Blog provided by Act Data Services, Inc. 1-800-ACT-DATA

There are many logistical details that go into running a successful retailer or E-commerce business. One of those details is communication between providers of goods and the businesses that sell them. Translating data from one information system into another can be a needlessly complicated affair. However, new technology has made this part of doing business much easier through EDI or electronic data interchange. EDI has allowed almost instantaneous translation of data so that all information is compatible with your business partners’ records.

The benefits of EDI also spill into the area of warehouse logistics. In order to facilitate a smooth, efficient supply chain, warehouses need to have all relevant product information in a timely manner. This allows them to plan and organize the distribution of goods so that warehouses are safer, quicker, and more productive. A good EDI provider can make information such as incoming items, items in shipping, and inventory counts easily accessible so you won’t have to worry about confirming whether or not your information is accurate. You should have the freedom to focus on selling your products without obsessing over the minutiae of how your warehouses are being run.

ACT Data has been a global leader in EDI and warehouse logistics for many years. They also offer VAN services in addition to their duties as an EDI provider. If you need the best EDI solutions for your business, see why brands such as Wal-mart, Gap, and eBay have made ACT Data one of their trusted partners. Contact Act Data Services, Inc. 1-800-ACT-DATA.

If you run a retail business in the 21^st century, you may have heard of EDI (electronic data interchange) and its benefits for commerce and exchange. However, setting up EDI software can seem complicated to some newcomers. There is a need for quick and simple EDI methods that can help retailers keep up with their competitors. Luckily, web-based EDI is one of the most beginner-friendly solutions on the market.

With web-based EDI, you won’t have to do any data mapping or install any EDI software. You only need to fill out online forms with your transaction information, and your EDI provider will make it compatible with your business partners’ systems. Web-based EDI fulfills the essential function of translating transaction information into digital form, which eliminates the time and money spent on paper and document filing.

However, if you’re not a newcomer to EDI, you might want a more robust solution than web-based EDI. Web-based EDI tends to be less secure and slower, since a third party (your EDI provider) manages it. If you’d prefer the quicker route, you can always make EDI transactions directly with your business partners. You’d just need the technical know-how to set up and manage your own EDI data.

Summary: Ergonomic furniture can help operators work at a more efficient rate.

Running a command center comes with its caveats. For one, you’ll have to ensure that your operators are engaged at all times – not to mention ready to handle any emergency situations. One approach you can take to help improve efficiency in your EOC building is to invest in ergonomic furniture.

Helping Posture and Increased Comfort

Ergonomic chairs are designed for those that require a more comfortable chair and can help keep their spine aligned and postured. Simple furniture pieces like these can have a direct impact on performance. For instance, if an operator is suffering from chronic back pain due to those cheap office chairs, swapping out to an ergonomic alternative can help mitigate this pain, and in turn, improve the worker’s efficiency.

Boosting Morale

A psychological factor that can impact efficiency is making your employees feel special and welcome. If they are treated fairly and given even an ergonomic piece of furniture, it can improve their productivity and they may also feel like their owner cares for them. Studies have shown that happier employees are more efficient when working on the job.

While it’s great to provide your employees with a gift or two every once in a while, be sure to consider the limitations as well. The purchase isn’t going to turn your command center into an industry-leading command center, but the gesture definitely helps. Listening and changing the environment around your employees can improve productivity and may even reduce the feeling of sluggishness and resentment.

Generally speaking, it’s not difficult to sell most people on the benefits of a portable power supply. The versatility and convenience of various types of power supplies and generators speak for themselves. Before springing for just any old model, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Be sure to mull the following when making any auxiliary power unit purchase.

Source of Power

Firstly, you should think about where your power supply’s juice will ultimately come from. Some portable generators use gasoline while others rely on diesel fuel. Quite a few models are diesel-electric hybrids. Some units are merely compact arrays of lithium batteries that store energy generated elsewhere. A few even create their own electricity using photovoltaic panels.

Type of Current

Without a doubt one of the most important decisions you can make in regards to a portable power unit is whether it’ll deliver AC power, DC power or both. Most portable power pack models are DC-only. Larger generator-style power supplies tend to give users the option of outputting either AC or DC power on demand.

Voltage & Power Output

A power supply is only as good as its ability to meet the demands of any given job. Popular models range from 12 volt jump-starters all the way up to 28 volt power supplies that can deliver up to 2,000 peak amps. Ensure that your chosen power supply can deliver the wattage you need at the right voltages.

Intended Usage & Compatibility

In the portable power supply arena, compatibility with a variety of gear is a critical concern. Most generators and power supplies boast standard sockets that will be compatible with most tools and appliances. If you need a power supply for a specialized purpose such as jump-starting aircraft, you’ll need to pay close attention to connector compatibility.

Size and Mobility

Nowadays, external power supplies come in all shapes and sizes. Where you plan on taking a power supply will inform your decision to a great extent. Clearly, smaller power packs can be taken pretty much anywhere. Larger, high-output models must be equipped with wheels and handles to provide an acceptable level of mobility.

Something for Everybody

If you’re looking for a portable power supply, your decision won’t hinge on a single factor. You’ll need to take all of the aforementioned considerations into account when weighing the pros and cons of any given option. Fortunately, the perfect power supply unit for your purposes is out there if you do your research.