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Asset tracking is an important component for every business regardless of size and industry. Asset tracking systems are multi-faceted, built on a combination of asset tags, bar codes, and asset tracking software that centralizes and manages the data. With anodized aluminum asset tags are constructed using sturdy materials, ensuring that your assets are labeled throughout their lifecycle.

So what are the benefits of asset tags and asset tracking solutions?

Asset tags serve as the basis for the asset tracking process, enabling the business to track and monitor asset usage, plan maintenance and repairs, streamline reporting, maintain compliance, schedule re-ordering, and optimize the business’ overall operations. The combination of barcode scanners, durable anodized aluminum asset tags, and asset management software provides several benefits including:

• Speeding up documentation and improving accuracy by eliminating human error that results from manual documentation
• Greater visibility into the business’ assets ensures minimal losses
• Improved productivity
• Improved profits through better asset scheduling, forecasting and reporting besides reduced unnecessary purchases and unexpected repairs
• Better analysis which enables you to identify the most productive assets, delivery standards, maintenance services, and more.

With effective asset tagging solution, an organization is able to maintain optimal workloads as well as regular preventive maintenance schedules so that the organization can extend the usable lifespan of its high-value assets.

Quick questions to ask when configuring your business’ asset management system

Here are important questions you need to ask when implement an asset management system for your business.

• What volume of assets do you plan on tracking? Will you be tracking a few high-end assets or pretty much everything owned by your company?
• What type of assets will you be tracking? Fixed assets, mobile assets, or a combination of both?
• Will you be tracking assets across multiple locations or job sites? If so, how many locations will you need to track your assets?
• What kind of asset tracking reports do you want to generate? This will determine the kind of data you will need to collect using asset tags
• How many users do you have and what will be their roles in managing your assets?

Understanding the different types of asset tags

Since asset tags have a range of applications, asset tags are definitely not a one-size-fits-all arrangement. In order to accommodate different use cases, there are different asset tag types and designs for different uses.

Durable asset tags for indoor use

1. Foil asset tags

These asset tags are also referred to as foil asset labels. Durable asset tags are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Iodized aluminum asset tags remain readable throughout the asset’s life cycle. These labels are designed for exceptional durability, offering effective resistance to UV, heat and cold. The expected life span of anodized aluminum asset tags is 20 years.

• Rigid aluminum asset tags

For applications requiring advanced durability, rigid aluminum tags provide top-notch durability for use in the harshest environments. These asset tags are commonly used in the telecom, manufacturing, and cable industries. They can also be used in the industrial, healthcare, and chemical processing applications.

Durable asset tags for Indoor use

Polyester asset labels

Typically marked with the business’ name, bar code, and asset number, Polyester asset labels are designed using 2.0 mil gloss white polyester face stock that is laminated with a 1.0 mil clear polyester film. This asset label offer great resistance to general purpose cleaners, mild acids, and oil and water. These asset labels are protected against chemicals and abrasion.

Asset tracking enables you to keep an eye on what your business owns and how it is being applied. But with so many options available, finding the best asset tracking solution for your business can be a huge challenge. Engsoft Valley Solutions specializes in providing quality anodized aluminum asset tags for clients in Kenya and throughout East Africa. Call us today to discuss your asset tag needs.

Asset management is the process of monitoring and maintaining the organization’s valuables. It can apply to physical assets like buildings, equipment, cash at bank and hand, as well as intangible assets like brand names, computerized database, domain names, software, patented technology, as well as websites.

An asset management software (AMS) is a dedicated application that manages all the organization’s assets. It becomes the primary source of information about the organization’s assets like their current user, location, how they are being utilized among other details. Basically, an asset management software records and tracks an asset throughout its life cycle- from deployment to operation, maintenance, upgrade, all the way to disposal. Once an asset has been deployed, Asset Management Software records every maintenance activity while enabling the concerned party to perform regular audits all the way to asset retirement. Asset management software is also known as an asset tracking or tool or asset tracking software.

So how do you choose the right asset management software for your organization?

With plenty of options in the market, choosing the right asset tracking tool can be a daunting task. Here are essential tips to consider when shopping for the right asset tracking software for your business.

1. Understand your asset’s lifecycles

The first and, certainly, the most crucial thing to do before investing in an asset management software is understanding the lifecycle of your company’s assets – both physical and intangible. Invest in a system that provides real time access to various departments tasked with supervising the resources across the enterprise. The AMS you settle for should work as a smooth communication channel among the stakeholders like business owners and consumers.

2. Goals and expectations

It is important that you have a clear goal of what you wish to achieve with your asset management software. It works best when you arrange a meeting with your staff as well as the IT department and come up with a list of all short term, midterm, as well as long-term goals. If you need external help in the process, be sure contract experts in the field so you can get value for your money.

3. Price

Compare prices and discounts of various asset management software and understand what is included or excluded in different packages. Most important, find out any hidden costs. Some asset management software vendors offer discounts upon purchase on their solutions. Do not let this drive you crazy. You are better off researching well before talking to the representative about the discount on offer.

4. Stick with proven solutions

It is important that you analyze the reputation and experience of the vendor before purchasing their asset management solution. Find out what existing clients say about the vendor. A reputable asset management software vendor should be able to provide continuing support.

5. Compatibility with existing technology

It is important that you invest in an asset management software that is compatible with the technology that is already existing in your business. To this end, here are some technical considerations worth paying attention to when investing in an AMS that is compatible with existing technology:

•  The operating system

The software asset management solution should be able to run under the operating system you have installed on your organization’s machines.

• Language

You want to invest in a solution that is written in a language both you and your employees would understand.

• Hardware

The hardware being used in your business should be compatible with the asset management software you are interested in buying as well as its variants.

Other factors you need to keep in mind when picking an asset management software include: hosting, reporting, notification, customer support, and scalability.

If it is valuable to your business, you better know where it is and how it is being handled. Asset management software is designed to help businesses efficiently track and maintain the resources they own. I hope this checklist will help you invest in the right asset management software for your business.

Are you considering investing in a business VoIP phone service but not sure which one is appropriate for your organization’s unique needs? VoIP is a term used to refer to Voice-over-IP which allows you to use an advanced call management features through a computer or mobile device. Unlike the old school bulky phone setup, a business VoIP is an ideal phone solution for small and large businesses alike. It allows businesses to cut down on phone costs while growing their businesses.

So what is VoIP?

VoIP or Voice-over-IP is a term used to refer to internet phone service. Unlike the traditional phone, VoIP uses the internet to make and receive calls.

Benefits of investing in business VoIP phone service

Here are some of the benefits of using business VoIP phone system:

• You can make and receive calls through computers, cellphones, and VoIP phone sets.
• You can easily monitor call durations, wait times, hold times, and overall usage
• One number can be shared amongst several staff
• Most business VoIP services come with caller ID, call forwarding, call routing, call waiting, and more
• You can use the same number everywhere you go
• It gives a business phone number so you not have to share your personal phone number with your clients
• Business VoIP provides cheaper local and international calls

The business VoIP phone service offers a lot of freedom and flexibility, and it has made it quite easy for businesses to have dedicated phone numbers. Whether you are a one-man company, a growing team of 20, or an established enterprise with over 100 staff, your business can use VoIP.

However, if you do not find the best VoIP phone service provider, then you can run into some serious difficulty. For instance, the voice quality of your VoIP calls will vary depending on the internet connection as well as the service provider you are using. Online landlines, you will lose VoIP connection when there is a power outage or internet disruption. However, this should not impact your business if you are adequately prepared. That said, when is the right time to invest in a VoIP business phone service?

Do you need a VoIP phone solution for your business?

In any business, giving potential clients a way to get in touch with you is helpful when building trust and boosting sales. When launching a website, most webmasters include a contact form which makes it easy for them to communicate with their users. However, depending on your industry, some customers may prefer instant communication. This is where business VoIP solution comes in to enable you better track and manage your calls, collect customer information, and build trust and establish a lasting relationship with your clients.

How to choose the best VoIP business phone service

There are several VoIP providers in Kenya. This abundance of choice makes it quite difficult for businesses to find the best VoIP provider. If you are just getting started, then chances are you are looking for the cheapest VoIP business phone provider in the market. However, you need to be cautious when going down this road because they may not come with certain crucial features, which you would later find essential for your business. Then there are certain business VoIP services that just not quite easy to implement, customize to your business’ needs, or are simply too expensive.

When comparing business VoIP providers for your business, you should look for one with balanced features and comes with a reasonable price tag. Here is a quick checklist that you should consider:

• Cost of calls: Most business VoIP solutions offer different plans for local and international calls. You need to opt for a provider based on the geographical location of your clients.
• Features available in the VoIP plans: Most VoIP providers offer different features while some provide them as add-ons at an extra cost. This can increase the eventual cost of operating your VoIP phone service.
• Third party integrations: Find out if the VoIP solution has allows for third party integrations to tools like your CRM software, email marketing, as well as other tools.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also known as internet telephony, has become increasingly popular with businesses across Kenya. And the reasons are quite simple: businesses are looking for cheaper ways to communicate with their clients without having to compromise on productivity or efficiency. Get in touch with us today so we can discuss your business VoIP phone service needs.

An organization can only operate with a team of employees. However, in order to ensure that your employees are working for the success of the company, it is important that they account for their man-hours. This is where a biometric time attendance system comes in. This time and attendance solution is suited for organizations with large numbers of employees to keep them in check.

So how can your business benefit from a biometric time and attendance system?

1. Eliminating buddy-punching

Buddy-punching is when an employee asks a colleague to punch in when they are absent or late for work so that it adds hours even when they are not working. This is common especially with traditional attendance registers. With this employee time tracking application, employees will not be able to do the buddy-punching because the system only records each person’s unique fingerprint information. This way, employees are unable to cheat their working time anymore.

2. Quick and accurate

One of the major benefits of biometric time and attendance is its ability to identify each employee’s fingerprint efficiently. The Handpunch 1000 and Handpunch 3000 Series are able to check 1000 fingerprint templates in 0.7 seconds, which makes tracking attendance quick and easy. If an employee arrives right on time, it only takes a few seconds to clock in, ensuring that they will not be late. Furthermore, a biometric time and attendance software accurately identifies unique fingerprints that belong to each individual.

3. Increase productivity

When employees work for designed hours, productivity increases too as there is no time wastage. One team member who cheats working hours can cause the entire team to slow down, followed by the whole department, then the entire organization. With a biometric time and attendance system report track staff’s late in, early exits and long breaks to help improve your employee’s productivity. An increased productivity will bring higher profitability to the company in the long run.

4. Enhanced security

When incorporated into the organization’s security system like door locks and CCTV, a biometric time and attendance system can benefit the business in multiple ways. Doors to various offices will only open when registered users scan their fingerprints on the device. Thus, it prevents outsiders from accessing the premise without permission, further reducing instances of theft, burglary or other forms of harm to the employees. Surveillance systems can take picture snapshots of entries and exits for visual evidence.

5. Develop responsible employees

If employee attendance is affecting their work performance, it can be clearly evident in their attendance report as generated by the biometric time and attendance system. Lateness, absence, as well as overtime breaks of every employee in organization can be clearly tracked by the HR department. Reduced productivity may cause them to receive a warning from the team leader or face a pay cut. When they notice that their attendance is causing problems to the job, employees tend to be more responsible in their time management. Ultimately, a robust biometric time attendance system can help employees accomplish more tasks in the workplace.

Proof of attendance is quite important in the workplace, which is why a biometric time attendance system can make all the difference when dealing with time management in the workplace. Biometric time and attendance system comes with a PTO tracking software, FMLA tracking, and employee time tracking. If your company is dealing with attendance issues, then consider investing in an intuitive  biometric time attendance system from Engsoft Valley Solutions to address those problems.

Budget friendly and feature rich business phone systems are ideal for small businesses that need systems to grow with it. PABX call management system comes with all the features your business needs to manage it calls in time without paying through the nose. They can also make your business appear bigger than it actually is and assist your callers through creation of multiple extensions.

So what is a PABX phone system?

A PABX phone system is an office phone system designed for managing the calls within the organization. With the PABX business phone system, incoming calls to your organization are greeted by an automated professional attendant and can choose from a menu list for transfer to the right attendant or department. A PABX system also allows the business to manage a higher volume of phone calls without the need to hire additional staff to attend to incoming calls.

For decades, PABX call management software has been a part of businesses. Originally, these systems were used for managing both incoming and outgoing calls. Ideally, PABX systems were made up of a console alongside the installed technology. These days, however, PABX phone systems come with more sophisticated programming and technology that allows them to support more business enhancing features.

PABX phone systems are highly customizable and cost-effective options for businesses since they make it possible to handle and control all incoming calls through a single system. Modern PABX phone systems do not require any hardware installation and only utilize software to direct incoming calls to the direct departments and individuals within the organization.

How modern PABX phone system works

PABX system is so efficient your caller will barely notice the actual system your business is utilizing. The system provides incoming callers with a customized greeting along with a list of options to select from. Callers can thus reach your team members or departments with the help of a menu listing or by dialing an extension name.

When a caller chooses an option from the list or dials by name or extension, the system will automatically connect them to the right department or individual. Incoming as well as outgoing calls can be easily transferred to team members wherever they are, including the main office, branch, as well as home office. The system also enables calls to be captured by a voicemail when the intended recipient is not available. The system can be set to direct voicemails to text or emails to ensure that your team receives voice mails while out in the field.

Faxes too can be converted to email messages and forwarded to the intended recipients. There is also a screening feature that allows team members to concentrate on their jobs whilst still available to answer important calls.

So how can your business benefit from PABX phone system?

Businesses can enjoy the benefits of PABX phone systems in the following ways:

1. Businesses receiving high call volumes

A PABX phone system is designed to handle high volumes of calls efficiently without the need for additional personnel to answer calls. Callers to your business will not receive the busy signal and every phone call will be answered or transferred to the right recipient.

2. Businesses with multiple offices and/or remote employees

A PABX phone system is able to forward calls to employees in their home offices or when they are in the field. Calls can also be forwarded to the intended recipient’s mobile devices.

3. Businesses with varying call volumes

Businesses that have varying call volumes will want to ensure that every call is attended to. Instead of hiring and training additional temporary staff to manage the short influx in call volumes, consider investing in robust PABX call management software.

4. Cost saving benefits

The cost of PABX solution with an automated attendant is much less than the expense of hiring someone to answer your incoming calls. There is no need to go through the recruiting and screening process, the training process as well as salary and benefits. PABX phone solution operates around the clock to ensure that calls are properly directed.

Do not let an outdated phone system hold your business back. PABX phone systems are tremendously flexible, cost-effective, and come with all features your business need to succeed. Engsoft Valley Solutions is in the business of providing companies with affordable and reliable phone systems that deliver performance that helps them excel in today’s business environment. Contact us today to learn more!

Asset tagging and management is the process of tracking your business’ assets, including how many they are as well as where they are. Most often, these assets are used internally, though in case of service industries like hospitals and other service businesses, they are often used to provide care for others. The point is, assets are never sold directly to clients.

Asset tagging plays a crucial role in keeping any organization running smoothly. Here are five reasons asset tagging and tracking is so important to your organization.

1. Meet high standards

In order to meet certain industry certifications, businesses are required to have rigorous standards, which often include investing in a sound asset tagging software. By investing in the right asset tagging software, a business is able to track its products and other assets by date code and lot and serial number. This is key to helping the organization in keeping track of all its assets.

2. Increase efficiency

Efficiency is an important competitive advantage for every organization. Asset tagging software saves time while making the process more faster and streamlined. When all you need to track your assets is a barcode scan or feeding in a lot number, you are able to get much more accurate outcome than if you were to try to achieve all these with an Excel or with a pen and paper. You also get the job done faster.

3. Enjoy cost saving

Cut down on lost items, inefficiently used resources, and other challenges to raise up the cost. It is always a great idea looking out for costs in your organization that can be reduced when the quality of your services is compromised. Asset tagging software helps you achieve this by helping you ensure that your company’s assets are being utilized in the most efficient way possible.

4. Promote accountability

Asset management software allows you to quickly uncover problem areas in your business and identify employees who are in need of assistance. With your asset management solution, you can assign tasks to different employees and track their progress to ensure everything is accomplished in a timely manner. If one staff falls behind or a certain part runs out, you can single out the problem and find a quick solution to it.

5. Organize warehouse layout and more

Knowing where the organization’s asset is located is key to being organized. The right asset tagging solution can help you organization your business’ warehouse floor plan so that components that are often used together are grouped together for better organization. Warehouse workers do not have to trek around looking for the right items; they can seamlessly ascertain the location of any item using a wireless handheld device. This saves a lot of time.

There are several other reasons why asset tagging is an essential part of your business. Learn more about Engsoft Valley Solution’s asset tagging software to start enjoying these benefits and more.

Security is critical for any business; after all, how can you make profits if you cannot protect your assets? Fortunately, thanks to advances in technology, modern video surveillance systems are more intelligent and effective than before. The best surveillance systems now come with automated functions and features, like automatic mobile notifications as well as motion sensors. Some surveillance systems even let you alert law enforcement immediately if need be. Advances in technology have also resulted in more efficient ways of managing recording and storage of incidents for future reference. This gives businesses access to highly powerful surveillance solutions at relatively cost-effective rates.

When it comes to investing in and implementing a new surveillance system, most vendors allow for a significant degree of customization, meaning you can customize the surveillance system to suit your business’ specific security needs. Whether you need an elaborate surveillance system that covers multiple locations or just a handful of cameras to watch your storefront, there is pretty much a solution for you. Not sure how to start? Here is a simple buyer’s guide to help you break down the key parts of a video surveillance system.

Why you need to invest in a surveillance system

Before getting into the details, it is important to look at the many benefits that come with investing in a video surveillance system. Not only can a surveillance system act as a deterrent to intruders and help law enforcement quickly catch would-be criminals, but these systems can also improve employee accountability, help you monitor productivity and also lower insurance premiums. While the upfront cost of investing in a video surveillance system may seem steep, the long-term payoff as well as the peace of mind that comes with this investment is certainly worth the expense.

IP Cameras vs. Analog Cameras 

There are two primary types of surveillance cameras that you can wire into a video surveillance system: Internet Protocol (IP) cameras and the conventional analog cameras. IP cameras are the modern iteration of analog cameras, and while the individual cameras tend to be a bit costly, they come with a number of features that analog cameras do not have.

What to Look for When Choosing a System

Your Cameras 

Resolution: 

This is certainly one of the most crucial considerations when selecting a camera. For better image quality, you should invest in a surveillance camera that can shoot at least 720p high definition, which means an IP camera. If you want to be certain that your camera will capture clear, identifiable images, you should not cut corners.

Frame rate: 

This yet another crucial component of the surveillance camera. Video is simply a series of still images knitted together to create a motion picture. The greater the frame rate, the smoother the captured footage.  On the other hand, the lower the frame rate, the less frequently the still will be captured, resulting in choppier footage. It is important that you consider the frame rate of the camera you are purchasing before making the purchase. For reference, “real time” typically measures at 30 frames per second.

Models: 

There are a number of different types of security cameras in the market. Some of the most common ones are the bullet cameras, which are rectangular and appear as protrusions from walls. Dome cameras are often attached to the ceiling while pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras come with remote control capabilities that adjusts to the field of vision. Depending on your specific security needs, you may want to determine which type of camera to use in outfitting your surveillance system.

Indoor/outdoor:

Some surveillance cameras are specially designed for indoor use and thus are not able to stand up to the elements quite as well as their outdoor counterparts. If you plan to mount your surveillance system outdoors, be sure to invest in weather resistant cameras. Otherwise, dirt and water may interfere with the quality of your video feeds or, worse yet, damage your cameras.

Lighting: 

Most security cameras are able to capture images in what is known as “low-light infrared,” enabling them to capture clear footage even when light is minimal. These cameras are equipped with infrared LED lights, which cover the darkened area in infrared light. Unlike humans, the camera is able to identify this infrared light, thus when those wavelengths reflect back, it appears as if the camera is recording footage in illuminated environment. The more IR LEDs the camera has, the better it is able to capture footage in darkness. Thus, if capturing images at night is a priority, be sure to invest in a surveillance camera with plenty of IR LEDs.

Audio: 

Whether audio recording is an option depends on the model of the particular surveillance camera as well as its manufacturer. Some cameras are capable of picking up audio while others do not. Some even enable two way audio capture, so the person watching the footage on the other end can communicate with the individual in the camera’s field of vision.

Ready to see our best picks for video surveillance systems in Kenya? Get in touch with us today so we can discuss the best surveillance system for your needs.