How To Ensure Safety in Our Own Homes

As Singapore is one of the fastest growing countries in the world, economically wise, it is expected that people who reside in its city (whether they be locals or expatriates who decided to work and stay) would be very cautious in guarding their own homes. Good thing that door access system in Singapore has now been made possible after reports of possible burglars entering house in no particular time of the day has been rampant.

Truth be told, as long as the thieves see that they can easily access one’s home, they will take the opportunity to take your prized possessions come daylight or night-time.

You do not have to worry about this as you can do wise actions to prevent this unwanted and prohibited incident from happening. For one, cctv system in Singapore may be bought to make sure everyone who enters the house and other event that may take place, day or night,  will be captured on camera—which is such a small price to pay in exchange of the family’s safety.

Another option is for you to hire a 24-hour guard. If you are living in an unguarded building, ask your “super” or building admin to hire one and be more than willing to chip in for the cost of hiring the security person. If you are living in an apartment or a flat, your own household helper can man the house all day long. And if you can afford it, do it like the English people who have their own butlers or house caretakers. This is nothing compared to the peace of mind you will have if you do not have to worry about your home’s safety every hour of the day.

Photo credit via Cablecomm.com.sg

If those are not enough safety precautions, there are more suggestions we have for you:

• Do not leave your jewels unlocked on an  unsafe place in your room. Some people have safety deposit boxes (of really large and heavy sizes) that the thief cannot bring along with him.
• Bring big amount of cash with you or better yet, let them be in your savings account on your trusted bank. Never ever leave a big amount of money at home when you are away most days of the week.
• Costly appliances like big flat screen televisions should be placed or mounted in a way that they won’t be easily carried by another person. Other homeowners go as far as setting up an alarm system for possessions that may be hot in the eye of robbers.
• Laptops and cellphones should also be locked away if you are going to leave them at home for several days. These things can easily be carried around. And often, no one gets suspicious when another person takes them away.

However, things can happen even if you are already inside your home. Always have emergency telephone numbers on your wall like maybe the police station nearby or even a friend or a neighbour’s number who can easily be there to help you out in case anyone attempts to break in into your door in an unexpected time. Better yet, it is advisable to not live alone as house breakers often targets home of people who are living a solitary life.

Is It Time to Outsource Engineering Services?

Consumer demands are growing and engineering companies in Singapore need to keep pace. And one of the ways to meet these demands is through outsourcing. Nowadays, the services of an external Singapore engineering company are sought to help the company in product development and conversion processes. Here we discuss the reasons why companies choose to outsource engineering services.

1. Efficiency. There are different stages in product development and engineering is just one of them. So, if the company has no enough manpower or if there are, but there’s no ample time, it is best to do outsourcing so you can focus on your core business or competency product and at the same time, ensure operational efficiency.

2. Flexibility. What’s good about outsourcing is that when there are changes need to be made due to the demands of the emerging trends in the market, the outsourcing team is usually prepared to respond and make the necessary changes. But of course, this has to be clearly specified in your agreement with the firm; otherwise, conflicts may arise.

3. Additional expertise. While your company has credible and reputable engineers, it is a big bonus to work with another engineering firm that has likewise quality engineers. You no longer need to advertise job vacancies, conduct the tedious hiring process, and provide trainings for the newly hires. The outsourcing vendor can take care of this as it has a pool of highly skilled engineers and experts. Add to this is the software required for the project. You don’t have to shell out money in investing in additional resources when the outsourced firm already has it. You save time, money, and effort.

4. Lower cost. You can have a certain project or task done at a lower cost without sacrificing the quality. Rather then allocating a budget for hiring new employees and investing in new resources, why not get the services of outsourcing companies, which are relatively cheaper? Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to save on technology and infrastructure. In this kind of venture, the outsourcing firm takes charge of the business process and is the responsible one for developing the infrastructure.

5. Immediate results. Another benefit of outsourcing services is the reduction of production time. Since you will be working with an outsourcing vendor, expect that your ideas be converted into products in the quickest time possible.

How to choose an outsourcing vendor?
In choosing an outsourcing vendor, it is important to partner with a trustworthy firm. Have a background check on its previous projects. Evaluate its experience of delivering engineering services. Inquire about the number of projects it has done, type of clients it has worked for, and the duration of the project itself.

If the vendor seems to have good credentials, it’s a positive sign. Just make sure that the communication between you and the vendor is constant, regular, and transparent. Any irregularities in communication may lead to a misunderstanding, and that may adversely affect your business. Hence, work with an outsourcing vendor that is available 24/7 or if not, at least be able to respond to your concerns right away.

5 IT Maintenance Provider Qualities You Need to Look for When Hiring One

Hiring the right person as your IT maintenance for your business can bring a significant effect on your employees’ work behaviour, clients’ attitude, and credibility of your company. This person is expected to meet your IT demands, keeping your IT functions available. So, it’s critical that you hire the right IT maintenance service provider on board or else your business may be faced regularly with IT problems you can’t handle. Make sure that you bring the it support who have the following characteristics.

1. Patient. An IT support agent is mainly responsible for keeping the computer systems running smoothly. However, it is inevitable that technical problems will occur and there will be times that these problems will simultaneously occur. It is then expected from the agent that he is patient enough to handle these issues, from the installation of operating systems to talking to clients over the phone in resolving issues. Also, he will be faced with logging queries and there are people who easily forget their passwords. And he should be armored with patience when facing these people.

2. Disciplined. The possession of this quality enables a person to adhere to a schedule, deliver resolutions, meet deadlines, and respect users. A good IT support specialist is someone who know how to control his schedule and prioritise tasks. When the person has self-discipline, he always sticks to his decisions and follows them through. Self-discipline is actually not about restricting or restraining yourself but it is the ability of self-control, resist distractions, and not giving up. Imagine all the IT issues or concerns that this person has to deal with. He must be disciplined enough to provide support and perform his responsibilities.

3. Has a sense of urgency. An ideal support representative is someone who can take care of technical or IT issues immediately, especially those that can’t wait. If not addressed right away, issues may escalate and your business may suffer from a technical crisis. He must have the ability to work as fast as possible and provide immediate results in all situations.

4. Dedicated and committed. This may already be a cliché but no one can defeat a dedicated and committed employee. No matter how difficult the problem is, as long as he has that passion and commitment to problem resolution, nothing will be left unresolved. Being part of the IT team means he has to monitor and maintain the computer

Various Uses of Professional Security Labelings

Are you used to putting labels on your valuables? The importance of security labelings is easy to see even when only looking at personal belongings. If you know you own the same device with countless individuals out there, wouldn’t you want  a proof of ownership  strategically positioned on the body of the device?

The same goes with physical assets a company owns. From computer tools to office chairs, you need to be able to control and track them all. Placing security stickers allows you the convenience of recognising physically assets, particularly those that are used out in the field, or perhaps those that are taken out for repairs or updates. 

With the help of a tag, you can easily trace the history of a particular asset. You can find out information on previous users, projects where the asset has been previously used, as well as the issues it has encountered in the past.

If you’re still on the fence about investing in security labels,  here’s a list of its various uses to help you finally decide.

Tracing products with serial numbers.

With the integration of a bar code into a security sticker, you can easily trace the journey of a product right from when they were manufactured until they reach retailers and then finally into their new owners.

You can then find out quick if a particular item is tampered after verification process. You have a record which particular serial numbers go together in a single unit. If you already have a mounting tape supplier, you can as well inquire if they could customise a security tag for you.

Identifying tamper attempts.

Usually, when you buy an item brand new, you’ll find it sealed with a label or a sticker. Consumers are then warned about tampered products.

If the seal appears to have been destroyed, removed, or tampered you can report the incident to the manufacturer so they can conduct further investigation. You protect yourself from getting ripped off.

Using overt security. 

Some security tags are made with particular design so one can easily distinguish the authentic from the fake. The label can be positioned anywhere, you can place them even in panel mounting projects.

Although overt security tags are intended to be easily seen, when done right, they can still protect physical assets.

Integrating discrete authenticity markers.

Manufacturers more often than not assign a particular position where the labelings are placed.

They know right away where to find a particular sticker. However, even the bad guys are aware of this. They can then expertly copy details and present it as authentic. In order to resolve this loophole, manufacturers sometimes use a security label for covert security.

Labels are designed so that they cannot be seen by the naked eye or under standard lighting. This helps avoid counterfeiting of products and protects consumers from being taken advantage of.

As you look for a security label manufacturer, make sure to go to a company with a trusted name in the adhesive manufacturing industry. This is to ensure efficiency of the tags and so you can as well be guaranteed of superior quality products. 

Advantages of Using Superior Quality Double Sided Tape

A double adhesive tape makes life a lot easier for its usefulness. It makes installation of various items faster. It is a great alternative to other fasteners that would require more work when used.

It also works great with various surface types - glass, stainless steel, metal and a lot more. For this reason, the double sided tape can be found almost anywhere - from school, homes, to the office. It isn't even costly too.

Let’s talk more about the advantages of double sided tapes  on this post.

Clean look.

A regular tape that is normally used in wrapping gifts or putting plastic cover only has one side that is sticky. Hence, it is expected for the tape to show outside. Otherwise, it will also not function properly. A double adhesive tape on the other hand has both its sides sticky.

If you don’t find the normal tape pleasing, this tape type offers a better solution. Since it sticks together two things, it can be kept hidden from view. It doesn’t have to draw attention away from the wrapper. It gives the surface a clean look.

You only need to be careful with the application because the sticky tape tends to bond easily. Once it is attached, it will be hard to remove it. You can remove it but expect to see marks or residue on the surface.

Strong bond.

A double adhesive can be used for mounting projects because of it strong bond. You can be sure that the object stays in place as long as you have applied the tape correctly. If you often work on do-it-yourself projects, consider this  tape your best bud. You do not have to lug around a hammer or call someone else to assist you. You can hang around objects on the wall on your own and with ease.

Versatile.

Its versatility makes a double sided tape a winning adhesive solution. Whatever projects you are working on, it will fit right in.

Whether you are doing a scrapbook, positioning wallpapers in place, or mounting picture frames, you can count on this tape to give you the bond you need. Your valuables are protected. Your project turns out beautiful. It simplifies an otherwise tedious task.

Available almost anywhere.

It’s easy to find a double adhesive when you need one. You can even purchase online. Depending on the application, you might want to ensure that the adhesive brand is able to hold up. For simple projects involving papers and cardboard for instance, you will do fine with any double adhesive tape. But, if you are working on mounting projects for appliances or home decors, then it is imperative to make sure you’re sourcing the tape from the leading manufacturers or adhesive solutions.

Finally, cost-effective.

It’s a fraction of price you have to pay for a quality that will never disappoint.

You don’t have to spend more than your budget will allow if you’re using adhesive tape. Also, if you wouldn’t need much, you can even store the rest of the tape roll for future projects.

Whatever the task you need to complete, there’s the double sided tape within your reach. The technology behind this tape only proves how the seemingly simplest creation can make life a lot simpler. 

What is Biometric Access Control and Its Benefits

If you have been recently hired as an employee of a company, you might have noticed the tool that existing employees press or use to enter their office premises. This is what you call biometric access control. It is a kind of device used to identify people by having them scan their fingers or other parts of their body. Today, it is necessary for every company to have an access control system to enhance office security.

How does biometric technologies work?
As mentioned above, a person’s identity using a biometric device can be verified either by scanning his finger, face, or hand. And if it matches the recorded template, he can enter the place with ease. Here we discuss how these body parts are measured. Biometric devices with finger readers measure the space between the forks of the ridges in your fingerprint. On the other hand, if it is your hand that is read, it is the orientation of veins of hand or the shape of your fingers that are measured. In case the biometric device in your office uses eye readers, it is actually the texture of your iris or the veins in your retina that are measured. Isn’t that amazing?

What are the benefits of using a biometric identification management system?
First on the list is accurate identification. All businesses want their offices to be exclusive to their employees. No one wants strangers to go back and forth in the office. If that’s the case, security is at risk. When installed and correctly setup, biometric systems can definitely provide a high level of accuracy. It gives the assurance that only those authorised to enter get access.

Second is it is easy to track. Office workers are expected to be on their desks during working hours except when it is lunch break or they do field work. With an automated system, one can easily track your entry-exit times. It will be known whether you are inside or outside the office. This is very important especially if an accident happens. It will be easy to determine who bears the liability.

Third is convenience. Not all people have good memory abilities, especially when it comes to remembering passwords. Also, there are persons who are even forgetful. So when they left their badges or ID cards at home, they won’t be able to pass or enter the office. But if your office has a biometric device, there’s no need to remember passwords. There’s no more to worry if you have left your badge or ID card. You are saved because all you need to do is to scan your finger, hand, or eyes.

Fourth is versatility. What’s interesting about biometric scanners nowadays is that they can be used for different applications. Your company may be using it at various security checkpoints, such as doorways, exits, entrances, and the like.

Does the company really need it?
The default answer is yes. Security must be prioritised at all times. But the cost and other fees must still be considered.

An Introduction to Fluid Dispensing Pump

We often see fluid dispensing pump or systems in our daily lives but we do not know that it is called as such because we think that it just one of those pieces of equipment. Little did we know that some liquid dispensing pumps can be found in gasoline stations to fill up our empty tanks while others can be found inside the laboratory.

Fluid dispensing systems are devices used to dispense volumes of liquids ranging from gasoline, diesel, petroleum, gels, paste as well as viscous fluids and gases. Dispensing may be a simple routine yet the process should be taken carefully and seriously. It is very important to know the different classes of chemicals namely: flammable liquids, toxics, corrosive acids-inorganic/organic, corrosive bases-inorganic/organic, flammable solids, oxidizers, water reactive, explosives, and general stock chemicals. Identification of these chemicals should be done prior to dispersal for the technicians to use the proper liquid dispersing system available. 

Dispensing these liquids can be hazardous because of the existence of combustible and flammable chemicals in the liquid media itself. Safety handling of these liquids is of great importance and one must use the appropriate dispensing machines cautiously. There are cases when the liquid causes a spark because it is able to conduct static electricity especially during pumping, pouring or shaking. As a risk preventive measure, manufacturers offer dispensing trials to check for the compatibility of the liquid to be dispensed and the machine. 

There are different fluid dispensing machines and equipment being offered in the market today. Several manufacturers have innovated the simplest yet efficient pumps. Fluid dispensing units are made up of two components. The first one is the embedded computer containing the “powerhouse” of the machine. This also contains the program to run the machine and its displays. The second component is the mechanical component, which physically plumps the liquid being pumped. One may see the nozzles as part of the mechanical and physical component of the system.  

 There are also different types of fluid dispensing equipment being used in the industry namely:

1. Barrel Dispensing System. This is used for dispensing of small amounts of liquid, which can be controlled and measured at 0.0001 cc per shot. The barrel syringe and the dispensing needle are the parts in contact with the liquid making the cleaning part easy after use. Makers of barrel dispensing system also invented nano-sized syringe for precision. 

2. Cartridge Dispensing System. This system is used for handling and dispensing liquids that require more volume than what the barrel dispensing system can hold. Some cartridge dispensing systems can be digitally controlled or through the use of pedals. It can also mix two different types of components evenly. 

3. Computer aided/Robotic Dispensing System. This is designed for multi functional purposes, such as dispensing and mixing of different volumes of liquid and the air. This is suitable for areas where there is limited amount of space available. These robotic systems combine complex programming scripts, let’s be one in thing. 

4. Tube Pump Dispensing System. This equipment is used for dispensing colloids such as gel, glue, and cyano-adhesives. The tubes are easy to clean after dispersal. 

Lifeboat Davit Maintenance Checklist

Regular lifeboat davit inspection by a certified technician is important to the operation and life span of your lifeboat. Likewise, conducting lifeboat davit maintenance is equally necessary so as to prevent any leaks, damages, or critical issues. Doing the above mentioned processes can surely guarantee the benefits of a lifeboat, maximising its potential as a lifesaver. It is therefore a big responsibility for any lifeboat owner to take care of all the lifeboat davit parts, regardless of how big or small the part is.

What to expect during a lifeboat inspection and maintenance?
During an inspection and maintenance visit, a qualified lifeboat technician walks you through the inspection process and discusses every step.  This person then explains the potential causes or reasons for future problems. Thus, if maintenance and inspection processes are scheduled every now and then, potentials problems can be early detected and eventually prevented from becoming a bigger problem. Detecting such can save you future expenses because a damaged lifeboat means its parts have to be replaced. And that means that you have to shell out a significant amount of money. But more than this, you can assure that the people riding your lifeboats are safe and protected.

Is Self-Maintenance recommended?
If you are on a tight budget or if you have a personal attachment with your lifeboat, then you can maintain and inspect it on your own. The best thing about doing this is you can save energy and money. However, you must be aware that you might not have the expertise or the enough skills to guarantee that your lifeboats will be in a good working condition in the years to come. Moreover calling in lifeboat maintenance and inspection professions will give you the assurance and confidence that your units are functioning as smoothly as possible.

Hiring a lifeboat technician to inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair your unit, whatever season it is, is a great way to keep your lifeboats stay longer, function better, and save more lives. Maintaining your lifeboats, no matter how few or many they are, is the most reasonable and logical way to ensure a protective and safe lifeboat system that saves life, whatever the accident is.  Also, inspection and maintenance services help in preventing unexpected failures.

What to expect from a lifeboat technician?
Hiring the right person to do the inspection, cleaning, repairs, and replacements surely helps in prolonging the life of your lifeboats and increasing their efficiency. Going deeper of what to expect from him, he must have the capacity in performing annual lifeboat inspections and yearly weight testing of the units and davits. Moreover, it is anticipated that an exceptional lifeboat expert can complete refurbishments of different types of lifeboats and rescue boats.

Skills, experiences, and knowledge, however, are not enough. His social skills or the way he deals with his clients are very important. It is not enough that the technician knows how to do his job. It might not be mandatory but it is a bonus if the lifeboat technician is also capable of taking care of his clients.

The Increasing Demand for Pressure Tanks

The demand for pressure tanks is increasing exponentially. In the coming years, it is projected to make a blast worldwide. With the growing use of pressurized tanks, it will not be a surprise if new innovations and discoveries will be created to make these products more cost-effective. The future development of an air pressure tank is therefore highly anticipated. But for now, let’s take a look at the basics of a pressurized tank.

What are the Functions of a Pressure Tank?

Pressurised tanks are used in different industries, such as food, medicine, chemical, pharmaceuticals, and paint or coatings. The main function of these tanks is to continuously supply dispensing materials to your fluid dispensing systems. If you are planning to buy in the future, it is recommended to buy those tanks that do not require replacing cartridges and syringe barrels.

Where to Buy Pressure Tanks?

When purchasing pressure tanks, it is important that you do a background check on the pressure tank manufacturer you are going to have a business transaction with. It is necessary to know how many years the manufacturer has been in the industry. Is it one of the leading manufacturers producing pressurised tanks in the country or even worldwide? In addition, if you have spare time to personally evaluate the manufacturer, it is highly suggested to make a research about its vision and work practices. Companies are always in a cut-throat competition; but only a few focuses on researching and developing new products to keep up with the latest technology trends. This type of pressure tank manufacturer is the one right for you.

Rely on a pressure tank distributor that has the capacity to deliver the most innovative products on time. Working with a distributor is also an investment because it expands your network and promotes your brand.

What Makes High Quality Air Pressure Tanks?

With lots of air pressure tanks in the market, which of those can be considered high quality and state-of-the-art? It actually depends on the type and purpose of the tank. For instance, if you are looking for a tank that is ideal for pressure feeding of low viscosity materials, buy one that is easy to handle, lightweight, and suitable for transportation. Also, examine if the tank has a safe structure. The lid should never be opened when it is pressurised.

Another characteristic of a high quality pressure tank is convenience. You can easily identify if the pressure tank is convenient to use if it has ports at the top of the body and on the lid itself. On the other hand, if space matters to you, you can opt to buy air pressure tanks that have rubber protectors on their top and bottom.

Tanks require regular maintenance. The good thing is that there are series of pressure tanks having a wide opening; thus cleaning and maintaining it is as piece of cake.

Moreover, there are large pressure tank types available in the market. These tanks can be placed directly into the tank.

What Makes a Good Lifeboat Service Technician

You are looking yet another potential for lifeboat service technician. While other lifeboat service companies have already established their presence as a well established team of experts who provide exceptional lifeboat maintenance and testing of lifeboats, you are still in the process of hiring the right person for davit inspections and helping maritime operators to keep people safe. Unfortunately, the last technicians did not work out well and, you really want to get the right man this time. So, what should you be looking for? What makes a good lifeboat servicing technician?

1. Skills. The ideal candidate must possess the basic skills like recognized qualification in Mechanical or Engineering studies. Likewise, good command of the English language, whether spoken or written, is necessary. Is he physically fit to work irregular hours when faced with urgent jobs? Is he also willing to travel even at short notice?

2. Results orientation. The mindset or ability to get things done is one of the qualities that make up a good lifeboat service technician. Being result-oriented means to focus on making things happen and there are no excuses. The person realizes the obstacles or challenges that he will face in completing a task but he remains focused to deliver a high quality solution on time. To know if the person is results oriented, you may ask him questions such as, “How do you start a project, big or small?” or “Do you wait for your supervisor or manager for directions or you take the initiative to do it?” Success is based on results, not just by the time you put in.

3. Versatility. The job of a lifeboat technician is not easy. He must possess a variety of skills, from lifeboat maintenance to repair. A “can do” attitude is also a plus. Not all the time that the service technician will just work on a single task. He should be willing to adapt to changing assignments when necessary. So, hire someone who is flexible, can respond quickly, and consistently perform duties even beyond their job description.

4. Customer orientation. The job demands working with different persons and each individual has a distinct personality. Not everyone is easy to please. Hence, a lifeboat repair man has to have a positive view when working with others especially those who complain over and over again even when the solution is already apparent. Look for someone who has the patience and dedication to listen and understand customers. It is the responsibility of a service technician to help your clients feel good about their working relationship with your company.

5. Priorities. The ability of a person to set priorities is beneficial not only to himself but also to the company. His ability to prioritize tasks and complete them in the desired time frame makes the business flow smooth sailing. Moreover, there is an optimum use of resources and effective use of time. Hiring the technician who knows how to prioritize also gives you peace of mind. You do not have to worry if he will be able to deliver the task on time because for sure, he will.

Let’s face the fact that you don’t have the luxury of time to go over the applications for lifeboat technician. So, consider these five qualities and in an instant, you will find the right person you need in your team.

Your Guide to Choosing an Engineering Services Provider to Work With

Selecting an engineering services company to hire requires due diligence. Identifying early in the process which engineering services you’re looking to outsource will help you narrow down your list.

Engineering companies in Singapore vary in specialty and it helps if you're going to a one-stop solution. This is especially hopeful should a need for a particular service and your existing supplier can also step in to help you out.

As you look around for a Singapore engineering company, make sure to focus on the capabilities of the team. The company should have sufficient resources or equipment for them to execute jobs you’re looking to complete.

Also, you need a team that is able to forge long-term relationships with their clients as this reflects their work ethic. Quality customer service is a must in ensuring that partnerships last.

Here are a few more more steps you can use as a guide in choosing an engineering firm to work with.

Verify if they’re a registered business. You’d want to weed out of your list those who are claiming to offer you engineering services only to find out they’re only serving as middleman. You will only get the best value from your investment if you’re working directly with the service provider. In this regard, see to it that you’re dealing with a registered business. This will also give you a guarantee that you will enjoy consistent outstanding quality for every job they’ve completed. You also will not have to communicate with suppliers on your own as the engineering company in Singapore can already provide the equipment required of the engineering job.

Look into the package they offer. Find a service provider that will be able to take care of the job from start to finish so you no longer have to coordinate  with various suppliers and more service providers. Inquire about the cost of their services and do discuss as well the budget range you’re looking at. An engineering services industry expert would see solutions fit so the work can be finished in an outstanding quality, but without you going way beyond your budget.

Last up, check customer feedback. There are engineering services providers in Singapore that have been in the industry for over a decade. Make it a point to as look into these companies. While this doesn’t mean that newcomers wouldn’t be able to do a great job, you’ll feel more confident with those who have been around longer as they have already established a reputation among their clients. Don't forget to check out customer feedback and gather recommendations. You can find client testimonials available in the company website or you can also request it from the team.

One of the advantages in outsourcing engineering services your operations require is that you also gain access to their large pool of talent, all of whom with individual specialties. It is not uncommon to hear companies going for the cheapest option available. Don’t go this route. This could only cost you higher in the long run. Always look into the bigger picture when it comes to the quality of services that the engineering services firm can provide. 

How CCTV Technologies Keep Us Safe from Crime

CCTVs have been around since the 1940s. Back then it was bulky and very limited in terms of manoeuvrability and used for the military. Today, CCTVs have gone above and beyond in terms of convenience. It has also gotten a lot cheaper and requires a lot less equipment. Because of this, CCTVs have been in use for a variety of commercial and individual uses. Used mainly for surveillance it has saved us a lot of time preventing and solving crime.

CCTV cameras in Singapore are so easy to find and we are listing down some scenarios in which it can help prevent and solve crime.

1.       Prevention of Crime

The very presence of a CCTV system is able to deter criminals from doing any crime in the area. With today’s CCTV technology, capturing a clear image of a perpetrator is possible.

Live coverage of the area is also important factor in why they prevent crimes. Within seconds of spotting the crime, you can report the crime to the right authorities. It has helped a lot of people prevent stealing and vandalism in their place of work.

Pro tip: You can also detect weak areas in your surveillance technology when monitoring your area. Blind spots where crime can occur should be immediately covered. If not, make sure your staff is well aware of these weak spots so that all your bases are covered for your increased security.

2.       Evidence

A CCTV system in Singapore is an excellent source of evidence used to solve crime. Law enforcement officers can use this as the proper evidence to catch criminals. With time stamps, it is one of the most reliable sources of evidence you can use in court. A judge can watch footage and make his own conclusion in terms of who did the crime. It doesn’t even have to take footage of the crime. The appearance of a suspect in a location he said he wasn’t in or isn’t supposed to be in would be enough for the prosecution to question the suspect’s motives. E

Pro tip: In order for your CCTV footage to be considered in court, make sure that it is not something that can be tampered with. As frustrating as it is, unsecure footage will not be considered for evidence. Time stamps also have to be updated to current date and time so that it can be considered a reliable source of evidence.

3.       Monitor your home

If you are often far away from home or you just want to keep tabs on your home, a CCTV surveillance system installed in your home will ease your worries. CCTVs are also a great way to monitor young children and the elderly. With a live web feed, you can keep tabs on your home even if you are far away. Plus, if you notice anything amiss, you can tell someone close by to check on them. It will also be really handy when want to monitor your newly hired house help you don’t quite trust them yet.

Pro tip: Keep surveillance equipment well hidden in areas such as your living room and bedroom.

Do you have a CCTV in your home? Let us know in the comments below. 

Keeping Your Office Safe: Choosing Door Access Systems

It is important for businesses to keep their offices secure from theft. This is why more and more companies are investing in state-of-the-art door security equipment. There are so many door access systems to choose from in order to keep your files and office equipment safe. What are they and how do they function? We list down some popular kit choices and the advantages you can get from each one.

1.       Keypad Access Control System

The keypad access control system is one of the cheaper choices when it comes to security door equipment. Fortunately, it is still very safe and high tech. Equipped with access control software you can determine who comes in and out. Like most access systems, it also includes a time stamp so it can take attendance as well. Access for people with the code wouldn’t have to worry about leaving access cards.

2.       Smart Card Reader Access System

The smart card reader is an access system that offers better security than a keypad access control system. This is because people with the smart cards are the only ones who can get access to the office. This added level of security will ensure that only authorised personnel can enter your office. The great thing about card readers is that it is proximity based. All the users have to do is hold the card in front of the smart card reader. They don’t even have to take it out of their wallets.

3.       Biometric Access Control System

The most high tech of all the access systems is the biometric access control system. This makes it more convenient for your employees but also another security measure for you. You can be assured that only the employee himself can gain access and no one else. Each employee or authorised personnel is scanned for their biometrics – fingerprints. In the system, you can also include basic information such as name, photo, designation, and attendance logins. They wouldn’t have to memorise a code or carry around a smart card that they could easily forget or loose.

Additional Security Measures

CCTV

In Singapore, CCTV systems are getting more affordable. This makes it more accessible for business owners to install CCTVs in and around their offices. Depending on the type of access system you have, you can have your CCTV work with your access system that makes tracking much easier.

Intercom

If you want to be able to let visitors enter much faster, installing an intercom will definitely make things much easier for your visitors. It eliminates your visitor waiting time as well as your time physically opening the door. Through your intercom system alongside a CCTV and door access system, you can grant access to messengers and visitors alike.

A majority of these access systems are IP based. There are some systems that also allow for web based software. This allows you to access it even if you are away from your office. Access systems are a great way to keep offices safe from theft. Do you have a preferred access system?

Life Boat Inspection: Simple Ways To Check Your Life Boats

In recent years the Maritime Industry has suffered an excessively high number of accidents with lifeboats in which crew were injured, sometimes fatally died, whilst participating in lifeboat inspections. Despite updated training and new designs of boats, hooks, and davits. Part of the problem is the number of designs of hooks and lifeboats in service, estimated at more than 70, and it is essential that the crew are familiar with and skills of operating the equipment fitted on the ship.

The majority of lifeboat accidents can be prevented, and a reminder of the basic principles of maintenance and operation will serve to highlight the key issues. The problem is not the competence of the crew or the design of the lifesaving equipment, but often a lack of knowledge about the equipment, a failure to follow procedures, or a lack of proper maintenance. The shipping community recognizes that there is a problem, and new regulations have been enacted in an attempt to address this. Port state control, flag state and classification society inspectors, among others, will regularly verify the condition and operations of lifeboats, but ultimately, the responsibility for the safe operation of any lifesaving equipment lies with you, the user. Lifeboats are designed to save your life.

Learn how to safely use the lifesaving equipment on your ship and do not become another statistic.

It has been noted that most accidents fall under the following categories: Failure of on-load release mechanism, Design faults other than on-load release mechanisms, Inadequate maintenance of lifeboats, davits and launching equipment, Lack of familiarity with lifeboats, davits, equipment and associated controls, Communication failures, Unsafe practices during lifeboat drills and inspections, and Inadvertent operation of on-load release mechanism.

Here are some measures to prevent accidents with life boats:

·         establish a uniform, safe and documented performance of periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear.

·         Condition of lifeboat structure including fixed and loose equipment;

·         Engine and propulsion system;

·         Sprinkler system, where fitted;

·         Air supply system, where fitted;

·         Maneuvering system;

·          Power supply system; and

·         Bailing system.

The setting and maintenance of release gear are critical operations with regard to maintaining the safe operation of the lifeboat and the safety of personnel in the lifeboat. All inspection and maintenance operations on this equipment should therefore be carried out with the utmost care.

No maintenance or adjustment of the release gear should be undertaken while the hooks are under load.

Hanging-off pennants may be used for this purpose but should not remain connected at other times, such as when the lifeboat is normally stowed and during training exercises. The crew needs to be assured that the structure is safe when loaded by hanging off pennants.

The release gear is to be examined prior to its operational test. The release gear is to be re-examined after its operational test and the dynamic winch brake test.Special consideration should be given to ensure that no damage has occurred during the winch brake test, especially to the hook closure and its fastening.

Obsolete Mobile Crane Parts And Their New Modern Counterparts

A crane is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist rope, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. It is mainly used for lifting heavy things and transporting them to other places. It uses one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage and thus move loads beyond the normal capability of a human. Cranes are commonly employed in the transport industry for the loading and unloading of freight, in the construction industry for the movement of materials and in the manufacturing industry for the assembling of heavy equipment.

A crane mounted on a truck carrier provides the mobility for this type of crane. This crane has two parts: the carrier, often referred to as the Lower, and the lifting component which includes the boom, referred to as the Upper. Increased production requirements may demand more capacity, faster operating speeds, better controls, or automation. Reliability may have deteriorated resulting in unscheduled shutdowns and increased production costs. Mobile cranes parts may be obsolete, resulting in high mobile crane spare parts costs and long lead times. Inspection may show excessive wear or non-compliance with current safety standards or practices.

Generally, these cranes are able to travel on highways, eliminating the need for special equipment to transport the crane unless weight or other size constrictions are in place such as local laws. If this is the case, larger cranes are equipped with either special trailers to help spread the load over more axles or are able to disassemble to meet requirements

·         Sidelifter crane is a road-going truck or semi-trailer, able to hoist and transport ISO standard containers. Container lift is done with parallel crane-like hoists, which can lift a container from the ground or from a railway vehicle.

·         Rough terrain crane. A crane mounted on an undercarriage with four rubber tires that is designed for pick-and-carry operations and for off-road and "rough terrain" applications. Outriggers are used to level and stabilize the crane for hoisting.

·         All terrain crane. Mobile crane parts of these types of crane are made for land contact and with the necessary equipment to travel at speed on public roads, and on rough terrain at the job site using all-wheel and crab steering.

·         Pick and Carry Crane is similar to a mobile crane in that is designed to travel on public roads, however pick and Carry cranes have no stabilizer legs or outriggers and are designed to lift the load and carry it to its destination, within a small radius, then be able to drive to the next job. Pick and Carry cranes are popular in Australia where large distances are encountered between job sites.

·         Carry deck crane is a small 4 wheel crane with a 360 degree rotating boom placed right in the center and an operators cab located at one end under this boom. The rear section houses the engine and the area above the wheels is a flat deck. Very much an American invention the Carry deck can hoist a load in a confined space and then load it on the deck space around the cab or engine and subsequently move to another site. The Carry Deck principle is the American version of the pick and carry crane and both allow the load to be moved by the crane over short distances.

·         Telescopic Handlers are like forklift trucks that have a telescoping extendable boom like a crane. Early telescopic handlers only lifted in one direction and did not rotate, however, several of the manufacturers have designed telescopic handlers that rotate 360 degrees through a turntable and these machines look almost identical to the Rough Terrain Crane. These new 360 degree telescopic handler/crane models have outriggers or stabilizer legs that must be lowered before lifting, however their design has been simplified so that they can be more quickly deployed

·         Crawler is a crane mounted on an undercarriage with a set of tracks (also called crawlers) that provide stability and mobility. Crawler cranes range in lifting capacity from about 40 to 3,500 short tons.Crawler cranes have both advantages and disadvantages depending on their use. Their main advantage is that they can move around on site and perform each lift with little set-up, since the crane is stable on its tracks with no outriggers. Caterpillar tracks are also far better at traversing soft ground without sinking in, as they spread the weight out over a great area. Thus a crawler crane can move about an unprepared job site with less risk of getting stuck in soft ground. In addition, a crawler crane is capable of traveling with a load. The main disadvantage is that they are very heavy, and cannot easily be moved from one job site to another without significant expense. Typically a large crawler must be disassembled and moved by trucks, rail cars or ships to its next location.

·         Railroad crane has flanged wheels for use on railroads. The simplest form is a crane mounted on a flatcar. More capable devices are purpose-built. Different types of crane are used for maintenance work, recovery operations and freight loading in goods yards and scrap handling facilities.

Fastest Internet Providers in Asia

Wherever you may be situated in this planet earth, you may perceive your internet connection to be at normal speed—fast enough to load the pages you want to see and slow enough to tempt you to do something else. Internet speed greatly varies from one country after another and progressive countries are the top notchers within this aspect. 

If you’re curious about who’s who, better stick around because we’re about to unfold the fastest internet providers in Asia thus far. So in case internet is a big part of your life and you demand unlimited mobile broadband with 70 Mbps onwards, you may want to live where these internet providers are permanently situated or just witness their glory. Either way, it’s good to know where to live next.

●        Singapore

When it comes to broadband internet, Singapore reigned supreme in the 3rd quarter of 2015. With over 135 Mbps at its peak, it has toppled the average Mbps during the same period. You can download within minutes, load pages in milliseconds, and access files as swiftly as you go. Whether the locals have invested in prepaid mobile broadband or otherwise, it offers relative internet speed which is extremely practical for private individuals and business organisations who have availed the services from any of the carriers available.

●        Hong Kong

Second place goes to Hong Kong for being able to provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps in the same period as Singapore. Even if HK came in second, we should never underestimate the fact that it’s second in Asia where there’s tons of countries competing for the top spot.

On average, it has provide about 15 Mbps which still ranks as second alongside South Korea and Japan. And if we were to compare the average internet in Singapore at the time, HK has approximately a 3-Mbps advantage. These countries are, economically speaking, competing in the international market and they’re undoubtedly part of the elite countries in Asia.

●        South Korea

Coming from East Asia, South Korea earned the third spot reaching precisely 86.6 worth of Mbps during its peak. Singapore’s broadband on mobile may have a 48.4 Mbps advantage but that didn’t stop South Korea from providing 20 Mbps of average internet speed. Thus far, it’s highest amongst the bunch followed by Hong Kong and Japan with 15.8 and 15.0 Mbps respectively. South Korea is one of the most industrious countries you’ll ever be able to witness in Asia and they’re surely reaping all the hard work.

●        Japan

Followed by South Korea, Japan remained strong with 78.4 Mbps. We’ve known Japan for competing against China in the international market scene, however the latter has fallen below eight places where Japan is currently standing. With regard to internet, you can definitely rely on Japan for some hefty internet consumption.

●        Taiwan

Proving that a secret weapon is somewhat better than size, Taiwan secured the fifth spot in the global rankings with 77.9 Mbps worth of internet last year. Coincidentally, it also ranked fifth for average internet speed with 10 Mbps.

Who would’ve thought that these countries would be the fastest internet providers in Asia? Then again, it’s not impossible with how the respective countries are evolving as a nation and how they continue pursuing to be the best in the world.

Tourists' Guide to Buying a Prepaid SIM Card in Singapore

Tourists shouldn’t have to worry about buying a SIM card in Singapore as its widely available to everybody. However, you have to know the basics before you set out to buy your first new SIM card so that there will be less hassle, in fact none at all, once you’ve landed in the country. By doing this first, you’ll get to continue chatting with friends, family, colleagues, and potential employers—if you’re in the city to find a job. Wouldn’t that be nice? Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in this global city.

●        Meet the big three.

There are three carriers in Singapore, namely Singtel, Starhub, and M1. They provide all kinds of mobile plans to locals, expats, and tourists alike. It really doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or someone who’s been living in the city for quite some time. So long as you need a means of communication, they’ll be the one to give it to you.

Some people who stay a bit longer than a few months usually opt for an iPhone instalment plan in Singapore, whereas those who just happen to be staying for a few days or in a period of a month opt for prepaid plans. What’s more practical would depend on the duration of your stay, as well as your mobile needs and preferences.

●        Enquire about your current phone and SIM card.

For sure, your carrier could provide you with international roaming services although we’re also quite sure it’s expensive. Moreover, your phone wouldn’t also work if it’s not compatible with the GSM 900 to 1800 frequency bands in Singapore. Before travelling to this city, make sure to enquire about your phone’s specifications and whether or not it’ll work with the frequency bands we mentioned.

In case it’s agreeable to other frequency bands, it’s recommendable to just go straight to any of the three Singapore carriers and get the mobile plan that suits your needs. What’s more, your phone or SIM card wouldn’t also work if it uses CDMA technology and the carriers that do use this are Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. There’s a difference between CDMA and GSM and only the latter’s consistent with Singapore mobile tech.

●        Purchasing a SIM card is extremely convenient.

You only have to choose amongst three Singapore carriers. So long as you keep your needs and preferences in mind, you wouldn’t have any troubles choosing right away. It’s highly advisable to do this the moment you come out of the airport because the carrier of your choice would register your passport with the mobile number you’ll be using.

The people who are most likely to stay for more than a month mostly avail of an iPhone instalment plan in Singapore or a prepaid would do for those who are only visiting for a few days. All carriers provide mobile data, as well as calls and texts services.

In case you’ll really be getting a prepaid SIM card whilst you’re in the city, it’s best to anticipate call durations so you can provide enough credit for it or else you’ll have to top-up to continue using mobile services. To prepare you even further, check out the different carriers online and see what they have to offer.