<p>Residential property management involves managing all aspects of a residential or income property for the owner. This involves finding tenants, marketing the property, leasing, ensuring maintenance, and more. This type of management focuses more on smaller properties and buildings, which is how it is different from other <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-management-system/">types of property management</a>.</p>
<h2>Importance</h2>
<p>Residential property management is crucial to ensure that rental properties remain profitable and that tenants are paying their dues on time and keeping the property in the best condition possible. This process is especially important when the landowner isn’t present or doesn’t have the time to be hands-on with their property.</p>
<p>A residential property manager is basically a “landlord-for-hire.” They are in charge of everything that a landlord would usually manage. Without residential property management, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-maintenance/">maintaining a property</a>, attracting tenants, leasing, and collecting rents would be much harder, especially if the landowner isn’t present.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Residential Property Maintenance Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>What’s the Difference Between Residential Property Management and Commercial Property Management?</h2>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-management-system/commercial-property-management/">Commercial</a> and residential property management are two completely different practices. The main difference is the clientele that these managers serve. Typically, a commercial property manager is in charge of commercial-use properties like offices, shops, and other businesses. On the flip side, residential property managers are in charge of properties wherein people reside, like apartments, rental homes, condos, townhouses, and more.</p>
<p>While both practices involve collecting rental dues, maintaining facilities, and similar tasks, managing a commercial and rental property is very different. For example, residential and commercial properties are subject to different laws and regulations, which managers must learn and work with when managing properties.</p>
<h2>What Are the Responsibilities Involved in Residential Property Management?</h2>
<p>Residential property management involves overseeing an entire property and its tenants. Generally, residential property managers are in charge of making sure everything’s running smoothly on the property. Some of the key responsibilities involved in residential property management include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Marketing the property to attract new tenants</li>
<li>Screening tenants and overseeing the leasing process</li>
<li>Collecting rent and dues from tenants</li>
<li>Maintaining the property and fixing any issues</li>
<li>Conducting rental inspections to ensure that tenants are caring for the units in which they live</li>
<li>Financial reporting to keep track of expenses, payments, and taxes</li>
</ul>
<p>Residential property management is a multi-faceted occupation. This is why residential property managers need to be knowledgeable and skilled in their field. That way, everything is made easier for the tenants, landowners, and everyone else involved in the property.</p>
<h2>What Skills Does a Residential Property Manager Need?</h2>
<p>Since residential property management is a very demanding and hands-on job, residential property managers must have a wide set of skills. Without these skills, managing the property will be much harder, and the landowner’s income will be at risk. Some of the key skills that a residential property manager needs include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strong communication skills</li>
<li>Patience and flexibility when dealing with tenants</li>
<li>Knowledge of local rules and regulations about managing a residential property</li>
<li>Financial management</li>
<li>Organization skills</li>
<li>Customer service knowledge</li>
<li>Marketing skills</li>
<li>Assertiveness</li>
</ul>
<p>All of these skills will make it much easier for managers to take charge of a property. So, when hiring a residential property manager, make sure that they have the necessary skills to be able to complete the job efficiently.</p>


A Close Look at Residential Property Management

Facility Management

Maintenance

Residential Property Management

<h2>Difference Between Residential and Commercial Property Management</h2>
<p>Although both types of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-management-system/">property management</a> may have similar vital aspects, crucial distinctions highlight the differences. Below are the primary differences between <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-management-system/residential-property-management/">residential</a> and commercial property management.</p>
<h3>Clientele</h3>
<p>Among the most significant contrasts between residential and commercial property management is the customer base you anticipate servicing. You can often expect to encounter a much different way of conducting business when dealing with residential tenants than commercial tenants.</p>
<p>These two types of renters have individual needs. When managing a residential property, you&#8217;ll be an intermediary between the landlord and the rental tenant. Although, the services required will remain pretty similar. However, businesses that occupy commercial properties will need widely differing services depending on their business type.</p>
<h3>Legislation and Leases</h3>
<p>Compared to residential leases, commercial leases are much more difficult. They often require a professional lawyer&#8217;s supervision and are longer with extension options. On the other hand, residential leases have shorter terms and do not frequently need as much legal watch.</p>
<h3>Management Style</h3>
<p>A manager for a residential property is often not required to stay on the premises, giving them more freedom with their time and schedule. It varies significantly from commercial properties, which typically demand that the manager be present at all times.</p>
<h2>Why Do Commercial Property Management Companies Exist?</h2>
<p>A property management company&#8217;s main objective is to make an owner&#8217;s life easier by shouldering most of the daily responsibilities. The specifics vary depending on the property, but in general, these are some services that many property management companies provide:</p>
<h3>Screening Tenants</h3>
<p>Having excellent tenants is critical for your building. The wrong ones can cause a high turnover and more vacancies later. A commercial property management company strives to fill the building with top-notch tenants by handling all prospect screening to ensure they would be an ideal match.</p>
<h3>Retaining Tenants</h3>
<p>Tenant retention is essential to having a successful property, and the property manager is key to keeping tenants satisfied. The property manager will maintain the day-to-day responsibilities of the building and be attentive to tenant concerns, creating a happy environment in that they will want to renew their lease.</p>
<h3>Collecting Rent</h3>
<p>The benefits of leasing your property are great, but ensuring all tenants pay their rent on time is crucial. Part of a property manager&#8217;s job is collecting rent from tenants and setting up an easy system for them. This way, the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/topics/real-estate/commercial-property-management.html">cash flow</a> will always be positive and operational expenses can be paid on time. The manager will take action in case of late payments until the bill is collected.</p>
<h3>Setting Rent</h3>
<p>A property manager&#8217;s job is, in part, to set the rent for new tenants. They do this by ensuring the rates are attractive enough to bring prospects to the building while being compared to other nearby properties.</p>
<h3>Negotiating Leases</h3>
<p>If you&#8217;re a property owner but don&#8217;t have time to handle the nitty-gritty of leases and renewals, that&#8217;s where a property manager comes in. Your manager will be responsible for negotiating lease terms with both new and existing tenants on your behalf.</p>
<h3>Facilitating Commercial Property Maintenance</h3>
<p>The property manager is responsible for everything from completing commercial maintenance requests to hiring contractors for routine building upkeep. They make sure all requests are processed quickly and correctly while also making specific the property is presentable.</p>
<p>Property management companies usually have a pre-selected group of highly respected and reputable contractors that they work with, so you can be confident you&#8217;ll always have excellent professionals working on your property.</p>
<h3>Tracking Finances</h3>
<p>Working with a commercial property manager can help you <a href="https://northseattle.edu/programs/residential-and-commercial-property-management/residential-and-commercial-property">stay on top of your expenses</a>. They&#8217;ll be responsible for tracking all operating, marketing, repair, and more costs. This way, you can better understand where the money is coming in and going out. Plus, they follow a strict budget set by the owner and regularly report to maintain the projected gross income.</p>
<h3>Commercial Property Marketing</h3>
<p>Marketing a property can be challenging if you don&#8217;t have the right resources. A commercial <a href="https://aquilacommercial.com/learning-center/what-does-a-property-management-company-do/">property management company</a> has expertise in marketing and the ability to find tenants quickly and efficiently. They&#8217;ll handle anything from launching campaigns to getting your building listed on real estate websites. This way, you&#8217;ll have a higher chance of finding the right tenants for your property.</p>
<h3>Documenting Processes</h3>
<p>The advantage of having a property manager is that they create and document detailed processes to ensure the building runs smoothly. The manager will outline daily tasks, emergency procedures, and more to ensure everyone takes the same steps in the same order. It ensures that all tasks are completed on time and that nothing is left out.</p>
<h2>5 Tips for Managing Commercial Properties</h2>
<p>If you&#8217;re a commercial property manager, use these tips to stay successful throughout the year:</p>
<h3>Know Your Space</h3>
<p>To be a top commercial property manager, you must understand your industry and the ins and outs of the <a href="https://www.doorloop.com/portfolios/commercial-property-management-software">retail spaces</a> under your control. Unlike residential properties, every commercial space is different—housing businesses, restaurants, or other industrial sites—which means each one needs special attention to detail regarding layout and design.</p>
<p>The key to keeping a commercial property in top condition is understanding the specific needs of that space. This knowledge helps ensure compliance with property-specific regulations, such as the different safety measures required for restaurants compared to office spaces.</p>
<h3>Always Be Upgrading</h3>
<p>Although it may seem counterintuitive, <a href="https://fnrpusa.com/blog/what-does-a-commercial-property-manager-do/">routine upgrades</a> to your facility can save you money in the long run. Today&#8217;s commercial renters are looking for newer spaces with more amenities, so if you want to stay competitive, you need to update and upgrade your area.</p>
<p>But don&#8217;t worry – updates don&#8217;t have to be complete renovations. Some cheap but effective updates include upgrading light fixtures, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/smoke-detector-inspection/">smoke detectors</a>, smaller electrical appliances like fans, and copy machines.</p>
<h3>Have a Proactive Property Maintenance Plan</h3>
<p>Being proactive with your <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/property-maintenance/">property maintenance</a> will help you avoid problems. As a <a href="https://www.fordham.edu/info/26811/commercial_property_management">commercial property manager</a>, you should have an ongoing routine repair and maintenance plan tailored to your property&#8217;s specific needs. To maintain a commercial building, one must account for every aspect of the building, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/plumbing-inspection/">Plumbing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/electrical-hazards/">Electrical systems</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hvac-systems/">HVAC</a> and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/local-exhaust-ventilation/">ventilation systems</a></li>
<li>Landscaping</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/pest-control/">Pest control</a></li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
<li>Normal wear-and-tear (paint, drywall, etc.)</li>
<li>Code violations</li>
<li>Upgrades and replacements</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Commercial Property Maintenance Plan&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Keep Your Tenants Happy</h3>
<p>If you want your commercial property to be constantly full of people and maintain high occupancy rates, you need to make every unit a safe and positive environment. It means upgrades, being proactive with <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/maintenance/">maintenance</a> plans, and, more than that, doing what it takes to meet the needs of tenants. A good manager does more than know when it&#8217;s time to do repairs; they go above and beyond for their tenants.</p>
<h3>Invest in Commercial Property Management Software</h3>
<p>Managing office spaces, industrial centers, and retail properties requires balancing a plethora of information, transaction details, and regulations. An effective commercial <a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/property-management/">property management system</a> can give you the necessary bandwidth to focus on what matters. Commercial property software will help you organize information to make better decisions that could influence the property&#8217;s future.</p>


Commercial Property Management: The Basics

Commercial Property Management

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creating detailed working alone procedures affirms an organization&#8217;s commitment to safeguarding their most vulnerable staff members.</span></p>
<h2>8 Must-Have Lone Worker Safety Procedures</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every organization&#8217;s lone-working procedures should vary, based on the type of work, the work environment(s) in which it is carried out, and the organization&#8217;s</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-working/lone-working-risk-assessment-example/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker risk assessment</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> findings.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there are seven procedures that almost every organization should implement to keep their lone workers safe and accounted for at all times.</span></p>
<h3>1. Personal Protective Equipment</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All organizations should provide their employees with personal safety equipment to protect themselves in the event of an emergency or dangerous situation. The necessary personal protective equipment will vary based on the type of work, though some examples include emergency alarms, GPS trackers, hard hats, goggles, masks, gloves, first-aid kits, and more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Organizations should also have ways to encourage and enforce the use of the protective equipment. Requiring the completion of physical or digital work pre-start checklists and forms (i.e. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are you wearing your hard hat? Is your GPS tracker turned on?</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">) and hanging safety signs at workplaces are two examples of this.</span></p>
<h3>2. Periodic Check-ins</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Requiring employees to check-in periodically and confirm their wellbeing is a crucial part of any lone worker safety plan. Checking in ensures that If employees fail to check-in, managers will be notified so that they can take necessary action.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many ways to carry out a check-in procedure. Some organizations require employees to call or text their managers at regular intervals, for example, every hour, or once an activity, task, appointment, or shift is complete. Since this manual check-in procedure can be tedious (and can lead to games of &#8220;phone tag&#8221;), many organizations prefer to use an automated check-in, facilitated by a lone worker solution, such as a</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/lone-worker-app/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker smartphone app</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Generally, smartphone apps automatically push notifications to employees to check-in, at specified intervals. Managers can be notified if employees miss a check-in, and duress alerts can be automatically triggered if employees still have not checked in, after a specified amount of time lapses.</span></p>
<h3>3. Overtime Alerting</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overtime alerting is a procedure that is designed to alert managers when employees have worked longer than expected or overstayed their allocated time at a work location. This allows managers to step in and check on the employee, and if necessary, send emergency assistance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overtime alerting is particularly useful for lone workers who carry out high-risk activities; if they overstay their check-in, it could mean that they have suffered a serious injury or time-critical injury (and they were unable to activate their duress alarm) and require immediate assistance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most efficient way to execute overtime alerting is with an automated</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-solutions/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker solution</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. That way, managers can continue with their work, and be notified of any safety issues automatically.</span></p>
<h3>4. Emergency Alerting</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the event of an emergency, lone workers require a quick, easy, and discreet way to let their manager know that they are in danger and require assistance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some organizations rely on phone calls and text messages, but this manual procedure is far from fail-proof. What if the lone worker can&#8217;t use their phone? What if the manager doesn&#8217;t answer?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deploying a</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-alarm/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker alarm</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a better solution, since employees can activate their duress at the push of a button. Managers receive duress alerts instantly, and if they fail to respond, the next contact in the emergency escalation chain can be notified immediately. Integration with Bluetooth wearables (panic button pendants and wristwatches) may also offer man-down/fall-detection functionality. Some solutions may offer other ways to activate duress as well; for example, SHEQSY&#8217;s &#8220;Shake for Panic&#8221; feature enables lone workers to shake their phones to alert their managers of emergency situations.</span></p>
<h3>5. GPS Location Tracking</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check-ins, overtime alerts, and emergency notifications are rendered useless without information about employees&#8217; </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">exact</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> locations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having a procedure to view and monitor employees&#8217; locations, during working hours, is paramount. That way, when an employee misses a check-in, overstays their activity, or activates their duress alarm, assistance can be dispatched to their location immediately.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because GPS shares coordinates only, it is useful to require employees to share location notes when working in complex locations, such as in a multi-level building (i.e. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today I am working in Building B, on the 4th floor, in Unit 42</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">), or within specific spaces (i.e. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today I am servicing the inside of Tank 3, in the main factory</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to safety, personal privacy is of utmost importance. For that reason, organizations should deploy a tracking solution that is employee-enabled; this means that the employee can turn tracking on when they begin working, and turn it off upon completion.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, deploying some sort of GPS tracker is required for this procedure, though an all-in-one lone worker solution (that includes periodic check-ins, overtime alerts, emergency/duress activation, employee-enabled GPS tracking, and location notes) is ideal.</span></p>
<h3>6. Emergency Response</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health and safety emergencies are time-critical. Creating a clear, easy-to-follow procedure for emergency response is necessary so that everyone involved knows what to do, in an organized and timely fashion.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To create an emergency response procedure, first, answer questions such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which supervisor will receive the emergency alert?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How will they receive it?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What should they do once they receive it?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How will emergency assistance be dispatched?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What if the supervisor is unavailable or does not respond to the alert?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How can another supervisor be notified automatically?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What if the second supervisor is unavailable?</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>7. After-Hours Monitoring</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If employees work outside of normal business hours, there should be a monitoring procedure in place that ensures their safety.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A common way to monitor employees after-hours is to engage a 24/7 professional security monitoring center to escalate missed check-ins, overtime alerts, and duress alerts according to the organization&#8217;s <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-policy/">lone worker safety policy</a>.</span></p>
<h3>8. Hazard Reporting</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since working alone is a high-risk activity, organizations should work to mitigate any unnecessary risks. One of the best ways to do this is to create a hazard reporting procedure, so that employees can alert management of any hazards, incidents, or near-misses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, hazard reporting can be implemented many ways; employees may be encouraged to submit reports via email, for example. Using a smart checklist and auditing app, such as</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">iAuditor</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, is a great way to control quality and safety. Meanwhile, some lone worker safety apps, such as</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/sheqsy/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">SHEQSY</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, have built-in hazard reporting features, so that lone workers can submit reports, along with photo and video evidence.</span></p>
<h2>Example of a Lone Working Procedure with SHEQSY</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working alone is a high-risk activity. Deploying a comprehensive lone worker safety app, such as</span><a href="https://sheqsy.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">SHEQSY</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, can empower lone workers and managers to easily and efficiently carry out the above lone-working procedures, to protect themselves and others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the table below, examine how a safety manager and a lone worker carry out daily safety procedures with SHEQSY&#8217;s lone worker solution, compared to without (manually). In this example, the safety manager works in the office, while the lone worker (a home-care nurse) carries out consultations within patients&#8217; homes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Note: SHEQSY is </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">fully customizable</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to suit your organization&#8217;s safety policies and procedures. Below is just one example of how the solution can be used.</span></p>
<div class="table">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 144px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 48px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;"> </td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;"><strong>Automated Working Alone Procedure (with SHEQSY)</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;"><strong>Manual Working Alone Procedure</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Scheduling and starting work</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker opens up the SHEQSY app (for iOS &amp; Android) to find their schedule for the day, which was previously set by the manager in Google Calendar, Office 365, or Microsoft Exchange and synced automatically.</span></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker finds their schedule for the day.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Traveling to the job site</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Within the SHEQSY app, the lone worker accepts the first activity. They select &#8220;en route&#8221; to be navigated to the job site. Meanwhile, the manager can view the lone worker&#8217;s real-time location and movements within the cloud-based SHEQSY dashboard.</span></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker calls or texts the manager to let them know that they are driving to the patient&#8217;s home. The lone worker manually finds navigation instructions to the job site and travels there. The manager will not not have visibility of the lone worker&#8217;s location at all.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Before &amp; during the appointment</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the lone worker arrives, they can be required to complete a safety form/checklist with activity-specific questions. The lone worker can also share location notes, as necessary. The activity has started.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">After 30 minutes, the SHEQSY app prompts the lone worker to complete a periodic check-in, confirming their well-being.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the activity is taking longer than expected, the lone worker can extend the activity duration.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the lone worker fails to check-in or extend the activity within a time threshold set by the organization, then a duress overtime alert will activate to ensure that the lone worker&#8217;s well-being is confirmed.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If an emergency occurs, the lone worker can easily and discreetly activate their duress alarm, in a number of ways (via the QuickPanic widget, Shake for Panic feature, in-app Panic Button, or an integrated Bluetooth wearable or lone worker device). The manager will receive an emergency notification and the pre-specified emergency escalation plan will commence.</span></li>
</ol>
</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the lone worker arrives, they call or text the manager again to let them know. Meanwhile, other lone workers are also calling/texting the manager too.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker tells/sends the manager any pertinent information. The manager inputs the information into a database manually.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">After 43 minutes, the lone worker remembers to check-in with the manager. They excuse themselves from the client, as they wait for the manager to answer the call, or to write/send a text message.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the activity is taking longer than expected, the lone worker needs to call or text the manager again to let them know.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If an emergency occurs, the lone worker can call/text the manager, or dial emergency services. If the lone worker is unable to use their phone, they may not receive help; the manager will not find out that the employee is in danger or has overstayed the activity until later.</span></li>
</ol>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>After the appointment</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker leaves the patient’s home, walks safely to their car, and marks the activity finished in the SHEQSY lone worker app. The manager no longer has real-time visibility of their location.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Detailed history of the activity, including the employee&#8217;s name, time, date, location, form/checklist answers, location notes, and more is stored within the SHEQSY dashboard, so that managers can view it and run reports. This data can also help demonstrate compliance with <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/safety-in-the-workplace/">workplace health and safety laws</a>.</span></li>
</ol>
</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone worker leaves the patient’s home, walks to their car, and calls/texts the manager again to let them know.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The manager does not have any records of the lone worker&#8217;s activities, unless they manually input them into a database.</span></li>
</ol>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p><strong><em>&#8220;With a significant number of our staff performing outreach appointments in the community and in clients’ homes, having an appointment overtime alert function provides our organization with peace of mind that the welfare of our staff is being monitored for each of their appointments.&#8221;</em> &#8211; Natalie P., Health Safety and Wellbeing Partner</strong></p>


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<h2>Advantages of Farm Machinery</h2>
<p>Here are the most significant benefits of utilizing agricultural machinery:</p>
<h3><strong>Improves Existing Techniques</strong></h3>
<p>Agricultural mechanization practices have improved land reclamation, reduced soil erosion, and made irrigation systems more efficient. The cultivators attached to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/tractor-safety/">tractors</a> help to smooth out the soil, fill in ditches and remove weeds, which all help to increase the amount of land used and prevent soil from eroding.</p>
<h3><strong>Boosts Farm Productivity for Commercialization</strong></h3>
<p>Agricultural mechanization has primarily replaced subsistence farming, increasing productivity and crop yields. Mechanization has enabled commercial farmers to produce far more food for profit.</p>
<h3><strong>Nullifies Effects of Labor Shortages</strong></h3>
<p>In recent years, many people in rural areas have moved to cities because of more jobs. But this has left farms needing more workers. Farm workers are no longer required to work as hard because machines are doing some of their work.</p>
<h3><strong>Makes More Space for Crops</strong></h3>
<p>Using the mechanization process, we can use land more efficiently. Machines can make land arable and allow to grow a wider variety of crops.</p>
<h3><strong>Increases Farm Income</strong></h3>
<p>Agricultural mechanization provides more monetary gain for large and small farms and reduces the time needed to pay laborers. Crop yields are higher with machinery, thus increasing farm profits.</p>
<h2><strong>Type of Machinery According to Use</strong></h2>
<p>A diverse range of machines is available, each designed for specific purposes.</p>
<h3><strong>Machinery Used for Soil Cultivation</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Cultivator</strong> – A machine used to mix and pulverize soil before planting.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Cultipacker</strong> – Tool that farmers use to squash clods of dirt, get rid of air pockets, and press small stones down into the ground.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Plough</strong> – Used to turn over the top layer of soil, bring fresh nutrients to the surface, and prepare the soil for planting.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Strip-till</strong> – Combines the advantages of conventional tillage and no-till practices in a minimal tillage system.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Machinery Used for Planting</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Seed drill</strong> – A machine that allows you to sow seeds in furrows at an even depth and rate. Soil is not required for it to work.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Broadcast seeder</strong> – Otherwise known as a spreader or fertilizer spreader, is commonly used for <a href="http://tax.vermont.gov/business-and-corp/sales-and-use-tax/exemptions/agricultural-equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agricultural purposes</a> such as spreading seed, lime, or fertilizer.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Seed cum fertilizer drill</strong> – Distributes the fertilizer uniformly on the ground.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Farm Machinery Types Used for Irrigation</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Irrigation equipment</strong> – Includes<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/pump-maintenance/"> pumps</a>, sprinklers, and other automated systems for watering crops.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Fire sprinkler system</strong> – Pipes connected to a water supply and used to control fires.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Centre irrigation</strong> – Used for large-scale farming operations, delivers water from the center of a field.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Machinery Used for Fertilizing and Pest Control</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Manure spreader</strong> – Also known as a muck spreader or honey wagon, this agricultural machine spreads manure over a field to fertilize it.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Slurry tank</strong> – A trailer with a pump and tank that can mix manure and water, creating an efficient fertilizer for fields.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Sprayer</strong> – A tool that applies herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to crops.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Harvesting and Threshing Equipment</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Combine harvester</strong> – A machine that shakes the grain off the stalk, cleans it, and stores it.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Sickle</strong> – An agricultural tool used for harvesting grain crops or cutting grass for hay.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Mower</strong> – A machine used to cut crops or grasses, operated manually by animal power or motor.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Crop harvesting machine</strong> – The machine that can harvest forage crops and form them into bales simultaneously.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/farm-safety/stand-up-4-grain-safety-week/">Grain</a> harvesting machine</strong> – Used to harvest grains, edible brans, or fruit seeds from <a href="https://www.holtags.com/types-of-farm-equipment-and-their-uses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cereal crops</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How Maintenance Plays a Role in Agriculture</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/farm-maintenance/">Maintenance</a> is essential to a farm’s success, both in the long and short run. Unplanned maintenance can often be more time-consuming than <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/planned-maintenance/">planned maintenance</a>, but both are necessary to keep a farm safe and operational.</p>
<h3><strong>Importance of Agricultural Maintenance</strong></h3>
<p>Maintenance workers in the agricultural industry have an important job: ensuring that machines used on farms operate correctly and are always ready to be used. If these machines aren’t available or working correctly, it could result in significant losses for the farm.</p>
<p>Agricultural maintenance serves the following purpose:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Preventing breakdowns and accidents</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keeping planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and so forth on the schedule</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maintaining the quality of end products by calibrating thermometers, metal detectors, sensors, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Types of Assets Maintained in Agriculture</strong></h3>
<p>Farms rely heavily on machinery, which the farmers themselves often maintain. In addition, most farms have buildings that need to be kept clean and in good condition. Some of the assets farmers need to support are:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Seed drills</li>
<li aria-level="1">Balers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Plows</li>
<li aria-level="1">Manure spreaders</li>
<li aria-level="1">Conveyor systems</li>
<li aria-level="1">Harvesters</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tractors</li>
<li aria-level="1">Planters</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fume washers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Irrigation systems</li>
<li aria-level="1">Storehouses</li>
<li aria-level="1">Silos</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sprayers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mixers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dispensers</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://safetyculture.com/monitoring/temperature/">Temperature control systems</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Common Preventive Maintenance Checks for Equipment Maintenance</strong></h2>
<p>Here are some of the most common <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/preventive-maintenance/">preventive maintenance checks</a> for equipment maintenance and calibration:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Winterizing equipment</strong> &#8211; Tasks that farmers typically need to perform to winterize their equipment and get it ready for the long-term storage required during the colder months include:
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Changing diesel fuel from #2 to #1</li>
<li aria-level="2">Keeping batteries charged or disconnecting them during the season</li>
<li aria-level="2">Heavy equipment cleaning</li>
<li aria-level="2">Draining and cleaning pesticide application equipment</li>
<li aria-level="2">Checking and replacing antifreeze and hydraulic fluids as needed</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Checking and changing fluids</strong> &#8211; It’s necessary to ensure that the liquids used in the equipment are clear and safe. These fluids should be exchanged for fresh ones at certain intervals, like when they degrade or gather pollutants.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Lubricating moving parts</strong> &#8211; Use the operator’s manuals usually provided for guidelines on lubrication and other preventive maintenance tasks. Inspect and lubricate all the moving parts needed.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Checking and changing filters</strong> &#8211; Air, oil, and fuel filters should all be changed regularly. Check them regularly to make sure they aren’t clogged, and replace them when needed.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Examining the bearings</strong> &#8211; All rotating parts require routine maintenance, including wheels, pulleys, shafts, and bearings. A replacement is necessary if they have worn out too much or become damaged.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Calibrating equipment </strong>&#8211; Ensure that your calibration intervals follow the guidance in the operator’s manual for all equipment.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Conducting damage inspections</strong> &#8211; It’s essential to regularly inspect all equipment for any damage that could impair its performance. Look for signs of wear and tear, rust, leaks, corrosion, and any other damage that could affect the machine’s performance.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How to Perform Agricultural Maintenance Safely</strong></h2>
<p>The pointers below help perform maintenance work on your farm as safely as possible.</p>
<h3><strong>Shut Down and Secure Equipment Before Servicing</strong></h3>
<p>Before performing any maintenance work, disconnect the equipment, shut off the engine, and remove the keys. <a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-lockout-tagout.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA</a>), these procedures could prevent 50,000 injuries and 120 deaths annually.</p>
<h3><strong>Use Appropriate PPE and the Correct Tools</strong></h3>
<p>It’s always advisable to wear<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/"> Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)</a> when performing maintenance on farm equipment. Also, only use approved hand tools, and never force them to fit when they don’t.</p>
<h3><strong>Avoid Cross-Contamination</strong></h3>
<p>Hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides or cleaning agents, are often present on farms. If you’re cleaning equipment that has been in contact with these substances, take extra care to avoid <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/gmp/">cross-contamination</a> with food or other chemicals.</p>
<h3><strong>Seek Training</strong></h3>
<p>Agricultural maintenance training provides crucial information about preventing injuries by implementing best practices. Training can be done in person or using digital learning tools like <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">Training</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Plan Maintenance Tasks in Advance</strong></h3>
<p>Regularly <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/periodic-maintenance/">scheduled maintenance</a> may help reduce unplanned repairs due to machinery failure.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create your own Equipment Inspection Checklist&#8221; body=&#8221;Build from scratch or choose from our collection of free, ready-to-download, and customizable templates.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Browse Equipment Inspection Checklists&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://safetyculture.com/checklists/equipment-inspection-form/&#8221;]</p>


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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Packaging is essential for marketing and product recognition. It creates value for the product and acts as a communication tool between the customer and the manufacturer. The packaging must also protect the product from damage during transport and storage.</span></p>
<h2>What are the Different Types of Packaging?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to packaging, there are many different types and styles to choose from. The type of packaging you use will depend on the product you are packaging, the intended use, and your budget. Some common types of packaging include:</span></p>
<div id="attachment_147173" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-147173" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-147173 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Types-of-Packaging.png" alt="different types of packaging" width="700" height="400" /><p id="caption-attachment-147173" class="wp-caption-text">Types of Packaging</p></div>
<h3>1. Boxes</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boxes are one of the most common types of packaging. They can be made from a variety of materials, including cardboard, corrugated cardboard, chipboard, and more. Boxes are typically used for packaging larger items or items that need to be protected from the elements such as long-distance delivery, breakage, and many more.</span></p>
<h3>2. Bags</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bags are another common type of packaging. They can be made from materials such as paper, plastic, cloth, and more. Bags are typically used for packaging smaller items or items that required simple packaging for carrying or presentation/gift. </span></p>
<h3>3. Plastics</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plastics are also quite common as a type of packaging. They are often made from various types of plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and more. Plastics are often used for packaging because they are durable and can be easily molded into different shapes.</span></p>
<h3>4. Cans</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cans are often used for food and beverage packaging due to their various advantages to perishable items such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hermetically sealed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Excellent protection from rodents and insects</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stackable</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamper-resistant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inexpensive</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cans can be made from various types of materials including aluminum, steel, and more. </span></p>
<h3>5. Bottles</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bottles are also quite common as a type of packaging. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and more. Bottles are often used for packaging liquids and other items that need to be airtight.</span></p>
<h3> 6. Envelopes and Bubble Mailers </h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Envelopes and bubble mailers are often used for letters, cards, and other small items that need to be protected during shipping. They can be made with plastics, papers, foils, and many more, depending on the importance and use of what it contains.</span></p>
<h2>Why Is It Important to Understand Packaging Types?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to understanding the types of packaging, it is important to consider the needs of your product. Some products require more protection than others, and others are better suited for certain types of packaging.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By knowing the types of packaging, you can make sure that your product is properly protected and that you are using the most suitable type of packaging for your needs. This can save you time and money in the long run, and it can also help </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/product-improvement/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">improve the quality of your product</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<h2>What are the Benefits of Packaging?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Packaging can actually be a powerful marketing tool that can help you sell more products and attract more customers. This is why packaging is a very essential to a business. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are just a few of the benefits that packaging can provide:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Protection</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Packaging can help to protect your product from damage during shipping and storage.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Tamper Resistance</strong><b>:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Packaging can deter thieves and help ensure that your product is not tampered with before it reaches the customer.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Product Visibility</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Packaging can make your product more visible on store shelves and online, which can help to boost sales.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Increased Sales</strong><b>:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Packaging can increase sales by making your product more appealing to customers.</span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Brand Recognition</strong><b>:</b> Good packaging can help to build brand recognition and loyalty. It will make your consumers more attracted to the product and build loyalty to your brand.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Packaging Inspection Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>What are the 3 Levels of Packaging?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are three levels of packaging: primary, secondary, and tertiary. </span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Primary packaging</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the first level of packaging and is in direct contact with the product. It is designed to protect the product and to be the first layer of defense against the outside environment. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Secondary packaging</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the second level of packaging and is used to protect the primary packaging. It is also designed to provide additional support and stability to the product. </span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Tertiary packaging</strong> is the third and final level of packaging. It is used to protect the product during transportation and to display the product in a retail setting.</li>
</ul>


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<p>The formula offers a systematic approach to assessing the efficiency of any queuing system. It states that there are only two variables that may affect the time of a queuing system. This gives businesses the opportunity to improve those specific variables to ensure their systems are running as smoothly as possible.<br />
The law can be applied to any queuing and sub-queuing system within a business. It’s widely used in various industries, from food and beverage establishments to manufacturing companies.</p>
<h2>Formula</h2>
<p>The mathematic equation for Little’s Law is as follows: <strong>L = λ x W</strong>. In the equation, the variables are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>L</strong> is the average number of items in a queuing system</li>
<li><strong>λ</strong> is the number of items arriving per unit of time</li>
<li><strong>W</strong> is the average waiting time each item spends in a queuing system</li>
</ul>
<h2>Example</h2>
<p>To better understand Little’s Law, let’s look at an example. Let’s say you are running a cafe, and you need to determine if you need to add space to optimize your queuing system and if your current establishment can queue up to eight people at a time.</p>
<p>If you have an average of 40 customers per hour and each customer spends around 10 minutes (0.16 hours) in your store, the formula applies like this:</p>
<p>L = 40 x 0.16, or 4.2 = 40 x 0.83.</p>
<p>This means that the queuing area in your coffee shop only queues up to 4.2 people at any given time. When using the formula, you can determine that you don’t need more space in your queuing area as you always have enough space to accommodate the average number of people in the queue.</p>
<h2>How Is Little’s Law Used?</h2>
<p>Little’s Law breaks down the queuing system into something much simpler with only two variables. This is used to determine whether or not the queuing system has the proper capacity for the number of items or customers in the queue at any given time. While the above example was used to determine if there was more space needed in the queuing system, it can also be used for items in a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/gmp/manufacturing-processes/">manufacturing process</a>.</p>
<p>Little’s Law has many applications, which is why it’s useful for any organization looking to streamline its queuing process. If you have a queuing process in your organization, whether that’s in manufacturing, service, or anything else, Little’s Law can be a practical way to assess your queueing system.</p>
<h2>How Can It Help a Business?</h2>
<p>The biggest way Little’s Law helps businesses is by evaluating the queuing system. A proper assessment of the queuing system opens up doors to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/process-improvement/">streamline production</a> and boost efficiency. This is because you can determine if your queuing system is sufficient for your operations and ensure that everything is in order to keep your business on track.</p>
<p>Having an efficient queuing system offers many benefits for a business. To start, the queuing system allows you to estimate the number of items waiting or the number of customers in line. From there, you can look at your establishment or work area to determine whether or not you can further optimize it.</p>
<p>When the queuing system works fine, everything else will follow. This will allow businesses to build proper schedules, stay on track with their goals, and boost productivity.</p>
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<p>The benefits of SaaS include lower upfront costs, ease of use, and regular updates. Because users access the software via the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/internet-safety/">Internet</a>, they can also access it from anywhere in the world. It makes SaaS an ideal solution for businesses with employees who work remotely.</p>
<h2>What are the Different &#8216;As A Service&#8217; Trends?</h2>
<p>SaaS is only one of the many <a href="https://www.hpe.com/us/en/what-is/saas.html">cloud computing</a> solutions for business IT needs. Other common &#8216;as-a-Service&#8217; options are:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)</strong><br />
Using Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), users can access virtualized resources, such as storage and software, over the internet. The provider hosts the hardware and other infrastructure components needed for these services.</li>
<li><strong>Platform as a Service (PaaS)</strong><br />
A Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) provides users access to hardware and software tools via the Internet. It&#8217;s usually necessary to use these tools when developing applications. The hardware and software are hosted on third-party infrastructure by PaaS providers.</li>
<li><strong>Everything as a Service (XaaS)</strong><br />
XaaS is a service that delivers anything over a network, typically the Internet, as an alternative to providing it locally or on-site.</li>
</ul>
<h2>SaaS Characteristics</h2>
<p>SaaS applications have a few key characteristics that set them apart from other types of software. These include:</p>
<h3>Multitenant Architecture</h3>
<p>A multitenant architecture means that all users and applications share a single infrastructure and <a href="https://www.infoworld.com/article/3226386/what-is-saas-software-as-a-service-defined.html">code base</a>. The SaaS vendor centrally maintains it. Because all clients are on the same infrastructure, the vendor can innovate more quickly. They can save time on developing numerous versions of outdated code.</p>
<h3>Easy Customization</h3>
<p>It is possible to customize SaaS applications to fit specific company processes without compromising the quality or integrity of the shared infrastructure. With SaaS upgrades being more frequent and less complex, providers can offer these services at a much lower cost while maintaining customer satisfaction.</p>
<h3>Better Access</h3>
<p>Anyone with access to the network can easily access the data from all the devices. It is easy to track who can see what data and when they can see it. This way, everyone has the same information at the same time.</p>
<h3>SaaS Harnesses the Consumer Web</h3>
<p>With the SaaS model, businesses can take advantage of the same technologies consumers use daily. These include social networking, mapping, and search. It makes it easier for employees to use the applications and get the most out of them.</p>
<h2>Examples of SaaS Applications</h2>
<p>There are many different types of SaaS applications available. Some common examples include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Project management software</li>
<li><a href="https://www.infoworld.com/article/3226386/what-is-saas-software-as-a-service-defined.html">Customer Relationship Management (CRM)</a> software</li>
<li>Non-profit software/Donation management software</li>
<li>Enterprise messaging software</li>
<li>Social media management software</li>
<li>Employee engagement software</li>
<li>Digital signature software</li>
<li>Business phone system software</li>
<li>Team communication software</li>
<li>End-to-end analytics platform</li>
<li>Website hosting software</li>
<li>Document management software</li>
<li>Digital adoption software</li>
<li>Live streaming software</li>
<li>Lead management software</li>
<li>Accounting software</li>
<li>Automation platform/Cloud integration software</li>
</ul>
<h2>Advantages</h2>
<p>SaaS is a way for organizations to use applications without installing or running them on their computers. They do not need to spend money on <a href="https://www.nokia.com/networks/as-a-service/saas/">additional hardware</a>, software licenses, or installation. Other benefits of using the SaaS model include the following:</p>
<p><strong>Flexible Payments</strong><br />
Rather than buying software licenses to install or getting new hardware, customers can subscribe to a SaaS. Thus, businesses can better plan for it. Users can also stop the SaaS offering anytime if they want to.</p>
<p><strong>Scalable Usage</strong><br />
SaaS offers customers the ability to vertically scale their service, meaning they can have more or fewer features as needed. It&#8217;s helpful for businesses that experience seasonality or sudden growth spurts. They can add features when needed and remove them when they don&#8217;t. Check out <a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/business-continuity-software/">10 Best Business Continuity Software of 2023</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Automatic Updates</strong><br />
Users don&#8217;t have to waste time or money on updates and patch management because the provider will take care of them. In other words, SaaS takes a load off of your company&#8217;s in-house IT staff.</p>
<p><strong>Customization</strong><br />
SaaS applications can be customized to fit your needs and can be integrated with other business applications, especially if they come from the same software provider.</p>
<h2><strong>Challenges</strong></h2>
<p>SaaS also poses potential risks and challenges that organizations should be aware of. These include.</p>
<p><strong>Issues Beyond Customer Control</strong><br />
If providers experience security breaches or service disruptions or make changes to their offerings that customers don&#8217;t want, it can cause serious problems. To prevent these issues from occurring, customers should be aware of their SaaS provider&#8217;s Service Level Agreement (SLA).</p>
<p><strong>Customers Lose Control Over Versioning</strong><br />
Any new version of an application released by the provider will automatically be applied to all customers, regardless of whether they want it or not. It may cause hardships for the organization, which will have to spend more time and resources training its employees to use said updated application.</p>
<p><strong>Difficulty Switching Vendors</strong><br />
It can be challenging and time-consuming when customers want to switch cloud service providers. They have to migrate petabytes of data, which is no small feat. And if the vendor uses proprietary technologies or data types, that further complicates things and creates what is called &#8220;vendor lock-in.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Security Concerns</strong><br />
When using SaaS applications, businesses must trust that their provider will keep their data secure. If the provider needs adequate security measures in place, it could risk the customer&#8217;s data.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Digitize the way you Work&#8221; body=&#8221;Empower your team with SafetyCulture to perform checks, train staff, report issues, and automate tasks with our digital platform.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Get Started for Free&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://app.safetyculture.com/sign-up&#8221;]</p>
<h2>What are the Different SaaS Security Concerns?</h2>
<p>Although most software products are now cloud-based models, organizations still have concerns about SaaS products and whether they are secure. Some of these concerns include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Encryption and Key management</li>
<li>Identity and access management (IAM)</li>
<li>Security monitoring</li>
<li>Incident response</li>
<li>Poor integration into broader, company-specific security environments</li>
<li>Fulfillment of data residency requirements</li>
<li>Data privacy</li>
<li>Cost of investing in third-party tools to offset the SAAS <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/security-risk-assessment/">security risk</a></li>
<li>Lack of communication with technical and security experts during the sales process</li>
<li>Different SaaS Pricing Models</li>
</ul>
<p>SaaS providers have different subscription models for customers. Below are some examples.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Free or ad-based</strong> &#8211; The SaaS provider generates revenue by selling advertising space on the free version of their service. Users can upgrade to a paid tier that doesn&#8217;t include ads.</li>
<li><strong>Flat rate</strong> &#8211; Customers subscribe to the software for a monthly or annual fee and have access to every feature.</li>
<li><strong>Per user</strong> &#8211; The subscription fees are fixed, and the amount is determined by how many people will use the service.</li>
<li><strong>Per-user tiers</strong> &#8211; The pricing tiers for this subscription depend on how many people can actively use the service at one time.</li>
<li><strong>Storage tiers</strong> &#8211; After customers exceed the free storage limit for a product, they will be required to pay a fee if they wish to continue using the service.</li>
<li><strong>Pay-as-you-go, or usage-based</strong> &#8211; Customers who use the service more frequently have higher bills, and those who use it less have lower bills.</li>
<li><strong>Per active user</strong> &#8211; This strategy includes features of the &#8220;per-user&#8221; and &#8220;pay-as-you-go plans.&#8221; A per-user fee is charged only to subscribers who actively use the service.</li>
<li><strong>Feature-based tiers</strong> &#8211; The software&#8217;s price depends on how many features the subscriber wants. A reduced version of the software with limited features is cheaper than the maximum functionality tier. There may also be additional feature tiers between the minimum and maximum functionality tiers.</li>
<li><strong>Freemium</strong> &#8211; Although the service is overall free to use, there are some features that customers will have to pay for if they want full access.</li>
</ul>


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SAAS Software as a Service

<p>By implementing data governance, businesses can ensure that their data is reliable and secure. In turn, this can improve decision-making and reduce risk. As such, data governance is essential to any business that relies on data.</p>
<h2><strong>Data Governance vs. Data Management</strong></h2>
<p>Data governance and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/data-management/">data management</a> are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to two different concepts.</p>
<p><strong>Data governance</strong> ensures that data is accurate, complete, and compliant with internal and external regulations. On the other hand, <strong>data management</strong> is the process of planning, specifying, controlling, storing, retrieving, organizing, and manipulating data. While data governance is concerned with data quality, data management is concerned with its quantity and structure.</p>
<h2><strong>Benefits</strong></h2>
<p>Data governance can bring numerous benefits to businesses. Among them are:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Create Better and Timely Decisions</strong> &#8211; Users in your organization can get the data they need to help customers, improve products and services, and find new ways to make money.</li>
<li><strong>Improve Cost Controls</strong> &#8211; Duplicate information is costly. So, by getting rid of data duplication, you can save money.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure Regulatory Compliance</strong> &#8211; Organizations need to have good data <a href="https://www.collibra.com/us/en/products/data-governance">governance practices</a>. It&#8217;ll help them avoid risks associated with not following rules and prepare them for new regulations.</li>
<li><strong>Increase Customer and Supplier Trust</strong> &#8211; If you follow internal and external data policies, people will trust that you will protect their sensitive information. It&#8217;ll make them feel good about doing business with you.</li>
<li><strong>Manage Risks More Effectively</strong> &#8211; Strong governance will ensure that unauthorized people do not access sensitive data. It could include someone outside the company trying to steal data or someone inside the company not supposed to see it.</li>
<li><strong>Make Data More Accessible</strong> &#8211; Strong data governance means that more people in the organization can access data. It includes getting access to the correct data and ensuring that it does not negatively impact the organization.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>4 Pillars</strong></h2>
<p>The four pillars of data governance are as follows:</p>
<h3>Identify Distinct Use Cases</h3>
<p>It&#8217;s crucial to relate data governance to its impact on an organization by considering revenue, cost, and risk, explaining how it will be helpful to get stakeholders involved, and part of creating a framework. By applying your stakeholders in the project planning process, you help ensure that relevant issues are being addressed and get buy-in for the project. This commitment to success from key individuals helps guarantee the overall success of the venture.</p>
<h3>Quantify Value</h3>
<p>The success of data governance depends on its ability to be measured. Gauging the impact of data governance should be possible in each use case and for the organization as a whole. The success of a data governance framework depends on setting and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It&#8217;ll also help reveal any areas that need more focus or improvement.</p>
<h3>Improve Data Capabilities</h3>
<p>A good data governance framework will improve the usefulness of data for all users and outline processes to get the most out of available data. It includes having the right technology in place so users can access and use data per set requirements (e.g., via outlined use cases). Some of the most common capabilities are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Facilitating collaboration across the organization to share data assets</li>
<li>Maintaining compliance with internal and external <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/designing-data-governance-that-delivers-value">regulatory requirements</a></li>
<li>Including a searchable and intuitive catalog for discovering data assets</li>
<li>Enforcing data protection by implementing least-privilege data access</li>
<li>Ensuring data accuracy</li>
<li>Learning how the data was collected, classified, and used</li>
</ul>
<h3>Develop a Scalable Delivery Model</h3>
<p>The data governance framework becomes easier to establish by addressing more use cases and delivering more benefits. By doing this, the time needed to address each new use case effectively decreases while also providing a higher return on investment. An organization can eventually implement a data governance framework.</p>
<h2><strong>5 Areas of Data Governance</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_53165" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-53165" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 wp-image-53165 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/5-Areas-of-Data-Governance.png" alt="5 Areas of Data Governance" width="900" height="400" srcset="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/5-Areas-of-Data-Governance.png 900w, https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/5-Areas-of-Data-Governance-300x133.png 300w, https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/5-Areas-of-Data-Governance-768x341.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><p id="caption-attachment-53165" class="wp-caption-text">5 Areas of Data Governance | SafetyCulture</p></div>
<h3>Accountability</h3>
<p>Any data governance process will only succeed with a clear sense of ownership and accountability. Diligence in this area ensures that your organization&#8217;s data is well-managed and protected. Furthermore, everyone in the organization must buy into this system to be truly effective.</p>
<p>To ensure accountability throughout the organization, you should establish a data governance council with members from every department, including executives. The newly established data governance council will define and implement company-wide procedures and policies related to data across the organization, with the power to enforce them.</p>
<h3>Standardized Rules and Regulations</h3>
<p>Data governance is a complex but critical process for any organization that collects and stores data. Standardized rules and regulations must be established and followed to protect this data and ensure it&#8217;s used appropriately. These guidelines should cover all aspects of data usage, from <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/data-collection/">collection</a> to storage to destruction. They will be created by the data governance council, with input from the appointed data stewards.</p>
<h3>Data Stewardship</h3>
<p>Once you have instilled accountability in your organization, the next step is responsibility. To ensure the right people are responsible for your data, appoint a dedicated data steward. Individuals in this position report to the data council and are responsible for implementing and enforcing the rules and regulations defined by it.</p>
<h3>Data Quality Standards</h3>
<p>While data plays a significant role in many business decisions, not all data is created equal. Most companies can&#8217;t even trust the information they have on hand. To ensure your company&#8217;s data is top-notch, the data governance board should create a reliable set of <a href="https://www.sap.com/insights/what-is-data-governance.html">quality standards</a> with help from the data steward. It&#8217;ll ensure that everyone within your organization understands and adheres to your data quality standards.</p>
<h3>Transparency</h3>
<p>Data governance processes within your organization must maintain transparency. Third-party audits can reveal the handling of sensitive data, the reason for its usage, and its purpose. Data transparency will safeguard your company in the event of a data breach and enable you to keep learning how data is used within your business.</p>
<h2><strong>Concerns for Governing Data in the Cloud</strong></h2>
<h3>Data Security</h3>
<p>Although storing data in the public cloud is a concern for businesses, they should know that their provider will take measures to protect against exposure or theft.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Data Security Checklist&#8221;]</span></p>
<h3>Regulation Compliance of Cloud Vendors</h3>
<p>Enterprise compliance officers who ensure that their company follows regulations and standards must trust that their cloud vendor will do the same. They also need the vendor&#8217;s help to ensure that their data stored on a server not belonging to them complies with guidelines such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gdpr-info.eu/">General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa">California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/security-risk-assessment/">Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hipaa-compliance/">Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Control and Visibility for Data Owners</h3>
<p>Cloud service providers know that data governance is essential to gaining customer trust and providing a positive customer experience. Therefore, many leading vendors offer tools for data assessment, metadata cataloging, access control management, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/cyber-security/">information security</a>, etc., as part of their platform&#8217;s capabilities.</p>


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FAQs About Data Governance

The Benefits of Implementing Data Governance

information security professionals ensuring data governance compliance

Compliance

Data Protection

Data Governance

<p>There are many benefits to using timber shoring, especially during excavation. Timber is strong and durable, making it ideal for supporting a structure during construction. Timber is also less expensive than other materials, such as steel, making it a cost-effective option for projects under a tight budget.</p>
<h2><strong>What is the Purpose of Timber Shoring?</strong></h2>
<p>The purpose of timber shoring is to provide a temporary support system that is strong enough to hold up the weight of the excavation or building while the permanent support system is being put in place. It is typically used in construction and mining operations but can also work in other situations where a temporary support system is needed.</p>
<p>While its purpose is primarily to provide a temporary support system, timber shoring can also be used to provide a permanent support system in some cases. It is a vital part of the construction process and helps ensure <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/excavation-safety/">excavation safety</a> for the workers and the stability of the structure.<br />
[sc_cta title=&#8221;Improve Safety in Construction Operations&#8221; body=&#8221;Raise the level of safety for all workers through real-time data, standardized procedures, and effective communication across multiple sites.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Explore Our Construction Safety Solution&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://safetyculture.com/construction/construction-safety-management/&#8221;]</p>
<h2><strong>What are Its Components?</strong></h2>
<p>There are four main components of a timber shoring system, as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>The <strong>vertical posts</strong>, typically made of timber or steel, support the horizontal members.</li>
<li>The <strong>horizontal members</strong> are placed at intervals along the length of the excavation and are connected to the vertical posts.</li>
<li><strong>Wales</strong> are placed along the sides of the excavation to help stabilize the wall.</li>
<li><strong>Braces</strong> are placed at the corners of the excavation to help keep the excavation stable.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How Is It Installed?</strong></h2>
<p>Installing timber shoring is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things that must be kept in mind before proceeding:</p>
<ul>
<li>Make sure that the area you&#8217;re shoring up is clear of any debris.</li>
<li>Inspect for any environmental or workplace hazards.</li>
<li>Choose the right timber for the job. The type of timber you use will depend on the weight and type of construction materials you&#8217;re using.</li>
</ul>
<p>Once these factors are considered, installation can now be done. Here is a simple guide for establishing a timber shoring:</p>
<ol>
<li>The area to be shored is excavated.</li>
<li>The wood timbers are placed in the excavation and secured with metal braces.</li>
<li>The soil is backfilled around the timbers to provide support.</li>
</ol>
<p>The process of installing timber shoring is not difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation. It is also essential to have a proper understanding and knowledge of the process so that it’s done effectively and safely.</p>
<p>With proper installation, timber shoring can be a very effective way to shore up excavations and prevent collapse. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many construction projects.</p>
<h2><strong>Timber Shoring Inspections</strong></h2>
<p>Timber shoring inspections are conducted to ensure the system is installed correctly and in good working condition. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, here are some things that must be inspected:</p>
<ul>
<li>All connections must be secure.</li>
<li>The shoring system must be plumb and level.</li>
<li>All members must be free of notches, splits, or other damage.</li>
<li>Each member must be braced correctly.</li>
<li>All turnbuckles, nuts, and bolts must be tightened.</li>
<li>Check for any soil that has fallen away from the shoring system.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Safety Tips For Timber Shoring</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_148057" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148057" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-148057 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/3-Major-Safety-Tips-for-Timber-Shoring.png" alt="3 Major Safety Tips for Timber Shoring" width="700" height="400" /><p id="caption-attachment-148057" class="wp-caption-text">3 Major Safety Tips for Timber Shoring</p></div>
<p>When working with timber shoring, there are a few safety tips to always keep in mind. By following these <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/construction-safety/">construction safety</a> tips, you can help ensure that your timber shoring project goes smoothly and safely.</p>
<h3>1. Always Use Proper Safety Equipment</h3>
<p>Wearing <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/">Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)</a> protects workers from accidents and injuries when working on-site. A PPE for timber shoring operations often includes <a href="https://marketplace.safetyculture.com/ppe/hand-protection/">gloves</a>, <a href="https://marketplace.safetyculture.com/ppe/eye-protection/">eye protection</a>, and sturdy shoes.</p>
<h3>2. Work in a Well-ventilated Area</h3>
<p>Make sure the area you&#8217;re working in is well-ventilated. Timber shoring can produce a lot of dust and toxic fumes that could harm the workers’ health. So it&#8217;s essential to have good ventilation to avoid breathing in too much of these harmful particles.</p>
<h3>3. Follow Safety Protocols</h3>
<p>Timber shoring can be dangerous if not done correctly, given the health and safety risks it poses during operations. For this reason, it&#8217;s important to follow safety protocols when working on the site. When in doubt, always check your location’s safety rules (e.g., <a href="https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926SubpartPAppC">OSHA’s guidelines</a>) for timber shoring.</p>


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FAQs about Timber Shoring

Timber Shoring: A Construction Essential

timber shoring while a construction worker is onsite

Construction Safety

Timber Shoring

<p>The term lead time is used in a variety of industries and fields, including manufacturing, supplier management, project management, and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/supply-chain/">supply chain management</a>.</p>
<h3>What is the Difference Between Lead and Delivery Time?</h3>
<p>While lead time pertains to the overall duration or interval of processing the order until the customer receives it, <a href="https://www.optics-trade.eu/blog/shipping-time-vs-delivery-time/#:~:text=The%20date%20when%20the%20package%20should%20arrive%20at%20the%20customer%E2%80%99s%20doorstep%2C%20from%20the%20carrier%20to%20the%20buyer.%20This%20might%20vary%20depending%20on%20the%20distance%20needed%20to%20get%20from%20the%20warehouse/store%20to%20the%20buyer." target="_blank" rel="noopener">delivery time</a> is the time it takes for the product or service to be transported to the customer.</p>
<h2><strong>Why is Lead Time Important and How to Calculate it?</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lead times serve as a key business metric. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aside from being used to ensure companies consistently meet customer expectations, lead times also help forecast inventory, anticipate sales, plan for customer demand, and streamline operations.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> In relation to that, reduced lead times can translate into improved fulfillment rates of orders, efficient use of warehouse space and resources, and smoother workflows.</span></p>
<p>In every entity in the supply chain, lead times vary depending on the specific activities involved and the gravity of work being performed by the team members and stakeholders. With this in mind, it’s crucial to remember that there may be dependencies in your overall supply chain process.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To help you manage such cases and better plan your operations, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">knowing the various formulas for each entity’s lead time and how to calculate them is helpful. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/leadtime.asp#toc-how-to-calculate-lead-time"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Investopedia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the following may apply:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Overall lead time</strong> = Pre-processing time + Processing time + Post-processing time</li>
<li><strong>Lead time in manufacturing</strong> = Procurement time for raw materials + manufacturing time + shipping time</li>
<li><strong>Lead time in retail</strong> = Procurement time for finished products + shipping time</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Types</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_149837" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-149837" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-149837 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Types-of-Lead-Time.png" alt="Types of Lead Time in the Supply Chain" width="800" height="400" /><p id="caption-attachment-149837" class="wp-caption-text">Types of Lead Time in the Supply Chain</p></div>
<p>As previously mentioned, lead times vary per entity in the supply chain. The 5 common types are the following:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Customer Lead Time</strong> &#8211; the time from when the customer’s order is confirmed until it’s fulfilled</li>
<li><strong>Material Lead Time</strong> &#8211; the time that it takes to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/procurement/">procure materials</a> from suppliers and have them ready for use during the production process</li>
<li><strong>Production Lead Time</strong> &#8211; the duration of the overall production process</li>
<li><strong>Cumulative Lead Time</strong> &#8211; the sum of the material lead time and production lead time</li>
<li><strong>Delivery Lead Time</strong> &#8211; the time it takes for the order or shipment to get to the customers</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Factors</strong></h2>
<p>It&#8217;s important to understand the elements or processes that contribute to the efficiency of supply chain operations to optimize and reduce the time it takes to finish products. Hence, what factors affect lead time? Here are some of them in detail.</p>
<h3><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/inventory-management-system/">Inventory management system</a></h3>
<p>The efficiency of your organization’s <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/inventory-management-system/inventory-control/">inventory control</a> affects the way you ensure reduced lead times and enhanced customer satisfaction. Depending on your business needs, there are a lot of inventory management systems you can consider implementing.</p>
<p>One example is <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/just-in-time-jit/">Just-in-Time (JIT)</a>. One of the benefits of shortened lead times associated with a JIT system is that it focuses on manufacturing and delivering only what is needed, when it is needed, and how much is needed just in the time it was actually demanded.</p>
<h3>Production processes</h3>
<p>The processes being used by an organization to produce goods and move them in the supply chain must be efficient to prevent delays, stick to the predicted schedule, and avoid potential customer returns.</p>
<h3>Suppliers</h3>
<p>Suppliers working with organizations must be best-fit for the business to meet demands throughout its operations. To ensure this, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supplier-quality-management/">supplier quality management (SQM)</a> must be established and continuously improved.</p>
<h2><strong>Tips to Control and Shorten Lead Time</strong></h2>
<p>While there are a number of things affecting supply chain lead times that companies can’t anticipate (i.e., human error, natural disasters, and raw material shortages), a huge deal of factors can be mitigated, managed, and improved. This brings confidence to key stakeholders knowing they can look for continuous improvement opportunities and further optimize their operations. That said, here are some tips on how to improve and control your lead times:</p>
<h3>Reassess your processes.</h3>
<p>Make time to analyze your existing systems and activities to assess whether valuable outputs are being created or maximized. Remove those that are unnecessary, improve those that bring little value, and ideate new ones that can benefit your business.</p>
<h3>Establish strategic inventory management.</h3>
<p>In terms of inventory, you can reorder more frequently in smaller batches rather than in bulk, which may take time to produce and arrive at your warehouse. This way, you avoid the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supply-chain-disruption/supply-chain-risk-management/">risk</a> of stockouts which can then cause delays in your lead time.</p>
<p>However, high inventory levels can also bring disadvantages to your organization. These include higher storage costs, additional labor in warehouses, and limited cash flow. This is why it’s important to consider the best way to manage your inventory that benefits the organization without compromising customer satisfaction.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Inventory Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Ensure everyone is well-informed on your operations.</h3>
<p>Improving internal communications is one way to let everyone involved in your supply chain operations be on board with best practices. Using tools and platforms in this aspect of your business is also a must to <a href="https://blog.safetyculture.com/feedback-from-the-field/communication-gap">bridge workplace communication gaps</a>.</p>
<h3>Maximize the power of automation.</h3>
<p>Any level of or approach to streamlining an organization’s workflow processes can have a small or big impact on its overall operations. Hence, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/automation-process/">automating tasks and activities</a> that are redundant or can be done using tools and platforms is advisable. One example is an operations platform or workflow software that you can set up and integrate with your existing system.</p>


Understanding Lead Time in the Supply Chain

warehouse employees working efficiently to meet expected lead time

Logistics

Lead Time

<p>For example, many modern homes are equipped with smart appliances like a microwave. These appliances connect to the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/internet-safety/">internet</a> and your phone. And when you control your smart appliance with your phone, you’re actually using the internet of things.</p>
<p>In professional settings, IoT can be used to smoothen operations in industries like manufacturing and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/construction-innovation/">construction</a>. For example, you can see IoT in action with climate control devices, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/telematics/">telematics</a>, advanced security, and other similar devices. If the device connects to the internet and can communicate with other devices whether it’s a phone, control system, or a different appliance, then it’s part of the internet of things.</p>
<h2>Importance and Applications</h2>
<p>The 21st century has propelled IoT to the forefront of technology, with many experts calling it one of the most important innovations of our time. The act of connecting devices to the internet to communicate with other devices and people allows for a more seamless use of technology.</p>
<p>That way, physical objects can start collecting data and performing tasks with minimal intervention. This not only allows different processes to be streamlined, but it can also create a more efficient and convenient world for everyone.</p>
<p>Some of the ways the IoT is being applied in modern industries include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Smart homes</li>
<li>Smart security systems you can control from your phone</li>
<li>Wearable health monitors that give regular updates</li>
<li>Climate control systems that give you a live feed</li>
<li>Smart manufacturing equipment</li>
<li>Trackers in shipping containers that transmit data through the internet</li>
</ul>
<h2>Benefits</h2>
<p>The biggest benefit of IoT is how it can improve productivity and reduce the need for human labor. For example, installing IoT trackers in shipping containers allows customers and manufacturers to track exactly where their products are and how long before they arrive at their destination. That way, there’s no need for an employee to manually input and update the data whenever the products are in transit.</p>
<p>On top of that, IoT can also improve security. Currently, many establishments use security camera systems connected to the internet. These cameras transmit a live feed to security managers via the internet and allow them to keep their areas in check.</p>
<p>Another crucial benefit of IoT is improved safety. With IoT, there is a lesser need for human intervention so that workers won’t be putting themselves through unnecessary risks. Additionally, it allows organizations to keep track of safety within an establishment without that much work.</p>
<p>A great way that people are doing this is through wearable technology. For example, workers can wear temperature, heart rate, and other types of monitors to keep track of crucial safety metrics. And if ever something is out of order, the device can send a message right away to inform someone who can help or address the issue.</p>
<p>There are many ways IoT can benefit a company. From boosting productivity to increasing safety, it’s no wonder many companies and organizations are starting to adopt IoT and integrate new technologies.</p>
<h2>Common Components of IoT</h2>
<p>To be considered an IoT system, you need four components. These are:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Sensors or devices</strong> &#8211; record and gather data</li>
<li><strong>Data processing units</strong> &#8211; interpret the raw data from sensors</li>
<li><strong>Internet connectivity</strong> &#8211; transfer the data to the system</li>
<li><strong>User interface</strong> &#8211; allows a person to view and read all the data that the system records; serves as the main control center of the system and where you can tweak all the settings</li>
</ol>
<p>These are the base components for a system to qualify as an IoT system. That said, there are more complex IoT systems available with even more components. Different industries have their own methods of developing IoT systems, and there is a lot of room for this technology to grow.</p>
<h2>What Industries Use IoT?</h2>
<p>Here are some of the various industries that use IoT systems.</p>
<h3>Manufacturing</h3>
<p>Manufacturing is one of the industries that can benefit the most from IoT. When used in this industry, these systems are also referred to as <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/internet-of-things/industrial-iot/">industrial IoT</a>. These systems typically involve sensors to monitor temperatures in manufacturing areas, safety and security systems, and even communication systems within the organization.</p>
<h3>Hospitality</h3>
<p>One of the ways the hospitality industry uses IoT is by using smart rooms. There are many hotels nowadays that offer guests a smart controller that they can use to control the temperature, lighting, and other factors of the room. This provides a better guest experience while also reducing the staff’s labor.</p>
<h3>Health</h3>
<p>The health industry uses IoT primarily through wearable devices. For example, patients can wear heart monitors that transmit data to doctors in real-time. That way, if ever there’s a spike or dip that requires medical attention, the team can attend to the matter right away.</p>
<h3>Agriculture</h3>
<p>Agriculture is another industry experiencing an IoT <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/industry-4-0/">revolution</a>. Farmers can use sensors to detect soil quality and temperature, monitoring tools for their crops, and even drones that they can use to survey the area and perform other tasks.</p>


What Are the Types of IoT Networks?

What Are Examples of IoT Devices?

Are IoT Systems Secure?

What Are the Challenges in Adopting IoT?

FAQs about Internet of Things

What is Internet of Things: A Definitive Guide

Internet of Things

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NDT is typically used to inspect materials and components for flaws, such as cracks, voids, inclusions, and porosity. This method can also be used to measure the thickness of materials, the hardness of metals, and the properties of composites.</span></p>
<h2>Why is NDT Testing Important?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Non-destructive Testing is a critical tool in ensuring the safety and quality of products and systems. It can be used to test for a variety of potential problems, from cracks and other defects to manufacturing issues. By catching these problems early, NDT can help avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NDT is essential  in ensuring the quality and safety of products and materials. It can be used to:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Detect defects</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Assess the strength of a material</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Verify the dimensions of components</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ensure that products meet the required standards for </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/quality-assurance-and-quality-control/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">quality control</span></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What is the Difference Between Non-destructive Testing and Destructive Testing?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are two main types of testing that are used to evaluate the strength and integrity of materials: destructive testing and non-destructive testing. Destructive testing involves causing damage to the material in order to test its limits, while non-destructive testing allows materials to be tested without causing any damage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Destructive testing is often more accurate than non-destructive testing but can only be used on a limited number of materials. Meanwhile, non-destructive testing produces less accurate results but can be used on a wider range of materials.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which type of testing is right for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of material being tested and the accuracy required.</span></p>
<h2>What are the Main Types of NDT Methods?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a variety of different non-destructive testing methods. Each of these techniques can be used to detect different types of defects, so it is important to choose the right one for the job. The most common NDT methods are:</span></p>
<h3>1. Visual Testing</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visual testing is the simplest and most common form of NDT. It is often used as a first step in the NDT process to identify potential areas of concern. It involves </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/visual-inspection/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">visually inspecting</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> the surface of the material for defects such as cracks, scratches, or other irregularities. However, it is limited by the inspector&#8217;s ability to see the defect.</span></p>
<h3>2. Radiographic Testing</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Radiographic testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to penetrate the surface of the material and create an image of the internal structure. This image can then be analyzed for defects. Radiographic testing is useful for detecting internal damages that are not visible from the outside.</span></p>
<h3>3. Ultrasonic Testing</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect defects in the material. The sound waves are sent into the material and will bounce off of any defects that are present. The echoes are then converted into an image that can be analyzed for defects. Ultrasonic testing is useful for detecting both internal and external defects.</span></p>
<h3>4. Magnetic Particle Testing</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Magnetic Particle Testing, also known as Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), uses magnetic fields to detect surface and subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic field is applied to the material, and iron particles that are magnetized by an electrical current are used to highlight any flaws present in the product. Magnetic particle testing can be used to detect cracks, voids, leaks, or indications.</span></p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own NDT Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Factors Considered When Conducting Non-Destructive Testing</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several factors considered before conducting NDT in order for the results to be correct and concise. These factors are as follows:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researching the suitable NDT method for the product</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obtaining proper requirements for safe and reliable operation</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Characteristics of processes such as properties of materials used</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Usefulness of the available methods</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Economic value of the testing to be conducted</span></li>
</ul>


FAQs about Non-Destructive Testing

Non-Destructive Testing: Why Its Essential in the Industry

Non-Destructive Testing

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