving them with a feeling of knowing something. In reality however, the currency market remains unpredictable.

Do you want to speculate, take a guess or try to predict? How much time will you have to invest in studying currency charts, trends and reports to find out the currency market doesn't care about your profits and cash flow?

Don’t base your business decisions on “maybe,” “possibly,” and “what if.”

In reality, an exchange rate forecast should not be used as a prediction or prophecy. Your actions should be based on smart calculated decisions, knowledge, experience and collaboration with an industry expert. Following this strategy will guarantee your success in managing foreign exchange transactions and help you make important business decisions.

About Gary Birshtein:
Gary Birshtein is foreign exchange specialist who is responsible for planning and implementing trading techniques based on non-speculative foreign currency transactions and global payment solutions, letting businesses achieve international growth with cost effective money management.

Contact:
Gary Birshtein, Foreign Exchange Specialist
1-604-839-5577
www.garybirshtein.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:44 AM | Comments (0)

Blair Corporation Names eDynaQuote as their e-Sourcing and Reverse Auction Service Provider for 3rd Consecutive Year

Blair Corporation and eDynaQuote, a web-based e-sourcing and reverse auction service provider, have renewed their strategic relationship for a third consecutive year.

(PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Blair Corporation and eDynaQuote, a web-based e-sourcing and reverse auction service provider, have renewed their strategic relationship for a third consecutive year. Randy Scalise, Vice President of Fulfillment for Blair Corporation said, "The ROI from our eDynaQuote initiative sets the bar for many of our eBusiness projects.” Through the use of reverse auctions, eDynaQuote has provided Blair Corporation with savings on a variety of items and services, ranging from office supplies, international logistics, and packaging materials to avoidance of cost increases through strategic supplier negotiations.

“The eDynaQuote team has worked with Blair Corporation to streamline their business processes year over year since January 2004. Blair’s continuous performance improvements and increased purchasing efficiencies are the primary goals of our strategic relationship,” says Marty Barclay, Program Manager of eDynaQuote.

Blair Corporation, a multi-channel direct marketer of women’s and men’s apparel and home products, is ranked among America’s top ten consumer apparel catalogers. Employing nearly 2,000 associates, the company boasts annual sales of nearly $500 million. Blair’s successful business is built on a simple yet highly effective philosophy: offer customers quality products at affordable prices and provide exceptional customer service.

eDynaQuote's mission is to bring value to client organizations by providing the tools, training, and expertise needed to conduct successful online bidding events. eDynaQuote is headquartered in Pennsylvania and provides affordable e-sourcing tools and services to clients nationwide. Visit their website at http://www.eDynaQuote.com to get more information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:43 AM | Comments (0)

Free How to Guide Solves Manufacturers’ Sales Channel Lead Routing and Tracking Issues

Companies that sell through dispersed salespeople and sales channels often have difficulty routing and tracking sales leads. DataForceCRM is offering a free report to make the lead routing and tracking challenge easier boosting sales and profits.

Southlake, TX (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- DataForceCRM is offering a free report to help manufacturers achieve more sales from dispersed salespeople and sales channel partners. If manufacturers can streamline the lead routing and lead tracking process marketing and sales efforts can be streamlined and improved winning more sales orders from dispersed salespeople, distributors and manufacturers representatives.

“The Complete Guide to Turning your Sales Channels into Sales Lead Closing Machines!” is a comprehensive, 5 page manual that provides a complete road map for marketing and sales managers who need to make sure all leads passed to the sales channels are followed up promptly, worked efficiently and reported back to the manufacturer accurately.

It also includes a suggested work flow for lead management and concludes with a solution for the biggest problem encountered by manufacturers in the lead management area. The guide also walks you through the most common problems in a distribution network and delivers a list of shortcuts, and shows you how to solve problems fast.

The guide’s topics include:
· How to Quickly & Easily Capture & Assign Sales Leads Automatically
· Closing the Loop on Sales Lead Tracking with an automated work flow process
· Getting real-time Sales Leads updates from all Sales Channels automatically

The guide also indicates which technologies and solutions can be applied to the Sales Lead tracking task in a concise, clear discussion that delivers several strategies that can be deployed quickly to positively impact sales lead closure.

The guide will be sent free of charge to anyone who calls or sends an email with their address to: DataForceOne, 2140 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX USA 76092 Tel 866-858-4789 email to e-mail protected from spam bots . The request for the free report can also be faxed to 636-773-3366. An inquiry can also be made at the DataForceCRM website at http://www.dataforcecrm.com by using the Question interface to make a request on the index page.

DataForceCRM deploys on demand and on premise CRM and sales management software to manufacturers and manufacturing sales channels including distributors, dealers and manufacturing representatives to boost revenues and profits.

DataForceCRM
2140 E. Southlake Blvd. STE L555
Southlake, TX 76092
http://www.dataforcecrm.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:42 AM | Comments (0)

Business Bankruptcy Alternative: Turnaround Expert Reports ‘Shocking’ Strategies for Avoiding “The Big ‘B’”

“Business bankruptcy is not the answer for small companies gone bad,” says turnaround expert Sue Canyon. “Neither is generating more sales or hiring high-priced business consultants.” The business analyst cites three little-known strategies for beefing up the bottom line and making a sinking business ship seaworthy again.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- “Business bankruptcy is not the answer for small companies gone bad,” says Sue Canyon, author of a new publication that offers failing business owners little-known solutions for make their companies profitable.

“Bankruptcy should be the last choice,” she says.

“You won’t find the answer in maxed-out credit cards and costly consultants; nor will you discover it by depleting your retirement fund or taking out home equity loans. Just because you’re sick of sweating out paydays, showing no profit, arguing with suppliers and dealing with difficult customers doesn’t mean you don’t have alternatives,” says Canyon.

“However, alternatives are not always where you think they are.”

Generating the cash needed to keep a company afloat means owners must “summon the courage to ask hard questions they may never have considered before,” says Canyon. “Many people never grasp the concept that running a ‘good’ business means a whole lot more than selling beautiful flowers, laying smooth asphalt, tossing a mean pizza or repairing cars to spec.”

The West Coast analyst raises three tough questions for small business owners facing a sinking ship.

1. Accounting Records – Just how good is my bookkeeper? Do I know if my internal accounting records are correct? Do I know how to tell if they’re not? Can I even read them? Am I making fatal strategic decisions based on information provided by a casual or incompetent bookkeeper?

Expert's Comment:
”Making decisions based on faulty accounting records is the number one reason most small business fail in this country,” says Canyon. “Ignoring the need for good numbers sets any business up for failure. Only an owner’s sheer energy and personal resources can keep a business with bad records afloat – and then only until those two resources are depleted.”

Canyon talks about the client who trusted his CPA to provide costing information. “Unwise move,” she says. “The fact is, CPAs rarely work with costing. They typically focus on general accounting – costing is another animal entirely. When we figured the costing properly, what we discovered was a disasterous strategic turn the owner committed four years earlier. Correcting this blunder netted his company $450,000 in profit within a year -- on sales of only $3 million.”

2. Vendor Theft - Are my vendors – even the ones I’ve been using for years – stealing from me?

Expert's Comment::
“My experience shows that vendor theft trumps employee theft any day of the week, at least when it comes to materials,” says Canyon. She recalls a manufacturing client who regularly ordered tons of gravel but discovered he was receiving only three-fourths of what he was paying for, day-in-and-day-out. The owner would sign for 24 yards of gravel and only 16 yards would be dumped in the storage bin. It turns out the vendor was stealing more than $200,000 a year without ever delivering the product to the yard!”

3. Production Efficiency - Is my production process (or service delivery process, or order entry process or a hundred other processes) killing my company? How can I know?

Expert's Comment:
“I once consulted with a company that was in line to lose a $10 million government contract if they didn’t clean up their performance,” says Canyon. “The client got huffy,” she says. “‘What makes you think you can come in here and tell me how to do this better when we’ve been doing it for four years?’ I proceeded to inspect his production line and discovered … he had NO PRODUCTION LINE! The thing is, most employers don’t know what’s wrong because they only know what they can see, and quite frequently, that’s not enough. My team and I put in a production line, met the shipping deadline a week later and voila! – saved the contract. It’s not always important what you know. Often, it’s what you DON’T know that counts.”

Visit www.businessbooming.com/shocking%20report.pdf to read Sue Canyon’s free “Shocking Report.” It reveals ten business fallacies that failing small business owners believe – and base critical decisions on every day.

About Sue Canyon: Sue Canyon is a leading business research analyst who specializes in repairing small companies in trouble. For more than 30 years, she has helped turn around companies operating in the manufacturing, service, retail, distribution and sales sectors. Canyon is the author of “Pocket Mentor,” an advice guide that focuses on cost and production management. Her newest work, “Grand Unified Theory of Everything for Small Business,” will be published early next year.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:41 AM | Comments (0)

RetrievalNet and SecureStore Expand Secure Underground Storage Solutions Nationwide

RetrievalNet, a leading provider of electronic document scanning and electronic document retrieval services has announced its plan to expand its secure underground storage services nationwide.

Springfield, MO (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- RetrievalNet, a leading provider of electronic document scanning and electronic document retrieval services has announced its plan to expand its secure underground storage services nationwide.

“We provide storage solutions to a wide variety of customers, including medical, legal and healthcare companies,” explained Dona Elkins, President of EDCO Group Inc. “Combining our document scanning, document conversion, secure underground storage, and electronic document retrieval services will allow us to expand our services from a regional to national level.

The RetrievalNet secure underground storage facility is located in Springfield, Missouri. Documents are protected from tornadoes, floods, fire, lightning strikes, and theft in RetrievalNet’s 92,000 sq ft. guarded underground facility. The storage facility is both climate and temperature controlled and located 30 feet underground.

About RetrievalNet
RetrievalNet is a document scanning and electronic retrieval services provider focused on document imaging, document conversion, and secure underground storage. To learn more about RetrievalNet, please visit http://www.RetrievalNet.com. For information about EDCO – The Document People, please visit http://www.EDCOGroupInc.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:40 AM | Comments (0)

EDCO Group Launches Document Management Case Studies on the Web

EDCO-The Document People, a leading provider of document scanning, document storage, and electronic retrieval services has launched a series of case studies on its website, EDCOGroupInc.com.

Springfield, MO (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- EDCO-The Document People, a leading provider of document scanning, document storage, and electronic retrieval services has launched a series of case studies on its website, http://www.EDCOGroupInc.com.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the document management solutions they need to help maintain and grow their businesses,” explained Dona Elkins, President of EDCO Group Inc. “By offering a series of case studies, we believe that we can better serve our customers by showing them real solutions we currently provide and to help them understand how we can help their business,” she added.

Case studies on the site include how to reduce annualized conversion costs, the benefits to outsourcing document management, and strategies to reduce paper documents in the office and convert current paper documents to electronic documents.

“Educating our current and potential customers is an important process,” commented Robert Barnum, EDCO Technology Manager. “Offering real-life business examples through our case studies help in this process.

Visit http://www.EDCOGroupInc.com to view the case studies.

About EDCO-The Document People
EDCO-The Document People was founded in 1961 and has become one of the largest document management solutions providers in the United States. The company specializes in document imaging, conversion, secure underground storage, and electronic document retrieval.

http://www.EDCOGroupInc.com
http://www.RetrievalNet.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:39 AM | Comments (0)

Pakistan to Achieve Well Beyond US$ 500 Million of Exports from the Gems and Jewelry Industry

The Gems and Jewelry industry is working hard to catch-up with global trends in value-added processing and cost-effective production. The launch of “Zar-o-Jawahir Pakistan” is a joint effort of Pakistan Gems & Jewelry Strategy Working Group (SWOG) to strengthen the industry’s new face and to disseminate information about itself and its strategy to become a vibrant and competitive sector.

Karachi, Pakistan (PRWEB) May 30, 2006 -- Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Industry is totally reinventing itself as a quality producer of able to compete globally, through skills and technology up-gradation, better quality control and innovative branding, this was a joint statement by the Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Strategy Working Group (SWOG) at Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi. The event attracted more than 100 participants from the gems and jewelry industry to celebrate the launch of a monthly trade magazine, “Zar-o-Jawahir Pakistan”, intended to broadcast to Pakistan and the global market place that Pakistan’s Gems and Jewelry sector is ready to claim in rightful place in the US$80 billion plus international market for gems and jewelry. Others in the region are exporting into the billions of dollars, and Pakistan’s industry has now come together to gain significant market share.

The “Pakistan Initiative for Strategic Development and Competitiveness” (PISDAC) is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded activity managed by J.E. Austin Associates Inc. and is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Pakistani Small and Medium sized enterprises. The sectors currently covered under the project are Gems & Jewelry, Dairy, Marble & Granite, Furniture and Horticulture/Food Processing.

Started in May 2004, the project worked with several prominent Pakistani industries and helped form three Strategic Working Groups (commonly referred to as SWOGs), which develop sector-specific strategies. SWOGs include industry leaders, government officials, academia, and relevant NGOs that are working together to develop strategies and implement policy and regulatory changes through public-private dialogue.

These strategies are aimed at upgrading production, improving marketing and understanding and meeting consumer demand. The Strategic Working Groups identify priority investments in human resources, infrastructure, technology, and, management required to produce higher-quality products.

The strategy developed by the Gems and Jewellery SWOG is aimed at facilitating growth throughout the value chain. The SWOG envisioned working together across regions and activities for establishing Pakistan as a high value added, internationally competitive, world-class hub for precious stone cutting and jewelry manufacturing. strategic initiatives are intended to close the benchmarking gap between Pakistan and other countries with a strong Gems & Jewellery sector. SWOG members anticipate that the proposed initiatives will result in an increase in jobs, particularly in skilled labor. Only recently has the Gems and Jewelry sector been officially recognized and granted industry status by the Government of Pakistan.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have been two key partners along with the USAID PISDAC project. They have helped the industry to move forward, and are committed to help the industry achieve its ambitious goal to increase exports to US$500 million or even more by 2010. Industry hopes to develop its value chain quickly so that its performance will go well beyond this goal. .

The industry is now working hard to catch-up with global trends in value-added processing and cost-effective production. The launch of “Zar-o-Jawahir Pakistan” is a joint effort of Pakistan Gems & Jewelry Strategy Working Group (SWOG) to strengthen the industry’s new face and to disseminate information about itself and its strategy to become a vibrant and competitive sector. Members of the SWOG from other areas of Pakistan have joined their Karachi colleagues to celebrate this initiative. The Industry hopes to also launch the first ever world class combined gems and jewelry show in Pakistan before the end of 2006. “Zar-o-Jawahir Pakistan” and the upcoming industry show are two of several major efforts by the industry to strengthen industry linkages, domestically & internationally. The Magazine is intended to share latest updated research and information throughout all stakeholders the entire Gems and Jewelry value chain, from mine to market.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)

Modular Building Company Gets Awarded Project From General Atomics Aeronautical

Modular Construction making headway. Allied Modular was awarded project by General Atomics in San Diego.

Orange Ca (PRWEB) May 29, 2006 -- General Atomics announced this week they have awarded a building expansion to a southern California company.

Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc of Orange, CA. was selected to expand and existing facility in San Diego. "We are excited to get started on this project" said "Anthony Blanco" Sales representative for Allied Modular. It is an exciting day and another win for a local southern California Company. "With pressure from other competitors in many other states trying to win local business, it certainly is a victory for Southern California" he said with pride.

General Atomics was conceived in 1955 at San Diego, California for the purpose of harnessing the power of nuclear technologies for the benefit of mankind. General Atomics' basic research into fission and fusion has matured into competence in many technologies, making GA and its affiliated companies one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

With most companies changing facility layouts, expanding facilities and or relocating facilities approximately every 3 years, the future looks bright for Allied Modular. "We welcome everyone to visit and tour their 10,000 sq showroom and large manufacturing facility. You can see first hand the great things we are building" said Raj Singh, Vice President.. Ninety five percent of the office space at their facility has been created with their own products and it makes a great showplace for distributors and customers.

Allied Modular Building Systems Products are distributed nationally throughout the country and provide cost effective, timesaving, versatile alternatives to standard stick construction. All of their products are 100% modular and can be relocated and reassembled. Product lines include; modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, clean rooms, 2 story offices, guard houses, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and many custom applications.

To arrange a facility tour or for additional information, please contact Allied Modular Building Systems at (800) 959-0810 or visit our website at http://www.alliedmodular.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:37 AM | Comments (0)

Compliance Networks Releases New Version of Leading Retail Compliance Management Solution

New version of best-in-class Vendor Compliance Optimization solution offers additional supply chain accountability, visibility, and predictability benefits for retail enterprises.

Sugar Land, TX (PRWEB) May 29, 2006 -- Compliance Networks, LLC, the nation’s leading provider of vendor compliance optimization solutions, has released version 4.0 of the Retail Compliance Management Solution (rCMS). The new version of rCMS offers enhancements to the powerful supply chain reporting tools and a new on-line analysis function that enables users to easily filter, group, and sort supply chain data.

According to Greg Holder, President and CEO of http://www.compliancenetworks.com [Compliance Networks], ”rCMS has been the leading vendor compliance optimization tool since its release, and we are excited about the enhancements the new version offers for supply chain accountability, visibility, and predictability. We have already received very positive feedback from our retail clients about the benefits of the new rCMS reporting and analysis tools.”

rCMS benefits all supply chain stakeholders, including vendors (suppliers), because it ensures that vendors receive accurate and timely information about their performance relative to retailers’ expectations. This enables vendors to quickly correct in-process shipments, and shorten the cycle time from their shipping docks to the retailers' selling floor.

The retail Compliance Management Solution has saved http://www.compliancenetworks.com [Compliance Networks]’s retail clients nearly $100 million in measurable, bottom line profits since it was introduced four years ago. In addition, rCMS has enabled these retailers to reduce supply chain cycle times, improve merchandise flow through the supply chain and provide unparalleled visibility into complete supply chain activities.

About Compliance Networks, LLC

Compliance Networks is a leading provider of solutions that enable retail enterprises to optimize flow within their supply chain, and make informed supply chain decisions that ultimately increase shareholder value. Compliance Networks’ suite of retail-centric distribution management solutions enables greater supply chain efficiencies by automating key processes, including vendor compliance and collaboration, vendor scorecards and certification, chargeback management, purchase order fill rate and accuracy measurement, and supply chain alerts. Compliance Networks is proud to serve leading retailers such as Burlington Coat Factory, Pep Boys and the Kohl's Corporation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:36 AM | Comments (0)

Finally, an Online Community for Water Professionals

There is a pending crisis that threatens our water supply. It isn’t drought or pollution; it is a shortage of knowledgeable water professionals! When this shortage happens, the price of water will increase significantly. And less developed areas will have even more problems locating safe, clean water.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2006 -- There is a pending crisis that threatens our water supply. It isn’t drought or pollution; it is a shortage of knowledgeable water professionals.

Currently, the average water professional is over 50 years old. Over the next ten years, most of these people will retire leaving gaps of coverage in the industry. Gaps in manpower, knowledge and experience.

When this shortage happens, the price of water will increase significantly. And less developed areas will have even more problems locating safe, clean water.

The problem is that the water industry is a quiet one. The only time anyone hears about it is when there is a problem - usually drought, floods or some type of pollution or contaminant.

To attract new people into the industry the National Groundwater Association has already launched a scholarship program. But more needs to be done.

“Water just isn’t sexy,” says Randall McCarley, founder of water-board.com, a site dedicated to bringing attention to the water industry. “Water is one of the most important necessities of life but the industry just isn’t perceived as current and in some ways it isn’t.”

McCarley points to the internet as proof - very few water companies have anything more than a brochure-style web site.

“There’s so much new technology that just seems to be overlooked by the whole industry. If water-board.com can change that and enroll the attention of the next generation of water professionals I’ll consider that a job well done.”

McCarley’s background is in marketing and he spent over a year working for a groundwater distributor. That is where he learned about the water industry and the problems it faces.

“It’s a great industry,” said McCarley. “When I first came on board several people told me it gets in the blood and is hard to give up. Looks like they’re right!

“Water-board.com is about sharing knowledge. We can all educate each other. I’m learning more about water and hopefully I’ll be able to teach these companies how to market themselves better, making the future of the industry brighter. And of course, there are other benefits to the site including exposure for your business, products and services and a great place to enjoy the company of other knowledgeable professionals.”

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:35 AM | Comments (0)

GICE Security Launches its Privately Issued Warrants

GICE Security is issuing privately placed warrants in its working capital raise prgoram for GBP Sterling 10 million.

Singapore (PRWEB) May 28, 2006 -- GICE Security Ltd. announced today the launch of its Privately Issued Warrants to its institutional and private registered shareholders the first take up offering. At a reception cum workshop held at a major hotel for private investors comprising of private hedge funds managers, financial institutions, pension funds and a select group of private investors, GICE announced that this offering is for the raising of working capital to finance its current expansion program to build a design, manufacturing and support center in Singapore and Thailand.

There are 5,000 blocks of which 4,000 have been offered to institutional investors and various international funds managers. This edition of warrants will be used to raise GBP 10 million Sterling for its projected expansion programs and working capital requirements.

This facility will allow the Company to build its own design center and have a small scale manufacturing facility for its electronic circuit board assemblies for use on its GICE Track GPS asset tracking system. It will reduce the cost involved in having OEM and outsourcing arrangements with third party suppliers. The center will cost the Company GBP 3 million Sterling to build and the balance will be utilized for working capital.

GICE Security Ltd’s, President Dr. Leonard Fernando (PhD), said that this long awaited facility will boost its global position to make it a market leader in advanced tracking and monitoring system applications and solutions.

For details contact: GICE Investor Relations at +65. 6280 8770

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:34 AM | Comments (0)

A Tension Getter: New Air-Roll-Lock Differential Shaft Design Gives Converters Exponential Increases In Converting Capacity

Convertech, Inc. is changing the way converters do business with rapid advances in converting technology. With the introduction of an innovative, new differential shaft design Convertech has simplified the converting process and increased converter capacity in one, deft move.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2006 -- With recent advances in their air-roll-lock differential shaft design, Convertech has taken the pain out of differential winding. Using an internal clutching mechanism to control tension eliminates operator error and can dramatically improve roll quality. The integrated GlideLock rollers also allow unprecedented ease in loading and unloading heavy rolls. Roll on and roll off; no more spacers, hammers, or workplace injuries.

The ease of loading and unloading is no accident. With the introduction of the GlideLock rollers to this advanced differential shaft design, Convertech has changed the way converters and their operators manage their daily workload. When mishandled, the heavy weight of finished rolls can present many workplace hazards. By easing the unloading process with the smooth action of the GlideLock rollers, operators can easily move finished rolls along the length of the shaft and on to the roll handling equipment without excess effort or risk.

With the addition of the GlideLock rollers to their differential shaft Convertech has given converter's a reliable and efficent way to make the best use of their machine time. Because each GlideLock roller functions independently, converters can easily run multiple width cores on the same shaft while ensuring perfect tension every time. Instead of being forced to change shafts for different jobs, the new differential shaft allows converters to use the same shaft for many, different jobs. This can reduce downtime dramatically.

For over a quarter century Convertech has been the leader in exceptionally fast lead time with superior engineering and quality built into every expanding shaft and chuck. With its competitors extended delivery time of as much as sixteen weeks Convertech, Inc.'s faster delivery time will always keep you up and running.

Interview Contact:
Larry Taitel
Telephone: 973-328-1850
http://www.convertech.com

Convertech Inc.
353 Richard Mine Road
Wharton, NJ 07885
+01-973-328-1850 voice
+01-973-328-7256 fax
www.convertech.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:33 AM | Comments (0)

Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping Improves Material Flow with New Parts Washer

Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping, a leading manufacturer of precision metal stampings, recently implemented a new, state-of-the-art parts washer to follow through with the company’s lean initiative.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2006 -- Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping, a leading manufacturer of precision metal stampings, recently implemented a new, state-of-the-art parts washer to follow through with the company’s lean initiative. The new parts washer is part of Bettcher’s overall plan to rework the facility’s layout to improve material flow.

“This is just one of the many steps we’ve taken to improve our processes and meet customer demand,” said Jerry Lynch, President of Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping. “Our new washer is 33% larger than its predecessor and is capable of processing more parts per hour to help meet our customers’ needs.”

Bettcher’s new parts washer features a four-step cycle ensuring that each part gets washed, rinsed, coated with a rust prevention solution and dried. Among the numerous other benefits of the new washer, it is also strategically located on the plant floor to reduce material handling and improve product throughput, greatly reducing work in process.

This lean initiative is designed to maintain Bettcher’s commitment to continuous improvement. The company is focused on maintaining global competitiveness through its adaptation to technology and the economy.
Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping offers high-volume runs of precision metal stampings, including four-slide and multi-slide parts, wireforms, deep-draw parts and large transfer-die stampings. The company specializes in metal stampings for the power tool, lawn & garden, household appliance, HVAC, heavy transportation and plumbing industries. In addition to their Cleveland, Ohio headquarters, they provide metal stampings to the Maquiladora Region from their Reynosa, Mexico metal stamping facility near McAllen, Texas. For more information, visit the company website at www.BettcherLLC.com, or call 216-267-0850.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:32 AM | Comments (0)

New Plastic Water Bottles Are Made From Corn

Plastic bottles derived from corn byproducts are now being used for bottled water. Packaging consultant, TricorBraun, sees a groing interest in the new packaging which is supported by Publix Supermarkets.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2006 -- Plastic bottles, whose chemical genealogy is a cornfield rather an oil field, are now being used for bottled water. The new plastic resin is derived from corn byproducts (Polymerized Lactic Acid or PLA) rather than petrochemicals (PET), and they can be composted along with grass and leaves.

Bottled water is the fastest growing beverage segment in the United States; however, the ubiquitous plastic bottles have raised environmentalists’ ire because only approximately 14.5 percent of water bottles are recycled as compared to 33.7 percent of plastic soft drink bottles. That translates to more than 40 million bottles a day that become litter or trash and find their way into landfills, according to Pat Franklin, Container Recycling Institute executive director.

“The PLA bottles answer environmental concerns at a number of levels, and they are now price-competitive with PET,” according to Colin Connors, a food and beverage packaging consultant with TricorBraun, one of the nation’s largest distributors of ridged wall packaging.

· Corn is a sustainable natural resource while oil is a finite resource.

· Bottles made from PLA are commercially compostable in 75 to 80 days, according to Biodegradable Products Institute Executive Director Steve Mojo. By contrast, it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bottle to break down, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

· Converting corn to the plastic resin requires 20 percent to 30 percent less energy, and it produces only half the carbon dioxide of oil-based plastics, according to Connors.

JiVita, a Hawaiian-based company, has introduced a new line of waters in clear plastic PLA bottles. The water is infused with extracts from flowers, resins and bark, making it the first aromatherapeutic water in the market.“The bottle is a natural fit with our product, company philosophy and target customer base,” said Tia Christensen, co-founder and vice president of JiVita.

“We never considered using a petroleum-based container. Our choice was either glass or PLA, and the weight of glass eliminated that option,” said Mary-Ellen Smith, JiVita president and co-founder.
David Zutler, CEO and founder of BIOTA bottled water, was the first in the beverage sector to embrace PLA. He pointed out in a recent interview, “We like to say we’re changing the world one bottle at a time.”

Publix Super Markets, Inc., one of the 10 largest-volume supermarket chains in the United States, recently introduced BIOTA to its GreenWise Market, which is dedicated to wholesome natural and organic foods and earth friendly items.

“Publix is committed to protecting our environment for future generations. That’s why we’re so excited about the opportunity to offer our customers a planet friendly product,” said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations manager.

“Inquiries about PLA are increasing exponentially. A year ago, I had one inquiry. Now, virtually everyone I speak to asks about PLA. All it is going to take is one major packager to use PLA, and this new material is going to break through in a major way,” Connors said.
The most formidable factor in impeding the sale of PLA bottles had been the price. “Until the rise in oil prices, PLA had been more expensive than petrochemical plastics. That price differential has been virtually eliminated. The market price of corn has been more stable than oil, and that should make the cost of the bottles more predictable,” Connors added.

The packaging is ideal for products with flavor or aroma attributes. PLA bottles are increasing in popularity for dairy and juice, in addition to waters.

TricorBraun’s primary focus is on food and beverage, cosmetics, health and beauty aids, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as industrial and household chemicals. The company has 27 offices in the United States and Canada.

Editorial Sources:

Collin R. Connors, Packaging Consultant
TricorBraun — Los Angeles
1-562-483-6664

Pat Franklin, Executive Director
Container Recycling Institute
1-202-263-0999

Steve Mojo, Executive Director
Biodegradable Products Institute
1-888-274-5646

Mary-Ellen Smith, Co-Founder
Tia Christensen, Co-Founder
JiVita
1-808-249-2015

David Zutler, CEO and Founder
BIOTA Spring Water
1-970-728-6132

Maria Brous
Media & Community Relations Manager
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
1-863-688-1188, Ext. 55339

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:31 AM | Comments (0)

Lean Manufacturing Text Now Available in the Spanish Language

Shingo Prize winning author has developed a Spanish version of his extremely popular English language text. This 350 page text has been translated page-for-page by the author of Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop. The all time best selling book published by SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers).

(PRWEB) May 27, 2006 -- Lean Enterprise Training announces the release of a new text "Lean Leader Guidebook" translated into the Spanish language.

The Hispanic population within manufacturing firms has exploded, while written information related to world class manufacturing principles for Spanish speaking team members has not kept pace.

Written by 2002 Shingo Prize recipient Gary Conner, this text addresses the need for education among the fastest growing segment of manufacturing and production labor.

Lean Manufacturing is the Americanized version of the Toyota Production System. Shigeo Shingo was one of the engineers responsible for the remarkable turn around of Toyota in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Ford, GM, Chrysler and other American companies have been trying to capitalize on the Toyota techniques for years, and even so, we can see by recent numbers of layoffs that it is not easy to catch someone when they have such a substantial lead. Companies of all sizes are recognizing the need to adopt the principles of the Lean Approach. One definition of Lean states that it is: “A systematic approach to identify and eliminate waste.” Waste is defined as any non-value added activity.

According to the Latino Issues Forum http://www.lif.org over 10 percent of the population in production jobs are of Hispanic or Latino decent (see the demographics http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat10.pdf ). Many of these team members have learned English as their second language. For others they are in transition, learning to speak English as they learn their jobs. This text has been designed to fill the educational needs of this growing population.

A page-for-page translation this text will make human resource and in-house training personnel responsibilities easier and much more effective.

This 350 page text is designed with adults learner in mind. Chock full of illustrations, samples, examples and case studies, the easy reading style is accompanied by an illustration on nearly every page. It will certainly assist in helping people throughout the organization learn the fundamental techniques applied at world class companies like Toyota, while opening dialogue between co-workers and managers who may have previously held back due to a lack of understanding.

For the last few years, Lean Enterprise Training has offered an English speaking version of their Lean Leader Certificate Workshop throughout the US and Canada. Hundreds of people have participated in this one-week (40 hour) session. Lean Enterprise Training will soon begin offering the same workshop in Spanish, utilizing this text as the participant guide. Interested parties may visit their website to gain information related to upcoming events www.leanenterprise.bigstep.com

You may obtain a book order form by visiting the web site as well.

If you would like to obtain a free copy of a Lean Self Assessment tool, just contact the email address provided within this press release.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Cyrus Technologies Wins Buildy Award for Best Integration Project at UNC

The 2006 Buildy Award for Best Integration Project was awarded to Cyrus Technologies, Inc. for the Enterprise Building Management System integration project being conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) May 27, 2006 -– As the lead vendor of one of the largest integration projects in the Unites States, Cyrus Technologies is meeting the Facilities Services vision of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by blending the innovations of its CyrusPowered™ Products division with the proven experience of its traditional systems integration leadership.

"Winning this Buildy Award goes a long way toward validating our technology strategy within this market sector." Said Matt Horton, Vice President of Cyrus. "Moreover, the project represented by this proves that customers within this sector, like UNC Chapel Hill, are not only ready for the innovations we’re developing, but are visionaries themselves and are driving the market to invent new ways of reaping greater efficiencies from their technology choices."

The Enterprise Building Management System is an initiative under way at UNC-CH to deploy a truly open architected enterprise system for managing many disparate building automation technologies. The goal is to dispense with the myriad of operational applications that are dedicated to proprietary building control systems that exist on campus today, yet allow the actual control systems to remain in place, and do this with an enterprise application that allows the university to choose from any open building automation standard in future. Cyrus Technologies is deploying its CyrusPowered™ HostedControls™ and HostedReports™ as the solution.

"A project of this size, scope, and vision could never be possible with one company’s technology." Said Michael Best, Director of Technology and Project Manager for the UNC-CH Project. "There are over one hundred buildings in this phase alone, and six different control systems within them; integrating them into a common and normalized platform takes robust Web Services technology. Some of the current controls vendors offer Web Services from their gateways, and some do not; until we can count on all vendors to utilize true Web Services, we have partnered with Gridlogix to use their EnNET® framework to solve this problem."

In the world of building automation and controls, HostedControls™ is an application that is truly open. CyrusPowered™ is dedicated to developing all its applications utilizing Web Services as its means of integration so that any and all controls manufacturers that decide to offer Web Services at the building level can be considered for future work on campus. This means that the university can choose from BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus, or almost any other protocol within the building control system and never have to change the operational user interface.

George Huettel, PE, CEO of Cyrus stated "I’m proud that the company we started in 1997 to implement the best in innovative integration is at the forefront of the industry and that our peers are recognizing us with this award. We’re thankful for this recognition."

About Cyrus Technologies, Inc.
Cyrus Technologies, Inc. is a privately held corporation, started in 1997 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with other offices in Tampa and Jacksonville. Cyrus Technologies is a Systems Integrator with a focus on the Building Automation and Controls market, and has pioneered open systems throughout the South East United States.

About CyrusPowered™ Product
CyrusPowered™ Products is a new division of Cyrus Technologies based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is a team dedicated to developing innovative on-demand applications for the building automation and controls industry.

Contact:

Cyrus Technologies, Inc.
CyrusPowered Division
6555 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

www.cyruspowered.com

pr @ cyruspowered.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Beat The High Cost of PE With Advanced Blending Technologies Blend Formulation System For Recycled PE Users

Advanced Blending Technologies, LLC, has introduced The OptiMISER® System, a cost-cutting blend formulation solution designed specifically for recycled PE users.The OptiMISER System helps manufacturers not only cut costs but improve product quality, productivity and throughput.

May 27, 2006, Perrysburg, OH -- Advanced Blending Technologies, LLC, has introduced The OptiMISER® System, a cost-cutting blend formulation solution designed specifically for recycled PE users. “Blends calculated by the OptiMISER perform the same as virgin materials but at much lower costs,” said Chris Ernst, partner in Advanced Blending Technologies. Normally recycled polyethylene in a blend can reduce costs but can present significant challenges in throughput, productivity and quality. According to Ernst, The OptiMISER System helps manufacturers not only cut costs but improve product quality, productivity and throughput.

The OptiMISER System is a proven software-based solution combining Advanced Blending Technologies' expertise in polyethylene blending and advanced material characterization with one-of-a-kind polyethylene blend formulation software. The OptiMISER System uses advanced formulation software, accurate polyethylene resin characterization and in-depth knowledge of resin behaviors to formulate recycled plastic blends that perform the same as—or better than—virgin materials but at much lower cost.

The OptiMISER System is now being used in a variety of processes including blow molding, injection molding, pipe and profile extrusion, sheet extrusion and thermoforming. More than a billion pounds of PE materials have already been processed using this system. The OptiMISER System works for all PE processes and material grades, including wide-spec, regrinds, reprocessed and recycled (post-industrial and post-consumer).

For more information about The OptiMISER System visit www.ABTblend.com or call 419.873.2610.

About Advanced Blending Technologies, LLC
Founded in 2002, Advanced Blending Technologies is committed to providing recycled PE users with polyethylene expertise and formulation solutions to improve product quality, cut costs and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Advanced Blending Technologies assists manufacturers and processors to use recycled materials more efficiently, increasing availability, lowering costs, improving product quality and increasing throughput. The firm also provides assistance in areas ranging from dealing with problematic resins, optimization of blends to meet specific product requirements to opening the purchasing specification window and developing additional low cost material sources.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:29 AM | Comments (0)

Melting Lubrication Bars Drastically Reduce Friction Extend Life of Stop Block, Tyres and Pads of Kilns

Quechem announced the global expansion of it's distributorship of the melting Lubrication Bar (MLB) for Cement Kilns and Dryers. MLB is environmentally safe and unlike previous methods of lubrication. Reduce the friction and extend the life of stop blocks, tyres and pads.

South Glengarry, ON, Canada (PRWEB) May, 27 2006 -- Quechem announced the global expansion of it's distributorship of the melting Lubrication Bar (MLB) for Cement Kilns and Dryers. The MLB is environmentally safe and unlike previous methods of lubrication, requires no equipment to apply.

These bars reduce the friction and extend the life of stop blocks, tyres and pads, and it reduce undercutting of the riding rings and shell ovality. "Only through proper lubrication can friction and wear be properly reduced", said Ken Robbers, head engineer at Quechem, "otherwise the results can be quite costly". Improper lubrication results in greatly reduced service life of kilns, unnecessary repairs, costly downtime and consequently loss of production. Other forms of lubrication do not always have the right viscosity and flash points to handle the various kiln temperatures. The MLB line is presently available in 2 formats and will be expanded by including custom thickness. The 2 formats handle both high and lower kiln temperatures. MLB-LT vaporizes at 122 degrees F. (50 celsius) and safe up to 450 F. (232 celsius). MLB-HT melts and vaporizes at 360 degrees F. (182 celsius) and safe up to 900 F. (482 celsius). MLB will not slip out once applied and they melt with in immediately.

"MLB's suggested usage will maintain creep over a long period of time, more successfully than any other product on the market", states Robbers.

Quechem manufactures various lubrication products for kilns and gears. Located in South Glengarry, Ontario, Canada, Quechem presently has a high quality standard, with distributors in various locations and markets, including the cement industry, through out the world.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:28 AM | Comments (0)

May 26, 2006

Custom Plastic Injection Molding Manufacturer Joins Forces with Product Development Firm

A new partnership between an experienced custom plastic and rubber injection molding manufacturer/supply chain provider and expert development and design team results in a total solution for product outsourcing

(PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- Corporate America is on an outsourcing spree. The number of companies looking to outsource costly production tasks is continuing to grow. Currently, there are numerous manufacturers offering both production and supply chain services. But, for companies desiring to completely outsource custom plastic injection molding products, the piece of the puzzle often most difficult to outsource is the critical product development function.

There is one company, experienced in the areas of manufacturing and supply chain functions, which is now poised to offer product development as well. ATP Engineered Rubber and Plastics Group, has recently entered into a business partnership with HS Design, Inc. This new partnership marries manufacturing expertise and post production capabilities with an experienced product development and industrial design team.

ATP is a world leader in custom plastic injection molding, custom rubber injection molding and over molding products. They are a full-service manufacturing company that provides prototyping, tool design and production, component molding, finishing/assembly, packaging and distribution. With facilities in both the U.S. and China, they are positioned to offer worldwide “total solutions” to outsourcing.

HS Design has 40 years of experience in product development and design. They bring to the partnership a seasoned team of Industrial and Mechanical Designers, who specialize in taking a product from initial concept, through development and into manufacturing. Their market focus of medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging and consumer products closely matches the marketing strategies of ATP.

“We are seeing an increasing number of customers that want a custom plastic injection molding and custom rubber molding manufacturer with integrated development and design capabilities.” says Mike Torti, ATP’s Group VP & Chief Marketing Officer. “And HS has customers that want a design firm that is linked to a manufacturer.”

The new partnership is intended to answer this growing need. The two entities will still operate as separate companies, but the minority equity partnership facilitates establishing the process for what will essentially be a one-stop vendor from concept through manufacturing.

HS Design’s approach to product development starts with their industrial designers working with the customer or “end user” to understand their needs. This allows for innovative concepts, refined usability, and appropriate aesthetics solutions, leading to highly marketable product designs. When the design team has a firm understanding of the manufacturing processes to be used, it allows them to make decisions in the development phase that will minimize revisions during the manufacturing phase.

“Teaming up with ATP will give us consistent processes and the proper team in place to realize less change down the road, and ultimately achieve a quicker time to market,” says Tor Alden, a principal partner at HS Design.

Reduced design change during manufacturing means cost savings, and quicker time to market often equates to more market share.

For companies that are seeking a one-stop supplier of custom plastic injection molding, custom rubber molding, and over molding products, this new option frees up a company’s resources to focus on financial management, secure in the knowledge that their product will be supplied with a seamless development to distribution process.

ATP Engineered Rubber& Plastics Group
Mike Torti
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: (610) 688-2200 x1224
Fax: (610) 688-1534
http://www.atperpg.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:47 AM | Comments (0)

QuoteWerks™ Surpasses 40,000 Users in 75 Countries

Upon completion of an internal deployment audit, company officials report that sales of its QuoteWerks™ software package has surpassed 40,000 active users representing deployments in 75 countries worldwide. Demand for the award winning quoting application that integrates with most of the world’s leading CRM applications, has remained strong since Aspire Technologies released Version 4 of the software in the third quarter of 2004, allowing the Orlando-based company to gain significant market share across most industries in a short time period

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- Aspire Technologies, a leading provider of sales quoting software solutions for the global small and midmarkets, today announced strong results for its award winning software QuoteWerks™.

Upon completion of an internal deployment audit, company officials report that sales of its QuoteWerks™ software package has surpassed 40,000 active users representing deployments in 75 countries worldwide. Demand for the award winning quoting application that integrates with most of the world’s leading CRM applications, has remained strong since Aspire Technologies released Version 4 of the software in the third quarter of 2004, allowing the Orlando-based company to gain significant market share across most industries in a short time period.

“QuoteWerks™ is well-suited for most any company that engages in line item sales quoting through leveraging a service-oriented architecture that provides ease of use and flexibility to users,” said John C. Lewe, IV, President of Aspire Technologies. “The success of QuoteWerks™ and the achievement of this milestone reinforces that we deliver to companies of all sizes today, a technologically advanced solution, out-of-the-box, that manages the entire quoting/invoicing/order cycle, enables real-time synchronization across the sales chain, and provides the agility required by small and midmarket companies as well as larger enterprises and divisions of the Global 1000.”

About Aspire Technologies and QuoteWerks™
Aspire Technologies, the creators of the award winning QuoteWerks™ sales quoting software, is the leading provider of sales quoting software with its award winning QuoteWerks™ application deployed to thousands of businesses and enterprises worldwide. QuoteWerks™ integrates with all major and leading CRM packages including ACT!™, Goldmine®, Maximizer®, MS CRM, Outlook®, TeleMagic®, salesforce.com® and SalesLogix® enabling businesses in all industries to integrate QuoteWerks™ seamlessly into their existing environments. Aspire Technologies is headquartered in Orlando, Florida and is a Microsoft Certified Partner. For more information please visit www.quotewerks.com.

QuoteWerks is a registered trademark of Aspire Technologies, Inc. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:46 AM | Comments (0)

The Mpower Group and IACCM Announces a Revised and Updated Sourcing Maturity Diagnostic

The Mpower Group (TMG http://www.thempowergroup.com) and IACCM (The International Association of Contract & Commercial Managers http://www.iaccm.com) announce the availability of TMG’s updated Sourcing Maturity Model Diagnostic reflecting advancements made in sourcing/supply chain.

Oak Brook, IL (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- The Mpower Group (TMG http://www.thempowergroup.com) and IACCM (The International Association of Contract & Commercial Managers http://www.iaccm.com) announce the availability of TMG’s updated Sourcing Maturity Model Diagnostic reflecting advancements made in sourcing/supply chain.

The relentless focus on cost savings and optimization has made strategic sourcing/supply chain an essential tool for most companies and its impacts have extended far beyond the early vision of what could be achieved. For leaders in Sourcing/Supply Chain, it has become increasingly important to be able to monitor and benchmark progress. The Mpower Group and IACCM have joined once again in offering a best practice diagnostic that will evaluate sourcing capabilities and performance against the latest maturity model that reflects recent advances in the discipline. This is a follow on to the ground breaking research conducted jointly between TMG and IACCM 18 months ago that led to the original Sourcing Maturity Model.

How do sourcing/supply chain organizations evolve their practices to “raise the bar” on their performance to new heights? The Diagnostic identifies potential opportunities using TMG's Sourcing Maturity Model™ – a framework of sourcing/supply chain performance analysis that accounts for the significant progress made in the discipline towards value creation. It explores sourcing/supply chain performance across six key areas: Strategic Portfolio Management, Third Party Risk Management, Globalization of the Supply Chain, Performance Metrics for Sourcing, Supply Chain Management and People.

The Diagnostic is delivered through a short questionnaire that explores 30 key performance traits covering each of the six sourcing/supply chain areas. Diagnostic participants will receive a confidential report from TMG and IACCM assessing potential opportunities that exist within the organization to advance their sourcing/supply chain capabilities. The diagnostic is useful for organizations looking for a high-level assessment. TMG also delivers a more detailed diagnostic through a tailored survey instrument that addresses over 180 different performance factors and considers the specific needs and characteristics of the participant’s industry.

TMG and IACCM will issue a report aggregating the Diagnostic responses to provide an overview of the current state of sourcing/supply chain practices based on the Sourcing Maturity Model™ framework. This report will be made available to diagnostic participants at no charge.

About The Mpower Group:
The Mpower Group (“TMG”), a certified minority supplier, services Fortune 500 organizations globally, solving complex issues related to their supply chain and strategic sourcing operations including outsourcing and off shoring. TMG emphasizes world-class business practices related to strategy, process and technology that truly drive superior financial results for their clients. Dalip Raheja, the firm’s President and CEO, is nationally recognized for his thought-leadership and advanced strategic concepts in the areas of Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management. More information can be found at: http://www.thempowergroup.com

About IACCM:
IACCM's is a global community of senior contracts, sourcing, and commercial management executives and managers; whose objective is to help worldwide members develop innovation, best practices, and operational excellence within their organization. Its membership consists of over 5000 members, a network of more than 1200 corporations from more than 80 countries. More information can be found at: http://www.iaccm.com

Contact Information:

Dalip Raheja
The Mpower Group
630.268.8963 phone
630.376.0326 fax

Tim Cummins
IACCM
203.431.8741 phone
203.431.9305 fax

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:45 AM | Comments (0)

Modular Building Company Builds Modular Path to Success

Modular Building Company Growing at a Rapid Pace. Manufacturing modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, cleanrooms, 2 story offices, guard shacks, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and many custom applications

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc., a large manufacturer of unique, relocatable office and building systems proves that hard work, quality products, customer service and determination pays off with record growth and steady climbing sales figures for this year.

Business today can count on one thing -- change. It's inevitable and necessary to keep business alive and ahead of the competition. In this era of daily mergers, acquisitions, and expansions, business facilities must be able to quickly accommodate a wide variety of special considerations. Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc owner, Kevin Peithman, envisioned this dream sixteen years ago when he began producing relocatable and demountable walls, offices and building systems. He started the business with one employee, and has since grown the company by offering high quality products, competitive pricing, diversifying distribution channels, and setting high standards for customer service, known as "Service Beyond Belief".

The company currently employs a staff of 48 sales, design, and production professionals and has its own freight delivery service. Allied Modular Currently has offices in 8 cities across the country and their plan is to expand the market.

"When most of American is sending manufacturing jobs elsewhere we are expanding" said Raj Singh, Vice President of Allied Modular Building Systems. With many years as a Executive at Boeing, he is enjoying the fast pace that a mid size company brings. "We have the power to change so many things in this industry and we are looking forward to the challenges" he said.

Allied Modular Building Systems Products are distributed nationally throughout the country and provide cost effective, timesaving, versatile alternatives to standard stick construction. All of their products are 100% modular and can be relocated and reassembled. Product lines include; modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, clean rooms, 2 story offices, guard shacks, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and many custom applications.

To arrange a facility tour and for additional information, please contact Allied Modular Building Systems at (800) 959-0810 or visit http://www.alliedmodular.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:44 AM | Comments (0)

Graphic Image Label Launches Redesigned Website for Prime Label Printing

New Features Allow Graphic Designers to Request Prime/Combination Label Samples and Submit Quotes

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- Graphic Image Label, a leading short-run printer of prime/combination labels, has launched a redesign of its website, www.GraphicImageLabel.com, to provide graphic designers with information and tools for designing labels.

"Our website redesign improves access to information about services for small- to medium-size winemakers and manufacturers of gourmet foods, health and beauty and industrial products," says Carlos Rodriguez, president of Graphic Image Label, located in Southern California. "Now Designers can go online to request sample label packets or
submit quotes for label printing. This is in line with our pledge to provide friendly, helpful information."

GraphicImageLabel.com details the myriad of printing and finishing options available to prime label designers. The Prime Label Capabilities section lists the various substrates available -- from no-label-look films to wet strength-- and a choice of adhesives, foils and other design variations possible.

"We want our new Label Galley to assist designers in their creative process by seeing the amazing possibilities for getting a product noticed on retail shelves," says Rodriguez. "Designers want to try everything from odd-shaped die cuts to textured substrates. The Submit a Quote feature allows designers to tell us their vision for a product label, and our experts know exactly what it takes to deliver their ideal prime label."

Graphic Image Label will respond to requests for samples label packets and quotes within 24 hours.

About Graphic Image Label: Since 1992, Graphic Image has been a premiere provider of pressure-sensitive prime and combination labels to wine makers and small gourmet food, health & beauty, electronics and industrial manufacturers. Using the latest label printing equipment, Graphic Image has been recognized for its ability to print unique and distinctive prime labels, particularly for the competitive wine industry. For more information about Graphic Image Label, contact Carlos Rodriguez at 1-866-670-4870 or visit www.GraphicImageLabel.com.

DOWNLOAD TEXT AT:
www.graphicimagelabel.com/downloads/GIL-PR-0605.pdf

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:43 AM | Comments (0)

Dustvent, Inc. Appoints New Product Development and Applications Manager

William Fitzpatrick (Fitz), well known as an applications authority in the dust collection industry, has been appointed to the position of Product Development and Applications Manager of Dustvent.

Addison, IL (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- William Fitzpatrick (Fitz), well known as an applications authority in the dust collection industry, has been appointed to the position of Product Development and Applications Manager of Dustvent. Prior to this position he was Sales Manager. Fitz has made important product improvements and developed many new product concepts since he first came to Dustvent in 1990. His experience in mechanical design, manufacturing, marketing and sales will be assets in his new position.

In his new role, he will be responsible for Dustvent’s new product development and product improvement program, as well as product application support, CAD drawing production, and manufacturing cost reduction.

“Fitz is an expert in applications sales support. His knowledge of the changing requirements in the dust collection market will be invaluable in the development of new products as solutions for our customer’s problems,” stated President William Hall.

Fitz’s love of metal design is currently being exhibited in art galleries throughout the Midwest. He also plays Bluegrass music and has performed in Bluegrass Festivals playing lead, acoustic guitar and as a vocalist.

Dustvent, Inc. has been in business since 1885 and manufactures a full line of dust, smoke, fume and mist collectors for a variety of industrial applications. Dustvent’s environmental products and wheelchair accessible workstations enable all employees to work in a safe and comfortable environment. Visit the website www.dustvent.com for more information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:42 AM | Comments (0)

Biodegradable Polymers Market Size by Geographic Region, Polymer Type and End Use Sector, 2000 and 2005, Plus Forecasts to 2010

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37420) has announced the addition of Biodegradable Polymers 2006 to their offering.

Dublin (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37420) has announced the addition of Biodegradable Polymers 2006 to their offering.

Biodegradable polymers have experienced strong growth over the last three years and are set to make further inroads into markets traditionally dominated by conventional thermoplastics in future.

Demand is being driven by a number of factors.

The cost of biodegradable polymers has come down considerably over the last three years while at the same time standard thermoplastic prices have increased considerably. Now, some classes of biodegradable polymers are price competitive with polymers such as PET.

The biodegradable polymers industry itself has established an agreed framework for testing and certification and there is growing political pressure in developed countries to reduce packaging waste and develop a composting infrastructure. Biodegradable polymer producers have also invested in product and process improvements. Finally, consumers and brand owners are beginning to recognise the benefits of sustainable or ‘green’ packaging.

Four main classes of biodegradable polymers are analysed in this report, polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based polymers, synthetic biodegradable polymers, such as aromatic aliphatic co-polyesters, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The report analyses their key performance properties, applications development, market drivers and future prospects. Each product section also contains an estimate of market size by world region and end use market, plus forecasts to 2010. There is also an analysis of key suppliers and their products.

Key Features
- Biodegradable polymers market size by geographic region, polymer type and end use sector, 2000 and 2005, plus forecasts to 2010.
- Market opportunity analysis by end use sector, such as packaging, bags and sacks, foodservice, agriculture, medical, consumer products and fibres.
- Illustrations of product and applications development over the last three years.
- Supply chain analysis: including details of thirty leading biodegradable polymer suppliers and profiles of around fifty of the world’s leading biodegradable polymer processors.
- Analysis of biodegradable polymer performance properties, market drivers, applications and product developments.

About the Author
David Platt graduated from the University of Nottingham with an Economics degree before completing an MBA at the University of Bradford. He joined a leading international market consultancy where he specialised in plastics sector research. He conducted a wide range of multi-client and single-client studies covering a wide range of materials, from standard thermoplastics, engineering and high performance polymers to conductive polymers and thermoplastic elastomers. Now operating as a freelance consultant, he makes regular contributions to the European plastics trade press, and works with leading plastics industry consultants.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37420

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:41 AM | Comments (0)

Independent-Sales-Reps.com Releases New Sales Opportunities Search Engine

Independent-Sales Reps.com has released its fully customizable search engine allowing its steadily growing database of independent sales representatives to search for nationwide commission sales opportunities online.

(PRWEB) May 25, 2006 -- Independent-Sales-Reps.com, the premier online service dedicated to networking independent sales representatives with thousands of nationwide manufacturers from all industries offering 100% commission sales opportunities, has released its highly anticipated search engine allowing its growing database of independent sales representatives to quickly and easily search our web site for new commission sales opportunities.

This new search engine is readily available online for use by the general public and can be accessed here: http://www.independent-sales-reps.com/opportunities-search.asp

We have sales representatives wanted to fill sales opportunities in the following industries:
• Advertising
• Apparel / Accessories
• Beauty / Fashion / Jewelry
• Business / Finance
• Computers / Software / IT
• Construction
• Electronics
• Gifts / Toys
• Manufacturing, Industrial Products
• Non-Profit
• Real Estate / Property
• Recreation / Sporting Goods
• Retail
• Safety / Security
• Small Business
• Transportation
• Utilities
• And Many More!

Independent-Sales-Reps.com is a completely free service for all sales representatives. We are dedicated to serving the needs of both independent sales representatives and manufacturers from all industries seeking new ways to grow their sales. Our management team has over 30 years experience in the manufacturing, sales, and web development fields providing us with the expertise needed to serve this fast growing industry.

For more information, please visit us online at: http://www.independent-sales-reps.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:40 AM | Comments (0)

Harbor Research Announces Release of New M2M/Pervasive Internet Market Forecast

Networked Device Revenues to exceed $10bn by 2011. For the first time, these figures include all M2M networking devices, covering both Fixed (Wireline) and Wireless technologies. Wireline includes Industrial Ethernet, while Wireless includes Cellular (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/1xEV-DO, 3G), Satellite, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee (+ other 15.4) and other related technologies that are increasingly being used in the rapidly growing M2M market.

San Francisco, CA; London (PRWEB) May 25, 2006 -- M2M (machine to machine) device shipment revenues are expected to grow at an annualized rate of 27% over the next 5 years, reaching $10.6b worldwide by 2011, according to figures just published by Harbor Research Inc., the world’s leading provider of strategic consulting and research services for the fast-developing M2M/Pervasive Internet sector.

For the first time, these figures include all M2M networking devices, covering both Fixed (Wireline) and Wireless technologies. Wireline includes Industrial Ethernet, while Wireless includes Cellular (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/1xEV-DO, 3G), Satellite, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee (+ other 15.4) and other related technologies that are increasingly being used in the rapidly growing M2M market.

According to Harbor Research, the device unit counts will grow considerably faster than revenue – at an annualized rate of over 64% including devices like ZigBee and other IEEE802.15.4, or closer to 32% without these. “We see device unit shipment growth remaining stable at more than 30% per annum for all device categories over the next five years,” said Robin Duke-Woolley, a Principal of Harbor Research Inc. and Managing Director of Harbor Research Europe. “More significantly, these devices will enable new service revenues of over $60bn in the period.”

Harbor Research sees this growth occurring in 8 principal market Venues – Buildings, Energy, Industrial, Medical, Retail, Transportation, Security/Public Safety and Consumer/Professional.

The firm has recently redesigned its forecast methodology to more accurately monitor both Wireline and Wireless networking device technologies in all regions worldwide and by major application groups within these key Venues. The report also covers the higher level service revenues derived through intelligent device networking, including both Network related – of particular interest to telecom carriers, mobile operators (MNOs) and virtual network operators (VNOs, MVNOs) – and Managed Service related – of particular interest to adopters, service providers, solution providers, integrators and VARs.

This work has come together as a direct result of Harbor’s acquisition last year of another leading US-based M2M research company Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) and a subsequent merger with the leading Europe-based M2M research company e-principles.

“We are now beginning to see attention within the M2M market shift dramatically towards higher level, remote smart services and away from the technology underpinnings,” commented Glen Allmendinger, President of Harbor Research Inc. “The technology is a vital enabler and now stable. M2M market development is now increasingly about business justification, addressing the implementation issues and service innovation.”

The M2M/Pervasive Internet sector is a highly diverse component of the global economy that covers the networking of potentially any manufactured product that has some form of internal processing or sensing. It is increasingly being regarded as a key growth sector over the coming decade. Often described as the ‘next wave of the Internet’, Harbor Research believes that the networking of such products will open up vast new opportunities for growth in added-value “smart services” for product manufacturers and will radically change the dynamics of many industry sectors. Harbor is already engaged with many product manufacturers to identify and help develop opportunities for such new smart services arising from manufactured products across many diverse sectors.

A top-level view of Harbor’s new worldwide forecast was featured at the company’s Smart Services Forum that took place at this year’s Hannover Fair in Germany April 24-28. The Hannover Fair is the world’s largest show dedicated to industrial automation, process and control and last year drew nearly 250,000 visitors from across the globe. Harbor’s Smart Services Forum was the first gathering to focus exclusively on the smart service opportunit