Free Of Business

Everything for Business Products and Services Information

You are here: Home - Innovation - May 2018


Monthly Archives: May 2018

flashlight 1000 lumens – Innovation at Peak!

Flash lights can be used in number of situations. Whether gone for an outing, excursion, hunting etc the flashlight 1000 lumens is a must in all these circumstances. They are of great assistance and help in various ways in expeditions. People need to be careful while purchasing them as the quality matters a lot with flashlight 1000 lumens. The P7-F1 TrustFire is just one quality light in this category. It is an LED light that has three modes for light supply low, strobe and high. >

The emitter type of P7-F1 flashlight 1000 lumens is SSC P7 and the LED circuit is of direct drive type.The spring of such lights bring good amount of solidity and looks to its frame and here too the spring is coated with silver and is made up of steel. In the range of flashlight 1000 lumens this one has a very sleek design and its finish is also very good. The runtime for this flash light is about 1000 lumens for 90 minutes which is also very good in comparison to other lights of the same range.

The material for lens is glass and the tint type of LED is SWO. The construction other than the spring is completely made up of aluminum and the reflector for TrustFire flashlight 1000 lumens is of OP aluminum. It terms of power consumption it runs on a single battery support of model number 18650. The working voltage for this flashlight ranges from 3.7V to 4.2V and to work at its hundred percent capabilities the temperature of the surrounding has to be from 25 to 65 degree centigrade which is a very common range.

The technology used in this is very advanced and with its help the flashlight 1000 lumens offers a very bright and clear light. Being water proof it enables the owner to use it in any type of condition. The flashlight 1000 lumens are quite light in weight and compact in size thus carrying it is also not a problem. These flashlight 1000 lumens offer matchless support for professionals. Patrolling men, searching teams and policemen use them extensively in their work.

The range of light in these flashlight 1000 lumens is quite long and this also makes the work easier. For personal use too these flashlight 1000 lumens accessibility is very good. While camping or mountaineering these flashlight 1000 lumens are of great use for people. In the absence of natural light at night these flash light work wonderfully well to make the work convenient and comfortable.

Tags: , ,

Customer Service Making Every Phone Call Great!

Customer Service: Making Every Phone Call Great!

The phone rings. I answer it with trembling hand, because at the time I was an Eastern Regional Customer Service Manager for Matheson Tri-gas. Outside calls usually meant a displeased customer that asked for the manager. I thought “What did one of my customer service representatives do now?” After taking a deep breath, I answer the call to an anger customer. Funny thing was that the customer did not have a real problem… No late delivery, No billing issue, etc. He just did not like the way the customer service representative talk to him in a gruff manner. In fact, he got the information he needed. This article focuses on how to make every call GREAT!

What makes a GREAT call?
These five points will make your calls go smoothly and inspire that WOW feeling in your customers.

Greet the customer with style
The greeting sets the tone for the call. Before picking up the receiver, you should take a deep breath and get focused in the moment. Ready, Set, Go and answer the call. You need to answer the phone with the same greeting every time. The greeting starts with the “Hi”, “Hello”, “Good morning”, or “Good afternoon”. Next step is to state your company’s name. This might sound simple but you want the customer to know that they reached the right business. Third, you build instant rapport by stating your name. Finally, ask “how may I help you?” This statement leads into our next important topic of the tone of your voice.

Set the tone with your voice
Voice tone is a vital ingredient to the great call. You see, we receive almost 80% of a message through non verbal communication. On the phone, you stripe out all the hand motions, body postures, and facial expressions of a face to face conversation. This leaves you with only the tone of voice for non-verbal communication on the phone. To get the full impact on the phone, I suggest slightly exaggerating your tone of voice and voice inflection. Yes, I know it will feel strange at first, but you don’t want to end up like the customer service rep in the story above. Do you?

Smile
Tom Hopkins, a world renowned speaker on sales, says to place a mirror on your desk and smile before answer the phone. I got all of my customer service rep mirrors for their computers. Why smile? Smiling puts you in the right frame of mind, to answer the call with compassion and empathy. Smiling also affects your voice tone, helping you not sound so gruff. Even if the customer is angry, keep that smile on our face. It will help you control your emotions so that you will remain calm under fire and not get defensive.

Use their name
Nothing builds rapport quicker than using the customer’s name. On the call, you should say there name at least 3 time during the call. If you have difficulty remembering names, the best tip for this is to repeat it back to them. When the customer says “Hi, my name is Tom”, you simply say “Hi Tom, how can I assist you today?” or “Hi Tom, how are you today?” Don’t stop there. I always have a pad and paper next to the phone and write it down. If you can not understand, for example a customer with a heavy accent, I ask them to spell their name. I suggest stating their name at the beginning of the conversation, somewhere in the middle, and at the end, which takes us to the final point of thanking the caller.

Thank the caller
Thanking the caller is an often missed but important step. Thank the caller and make sure you use their name in the process. Instead of just stating goodbye, thank them for using your business. This step makes the customer feel appreciated and leaves a positive last impression.

As you can tell, you can minimize problems and create a great call with slight adjustment to your interaction with the customer. By starting the call with an excellent greeting, a great tone, and super attitude, you benefit by the customers reacting to you more positively. Most importantly, remember to make every call GREAT.

Bmw M3 Parts – Buying Mods For This Already Iconic Car

First manufactured in 1986 with the E30 Chassis, the BMW M Division revolutionized the performance street car category with the E30 BMW M3. The E30 BMW M3 was first offered in a street version to allow the BMW M Division to qualify for the touring racing series that was further popularized by top race teams such as Hamann, AC Schnitzer and Pro Drive.
The BMW M3 was so wildly popular among BMW enthusiasts that the M Division was established and the next generation BMW M3 was produced with the E36 M3. The M3 tradition continued with the revolutionary 333HP S54 Powered E46 M3 and now the new S65 V8 powered E90 M3, E92 M3 and E93 M3. The M division specializes in taking standard BMW 3-Series cars and tweaking them for maximum performance and lightweight design. While the M division is very good at producing gains, they do leave room to improve power, decrease weight and enhance handling for the BMW M3.
There is a whole range of BMW M3 Parts available that enhance performance, handling and looks over the standard BMW M3.

BMW M3 Performance Parts
To enhance flow, performance and sound, many drivers opt for high flow cold air intakes and free flowing exhaust systems for the BMW M3 from the likes of aFe, Remus, Eisenmann, Vorsteiner and Akrapovic. Performance air intakes for the BMW M3 are crucial to maximize flow and maximize the amount of cold air taken in by the S54, S65 and other high performance engines.
BMW M3 exhausts are a great way to improve the sound and add to the performance of a BMW M3 cold air intake. Remus exhausts for BMW are the standard for performance exhaust systems for the BMW M3. In addition, the Eisenmann exhausts for the BMW M3 are a great German made alternative for maximum quality and flow.

BMW M3 Exterior Parts
The BMW M3 comes from the factory with upgraded aerodynamics from the M division to maximize downforce and reduce drag. However, there are many choices from BMW Matte black grills to BMW M3 side gills to BMW shadow badges to make your BMW M3 stand out from the crowd.
In addition, the Vorsteiner series of aerodynamics for the E46 M3 and E92 M3 will provide functional design and lightweight CF construction. The Vorsteiner Aero Bootlid for the E92 M3 is a popular addition that reduces weight and alters downforce due to the heightenedd rear spoiler. Vorsteiner has raised the bar with the Vorsteiner GTRS3 Widebody package which is a custom lightweight widebody kit for the E92 M3. This kit will allow for wider wheels and enhanced drag coefficient for maximum performance on or off the road.

BMW M3 Wheels
The BMW M division provides a very lightweight 19″ forged package for their E92 M3 however many opt for 3 piece forged, 1 piece monoblock or lightweight track wheels to reduce unsprung weight. Among the most popular choices include the ADV forged wheels, Vorsteiner forged wheels, HRE forged wheels, DPE forged wheels, ADVAN forged wheels for BMW and much more. These are custom produced to order and provide a larger diameter without increasing weight. This will have the effect of maintaining the stock BMW performance while improving the looks and handling of your vehicle with wider wheels and tires.

BMW M3 Suspension
The BMW M division spends a tremendous amount on R…D for the ideal BMW M3 suspension. However, it can be improved upon with several options including H…R Sport Springs for the BMW M3, E92 M3 RD Sport Springs and the Eibach Pro package for the BMW M3. These are spring packages that work with the factory shocks and EDC system to lower the car for alterd look and lower center of gravity. The combination of look and performance alterment is very acclaimed among BMW M3 drivers.
If you are after an adjustable suspension setup for your BMW M3, then the best option are coilers including KW Coilovers for BMW, H…R Coilovers for BMW and Bilstein PSS10 coilovers. These are height and in some cases rebound and compression adjustable to alter the ride height and ride quality.
The M division does a great job from the factory to alter the handling, looks and performance of a standard BMW 3-Series. However, there are a variety of BMW M3 parts to set your BMW M3 apart from the crowd.

You can read more about BMW M3 Parts as well as other BMW Upgrades at Jlevi StreetWerks.

How Shadow It Is Reshaping The Role Of The Cio

It used to be that IT departments chose the technology and devices employees used. They purchased volume licenses of client software like Microsoft Office and large enterprise software programs that they installed on expensive hardware in data centers they managed. In the last 10 years, however, there has been a surge in free or low cost consumer services that allow people to accomplish many of the same things as traditional enterprise software. Employees also expect to be able to use the latest smart phones and tablets, and have all their information available on any device, from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

The traditional role of the CIO as the gatekeeper of technology is changing as a result. IT departments which used to be focused solely on building and running internal infrastructure are struggling to keep up in a world where employees can use thousands of cloud services. With cloud services, even though the responsibility for running the application and provisioning hardware is transferred to the provider, the CIO is still responsible for regulatory compliance and corporate governance for enterprise data stored in the cloud. As a result, CIOs have found themselves in the unpopular position of saying no to the cloud services employees feel they need to do their jobs.

However, when you block popular cloud services like Dropbox or Skype, people are motivated to find a way around you. At the same time as IT is struggling with new expectations of what its role should be in the company. The challenge for CIOs 5-10 years ago was providing the same IT services internally with fewer resources. They looked to outsourcing and offshoring to reduce cost and improve corporate margins. Now the expectation is that IT should be actively collaborating with other areas of the company to find creative ways to grow the business. To accomplish this, CIOs will need to embrace cloud services and proactively identify new ways to enable employees to be more productive and reach their customers in a new way.

This transformation will likely result in the IT organization shrinking in terms of headcount but increasing in its influence. CIOs will need to build stronger relationship with their C-level peers and the board. Today, the majority of CIOs (77%) see partnering with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) as critical to success, but far fewer CMOs (57%) agree this alignment is important. The first step of this transformation includes understanding the scope of Shadow IT usage across the organization to assess how business units are embracing new technology.

There are thousands of cloud services available and the first step is understanding which ones are being used by employees. The average company uses 545 different cloud services, each with differing levels of risk. IT departments need to assess the risks of services objectively in order to understand which ones are enterprise-ready and therefore should be promoted and supported across the organization. This exercise not only reduces overall risk and improves compliance, it can also improve collaboration. The average organization uses 19 different file sharing services. It becomes very difficult to share documents for different projects when theyre split across Box, Dropbox, Hightail, and Egnyte. Standardizing on one or two services can accelerate collaboration and the company can benefit from volume licensing compared to individual teams buying the service on a corporate credit card.

Another way to look at this shift for IT is to look at how supply chains have evolved over the last 20 years. Vertically integration has given way to an ecosystem of just-in-time parts suppliers and low cost shipping worldwide. IT should think about its mandate the same way. There is an ecosystem of cloud that must be selected and work together to drive the business forward. By focusing on the business objectives and less on the actual day to day infrastructure maintenance, the CIO becomes a much more strategic part of the business and company itself benefits.

Blackberry Bold 9780- A smart innovation by the most powerful series

Blackberry mobile phones are the perfect examples of the innovative technology and smart business features. The bold series of the Blackberry is revolutionizing the gadget market and users want to have the phones from this series. One of the latest blackberry phones by the brand is Bold 9780 that is achieving an unexpected popularity in UK market. There are numerous mobile phone deals available in market offered by the prominent networks like Vodafone, O2, Orange and three. This is a candy bar device that is very soothing to your eyes as well.

The smart offering Blackberry Bold 9780 comes packed with the large 2.44 inches TFT screen that is capable enough to support 65k colors. The gadget is equipped with the full QWERTY keypad to give you a great experience of sending emails and texts. It has an internal memory storage of 256MB that is expandable up to 32GB. The device will offer you great connectivity through several wireless applications like GPRS, EDGE, WiFi, 3G and much more. It runs with the latest Blackberry OS 6.0 that is compatible with the fast processor to enhance the efficiency of this device.

Users can get this latest offering by Blackberry through the great Blackberry Bold 9780 deals at affordable rates. These deals are quite beneficial and meeting the expectations of users. These days users are following the contract deals where one have to sign a bond period with the network provider by paying the fixed monthly amount for a period. Orange is offering the cheapest contract deal at a monthly cost of 17.56 for 24months. In this deal users are offered with the great offers and free gifts.

Get more news about Blackberry bold 9780 and Latest blackberry phones

Energy Drink

Advocare Spark Energy Drink Product Review

Energy drinks are typically soft drinks advertised as providing energy to improve physical activity of the drinker. Aside from providing food energy, these drinks are designed to increase a user’s mental alertness and physical performance by the addition of caffeine, vitamins, and herbal supplements which may interact to provide a stimulant effect over and above that obtained from caffeine alone. With this, the Advocare Company provides their best selling product of energy drink- Advocare Spark Energy Drink.

Advocare Spark Energy Drink gives pure energy by increasing your mental focus, loses weight and get in shape, and sustains energy. It has 21 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, sugar-free and only 45 calories that help fight drowsiness and reduce free radicals. It is a cutting edge formulation that contains the right ingredients to give you the energy that your body required to live life to the fullest and to the extent. It contains an effective amount of caffeine to give you the quick boost you’re looking for. It has the right blend of B-vitamins which enhances your body’s natural ability to produce and carry on energy. It is added with neuroactives that help to increase your mental focus.

Together the 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients in Advocare Spark Energy Drink work synergistically to provide a healthy, balanced and effective source of energy that won’t overstrain or fuel your body like most energy drinks on the market.
This energy drink is sugar-free and contains only 45 calories per serving a great nutritional health supplement that is enough to boost your energy. It is also available in mandarin orange, fruit punch, grape, citrus and cherry flavors.

Advocare Spark Energy Drink is ideal for anyone who has trouble waking up, feels energy slumps throughout the day, can’t work up enough energy to live the way you want, and is looking for a more nutritious alternative to coffee, soda, caffeine, or other energy drinks.

What are the key ingredients of the product? These are B-Vitamin Complex that play important roles in cell metabolism, Taurine that is beneficial for adult human blood pressure and the alleviation of other cardiovascular ailments, L-tyrosine that is a nonessential amino acid which is a protein building block that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine (another amino acid), Choline which is a water-soluble essential nutrient, Caffeine that can make you more alert and give you a boost of energy, and GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) which act as a natural calming and anti-epileptic agent in the brain.

By using this product it will helps you stay focused on whatever you’re doing. Whether it is working out or any quantity of work you want. You feel like you can concentrate and perform better. If you feel like you need a boost later in the day then you’ll just mix a spark and keep going. With its different flavors, you will certainly enjoy it. Then go great with rehydrate drink, catalyst, and carb ease. Advocare Spark Energy Drink is here for you to be energized once more to keep you on the move and gives you the energy you needed most that the other energy drink cannot give.

The Internet Home Business Success Rate Is Only 5%. How Can You Improve The Odds

Did you know that only 1 out of every 20 internet home business seekers fail? I knew that it was bad, but I had no idea that 95% of the millions of people who attempt to make money online never succeed. It is too bad, creating home business income is an incredibly life changing thing to do. A home business can create multiple streams of income for you, passive income that can allow you to become financially free and even develop lasting wealth. But you need to succeed in order too enjoy all the benefits, and so you will want to do things differently than the masses of individuals who never make it very far. Improving the odds for your own home internet home business success is quite possible, there are just a few things that you need to know before getting started.

For starters, you need to be sure that you really want to pursue a home business. There are far too many individuals who for some reason think that the internet is a path to instant riches. While you can grow rich online, as millions have done, and while it is quicker than traditional business ventures, creating a successful and profitable business from home takes time, effort, and consistent work. People who are looking for a way to get rich without working are much more likely to quit when things do not flourish instantly. Success in any areas of life takes time and effort, and working form home is no different. So before you even get started, make sure that you are ready to invest time and energy into your new business.

Another common pitfall of internet business seekers is choosing unreliable opportunities that are either scams or that will not last very long. Most internet business programs fail within their first year, which can be very frustrating for those who invested months of time into them. I have successfully earned money from several internet income programs, all of which have been around for several years or more. Often the people who fall for scams or unreliable programs are those same people who think the internet is a place to get rich without work. Scammers prey on these types of individuals. They create hyped up ads that usually have no real substance, and they make ridiculous promises. People who do not look at the internet as a place to build a real home business and just want to get rich without work are more likely to fall for these novelty “opportunities.”

Simply by realizing that it takes time and effort to create a profitable income online, and taking the time to research possible opportunities to choose the best to work with, you will be improving your odds for success in the home business arena. If you find a reliable program, commit to investing time each day into it, and never give up, you will succeed as a home business owner. If there is one other piece of advice that I can offer that will give you a huge advantage, it is to invest in your knowledge of marketing online. Internet marketing is a crucial component to making money online, and those who can market the best earn the most. There are many books on internet marketing, and by reading a few of them you will be giving yourself the tools of online home business success.

Penis Bigger Naturally With Natural Home Remedies

Absence of sperms in the seminal fluid. This happens in a baby atom of cases, and it can be due to a blockage or disability to anatomy sperms. This can be detected by a biopsy

Your physique requires assertive nutrients and supplements to aftermath agent that are applicable in agriculture an ovum or an egg. Foods that are affluent in zinc accept been actual able in ascent the agent calculation and acts as sex booster.

Shilajit or mineral angle is an organo-mineral contains herbal origin. It is one of the mainly almighty ayurvedic amative herbs that are actual advantageous in acclimation the incorrect curvature. Shilajit has been one of the a lot of acclaimed ayurvedic herbs that accept been acclimated in absolute animal evils as ages.

Ashwagandha – It is one of the a lot of admired herbs acclimated in alleviative a ample ambit of illnesses. It helps in suppressing vata dosha in the physique and works as a accepted physique toner and provides physique with added akin of activity and zeal. It is a aces accustomed amative and a able animal analeptic and helps to amusement assorted diseases like accelerated climax, abstention and anemic erection. It is frequently accepted as Indian ginseng and is awful able in advocacy macho libido.

This indicates we chase the 21 aegis and arete accomplish that are all-important if developing decree pills. Several supplements do not yield this attention in developing because they are not all-important by law to do so. We are assured that the added arete and aegis agreement is account the added cost.

Ashwagandha is some what accompanying to physique pains and animal health. This assemble is balmy in authority and is actual able in annoyance the vata amusement abatement thereby suppressing physique pains, arthritis and low activity levels. The withanoids present in Ashwagandha helps this assemble to accomplish in this way. Due to its admirable after-effects in accretion the admiration and animal desires it is actual frequently accepted as “Indian Ginseng”.

Low agent calculation antidote aswell cover afterward austere dieting brash by bloom affliction provider. One has to accord up booze and tobacco in any form. Too abundant masturbation, according to Ayurveda, may aswell abate the agent calculation and that is why it is avoided. Also, cutting too bound underwear may abate agent calculation and their activity and appropriately to be avoided

It is an important accustomed supplement that is actual accessible in awakening and aswell in advantageous any affectionate of absence occurring in the body. It is a agrarian assemble that is begin growing in agrarian in built-in places in India. It is accepted as asparagus racemosus in botanical terms. It provides backbone and backbone to the body. In ayurvedic arrangement of anesthetic shatavari is acclimated in diseases such as impotence, attenuated animal activities, decreased action of animal organs, affronted animal organs and abnormally in spermatorrhea.

Tags:

-Benefits of Management Training and how to grow your business knowledge

Perfection comes only after practise and practise is very first thing required for the growth and to speed up whatever is desired. Therefore to achieve success in each and every field of training plays an important role in overall development. Were importance of training is on high level therefore training has high points in business too. Training is not only essential for getting technical employees but it also leads to have mark up on talent of the trainee too. Business is considered to be science as well as arts. Business being science works on certain formulas and concepts that are required to be grasped on priority basis by all its members. On other hand business is regarded as an art which in itself requires creativity, alertness, innovation and more important logical understanding. For the improvement and generation of all this points at high level several training are required on priority basis.

>

Business management training is a way to provide the employees and its working unit knowledge and understanding of the business and its strategy of working. Business management training includes in it every aspect starting from planning, execution, controlling, and understanding, working and commanding. Training is provided with the educational session for a better understanding. Under the training knowledge regarding maintenance of inventory that includes calculation of MOQ. It also includes deciding about the method of calculation of inventory whether to use FIFO (first in first out), LIFO (last in last out) or Average method. Training the individual about the strategy which should be adopted in various unfortunate circumstances of business. Management Training includes all the aspects which provide helpful hand in making the vision and mission of the management unit from strong to strongest point. Management training is all about providing the candidate with best training so that the individual talent gets boost up well.

With the changing scenario as all the things are now available just on one click in same manner training is also available. Just one click is recommended to online scenario. Now the management and business training is available online. Under online training individual gets non comparable benefits of it. With the help of online training now the trainee is not required to disturb its busy schedule. Even the more beneficial thing is online management training is available without paying any cost. Many training institute provide online free training and classes for helping the desired category. Choosing online training will help the individual in studying at the time when feel convenient. Formality of getting registered is not also and not required in many cases. Quick completion of the training is also a plus point while you choose online training. As with this option training course gets completed in few weeks. Some of the training programs also provide facility of providing individual certificate on the completion of each lesson along with the certificate on full completion of course.

All what can be said about the importance of training is that it will lead you with the power to analyse the situations better and gives a development factor to the educational program.

Management Training provided best way to employees and its working unit knowledge and understanding of the business and its strategy of working .

Supply Chain Management And Logistics Exam

Question 1: Push and Pull Supply Chain Strategies and Centralized vs decentralized strategies

a) MBD should consider implementing a push-pull strategy. This is because the company is in such a position where it needs to inform other book retailers about the services that it offers hence the need for the push strategy. However, in order to curb demand uncertainty, the company could only be delivering the books that have been requested for by the retailers. (Harrison, Hau & Neale, 2005)

In order to deal with the push aspect of their distribution strategies, the company ought to invest in a lot of advertisement to its retail booksellers. It also requires a forecast of long term issues affecting the company. On top of that, it would be necessary to examine all the past orders made by customers with regard to certain warehouses so as to understand how the demand patterns works. This would also mean that the company will require large production batches and large safety stock in order to meet client requirements.

However, in order to curb the negative effects of the push system, it will also be favorable to include the pull system. This is because the books delivered to specific book retailers will be the ones that are actually needed by them and what the company thinks should be sold. This aspect will require fewer inventories for the company. Additionally, MBD will need to spread their knowledge across other supply chain partners. This may require serious coordination levels but will eventually reduce the lead times that have been assigned to a specific book type.

b) MBD has the option of maintaining their intermediaries through the Distribution centers when tackling distribution to superstores. Additionally, they could choose to deliver the books to these superstores personally. While the distribution centers have been enhancing communication and encouraging greater flow of money, they have been rendered powerless by the power of the retailers. Most of these superstores are dictating terms to MBD thus minimizing their profit margins. In order to reduce the losses experienced by these companies in the specific area under consideration, it would be favorable for MBD to do direct selling where they can negotiate terms and curb extra expenses.

However, when dealing with the online stores, it would be favorable for the company to adopt a different distribution strategy. Since these companies usually assign MBD with the task of delivering goods to their clientele directly, then it would be favorable for the company to consider provision of certain wholesaling functions alone. In other words, in order to enhance efficiency, then it would be favorable to adopt a streamlined system for the production of most of their products.

c) MBD can benefit from changes in its distribution strategies by reducing the amount of lead time that the company needs to take in order to deliver books to their clientele. Additionally, the company will benefit from greater accuracy in their distributional approach because their work will be more coordinated. It would be plausible to consider changes in distribution because it can encourage greater returns to the company. Supply chains are just as important as any other aspect of production and if managed properly, they can lead to greater output levels. Lastly, changes in distribution can also cause lead to other non-financial benefits such as increased safety or better ergonomics. (IIMM, 2007)

d) Having fewer ware houses and greater centralization can add to the value offered by any given company due to the following reasons. First of all, it allows greater understanding of the logistics process thus allowing an identification of the strengths and weakness inherent in that particular company. Additionally, it allows a given company to control volumes present in its warehouses. This means that changes in inventory levels can be adequately monitored. This also implies that turn rates can also be assessed. Through these analyses, companies can then determine types of materials that are needed to meet client needs. (Gallagher, ODwyer & Maher, 2000)

On the other hand, decentralization may also benefit the company because it allows greater customization of service provision. This is because there is a high degree of personalization by the companys representatives since logistical decisions do not have to pass through central logistics mangers or leaders alone.

Logistics strategy
a) Sometimes, internal logistics may be the best way to go for a company if supply chain management serves as a value additional point. If the latter part of production plays an important role in sustaining competitive advantage, then it would be wiser to stick to internal logistics.

In other scenarios, a companys internal capabilities may be sufficient enough to handle supply chain logistics. Consequently, the need to employ external parties may not be necessary. In other words, when the technology, infrastructure and core competencies within a certain company have not been surpassed, then it is advisable to continue utilizing internal logistics expertise. (Hamilton, 2008)

Sometimes, the culture within a specific company may not fall in line with that respective companys logistical strategies. This means that even if a company has assessed its logistics requirements and found that there is a need to employ external parties, prevailing organizational culture may make it impossible to do so and this may undermine the success of outsourcing. Consequently, such companies would rather stick to what they know best i.e. internal logistics expertise.

b) Acquiring a company with this expertise may also be another option owing to the fact that certain challenges or opportunities may occur within a given company thus heightening the need to consult with other categories or persons. Usually, this may be necessary when the firm under consideration has specialized in a certain logistical areas. One such example is a technological company. In order to optimize large supply chains, it may be necessary for respective companies to consider alternatives such as automation or the use of information technology. Such functions may eventually become part of supply chain management and will need to be constantly monitored by those respective providers. It would therefore be plausible to acquire such companies. By doing this, companies can deliver goods at a faster pace and a lower price.

c) A company would be better off developing a strategy then employing external partners to carry out their strategy for them instances where the company under consideration would like to focus its energies on its core competency functions. This means that when companies want to increase the rate at which their revenue is growing, then they should consider this as a viable option. Also, in the event that a company would like to differentiate the kind of services which they offer to the public, then it would be plausible to consider differentiation as an appropriate method for service delivery. (Hamilton, 2008)

Many companies tend to turn to deployment of logistics functions so as to ensure that their internal logistics costs are transferred from them to other external parties. This allows them to stick to the overall distribution strategy but reduce economic repercussions of their logistics chains.
d) In certain instances, companies may require a third partys help in developing their logistics strategies owing to the fact that some supply chain expertise may not be present internally. Usually, this may occur when a company desires to change their logistics systems to incorporate consumer demand. Additionally, it may be necessary to include third parties in strategies formation when a company chooses to go global and they lack little internal knowledge about the intricacies of global logistics. (Paul, 2007)

Sometimes some companies may employ the services of an external partner in strategy formulation in the event that they want to maximize their production levels but lack the knowledge on how this can be achieved practically. Usually, this can occur when the company under consideration has been operating below its profit margins or when it has been underutilizing its resources or time.
Information technology and its role in logistics

Technology can be very instrumental in the process of delivering parcels for United Parcel Services Incorporated. This is usually as a result of a series of areas that may have been improved through technology. For instance, automated warehousing processes assists in stacking parcels or commodities in an efficient method and also retrieving them easily. Consequently, the driver under consideration will save time by utilizing these automated systems to retrieve books whenever there is need to deliver them.

Also, storage systems can be linked to distribution systems through computerization. Consequently, the driver under consideration may have a greater chance of improving system performance through technology.
Technology can also enhance the efficiency of parcel delivery by providing a tracking system. This will go long way in ascertaining that all the respective books are delivered to the right clientele and that this is done quickly and efficiently. (Harrison, Hau & Neale, 2005)

Before incorporation of greater amounts of manpower in product delivery, it was necessary to employ a large employee base to deliver a number of goods. This was because the entire process of storing, retrieving and arranging parcels was done by human beings. However, with the advent of technology, this is no longer the case. The United Parcel Services driver needs not deal with a wide variety of co-workers who will only increase the bureaucracy or confusion during service delivery. It is now possible for the driver to perform all these functions through the use of automated systems.

Rack structures within the delivering vehicle can be improved through employment of technology. For instance, rack structures can be improved through the use of palletized unit loads. These racks are usually standardized and greatly assist in the process of either placing books within the delivery system or retrieving them from there. Consequently, the process of unloading and loading is much faster today than it was in other decades where these technological systems had not been introduced. (IIMM, 2007)

Sometimes, some companies employ the use of machines to retrieve or sore material or parcels. In this case United Parcel Services Incorporated can employ this method when performing those functions. For instance, the company could use an S/R machine whose major function is to retrieve or store parcels. It allows a series of automated maneuvers that can be conducted by the driver. Some of these include accurate positioning of the parcels, high lifts for the products and locating where the product or parcel may be. It should be noted that the machine utilized pulley systems that come in various designs. Sometimes a series of parcels can be picked by the machine at any one time or simply one unit can be retrieved. This goes a long way in enhancing the retrieval process.

It is also possible to deploy the use of carousels. Carousels are applicable in cases where both vertical and horizontal movements of the load or parcel are required. Usually, vertical systems are preferred when there is a need to use a cube system. However, in cases where picking needs to be done in a conventional method, then there may be a need to employ robotic arms for this process.

There are also certain methodologies that permit linkages of warehouse staff. For instance, if the driver under consideration was working with other employees, then he would have a chance of improving his communication mechanisms by talking with them through radio frequency data terminal. This technology would allow the driver to be able to determine whether the respective colleagues actually have delivered a certain book to certain clients thus minimizing the chances of collisions or time wastage. (Hamilton, 2008)
International logistics strategy

a) For a manager dealing with a small company, then it would be favorable to embrace a hedge strategy.
b) This is because the company will be able to distribute its risk evenly in those various locations. There are a series of problems that companies have to deal with whenever they choose to direct their distributional functions
internationally. For instance, there may differences in infrastructure between the mother country and the other country chosen for distribution. Besides this, there may be problems faced in the business environment such as
standardized equipment
post dated checks
cultural differences
foreign government issues
requirements for success
If the target company chosen is located in the third world, then chances are that those respective partners may not have sufficient infrastructure to support the logistical requirements of that company. However, it may be possible to find that that third world country may have cheap labor necessary to coordinate logistics services. Consequently in order to deal with the inefficiencies in one country, then it is necessary to offset these problems by investing in another country.

For instance, if the other country chosen for investment is in the first world, then chances are that they would have better infrastructure or less cultural and political differences with the mother country. However, first world country would have high labor cost and these can be a problem. As it can be seen hedging will help the electronics company to compensate for the lack of certain features in one country through the prevalence of those features in another and this can go a long way in minimizing their risk. Small companies have minimal resources, consequently, they cannot afford to take up too much risk as it would harm them tremendously if their risk did not translated into rewards
c) If the electronics firm was a large firm, then it would be advisable to employ a flexible distributional strategy.

d) This is because a flexible strategy allows the company to embrace operational exposure. This is only possible if the company employing this strategy has excess capacity. Since it is a large firm then excess capacity is not a problem and it can therefore implement it. This strategy also requires a series of distribution channels and this is also plausible for a large company. Besides these, the electronic manufacturer would require numerous suppliers which is likely to be the case if it is a large firm. (Hamilton, 2008)

The flexible strategies require that a companys coordinating mechanisms be improved tremendously. Again, since this is large firm, then chances are that it may have efficient coordination. A small firm would not b bale to effectively implement the flexible strategy because it requires the use of heavy capital investment which would only possible after conducting business for a long time or if there are already high levels of returns emanating from the company under consideration.

This kind of strategy would assist the company in improving its political leverage within any company under consideration. It would also help them in the process of improving its availability.

Dimensions related to supply chain management
a) Distribution would go a long way in boosting conformance requirements. This is because through transportation functions in supply chain management, it is possible for goods to reach the consumer or retailer for intermediaries. Transportation function are essential because they can either make or break the supply chain. Their choice determines the speed with which products reached their intended consumers and also the condition of the products before reaching those receptive areas. For instance, the use of air transport would ensure that goods reach consumers in good conditions and as fast as possible. (Paul, 2007)

Additionally, supply chain management ensures that goods are stored in the right manner so as to ensure that they can be easily retrieved when needed, that their volume is sufficient enough to meet consumer demand and that they keep goods in the best conditions.
Supply chain management also streamlines the buying or selling process that companies must engage in. If supply chain management is not done well, then goods and services will not be produced or delivered in the right manner and this may eventually hamper conformation processes.
b) Product selection is also an inevitable function in supply chain management. This is because through the latter mechanism, companies can be able to standardize their products. Also, through logistics handling, products may be graded depending on their respective categories and this goes a long way in improving marketing functions or competitive advantage.

c) Supply chain management can also be linked to price through a series of ways. First of all, the decision to offer discounts to retailers can increase the competitive advantage for any one product and this can go a long way in promoting a companys ability to excel. Additionally, many retailers are well aware of the pricing of a number of competitors. Consequently, when their suppliers offer them certain low price ranges, then they may opt to take their business elsewhere and this goes a long way in promoting their performance. (Gallagher, ODwyer & Maher, 2000)

d) Supply chain management can impact on a companys ability to compete though value added services. For instance, a large number of companies use the aspect of fast and efficient delivery as an item that promotes competitive advantage. Consequently, when those respective companies are able to streamline their supply chain management functions to achieve those goals, then they can boost their competiveness.

e) Relationships and experiences are also another pathway that supply chain management can utilize to add to a certain companys competitive advantage. For instance, supply chain management provides a link between suppliers to a certain company prior to production and they also act as link to the respective retailers. This means that through this function, the company can easily understand the mechanisms that other companies use to source their products and this therefore enhances a certain business process.

Additionally, marketing is fundamental in understanding the way the world of retail works. They usually add efficiency to these relationships and also promote a wider client reach through the processes that they institute.

Reference

Gallagher, S., ODwyer, M. & Maher, J. (2000): The importance of a distribution strategy within the farmhouse cheese industry, Irish marketing review, 12, 3, 67-78
Harrison, T., Hau, L. & Neale, J. (2005): The practice of supply chain management, Springer Publishers, p 35-46
IIMM (2007): Automated warehousing perspectives and trends; Associated press, p 12-30
Hamilton, S. (2008): Must Chemical companies outsource logistics to save money?, ChemLogix White paper, p 3-17
Paul, S. (2007): The impact of technology on distribution of books; Publishing research quarterly, 4, 4, 87-90