Blog Post

Radial Conveyors: A Revolution in Material Handling

Radial conveyors have long been a cornerstone of bulk material handling, but recent innovations have catapulted this technology into a new era of efficiency and precision.

Automation: The Future of Radial Conveyors

One of the most exciting developments in radial conveyor technology is the increasing integration of automation. Modern conveyors can now be equipped with sensors and advanced controls, enabling them to operate with unprecedented accuracy and responsiveness. Imagine a conveyor that automatically adjusts its discharge angle and speed based on material flow or pre-programmed routines. This level of automation boosts productivity and significantly reduces waste and product damage.

Efficiency and Sustainability

As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, radial conveyor manufacturers are responding with innovative designs that prioritize energy efficiency. Lighter materials, optimized components, and energy-saving drive systems are just a few examples of how these machines are becoming greener.

Safety First

Safety remains a top priority in any industrial setting. Advancements in radial conveyor design include enhanced safety features such as improved guarding, easier access for maintenance, and automatic lubrication systems. These innovations create a safer working environment for operators.

The Power of Software

Software is playing an increasingly important role in optimizing radial conveyor performance. Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time performance analysis are now possible through user-friendly interfaces. This level of control and insight empowers operators to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.

A Glimpse into the Future

The future of radial conveyors is incredibly promising. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has the potential to revolutionize material handling. Imagine conveyors that can learn and adapt to optimize material flow in real-time or predict and prevent potential issues before they occur.

Discover Innovative Radial Conveyors

To learn more about the latest advancements in radial conveyor technology, visit Radial Conveyors. They offer a range of innovative solutions designed to meet the demands of modern industries.

Innovation-creativity.com is committed to providing our readers with the latest insights into industrial trends and technologies. Stay tuned for more articles on cutting-edge equipment and solutions.

As enterprises become more interconnected, their operations rely heavily on seamless application integration for efficiency. Enterprise Solution Architects and IT Directors must understand how to successfully integrate multiple apps into a cohesive unit for operational effectiveness and strategic advantage. This blog post delves into application integration’s benefits, methods, and best practices in large enterprises.

Enterprise Application Integration Needs

As businesses adapt to an ever-more digital environment, application integration has never been more essential. Organizations now rely on multiple software applications for various aspects of their operations,

ranging from customer relationship management (CRM), to human resource and supply chain management. However, these separate systems often operate separately resulting in redundant data entry, inconsistency, and inefficiencies that significantly impede business efficiency.

Enterprises that implement an effective application integration platform are able to streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and foster collaboration across departments more easily. Furthermore, this integration not only fosters innovation but also equips businesses to respond swiftly to market changes while maintaining their competitive advantage. This becomes an essential aspect of digital transformation journey.

Understanding Application Integration

Application integration refers to the practice of connecting multiple software applications, so they work cohesively as one integrated system, facilitating seamless data and process flow between platforms and allowing organizations to unlock all their technological investments. At its core, application integration strives to break down barriers between isolated systems so data can be shared and accessed in real-time.

Point-to-point integration, middleware solutions, and service-oriented architecture (SOA) are among the many available methods of application integration, each with their own specific complexity and scalability characteristics that allow organizations to select one that fits best for them. By understanding how each method operates, enterprise solution architects and IT directors can design robust integration frameworks that enhance business agility while supporting strategic objectives.

Middleware in Application Integration

Middleware plays an essential part in application integration by acting as an intermediary layer that facilitates data communication among disparate applications and services, helping them communicate efficiently and share data efficiently. By managing connections for developers rather than managing connections themselves, middleware enhances system interoperability while decreasing data silo risk in organizations.

There are various middleware solutions, such as message-oriented middleware (MOM), transaction processing monitors, and enterprise service buses (ESBs), that meet various integration needs for businesses, from managing asynchronous communications to complex transaction management. By employing middleware solutions such as MOM and TPM/ESBs, businesses can establish scalable and flexible integration architectures that adapt quickly to changing business needs, while encouraging innovation by expediting application development and deployment environment-wide.

Enhancing Data Flow with APIs

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) play an indispensable role in improving data flow between integrated applications and services. By providing seamless communication among software systems, APIs enable efficient exchange of data, functionality, resources, and other forms of exchange. Furthermore, they use standard protocols and formats to provide applications with a consistent way to request information while sharing resources, which reduces complexity when it comes to integration.

APIs can be divided into three general types: RESTful APIs, SOAP APIs, and GraphQL APIs. Each providing distinct advantages depending on the integration scenario. RESTful APIs are often chosen due to their ease of use and scalability. Ideal for web-based apps requiring higher security measures or formal contracts. SOAP APIs offer more rigid structures ideal for enterprise level apps requiring greater security or formal contracts requiring greater formal contracts for formal agreements between organizations and their systems.

Application Integration Benefits

Application integration offers numerous advantages that can significantly increase operational efficiency and productivity for heavy-duty enterprises. Consolidating diverse applications into a centralized system enables organizations to streamline workflows, reduce redundancies, and minimize manual data entry errors.

Integrated applications enhance visibility across an enterprise by enabling managers to monitor KPIs in real-time, facilitating better collaboration among teams while creating an atmosphere of innovation and accountability. Furthermore, businesses with this comprehensive view of operations can respond more rapidly to market changes or customer demands, giving them an edge in their respective industries.

Application Integration and Data Modeling

Application integration and data modeling go together, as the exchange of data between systems is key to reaching optimal functionality. A well-structured data model serves as a clear guideline for how information is organized, stored, and shared between integrated applications. Adhering to best practices in data modeling ensures data integrity during integration processes. This is something that could compromise business decisions otherwise.

Effective data modeling helps enterprises to establish common definitions and structures, facilitating smoother communications across disparate systems. Furthermore, data modeling practices enable enterprises to identify relationships among various data entities for deeper insights and analysis. As organizations look to maximize the power of their data through application integration strategies, investment in robust data modeling practices becomes ever more essential. This will increase data quality and enable teams to utilize integrated systems more efficiently, leading to improved business outcomes.

Integration Challenges

Though application integration offers many advantages to organizations, organizations often face various hurdles that can impede its completion. One major barrier is integrating legacy systems with modern applications. Especially since many businesses utilize both technologies concurrently, which may cause compatibility issues, furthermore, different data formats and communication protocols may cause data exchange delays as well as increased costs.

Another challenge associated with data integration is managing its security risks. With sensitive information shared across various platforms, protecting it from unauthorized access or breaches becomes paramount. Implementing robust security measures while keeping connectivity seamless can be an intricate balancing act for organizations.

Ensuring alignment among different departments or stakeholders within an organization can present additional difficulties, particularly if business units differing priorities and goals can cause conflicts during integration processes. Promoting collaboration and clear communication among all parties involved is paramount to successfully completing application integration projects.

Cloud Integration

Cloud integration platforms play a vital role in simplifying and streamlining application integration processes. By offering an accessible framework to connect various applications, these platforms enable seamless data flow between on-premise and cloud-based systems. This reduces complexity associated with managing multiple integration points and allows organizations to harness their data more efficiently.

Cloud integration platforms come equipped with pre-built connectors and templates, enabling faster deployment while reducing custom development requirements, speeding up integration timelines, and helping organizations adapt quickly to changing business needs. In addition, these platforms often include advanced security features and compliance controls to meet data protection concerns during integration. With their ability to support multiple data formats and communication protocols bridging disparate systems together while increasing overall business efficiency.

Embarking on the journey of applying to colleges can be both exciting and daunting. With so many choices, deadlines, and requirements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, fear not! This guide is here to help you navigate the college application process smoothly and successfully.

Start Early: The Foundation of Success

Starting early is crucial when it comes to the college application process. Begin researching colleges and their requirements as soon as possible. Take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT well in advance to allow time for retakes if needed. Consider creating a timeline or checklist to keep track of important deadlines. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to prepare and ensure that you submit high-quality applications.

Identify Your Priorities: Defining Your Ideal College

Before diving into the application process, take some time to reflect on what you value in a college. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities. Use resources like college guidebooks, websites, and campus visits to gather information and narrow down your options. Don’t forget to consider financial factors such as tuition costs, scholarships, and financial aid availability. Defining your priorities will help you focus your search and find the colleges that best fit your needs and preferences. You can utilize the college acceptance calculator on Campus Reel to assess your chances of admission to various universities.

Craft Your Personal Narrative: The Power of Your Story

Your personal statement or college essay is an essential part of your application—it’s your chance to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Spend time brainstorming and drafting your essay, and share experiences, passions, and achievements that highlight your unique personality and strengths. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors to refine your essay and ensure it effectively communicates your voice. A compelling personal narrative can make your application stand out and leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.

Gather Your Materials: Organizing the Essentials

As you prepare to submit your applications, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Keep track of required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Request transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance to give your teachers and counselors ample time to complete them. Double-check application requirements for each college to avoid overlooking any essential components. Staying organized and ensuring that you have all the necessary materials will help streamline the application process and prevent last-minute scrambling.

Stay Organized: Managing Multiple Applications

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, staying organized is key. Create a spreadsheet or use a college application platform to keep track of deadlines, submission requirements, and application status updates. Prioritize your applications based on deadlines and allocate time accordingly to complete them thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions offices if you have any questions or need clarification on application details. By staying organized, you can stay on top of your applications and avoid missing any important deadlines.

Showcase Your Achievements: Building a Strong Resume

In addition to your personal statement, your resume is another opportunity to highlight your achievements and experiences. Compile a comprehensive resume that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, internships, and any relevant awards or honors. Tailor your resume for each college application to emphasize experiences and accomplishments that align with their specific criteria or values. Consider including a portfolio showcasing samples of your work, especially if you’re applying to programs in the arts, humanities, or STEM fields. A strong resume can complement your application and provide admissions officers with a more holistic view of your accomplishments.

Prepare for Interviews: Making a Positive Impression

If an interview is part of the application process for certain colleges, it’s essential to prepare diligently. Take advantage of this opportunity by practicing common interview questions and crafting thoughtful responses that showcase your enthusiasm for the college and your qualifications as a candidate. Research the college’s mission, values, and programs to ask informed questions during the interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and maintain professionalism throughout the interview process. A successful interview can leave a positive impression on admissions officers and strengthen your application.

Conclusion

The college application process may seem like a maze at times, but with careful planning, organization, and perseverance, you can navigate it successfully. Remember to start early, define your priorities, craft a compelling personal narrative, gather all necessary materials, stay organized, showcase your achievements, and prepare for interviews. By following these strategies and staying focused on your goals, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on the next chapter of your academic journey.

Image by Sam Jotham Sutharson from Pixabay

Retrieval augmented generation (RAG) is changing the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). This hybrid approach combines the strengths of generative AI models, known for their creative text production, with retrieval systems that sift through vast amounts of data to find relevant information. Leaders in the tech space like Microsoft and Meta are actively researching RAG applications. This signifies the potential of RAG and the ongoing efforts to refine the technology.

Before long, the world will have AI applications that are more informative, accurate, and adaptable than ever before. This article looks at how the technology may advance in terms of capabilities and use cases.

More Advanced RAG Will Bring Enhanced Accuracy and Trust

One of the most significant promises of RAG lies in its ability to improve the factual grounding of AI outputs. Foundational models, while impressive in their fluency, can sometimes struggle with delivering factual info. RAG bridges this gap by feeding the model with relevant information retrieved from trustworthy sources. This ensures that AI responses are not only creative but also reliable.

For instance, companies like Google and NVIDIA are exploring RAG-powered chatbots for customer service. In the future, customer-facing virtual assistants will not only understand questions and provide options. They may be able to access and process product manuals, address FAQs more comprehensively, and provide real-time inventory data to deliver more accurate and sensible responses.

In the health sector, the same developments can occur and be seen in AI doctor assistants and medical software backed by retrieval augmented generation systems. These AI models will be able to schedule appointments and manage paperwork. They may also provide real-time insights into treatment options and potential side effects, which can greatly improve patient care.

The financial services industry will also benefit from more advanced RAG. Applications with RAG functionality could analyze financial news, market trends, and regulatory changes to generate insightful reports and support informed investment decisions.

A Personalized RAG-Powered Future

RAG also paves the way for a more personalized user experience. By incorporating user data and past interactions into the retrieval process, RAG-powered applications can tailor their responses and outputs to individual needs and preferences. This can revolutionize fields like education and entertainment. With more advanced RAG capabilities, AI tutors will be able to adapt their teaching styles based on student learning patterns. In the entertainment industry, recommendation engines will be better and more expansive with their suggestions.

Building Secure and Scalable RAG Systems

The future success of retrieval augmented generation hinges on building secure, high-performing, reliable, and scalable systems. To achieve this, developers must ensure the integrity of the data sources feeding the retrieval system. Implementing robust data governance practices and employing techniques to identify and filter out biases in the data are crucial steps.

Scalability is another critical factor. As the volume of data retrieved and processed by RAG systems grows, so too will the need for robust infrastructure. Cloud-based solutions and distributed computing frameworks offer promising approaches to ensure smooth operation and handle ever-increasing demands.

To help meet these demands, companies like Pure Storage, MongoDB, and NetApp are helping to push for further developments in RAG. One of the areas of focus is generative AI applications. RAG acts as a bridge between the imaginative power of generative AI models and the real-world knowledge they often lack. By feeding relevant information retrieved from external sources, RAG provides factuality and context to the generation process. This not only improves the quality of AI outputs but also pushes the boundaries of what generative models can achieve. With a stronger foundation in real-world data, generative AI can evolve beyond creative text production and venture into tasks that require a deeper understanding of the world, ultimately accelerating its overall development.

Knowing When the Projections for RAG are Achieved

To measure the success of innovations, a multi-faceted approach is required. Key metrics can include user engagement, task completion rates, and error reduction. For RAG specifically, tracking the accuracy of generated outputs compared to a baseline (without RAG) is necessary. Additionally, user satisfaction surveys can gauge how well the RAG system addresses their needs and expectations. Ultimately, success can be observed in whether the innovation demonstrably improves a specific process or user experience.

The future of RAG is one of continuous development and collaboration. From more informative chatbots and virtual assistants to personalized learning experiences and data-driven decision-making tools, RAG promises a future where AI seamlessly integrates with various aspects of daily life. From here on and beyond, RAG will offer an unparalleled level of intelligence, accuracy, and personalization.

Image by Lukas from Pixabay

the inventor of glass stained glass window

The art of glassmaking holds a significant place in the annals of human innovation, tracing back over 4,000 years to its nebulous origins in Mesopotamia. While the precise moment and inventor remain shrouded in mystery, ancient texts and archaeological findings offer glimpses into the early attempts at crafting glass. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder famously credited Phoenician sailors with the accidental discovery of glass in the region of modern-day Lebanon, suggesting that it was the result of sand and natron reacting under the intense heat of a campfire.

Early Glassmaking and Its Uses

The initial iterations of glass were primarily glazes applied to ceramic pots rather than the transparent or translucent material we are familiar with today. Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the coastal regions of the Levant were early centers of glass production, exploiting the natural resources necessary for glassmaking, such as silica, lime, and soda. Early glass objects were mainly small and colored, crafted for jewelry, amulets, and small vessels, indicating their value as luxury items for the elite.

As techniques evolved, so did the uses of glass. By around 1500 BC, in Egypt and Mesopotamia, the first glass vessels were produced by a method known as core-forming, where glass was wound around a removable core. The introduction of the blowpipe in the 1st century BC in the Syro-Palestinian region revolutionized glassmaking. This innovation allowed for quicker production of glass vessels, significantly lowering the cost and making glassware more accessible beyond the affluent.

Integration into Architectural Designs

The use of glass in architecture dates back to the Roman Empire, where glass windows first appeared in the homes of the wealthy and in public baths to allow light while keeping out the elements. However, these early windows were small and made from flattened pieces of blown glass, often colored or opaque. The transparency and clarity we associate with modern glass were not achievable until much later.

With the advent of the float glass process invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington in the 1950s, large-scale production of clear, flat glass became possible. This development was a turning point, leading to the widespread integration of glass in architectural designs, allowing for the creation of large windows, glass facades, and eventually, the towering glass skyscrapers that dominate contemporary cityscapes.

Modern Innovations and Artistic Endeavors

Today, glassmaking has transcended its utilitarian roots to embrace both form and function. Technological advancements have enabled the production of a wide array of glass types and styles, from tempered and laminated safety glass to energy-efficient low-emissivity (low-E) glass. Curved glass, a marvel of modern engineering, is produced through a process called slumping, where glass is heated until soft and then bent into shape over or into molds. This technique of custom glass bending has opened new vistas in architectural design, allowing for the creation of stunning, curved glass structures and facades.

The art of glassmaking continues to evolve, blending ancient techniques with modern technology. Artists and craftsmen explore the medium’s potential, creating breathtaking works of art that challenge the boundaries of form and function. From the intricate beauty of hand-blown glass to the structural wonders made possible by advanced manufacturing processes, glass remains a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

As we look through the clear, smooth surface of a modern glass window, it’s worth reflecting on the journey of glassmaking from its obscure origins to its pivotal role in technology and art. The story of glass is a mirror reflecting human civilization’s progress, innovation, and the unending quest for beauty and utility.

If you found this article interesting and want to look at more inventions, take a look at our inventor series.

With startups, the desire for success is universal, yet the stark reality is that a significant percentage of these ventures will face failure.

Statistics suggest that approximately 90% of startups will ultimately meet this fate. As we navigate through the challenges of 2022, a time marked by economic uncertainties and shifting trends, startups find themselves grappling with an array of obstacles, from the fallout of the SPAC wave to global supply issues. With venture capital dropping significantly and the days of massive seed rounds seemingly on pause, it’s undeniably a challenging period for early-stage startups. In such turbulent times, even established companies are not immune to the struggle, making it imperative for startups to strategically address the crucial elements that contribute to their success. One such pivotal factor is the selection of a business name, a task that holds more weight than ever in the current business landscape.

Creativity and Tapping into Target Markets:

In a world where startups are vying for attention, creativity and a deep understanding of the target market can set a business apart when creating a business model. Retaining customers is a complex challenge, and tapping into the unique needs and desires of a specific audience is crucial. However, before a business can establish its identity in the market, it must start with a fundamental element – the business name.

What is a Business Name Generator?

A business name generator is a valuable tool that leverages artificial intelligence to provide catchy and relevant business name suggestions based on entered keywords. As startups aim to solve problems for their target audience, a well-crafted business name becomes a key component in creating a lasting impression. These generators are widely available online, with many of them offering their services for free. However, it’s essential to be discerning, as some platforms may guide users towards premium business names for a fee.

How to Use a Business Name Generator

Identify a Problem to Solve

Successful businesses often address existing problems. Conduct thorough research to identify common issues that people face and ensure your business aims to provide a solution. Use keywords related to these problems when utilizing the business name generator.

Check for Domain Availability

After generating a list of potential names, it’s crucial to check the availability of domain names. Platforms like GoDaddy can help ensure that your desired business name has an associated and available domain, whether it’s a .com, .org, or .net extension.

Legal Considerations

Perform a Secretary of State business search to confirm the availability of your chosen business name within your desired state. Additionally, utilize the Trademark Electronic Search System to ensure there are no conflicts with existing trademarks.

Connect with the Target Audience

A successful business name resonates with the target audience. Use a creative business name generator to produce results that combine unique keywords tailored to your specific audience, making it memorable and relatable.

Social Media Handles

In the age of social media, it’s crucial to maintain consistent branding. Ensure that the social media handles corresponding to your business names of interest are available, providing a unified online presence.

Analyze if it Has Any SEO Potential

Incorporating keywords with high search volume into your business name can boost your startup’s visibility. Choose a name that not only reflects your brand but also has the potential to generate organic traffic through search engines.

Think About the Long Term Benefits

The best business names are adaptable and can evolve with the business. Consider both short-term and long-term goals, ensuring that your chosen name accommodates potential pivots or expansions in the future.

Conclusion

In the challenging landscape of startups, where economic uncertainties and market fluctuations prevail, strategic decision-making becomes paramount. Choosing a business name is not just a formality but a crucial step in shaping the identity of a startup. By utilizing a business name generator, startups can streamline the process, ensuring that their chosen name aligns with their goals, resonates with the target audience, and stands the test of time. As the business world navigates through the complexities of 2022, the significance of a well-crafted business name cannot be overstated in mapping out a path to success.

Sight is critical to making sense of and connecting with the world around you. Unfortunately, more than 2.2 billion people worldwide experience vision impairment from conditions like refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma. As these eye conditions lead to financial burdens and poor quality of life, eye care strategies must move beyond individual responsibility and public health action.

The eyewear industry must take on the pivotal role of innovating and revolutionising eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses for better vision care. Indeed, over the years, we’ve seen glasses with lights, glasses with pockets and most recently, glasses that connect to the internet.

The innovation in eyewear never stops, and with this in mind, here are the exciting advancements in lens research and technology—with the potential to help people around the world improve their eyesight and overall well-being.

Self-moisturising contacts to prevent dry eye

Since their first introduction into the market in the 1990s, disposable contact lenses have become affordable and reliable eye care for refractive errors. However, regular contact wearers typically encounter symptoms of dry eyes, as the lenses can soak up natural tears and partially limit oxygen flow to the eye.

While it’s common to use eye drops, gels, or lubricants to rehydrate the eyes, a research team from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has developed a contact lens prototype that integrates smooth microchannels to facilitate tear flow and movement. Further tests involving animals and patients are still necessary, but this prototype already offers a potential solution for combatting dry eye syndrome since the microchannels’ mechanism of action is through normal eye blinking.

Blue light protection

The dangers of blue light are becoming more apparent as people increasingly work on computer screens. That’s led to a rise in blue light glasses, designed to protect your eyes from the potentially harmful effects of blue light emitted by digital screens, LED lighting, and the sun. These glasses are equipped with lenses that feature a coating to filter out a portion of the high-energy blue light, which has been linked to digital eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and retinal damage.

Blue light lenses work by employing that special coating that selectively blocks or absorbs blue light while allowing other visible light to pass through. This coating can be added to prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, or even non-prescription eyewear. By reducing the amount of blue light entering your eyes, these lenses help alleviate eye strain, improve visual comfort during prolonged screen use, and minimise the potential for long-term eye damage.

Myopia control through diffusion optics

Myopia is caused by a form of retinal detachment that interferes with the ability to focus on objects from a distance but can, fortunately, be corrected by eyeglasses. One significant advancement in the realm of myopia control through spectacles, then, is diffusion optics technology (DOT).

DOT integrates thousands of light-scattering elements to reduce contrast on the retina, thus preventing or slowing the progression of myopia among children. In partnership with Nikon Lenswear, SightGlass Vision is releasing spectacles with DOT, characterised by a clear aperture in the middle of the lenses. These spectacle lenses are currently available in China, the Netherlands, and Israel, as well as via preliminary market trials elsewhere.

Smart contact lenses for drug delivery

When talking about smart eyewear, most people usually think about hands-free smart glasses enabled by voice control. But contact lenses are also coming out with smart features, one of which is ocular drug delivery through a double-layered surface.

The first layer has small, sandwich-like sensors to detect a change in fluid pressures in the eyes, which then signals the automatic delivery of the drug from the second hydrogel layer to the cornea. Since it is minimally invasive and responds to various pressure changes throughout the day, this technology can be used to treat glaucoma patients with drugs like brimonidine.

While some of these ideas are yet to be available globally, they signify positive changes in lens development and the larger eyewear industry. With hopes of continuing to make lenses and, by extension, eyewear more innovative and accessible, changing vision needs among populations can better be addressed and remedied.

Article by: Vic Womersley and Natalie Abemayor

The modern workplace is changing thanks to the adoption of new technologies and flexible working hours. Additionally, a sharper focus on safety, inclusion, and innovation is helping companies attract top talent.

Imagine, for example, that your business centers around manufacturing different products. If your team works alongside autonomous machinery, they bear the risk of injury. Choosing to take a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to workplace safety, means you risk the well-being of your employees.

Doing so could have a negative impact on your retention rates and productivity levels. Financially, as one work injury lawyer in Philadelphia explains, you could be responsible for paying up to 500 weeks of compensation to injured employees. This could leave a sizeable dent in anyone’s bottom line.

Human resources (HR) teams will need to evolve to support businesses and employees in new ways. Putting an emphasis on health and safety training is just one way to do so.

Below are five developments businesses can expect HR teams to implement over the coming years. Doing so will allow them to keep up with employee expectations and the changing face of workplaces around the world.

An Increase in Flexible Work Arrangements

As employees of all kinds seek to find a better balance between their working and personal lives, flexible work arrangements will become increasingly common. The standard eight-hour workday is becoming a thing of the past as more people choose to telecommute or work longer days and shorter weeks. Job sharing is also growing in popularity, which consists of splitting one role between two people.

In turn, the expectation for flexible hours or remote work is shaping how employees’ roles are created. Businesses that don’t offer flexible work arrangements are putting themselves at a disadvantage in terms of recruiting and retaining top talent.

Fortunately, the proliferation of digital tools such as CRM software, project management tools, video conferencing, and smartphones has made remote work and flexible office hours increasingly possible. People no longer have to work from a central location for their employers to be sure they are actually being productive. This year, as many as half of all Americans are expected to work remotely for at least part of the week.

Changing Organizational Structures

Along with a change in working practices and hours comes the development of cross-functional teams to replace the older top-down management hierarchies. HR departments will need to organize and engage employees to form networks that cooperate and collaborate for better and smarter ways of working. Another benefit of this practice is an increase in productivity.

It’s important to support the devolved decision-making approach to teams and allow them to operate effectively. In order to do so, HR professionals will need to ensure these units incorporate a range of skills and personalities to optimize work relationships and enable them to deliver on projects of all kinds.

Better Tools for Collaboration and Supportive Work Environments

HR departments will need to utilize a range of digital tools to support the trend toward increased collaboration and innovation. Digital platforms, wearable tech, and even virtual reality are being leveraged. These new technologies serve to enhance collaboration, enable remote work, and provide safe and efficient training for employees.

HR teams will need to come to grips with these technological developments in order to support their own function within the business. Not only that, but these advancements can also gather useful data and gain meaningful insights that can be used to improve business processes. This will increase the company’s ability to innovate and create value for both customers and employees.

Learning and Development Opportunities

Web-based and mobile applications, along with augmented and virtual reality tools, are making it possible for employees to access information and instructions as needed. It is critical that HR departments ensure employees are able to access the information and knowledge they need to be successful in their roles no matter where or when they need it.

Performance and learning are closely linked; having content easily available will drive employee engagement and development. It will also empower people at all levels of an organization to learn new skills quickly and much more efficiently.

Engaging Workers with More Than a Salary

As well as expecting a flexible work schedule, people are now looking for roles that provide more than just a regular salary. HR teams will need to work hard to provide opportunities for employees to connect with the business on a more meaningful level. It’s equally important to highlight the purpose of the offered role and explain how it fits with the business’ aims.

Opportunities for growth and challenging work, a better fit for skills, and a company’s culture were rated almost as highly as remuneration by respondents to LinkedIn’s talent survey last year. To attract and retain staff, HR professionals will do their best by remaining transparent when recruiting new prospects and authentic in their communication.

Business model innovation is the creation, reinvention, or enhancement of a business model (describes the logic and principles that a firm uses to generate revenue) so that it satisfies customer needs (value proposition) in a new, changed, or different way.

Henry Chesbrough and Richard S. Rosenbloom from Havard Business School put forward an excellent definition for a business model…

“The functions of a business model are to:

Articulate the value proposition, that is, the value created for users by the offering based on the technology;
Identify a market segment, that is, the users to whom the technology is useful and for what purpose;
Define the structure of the value chain within the firm required to create and distribute the offering;
Estimate the cost structure and profit potential of producing the offering, given the value proposition and value chain structure chosen;
Describe the position of the firm within the value network linking suppliers and customers, including identification of potential complementors and competitors;
Formulate the competitive strategy by which the innovating firm will gain and hold an advantage over rivals.

Business model innovation is becoming a high-priority task in many executive boardrooms as it can be extremely valuable when done right, transforming existing markets or creating entirely new ones that drive competitive advantage and generate billions of dollars of market value.

It can be important to the long-term success of a company and therefore often more emphasis is placed upon it than product or service innovation.

However, for large incumbent’s this is a difficult task to successfully complete. One of the reasons why this is difficult is because business model innovation often requires a new value network which means new relationships with customers that can potentially disrupt existing relationships.

Another reason is the number of unknowns that innovating the business model creates – such unknowns make it difficult to accurately manage the associated risks.

Examples include:

Low-cost airline Southwest Airlines created an entirely new airline service model that offered cheap fares, fun, and more frequent flights.
Walmart and Target transformed the retail business model to one that excelled in delivering discounted products.
Dell Computers revolutionized computer distribution by taking out the middle man and supplying computers directly to the end customer.
Apple – iTunes with their entirely new way for customers to purchase music.

Go To Types Of Innovation

Go From Business Model Innovation To The Home Page

Innovation is currently perceived to be one of the greatest contributors to increasing organizational value. A famous quote by Christopher Freeman emphasizes this fact:

“…not to innovate is to die.”
Innovation is about the successful exploitation of new ideas and it is essential for sustained competitiveness and wealth creation.

Companies that innovate generally stay ahead of the competition.

IS MY PROJECT AN INNOVATION?

Successful innovation requires good management, appropriate financial skills, and a supportive overall climate.

To determine if a project is an innovation rather than an organizational change the following should be determined:

Is it a tangible product, process, or procedure?
Is it new to the organization within which it was introduced?
Is it intentional rather than accidental? (However, innovations can result from accidental observations, see 3M Innovation for examples.)
Is it not simply a routine change?
Is it public in its effects?
Does it result in benefit to some person or organization?

WHY INNOVATE?

Innovation is the fountain of long-term business success.

Innovation is key to growth.

In the global market in which we all now operate today’s bestseller can be tomorrow’s failure.

Innovation is often the means to help avoid failure.

BUT WHAT IS INNOVATION HOW DO YOU DEFINE IT?

Innovation is generally something new to the environment that it is introduced. This newness could be a new product, new service, new process, new strategy, or new feature to something that already exists (see incremental innovation), etc.

While there is little consensus on how to exactly define innovation a number of good innovation definitions do exist.

One of my favorites is the following…

“Innovation is not a single action but a total process of interrelated sub-processes. It is not just the conception of a new idea, nor the invention of a new device, nor the development of a new market. The process is all these things acting in an integrated fashion.” – Myers & Marquis (1969)

When people ask me what is innovation I like to define it to them as creativity with a purpose… That is a creative idea that you see value in and then immediately begin to put that idea into action. The action part however can be quite complex, involving many departments, many skill sets, many people and resources, project management, and excellent leadership skills.

Another way to consider innovation is to create something new that meets the needs of someone. When people pay for products or services they are doing so to either satisfy a need or to make something easier in their lives i.e. they are paying for the product or service to do a job for them. If you are able to determine what jobs need fulfilling and then consider what is currently available to meet those needs you can then start considering better ways to perform the job and meet the needs.

For example, people go to the cinema to be entertained. When they get to the cinema and pay for the ticket, the movie that they see should serve the purpose of entertaining them. Cinemas, therefore, compete with other forms of entertainment. In the movie arena, they now compete with innovations such as video on demand and home cinema surround sound / high definition home viewing options. But they also compete with other forms of entertainment, this could be sporting events, video gaming consoles, musicals, etc. To be innovative in the entertainment industry you would either need to think of new forms of entertainment or ways to improve people’s current entertainment experiences.

When considering what is innovation it can also be simply a matter of problem-solving i.e. finding a new and creative way to solve someone or some group’s problem. Meeting a requirement with new know-how, new knowledge or new technology, or a combination of such.

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