Saturday, April 27, 2013

What a Printing Company Can Provide You

Are you looking for help with getting some professional printing done? If you need to have some eye catching banners or signs made, you should look for a company that knows how to provide their customers with high quality design. You might think that it's easier to purchase a printer and take care of your own paper work, but having the job done by a proven professional will guarantee that your ideas translate perfectly on paper. Why let another company help you out? While you think the layout is right for you, what good is your design work when it's produced on low quality paper? You may not realize it, but people are often turned off by cheap looking ink, which shifts the focus away from anything you're presenting. A professional company understands your needs and has experience with creating dynamic visual art that will make any passerby want to look at what you're trying to express. What kinds of work can these kinds of companies handle? Consider the following:
Banners
If you're trying to put on an event or trade show that will advertise your company, you'll need some kind of flashy banner to catch the attention of your potential customers. Making a good-looking banner on your own can be difficult if you don't have a lot of printing experience. You can depend on a professional company to create high quality banners with full colors at a fast turnaround. Even if you think you'll need a huge banner, there's no reason not to pick up the phone and get a quote. Often, professional companies will have access to materials that would cost you hundreds of dollars to purchase on your own.
Flyers
If you're starting a marketing campaign for your company, you'll need a flashy flyer to grab the attention of your peers. Professional printing companies can provide you with thousands of digitally produced flyers at a reasonably affordable price. Trying to do the work on your own can often be time consuming and costly. You're responsible for paying for ink that can be offered at a high price by the distributor and you also have to worry about having enough paper. With a professional company, you can relax knowing that you'll have great looking flyers delivered to your door in a quick amount of time.
Business Cards
The business card can often be the difference when you're trying to make a good impression on a client. You'll need to find a professional company that can make bundles of high quality designs that will have people wanting to get in touch with you in the future. Instead of going the bland route with a card that just states basic information, why not call a professional printing company and ask them to design you an unforgettable business card? Take a step to the next level and let professionals take care of you. Having a business card that is unique will allow you to stand out from the pack, giving you the chance of making more business.
Looking for a beautiful source of New Orleans printing? Check out the amazing work of: http://www.la.documart.com.

Hourly Billing Makes Little Sense For Professionals

Back in the days (not entirely over) when stockbrokers raked in commissions every time their customers made a trade, "churning" was a way to boost the broker's income at the customer's expense. The broker created needless transactions to boost his bottom line.
No lawyer - nor, for that matter, any accountant, financial planner or other professional - should want to ever give a client reasons to feel abused that way. But when you bill by the hour, there is always a risk that things may get out of control, or at least might appear that way to an outsider.
An email glibly using the "churning" description is one of several to become public in a dispute between the law firm DLA Piper and its client Adam H. Victor. The fight has opened the broader topic of whether, and to what extent, attorneys look out for their own interests when deciding how many hours a project should take.
Victor, an energy industry executive, filed a counterclaim after DLA Piper sued him for $675,000 in unpaid legal bills. He contends that the firm's "sweeping practice of overbilling," along with subpar work, grew worse as the firm expanded. The emails in question confirmed his worst suspicions, he said. (1)
Most lawyers and other professionals are honest. Yet, as William G. Ross, a law professor at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law, pointed out to The New York Times, "the billable hour creates perverse incentives." (1)
Professional advice must be based on a close relationship of trust. I realized when I set up shop 20 years ago that I couldn't help a client if the client did not call me to say there was a problem. Clients might hesitate to call if even a seemingly simple question could set the meter running, with no end in sight. The hourly billing model didn't make any sense to me.
Instead, I encouraged my clients to call whenever they had something on their minds. If I could answer questions directly, I did so for free. If the issues would take more time and research on my part, I offered fixed-fee quotes up front so clients could decide whether they wanted to proceed. I was experienced enough to make reasonably accurate guesses as to how much time each project would take. Eventually, when I had employees to add to the mix, I could also estimate about how much manpower, and at what levels of experience, to bring to the assignment.
The risk of a bad estimate belonged with me, not with my clients. The people we serve are generally in no position to judge what it will take to complete the assignments they give us. So I decided to operate based on flat fees, agreed to in advance, the vast majority of the time. That is still how Palisades Hudson operates today. Lo and behold, in two decades we have had virtually no billing disagreements with our clients.
Every rule has exceptions. There are situations in which my colleagues and I have very little control over the time involved in a task. In tax audits, for example, the auditor sets the scope of the process and can change it without advanced notice. In those situations, we often work for our clients based on hourly rates. But we document our time closely, and keep the client well-informed about expenses as we proceed. If we determine an issue will cost more to fight than to settle, we tell the client that we believe the matter is not worth pursuing.
Time-based billing can work, especially for small firms or sole practitioners whose clients personally know the individual who handles their projects and where the professional has the experience to get the job done efficiently.
For the most part, however, I think advisers make a mistake when they view their time as the product they sell to the people they serve. People hire us to help them solve problems. We don't want to create new ones in the form of unexpected bills.
Source:
1) The New York Times, "Suit Offers a Peek at the Practice of Inflating a Legal Bill"
For more articles, please visit the Palisades Hudson Financial Group LLC newsletter or subscribe to the blog.
Newsletter: http://www.palisadeshudson.com/insights/sentinel/
Blog: http://www.palisadeshudson.com/insights/current-commentary/

Benefits of Overseas Trading Through Electronic Mode

Today, many residents and Indian companies are investing in overseas foreign trading business, as it yields them good returns on it. There are many online portals which offer lucrative securities provided by different international companies. Such works are carried out by brokers or middlemen, who help the investor's in finding the best offers available in the International market.
The Reserve Bank of India, along with the regularized bodies, formulated rules in order to curb many malpractices by the foreign companies or middlemen. These bodies have cautioned many small investors to check the market condition and the value of the shares, before getting into any deal.
The government has authorized the schedule banks and nationalized banks to evaluate the foreign investment schemes available for investors. The banks evaluate the prices quoted for the purchase of shares in the international market in order to ensure that they are not more than the original ones. The investors can remit their funds through one of the following methods -
  1. Bank transfer
  2. Online transfer through debit card or credit card.
  3. Paying it to the broker or middlemen.
It has been notified by the central government that the broker, company, or middlemen who directly or indirectly collect funds from Indian residents would be responsible for proper utilization of the funds and earn best returns. The companies, brokers, or middlemen would be held liable for any non compliance and can face legal charges, if they deviate from any norms mentioned by FEMA
The authorized dealers or the foreign securities issuing companies are required to refer the rules and instructions notified by the investors. This would help in controlling any unauthorized or illegal transactions, which can impact the interest of the investors. As per the current FEMA rules, 1999 doesn't allow the Individuals to invest in various domestic or overseas markets through one of the electronic mode.
These individuals are however allowed to invest in the following manner -
  1. Currency Future- When the individual enters into a contract of purchasing or selling of foreign shares, which is future-dated and has an expiry date.
  2. Optional Trading- In this type of speculative business, the investors can purchase securities and shares, which have no expiry date, as it allows them to earn best dividends.
The investors have to notify the market value of the shares and inform the same to the prospective customers and enough care is taken to control any cost manipulation by the authorized dealers. An individual can open a demo account, transact and transfer the money to any Indian bank.
Online trading many a times differs with the products and the market securities. There are many types of trading which are as follows -
  1. E-speed Electronic Trading - It indicates that the trading can be carried out with different types of securities. It is very common with some of the developed countries that allow international investment through forex.
  2. Many international trading has opted for electronic mode or online trading method for purchase and sales of the shares from the international market. There are special techniques for trading.
Ms. Sowmya Somaiah is a Company Secretary and Founder of "Sunshine Corporate Solutions Pvt Ltd" at Bangalore, India. For more information visit http://www.sunshinecorp.biz

The Role of Title Companies in Real Estate Transactions

Whether you are buying or selling a house, you will likely be working with one or more title companies during the process. This is because such businesses are involved in a variety of tasks when it comes to real estate. Find out what they tend to do, so you know what to expect when you meet with representatives.
As the name suggests, these businesses are in charge of checking the titles on homes to be sold to make sure they are clear. This means they cannot have liens on them or claims by anyone other than the current seller. This way, the buyer can rest assured he or she will not be challenged for homeownership by a lienholder that no one was aware of during the real estate transaction. This step requires some research and is just part of the preliminary process of selling or buying property.
Even if there are not currently any lienholders, it is possible that the seller owes money to someone who may try to come after the new owner. For this reason, most title companies check to make sure there are no debts associated with this house. For instance, representatives will work to find out if the property taxes are all paid and up to date. They might also check with local utility providers to make sure there are no outstanding bills that the company may try to pass off on the new homeowner.
Another part of the process involves obtaining title insurance to protect the lender. You will be required to have this on your house, so the lender is protected. However, you can also buy your own insurance that will protect you as the homeowner in case someone tries to put a claim on the home or commit fraud against it. This way, you will not lose the house under these circumstances.
You can also expect title companies to help the lender prepare the many closing documents that need to be read and signed. There are hundreds of pages involved with this process, so this is why more than one agency is involved with preparing for closing. They need to be reviewed by a number of people to ensure accuracy. Otherwise, you may have to sign them all over again if it turns out there was a mistake the first time.
Now you have an idea of the role that title companies play when it comes to buying or selling a house. You can expect to be in contact with such a company at least once during the process. Of course, some businesses of this kind do even more, so these responsibilities are often just the beginning.
There are several Title Companies in Michigan that can help you buy or sell your home. Go here to find a provider: http://www.libertytitle.com.

Getting Approved for Home Mortgages

Are you looking at mortgages so that you can purchase a home? There are many different options when it comes to getting a loan to buy a house. There are loans that are set up with 30-year and 15-year payback plans, some with fixed interest rates and others with variable interest rates. The type of loan, interest rate, and whether your application will be stamped "approved" or "denied" will depend on a variety of factors. Before bankers approve home loans, they want to find out about your credit, character, and cash.
Credit is a very important factor when you're applying for mortgages. Before approving a loan for you, underwriters will take a hard look at your creditworthiness. What will they look at? For one thing, they will check your score. This is a triple digit number that tells them about your tendencies to pay your debts. If you have a hit-or-miss pay back history with your car loan or credit cards, this will make you seem like a risky applicant. Past behavior often tells a lot about future behavior. The bankers will also want to see how much debt you already have. If you have maxed out your credit card and have two large car payments, you better have a big salary to cover it all.
Character is another trait bankers look at when approving mortgages. They want to see a responsible, hard working citizen when they approve a loan. Typically, they also want to see a stable employment history. This means that you have worked in the same field or for the same employer for at least two years. Your honesty and integrity will also play a part in their determination.
The amount of cash you have to put down on your loan will make a difference, too. Depending on the loan, you may have to put from 5% to 20% down on mortgages. This shows good faith and gives you built in equity right from the start. They also will go over your bank account with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you make enough money to cover your monthly payments. Typically, your monthly salary should be three to four times more than your monthly house payment. You should also have some backup reserves to cover any emergencies that may come up.
Being approved for mortgages can be the key to being a homeowner for the majority of people. While some individuals can pay cash up front, they are in the minority. If you want to buy a house, make sure your credit, character, and cash are adequate for the bankers' approval.
Research mortgages fenton mi to see how you can qualify. Visit this link to start learning more: https://www.financialplusfcu.org.

Baby Stores Are Stocked With The Items You Need

If you're new to the world of parenting, you know that's there's plenty to learn in a short period of time. You'll need to be well stocked with a certain number of items to meet the demand of your newborn. There will be a lot to deal with right after the birth, so it's helpful to plan everything ahead of time to decrease the stress. Where can you go to be prepared? Thankfully, there are plenty of baby stores that are targeted to people in your situation. What kind of items should you buy ahead of time? Consider picking up the following in order to be ready for the new addition to the family:
Strollers
You'll need to have some kind of device to carry around the newborn, and the stroller is the perfect fit. Baby stores are well stocked with all sorts of strollers to fit your personal needs. If you like to exercise, they have strollers that are designed for pushing while you jog. There are also strollers that are lightweight and can easily fold up into a vehicle. Whatever you desire, you can count on choosing from a vast selection of high quality strollers that will make pushing your kid around an easy task.
Clothing
Your child will certainly need some clothing right away. Baby companies carry all kinds of clothing with different styles that will make dressing your child fun. You can choose from plenty of sets and one-pieces that will keep your newborn comfortable at all times. It's always good to have a stock of clothing at your disposal, as you'll never know how many outfits you'll go through in one day.
Diapers
Get ready, because you'll be going through a huge amount of diapers for the next few years. Baby stores carry diapers from top brands by the boatload. Regardless if you're going to go the traditional route or the clothing diaper route, it's important to have enough of them at your disposal. You'll also need to have some accessories, such as ointment and powder, in your cabinet. Your child's health and comfort is your highest priority, so make sure you select from high quality brands with a great reputation. These stores will offer diapers in a bulk amount at a price that cannot be matched.
Cribs
You'll certainly need to build a crib or nursery that will keep you child comfortable while they sleep. Baby stores have access to high quality furniture at reasonable prices. You can select from the material and colors that appeal to you. Also, don't forget the importance of investing in good bedding. Again, your child should always be comfortable and happy, so it's your duty to pay for a good mattress that will guarantee them a safe night of sleep. Another great element of these companies is that they'll often deliver to your home, free of charge. See if delivery is part of the purchase, as not worrying about hauling the crib back will keep the stress off your back.
Looking for great baby stores in michigan? For more information check out: http://www.myurbantoddler.com.

Improving Your Business Efficiency and Security With RFID Solutions

RFID stands for "radio-frequency identification," which involves using a small electric device to track items. This device consists of a tiny chip and an antenna and it serves the same purpose as the magnetic strip on a credit card or the bar code commonly found on product packaging. RFID solutions help businesses track inventory and vehicles, perform access control, and check-in truckloads of cargo.
How RFID Solutions Work
Tiny RFID chips are integrated into devices such as tags, cards, and labels. To retrieve identifying information from these chips, the RFID device is scanned by a compatible reader. For example, RFID chips may be integrated in identification badges that employees pass by a reader to gain access to the workplace.
RFID tags can be installed on vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trains. A moving car equipped with an RFID tag will activate the gate arm when the vehicle nears the area, causing the arm to rise so the vehicle can enter the lot. Readers may have long operating ranges, allowing users to track equipped trucks and trains from long distances. Tags can even be combined with Global Positioning System technology for real-time mapping of vehicles and assets.
Unique RFID Solutions
Farmers know that livestock tend to have minds of their own, wandering far into open pastures. Without a tagging system, a farmer will not know whether all livestock has traveled back to the farm. RFID tags allow farmers to verify that their herd is accounted for and no animals have strayed over from a neighboring farm. The same idea applies to car dealerships, where it can be difficult to identify the correct make and model without walking the entire lot. After attaching an RFID tag to each vehicle, it is easy to differentiate the cars and locate the correct vehicle from a distance.
Many office buildings have rooms filled with cartons of archived files. Trying to find a desired file is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If an RFID tag is affixed to each carton and the cartons are inventoried in a special software system, the process of locating a file takes minutes, not hours or days, saving employees time, lost productivity, and lots of frustration.
Why RFID Solutions Are the Best
RFID is the preferred technology to bar codes and magnetic strips for several reasons. An RFID device does not need to be swiped through or over a reader. RFID chips work within a few feet and up to 20 feet from the appropriate scanner. The scanning device can read the RFID tags on all products in a grocery bag once the bag is placed on the scanner. A cashier will see a product list and the total purchase amount on a monitor.
Far from being a newfangled technology, RFID has been around for more than a half-century. It has become more common because the devices have recently become small and inexpensive enough to be considered throwaway items. This means that RFID should be feasible for businesses of all types and sizes.
Online River offers business owners RFID Solutions as well as security equipment, loyalty programs, and crowd control equipment. We are the true one-stop-shop for business owners who want to increase their security and efficiency while at the same time improving their customer loyalty. For more information and a complete listing of our services and products, click here.

Credit Unions Are the Fair and Right Choice

Why is it that people align themselves with the major banks, even though they're often criticized in the media? Larger banks are often the target of our wrath because of their business practices. So, why do people still use them? The simple answer is legacy. Larger banks carry a popular brand that will always be sold to the masses, even if other companies can surpass them in overall quality. They deliver marketing campaigns that tell people that their bank is the safest and easiest place to put money away, because of their many ATM machine locations and online banking practices. While they may be convenient, are they really the best option? Here are some reasons why credit unions are a superior option over the large banks:
You Have a Voice
As a customer to the big banks, you're viewed as nothing more than just another customer. You'll be valued in the sense that you're giving them your money, but you don't ever have a say in how the company conducts their business. Credit unions run their businesses differently. By being approved to join, you become a member, not so much a customer. When you put your money into your account, you're essentially taking a share in how the business works. Credit unions are actually non-profits, so any profits that do get made are designed to be returned to the members. You'll also get a chance to vote for who is in charge on the board of directors. These privileges alone make it a far superior choice.
No Unfair Fees
It's become a running joke that larger banks depend on fees and penalties to make their huge profits. Nowadays, it seems like everyone is complaining about it, but they're not doing anything to stop getting punished for how they handle their money. Instead of getting penalized by your major bank for unknowingly overdrawing on your checking account, why not consider credit unions? They have no reason to start charging their customers exorbitant fees for overdrawing or not having a minimal amount of money in an account. You'll also find that you're charged less for using an ATM outside the network as well, which is handy, as the number of locations is usually smaller than a major bank. You also don't need a minimum amount of money to open an account, either.
Fair Interest Rates
It's been proven that you can always get a better interest rate on a credit card from a local bank than from a major corporation. Credit unions can offer percentages that are better than the national averages of saving and loan rates. Every time a transaction is made, you'll find that you're saving money because of the lower interest rate. Wouldn't it be nice to have a credit card that has an APR in the single digits instead of the high teens? If you end up having to make a payment each month, you don't want to drown in a huge pile of unfair interest.
Take a different approach to traditional banking and look into using credit unions in grand blanc mi. Start learning about your options here: https://www.financialplusfcu.org.

Wholesale Handbags - Tips To Get The Best Bags For Less

Do you simply love having the right designer handbag to match every outfit and occasion? Attractive accessories can make or break your look and they also help you express your personality in the most perfect manner. If you find yourself going broke because of your obsession with bags then you ought to find a good source of wholesale handbags. You'll then be able to buy all the purses, totes and clutches you need without worrying about exceeding your budget.
You do need to be very careful when buying wholesale designer handbags because you can run into a few commonly occurring problems. The most common problem you will encounter is that of poor quality, especially if the product in question is a fake. Use the following tips when buying bags so that you won't regret your purchase:
- Make sure that the products offered are not fakes. It is very important to make the distinction between wholesale and fake. The former are cheap because the seller has bought a large quantity of them at a good price and is generally able to sell them at a low margin. They are original products and not fakes. If you carry a bag that is obviously a fake then even the most carefully crafted look will be ruined.
- The store should be a very reliable one. Keep in mind that some fakes are made so well that it is very hard for a casual observer to detect it. There will obviously be poor quality in construction and use of materials but you will only find this out if you look close. However, the bag will not last very long and you will notice that it gets frayed and torn very easily.
- Buy them from a store that offers you plenty of choice. If you are a true fashionista then you will need to keep buying bags. You might be able to save on shipping if you club your purchases. Also, you might be informed about special offers and previews from time to time as a regular customer who spends a lot of money with a particular company.
You will need to do a bit of research before buying wholesale handbags and other accessories so that you know that you are getting the right stuff. You will save quite a bit of money this way in the long run without having to tone down your glamour quotient even slightly.
Lots of savvy shoppers buy designer bags and other accessories from wholesale stores. Find out how you can buy the right kind of wholesale handbags.

3 Tips on Hiring a Title Company

In many states, you are allowed to choose the title company that will be part of the home selling and buying process. If you find out that you are allowed to make this decision rather than having to use a particular team, your next move is to select the right one. Get some ideas on how to feel confident about the one you end up hiring.
One of the biggest problems many home sellers and buyers have is a lack of communication with the professionals they are working with. You deserve to know what is going on with your property at all times, so you need to hire someone who will give you quick answers and keep in touch throughout the process. If you are comparing a few companies, pay attention to how quickly the representatives get back to you. If they take days or weeks to answer important questions, you should look elsewhere in order to avoid frustration as you buy or sell a home. Look for companies that get back to you the same day you call or send an email, or at least the next business day.
You then need to make sure the title company you are considering is affordable. The fees you will pay are usually set by the state, but some companies add their own fees to the overall price. They might end up adding fees when you want extra convenience, while others are happy to give you extras for free in the name of good customer service. If you find that the staff plans to charge you extra for simple benefits, such as having a notary come to your house instead of requiring you to travel to him or her, you should consider your other options.
Finally, it is best to choose a title company that pays attention to detail. As you have surely seen already with real estate transactions, details can make a big difference. If the staff forgets to sign a document or neglects to send you all the information you need before the closing process, you could miss out on the sale completely, or at least experience major delays. If when you first start working with a title company, you notice a few mistakes or sloppy work from representatives, you should check out other companies that might do a better job and give you more peace of mind.
Before you start figuring out which title company to choose, you should make sure you are even allowed to make this decision for yourself. Then you should ask for some referrals from real estate agents, loan officers, and other professionals in this industry. They should be able to point you in the direction of a few companies you can research further until you find a great one to work with.
If you are considering hiring a Title Company Troy MI has a few to choose from. To learn more information about one local options, you can visit http://www.libertytitle.com.

Pay Down Debt or Invest In Your Biz?

You want to pay down your debt. But you've been making the same money for the past 2 years. You know that something has to change.
You totally want to upgrade your website, hire an employee, get a MacBook Pro, and invest in social media. But your credit cards/ other debt are killin' you. Why, because you are spending $200 a month in interest. That $200 could go to a new logo or some software you really need.
You feel stuck because you are not sure what to do - pay down debt or invest in your biz. If you rack up more debt, you will just dig a bigger hole for yourself. If you make the minimum payment on your debt, you won't chip away at reducing it. Total deer in the headlights. Ridic.
Everyone's financial situation is different. What I am about to tell you is general in nature. This is not individual advice but I want to get you thinkin'.
If you had me in a headlock and gave me a noogie (who is still reading this and knows what a noogie is,) and said, Justin, help! What should I do? Pay down debt or invest in my business? My answer would be... drumroll please... I'd tell you to do both.
To pay down debt or invest in your business means you have some extra cash and you have a choice. If you don't have the extra cash, then you will need to review all of your expenses, both business and personal. See where you can cut back without it affecting you big time.
But if the only way to pay down debt is to grow your sales, and not cut your expenses, then you have no choice but to make smart bets and invest in your business. Smart bets are where you have a pretty good shot at making a 3X return on your money within 3 to 12 months.
A smart bet is also investing a small amount of money that wont break the bank. Once you test and you see if the investment pays off, then you can go bigger. And what do you do with the profits? Take the cash and pay off that debt.
Here's what you need to know and understand:
• What's the value of each client/customer you have? Let's say your average client relationship is worth $1000. Would you spend $300 to make $1000? Of course! But you don't know for sure if you will get the client. So you really need to think off the odds and what a customer is worth to you. Remember, make small bets and test. Rinse and repeat. Take 2 tylenol and call me in the morning.
• What's the rate of interest you are paying on your cards? Let's pretend it is 10% interest. Think of it this way. If you paid off your debt, you would be effectively making 10% on your money. That's because you wouldn't have to pay interest anymore.
• Can you lower your borrowing costs? If your rate is 10% on your credit cards, and you can take out a home equity line (HELOC) at a lower rate, that might make sense. You are lowering your borrowing costs. Most of the time, you can deduct the interest on a HELOC. Also, you should be able to lock in a rate to protect you in case interest rates rise. You could also try to do a balance transfer to a different credit card. Your credit score could go down and there are usually fees to do this.
You need to be aware of how you feel about debt. Are you willing to be strategic and borrow money when your gut says it makes sense? Do you feel comfortable borrowing money at 3% to try and make 5%? Or does owing people money give you the freakazoids?
Ya gotta do something. Why? Because more of the same equals more of the same.
Justin Krane is a certified financial planner who has helped countless entrepreneurs create a bigger vision for their businesses by showing them how to identify and meet goals for increasing revenue. Go now to http://kranefinancialsolutions.com to get your free financial financial toolkit and you'll also receive a free audio CD on increasing your business revenue.

Power Factor Correction Saves Tens of Thousands of Dollars for Commercial Businesses

Power Conditioning, has been the topic of much conversation and even more confusion now that energy conservation earns a more eager audience. Many companies are paying large energy factor penalty charges, either without knowing or not knowing how to correct it. The conservative ROI for most installations is generally within 2 years and larger applications will perform even better.
Why does power need correcting? The "dirty energy" coming from the grid is far too non-specific for facilities specific needs. The equipment effected most by this issue includes all inductive loads such as motors, pumps, and ballasts. Constant smaller electronic spikes and surges are inherent in raw grid energy and it will cause heat, and heat will eventually damage valuable equipment. This inefficiency is caused by a delay between when demand begins to move electrons through the circuit (voltage) and when they actually move (current). The ratio used to describe the amount of energy used, and not lost is called "Power Factor". We find that corporate energy factors often average about .75, meaning that 25% of the available energy is lost to inefficiency. Industrial facilities with larger inductive loads will often show even worse factors unless corrected. Properly sourced, sized and located Power Conditioning Equipment will eliminate the wasted energy produced for inductive loads.
This patented and specially designed technology will bring many benefits; some of the most important remain unnoticed until needed.
• 5% to15% energy reduction on inductive loads
• Eliminate energy factor penalty and demand charges
• Reduced electrical equipment and circuit board replacement
• Reduced repair and maintenance costs
• Reduce current and heat at electrical loads, reduces HVAC
• Protect equipment from surges, spikes and lightning strikes
• Reduce damaging harmonic distortion on your electrical system
The savings from power conditioning will depend on the amount and type of inductive loads within a facility and the existing power factor. The process requires a trained specialist to carefully inspect and analyze your facility and usage patterns to best determine how to bring your Power Factor to near 100%. Professional data logging is recommended for larger applications. After installation, inductive loads will consume electricity more efficiently and thus demand less energy. There will be reduction in both KWH as well as Power Factor Penalty Charges. New technologies can now recycle the waste harmonic load back into usable power. Most other systems do not.
Energy companies are now charging for power factor imbalance or charging penalties if power factor ratios are below 85%. This is due to all of the unused surge energy is bouncing back to the supplier taking up valuable line bandwidth. Correcting power factor at the distribution panel can free up additional energy for building usage and benefit a building owner in multiple ways.
Scott Milne CEO of National Energy Technologies LLC has proudly created a full service facility conservation company focused on fast return facility investments that reduce energy, protect health and equipment without the need for government incentives. For more information on this and many other fast return techniques contact info@NationalEnergyTech.com or visit our website at http://www.NationalEnergyTech.com

Compressed Air Analysis - A Conservation Strategy for Commercial Businesses

Many American businesses operate full-time compressed air systems to run machinery, tools and equipment throughout their facility. These noisy systems often run nearly nonstop to supply sufficient air pressure to critical building systems. The problem is however; that few organizations consider the energy consumption lost due to air leaks throughout the system. After all, air leaks are difficult to hear, smell, see, and feel, and since air doesn't cost anything some might think, what difference does it make? It is that thinking that has motivated some power companies to offer free full day classes to educate facility managers about compressed air inefficiencies and alert them to the issue.
National statistics show that these large commercial compressed air systems will leak from 25 to 35% of the air created. Leaks can only be identified accurately by a skilled technician with an Ultrasonic Acoustic Detector. More complex and expensive ultrasonic equipment is now able to figure approximate leak volume and the value of each leak loss. If you can prove that value you can justify the project and it's ROI. It is common to be able to cut the compressor run time as much as 40% with compressor adjustments and addressing lost air. These leaks are common in couplings, joints, fittings and traps, are mostly silent and pressure inefficiencies are rarely detected. The pressure supplied to tools and equipment needs to be analyzed and properly balanced. Today suppliers are offering a premium more efficient fittings that leak less. Rapidly technicians are learning to operate latest ultrasound technologies used to detect leaks and inefficiencies.
A compressor consultant will check the system for design inefficiencies and may install a supplement lubricant oil that will improve performance and running amps. This oil has proven to be 1600 times more effective than the standard manufacturers installed oil. This product is capable of reducing noise, vibration, maintenance, and extends compressor life. An important part of a compressor analysis is the detailed written report itemizing each recommended correction, with photos and the cost of the leak loss. Generally a full inspection and detailed report on a 100,000 square foot facility can be completed in about 2-3 days, depending on complexity. The leaks can then be repaired by order of priority by facility staff or a recommended contractor. Many companies systematically chase down these leaks during scheduled equipment down times. Because system remediation will reduce the air compressor run time it will also reduce the noise in your facility, and can significantly extend the life of the equipment. A well done compressed air analysis and repair will often pay for itself well within 12 months.
Scott Milne Owner of National Energy Technologies LLC has proudly created a full service facility conservation company focused on fast return facility investments that reduce energy, protect health and equipment without the need for government incentives. For more information on this and many other fast return techniques contact info@NationalEnergyTech.com or visit our website at http://www.NationalEnergyTech.com

Friday, April 26, 2013

Tips to Save Money on Laptop Rental

Many businesses round the world, both small and large, rent laptops for special occasions, business travel, seminars or conferences. Laptop rental can serve as a great money saving option especially for the smaller businesses that just can't afford to stock their offices with laptops. Moreover, Laptop rental also helps in cutting down the overhead costs including updating and maintenance charges.
However, when it comes to renting laptops for an event or the office, several factors need to be taken into strong consideration to be able to make the most out of the deal. Focus on money saving alternatives like free set up, lower shipping costs and flexible lease policies. Some expenses may appear to be more than what you are planning to invest initially, but in most cases they are going to help you save a big bag of money later in the long run. Here are a few effective tips that should hopefully help you to understand the basics of Laptop Rental better:
Research various options, applications and expenses: Laptops can be rented both for private purposes and for temporary events or offices. Rental policies vary from place to place and therefore it's extremely vital that you do some basic research to get a fair impression of what's being offered. Some companies rent laptops directly whereas a few others serve as convention centers acting as a third party mediator between rental companies and the clients. In case you are renting laptops for official purposes, try to find the companies that provide total installation and maintenance at minimum or no extra price.
Beware of hidden charges: With the number of laptop rental companies rising steeply with time, some agencies are claiming to be renting laptops at amazing discounts. However, from business point of view, it is pretty obvious that they would keep a profit percentage for themselves. Therefore, before renting, try to make sure you are fully aware of the total rental expenses including handling and the shipping charges. Most of the reputed laptop rental companies offer minimum or no shipping cost.
Insure your Laptop Rental: Try to look for the laptop rental companies that offer leases that include laptop insurance at an affordable cost. Search for the companies that provide proper protection options to the users while travelling with the rented laptops.
Check the Software Specifications: Seek complete details regarding the system requirements in terms of hard drives, base software and operating system. If you need a custom software application that the company does not offer, ask them to provide a test machine well in advance so that you can load the software and check if it's functioning properly without any technical glitches. Apart from this, ask the rental company to arrange for someone who can test the laptops prior to the commencement of the event.
If you found this article to be helpful then Click to Visit the website for more article on benefit of renting laptops & IT equipment.

Computer Engineer Salary

A report by CNNmoney states that students who majored in computer engineering were the top earners of the class of 2011. On top of that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer software engineers is expected to grow by nearly 38% by 2016. You may have just stumbled upon your new career!
There are two types of engineers, hardware and software. A hardware engineer deals with physical components. They research, design, and test the physical components of a computer including circuit boards, chips, and keyboards. A software engineer, called developers, create programs for users to perform task. They create the software that translates the commands from applications into instructions that the hardware can understand. They create the operating systems and computer interfaces for desktops and consumer electronics.
95% of jobs are located in metropolitan areas. Positions are located in research labs and manufacturing labs. Some work in computer system design firms, research and develop firms, or federal government. Just as there is a range of potential work environments you may end up being in, there are also a large variety of things you may be creating programs for. Computer engineers create on computers, cell phones, navigational systems in your car, video games, and etc. If you're creative, love computers, and don't mind making a lot of money in the process then this just might be for you!
Some of the highest income makers coming directly out of college are graduates in the computer engineering field. This is a great incentive to buckled down and stay focused on those late nights studying in your dorm. This will literally pay off.. BIG TIME! The average salary for computer engineer job postings nationwide are 29% higher than average salaries for all jobs nationwide. Sound good yet? Let's get into the specifics.
The overall computer engineer salary is $87,000. To be even more specific let's discuss what you can expect if you enter involved in hardware or software. Starting with the low end of what you can expect. As a software engineer the lowest 10% average $45.44/hr or $57,810 annually. The highest 10% average $65.28 or $135,780. As a hardware engineer the percentages or a slight bit higher. A hardware computer engineer salary on the low end can on average expect $48.73/hr or $62,400. The highest 10% of hardware engineers make $70.07/hr or $147,610. Not a bad day's work!
Visit http://www.computerengineersalaryinfo.com/ for more information on the subject

The Importance of Programmable Logic Controls in Marine Electronics

With ever growing demands for emission reduction and fuel efficiency, specialized and reliable electrical controls for the marine and shipbuilding industry are more in demand than ever. It doesn't matter what the size of the vessel is, manufacturers that produce everything from small work-boats to large cargo ships are always in search of a reliable source for specialized electrical systems and high quality electronic products. Smart automation solutions and high quality electronic controls are key to reaching greener vessel operations.
Regardless of the size of the vessel, it is important that those individuals in charge of operations have access to all relevant information in order to make quick, safe and informed decisions. A custom control panel with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) has the ability to increase the electrical operations of the engine more accurate by reading and monitoring thousands of calculations each second. These logic systems are created with the intent of measuring numerous inputs and output variables, as well as providing protection to electrical noise, and resistance to kinetic disturbances. This technology takes full advantage of the control module and boosts the dependability of the system sensors.
Additionally, marine system management solutions can lengthen the operating life of the vessel. By automating the control system it provides additional safety and efficiency. The software used in control automation is designed with specific requirements to provide reliable support. The ability to preserve investments in hardware and engineering in marine vessels is critical to ship owners. Utilizing this monitoring technology, it can help when it comes to predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is key to avoiding unplanned costs and even more important, unplanned time that would need to be spent onshore for repairs.
Marine electronic systems include low voltage, main switchboards and closed-circuit television. Alarm Monitoring and Safety Systems (AMS); include a variety of sensors, dependent on its own unique objective. Electronic modules include various sensors that measure specifics such as temperature, pressure, main propulsion and auxiliary engine output status. Additionally this includes as sensors for speed, level, rudder angle, as well as environmental sensors. The engine monitoring, alarms, vessel automation, and safety systems significantly assist monitoring and regular maintenance all the while optimizing available power output.
Increasing technological advances has led to continual advancements in the maritime industry. When far away from land, it is critical to have the ability to make informed decisions quickly and with confidence. Finding an electrical solutions partner with expert knowledge and skill can provide economic and operational benefits.
For more information about, Programmable Logic Controls, visit http://www.cmr-group.com/electronics/.

The Generation of Pill Poppers

So why does man want to change his or her way of life? It is because today's world is based on the easy way out or because life has evolved in such a way that even though stuff looks easy it just ain't. After all when we talk about the so called pill popping generation, there is a reason why people do this. One is because of the constant pressure at the workplace, at school or relationships. And the other reason is because one can definitely buy stuff off the internet or over the counter.
However, it is always best to be vigilant before going full hog and believing in something just because it has been touted to be the best solution to an ongoing problem. There is another school of thought that borders on the constant need to use supplements. This is based on the premise that people find it impossible to get over the 'I need this yesterday' refrain that is promoted at every stage of one's life. One invariably has to guzzle away at either a wonder booster that is aimed at getting the mind back in focus. But in the long run these pills can actually pop the life out of you, if you are not vigilant.
On the other hand are the gizmos that do something for the general public. For instance, if one notices something fishy going out in a public space, getting this across to the people in office with a good picture, can do the job. The jury is out on that one however, as to whether a routine picture will get the boisterous lot put away or just spanked. Nevertheless the electronic culture has descended on the common man and it has been proved time and again to be a positive force. When people use it for negative reasons, they have to stand up and answer God finally. So as a means to an end both the scientific and technological tablets have worked their way into the lives of every household. There are reasons why a pill has been awarded the title of 'good touch' rather than the oft used 'bad touch' refrain probably because of the smart use of technology interfaced with medical science! The constant of all roads lead home can probably be used to the advantage in this regard, because a pill popping generation has brought out stuff that the old school would never have thought about, in their wildest dreams.
Conclusion
Everyone likes to pop a pill for something or the other. It doesn't matter whether it is for a headache, cramps or even to lose weight. But there is something else that is in the offing that is ideal for the gizmo aficionados out there.
The old school of thought of a tablet was something that people popped into their mouths. In today's world, it is a gizmo that everyone wants to have. You can buy or sell a tablet very easily nowadays.

Top-Rated Structure and Navigation Extensions for Joomla

Joomla is a popular CMS having very many plugins and a huge community support. For a Joomla website, Structure & Navigation plays a key role and there are loads of extensions for these two things. If navigation is enhanced, a website becomes more user-friendly and its overall value goes up. So, it's important to look for structure and navigation extensions for Joomla. In this write up, we would discuss 10 top-rated structure & navigation extensions for a Joomla website.
Ninja Simple Icon Menu:-
Ninja Simple Icon Menu is a top-rated Joomla module that deals with icon menus. Using this module, the Icon Menus would become even simpler. It enables setting up of a menu system to use icons.
ARI Ext Menu:-
ARI Ext Menu is a top-rated Joomla drop-down menu that offers a wide range of features to users. This module is highly customizable and supports all the popular and modern web browsers. Using this module, it becomes easy to manage horizontal and vertical menu direction.
Vertical Accordion Menu:-
Vertical Accordion Menu is a Joomla module that is rated among the best navigation systems available for Joomla. Using this module, a powerful and totally unmatched user navigation experience is offered to visitors of a Joomla website. Opening or closing the different levels of submenus has become easy with this module and that too, with accordion effect. It means, having a real hierarchical structure is a reality now for users and visitors alike.
ARI YUI Menu:-
ARI YUI Menu is a top-rated and popular module for Joomla that also works as a drop-down menu. It basically works as a powerful drop-down menu of Joomla using the concept of a YUI menu widget. This highly customizable module not only enables horizontal and vertical menu direction, but is also used to make multi-level menu. This module supports all popular and modern day browsers besides supporting RTL languages.
FJ Related Articles Blog and List Component:-
FJ Related Articles Blog and List Component is a top-rated Joomla component that finishes section and category restrictions. Using this component, a blog or list layout can be created on the basis of author and keywords. It means, users are free to have as many menu items as they like- to display articles as per the matching keywords. More so, it enables them to make a choice to restrict articles as per the section or category.
Sexy Image Menu:-
Sexy ImageMenu is a top-rated module of Joomla to add value to image menus. This module has been loaded with some great effects to enable the sliding out vertical accordion tabs. More so, this plugin also enables the adding of some CSS3 properties to add value to the looks. Having this plugin means attractive effects are guaranteed with different images.
Xmap:-
Xmap is a popular and top-rated plugin for Joomla that works as a site map generator. Using this plugin, anyone can design the map of the website structure with the help of available menus. This plugin enables the creation of more than one sitemap where specific preferences have to be given to each sitemap. More so, the generated XML sitemaps would be compatible with major engines like Google, Yahoo etc.
Maxi Menu CK:-
Maxi Menu CK is one of the most extensively used Joomla modules that is known for its range of advance features. The range of features includes multi-columns and horizontal or vertical orientation. Using this module, users have the opportunity to add description for almost each link of the menu. More so, it enables the prospects to retain multiple modules on the same page.
TitleLink:-
TitleLink is a top-rated, useful plugin for Joomla that is used for linking of articles. This extremely essential plugin enables linking between articles of Joomla even without using cryptic hyperlinks. Using this plugin, the chances of breaking article links are reduced even when the changes are applied to the target article. Without needing the article IDs, it ensures that users always get the right links.
XhtmlJunction is known for providing effective PSD to Joomla Conversion transformation at reasonable prices. Order Now