Month: December 2022

Dell Technologies Ireland unveils top five technology predictions for 2023

Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland, has unveiled his top five technology predictions for 2023. The prominent technology leader is forecasting how new developments in AI and Quantum Computing together with the growing importance placed on the digital employee experience will transform the business landscape over the coming year.

With seven in ten Irish businesses seeking to accelerate their digital transformation plans, smart investments in IT are set to continue at pace. Those investments will increasingly be focused on new technologies that can unlock the value of data while also keeping it secure.

The technology predictions for 2023 comes following a year in which Irish businesses recognised that their ability to embrace AI, Cloud and Edge Computing rests on an engaged and innovative workforce. According to Dell’s Breakthrough study, 74% of Irish leaders regard their people as their greatest asset in driving digital transformation forward.

“As we look ahead to 2023, new technologies will help Irish businesses to remain resilient in challenging times as well as enabling a hybrid workforce to innovate at speed,” said Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland as he unveiled his 2023 predictions.

“To help organisations across Ireland navigate a world increasingly defined by data, we’ve pinpointed five technology predictions that will shape how we live, work and do business in the next 12 months. For those who have the right talent to embrace it, advancements in AI can provide businesses of all sizes with a distinct competitive advantage.

“2023 will see Quantum Computing become more accessible to Irish business, who will harness this breakthrough technology to speed up innovation. Meanwhile, with evolving ransomware attacks and the growing volume of data, cyber resilience will become intrinsic to business resilience.

“By looking to the horizon and identifying the technology trends that will shape Ireland’s economy, Dell Technologies can support public and private sector organisations to adapt, innovate and remain resilient.”

 Top 5 Predictions:

 The top technology predictions include:

 Prediction 1: Technology will make or break the employee experience

With a significant number of organisations embracing a hybrid future, technology rather than the physical office will increasingly define the employee experience. No longer seen as ‘added extras’, new tools and devices will not only shape how we work from home, but they will also help offices pivot to become workspaces for collaboration. That will enable businesses to provide employees with a consistent and productive work experience, not defined by where they work.

 Prediction 2: Cyber resilience will become intrinsic to business resilience

More evolved ransomware, the shift to hybrid working, the increasing use of new technologies as well as the rise in the volume we all use, have made businesses of all sizes prime targets for cyber attackers. The changing cyber landscape has resulted in 91% of Irish businesses taking steps to enhance data protection over the past year. 2023 will see leaders recognise that they are only as secure and resilient as their people. That will require organisations to build a culture of security at every level. With organisations handling more data than ever before, cyber resilience will become intrinsic to business resilience.

Prediction 3: AI will become the engine of innovation in every organisation  

AI will reach an important turning point next year as it is adopted across every organisation – irrespective of size. Leaders are increasingly looking at ways in which to harness the value of data and are turning to AI to keep pace with changing trends and to remain one step ahead of competitors. Creating more intelligent products and services and supporting the work by all teams across the business, AI will become the main engine of innovation in 2023.

Prediction 4: Quantum Computing will become the new frontier of digital transformation  

For decades, quantum computing has only been accessible to the world’s largest research institutions and government agencies. But in 2023, industry is set to come together to make quantum computing a reality for businesses of all sizes. As the new frontier of digital transformation, Irish businesses will begin to pilot the use of quantum and harness its advanced computing capabilities to speed up innovation. Healthcare and finance are two sectors where the impact of quantum will begin to be felt.

Prediction 5: IT to help organisations achieve their ESG goals

In the wake of COP27 and national climate action plans, IT will play an ever-greater role in helping organisations achieve their environment, social and governance (ESG) goals. IT teams can play a key role in developing the right metrics and accessing data from across the business to reliably track emissions and measure progress. Applying AI and Machine Learning can help to identify opportunities within an organisation to reduce waste or to promote more efficient farming practices.

Revolut data reveals 2022 as year of dining out and donating, saving and streaming, hairdressers and holidays

As 2022 draws to a close, Revolut, the global financial super app with more than two million customers in Ireland, has packaged up its customers’ spending habits from 2022 into personalised characteristics as part of its annual RevReview. Whether you’re ‘The Alchemist’ (earned plenty of cashback) or ‘Night Owl’ (spent mostly at night), users can find their personalised stories, revealing their money traits, and are available to view in the Revolut app from today.

But how has Ireland as a whole fared over the past year? Revolut has dived deep into the spending habits of its Irish users, and has found that although inflation has had an effect on consumer spending, post-lockdown living has amplified the biggest changes.

After being in and out of lockdown, with many consumers spending more at supermarkets and less at restaurants, Revolut reports the average user spent 7% less on groceries in 2022 compared to 2021. However, 18-24 year olds spent 10.4% more, in contrast to those aged 65-74 who spent 15.1% less on groceries this year.

As indoor dining resumed after closures and restrictions, Revolut data shows that Irish consumers have supported the industry by flocking to restaurants in 2022. The average user spent 50% more at restaurants, year-on-year. The biggest increase was by 65-74 year olds, who spent 55.6% more. At the lowest end of the spectrum, those aged 35-44 still spent 39.3% more, year on year.

During lockdown and restrictions, many consumers took to meal delivery services to scratch the restaurant food itch many were feeling in 2021. However, Revolut reports the amount spent on meal delivery has declined this year, as the average user spent 5.7% less on meal delivery, year-on-year. The biggest decrease was those aged 75 and over, who spent 13.6% less. However, 18-24 year olds spent 0.5% more than the previous year.

As the rise in the cost of living affected many aspects of life this year, Irish consumers cut back where they could. The average user spent 1.6% less at clothing stores, year-on-year. Interestingly, those aged 18-24 spent 11.1% less, year-on-year. However, those aged 75 and over spent 7.8% more. This year also saw the launch of Revolut ‘Shops’ in Ireland, enabling users to earn 3% instant cashback rewards for every purchase from shopping thousands of brands and products from hundreds of retailers.

Despite the rise of inflation, the average user spent 1% less at pharmacies, year-on-year. The biggest decrease was amongst users aged 75 and over, who spent 7.9% less. Zoomers on the other hand increased their spending, 18-24 year olds spent 6.3% more at pharmacies, year on year.

Many are thankful to be able to get back to professional grooming, and Revolut reports the average user spent 17.7% more at barbers, hair salons, and beauticians, year on year. The biggest increase was by users aged 75 and over, who spent 27.8% more. At the lowest end, 35-44 year olds still spent 12.7% more than the previous year.

Culture & Entertainment

In entertainment, Irish consumers continued to stream and subscribe, post-lockdown. Revolut data shows a 4.3% increase in spending on digital goods including media, books, video, and music. The most popular video streaming services being (starting from most popular): Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. The most popular music streaming services being (starting from most popular): Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

‘The Globetrotter’

After lockdown travel restrictions affected lots of holiday plans in the previous two years, 2022 saw the return of globetrotting for many. This year also saw the launch of Revolut Homes, a new holiday home rental feature with cashback, part of Revolut’s accommodation booking service, Revolut Stays. Irish holiday-makers spent money in an average of 3 (3.83) countries over the past year, a 23.4% increase, year on year.

In the past year, the most popular countries for Irish consumers to spend money in, in order starting with the most popular, were the UK, the U.S., Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Malta, France, Lithuania, and Germany.

‘The White Knight’

2022 has been challenging for many, but Revolut data shows that the generosity of its customers has known no bounds this year. ‘Donations’ in the Revolut app allows charities to list themselves to receive donations from Revolut customers. The most popular charities donated to by customer in Ireland this year are:

  1. Irish Red Cross – €4.6 million has been donated in 2022 by Revolut customers in Ireland to the Irish Red Cross to help those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

  2. Toy Show Appeal – This year, Revolut teamed up with RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show Appeal for the second year to enable viewers to donate instantly from their Revolut app, topping €2.4 million for The Community Foundation for Ireland, helping children and family members across the island.

  3. Irish Cancer Society – Over €450,000 has been donated to the Irish Cancer Society to help transform the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through our advocacy, support services and research.

  4. Pieta – Revolut customers in Ireland have donated over €150,000 to Pieta, a charity working to prevent suicide and self-harm.

  5. Focus Ireland – €135,000 has been donated to Focus Ireland, a non profit organisation that provides services for people who are homeless and people at risk of homelessness in Ireland.

Revolut has just integrated a new feature within the Donations section that allows customers to suggest a charity they would like to donate to. In this way, Revolut will be able to improve the charity assortment in each country based on the causes that users feel closest to them.

To make their suggestion, customers simply need to  open Donations, tap on “All charities” and “Suggest a charity”.

‘Little By Little’

Vaults are the easiest way for Revolut customers to stash away cash and achieve financial goals faster. This year, 41% more customers in Ireland have been saving money in Revolut Vaults, and the average user in Ireland has increased their savings by 52%. Customers can customise the name of their Vaults, with ‘Christmas’, ‘Holiday’, ‘Education’, and ‘Car’ being some of the most popular names in Ireland this year.

Crypto

The total number of active people trading crypto on Revolut in Ireland has increased by 61%, year-on-year. Crypto enthusiasts and the crypto-curious continued to educate themselves and earn rewards with Revolut’s Learn & Earn courses, new to the app this year. Through bite-size lessons and quizzes, Learn & Earn breaks down complex crypto lingo into more accessible information for a broader audience. This year, the crypto tokens that have seen the largest increase in volume traded by Revolut customers in Ireland are:

  1. SHIB

  2. QNT

  3. KNC

Christopher Guttridge, General Manager of Lifestyle Products at Revolut, said: “Whatever your RevReview characteristics have been this year, whether you’re a ‘Globetrotter’ or ‘The White Knight’, 2023 offers a new start for all. As the global financial super app, our Budgeting and Analytics tools are available to our customers year-round, helping them to take control of their money.

“We are delivering ongoing product innovations aimed at meeting our customers’ everyday financial needs and aspirations, from shopping and travel, savings and insurance, subscriptions and donations, to democratising wealth and crypto.”

Revolut customers will receive a notification on December 21st 2022 when their personalised RevReview characteristics are ready.

What are Far Infrared Rays? Its biological effects or medical applications?

Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) is invisible natural sunlight radiation holding the lengthiest wavelength of about 3 to 1000 μm. These wavelengths are within the infrared scope of electromagnetic beams. These rays, emitted from recovery units, have the same benefits natural sunlight rays have. The only difference between both radiations is that sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet rays, whereas Far Infrared Rays do not include these skin-burning harmful UV rays. 

Far Infrared Radiation therapy is also called Hyperthermia. These rays penetrate the skin surface deeply, up to 1.5 inches under the skin. It boosts the temperature of the body surface in a mild manner. It also stimulates body processes.

FIR mats or heating pads are proven effective for Far Infrared Therapy. They penetrate warmth deeply inside the skin. All FIR mats or heating devices serve the same until the temperature is constant for all devices. Avoid higher temperatures to reduce the risk of burns.

Benefits:

Warmth enhances the vigor of the body. Similarly, Far Infrared Radiation is a safe, efficient, and effective thermal therapy that brings multiple positive aspects to life. It has many benefits and can work wonders on health. Some of the advantages of Far Infrared Rays on human health are:

Far Infrared Radiation can bolster the cardiovascular system by extending blood capillaries and increasing blood circulation throughout the body, leading to healthy organs and adequate functioning of tissues. It also boosts cell health, heart pace, rejuvenation, and oxygen supply. Plus, it lowers diastolic blood pressure. The risk of heart disease lessens.

These rays also improve detoxification and motivate the lymphatic system to drain the leaked blood vessel fluid from the tissues through lymph nodes. It burns fats and removes toxins present in the blood. 

In Asia, Far Infrared Radiation therapy is used broadly in Japan. Whereas in Europe, it is used the most by healthcare professionals in Germany to cure multiple ailments in living organisms. 

Scientific study:

Some scientific studies conducted by scientists in Japan in 2003 revealed that FIR therapy mends wounds rapidly without any risks or side effects by promoting a bunch of cells termed fibroblasts. These fibroblasts produce more collagen in the body. Thus, promoting tissue repairing and injury healing process. Because Far Infrared Radiation provides thermal therapy, it can loosen tight muscles of your body. These include both muscles: physical and mental. Hence, it alleviates muscle spasms receding tension and stress in the body, and anxiety, depression, and other disorders of the body.

FIR promotes protein and DNA synthesis. Far Infrared Radiation also heightens the production of white blood cells termed leukocytes to improve the immune system or defensive system. In addition, it also reduces swellings, aches, discomfort, soreness, and inflammation of any affected body region as it warms the muscle fibers. FIR therapy is anti-oxidative in nature. For this reason, it can produce more collagen in the body, resulting in tightening wrinkled skin and lessening breakouts.

It helps to increase the temperature of malignant cells. The standard cell temperature is 32 degrees Celsius, but if it reaches 42 degrees Celsius or 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit, it gets impossible for the cell to survive. The malignant cells and tumors get destroyed. In this way, the body remains free of cancer.

FIR mats are available in the market with many features to help you get Far Infrared Radiation therapy. Always choose the correct FIR mat that suits your inflammation and aches. Avoid extra heat and try to purchase a device that allows modification of its settings. Excessive heating levels may increase inflammation rather than decrease it by burning the skin.

Author: Amelia Croud
Authors EMail: ameliacroud@gmail.com

 

How Technology is Changing Home Improvement in the UK

According to Statista, the total annual turnover of retail sales in the decorating and DIY market peaked at £9.1 billion in 2020.

This highlighted a marked increase when compared with previous years, with this driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that many people were required to spend considerably more time at home than usual.

Technology is also changing techniques and behaviour in the marketplace, but how exactly is this manifesting itself? Let’s get into it!

#1. Better Quality Materials

Perhaps the biggest impact of technology and innovation can be observed in materials and equipment, especially those that are now widely available to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

From the emergence of advanced plastics and carbon fibres to less reactive metals and strong alloys, it’s now possible to access a broader and better range of construction materials. Similarly, tools have also evolved and become increasingly innovative, including those sold on the mass market to customers.

Take the current range of Milwaukee drill drivers, for example, which are tech-led and widely recognised for their considerable quality and innovative selection of features. They also feature ergonomic and robust design, which makes them easier to use across a range of projects.

#2. Remote Technology for Improved Safety

Remote technology has also evolved markedly in recent times, from sensors and automated machines that enable tasks to complete more efficiently and while safeguarding your physical health.

Make no mistake; the rise of automation allows you to leverage machines to complete certain tasks and improvements around the home, while you’re tasked with operating devices at a safe distance.

Of course, you’ll still need some skill and knowledge to operate certain software and systems, but this is much safer than getting to grips with heavy duty or powerful machinery.

#3. The Rise and Rise of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is different to VR, as while the latter creates completely virtual settings and backgrounds, whereas the former integrates people and corporeal elements into virtual environments. 

As a result, AR can be used to visualise the result of DIY projects in your home, using specific software that recreates your home or interior space virtually and enables you to experiment with different settings.

AR also allows for accurate insights into the future results of your DIY project and design work, enabling you to adjust plans and your vision before you get started in earnest.

What’s more, it’s more accessible than VR as you can access AR software through a simple smartphone app and display, rather than having to don an expensive headset!

Benefits, Steps and Limitations of Customer Support Outsourcing

Every stage of company growth is inevitably accompanied with certain changes. With a rapidly growing business, it may be even a squall of challenges.

As the number of customers increases, the hot question is how to transform them into satisfied fans of your business.

Considering that 90% of respondents say the quality of customer service plays a pivotal role in their loyalty, it seems quite forward-minded for a company to outsource customer support to professionals. But as it’s another wind of changes, let’s learn how to make it blow in the right direction. 

Global spending on outsourcing could hit $731 billion in 2023, but why?

Outsourcing Customer Support You Get the Following Benefits:

  • possibility to outsource customer support to a team of skilled and trained professionals;
  • staff costs savings, including salaries, benefits, and training;
  • access to talent from around the world at reasonable rates;
  • chance to hire multilingual consultants to provide enhance service;
  • greater efficiency for customer support, as consultants concentrate on it only;
  • greater customer satisfaction as your team handles queries more efficiently;
  • ability to get critical insights through a series of comprehensive reports.
  • clients have 24/7 support;
  • omnichannel support options;
  • less pressure for in-house employees, so they can deliver better service;
  • opportunity to improve data security.

Knowing the benefits, it’s time to take a critical look at 

Customer Support Outsourcing Pitfalls and Limitation

  1. Losing touch with your clients

It may be quite difficult to monitor outsourced customer support interactions. If agents fail to follow your company’s protocol, have not enough product knowledge or information necessary to help your customers, it can result in losing clients instead of pleasing and making them loyal.

  1. Lack of Service Consistency

With outsourced support, it is less likely that customers will be treated the way you expect them to be. This can anger customers and hurt your business.

  1. Providing Sensitive Data to Third Party Agencies

In order for customer service agents to successfully do their jobs, they must have access to all necessary data. It may be a serious risk of data breaches, providing this data to a not reliable agency. 

  1. Conflict of Interest Between your Goals and the Outsorcerer’s Goals

If the main goal of a third party agent is to meet the terms of their contract and service-level agreement with you, but not to provide high class customer support, these agents will not be constantly focused on keeping your customers happy.

  1. Your Industry Is Highly Regulated

Some industries, such as medical, require customer support agents to have certain certifications or to stay in certain locations. Then, it will be challenging to find a good fit outsourcer.

The Bottom Line

Customer service is critical for your business growth. But if you want to be completely satisfied with its results, treat the question of customer support outsourcing as if you are entrusting your own child. With quality research, wright approach and deep analysis you have a high chance to find a reliable outsourcer and skyrocket to your dream business results.

The Big Brand Takeover of Mobile Gaming

For several years now, mobile gaming has been leading the way in the global gaming industry. Since 2018, it has overtaken both console and PC gaming combined to become the world’s most popular way to play and access games. In 2021, for instance, mobile generated 52% of global gaming revenues, bringing in as much as $93.2 billion during the 12-month period.  

Little wonder, then, that the mobile gaming space has become increasingly attractive to major tech brands. While the nature of mobile lends itself perfectly to indie gaming – app developers can create, launch and sell their games with relatively low barriers to entry – it is, nevertheless, a sector that holds lucrative potential, especially for those brands that have the resources to go all-out in terms of innovation and development.  

Mobile is one of the most diverse sectors when it comes to game variety, with players able to do everything from play poker on mobile to compete in eSports events. Since the major mobile gaming rush at the start of this decade, we’ve seen big players in the tech industry step into the space one after another. In this article, we’ll share the lowdown on the big brand takeover of mobile gaming.  

Microsoft Has Activision in Its Sights

Microsoft is no stranger to a big tech takeover; after all, with a market worth of $1.82 trillion, it’s made some pretty savvy moves to both reach and stay at such dizzying heights. 

It first made its intentions to dominate digital gaming known in 2020 when it bought out Bethseda – the development company behind Skyrim and Fallout – to the tune of $7.5 billion. Now, Microsoft has Activision in its sights and is willing to pay $69 billion for its acquisition.  

This contentious deal could well be the biggest takeover of an entity in the history of gaming. Activision is, of course, responsible for mammoth games like Candy Crush, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. And, while Microsoft claims the deal is necessary to boost its Xbox Game Pass offering, it has nevertheless attracted attention from the tech giant’s main competitor, Sony.  

Sony Goes Mobile 

Sony may be pushing ahead with a legal dispute against Microsoft, but that hasn’t stopped the company from making its own strides into claiming the mobile space. After nearly 30 years specialising in console gaming, the company is now expanding into mobile via the Sony PlayStation brand. 

In September 2022, PlayStation Studios announced that, following its purchase of Savage Game Studios, it would be diversifying its brand with the Studios Mobile Division. Rumoured to be running independently of the console division, the mobile arm will develop games based on existing PS IP, as well as brand-new experiences created for mobile devices. 

Interestingly, this Big Three incumbent is taking a different approach to mobile expansion to its main rival. Rather than splashing out on big-budget deals, instead, Sony is taking a low-key approach with a mixture of smaller acquisitions and strategic hires.  

More Netflix Games for Android Users 

Streaming specialist Netflix made headlines last November when it announced its debut lineup of mobile games exclusively for iOS and Android subscribers. Marking the brand’s first steps into the mobile gaming market, over the past 12 months it has expanded its portfolio with a number of free games, including those based on popular Netflix IP.  

Now, it has announced plans to unleash more games for 2023, bringing the total available on the platform to 48. This includes Vikings: Valhalla, expected during Q1 2023, Kentucky Route Zero, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.  

Tech Review – Twinkly Squares Multicolour Edition

Twinkly Squares are small LED panels that light up to further connect your home. Composed of 64-pixel RGB LEDs, Squares are available in packs of 9 or 16 panels. Twinkly Squares is a revolutionary product that combines the power of an LED wall with the sophistication of interior design. The system can be connected to other Twinkly products, to create amazing environmental effects, from DJ set lighting to immersive gaming consoles.

Not only do these spruce up your home they have other features built in which is controlled via their app which we go through in great detail in the video review below but these are pretty cool and a nice addition to my home.

What is great with Twinkly squares is they are modular and it is not hard to set up it took me about ten minutes to set my pack up and again this can be arranged in any form you want, the more you have the better would be a good way to put it and you can customise the layout and what shows up on the well built panels, they are very robust and better than others I have seen and own as is here at home dotted around the house and often seen on one of my review tables.

Now setting up did have some issues and this must be set up over a 2.5ghz network I have both here and had to change my router settings you can get started with bluetooth then connect to the app, there was an update on my app to which possibly contributed to my set up you can see the images below, you have to map the squares to get set up fully and you can also connect to the squares Wi-Fi but it is best to use your home Wi-Fi.

After that it is basically fun and games on what you want to show on the squares which comes loaded with options in the app itself or you can pick from your phones gallery.

It is more on the expensive side however more is on offer via their app and the build quality alone is worth it, this could be an ideal present for someone for Christmas too and it is just a nice addition to you home regardless.

Revolutionary Twinkly Squares smart LED wall panels completely redefine decorative lighting. Whether you want pixel-perfect artwork and GIFs for your home or office space, cool ambience and mood lighting, reactive gaming lights, or a unique night light for kids, Squares is a must-have display screen and lighting decoration. Available in starter and extension kits, each Squares wall panel features 64 premium, app-controlled, addressable LEDs that were designed for extraordinary brightness and color quality in over 16 million colors. Physically combine each master panel with up to 15 extension panels, and use the Twinkly App to sync larger groups of Squares and create huge displays of virtually endless preset and customizable effects, animations, GIFs, and pixel art on your walls and ceilings.

 

BUY

Video review

 

Ways Fleet Managers Can Improve Time Management

Time management is absolutely crucial across all areas of business. However, the parameters for it can vary slightly between departments. 

Fleet managers, in particular, have a sizeable undertaking before them. Not only do they need to save time in all of their work processes, but they also need to ensure that the cars they preside over run like clockwork and that drivers face no issues in their roles too. Their efficiency is other workers’ efficiency, too. 

Tech plays a role in certain areas here too. After all, many different aspects of the business world are becoming digitised, and fleet management is no exception. Optimising time management will require some measure of innovation. Here are some of the best ways fleet managers can improve time management.

Lease EVs 

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is sometimes painted as a costly endeavour. However, in the enterprising world, time is money, and EVs save a significant amount of it. 

EVs can be safely charged overnight. Consequently, this drastically reduces the need for fleet drivers to pull over mid-journey and lose valuable commute time. It also means they can spend more time doing the part of the job they likely love most; cruising behind the wheel and seeing new places as the world rushes by. All of this might enable you to guarantee faster delivery times to customers and clients, too. 

Overhauling your gas-guzzling fleet to EV counterparts isn’t a hefty task. Read the ultimate guide for leasing an electric car written by LV ElectriX. Not only can it enlighten you of the perks of these efforts, but the guide can also instruct you on how to make the transition successful. They also manage your expectations when waiting for factory orders, giving you an idea of supply chain complications. Much more is discussed, too, and you can also browse leasing and insurance offers with them to secure your fleet EVs more efficiently.    

Optimise Route Potential

Optimum routes are always in flux. If fleet managers are constantly playing catchup with any changes, it can lead to a host of other logistical problems that they must overcome. 

The most obvious suggestion is to devise shortcuts for drivers to take. Still, this isn’t always the most viable path forward. After all, fines are now in place to reduce emissions in key areas, so certain roads that seemed primed to cut travel times shouldn’t be used. Research where those measures may apply as you optimise travel routes and ensure drivers only go where they’re allowed. Otherwise, you’ll no doubt have fines and related admin to sort. 

Furthermore, road closures can frequently materialise due to accidents or maintenance works. If these circumstances aren’t noted ahead of time, it can lead to a stressful series of diversions. Keep tabs on the health of the traffic in your firm’s areas of operations, and remind your workers to receive real-time updates, whether through smartphone notifications, live radio, or fleet management software (more on that later). That way, you won’t have to put other duties on hold as you scramble at the last minute to course-correct your drivers. 

Installing Fleet Trackers

You should trust your drivers to cruise along the most promising routes only. Still, there are other reasons to track their movements to improve time management. 

Fleet drivers can get lost or may even have their vehicles stolen. More than locations can be discerned too. The tech also provides statistics on how long engines have been left on and idle for and how much fuel is being consumed. All of this data can give you important insights into the fleet and reduce the amount of time you spend detecting irregularities, identifying the culprits, and generally tending to all other related fleet management duties. 

It’s important to be careful here about what trackers are used. Fleet drivers have been wrongly fired due to faulty GPS trackers incorrectly tracking their movements, leading superiors to believe unnecessary detours were taking place. Ensure you’re using a reputable supplier and perhaps have more than one system running in case of errors occur. 

Accommodate Fleet Management Software

Fleet managers must have a comprehensive overview of all the matters that require their attention. It all needs to be fed through to them in one centralised location. A state-of-the-art fleet management system provides those assurances for the most productive professionals in this arena.  

Optimising routes and keeping tabs on fleet trackers can all be done through a fleet management system. There are also custom reporting tools, routine maintenance notifications, and supports real-time updates about dangerous driving habits your workers may be practising. Very few things escape your notice here, which means you can address them all sooner. 

Because of the in-depth nature of fleet management software, you’ll have a better sense of the issues that immediately require your attention and a built-upon awareness of tasks that can be comfortably delegated elsewhere. Consider outsourcing some of the more tedious administration procedures to fleet management specialists. That way, you can devote more time to the most pressing issues your fleet management software highlights. 

Two-day RENDR Festival explores nexus between creativity and tech

A two-day festival planned for Belfast early next year will see creative minds from across the global film, gaming, animation and immersive tech industries converge in East Belfast to explore the space where creativity and technology collide, with the longest-serving writer and producer of The Simpsons among the line-up of speakers announced.

Produced by the team behind the city’s annual photography festival, RENDR, formerly known as Capture Conference, will take place from 23-24 February 2023 at Portview Trade Centre in the heart of East Belfast as part of the NI Science Festival.

Billed as a ‘unique nocturnal experience’, RENDR will present 30 speakers across two evenings alongside live and interactive demonstrations of new technology, digital art, gaming experiences and a food village offering the very best of Northern Ireland’s local food and drink producers.

The festival has been curated for anyone with an interest in popular culture and learning more about how genre-defining film, gaming, animation and immersive experiences are brought to life. Through a series of talks, workshops and showcases, RENDR will also create a platform for creatives and students to build networks and explore new opportunities in the industry.

Among the speakers travelling to Belfast for the festival is production stills photographer David James. The long-time collaborator of Hollywood royalty Steven Speilberg will share insight into the award-winning images he has produced for such movies as Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan and Mission Impossible.

Mike Reiss, the longest-serving writer and producer of The Simpsons, will also travel to Belfast as part of the festival. Reiss, who co-wrote The Simpsons Movie, will discuss his illustrious career as part of the team behind the long-running animated sitcom, offering an insider’s perspective into the creative process that has seen the show rise to the status of cultural phenomenon.

Also Belfast-bound is Dorothy Di Stefano, creator/founder of Molten Immersive Art. One of the world’s foremost voices in immersive and interactive art curation, she leads a collective of international experiential artists and researchers working at the cutting edge of new technology and art.

Championing Northern Ireland’s own creative industries, RENDR, which is supported by NI Screen, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, will also recognise the influence and impact of local creatives.

Alongside international voices, Belfast-based production stills photographer Helen Sloan will discuss her work behind the scenes of HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones, and BAFTA-nominated director Kris Kelly of Enter Yes™ will showcase the work of the visual effects and animation studio, which specialises in high-end visuals for film, television and games.

Festival director Michael Weir says: “RENDR is an opportunity to network, to demo new and emerging tech, to be inspired and to gain insight into the latest trends and developments in the creative industries – all with an emphasis on new technologies. We hope the event informs, engages and challenges the creative community to push the boundaries of technology in their fields.”

Commenting on the value of the creative industries, Weir adds: “We’re programming speakers and thought leaders from around the world, but also using this moment to recognise what this place has to offer in terms of its award-winning expertise and innovations. The creative industries are important economic drivers for Northern Ireland and with the support of our funders at NI Screen, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council we hope to both amplify their contribution to building a vibrant arts and culture sector locally and create a platform to showcase what homegrown talent can offer on the global stage.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Ireland Screen, commented: “As part of Northern Ireland Screen’s new four-year strategy ‘Stories, Skills and Sustainability’ we remain committed to supporting opportunities for our industry colleagues to share their stories and enhance their skills to ensure a sustainable future. RENDR’s packed and varied programme presents the local screen industry with the opportunity to showcase their talent alongside international industry, to hear from and learn from local, national, and international leading professionals and gain valuable insight into new and emerging tech and trends.”

Matthew Malcolm, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: ”RENDR is a unique and exciting festival that will lead, inspire and connect creative industry professionals and all those interested in learning more about new, emerging technologies and their use in creating art. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is thrilled to support RENDR which reflects our commitment to encouraging innovative practices that cross artform boundaries and build digital capabilities within the Northern Ireland arts sector.”

Belfast City Council Chair of City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “We are delighted to be supporting RENDR Festival this year and pleased to see such a wide range of creative and digital technology leaders and entrepreneurs taking part. The creative digital industry is a strong part of our city’s economy and we have ambitions to become world class in digital innovation, with investment from the Belfast Region City Deal. In order to do this, we need to facilitate engagement, collaboration and knowledge sharing between creative businesses, education and our public sector and RENDR Festival will play a key role in that.”

Further speakers are set to be announced in the coming weeks. For the full list of speakers revealed to date and to book tickets, visit RENDRfestival.com and stay up to date with the latest developments and speakers announcements on the festival’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.