Thursday, June 30, 2016

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.



Wednesday, June 29, 2016

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.