Environmental Management

The use of KPI’s or key performance indicators is quite a useful concept that has become popular in strategic management. Over the past years, the practice of management has been becoming more and more based on facts and observations, and it became logical to try and define which parameters could determine performance.

Being able to have quantifiable bases with which to measure various aspects of the performance and condition of an employee, group, or company has become one of the basic principles of sound management. After identifying the various measurable quantities available, it then becomes a matter of choosing the most relevant parameters. The most important of these parameters then became known as key performance indicators (KPI).

For instance, a training KPI is the average number of training hours that each employee has undergone within a specified time period, usually a year. This parameter would be able to roughly indicate the amount of training that an employee, on average, is able to get within that time period.

By considering both the magnitude and the rate of change of this parameter, management would be able to get a clearer idea of whether their employees are receiving enough training. Conversely, if this average number is too small, or if the rate of change is negative – that is, if the number of hours show a decreasing trend – then it might be necessary to route more resources to training.

Another training KPI that might prove useful is the average training cost, per employee, over a specified time period. This cost can then be compared against the average increase in productivity, to see if the training regimen that has been implemented actually worked. For example, a high average training cost together with a low average increase in productivity would seem to point towards an ineffective training program. A lower average training cost, on the other hand, together with a high average increase in productivity would mean that the training program implemented was a cost-effective one.

It can be seen from these examples, then, that considering training KPI’s individually would not always yield accurate evaluations. This is because many of these parameters are actually interrelated, and must be considered together to represent a meaningful way of measuring performance.

It is still important, of course, to be able to identify what these most important training KPI’s are, to be able to monitor all of them effectively. Once data has been gathered according to these known key performance indicators, then the data can be evaluated, in light of the relationships between these KPI’s. A proper selection of KPI’s would help to limit the data to be analyzed to those data that would really be relevant.

In today’s world, organizations are more often than not forced to adapt to changing conditions and a dynamic marketplace. This places more importance on being able to evaluate and implement effective training programs. With the use of training KPI’s, managers would be able to judge better and craft good training programs for the betterment of their organization.

By: Sam Miller

We all know having the majority of documents in hardcopy form can hinder productivity, be costly, and diminish security intentions. What you may not realize is the effect it has on the environment.

The green impact by using automated data storage solutions is the tip of the iceberg of the reasons why the digital imaging market is erupting right now. Document management software providers are delivering a much-needed service that many businesses are finally utilizing, and this will have significant impacts on our planet.

Green Benefit #1: Reduce Consumption

This might be a no-brainer, but when you really think about all the paper, ink cartridges, energy usage, and postage that are consumed by having all your documents on paper, the truth is mind-boggling. More paper used, more trees chopped down, more paper disposed of in our landfills…you get the picture.

According to the Environmental Paper Network, if “…the United States cut its office paper use by roughly 10 percent, or 540,000 tons, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 1.6 million tons. This is the equivalent of taking 280,000 cars off the road for a year.” Need I say more?

Green Benefit #2: Less Traveling

You and your employees can cut down on fuel by cutting out those extra trips to the office. All of your documents will be easily accessible through your computer or online.  This also allows for greater flexibility, allowing employees to telecommute more often. Think of all the gas saved and pollution out of the air.

Green Benefit #3: Eliminate More Equipment

Once you have files scanned and digitized, the ability to distribute documents electronically will reduce the need to have so many (or any) fax machines and copy machines. This results in a noteworthy reduction in energy use needed to run them. Additionally, with more companies needing less of these machines, less of them will be produced to begin with. This also includes the decrease in production of unneeded filing cabinets!

Green Benefit #4: You’ll Look Good

You already have an idea of what consumers expect; now you can add being environmentally conscious to the list. Being socially responsible is becoming a large part of any organization’s reputation and success, so taking steps such as adding electronic document management systems to your business will make an important difference in how your customers view you. How is protecting your rep a green benefit? The sheer numbers of companies wanting to look good by doing the right thing will inevitably make a difference.

This is a process any company, big or small can embrace. Do not get discouraged as you look over the rows of filing cabinets holding your paper docs. This is certainly not a venture you will have to take on alone. By using a reputable document imaging company, the work can be done for you. Plus, you can rest assured knowing your documents are being handled meticulously; and that you are doing your part to protect the environment.




By: Dale Knauss

ed Print Solutions

Uncontrolled print environments are estimated to account for between 1% and 3% of an organisation’s total revenue – yet it is often an area that is literally left to its own devices.

Printers and copier technology in the majority of businesses has evolved by necessity, rather than by design. Resulting in an infrastructure made up of devices from a diverse range of manufacturers with a large inventory of varying supplies. With IT budgets constantly being cut, it’s often believed that cost savings can be made through the deployment of new technologies and techniques. But in truth, it’s understanding how your existing technology is being used, and how money is being spent that is critical for making cost savings – right from the company-wide daily usage of printers and imaging devices, through to where they are situated, and the volume of consumables being ordered.

Use a managed approach and make big savings

The Landscape Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing multi-faceted IT solution providers. Based in Hampshire, it has over the past fourteen years established a reputation for outstanding quality, supply, service and support of HP’s extensive IT portfolio.

Our HP managed print solutions (MPS) enable you to gain control of your complex print environment.

We assume responsibility for the management of either part of, or the entire print environment, and can handle the full range of activities including assessment, fleet optimisation, asset management, maintenance and support, enabling your organisation to:

Reduce total ownership costs – by increasing visibility into the true cost of managing your print environment you can realise immediate and long-term savings Enhance productivity – by gaining control, you can help free up technical resources and enable employees to save time and work more effectively Reduce risk – by leveraging Landscape’s expertise your organisation is better able to protect and control its assets Improve environmental sustainability – through reducing your energy consumption and environmental impact Accelerate business results – by focusing on improving key workflows and process efficiencies you can bring better bottom-line outcomes

The complete package

By choosing managed print solutions from Landscape and HP, your company will benefit from a fully optimised, managed and supported print and copy infrastructure. Working together with you, we put the right devices, with the right capabilities, in the right places.

You never have to worry about supplies inventory or shortages, inappropriate quality or unscheduled maintenance.

Because we understand that all organisations are different, our three tier approach to MPS enables us to create the solution that is appropriate to your business:

Assess the Fleet

Landscape will assess your existing print environment to identify the number of devices, how they are utilised and what the user requirements are. Usage patterns, customer requirements and other user dynamics will be collated to create an effective deployment plan. Landscape will assess your existing print environment to identify the number of devices, how they are utilised and what the user requirements are. Usage patterns, customer requirements and other user dynamics will be collated to create an effective deployment plan. By ensuring your fleet is working to its full potential, Landscape will help you release capacity and office space whilst maximising print efficiency and reducing print related support incidents.

Optimise the Fleet

Following assessment, Landscape will ensure your devices are deployed in the most effective way in terms of asset utilisation and productivity. To assist with this Landscape specify a programme of HP Smart Printing Services, tailor-made for your organisation, with an all-inclusive price comprising:

Hardware – the most suitable HP printers and MFPs for your needs and environment Supplies – assistance with monitoring and managing your print supplies Services – installation, training, support and maintenance services

Maintain the Fleet

Once your fleet is deployed and optimised, Landscape will help you to manage the process of ongoing fleet monitoring, accounting and asset control. Utilising HP Pay for Print services, Landscape can provide an automated and simplified supplies replenishment process, enabling you to significantly reduce your printing costs for improved ROI and provide critical management reporting for a better overview of printer performance and supplies consumption. Alongside UK-wide service and support from our UK based call centre.

Save up to 30% on your print costs

Hidden and uncontrolled costs, poor utilisation of resources and low visibility into the print environment all add up to a big headache for most organisations. Studies show that as much as 90% of your total print expenses may be invisible or uncontrolled.

Landscape can work with you to reduce your costs by up to 30% through the effective management of your print environment, and provide the following compelling business benefits:

Reduced print related support incidents Released capacity and office space Increased staff productivity

Don’t leave your print environment to its own devices.

Take control today with Landscape managed print solutions.

The Landscape Group is an HP Office Printing Solutions Specialist and Gold Partner and can provide all the products listed in this article. Telephone +44 (0)2392 572572 for further information.




By: R Steiner

hy is every fortune 500 company marketing itself as Green?

 

Going green is no longer just a fashionable cause or even simply a political movement. Going green is a call to action for any business that wants to compete in the global marketplace today.

 

Customers demand an environmental awareness and at the same time they expect the best value. Now that the world is at their fingertips customers will not budge on either of these issues. Tough economic times just drive home the point that waste is not welcome in people’s day-to-day microeconomics.

 

We are a small company. Why is going green something we even need to be concerned with?

 

In order for small and medium companies to survive in this demanding new business environment you must adapt to the market place. In short, you must employ large company tactics to reducing your overhead, increasing your productivity, and eliminate your dependency on paper and ink products. It is the business equivalent of dressing for the job you want.

 

Defining areas of improvement

 

In small companies, people often overlook the complexity of business and things end up happening to them rather than them making things happen. For example, they may focus all their efforts on sales until they land a new big costumer and then scramble all hands on deck to fill their order while sales take a back seat.

 

The customer-facing activities or the Front Office seems to always be out of sink with the behind-the-scenes stuff knows as the Back Office.

 

Once you realize what is happening to you as a business, you can document it. The most amazing thing happens once you white board your processes. The things that are in need of improvement almost jump out at you.

 

Making your move

 

Now you can picture your business running more efficiently, making you more money, and producing happy customers that refer you to more customers.  The next step is to put a system in place that makes this picture a reality.

 

Successful companies take the next step and implement an Online Management System designed to take advantage of technology to automate key processes in their business.

 

 

 

 Available features for a Custom WA Solutions Online Management System

 

Front Office Features

Back Office Features

Tracking Leads

Resource Planning

Placing Orders

Inventory Control

Organizing Product Offerings

Asset Tracking

Tracking Customer Support

Time Reporting (clocking in and out)

Tracking Warranty Claims

Supply Chain Tracking

 

Once you choose which of these activities apply to your business, WA Solutions will build a custom Online Management System that will fit your business.  Having a central system means everyone involved is always aware of what needs to be done without printing or manual processes.

 

Reporting results and continuous improvement

 

As a company owner, you will have access to real time reporting which will give you a bird’s eye view of how your business is running and where your problem areas are. The sooner you know you have a problem the sooner you can fix it and stay profitable. Customers have little patience for mistakes that do not get resolved quickly.




By: John Ruggieri

It is no secret that one of the easiest ways to save your business money is to run more efficiently. This applies to all aspects of your business, but the printer and copier fleet is commonly overlooked. Many companies simply track the cost of toner, and that can yield a large amount of savings on its own. But the savings can go much beyond toner alone. Managed Print Services (MPS) paired with eco-friendly; super efficient printers, can save money on paper, energy, toner, reduced downtime, increased productivity and more.

MPS, like the name implies; basically means you rely on a specialized IT company to help plan, implement and service your printer fleet. The advantage of having your printing network planned and managed by one vendor is that it saves a substantial amount of time fixing IT problems, ordering toner and implementing new document management systems. Imagine never having to order toner and the time saved by only having one invoice to deal with every month; now this is being efficient.

Another way of being more efficient is choosing an eco-friendly printer fleet. Eco-friendly printers, such as Kyocera, can save up to 40% on energy costs when compared to other market leaders. They can also save you money on consumables. Using less toner and drum units reduces money and waste while helping the environment. The reduced waste is one reason Kyocera won the prestigious, MicroScope Award for Channel Excellence (ACE) as Environmental Company of the Year in 2008.

It isn’t only about reduced waste; it is also about reduced downtime. Nothing costs a company more money than downtime.  When it comes to reliability, not all brands are created equal. For instance, the Kyocera KM-8030 printed 2 million pages with no unscheduled service required. In fact, it only got a paper jam once every 166 thousand pages. Brands like Kyocera are more reliable and have reduced cost per prints which is why H&R Block has 10’s of thousands of them nationwide.

Finally, if you really want to increase your savings and decrease your impact on the environment, implement a document management system. Even the simplest document management systems will reduce paper and toner consumption and increase productivity. Document management will reduce the time spent on filing and retrieving documents and make documents more accessible – no matter where you and your employees are.

The opportunity to save money and help the environment is obtainable. Even if your business’ printers are new and you believe you have an efficient printer fleet having an outside MPS vendor may help you see the base of the iceberg more clearly. Many times a MPS provider will analyze your network and printer fleet for free resulting in little to no risk of saving your business money.




By: Josh C