Month: June 2020

Top cars that are almost self driving

The idea of self-driving cars is quickly becoming a reality. However, fully autonomous vehicles are still a way off. Experts are working on developing better AI technology in combination with GPS and camera systems, but this process is going to take a few years to work out. In the meantime, these are the top cars that get as close to self-driving as possible. 

Levels of Autonomy

First, it’s essential to understand the varying levels of autonomy drivers can expect. Regular cars without any assistive features count as level 0, while level 1 cars include assistive technology ranging from braking to steering. 

Level 2 can control both steering and speed at the same time, but only for short periods without driver intervention. Level 3 cars are fully autonomous in most systems, but they rely on driver assistance to complete their tasks. Reaching level 4, a vehicle only needs the destination put in. A driver can still take over control of the vehicle, but doesn’t have to. 

At level 5, absolutely no driver intervention is necessary for the vehicle to complete its tasks. If you suffered damages after a serious car accident, it’s easy to see how these levels of autonomy can help in reducing the number of crashes across the world. For now, however, most vehicles never pass level 3. 

2019 Toyota RAV 4

Coming in at just over $25,500, the RAV 4 has always been a popular choice from Toyota. In 2019, however, this model received the Safety Sense 2.0 pre-collision system and a redesign. It’s autonomous features include:

  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Road sign detection
  • And lane tracing assist

2019 Nissan Leaf

At just under $35,000, the Leaf is Nissan’s flagship for new technologies. Outside of the base model, each comes with the option to add the company’s semi-autonomous driver assistance package. These features include ProPilot:

  • Steering assistance
  • Acceleration
  • Braking
  • Front-facing cameras and sensors

2019 Tesla Model 3

It’s hard to talk about self-driving cars without mentioning Tesla. While their Model S remains one of the best on the market, the Model 3 comes at a much more affordable price and is still packed with features. Driver assistance technology includes:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Side collision warning
  • The Enhanced Autopilot system which steers, accelerates, brakes, and changes lanes

2020 Volvo XC60

Volvo has long been known for investing in the latest tech, but the XC60 pushes the envelope yet again. This compact SUV includes a plethora of advanced features as a standard, as well as an optional Pilot Assist system that can help accelerate, brake, and steer. Standard features include:

  • Scanning for imminent collision risks 
  • Pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection
  • Brake assist
  • Evasive maneuvers to avoid collisions
  • Alerting drivers who are not fully awake

2019 BMW 5 Series

The prestige of BMW now comes with advanced features in the 5 Series model. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and front and rear parking sensors. Upgrade to the 540i trim to receive key fob parking assistance for use outside the vehicle and Traffic Jam Assist that allows the car to cruise in a stop-and-go fashion. 

The Importance Of Having Cyber Security In Logistics

Everyone uses the Internet nowadays, from companies to people, and it allows us to have easy access to the data that we want to know about. However, the Internet has also brought shady people out of the woodwork, who hope to gain monetarily by illegal means. There are so many viruses and root kits being created all across the world right now by unscrupulous people, and so we need to take the necessary cautions like using an antivirus, to protect ourselves and our businesses.

Security is the key.

Businesses have to put their trust in the Internet, and they store a lot of confidential and personal information on their computers, which includes important banking details, and accounts. If you are an IT company, for example, and it is your wish to move your specialised equipment from one location to another, then you need to be able to call on a logistics provider that can not only move your equipment for you, but also protect it and its contents, from outside interests. If you have such a company, and are not quite sure about who to call for such a complex move, then have a look here at  https://www.rhenus-hightech.co.uk/ for all your logistical needs.

System protection.

Cyber risk and cyber security are a concern of all the top companies, because their equipment contains information that needs to be kept in the right hands, in order to protect the interests of their company. Specialist IT, logistics providers, now have to follow a number of rules and restrictions, to protect the interests of their clients, and to do this, they must have the necessary security in place to protect their end users. If the right security is not put into place, then systems will be very easily compromised, and livelihoods will be threatened.

Meeting security needs.

It is important that the logistics supplier can meet every company’s basic security requirements like a hard drive destruction service, because if they don’t, it can lead to a huge disruption, and the loss of many thousands of pounds. There have been many incidences where large companies have lost millions of dollars, because hackers were able to gain access to the customer base. This meant that credit card numbers were compromised, as well as names and addresses. Having the right antivirus in place is just one of the many things that organisations can do, to avoid cyber crime. Simple things, like not opening emails that look suspicious, and making your IT department aware, can help to stop this.

It is crucial that you hire specialist logistics partners who can guarantee, and provide advanced tools to safeguard your logistical move. They can use network firewall security, mobile device management, and the user defined accessibility. You need to be using a company that does regular testing and security of the system, and to look for any weak points that will affect the supply chain from point A to point B. Any breach in their security, can affect your company directly, and can also harm your customers as well.

Benefits of Technology and Smart Products

Technology has changed the way we live and is now present in almost every aspect of our lives. Work, travel, and home life have all been advanced significantly through smart tech and products. But how has technology advanced over the years? What are the benefits of modern technology in society? This article shall aim to answer these questions. 

  1. Technology advances through the years

Almost all of the technology we take for granted today stems from 50 years ago when the company INTEL was formed and ARPANET was created. ARPANET was originally created for scientists and researches to share computers and data remotely but has since evolved into something far greater- the internet. 

In 50 years, the world has seen incredible technological advancements. Instead of incredibly slow, gigantic computers, we now have laptops and MacBooks that work at impressive speeds. The release of the first iPhone has further led to more technological advancement, with over 5 billion people around the world now using some sort of smartphone. Nowadays, we are seeing further technological advancements in the home, with more and more smart products (such as smart lights, which can turn on via voice command) being invented every day.

  1. The benefits of technology

It is undeniable that technology has advanced at a rapid rate since its birth 50 years ago. But what are some of its benefits? 

  • We can stay in contact with anyone, no matter where they are in the world. 
  • With tablets, smartphones, and computers, it is easier now than ever to stay informed with news from around the globe. 
  • It has made it easier to live, through the invention of such appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines. 
  • Transportation is better than ever, and we can easily fly to any country we like. 
  1. Smart products and the impact on the modern world

One of the fastest-growing areas of technological advancement is the home, with the invention of smart speakers, smart lighting, and smart televisions. These smart products have a huge amount of advantages. 

  • Surveillance– smart products such as cameras have allowed for people’s homes to be more secure than they ever have been. Remote surveillance allows you to monitor your house no matter where you are, and be able to call for authorities if any suspicious activities occur. 
  • Saves people time– speedy internet has meant that many people are able to find any information they want and fast. Smart speakers are one example of this- you can ask it any question and it will search the web for the result, meaning that there is no need to spend time on your computer looking for answers. 
  • Saving money smart-products, such as smart heating and lighting, may be expensive in the short term, but can save you thousands in the long run as they help you stop using unnecessary electricity. These smart products all require electricity, though, so it is important you find the best supplier of cheap electricity to keep your smart products running.

Conclusion

It is undeniable that technology and smart products have completely changed the way we live and work. With more and more technological advancements happening every day, there is no doubt that technology will continue to alter and benefit our lives for many years. 

The Benefits Of Using a Secure Trading Platform

In the past, trading floors were a popular way for brokers to make transactions, with regards to equities, futures and foreign exchange. It was the way things were done back then, but now, thanks to technology, trading floors are not needed, and now trading takes place electronically over the world’s financial markets. This has led to the creation of online trading platforms that are incredibly secure, and so allow the initiation and completion of many financial transactions. People can now the best forex signal providers to trade in cryptocurrencies, various commodities, and foreign exchange transactions.

The benefits.

There is a vast number of trading platforms currently available online, and in order to be successful, these platforms use knowledge gained from Australian forex brokers, to help the users make smart trading decisions, and come out the other end, making lots of money. If you are a little unsure about the benefits to using a trading platform, then let me try to inform you.

  • Access to training programs – When you use these platforms, you get access to virtual training programs that will teach you how to trade, and gain a better understanding about how the trading works. This is not the time to be risking real money in these markets, so you can set up a demonstration account, which allows you to open positions and also close them, and you can also learn about how to use stop loss and profit functionalities. Once you get an understanding of these, then you can consider moving on to the real thing.
  • Automated trading platform – The financial market of today is moving quickly all the time, and things can happen in the blink of an eye. At any point in the day, there is a stock market open somewhere in the world, and if there is some kind of currency crisis happening on the other side of the world, you need to be able to react to that quickly to make money, or to remove yourself, so that you don’t lose a significant amount of money. Trading platforms give you access to real-time financial trading.
  • See what everyone else is doing – The fantastic thing about these trading platforms is that you get to watch the leaders being successful in the financial markets. You can learn a lot from these people, and you can also learn from their mistakes. Online trading platforms allow you to look at the activities of these traders, and if you trust them, you can even copy what they do. The wonderful thing about this, is that you can automate this process, and so while you sleep, you can still make money.

It is all about understanding the market and knowing how to create a high reward from a low risk strategy. These trading platforms can offer you some of the best tutorials out there, from very experienced market traders. The tutorials are very up-to-date, and the are a good reflection of the market conditions at the current time.

How a Business Can Take Sales to the Next Level with the Right Digital Marketing Strategy

Digital marketing has become of utmost importance to businesses of all sizes. Small businesses have to be far more creative than larger businesses with bigger budget. Throwing money at a marketing problem simply is not an option for many small businesses. Putting too much into marketing without a decent return on investment can cripple a startup’s cash flow which might be required to operate. Creation of the right digital marketing strategy will depend on quite a few factors. The type of business will be most important as SEO for contractors and law firms are going to be immensely different. The following are tips to use digital marketing to help take sales at your company to the next level.

Enlist the Help of an Agency

A small business might not be able to handle digital marketing in-house due to all that is involved. There are digital marketing agencies that vary vastly and some of these agencies specialize in certain companies. You want to work with a specialty agency as they likely have established connections to leverage almost immediately. Budget will impact how much you can have an agency do. Freelancers are another option but can be difficult to manage as you likely will have to hire multiple to put together a decent digital marketing campaign.

Keep Sales and Marketing in Communication

Sales is going to be the main focus of a digital marketing campaign even those campaigns can have multiple goals simultaneously. The last thing that any company wants is a bunch of unqualified leads coming in and the sales team wasting time trying to close them. The quality of lead is going to be of paramount importance but the sales team has to communicate this to marketing. There might be a need for adaptation of a strategy depending on the results that are garnered.

Content Should Always be Superb

Content is going to be a reflection of a company and creating low-quality content simply doesn’t deliver. The common consumer has been flooded with content that might have an attractive headline but only give generic advice or tips. Content does not always have to be written as there are chances to be a part of podcasts, videos, and animations. Enlisting the help of freelance writers and content creators can be helpful. The important focus should be to create consistent brand messaging and content that aligns with the goals of a campaign across freelancers. Law firm digital marketing is a great example of marketing that should be consistent across all forms of content.

Social Media Ads

Social media can be the perfect way for HVAC professionals or electricians to find customers in a local area. Facebook can be the best platform in many cases for a local business. Creation of a page is free and attracting followers should be easy with an established customer base. There are experts at creation of these ads which is something to look into. Ask about PPC campaigns if working with an agency as these can yield great results as they show up before organic results on platforms like Google.

Digital marketing is going to be an integral part of growing sales at a smaller or large company. Take the time to create a strategy that addresses all of the weaknesses from previous campaigns that is based on data collected.

All you Need to Know About HVAC Climate Control

If you are looking for the ultimate in energy-saving climate control, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems offer the perfect climate control, providing both warm and cool air as it is required. There are two main types of HVAC system; commercial and domestic, and for the purposes of this article, we will look at domestic climate control systems, which are basically designed around the home.

Heat Transfer

The core principle of HVAC systems is the transfer of heat, which is achieved using thermal heat exchanger units that turn cool air into warm or vice-versa. Hot air is fed through special coils, which cools the air that is them pumped through the building via galvanised ducting, or in a cold climate, the cool exterior air is warmed up then fed through the ducting to maintain the desired temperature.

Air-Conditioning

Single state air-conditioning systems only provide either heating or air-conditioning, depending on your needs – if you wanted to cool the interior, you would visit an A/C shop in Bangkok, whereas if you wanted heating in London, you could use a single state HVAC system to provide heat. When looking for cost-effective climate control, you should ask the engineer to pay you a home visit, where he can take a look at your living space and make a recommendation for an energy saving HVAC system that is designed around the property and your needs.

Special Components

The average HVAC system incorporates the following components:

  • Compressor – The powerhouse of the system.
  • Evaporator – This device removes air from a warm space by exchanging it with a refrigerant.
  • Condenser – This device pushes the heated air to the exterior.
  • Expansion Valve – This creates a pressure drop.
  • Heat Pumps – Can be used to either heat or cool a space.

Cost-Effective Climate Control

If you install a state-of-the-art HVAC system in your home, along with door stops and draught excluders, the interior will always be comfortable, and when compared to a regular A/C system, HVAC is more economical and therefore is the preferred solution. If you would like a quote to replace your old A/C with a top-rated HVAC system, a Google search will help you to locate a local supplier, and they would be happy to pay you a home visit and quote for the project.

Improving the Air Quality

It isn’t only the temperature you can control with HVAC, as there are special filters that remove contaminants from the air, leaving your interior smelling clean and fresh. Of course, these filters do need to be cleaned regularly, which is one of the tasks that the engineer would perform when carrying out essential maintenance, including the following:

  • Air filter replacement or cleaning.
  • Cleaning the transfer coils, compressors and heat pumps.
  • Inspect fan motors – Repairing when necessary.
  • Looking for leaks or signs of corrosion.

Whether you are looking to have an HVAC system designed for your new build, or would simply like to replace your aging A/C system, talk to an HVAC engineer and see what he can do for you.

A Comprehensive Guide to Warehouse Automation

Technology continues to develop at a very rapid pace and as you would expect, automation now plays a major role in order processing, with bespoke systems that are designed to maximise productivity, which really does make all the difference in a busy warehouse where orders need to be processed at high speed.

Automated Store and Retrieval Systems

When goods come into a warehouse, they can be automatically identified and stored, and when they are required, an automated system would retrieve the items for picking. Of course, the system would need to be designed around the products and the workspace, and that’s where the leading automated warehouse system supplier comes in. If you are looking for a conveyor system in Thailand, for example, a Google search will help you locate a leading supplier who can design a system that maximises productivity, and within a few years, you get a return on your investment.

Order Picking

This is one area of your logistics where you can really make a difference, with systems that effectively pick items ready for order processing, cutting down the time and labour required to fulfil orders. There are fully automated order picking systems that are designed around the client’s needs, and this not only improves productivity, it also dramatically reduces labour costs. Of course, it isn’t always possible to make the picking process fully automated, but there are semi-automated systems that incorporate technology into the manual picking process, although it very much depends on the items to be picked, and the cantilever racking system you have in place.

Barcodes & Scanning

Barcodes have been around for a while and they enable items to be identified ready for picking and storing, and with multi-angle cameras, codes are easily recognised, making the process much faster. If you would like to know how automated systems can help your warehouse operations, search online for a leading supplier of automated systems, who can design a system and supply you with an all-inclusive quote.

Boost Efficiency

If your picking and packing leaves a lot to be desired, a tailor-made automated picking system is the obvious solution, and with an expert in your corner, they can design the optimum system that reduces your order processing times and cut costs by removing the need for staff. The following systems can make your picking faster and more reliable:

  • Paperless Picking
  • Semi-Automated Picking
  • Automated Picking

Long-Term Investment

Of course, having a made to measure automated storage and picking system installed, along with temporary storage buildings, is going to be a considerable investment. Yet in 4-5 years, you can expect to see a return on your investment, and with 24/7 support from the supplier, your system and buildings will always be online and ready to go to work. You have absolutely nothing to lose by taking a look at what automated systems can do for your business and plenty to gain, as order processing is much faster and it no longer requires staff.

If you would like to streamline your warehouse operations, take a look at the latest automated picking systems that can save you both time and money.

What is Reputation Management and How Can it Help My Business?

A person could spend a lifetime building up a sound business, working round the clock, toiling night and day to make the business stand out, yet you could lose that reputation within a few hours! When you consider that your reputation is priceless, it does make sense to take precautions to protect this most valuable of qualities, and that’s what reputation management is all about.

Protecting your Online Reputation

The Internet has brought us many positive things, yet a short video clip could go viral within minutes, and that is all it takes to undo all of your hard work over the years. If we specifically look at your online reputation, this is an area that certain SEO companies offer an online reputation management service that will ensure that your reputation always remains intact.

Instant Response

This is an essential aspect of your online service, which means you will need either an automated response feature, or hire someone to reply to online messages, plus you can set up an automatic reply to incoming emails, which tells the sender you are aware of their query and will respond in due course.

Dealing with Complaints Effectively

By effectively, we mean that the customer is happy with the outcome, and this is not something you can afford to make mistakes with. If you need to have one employee that deals exclusively with queries and complaints, then so be it. This is something that reputation management would cover, which allows you to divert your attention to improving customer service.

Social Media

You do need to interact with users on a regular basis, and most companies would employ one person who is responsible for social media posts and comments. This role involves monitoring comments and also responding in a timely manner when anyone has a query, plus anything negative would be reported to the manager immediately. The comments on your social media platforms is great feedback and should there be recurring issues, you would need to investigate and resolve the matter in a timely manner.

Freeing Up Valuable Resources

If you have a specialist handling your reputation management, this leaves you and your staff free to concentrate on improving the customer experience, which is something that is very important. You can’t afford to leave it to chance that your reputation will always remain intact, and online comments can go viral in a matter of minutes, which is why it makes sense to leave it to the professionals.

Other Features

There are a few ways that you can improve your online reputation, such as:

  • Live Chat
  • Artificial Intelligence and User Analysis
  • Personalised Content
  • Video Marketing

If you would like to learn more about reputation management services, an online search will put you in touch with a leading SEO company that provides such a service, and with their help, you can ensure that your reputation is always second to none.

A Comprehensive Guide to Roof Maintenance

If you are an Australian homeowner, you already know that property management is an ongoing thing, and with the roof being the most important component of your home, it is essential to inspect regularly and carry out prompt repairs when necessary. If you are new to property ownership, here is a guide to roof maintenance to help you take care of the most important part of your investment.

  • Regular Roof Inspections – Some homeowners have their roof inspected every 3-6 months, although on average, once a year is acceptable. A roof inspection cannot really be carried out from the ground, as you are unable to inspect the corners and areas that are not visible from ground level, so you are advised to contact a local roofing contractor, who would be happy to carry out an inspection.
  • Prompt Repairs – As soon as you are aware of any roofing issues, they should be repaired promptly, which should avoid any serious damage. A single missing roof tile can see the start of internal damp issues in your roof, affecting the joists and rafters, which might have to be replaced. If any water enters the roof, this will soon cause plaster to rot and timbers to decay, and if the first you know of a leaking roof is the upstairs ceiling has a damp patch, then a lot of damage has already been done. If you are in need of roof repairs in Sydney, an online search will help you to source a local roofing company, who can carry out minor repairs before they cause too much damage.
  • Cleaning Out the Guttering – The guttering is a system of pipes that enables excess rainwater to escape to the drains, via the downpipes that run from the guttering into the drains. Leaves and twigs can quickly build up to cause a blockage, so you do need to get out the ladders and clean out the guttering from time to time. When the roofer comes to insect, you can ask him to clean out the guttering, which will save you a job.
  • Treating Timber – Most homes use timber for fascia and soffit boards, which protect the roofline and the underside, and these will need to be repainted every couple of years, or better still, replace them with PVC sections, as they do not need to be maintained. If you prefer to stain the boards, this is simple enough, but do remember to varnish the wood when finished.
  • Roof Sealants – If you would like to prolong the life of your roof, ask a competent roofer to seal the roof with a silicone spray, and by power washing the roof first, the sealant will bond correctly and protect the surface. The cost of sealing your roof is minor when compared to the extra years of trouble-free use, which could give your roof a further 10 years.

If you inspect your roof on a regular basis, any minor issues can quickly be resolved, which should be enough to ensure you don’t have any serious roofing problems.