Sunday, October 28, 2012

Infection Prevention for Launderers

When you are running a professional laundry operation, you understand that your customers depend on you to provide them with completely sanitized linens. This means that all of their laundry is returned to them free from infection. The weight of this responsibility increases even further when you consider the fact that many of your clients, such as hospitals, will in turn have customers who depend on them to provide healthy and infection-free conditions. Maintaining a sanitary operation encompasses many facets beyond the laundering process. Here are some critical factors to bear in mind when maintain a facility that keeps all laundry free of infection.
Smart Facility Design
Factors such as air flow can have a surprisingly significant effect on how sanitary your laundry facility conditions are. Careful attention must be paid to the directions in which doors swing open and where fans are blowing, lest particles sitting on soiled laundry be blown towards linens that have already been cleaned. This requires very careful planning, and for some facilities a strict regimen to regulate when and where certain loads may pass through.
Clean Storage and Transportation
Sanitizing laundry is fairly pointless if it is then stored or transported in such a way as to allow for recontamination. You must make sure that the holding area where you store freshly laundered linens and any transportation used to move fresh linens are completely clean. This means that they are free from dust and dirt, and no pests such as rodents or insects will be able to enter. Another important feature is that each customer's load is clearly labeled, and that clean laundry is not being stored near soiled laundry. Storing soiled linens next to clean linens can result in the spread of contaminants, especially if you serve medical facilities.
Hygienic Policies
Having policies and procedures in place to regulate any potentially unsanitary practices amongst employees is critical for their own protection as well as for the protection of the services that you provide. Certain practices should be banned in general because they might cause germs to be spread to the items handled. A list of rules that should be in place includes, but is not necessarily limited to, hair being tied back and tucked into a cap or net, no dangling jewelry or rings, no cellphones (these are huge germ carriers), no fake nails, no food or beverages, regular changes of clothing after working with soiled items, and frequent and thorough hand washing.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Considerations for a White Label Payroll Service

Any good company would plan for positive growth and expansion in a structure timeframe. However, whatever ambitious expansion plans a company has must be coupled with the proper human resource program as people are the company's greatest asset.
There is a need for premier companies to offer white label payroll service to assure their employees of better benefits and rewards for their loyalty, dedication and productivity. As one saying goes, "offer peanuts and you will have monkeys at work". Hence, if employees are well taken care of, they would respond with better contribution to the company.
Payroll systems
With payroll as an important component in a business, it is crucial to secure the most suitable payroll system. There may be a plethora of payroll systems in the market but only the most appropriate would do such as a white label option. Different companies would have different needs, objectives and strategies to maintain its business viability in the industry. Hence, it is necessary to seek the payroll solution that satisfies those aspects of the business; for it is this reason that businesses are set up.
It is to the company's benefit in sourcing for a white label payroll solution that would be able to benefit the company in as many aspects as possible. Such systems may not come cheaply; hence, the company would need to be sure of its operations and directions to secure that payroll system that would satisfy its payroll and tax requirements as no company would want to be at an awkward confrontation with the law or tax authorities.
Connectivity
A white label payroll solution should be linked up to an equally apt human resource solution as these two components are usually related. Much of their data is interconnected for computation and report purposes. Companies may be able to find a total system comprising payroll, tax and human resources modules that would cover the necessary operations involving employees in the company.
A connected system on payroll, taxation and human resources would ease the administrators who handle these components. The administration of these activities would be easier as the related data is stored close by for faster computation. There is no need to keep the same set of data differently or in multiple copies which may confuse the required computation on payroll calculation and taxation submission.
A connected system enables a faster processing with an automated feature which eases the workload of the administrators who can have more time to perform other urgent and important processes.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Choosing the Best of Online Payroll Services

Payroll is an integral component of any business as there would be workers or employees in the company. There would be a need to make payment to each and every employee in any business that is set up in any nation. This is in accordance to the labor laws of every country that allows businesses to operate.
It is crucial to ensure that every business that operates legally in any nation should have an effective and efficient payroll system in place to facilitate its operations.
Payroll services
No matter how small or big the company is, every company needs to have a good payroll system. If the company is unable to facilitate the payroll needs of its employees, then it must engage professional payroll services to assist its payroll operations.
With the progressive technology today, more and more companies are moving forward and faster with better payroll service options. One of these is online payroll systems.
Online payroll systems allow the companies to handle their payroll operations more effectively although there are professional payroll services which can help ease the load of these companies for a fee.
It is common that many new businesses do not have the necessary knowledge or expertise in payrolls and labor requirements; their main concern is getting sales and raking in profits. Hence, a professional online payroll service provider can guide these business startups along the right path until the establishment is matured and focused on their future direction.
Payroll systems
Online payroll service providers may recommend various options of payroll systems depending on the nature and size of the company. Not every company would need all the features of a complex online payroll system if it is small or functions as a proprietary entity.
With online payroll services, the company would enjoy a higher savings on its payroll operations. There is no need for a large payroll department; hence, the headcount would be reduced and a higher savings enjoyed.
Online payroll services are usually run by professional accountants and labor law experts who are well versed with the rights of the employees and the company to marry the both for the best of options in the business operations. These payroll professionals would work to advise the company on the best payroll accounting approaches to adopt that would be in full compliance with the local labor laws.
With the increasing number of payroll systems in the market today, it is up to the discerning company to inquire, compare and contrast in order to secure the most suitable component that would benefit their business.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

A Must For All Businesses

Using a pro-active approach can be effective in all areas of our lives, especially when it comes to protecting our businesses. Possible risks can spring at us from many different areas; both in the public and private sectors and there are continual threats to the management and operation systems we run.
A common area that can be targeted is data; in modern times information can be a powerful tool that can be used against us, and is at threat of being stolen. Because of this it is important to protect ourselves before any vulnerability can be exploited.
In industries where the loss of information can mean more than just a bit of paperwork, further advanced technologies and systems may need to be put into place to avoid a catastrophe. With appropriate risk assessment strategies being put into place, prevention methods such as covert surveillance operations, changes to technology infrastructure and investigations can be carried out to protect your company, and the information it's holding.
However it is not only information that can be at risk; the rate of industrial theft has risen dramatically in the past decade and therefore we need to protect our properties more than ever to ensure that this does not happen. Carrying out a risk survey on your property can be an important tool for dealing with an issue before it happens. Using these surveys to fill any gaps in security can be incredibly important in reducing the risk of a theft taking place.
Not only can technological systems be put into place to avoid risk, training and development can also be issued to employees and anyone affected in the business. Implemented systems that can be put into place will effectively reduce the impact of risks in the future. With this training in place, employees will also become more aware of possible problems that could occur if they were to not do their job correctly. Through training them to pick up on signs that could result in a possible crisis, it will encourage a conscious effort to avoid it from happening.
Spotting weaknesses in any sector earlier on prevents the risk of a major disaster further along the line. With systems put in to place to avoid this happening you can feel more relaxed about protecting all aspects of the organisation; from the employees to equipment and information at risk. Through doing this you are preserving your safety and even your reputation.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Ensuring Your Security Team Has All The Required Technology

All employees are important to the successful running of a company, and it is important to keep all employees safe to ensure the business operations flow smoothly; this covers your entire workforce, including lone workers or self employed members of staff who may work based from different locations.
Lone workers and self employed people are covered in the legal responsibility an organisation holds, including the health and safety and welfare of employees as well as visitors and contractors. Risk assessments are a well known practice for ensuring the workplace is safe and responsible; they are equally as constructive for the lone worker environment, covering aspects that may not have originally been thought of.
There are many lengths that can be taken in protecting these members of staff; effective communication is needed in any working environment, if the lone worker and management do not operate on a two way communication system, issues can be lost, unidentified or passed off as unimportant. Not only small issues need to be raised; if a large predicament arises, it is important for the safety and wellbeing of the lone worker that somebody else knows about it.
Mobile devices have revolutionised the protection and safety of the lone worker; using technology such as GPS and 'push for help' systems has not only made the practice easier to manage, it has also made it cheaper and a more reliable source for looking after employees.
When safety is an issue outside of the working environment, GPS locating systems have become a way of tracking the safety of lone workers 'out in the field'. There are many issues that an employee could face when in the public environment, and sometimes verbal communication is not an option for an effective two way system. With GPS tracking however, the employee can be tracked to ensure their safety and effective running. Although some might think of this method as an intrusive form of tracing, it is in fact guaranteeing their safety.
If this is option is not the preferred approach, there are always other ways that safety can be implemented. 'Push for help' systems work again with mobile technology; if the lone worker finds themselves in a tricky situation, where again verbal communication is not manageable, the mobile device can be used to send a signal to anybody who could intervene, for example security professionals, members of the workplace and even the police.
Although these issues can be rare, they are not unusual; especially depending on the industry you work in. Because of this it is beneficial to have security in place for all employees working with the company, whatever their situation.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Centralising Your Business Processes

Technology is at the forefront of innovation, it changes the way that business is done and the way that consumers go about finding business. So why not invest in a company who can keep you up to date with technological advances working in a faster and smarter way to ensure that you receive better services and get more for your money!
By partnering with an integrated facilities management service you will receive a computer aided facilities management system which is an up to date and highly innovative software package on the market. You can access the system remotely using the internet meaning that services can be tailored to suit your individual needs. The system allows helpdesks to function from any location, wherever suits you best.
Automating of processes is becoming much more common, this means that integrating the systems of a facilities management company with your company systems is much easier than you think; this is ideal for those offices operating across different sites. With up to date security technology you will be able to invest in advanced remote security, alarm monitoring and tracking services across your organisation.
You may be surprised to discover that there is a successful web-based portal available for your business which is specifically designed for large integrated facilities management clients so if your business falls within these parameters then you can benefit from a service that brings together the information from all of the facilities management services in one consistent, easy to use format which will successfully blend into your own data seamlessly. Amazingly the result is a one stop shop to monitoring and managing all of your organisations buildings and equipment in one place instantly.
This system allows you to dig a little deeper into the details of your organisation by viewing the big picture but also choosing to view more information by unit, site, and service and even by region.
The most appealing aspect of this service is the ability to manage all costs centrally. The system allows you to view how efficiently each site is being used by showing you infrastructure costs such as IT, rent and rates, building by building which allows you to cut your overheads where you feel it would be appropriate. Having this detailed level of information makes business processes simpler and easier than ever before whilst allowing you to keep a firm eye on your business and its outgoings.
Using these services, you are able to predict future changes and react quickly to these before further issues arise.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Electronic Security Systems Are Vital For Businesses

In today's society we are living with constant developments in technology in every aspect of our lives; from our personal homes to working environments, improvements are being made to help us feel more comfortable. Security is a factor that helps us with this level of comfort, because of this we strive for the latest advances in security management to help us feel more at ease in any environment.
Whether you're at home or at work, it is important for you to keep your belongings safes; with a constant increase in theft and intrusion, it is more important than ever to secure your property effectively with the most efficient equipment. However security systems are not only there to keep your possessions protected; personal safety can be drastically important too.
Electronic security systems can work on many different levels; utilising different strategies to keep you and your possessions out of danger. In your home danger can usually strike when nobodies around; with the use of modern wireless alarm systems this issue can be a thing of the past. Remote monitoring has become a way to check on your property whilst you are not there; it is now possible to spot threats before putting yourself at risk.
The same situation applies to industrial companies handling expensive equipment; with the rate of crimes like metal theft increasing, it is more important than ever to protect your business. CCTV systems have been in recognised operation for many years, and work effectively to monitor important areas; new developments in the systems mean that they are working more effectively than ever. With remote access and the ability to integrate them into existing company systems, closed circuit practice can deliver even better results than ever.
A more advanced technology on offer from CCTV is perimeter intruder detection; knowing who is coming into your business is vitally important for detecting threats; with the use of technology like registration plate recognition, fibre optic perimeter protection and vehicle entry systems you can manage any possible threats before they've even set foot on the premises.
It's not only strangers coming into your business that you need to be aware of; in larger organisations it can be difficult to monitor all the employees you manage. Because of this, access control systems have become a development worth looking into; the old clock-in systems still in place in most places of work can't monitor who exactly is coming in and interacting with the business. With the use of developed key cards and identity checks, this can now become an issue of the past.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Nothing More Important Than Aviation And Transport Security

In the past 10 years, many of us have experienced the increase in airport security that has been introduced due to external threats to air travel both for leisure and commercial purposes. Passengers and employees are looking for peace of mind when they are travelling or working in this now hostile environment.
The department of transport and other regulatory bodies are constantly working to ensure the safety and security in these transport hubs, whether its airports, sea ports or railway stations. Regulations are now being put in place to ensure companies are working by set rules and guidelines to reduce the risk of threats to the public and employees.
Each year in the UK there are millions of passengers utilising air services, and demand is constantly increasing; the requirement for better security services is also intensified, creating more pressure on the regulatory bodies to ensure that all areas are covering protocol correctly, efficiently and strategically. Advances in technology are a constantly working on developments; hold baggage screening, CCTV monitoring, passenger profiling and the protection of aircraft, ships, and trains are all areas where continuous expansion and equipment are vital for the future running of the transport industry.
Creating a standardised approach to transport security has never been more important than in the current environment. Experience in the past few years of how gaps in security have caused major international implications has shown us where services need to be improved. Without this development, the same problems will continue to happen and put passengers and employees at risk to unresolved threats.
It's not only the passenger market that is affected by the constant threat surrounding the travel market as 95% of the UKs trade is handled through different types of port, security in varying environments differ to others whether it's airports, ports or rail terminals. With this we can understand the importance of using different security techniques in the appropriate situations.
One of the main technologies used in the security of any port is CCTV; it is important that only specific trusted members of personnel can access this level of surveillance. Control rooms, monitoring and alarms can be the key pieces of technology, however advanced or minimal they are, in tackling threats to the security of a port.
Another important step in security levels is understanding who everyone is; this can range from the passengers to the suppliers of the port. Using profiling and screening on anyone who has any interaction with ports is one of the most useful tools if anything goes wrong. With technological advances on identity checking, it is becoming easier to spot possible threats before they can become reality.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

3 Most Important Factors of Catering

Whether you're planning a small dinner with friends or an enormous banquet for a fundraiser, the importance of good catering cannot be overstated. Not only does depending on an outside company to prepare the meal free you to concentrate on the other aspects of event planning, but if you choose wisely you can serve your guests a meal that would have been nearly impossible to pull together on your own. When it comes to choosing a company, there are many similarities to the factors you would weigh when choosing a restaurant. But there are other considerations as well. Here are three of the most important factors to think about when hiring one.
The Cooking
Obviously, it begins-if it doesn't necessarily end-with the food itself. Your first goal should be to find catering that will "cater" to your guests. In other words, you might not choose a four star gourmet company for a kids birthday party. Likewise, you might not choose a place that specializes in greasy BBQ if you're planning a white tie affair. But beyond making sure the food is appropriate, you also need to make sure it's actually good. Many places will allow you to taste test their wares before committing. It is a good idea to take them up on that offer.
Safety
Many local markets have news stations that provide behind-the-scenes looks at area restaurants, expose them for dirty practices, and warn consumers when an eatery is slipping underneath regulations. These stations rarely go after catering companies, however, which leaves the research to you. And, if anything, it's even more important to make sure the caterer you're thinking of hiring adheres to proper food safety techniques. This isn't coming straight from the kitchen to your table, after all. Make sure the company you hire has the means and capabilities to keep your food safe and warm (or cold) before it arrives in front of your guests.
Customer Service
It is as important in the catering business as it is in the restaurant field and it is something you should look into carefully before hiring a company. This is something you can usually form an opinion about well before the event itself. Most companies will work with you to create the perfect menu for the dinner. Before even that begins, you should be watching how their personnel interacts with you and what level of service you're getting. If you feel as though you aren't being treated like an important client, you may want to take your business to someone else.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Between Credit Unions and Banks in Your Town

You probably have a checking account with one of the banks in your town. You have credit unions as well. Perhaps you never realized how different these two institutions are, or your decision was made based on hours of operation, and where the closest ATM was located. Looking for a financial institution based on convenience is not a bad thing. Convenience is one of many things we should consider. Another factor we should consider is how important supporting our own community is. How important is it that our financial institution work for us?
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two types of institutions is who they work for. A credit union is not for profit. This means that decisions made are made by volunteers, and shareholders in your community who were voted in to take on this responsibility. You are a shareholder if you have a share draft or checking account. When you make a deposit you are buying shares in the company. They pay you back with the lower interest rates on loans and the higher interest rate on checking. The downside to these institutions is getting money out may require going to a branch. ATM cards may have fees, or there may be few ATMs to withdraw money from without incurring fees. Another downside might be not having online bill pay. Of course some credit unions may offer more than others, you simply have to stop in and see.
When considering banks in your town you will see that they spend money on advertising. Why is that? They need to compete with other institutions, and have something that draws customers in. Free checking, no minimum savings or free use of ATM's, conveniently placed all over your town and neighboring towns may be their edge. However, while these services are often very convenient, they still might not be right for you. Banks are primarily interested in making money, and turning a profit whenever possible. When you deposit your money you are lending it to them, which, of course they pay you back with interest. However, that interest may not be very much.
In the end you are left to make your choice. You can, of course, use both institutions, but most people prefer one, or make the decision based on what is important to them. You may find that a credit union is more convenient for your family, and feels more secure since you know everyone who works there from your community. Or you may feel that using a bank in your town makes more sense because they have ATMs in the town you work in too. More access to your money might be your motivating factor. Both institutions have their place.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

How to Find the Best Criminal Background Investigation Provider

No matter how much you may trust certain people, the fact of the matter remains that you don't really know who you are dealing with until you know more about their history. Even if you have known someone for several years, before you go to hire them to work for your company you need to make sure that you do a thorough criminal background investigation. You can't afford to put your business at risk. You have worked very hard to build a successful business and to leave it vulnerable to some untrustworthy employee is a mistake you can't afford to make.
There are many different companies that provide investigative services and claim that they can provide you with everything you need to know about anyone before you hire them. You should know that not all criminal background investigation companies are created equal. There are a few things you can do to help you choose the best provider for your company.
You need to find a company that has been in business for several years. This means that they should have a proven track record of success. They have been providing exceptional services and results for their customers. A good way to find out the names of several good providers is to ask some of your business associates who they use and who they would recommend for background checks.
Determine how many checks you would need performed each month, on average. Think about what information you want included on the reports that you are given. How far back do you want the investigators to go for a good history on your candidates? It is a good idea to have some sort of plan in place to help you screen your candidates and pick the most qualified.
Discuss what the criminal background investigation company can do for you. Find out about their pricing. Some companies charge according to how many searches you need performed on a weekly or monthly basis, while others charge per search. Find out which one is the most cost effective for you. If you are a medium to big business, and you plan on expanding in the near future, you may want to go with a package where you are charged for a certain amount of investigations per week or month. If you are a small business, it may be more cost effective for you to purchase reports as needed.
Check with the Better Business Bureau. You want to learn more about the reputation and credentials about any investigative company you are thinking about hiring. Once you have established that their credentials are current and they seem to be the best in the field, talk to the representatives and discover how you can start a good relationship with them. Once you have found a good criminal background investigation provider, stick with them. They will help you protect your business by thoroughly screening all potential employees, and that will make your hiring decisions much easier.