Most of the companies in the cut throat environment spend all their energies into building their products, marketing them; and as the company starts growing in size literally, everyone is happy. As the company grows, it starts to buy equipment, expand, occupy more floor space, moving the old but still usable items into storage. Sometimes the company plans for the future expansions, and buys the necessary equipment in advance and stores them.
When the economy favors, the most of the companies go into overdrive and hire people in big numbers. Accordingly the company has to invest in the equipment these people would be using. Alternatively such companies upgrade their equipments and unlike small startups which sells/exchanges the old equipments; the big companies store them as a backup for emergencies.
When a company has no idea how much is lying unused in its storage facilities, especially IT companies, it’s a nightmare waiting to happen. Some companies have no idea how much equipment is on its office premises.
There is a popular story doing the rounds in the IT circle highlighting the inventory management woes. CFO & CIO of a major company were inspecting their warehouse. One of them pointed to a dusty old box and asked the other about its contents. They found a $2 million server that had been gathering dust for over a year.
Imagine the last time someone in your office borrowed something from you – a report, a file, even a ruler. Did you get it back in a timely manner? If the item was inconsequential, you probably weren’t too concerned. But if the item was vital to your work, you felt differently. Now, imagine you rely on a piece of shared equipment to do your work, and people are constantly using it and forgetting to return it.
If old equipments are given away or otherwise disposed, but not taken off the books, companies must continue to pay property taxes on them to the government. A case in point is that of a company in U.S. that paid millions of dollars in taxes on 20,000 computers it no longer possessed.
I have just one simple answer to this solution - RFID. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.
A typical RFID system has three components, tags, reader and RF unit. The RF reader sends out RF waves that are received by the RF tag within the reader's range. The tag in turn, sends information back to the reader, also in the form of RF waves. Then the RF reader transfers this information to RF unit.
Imagine, one wants to keep track of all the office equipment. All one has to do is place RFID Tags on these equipment and optimizing the tag placement for accurate reads. When an inventory check has to be done all one has to do is to walk around the office with a RFID Reader (PDT) in hand. The tags receive incoming radio frequency signals emitted by a portable data terminal (PDT) with RFID tag reader. The incoming radio signals energize the tag, causing the tag to transmit its identification data back to the PDT.
All RFID tags within range respond when interrogated by the reader, no matter where they are located. The assets in each room are recorded by location using a supported PDT. Asset status is recorded as missing, invalid, or valid so you know what is missing, misplaced, and present.
The benefits of RFID go beyond tracking capabilities. RFID tags provide more sophisticated data protection, where data stored on barcodes provide no protection from being copied. RFID tags provide greater accuracy in sustaining data. The tags store information in a long-lasting microchip, instead of barcode labels which may deteriorate over time and sometimes must be reapplied. RFID tags provide better data security because RFID tags cannot be cloned as easily as barcode labels.
RFID reduce the time you spend taking physical inventory by up to 75%. Efficiently locate and identify assets in an entire room because line-of-sight scanning is not required. You'll eliminate sore knees and backs from bending and searching.
With the complete details of the assets in hand a company will be able to quickly attend to the requests raised. Resources management comes with inventory tracking functionality.
Other Applications Of RFID:
Inventory Monitoring And Asset Visibility – Smart Shelves:
In a replenishment-based system, whenever the total inventory at a warehouse or distribution center drops below a certain level, the RFID enabled system could place an automatic order. RFID-tagged products will allow stores to track the location and count of inventories in real time. This will better monitor demand for certain products and place orders to prevent an out-of-stock situation. The high levels of inventory monitoring obtained using RFID can particularly benefit FMCG industries.
On the retailing side, RFID technology at the point-of-sale (PoS) can be used to monitor demand trends or to build a probabilistic pattern of demand. This application could be useful for apparel industry or products exhibiting high levels of dynamism in trends.
Reduced Bullwhip Effect:
Exaggeration of demand in upward direction in a supply chain network is termed as Bullwhip effect. Due to tracking limitations of conventional systems it may not be possible to get accurate information on actual sales of items; that will amplify the magnitude of the bullwhip effect. If RFID systems are used for information collection, accurate and real time information on product sale can be captured and used for decision making. This will definitely help to reduce overall bullwhip effect. Reducing bullwhip effect would benefit industries where instances of supply-demand imbalances have high costs attached to it.
Lead-Time Reduction:
Conventional systems limit tracking of items while being transported. RFID Systems gives a total visibility of product movement in the supply chain. This may help to make early decisions about inventory control in case there is any interruption in the supply. It partially or completely eliminates time and effort required for counting while loading/unloading the items. This results into reduction of total lead-time for arrival of an order. Pharmaceutical industry, perishable product industry could use RFID systems for reducing lead-times that will help to increase total useful shelf life of items.
RFID For Inventory Control Improves Sort/Pick Rate:
In a warehouse, sorting/picking activity is more time consuming and subjected to errors. For example, for issuing of items from a store, a person has to find out whether the item is available in store or not by physically moving to the location. Items issued should be kept in a particular position (bar-code upward) in a pallet for scanning/billing purposes. RFID systems ease the sorting and picking operations, as it captures real-time, accurate information about product availability in host computer database without physical movement. RFID tags are read via radio frequencies therefore it is not mandatory to place the items in a particular position to read it. This could be helpful for effective warehouse management.
Reduced Inventory Shrinkage:
As items are continuously monitored, Inventory shrinkages including thefts, misplacement of items can be avoided using RFID technology.
Perishable Inventory Control:
A perishable product has limited useful life and if it is not handled properly while transporting, it may get spoiled and its useful life reduces. If this reduced life information of items is not updated, then it may be possible that an outdated item gets delivered to a customer. In such a case, there may be an additional cost of replacement of item and also loss of goodwill of customer. Such spoilage could be reduced simultaneously with automating inventory management, by using RFID technology for product identification, while it moves through the supply chain. RFID system can track the items in real time without product movement, scanning or human involvement. Using active RFID tags it can be possible to update information on it dynamically.
Issuing Policies
RFID systems give exact count and location of items. This will help to follow a certain issuing policies for items as per the requirements. E.g.: First-in-first-out (FIFO) policy for items such as, vegetables, bread; or last-in-first-out (LIFO) for blood banks.
Thus, we see the advantages in employing RFID for effective Inventory Management.
Source: IntelliTrack, DecisionCraft
Yahoo has released a new beta of its Mac messenger application allowing users to make free PC-to-PC calls. Users will also be able to leave voice messages and send SMS messages using their Mac.
It has the voice chat function and with this new version one can do PC-to-PC calls like iChat or Skype for free. If you want to make calls to mobile or land lines, you can sign-up for a Phone Out account. Phone In accounts are also available if you want people to be able to call you from any phone.
Yahoo Messenger for Mac also includes Tabbed IM windows, Chat rooms, Message archiving, Webcam support, Conferences and File Transfers.
With this new version, you can make free PC-to-PC calls or sign up for a Phone Out account to make calls from your Mac to regular or mobile phones worldwide for as low as 1¢ a minute.
The new Mac user will find all the features that were promised at the Macworld 2007 show.
Also includes:
* Stealth settings
* Conferencing
* "New IM" indicator in the OS X dock
* Tabbed conversations
* Message archiving
* Stay connected from your mobile phone
* Automatic updates
Check this video of the new Yahoo! Messenger for Mac that demonstrates the new features.
Test it now...and send your valuable feedback to Yahoo! here.
Sure hope you guys will enjoy it! :)
The split would be into
According to the Associated Press Motorola Inc. has announced plans to separate its struggling handset business from other operations, forming two separate publicly traded companies.
The split into a mobile devices business and a broadband and mobility services business is to take place in 2009 and will take the form of a tax-free distribution.
Motorola said the handset business will operate separately from another company that will encompass its home and networks business, which sells TV set-top boxes and modems, and its enterprise mobility solutions, which sells computing and communications equipment to businesses.
Chief Executive Greg Brown said, "Our priorities have not changed with today's announcement. We remain committed to improving the performance of our Mobile Devices business by delivering compelling products that meet the needs of customers and consumers around the world." He added, "Our decision to separate our Mobile Devices and Broadband & Mobility Solutions businesses follows a review process undertaken by our management team and board of directors, together with independent advisors,"
The company had announced on January 31 that it was studying a possible breakup in an effort "to recapture global market leadership" in the mobile phone market and enhance shareholder value.
The Chicago-based cell phone maker has been under pressure from billionaire investor Carl Icahn for changes meant to revitalize its cell-phone business. The cell phone unit has seen its sales and stock price plummet with the company unable to produce second act to the once-popular Razr phone.
And this time he is suing them to access documents that detail the strategy for turning around the mobile-phone arm of Motorola.
Icahn filed a lawsuit today in Delaware Chancery Court in
According to The Financial Times, the documents he is seeking include board and committee minutes and documents related to the service and selection of Motorola’s senior officers, and the prospects or strategy of Motorola’s mobile devices business.
Icahn, 72, said today in an interview, ``These guys are the poster boy for what's wrong with corporate
Motorola denied Icahn's request because he sought an ``unusually expansive range of documents'' and didn't give a credible reason for suspecting the company is being mismanaged, according to a March 20 letter from lawyer Donald J. Wolfe Jr. of Potter Anderson & Corroon. The letter was filed as an exhibit in Icahn's lawsuit today.
A spokeswoman for Motorola said Icahn turned down its offer because he didn't want to agree to "customary confidentiality agreement," regarding the information.
Its high time that Icahn spends some time and energy on his other investments than go behind Motorola.
One of the most promising new services has been released recently.....
Check out PicApp......
This company based in
PicApp gives out images for FREE to its members. All you need to do is get yourself registered for free of-course.
If you select the embed option, you would be given a code, which can be pasted onto your webpage to publish the image. That’s it. Below is an example of an image from PicApp.
PicApp’s mascot is “Scootie” (located on the top left of the image on top), who also helps you to navigate through PicApp.
Well the business idea behind this service is that, PicApp displays some contextual ads in the flash file of the image. The money made by this advertising will be shared with the photo agencies.
One crazy idea: if PicApp can accommodate images from individuals and make them earn some money in return for the use of their images – would be an awesome drive to get in more people and images!
I did come across an article on unwired view.com talking about Apple applying for a patent for a "Dual Sided Trackpad". Made me do a double take. I had to chk this one out.
I have heard about Dual sided phones like the one from Sprint. But dual sided trackpad??
As you can see from the patent file pics, the transparent trackpad can act as a normal multi-functional touch screen which emulates all the functionality of the iPhone when the phone the device is closed.
When the phone is flipped open the trackpad can act as a keypad showing the standard T9 keypad layout, or the user can draw the number he/she wants to dial, and host of other features.
Well who does not want to make hay when the sun shines? Apple will surely not miss a chance to make this technology available to its other products and there is already a possibility that Apple might incorporate this feature into its Apple Tablet. Well way to go guys.
The pace at which technology is moving is breathtaking. Apple filed a patent for the iPhone on March 03, 2006 while the “Dual sided trackpad” patent was filed on September 06, 2006.
For more detailed information one can check out the full article on unwired view.com.
Source: unwired view.com
Motorola Shedding Employees To Stem Losses
Richard Thurston of The Register reports that Motorola is poised to axe half the staff at its design facility in
Therefore, all employees will initially be placed at 'risk of redundancy' whilst alternative opportunities including redeployment, relocation, flexible working/home working or the opportunity of a 'service site' arrangement are investigated as part of the consultation process.
The company said it would consult employees on the proposed redundancies over the next 90 days. The cuts would likely follow soon after.
The
A company spokesperson said cagily that Motorola would not be invoking job losses at the company's other
Motorola has this year already laid off 155 people at Cambridgeshire-based TTPCom, a business which it acquired two years ago.
Tinkering Goes On At Motorola……When Will It Stop?
Today on March 19th Motorola has shuffled three finance executives in its latest shake-up. Marc Rothman former controller, is now the new head of finance for the mobile devices unit taking over from Jim MacLaughlin who has left the company. Jim MacLaughlin was a 29-year veteran at Motorola. Motorola promoted Laurie Meissner and Kyle Spainhour from within the finance department to take over Rothman's previous responsibilities.
Watch this space for more updates….
Source: Chicago Tribune
The Exodus From Motorola Continues Unabated
As Teresa von Fuchs said “The revolving door keeps turning at Motorola” as the flailing handset maker announced two more senior executive changes on March 17.
Larry R. Raymond has replaced Steve Strobel as treasurer and that Stephen Nolan will oversee mobile devices in Europe,
However, a pattern has emerged regarding the appointments. Paul Liska as I had mentioned in an earlier post is a private-equity executive who was previously with Sears Roebuck as CFO. Raymond is also a private-equity executive who was also associated with Sears Roebuck. The million dollar question begs to be answered: Is it going to stop the rut?
Only time will tell. In the meantime private-equity executives have taken control of high profile positions at Motorola.
A Recap on High Profile Exits At Moto
WSJ believes that the leadership changes are part of an overall plan to swiftly transform the senior executive team at Moto.
The first three months of 2008 have marked major management changes at Moto. In addition to the CFO change and today’s changes, Ed Zander announced his resignation late last year and Greg Brown took over as CEO in January. Zander’s exit announcement was quickly followed by news that Padmasree Warrior, a top tech mind at Moto who is largely credited for the company’s Razr success, had left for Cisco.
An Old Nemesis…….Plotting Motorola’s Downfall?
As I had posted earlier, Carl Icahn who has increased his stake in Motorola to 6% is now campaigning ferverently to place 4 of his nominees on the 12 member board of Motorola.
Icahn was snubbed in his earlier attempt to get on to the board by Zander. Now Motorola supposedly at its weakest, is trying to fend of Icahn who is in turn favoring break up of Motorola.
However, industry’s analysts point out that no matter what Motorola does to fend him off, the conditions favor Icahn. But still, Icahn has to win over some of the major stakeholders like Thrivent Asset Management LLC in
Will this soap opera come to an end on May 5, when the voting takes place?
Time only will tell……..
Motorola Getting Itself Mired In Political Controversy
In one of the earlier posts I had talked about Motorola getting embroiled in a political controversy in
Motorola on 19th March denied reports it was involved in a kickback scheme in exchange for a large government contract in
Motorola tried to defend its pullout from
Motorola spokeswoman Jennifer Erickson denied the allegations.
"Our commitment to transparency and strict code of conduct define the way we act and do business," Erickson said. "As a responsible corporate citizen, Motorola abides by the laws and regulations of each country in which we operate. This includes competing fairly and openly to provide the best possible solutions for our customers who seek world class communications systems."
Motorola
What twists and turns this controversy is going to take….only time will tell.
Imagine this.... You are traveling and you have to leave behind your PC which has all the important appointments on your calendar and a web browser with all your favorite bookmarks. Well not to worry, PortableApps is here. Using this one can carry instant messenger, whole office suite with documents and presentations, antivirus program and other computer utilities on any USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod/MP3 player, etc.
A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.
Write now I am working on my Portable Firefox browser and believe me all I had to do was to download the program from PortableApps and run the portable installer and voila! I was able to use my bookmarks and favorite add-ons.
This is not the only part where these portable apps might come in handy. You can use these utilities when visiting family or friends who are having PC problems.
Check out the site and its suite of must have apps to benefit from the various apps and do make a donation if possible to sustain the site.
Came across an interesting piece of story that is been circulated around, it’s about a concept phone for Motorola designed by a Frenchman Lysandre Follet. Now whether Motorola had commissioned Follet to design a concept phone, it’s not yet clear, but here’s the dig on the concept phone.
It’s been nicknamed the “Brick” by some publications for obvious reasons, it’s quite broad. It supposedly has a multimedia player, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. At least there are indications that the designer wants all these features on the phone.
Now here’s where it gets wacky. It has a stereo camera. When decoded into plain simple lingo, it has two cameras side by side. It’s got dual flash to boot! One each for the two cameras This will come in handy while taking 3-d panoramic shots.
This concept was first posted on Coroflot.
So, the internet has made it possible for people to go into space without oxygen masks and heavy space suits. Ahem, its Google again.....
Google Sky has been revamped in a new web interface which does a better job than it used to do when it was in Google Earth. With its trademark – powerful search it can search a lot of known entities in the sky. I did not like the interface much though.
Well I had tried Stellarium a few months back and believe me it got me hooked to it. With a nice interface, it was an amazing piece of application.
Another most awaited service is The WorldWide Telescope (WWT), a Microsoft Research product, which, with its rich visualization environment functions as a virtual telescope, bringing together imagery from the best ground and space telescopes in the world for a seamless, guided exploration of the universe. The kids love it.... Its going to be released this spring.... Wonder what’s taking them so long.....
According to a top news source,
This might sound particularly interesting in the light of $3.1 billion acquisition of
As of now only a few Web sites are testing this service. 
The bulk of
Users of this service can choose many formats which include graphical display, video and the popular “text ads”.
Publishers around the world are now eagerly waiting for the service to open up........
Nokia Research Center and the University of Cambridge unveiled on February 25th, a joint nanotechnology concept titled “Morph” which will be on view from February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Morph is being touted as a futuristic shape changing, self cleaning, transparent electronics and self charging (through harvesting) mobile phone. The interface of the phone as shown in the video reminds me of the futuristic computer interface in the movie Minority Report.
The video gives us a graphical demonstration of the Morph’s capabilities. I have refrained from giving an insight into Morph’s capability to preserve the shock and awe element. The video is self explanatory and describes all the features of the concept phone.
The phone can be stretched into any shape as desired by the user and it still retains the touch interface. Wow….However, this technology will not be available any time soon. For the individual concepts or ‘elements of morph’ to be incorporated in to our everyday usable mobile phones, might take around 7 years. Expect the cost of such phones to be astronomical.
How feasible is this technology….only time will tell.
Source: Nokia
Yo... So if you are tired of seeing the same old text results from Google search page, gear yourself up –
It's a new way to search that takes advantage of the size and bandwidth of today's Internet and the increasingly visual way that we all interact online.
This is what the site says “
Oh ya.... I sure like the way of it..... Lets say that
And if you are one of those very few who are tempted to test it..... Make sure to sign up for the private beta!
In an earlier post I had lamented about Motorola’s poor showing at the World Mobile Congress. Well it seems Motorola is finally pulling up its socks. A sneak preview of Motorola’s upcoming phone line up was posted on YouTube.
Apparently Motorola was planning to make big announcements at CTIA Wireless scheduled from April 1-3 instead. It seems that Motorola was reluctant to unveil its line-up of phones at the Mobile World Congress. They wanted to get away from the din and chaos of the Mobile World Congress and chose a quieter venue to announce their phone line-up.
The traditional mould in which manufacturer’s of computer peripherals used bring out their products, focused on one single ideology that what works for one person will work for every one else.
However, with increasing competition and the constant struggle to remain on the top of heap has forced them to rethink on their strategy, focus on innovativeness and more importantly cater to individual customer’s need.
Traditionally the mouse is made of hard plastic, and even the most ergonomically designed mouse followed the ideology mentioned above.
The salient features of the concept mouse are as follows:
The Moldable Mouse is made of non-toxic lightweight modeling clay, covered with nylon and polyurethane blend fabric. It can be kneaded into any shape the user prefers, and the shape is self-retaining.
It allows a wide variety of hand positions when holding the mouse; hence, it reduces repeated motions of the same posture, thereby minimizing the chance of common mouse-related injuries such as the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The click buttons and touch-sensitive scroll pad of the mouse are stick-on parts with built-in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device), which can be repositioned for maximum comfort.
The nylon and polyurethane blend fabric covering comes in a variety of colors. The texture of the material feels similar to silk, but is much more flexible. Its softness significantly increases the comfort level of the mouse over that of the traditional plastic versions.
Patterns and graphics can be printed on the fabric to make the Moldable Mouse more visually appealing.
The base of the mouse, made of 100% recyclable PC/ABS plastic blend, houses the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), laser optics and batteries.
Reducing plastic usage to a minimum by using mostly non-toxic clay and fabric, the Moldable Mouse is also an ecologically responsible product.
The Moldable Mouse from
Source: Red Dot
There is a new threat called
Hi, My name is
If you search on the Internet for a fix to this issue, you will most likely come across a program called Unigray Antivirus, which claims to be the best program to fix this issue.
Please - "Do not buy the Unigray Antivirus!"
The cliché -
So, now that you know about this scam, please don't fall for it! If you become infected by
There is a new threat called
Hi, My name is
If you search on the Internet for a fix to this issue, you will most likely come across a program called Unigray Antivirus, which claims to be the best program to fix this issue.
Please - "Do not buy the Unigray Antivirus!"
The cliché -
So, now that you know about this scam, please don't fall for it! If you become infected by
Here's How To Do It:
1. If you haven't already done so, boot into safe mode.
2. Search for and delete the following folder, if found:
C:\Program Files\UniGray Antivirus
You may also wish to delete the following:
C:\Program Files\RegistryCleanFix2008
3. Search the global startup folder for the following file and delete the file if found:
SRVSPOOL.EXE
By default, the global startup folder location is
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
4. Click Start, click Run, type REGEDIT, and click OK. The Registry Editor will now open.
Note: To avoid unwanted page wrapping, the following abbreviations are used in the steps below:
HKCU = HKEY_CURRENT_USER
HKLM = HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
5. To fix the title bar changes to Internet Explorer and Outlook Express caused by
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Delete value: Window Title
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Delete value: Window Title
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Delete value: WindowTitle
6. To regain access to Task Manager, which was disabled by
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Delete value: DisableTaskMgr
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Delete value: DisableTaskMgr
7. You may also wish to delete the following:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Delete value: RegistryCleanFixMFC
8. Close the Registry editor by choosing File | Exit
9. Reboot the computer normally. The system should now be free of the
Follow these steps to get
Reed's departure is the latest in a series of executive reshuffles at
This has come close on the heels of another announcement last week that
If this wasn’t enough,
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission has announced today that it has levied a fine of 696 million won, or $729,000, on
Well one can only wonder….what next? Is
For the fourth-quarter,
In order to stem the losses, CEO
Still,
If this wasn’t enough,
Bill Ray from The Register reported that when
The beta version, due out sometime in the second quarter, will add voice messaging the well as the ability to send SMS messages. But no news as of now on the conferencing feature of
The brilliant feature of WPF has been used only by a handful of developers who have tried to put it to good use. If all goes well this version of
About 80FeetRoad
80FeetRoad, founded on March 7, 2008, is a weblog dedicated to a storehouse of crazy ideas on technologies, with product views and reviews, and take on new technologies that will transform the way we eat, speak and live.
A gang of Media Analysts who have an unquenchable thirst for technology edits 80FeetRoad.
If you would like to contact 80FeetRoad with suggestions, comments, corrections, errors, or new products, announcements, please email us at 80feetroad@gmail.com.
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