Heart Beat Reggae Podcast

The Foundations for Business Intelligence

dan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:41:07 +0000

Centralised HR Data Management

Conventional wisdom has it that the quality of any output is determined by the quality of the input, and the analytics market is no exception. Without an effective data management strategy, you can deploy the smartest business intelligence tools – but you may well end up analysing the wrong information.

One of the first steps in any business intelligence strategy is to get better control over your people management data. Inevitably, some of this will be unstructured knowledge – the kind of information that’s locked away in filing cabinets, sits in your employees’ heads or is buried deep in your email archives. As we indicated in Part One, process automation plays a critical role here by turning manually-held information into digital form. By automating your recruitment, training management and absence processes, for example, you can generate a wealth of information for both individual employee performance management and trend analysis.

This information then needs to be stored centrally – or at least be accessible from one central location. One potential starting point is to make your HR Management System the central repository for all people-related data – since this is the place where basic employee records are held, it makes sense to build a complete employee picture around it. The software applications that feed this store don’t of course need to be part of the same HRMS: you can use a broad range of best-of-breed systems and services, as long as they’re sufficiently integrated to automatically update the central repository.

Tools for Analysing Data

Once you’re able to post all the relevant HR data in a central repository, it becomes much easier to get insight into both operational and strategic issues. Many operational reporting needs can be met with the standard reports that come bundled with HR Management Systems. In addition, specialist business intelligence tools – provided by both traditional HR software vendors and third party business intelligence. Some vendors also provide specialist software for employee planning, modelling and ‘what-if’ analysis.

While business intelligence capability has traditionally been provided as in-house applications and tools, some vendors now offer HR business intelligence as a hosted service. In this set-up – frequently referred to as ’software as a service’ – the provider takes responsibility for running and managing the actual software, which the customer accesses over the internet and uses as if it were an in-house tool.

How effectively these reporting tools can be deployed depends on a number of factors. Firstly, ease of use and a good user interface are critical. Many older generations of business intelligence tools were designed with IT or subject matter experts in mind, and proved too complex for HR or line managers. Even with training these tools can sometimes be harder to handle than expected: training works best if it’s followed quickly by repeat usage, but users sometimes find that the time between learning and using is interrupted by a lengthy software implementation.

The design of the reporting software is particularly important when you make repeated queries during an analytical exercise and want to be able to reset the parameters or change your view of the data. For example, you may start by looking at absence costs at a business unit level, on a three-month basis; depending on what you discover, you might then drill down a level to an individual department, and change the view to span an entire year; next, your research could take you to an individual employee record. Some people-based business intelligence software packages are more flexible in their approach to this kind of analytical exercise than traditional business intelligence tools, allowing users to view data graphically and drill down using simple ‘point and click’ techniques.

Secondly, regardless of how good your tools are, you’ll also need in-house analytical capability. You don’t need a PhD in statistics to be able to use these tools – but you do need an analytical mindset. Going forward, some vendors are likely to offer this analytical capability as a service in its own right, using their own tools and knowledge of the HR market to interpret data provided in confidence by your organisation.

Computers In Personnel Ltd
28-30 Chapel St
Marlow, SL7 1DD
0870 366 2345

How to Find Self-Storage Solutions

Bob — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:47:24 +0000

If you are suffering from the exceptionally common problem of too much stuff and not enough space, it may be time to consider a self storage solution. When it comes to choosing this type of solution there are many options available, from choosing self storage companies to the size of the unit that you will need. Because there are so many options available to the general public, it is important that you conduct your research into the self-storage units that are available in your area. One of the best ways to conduct this research is by using a self-storage referral website.

A self-storage referral website is available to ensure that you are able to find the right storage solution to fit your individual needs. There are so many options and aspects to consider that it could literally take months or years to locate all of the information that you will need to make the best informed decision possible. This is where a self-storage referral website can be the most valuable. It allows you to find all of the information that you will need in one location, which has the potential of saving both time and money.

When searching for self storage in Derby what may be a great starting point is to think about where you are located and the type of items that you need to be stored. This is one of the major aspects of self-storage that needs to be considered when searching for self-storage solutions. It is not enough to consider how much space you will need to store your items, but also the value and the security needed to protect your property once it has been stored. There are many different options available when it comes to the security measures that are set in place and it is important to understand all of the security procedures in place before you sign a rental agreement.

If you want to ensure that you are able to find the best self-storage solution to fit your individual needs, you will need to find the perfect balance between service, price, and security. One of the most important aspects when it comes to finding a self-storage unit is if the company you choose has adequate security to ensure that all of your belongings will remain safe. This is just one of the many pieces of information that can be found on a self-storage referral website.

When it comes to finding the right storage solution for your individual situation it is important to remember there are many more aspects to consider other than just size of the unit and price. Security is a major factor to consider and this is especially true if you need to store large and valuable items. There are many storage companies that specialize in certain types of belongings and a self-storage website will help you find the right company for the specific items that you need to store. When it comes to removing the clutter from your life, a self-storage unit can do much more than simply organize your life, it can give you piece of mind.

Finding the Right Broadband Service

Bob — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:58:50 +0000

When it comes to finding the right broadband service, there are many options to choose from, so the question may be where to start your search. As with most important services in today’s society the key to getting the best deal is information. It is important to research all of the options available so that you will be sure that you will get the best service available for the price you want to pay. While you are searching for your new broadband service, it is also important to look at the broadband speed that is offered.

There are many things to think about when searching for a new broadband provider, and there are many places where you can begin your search, however, it may be much easier to start your research with a broadband review website. This type of website will allow you to compare the many different broadband providers available such as BT Broadband. It will also allow you to compare not only the rates of each broadband service provider, but also the other features that are available with each provider. This will also allow you to compare many other aspects of service providers to ensure that you will get the best service for your individual situation at the price you want to pay.

If you are searching for a new broadband service and decide to start your research with a review website, then you will already have an advantage over others who do not commit to getting all of the information available before they make their decision. This type of website will allow you to compare the services that are offered by many of the top broadband service providers. It will also allow you to hear what real customers are saying about the features and services that are provided.

When it comes to using a review website, you will have all the information that you will need at your fingertips. This can save you a great deal time and money because you will have all the information that you will ever need right at your fingertips. This will give you the advantage of knowing that you have gotten the best deal possible, without the worry that you may have missed something. This boost in confidence will also allow you to ensure that you will always be happy with your service provider choice.

Whether you are looking to switch providers or searching for service for the first time, it is important to always have all the information available to ensure that you will get the best deal possible. When you use a broadband review website you will have all of the information that you would ever need at your finger tips. This will allow you to make side-by-side comparisons of the many different top service providers, which will go a long way to helping you make the most informed decision possible. For a guarantee that you will be able to find the best deal possible it is important to always have all the information available, which will allow you to not only save money, but ensure that you will always be happy with your service.

Finding a Reliable Insurance Company

bob — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:48:37 +0000

Insurance is a necessity and when it is time to make a claim on a policy it is important that your insurance company makes the process go as smoothly as possible. It is important that you choose a reliable insurance provider, and there are several things out there that can help to ensure that you do just that. One of the best sources for information are consumer advocacy groups who often keep detailed records of complaints as well as positive information regarding automotive insurance providers. Of course everybody has a different experience with insurance companies, but a pattern of complaints is often a warning sign that the insurance provider does not provide an ideal level of customer service and should probably be avoided.

If you are planning on purchasing automotive insurance you probably have a list of premium quotes handy. Cross-checking the best deals with the amount of complaints will usually be a good way to make sure that you get the best balance between low cost and good service. Another good tip on how to find out if an insurance company is reliable is to check with local body shops. Insurance companies pay most body shop bills so they will be familiar with what insurance companies charge and the kind of service they provide. The speed of the claims process has a big effect on how soon the repair work is done, and a body shop manager would have this kind of information from a firsthand perspective. Some insurance companies also work hard to push aftermarket parts for repairs as opposed to genuine manufacturer parts which may also be something you want to keep in mind when choosing an insurance provider.

While there is much research that you can do without actually involving an insurance company, you will likely reach a point where you will want to contact an insurance agent to get some feedback from them regarding the type of insurance policy you should choose and why you should choose their company. It is often a good idea to consult with an independent agent. Since they have more options because they are not tied to a particular insurance company, they are often more apt to find a policy that provides you with the coverage you need at a reasonable rate. Often the relationship that you develop with your insurance agent can make the difference in the kind of service you receive, so it is definitely an important relationship to cultivate.

Specialty insurers often require even more research in order to make sure you find the policy that fits your needs best. Those who make their living with their vehicle often require taxi insurance or chauffeur insurance, and brokers can often get very good rates on these kinds of insurance policies because of the large volume of customers they work with. Minibus insurance is another type of insurance that falls under the specialty category. Before you make your next automotive insurance purchase, make sure to consult with a reputable insurance agent.

Introducing the Blackberry Curve 8900

bob — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:27:02 +0000

Are you ready for the thinnest, lightest smart phone with a full QWERTY keyboard? Then you are ready for the Blackberry Curve 8900 smart phone. Plenty of people have been hooked on Blackberry mobile phones for years. What are the draws? For one thing, it is designed to keep everything that you need to function in the palm of your hand. You can type a message easily with one hand on the full-sized QWERTY keyboard. The large HVGA display makes it easy to see any messages you are sending, as well as video that you may be watching or recording.

Connectivity is of the utmost importance, especially with today’s mobile phones, and the Blackberry Curve 8900 can definitely keep you connected. If you are near a wireless hot spot, you can do virtually anything, from shopping online to sending email to making calls without using your minutes with VoIP. Wireless networks are easy to switch over to on this smart phone, which means you can seamlessly jump between your carrier and the wireless networks in your home or your favorite hot spot. It is good to check the specifications of the wireless networks you intend to use to make sure they are fully compatible with the Blackberry.

Do you like to snap photos and capture video and have the capability to send it to your friends and family all at one time? The Blackberry Curve 8900 can help you in that regard as well. Featuring a 3.2” megapixel digital camera, it allows you to snap high quality photos that you can print or upload to your favorite social networking site. With features like image stabilization, auto focus, and auto flash, you can take a perfect picture every time, even if you are not the world’s greatest photographer. This mobile phone also features a video camera that can be used to take video when photos just aren’t enough.

Are you the type who travels a lot and never wants to be lost? Need directions at the touch of a button? The Blackberry Curve 8900 comes preloaded with Blackberry Maps and built-in GPS. So as long as you keep your phone handy, you never need to get lost again. Other multimedia features include a built in media player so that you can play your favorite music and videos on the go, as well as support for mobile streaming so you can watch your favorite programs live, even when you are on the run.

Of course you have to carry around your Blackberry Curve 8900 in style, and that means a stylish protective leather case for it. Also, since you will have it with you everywhere, a hands free headset is also an excellent idea for when you need to take a call while driving. An upgrade of headphones may also be just the thing to improve the multimedia experience. If you are looking for the best in mobile phone technology, you do not really need to look much further than the Blackberry Curve 8900 smart phone.

What Type of Mobile Phone Do I Need?

bob — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:32:58 +0000

When shopping for cell phones, there are several things you will need to consider before making a purchase. One of the first things you want to look at is the type of cell phone you need. If you are only using it to talk, then just a basic phone is all you need. If you plan to access the internet, send and receive text messages, take pictures, upload videos, play games or any number of things that cell phones can be used for nowadays, then you are going to want to look at several different types. Be prepared that some of them are very costly and elaborate.

If you are purchasing a cell phone as a gift for your child or teenager, then you may want to stick to a cell phone with basic features. The more features a phone has, the more your cell phone bill will be each month. Sometimes, if the phone is for emergency use only, a basic phone with limited features is probably best.

Now if you are purchasing a cell phone for your teenager’s use, then you may want to consider a phone with texting abilities, a built in camera and gaming features. You know your teenager better than anyone else, so you are going to know if any other features will be necessary. There are even phones now that offer features such as having your teenager check in when they arrive at their destination. Another thing to consider for your teenager is a hands free talk headset, especially if they are driving age.

Most cell phones these days are equipped with a GPS chip, but you can also get phones that will map out a route for you. If you are using your phone strictly for business then you may want to buy a phone that allows you to download large documents, or provide you with many applications for research purposes and maybe even conferencing abilities.

The features of cell phones are endless these days. Deciding on what works best for you, your family or your business can be overwhelming. Is there a phone out there that will fit your needs no matter what? Of course there is, you just have to know where to look.

The internet is the first place to start your cell phone search. Of course, once you decide on what type of cell phone you need, there will be other decisions that you will need to make in regards to your cell phone, such as accessories, plans, who all is included, how many minutes, do you need a wireless card for your laptop; the list can go on and on. Finding a website or a person to help you make the right decisions may be the most difficult decision for you when it comes to the type of cell phone you need.

There are people that can help you if you know where to look. Don’t become frustrated when you start your search. Cell phones are a part of everyone’s lives these days, and there are a lot of knowledgeable people out there to help in your search.

For the FTA Challenged~

bob — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:01:32 +0000

Does the mad pace of changing technology make you feel like you are being left in the dust? Don’t feel alone, many of us find it difficult to keep up with the ever changing world. One of the technological advancements you really should learn about is FTA. Free to Air (FTA) is a satellite TV system that enables viewers to watch programming from all over our world for free.

Free TV? Is it really possible? Free TV is not only possible but it is a reality for all of us in North America where we can receive free TV programming for only the cost of an FTA satellite system. Incidentally, the cost of an FTA satellite system is comparable to that of a pay to view system such as a Dish or Direct satellite system. However, FTA programming is free. With an FTA satellite system you can watch all the programming you want with no monthly subscription fees, no contract and no packages to restrict you; FTA is exactly what the name implies, free.

How can this be, how can TV programming be free? One simple factor makes free programming available, non-encrypted signals. Non-encrypted signals are broadcast in over 40 languages from over 180 countries of the world resulting in 1,000+ channels of free programming that may be viewed with an FTA satellite system. The way “pay to view” service providers such as cable, Dish or Digital TV keep their viewers on the hook is to utilize coded signals. Subscribers essentially are paying the provider to decode the signals for viewing. FTA signals are not coded and therefore can be used in their original, non-coded format for free viewing with an FTA system. Non-coded signals are the basis of FTA TV, both HD and standard.

What sorts of channels will you get with FTA? For a partial listing of “true” FTA channels available with no subscription and available throughout North America, go to incrediblefta.com. You can also find a link to a complete listing of all FTA channels, transponder coordinates and area availability at incrediblefta.com. There are many English language channels mainly devoted to education, events, public TV, religion, politics and entertainment. Many major networks are becoming available on FTA as the demand grows stronger for mainstream programming. Anyone who enjoys non-English language programming will really enjoy FTA. Channels are available from all over the world, with over 40 languages represented on FTA.

FTA is a great educational tool. Students in classrooms would benefit from foreign language programming from both linguistic and purely informational aspects of the programs. When learning a new language it would be much better to hear the language as spoken by those native to the country rather than from a book. Likewise, students studying about a foreign land could learn about news, culture, events, views, etc of the land from watching programs originating from that country rather than reading about it in a book.

Don’t be left behind in the advancement of TV technology. Not only does FTA satellite TV provide an endless source of viewing pleasure but it is free. Save your money for the popcorn!