85% of organisations are not Digitally Optimised or Strategic

Digital Transformation Services specialist ActionPoint, A Viatel Technology Group Company, has published its second consecutive Digital Transformation Index Report. The report, which takes an in-depth look at the current state of digital maturity in Ireland, will allow business leaders to benchmark their organisations to identify blind spots and potential opportunities to respond to the developments and shifting trends of technology.

While the COVID-19 pandemic moved into the rear-view mirror in 2022, it has had a lasting impact on how organisations work, and how they embrace technology to improve performance. Yet, the report highlights that there is a risk that attitudes towards technology and digital capability regress to pre-pandemic levels.

The report is based on data gathered from 405 (234 Irish-based, 171 International) respondents from across 18 industries; who completed the ActionPoint Digital Maturity self-assessment, which focuses on six predefined pillars of an organisation’s overall digital maturity, giving them an insight into where they are leading, lagging, and how they’re doing overall. Organisations from Manufacturing, Retail and Technology make up 42% of survey respondents, and 57% of respondents analysed were Board Members, Director Owners, C-Level, VP, or Senior Managers.

Findings show that 85% of respondents are not Digitally Optimised or Strategic, which shows a huge opportunity for businesses to better leverage digital technologies. However, the report shows a 30% increase in low-code and no-code technology adoption year on year. No-code development is a type of web development that allows non-programmers and programmers to create software using a graphical user interface, instead of writing code.

Almost three in four organisations cite productivity and efficiency as a key reason behind technology adoption; while competitive advantage ranks second in this list at 63%.

While 70% of companies surveyed consider digital fundamental to their business strategy; less than one in three organisations (32%) have a digital training plan and budget in place; with just 27% considering development of digital skills during performance reviews.

David Jeffreys, CEO, ActionPoint explains “Our businesses are now faced with different economic challenges; we have high levels of inflation, COVID impacted supply chains, increasing input prices, and high levels of salary inflation; along with the continued challenges of managing a distributed workforce. Putting digital at the core of our business strategy means introducing a continuous digital transformation mindset, offering us a way to address many of these challenges by leveraging better insights from data, optimising processes, and improving resilience. 

“But a business cannot outperform its capability, and embracing a digital business strategy requires investment in digital capability. Yet this year’s report shows the lowest average score across the six dimensions of digital maturity was for digital capability, coming in at just 35%. There are many more interesting insights in this year’s report showing where there are opportunities for Irish businesses to embrace a digital transformation mindset, to improve productivity, and remain competitive in the face of economic challenges.”

27% of Irish companies are increasing technology investment to help with sustainability goals. This figure has increased from 23%, marking an increase in organisational focus on the climate emergency. However, internationally, 29% of respondents are prioritising similar initiatives.

Adoption of HR Management Systems has increased 16% year on year, indicating the growing importance of EX (employee experience). Another key factor in adopting such systems is a renewed focus on managing the remote workforce more efficiently. And with Hybrid working here to stay, 57% of organisations are sticking to collaboration tools like Teams and Zoom, with the uptake remaining close to 2021 levels.

Risk and Compliance received the highest self-assessment score, pointing to a wide understanding of the critical-nature of data and information security. 70% of organisations follow data backup best practice. Furthermore our data shows that 61% have a disaster recovery plan in place. Almost one in two (47%) of organisations conduct regular security audits through third parties to assess their vulnerability.

65% of organisations have indicated digital still remains a priority in the marketing of products and services. However, this number has dropped from 70% in 2021. And when it comes to engaging with their customers, social media continues to grow as a preferred CX (customer experience) tool. The live nature of platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Messenger enables customers to ask questions and receive responses on their preferred medium. ChatBots have become easier to integrate, programme, and cheaper to operate meaning more organisations are pressing ahead with this increasingly ubiquitous CX technology (+54% YoY).

In the past 18 years, Limerick based ActionPoint has delivered Digital Transformation to more than 500 organisations at all levels of digital capability; helping them to implement new processes, transform customer experiences and bolster their data security.

For more information on ActionPoint’s work in Digital Transformation, visit www.actionpoint.ie/digital-transformation.

Fairphone calls on smartphone industry to embrace true sustainability with its 2022 Impact Report

Fairphone, the Dutch social enterprise building a market for ethical smartphones, has released its 2022 Impact Report, showcasing the company’s progress towards a more sustainable electronics industry for both people and planet.

The annual report highlights the most recent developments across all four of Fairphone’s core areas of impact, including device longevity and the avoidance of electronic waste, the sourcing of fair and recycled materials, as well as the company’s ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions of people in the supply chain.

It also shows that Fairphone was able to achieve all its targets for 2022 in the different impact areas – a first time milestone. Overall, in 2022 these efforts resulted in avoiding 999 tons of CO2 and 15 tons of electronic waste, with over 54,000 people benefitting (adding up to over 83,000 people since 2017) from Fairphone’s measures.

In a preface to the report, Fairphone CEO Eva Gouwens emphasizes that swift action is needed to bring about change in the electronics industry, calling on industry peers to stop delaying reforms and to follow Fairphone’s example to embrace true sustainability, meaning the well-being of both the planet and its people.

Some other highlights of this year’s report include:

  • Being profitable for the third year in a row, despite a difficult market situation.
  • In 2022, 40% of Fairphone’s 14 focus materials could be sourced from fair or recycled sources, meeting the company’s targets for 2022.
  • A worker in the Fairphone 4 final assembly factory received almost an extra month of salary through Fairphone’s living wage program. In total, 305,000 USD was paid to factory workers of Fairphone’s suppliers in 2022 to support living wages in the supply chain. This includes the workers of an indirect component supplier, an industry first.
  • Fairphone co-developed a pilot project on Fairmined Gold Credits that was applied to account for part of the gold used in the Fairphone 4 and Fairphone’s TWS earbuds.
  • Fairphone made significant progress towards reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Committing to reach net zero by 2045 – five years ahead of the suggested timeframe – Fairphone successfully reduced Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by the end of 2022.

The full report, as well as a summary document highlighting the most important takeaways, can be found here.

The Rise of Decentralised Exchanges (DEXs): The Future of Crypto Trading

Do you know what’s quietly changing the world of cryptocurrency trading? It’s the decentralized exchanges, commonly known as DEXs. In this fast-paced world, trading digital currencies using a cryptocurrency trading bot has become a trend, and DEXs are emerging as a game-changer. But, what exactly are DEXs and why are they the future of crypto trading? Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in to explore this fascinating world!

A Brief Introduction to Decentralised Exchanges (DEXs)

What if I told you that the future of cryptocurrency trading lies in the hands of decentralized exchanges? You may be wondering, “What’s a DEX, and how does it work?” Well, a DEX is a blockchain-based platform that allows users to trade digital assets without the need for a central authority like a bank or a traditional exchange. This means that you have more control over your assets, and you don’t have to rely on a middleman to execute your trades.

Why Are DEXs Gaining Popularity?

The rise of DEXs can be attributed to a number of factors. Let’s take a closer look at why they are becoming the preferred choice for many crypto traders.

1. Security: As DEXs are built on blockchain technology, they offer an unparalleled level of security. Since there’s no central authority holding your funds, the risk of hacks and thefts is significantly reduced.

2. Transparency: DEXs bring a new level of transparency to the world of crypto trading. Every transaction made on a decentralized exchange is recorded on the blockchain, which means that it is open for anyone to verify.

3. Censorship-resistant: Decentralized exchanges are not subject to the whims of a central authority, so they’re less likely to be censored or shut down by governments or regulatory agencies.

4. Lower fees: As there are no middlemen involved in the process, DEXs typically have lower fees than their centralized counterparts.

How Are DEXs Shaping the Future of Crypto Trading?

The rise of DEXs is already transforming the landscape of cryptocurrency trading in several ways. Here are some notable trends that we can expect to see in the near future.

Improved Liquidity

One of the biggest challenges faced by decentralized exchanges in the past was the lack of liquidity. However, this is changing with the advent of innovative solutions like automated market makers (AMMs) and liquidity pools further fueled by the concept of liquidity mining, where users are rewarded for providing and maintaining these pools. These mechanisms enable users to easily swap tokens without the need for an order book, ultimately leading to increased liquidity on DEXs.

Interoperability Between Chains

The future of crypto trading will likely see the increased interoperability between various blockchain networks. Cross-chain solutions are being developed to enable seamless transactions between different blockchains, thus allowing DEXs to cater to a wider range of cryptocurrencies.

Advanced Trading Features

As DEXs mature, we can expect to see more advanced trading features being introduced, such as margin trading, leverage, and sophisticated trading bots. These features will not only attract more users but also make DEXs more competitive with traditional exchanges.

Regulatory Compliance

With the growing prominence of DEXs, it’s likely that they will face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. However, as these platforms evolve, they’ll likely develop tools and protocols to ensure compliance with existing regulations without sacrificing decentralization.

Conclusion

The rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) is undeniably shaping the future of crypto trading. Offering enhanced security, transparency, and lower fees, these platforms are quickly becoming

Tech Review – Anker PowerConf C200 Webcam

This is a reasonably sized device which can be carried around in a  laptop bag and can be connected to a Laptop etc via the ( good quality ) supplied USB A to USB C cable. The construction as expected from Anker is solid with an option to connect on a laptop screen or a tripod as required. The mounting has an angle bracket allowing flexibility in connection. The weight is light to ensure the Laptop screen does not fall over with the weight or can be mounted on a temporary workspace.

 

Features

  •       Make a Good Impression: The 2K ultra-clear resolution on this Mac Webcam brings sharp clarity to every meeting. Be seen by your peers or impress your boss with your high-quality video calls.
  •       Built-In Privacy Cover: Your privacy is important to us. When not in use, you can slide on the built-in privacy cover to shield yourself from the Mac Webcam’s view.
  •       Versatile Field of View: Adjust how much the Mac webcam can see by choosing the angle of the lens opening. You can pick from 65°, 78°, or 95° via the AnkerWork software to show just your face or include what’s behind you.
  •       Look Nice in Any Light: The larger aperture size captures more light so that even without a ring light in low-light settings, you can still look bright and professional with this computer camera.
  •       AI Noise Cancellation: Specialized dual mics use AI to pick up your voice while simultaneously reducing background noise for crystal-clear audio.

 

Features continued

The kit comes with a mechanical built-in privacy cover that allows you to block out the camera as required. The physical shutter is a useful feature that allows you to physically cover the camera lens when not in use, preventing unauthorised access to your webcam. However, note that the privacy cover is a mechanical system that only works for the video, not turning off the audio microphone.

 Setup & use:

The setup is easy and requires a Windows laptop reboot and running of the software. Once installed, the AnkerWork Software allows control of the image and adjusts the field of view as required. This supports audio and video input, such as Zoom, Teams Skype, OBS, etc. It is recommended to use the AnkerWork Software but the kit will work without any installation.

Note: it is recommended to use the AnkerWork Software but the kit will work without any additional software.

Without using the AnkerWork Software, Once you plug it into a Windows USB port it will be recognized by your computer automatically. No drivers or software are required but will have limited features in terms of Audio and video options.

 

 

 Quality

The webcam is capable of shooting 2K video at 30 frames per second and has an adjustable field of view. This was compared to the internal integrated camera as a comparison.

Integrated Windows laptop camera

A sample screenshot  was taken using the Windows laptop integrated camera, Note the  picture was distorted and unclear during an MS Teams call test.

Anker  PowerConf C200 Webcam

The same screenshot on the laptop was taken with the Anker webcam, during an MS Teams call test.

 Note the letters are clear and easy to read using the Anker  PowerConf C200 Webcam

Both the integrated camera and the Anker  PowerConf C200 Webcam have been placed the same distance from the picture. The default setting was used for the Anker  PowerConf C200 Webcam which could have been improved further by the additional options within the software.

Warranty 1-year warranty

Conclusion

The Anker  PowerConf C200 Webcam connects easily and works well with its supplied USB C cable. This is a compact device that folds away neatly,  care would have to be taken to ensure damage to the lens when being transported,  as no carry case has been supplied,  the additional software allows traditional features in terms of zoom, rotation changing the hd resolution which may be required if hot spotting and using low-quality broadband. The FOV (field of view) from 65 degrees to 95 degrees allows for multiple people to be on a call and compensation adjusts accordingly to the surroundings

The audio experience when close to the unit works well but lacks the quality when at the distance from the webcam. At techbuzz, we have tried on a few systems in terms  of MS Teams & Google Meet but the documentation does appear as approved for either

The Anker PowerConf C200 webcam has several key features. It has a 2K or 1440p resolution, which brings a good quality picture, It comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a user manual, and can be easily clipped to the top of your desktop monitor.

The webcam is plug-and-play and ready to use right out of the box, but you can tweak the video/audio settings from Anker’s dedicated desktop app which improved the quality of the experience from the above screenshots,

The kit while has many positives & flexible options including, an adjustable FOV 65-95 degree, privacy shutter, and tripod mount, but does not come with a carry case which has the potential of scratching the lens during transport. The Setup is easy and adjustable for different situations or environments.

Overall, the Anker PowerConf C200 webcam is a great option for those looking for a portable budget-friendly and high-quality webcam with several useful features. Another great product from the Anker Family.

Buy

Video Review

 

EY Technology Leaders Outlook 2023

Irish technology leaders are investing heavily as they focus their organisations on accelerating growth amidst global economic disruption, a dynamic landscape of rapidly advancing technology and shifting operating models. That’s a key finding of EY Ireland’s Technology Leaders Survey 2023, which also found that leaders are prioritising the development and retention of key talent in their organisations as they put people at the heart of the digital transformation journeys.

More than two-fifths (44%) of the 150 senior technology leaders surveyed by EY say they are currently planning or executing a digital transformation or change programme, indicating significant room for growth across digital and IT spend and talent acquisition. The momentum Irish tech leaders are delivering during their companies’ transformation journeys is supported by resilient IT budgets with tech leaders indicating they expect to increase (46%) or maintain (49%) current levels of spending over the next two years.

When it comes to staffing, the picture is also bullish, with 93% of Irish technology leaders planning to either increase or maintain current IT staffing levels, and only 2% saying they expect to reduce IT staff headcount over the next two years. In fact, the IT skills shortage remains a top concern for technology leaders, with more than a third (32%) naming it as the number one challenge to growth over the next two years, placing it above global recession fears (27%) and supply chain disruption (12%).

Irish tech leaders are firmly focused on delivering long term value for their organisations through technology but are slow to devote resources to what some see as nascent technologies. Instead, they are investing in the technologies seen as most likely to deliver immediate value, such as process automation (46%), data analytics (39%) and the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G (38%).

39% of leaders consider data analytics a critical technology for driving value creation and yet just 11% of respondents say their organisation is data-centric – that is, fully leveraging data analytics capabilities to be predictive, drive innovation and continually improve every aspect of the business.

“The focus for businesses in Ireland right now is firmly on adding value and future growth, and that is very welcome. Cost reduction is almost a by-product. It’s clear that Irish technology leaders do not view transformation programmes through a pure technology lens and are instead seeing them as enablers of growth and value creation across the entire organisation. But huge opportunities still remain when it comes to technology adoption and innovation, especially in relation to managing and harnessing the power of data, ” said Ronan Walsh, Consulting Partner and Head of Technology Consulting at EY Ireland.

Continuing Journey ahead for cloud adoption

Enterprise-wide cloud adoption remains some way off – indeed, only 15 per cent of respondents indicate that all their IT systems are already on the cloud, while only 26 per cent are pursuing a full cloud strategy and in the process of migrating.

“Irish organisations recognise the need to migrate their core systems to more modern, cloud-based IT architectures but they also know this transition will not be easy. While not without risk, it is ultimately a high reward journey that requires buy-in from the very top of the organisation. We need to see more Irish organisations leveraging their data to maximum effect given that almost 39 per cent of Irish leaders consider data analytics such a critical technology for driving value. Irish organisations must capitalise on the power of data, or we risk falling behind our global counterparts when it comes to innovation,” added Ronan Walsh.

Value drivers key to investment plans; Metaverse and Blockchain not a big focus in the near term

Interestingly, a number of technologies which have attracted and generated significant interest over recent years, such as Blockchain, the Metaverse, 3D Printing and Quantum Computers, are viewed by Irish tech leaders as capable of delivering some value, however, widespread adoption is still some way off.

Colin Reilly, EY Ireland Partner, SAP Practice Leader and Technology Consulting CIO said “This may well be a case of hype failing to survive first contact with reality. We are already seeing some of the main proponents of the metaverse pulling back on investments in the new virtual realm and the paucity of use cases for the majority of businesses will probably see it remain a fringe technology for some time to come. That is not to say that it will not deliver value to organisations at some point in the future, but for the moment at least, that point seems a long way off.”

How NRM Helps MLM Companies to Manage their Network and Maximize Profits

In the world of multi-level marketing (MLM), network relationship management (NRM) software has become an essential tool for managing and growing a successful MLM business. NRM software provides MLM companies with the tools they need to build, maintain, and grow their networks, while also helping them to maximize profits. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which NRM helps MLM companies to manage their network and maximize profits.

Streamlining Communication with Network Members

One of the most significant benefits of NRM software is that it helps MLM companies to streamline communication with their network members. NRM software allows MLM companies to centralize communication channels, such as email, chat, and social media, making it easier to reach out to network members, share updates and announcements, and provide training and support. By streamlining communication, MLM companies can ensure that their network members are always up-to-date and informed, which can help to improve engagement and retention.

Identifying and Tracking Network Performance

Another key benefit of NRM software is that it helps MLM companies to identify and track network performance. With NRM software, MLM companies can monitor the performance of their network members, track sales, identify top performers, and identify areas for improvement. This data can be used to develop targeted training and support programs, as well as to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Managing and Automating Sales Processes

NRM software also helps MLM companies to manage and automate their sales processes. With NRM software, MLM companies can create custom sales funnels, track sales progress, and automate follow-up and support processes. This can help to improve conversion rates, reduce the time and resources required for sales management, and improve overall sales performance.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Finally, NRM software helps MLM companies to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. MLM companies operate in a heavily regulated environment, and failure to comply with regulatory standards can result in significant penalties and legal challenges. NRM software provides MLM companies with the tools they need to track and manage compliance requirements, ensuring that they remain compliant with regulatory standards and avoid costly penalties.

In addition to the benefits outlined above, NRM software also helps MLM companies to improve network member engagement and retention. By providing network members with personalized support, training, and resources, MLM companies can improve member engagement and retention rates. NRM software allows MLM companies to create personalized training and support programs, as well as to track and analyze member engagement and activity levels. This can help MLM companies to identify areas where network members need additional support and resources, and to develop targeted programs to improve engagement and retention.

One example of a powerful NRM software solution is MLMSoft, which provides MLM companies with a comprehensive suite of tools for managing their networks. These tools include centralized communication channels, sales management and automation, compliance tracking, and member engagement and support features.Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, MLM Software is the ideal NRM software solution for managing your MLM network and driving success.
Another advantage of NRM software is that it provides MLM companies with real-time data and insights into network performance.

This data can be used to make informed decisions about resource allocation, product development, and marketing strategies. For example, if an MLM company sees that a particular product or service is selling well among a specific segment of its network, it can use this data to develop targeted marketing campaigns and promotions to further boost sales in that segment.

Conclusion
In conclusion, NRM software is an essential tool for MLM companies looking to manage their network and maximize profits. By streamlining communication, identifying and tracking network performance, managing and automating sales processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, NRM software provides MLM companies with the tools they need to build, maintain, and grow their networks, while also maximizing profits.

ROG announces the ROG Ally, windows gaming handheld

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce the ROG Ally, an incredibly powerful new Windows gaming handheld. Powered by a cutting-edge AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor, the Ally can breeze through AAA games and indie titles with ease. A bright and high refresh rate touchscreen display ensures that gamers see their content clearly even when gaming outdoors. The Ally is easy to carry and handle all day, thanks to its lightweight 608-gram design and ergonomic handholds.

Incredible AMD-powered performance

Featuring an all-new purpose-built APU – AMD RyzenTM Z1 series processor with RDNATM 3 graphics, the ROG Ally is primed to deliver never-before-seen levels of handheld gaming performance. Gamers who enjoy lighter indie titles, or more graphically intensive AAA games, can do it all with the Ally. Making all this possible is also ROG’s Zero Gravity thermal system, which uses a dual-fan system with ultra-thin heatsink fins and high-friction heat pipes to ensure the Ally stays cool in any orientation.

Flagship gaming performance demands a panel to match, and the Ally does not disappoint. Equipped with a 120 Hz full HD (1080p) panel with Adaptive Sync support, gamers will enjoy supreme motion clarity in fast-paced games, with no tearing or stuttering in the event of an FPS drop. The display also has a max

brightness of 500 nits, enabling gamers to easily keep track of the action in more challenging environments like the great outdoors. This touchscreen display also acts to seamlessly allow navigation of the Windows desktop when gamers need to change settings or install their next game.

Full-fledged Windows 11 gaming

The ROG Ally runs Windows 11, meaning gamers can access all of their publisher libraries and game streaming services on a single device. No matter where the latest and greatest titles are available, the Ally can power gamers to victory. Navigating the Windows desktop is a seamless experience, either through the Ally’s joysticks and buttons or through Windows’ robust touchscreen support.

Additionally, a Special Edition of Armoury Crate makes its debut with the ROG Ally, customized with quick performance mode toggles, a game launcher, in-game monitoring software, Aura Sync support, and more. ROG is also offering a bundled 90-day trial of Game Pass Ultimate, giving users instant access to hundreds of AAA and indie titles the moment they boot their Ally.

Ergonomic and lightweight design

For a handheld, weight and ergonomics are everything. ROG engineers painstakingly developed and iterated the shape and weight of the ROG Ally until they were satisfied they had created the perfect machine to carry and play all day. Weighing in at just 608 grams, the Ally will never weigh heavily in a gamer’s backpack or hands, allowing for plenty of uninterrupted and comfortable gameplay.

The Ally’s ergonomics continue with its handgrips, with a unique triangle texturing on the rear giving gamers a solid hold on the machine from any angle. ROG styling lines adorn the palm side of the grip while also helping to reduce any accidental slipping.

Learn more at the ROG Ally launch event The official ROG Ally launch event will be held on May 11th, 2023. Tune in to learn more about the full specifications and pricing. The keynote will start at 10am Eastern Time, followed by a panel discussion with Shawn Yen, Product Management Director of Gaming Business Unit from ASUS, Roanne Sones, CVP of Microsoft Gaming Devices Ecosystem, and Frank Azor, Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions and Gaming Marketing from AMD to talk about the design story of the ROG Ally and its impact on the gaming landscape. To access the ROG Ally event site, please visit: https://rog.gg/ALLY_m

Storm Technology partners with NaviPartner to distribute specialised retail solutions

With a strong reputation for the successful design and implementation of ERP software solutions, Storm Technology is one of Ireland’s preferred suppliers of Microsoft Dynamic 365 Business Central.

By partnering with NaviPartner, Storm Technology is now able to offer four new specialised omnichannel solutions to all existing and new clients, further enhancing its current solution range and reenforcing its commitment to the retail sector.

NaviPartner has a long history as a Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner on the Danish market. Its many years of expertise has led the company to funnel its knowledge of its clients’ needs and challenges into a strong product innovation focus. The result is four well-documented and tested omnichannel solutions – namely NP Retail, NP Ecommerce, NP WMS and NP Entertainment.

NP Retail is a cloud-based retail software solution (SaaS – Software as a Service) for all types of retailers that combines point-of-sales (POS), financial management, bookkeeping, order management, inventory management, reports and statistics in one complete package.

The solution supports more than 250 payment methods, delivering payments across online, mobile, and in store. That makes NP Retail a future-proof solution that is easy to implement in multiple countries, when a business expands into new markets.

Speaking on the partnership, Karl Flannery, CEO of Storm Technology, stated: “We are very excited about this new partnership. NaviPartner has built an excellent reputation for the supply of high-quality POS, e-Commerce, Warehousing and Ticketing solutions built on top of Microsoft Business Central and we are confident that this partnership will deliver considerable advantage to both new and existing clients.”

Closely connected to NP Retail is the online e-commerce solution NP Ecommerce based on Magento. NP Ecommerce seamlessly integrates into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and is the backbone that ensures real-time integration between the online store, the ERP system and the physical store and makes sure the inventory is always up to date. As an extension of the NP Retail solution, the NP Entertainment solution is aimed at the entertainment segment with specialized modules perfect for ticketing and membership.

To complete the omnichannel offering, NaviPartner has also developed a fourth solution – NP WMS, which is intended for the effective management of warehouse operations. NP WMS is a 100% mobile WMS solution with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for Dynamics 365 Business Central. The implementation process is extremely cost-efficient, as customers can configure the solution themselves and thus get started in a matter of hours. End users will only need a minimum of training for this easy-to-use app. All that customers need to get started is the NP WMS app and access to Business Central SaaS.

NaviPartner is happy to see their product portfolio brought to market with extra manpower. “We have spent a lot of time and resources on developing and refining these solutions, and we are proud to be able to offer them worldwide through strong partnerships. We find that Storm Technology with their expertise and client base is a perfect match for us, and it will mean that our solutions can be presented to a whole new segment of customers,” says CEO of NaviPartner, Mark Stewart Pedersen.

Sony announces new TA-AN1000 AV Amplifier

Sony has today announced the TA-AN1000 – a new highly anticipated 7.2ch 8K AV amplifier with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to its range. The latest model offers new features including 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for an immersive viewing experience and support for the latest video formats including 8K and 4K120 for a realistic, cinematic experience.   

An authentic cinematic experience at home  

The TA-AN1000 features Sony’s revolutionary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology to create a truly unique and incredibly immersive cinematic experience. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping can place multiple phantom speakers1 around the room to create a wider listening space for a more authentic cinematic experience at home.  

By utilising the positional information measured by Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX), multiple phantom speakers are generated all around you so cinema lovers can experience every breath, step and word as if inside the film. D.C.A.C. IX, the latest auto-calibration technology developed by Sony, can correct the distance, angle, sound pressure and frequency response of each speaker by measuring the speaker placement in 3D using the supplied calibration microphone. This works alongside Auto Phase Matching which aligns the phase of different speakers. This means you can compensate for challenging speaker placement, delay or phase shift and feel fully immersed in a movie.  

The TA-AN1000 creates the ideal speaker installation for any home theatre with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping as well as support for the latest audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.  

High quality visuals for movies and gaming 

Enjoy movies in a new way thanks to the inclusion of HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and newly supported 8K, and IMAX® Enhanced on the TA-AN1000. All of the original picture quality is preserved when played through the TA-AN1000, so movie watchers will be completely immersed when enjoying films.  

Gaming is also much more thrilling and realistic. The TA-AN1000 now supports the latest formats, such as 4K120, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) in HDMI 2.1, for smoother and clearer movement for responsive gameplay.  

The TA-AN1000 will also pass-through Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode on compatible BRAVIA TVs for a better gaming experience on the PlayStation 5.    

Bring music to life 

Discover a new way of listening with 360 Reality Audio for a truly immersive live performance or studio session experience. Also, enjoy music the way the artists truly intended with High-Resolution Audio for crystal clear precision. The TA-AN1000 also supports DSD (Direct Stream Digital) native playback, with no conversion involved so DSD content can be fully enjoyed without losing any of the original quality. 

Additionally, the TA-AN1000 offers easy access to music applications. You can easily connect smart devices to the amplifier via Bluetooth as well as services such as Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Apple Airplay 2 and Works with Sonos. So it’s never been easier or more convenient for music fans to enjoy their favourite artists.  

Perfect with Sony TVs and Speakers 

When connected to a BRAVIA TV with Acoustic Centre Sync, the TA-AN1000 combines audio from the TV with the audio from the centre speaker to create an incredible sound-from-screen experience. Dialogue will appear to come directly from the characters on the screen creating a much more immersive experience.  

The TA-AN1000 also integrates seamlessly with the BRAVIA Quick Settings menu, allowing you to change features such as sound field of the amplifier just by using the TV remote. You can also use your TV remote to control the volume of the TV, ensuring quick and easy control of the product without requiring multiple remotes. 

Setting up the TA-AN1000 couldn’t be easier, thanks to the new and intuitive guided setup. From the positioning of the speakers to setting up separate zones across the house, the TA-AN1000 makes it easier to configure a perfect setup.   

In addition, the TA-AN1000 can also connect wirelessly to Sony’s optional speakers including the wireless rear speakers SA-RS5 and SA-RS3S and wireless subwoofers SA-SW5 and SA-SW3. The optional wireless subwoofer (SA-SW5 / SA-SW3) will add punchy bass sound and an optional rear speaker (SA-RS5 / SA-RS3S) offer even more cinematic thrills, including sound directly behind.  

Sustainability in mind 

Sony is committed to using less plastic in its products and packaging. The TA-AN1000 uses specially developed recycled plastic in several parts of the product, to enable superb acoustic performance even as we reduce the environmental impact. Approximately 95% of the packaging is made from recycled paper and paper-based materials to minimize the use of plastic. 

Pricing and availability 

The TA-AN100 will be available from June 2023 priced at approximately £999.