Published on: 14 November 2018
Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
One of the costliest experiences your business can face is network downtime. It can result in tremendous loss of profit if contracts are not fulfilled or services are not provided simply because you cannot access the relevant information you need.
While there are many advantages to moving to a cloud network, there are also some things that can go wrong. As with any business practice, it is important to plan for what can go wrong and protect yourself when this happens.
Expect the Unexpected:
Downtime can occur at any point with little notice. When this happens, it can fully interrupt your daily business plan and can leave you spinning and looking for something to do until you can get online.
To minimize the loss in this time, it is imperative that you develop a full continuity plan to be utilized in the event of downtime. You may also need to check any service level agreements (or SLAs) that you may have with a third party to make sure that you are protected from any action from then during downtime.
Appreciate That It Might Sometimes Be You:
These frustrating periods of downtime are not always caused by the cloud provider. Sometimes it might be as simple as a dodgy script or piece of code causing your cloud to go down. In this scenario, the onus is on you to fix it and not upon the cloud provider since the problem originated from you.
Check everything frequently to ensure that you are completing things to the best of your ability. Any coding needs to be properly checked before it goes live on the site and bugs need to be found and fixed as quickly as possible. If you are introducing something from a third-party developer, make sure that is from a reputable source so that it does not damage any of the structure that you have worked so hard to build. Do not add anything to your cloud unless you know exactly what it is and where it has come from.
Use a Multi-Cloud Structure:
By using a multi-cloud structure which operates across different accessibility zones, you are decreasing the likelihood of your business being completely cut off from its work. This may not eliminate your downtime risk but it can certainly help to minimize it.
Check that the individual cloud providers you are using for your hybrid structure aren’t using the same data centre and the same resources. If this is the case, having a multi-cloud structure for the purpose of reducing downtime is completely redundant.
Prepare for Recovery:
Sudden downtime can result in some awful loss of data and projects if you are not careful. Sometimes, this loss can occur even if you follow the best online practices. To best recover from downtime and data loss, you will need to use some proactive measures and potentially contact an expert to help.
Disaster Recover as a Service (or DRaaS) is a service which can be implemented as part of your overall cloud package from the right provider. Along with other services like infrastructure or software, many should be able to offer disaster recovery. Find out more about DRaaS from ukcloud.com; these experts know all about it.
Downtime may seem like a scary prospect which can seriously affect your performance depending on how you handle it. Like many aspects of business, you will be able to weather even periods of unexpected downtime if you have a proactive business plan in place. Be sensible, and you will be able to protect your company properly no matter what is thrown at it.
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Whatever stage your business is at, employee engagement and general satisfaction should always be at the forefront of your mind. No business can run without its employees and at the heart of good business, the operation is making sure that your labor force is produced. There have been countless studies into the effects of high employee satisfaction on company-wide efficiency, all of which indicate that happy employees are productive ones.
Employee engagement is an extension of this satisfaction. Happy employees are more likely to care about the company’s mission and goals, aligning their own success with the businesses. This is the core concept of employee engagement; staff who innovate and work hard because they care about what they do and see the value in the organization that they work for.
Boosting employee engagement promotes business growth and employee retention. the question is how can you, as an employer, improve engagement levels? Here are three ideas that we have put together with that question in mind.
Team Building Events:
Whilst team building is often viewed with skepticism, the truth is that it can have a drastic impact on how productive your employees are. Team building offers multiple benefits from an employee engagement perspective, here are some examples:
The most obvious benefit is that a good team building activity is fun. Enjoyable events breaking up working life are always appreciated by staff and as we have discussed, happy employees are engaged ones. This morale boost from enjoying something fun has a ripple effect around your organization, with this positive mindset remaining effective for a very long time.
Another benefit, which is much more underestimated, is the learning opportunities available. Team building activities aren’t designed to solely be fun, they are meant to have a learning outcome. Team building is almost a fun form of training, where staff practice skills that will benefit them at work and in turn, benefit your business.
These are just two examples of the benefits. With a little research, you will be able to discover what a well-placed team building event can really do.
Rewards and Recognition:
Implementing an effective rewards system is another great way of improving employee engagement. Positive reinforcement is an incredibly strong force, which is why publicly rewarding your best employees is so powerful. Not only does this encourage your hardest workers to continue putting the effort in, but it also pushes the rest of the staff to match their level and try to achieve the same recognition.
There are countless ways to reward employees, ranging from simple thank you to fully paid lunches. The key to successfully rewarding employees in a constructive manner is to make rewards both attainable and equal in value to the achievement they are associated with. Don’t give a salesman a box of chocolates for making the company millions, that will seem a little lackluster for what they have done.
Information Availability:
As a final, less concrete point, ensuring that your employees know the businesses goals and moral ethics is extremely important. To encourage your employees to align themselves with your business you require multiple ingredients. Firstly, they need to be happy. Secondly, they need to enjoy working for you and care about the company’s success. Finally, they need to be aware of the company’s goals and mission.
Many organizations struggle with this third and final point. These companies have incredible cultures where everyone loves coming to work but nobody is aware of where the company wants to be and what their vision is for the future. Without this information, employees can never reach total engagement because they don’t know what they should be targeting.
Making your organization’s vision and mission statements visible is absolutely essential towards improving employee engagement. These goals should be at the core of everything that the company does, embedding them into the workforce and uniting every employee in targeting the same goals. This is how true engagement is achieved.
There is much more to employee engagement than just these three points. People are extremely complicated, and every organization is unique, which is why you have to tailor your approach to your specific business. Try different techniques and see what works, just keep in mind that happy, staff are engaged and engaged staff are productive, which is exactly what you need to grow your business.
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In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiency and effectiveness are paramount for success.
As companies strive to meet growing customer demands and navigate complex supply chains, the role of fulfilment companies becomes increasingly crucial. These strategic partners offer a range of services aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.
In this blog, we explore the benefits of partnering with fulfilment companies and how they can help businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.
Understanding Fulfilment Companies
Fulfilment companies, also known as third-party logistics (3PL) providers, specialize in handling various aspects of the order fulfilment process on behalf of businesses. This includes warehousing, inventory management, order processing, picking and packing, and shipping.
By outsourcing these tasks to fulfilment companies, businesses can focus on core activities such as product development, marketing, and customer service, while leveraging the expertise and resources of their partners to streamline their operations.
Benefits of Partnering with Fulfilment Companies
📦Increased Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of partnering with fulfilment companies is increased efficiency in the order fulfilment process.
These companies are equipped with advanced technology and systems that automate and optimize various aspects of logistics operations, from inventory tracking to order processing and shipping.
By leveraging their expertise and infrastructure, businesses can reduce order fulfilment times, minimize errors, and improve overall operational efficiency.
📦Cost Savings
Outsourcing fulfilment activities to third-party providers can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. Fulfilment companies operate at scale, allowing them to negotiate favorable rates with shipping carriers, purchase inventory in bulk, and optimize warehouse space and labor resources.
Additionally, businesses can avoid the overhead costs associated with maintaining their own warehouse facilities and staffing a dedicated fulfilment team, resulting in lower operating expenses and improved profitability.
📦Scalability
Another benefits of partnering with fulfillment companies is scalability. These providers offer flexible solutions that can easily scale up or down to accommodate fluctuations in order volumes and seasonal demand.
Whether a business experiences rapid growth or temporary spikes in sales, fulfillment companies can adjust their operations accordingly to ensure timely order processing and delivery. This scalability allows businesses to maintain high levels of customer service without the need for significant investments in infrastructure or personnel.
📦Focus on Core Competencies
By outsourcing fulfillment activities to third-party providers, businesses can free up valuable time and resources to focus on their core competencies.
Instead of being bogged down by the complexities of warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, business owners and their teams can concentrate on strategic initiatives such as product development, marketing campaigns, and expanding their market reach.
This focus on core competencies can drive innovation, growth, and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Choosing the Right Fulfilment Partner
Selecting the right fulfillment partner is crucial for maximizing the benefits of outsourcing. When evaluating potential providers, businesses should consider factors such as experience, reputation, technology capabilities, service offerings, pricing, and geographical coverage.
It's essential to choose a partner that aligns with your business needs, values, and long-term goals to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.
Case Studies: Successful Partnerships
Case Study 1: E-Commerce Ltd
E-Commerce Ltd, an online retailer specializing in consumer electronics, partnered with TSP Fulfilment, a growing 3PL company based in Gateshead, to streamline its order fulfilment process.
TSP Fulfilment's strategic location in Gateshead provided E-Commerce Ltd with access to a centrally located distribution center, allowing for faster order processing and shipping to customers across the UK.
The company's commitment to customer service and technology-driven solutions impressed E-Commerce Ltd, leading to a successful partnership that drove operational efficiencies and improved customer satisfaction.
Case Study 2: FashionForward Ltd
FashionForward Ltd, a fashion retailer experiencing rapid growth in its e-commerce business, turned to TSP Fulfilment to support its expanding fulfilment needs. TSP Fulfilment's state-of-the-art facilities and scalable solutions provided FashionForward Ltd with the flexibility and capacity needed to handle increasing order volumes while maintaining fast order turnaround times.
The company's focus on innovation and continuous improvement aligned with FashionForward Ltd's commitment to delivering a seamless shopping experience for its customers, making TSP Fulfilment the ideal partner for their growing business.
TSP Fulfilment: Driving Growth in Gateshead
TSP Fulfilment, a Gateshead-based 3PL company, has emerged as a leader in the logistics industry, providing comprehensive fulfilment solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, TSP Fulfilment is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
Strategic Location
Located in Gateshead, TSP Fulfilment benefits from its proximity to major transportation hubs, including ports, airports, and motorways. This strategic location enables the company to efficiently receive, process, and ship orders to customers across the UK and beyond. With excellent transport links and access to a skilled workforce, Gateshead provides an ideal environment for TSP Fulfilment to thrive and expand its operations.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
TSP Fulfilment operates from modern, purpose-built facilities equipped with the latest technology and equipment. The company's warehouses are designed to optimize storage space, improve inventory management, and streamline order fulfillment processes.
With advanced warehouse management systems and automated order processing capabilities, TSP Fulfilment can efficiently handle high volumes of orders while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
Scalable Solutions
As businesses grow and evolve, their fulfillment needs may change. TSP Fulfilment offers scalable solutions that can adapt to the changing requirements of its clients. Whether a business is experiencing rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations in demand, or expanding into new markets, TSP Fulfilment can tailor its services to meet its specific needs.
From warehousing and inventory management to order processing and shipping, the company provides flexible solutions that allow businesses to scale their operations without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
At the heart of TSP Fulfilment's success is its commitment to customer satisfaction. The company understands that reliable and efficient fulfillment is essential for businesses to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.
That's why TSP Fulfilment goes above and beyond to ensure that its clients receive exceptional service at every step of the fulfillment process. From responsive customer support to timely order processing and accurate shipping, TSP Fulfilment strives to exceed expectations and deliver an outstanding experience for its clients and their customers.
Growth and Expansion
With its reputation for excellence and track record of success, TSP Fulfilment is experiencing rapid growth and expansion. The company's commitment to innovation, investment in technology, and focus on customer satisfaction have positioned it as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable fulfillment solutions.
As e-commerce continues to grow and evolve, TSP Fulfilment is poised to meet the rising demand for efficient and scalable logistics services, driving further growth and success in the years to come.
With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, scalable solutions, and commitment to customer satisfaction, TSP Fulfilment is driving growth and innovation in the logistics industry.
As businesses increasingly rely on third-party providers to streamline their operations and meet customer demands, TSP Fulfilment stands out as a trusted partner that delivers exceptional results.
With its focus on continuous improvement and dedication to exceeding expectations, TSP Fulfilment is poised for continued success and expansion in Gateshead and beyond.
Conclusion
Partnering with fulfillment companies offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. By outsourcing warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment to third-party providers, businesses can increase efficiency, achieve cost savings, scale their operations, and focus on their core competencies.
When selecting a fulfillment partner, it's essential to consider factors such as experience, reputation, technology capabilities, and service offerings to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. With the right fulfillment partner by their side, businesses can thrive in today's competitive marketplace and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
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Digital signage is making a huge impact in the business world today. From outdoor LED neon signs to indoor menu boards, the digital signage industry is changing the way companies connect with customers. Businesses that utilize digital signs are able to engage with their audiences in more meaningful and memorable ways.
Having digital led signage shows you are innovative, ahead of the curve, and interested in connecting with millennial customers. It invites your guests to fully immerse themselves in the interactive experience with your brand. The best part is that digital signs are versatile—there are multiple ways to use them to your company’s advantage, and how you incorporate them will largely depend on your brand identity. Let’s examine a few ways that businesses are using custom LED signs to improve the way they interact with customers.
Using Digital Signage to Improve Your Business:
1. Digital Menu Boards:
If your business utilizes a menu of items for purchase or consumption, a digital menu board could be a valuable addition. Digital menu boards use LED sign technology to dazzle your customers with bright, gorgeous colors and vivid images that pique their appetites. They are easy to update, making seasonal item rotations easy and cost-efficient. They also add a sense of freshness to a guest’s encounter with your brand. While printed menu boards remain static and immovable, digital menu boards allow constant refreshing of your space with minimal cost.
What does the future hold? Some companies are exploring ways to customize users’ visits by adapting menu boards to their preferences and local or seasonal events in the area. Digital kiosks directly at the table are becoming more commonplace, allowing guests more control over their dining experience. Also, having a live screen during the ordering process can eliminate mistakes if guests notice their order isn't listed correctly. In the end, all of these things merge to enable you to run a more efficient business with happier, more satisfied customers.
2. Connect Via Social Media:
Many businesses these days are using in-house digital displays to share what guests on social media channels are posting about them. This is a fantastic way to engage your audience, especially the younger demographic. Better yet, all of this is user-generated content, which takes the burden off you. It enhances the customer experience and really makes them feel like part of your brand. It also offers you free viral marketing as customers become excited about the possibility of seeing themselves on the board, and it gives them a chance to see what other people are saying about your brand in real-time.
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To encourage participation, make sure you include a call-to-action that will flash on the screen, inviting users to share their thoughts. You could even add an incentive, such as the chance to win a free treat in a random drawing. People love to win, and they’re more invested in businesses when they feel like they’re an integral part of the brand.
3. The Various Uses of Digital Displays:
Interactive Digital signage offers a valuable way to convey information in a variety of places. It can be used to transmit valuable information or health and safety notices. Companies can use them internally to motivate employees by showcasing company values or exciting news about business successes. Movie theaters use them to show their constantly updating array of showtimes. And they can help save lives. Healthcare facilities use them to assist patients, both with wayfinding signs and with digital displays in rooms and hallways that provide relevant information about their visit. The point is that anyone can find ways to integrate digital signs and displays into their market; it's just a matter of figuring out how they can best benefit your brand.
However, your business can use digital signage, simply having it is the first step toward future innovation. A study by local business marketer Yodle shows that while consumers prefer supporting local brands, they also expect them to be digitally-savvy. And what better way to set yourself apart than being at the forefront of the digital revolution?
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