When starting out, it's easy for a company to settle on stand-alone software solutions that fill a particular business requirement. Referred to as 'best of breed' in their category, these applications can certainly be an astute option when addressing a specific commercial function, such as accounting, HR management or CRM. While they may present a suitable short-term solution, what happens to these unrelated systems as the company grows? [ + ]

MorCo Fresh is a wholesale food distributor specialising in daily deliveries of fresh produce. The company required a technology solution that would help optimise its day-to-day operations and maximise productivity and efficiency, both on and off the road. [ + ]

In any enterprise, the workflow process from the point of job instigation right through to payment must be as efficient as possible. Workflow problems are common to all businesses, but it is even more critical when operating field staff. A smart system reflects the way you want to run your business, rather than dictating changes in processes to meet its parameters. [ + ]

Wireless technology has changed the way we interact with one another. Free to roam and still remain connected, it has provided flexibility at previously unseen levels and created a more mobile world and workforce. But wireless isn't limited to emails and social media, the same technology is now being used in a multitude of ways to ensure safety of the workforce. [ + ]

For many years, the importance of 'services' has been increasing in the global economy. This rise in importance is primarily the result of the impact of commoditisation, particularly in manufacturing-related industries. Manufacturers have relied on post-sale service given the impact commoditisation has had on product margins. [ + ]

Since 2001, ECONZ has been the driving power behind New Zealand's favourite roadside breakdown service, The Automobile Association, helping rescue an average 1200 stranded drivers per day. [ + ]

When it comes to implementing new business systems or processes, it is recognised that the human response to change has the greatest capacity to determine a project's outcome. This continues to be a factor in a range of studies into the causes of failure in large-scale ICT project implementation. A lack of senior level support, changing mindsets and poorly defined objectives are just some of the factors that influence the results. [ + ]

BHP Billiton's dedicated, heavy-duty rail network is a vital component in its vertically integrated, Australian iron ore supply chain. Some of the world's longest and heaviest trains are under its direct control, operating continuously in the harsh outback environment. [ + ]

Philips has provided LED pitch lighting for Chelsea Football Club, making Stamford Bridge the first top flight football club stadium to complete an upgrade to pitch lighting. [ + ]

The growth in worldwide fibre-optic communications has led to an increase in demand for economical and convenient fusion-splicing systems for a wide range of deployments including telco backhaul, access networks, FTTH, LAN, sensing and submarine installations. [ + ]

The Italy-headquartered cable manufacturer Prysmian Group recently hired Frederick Persson* as chief executive officer for Australia & New Zealand. ECD Solutions speaks to the new CEO about the current market conditions and future plans. [ + ]

One of the challenges when deploying small cells, HD CCTV cameras, digital signage, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other remote devices is finding a local source of power for them. There are two alternatives to addressing this challenge: powered fibre cable and Power over Ethernet (PoE). [ + ]

Potential induced degradation (PID) can reduce the efficiency of a PV module. This article provides insights on PID, including how this degradation process develops, the conditions that make PV systems prone to it, its effects and the methods to correct or prevent it.

The deployment of multifibre push-on cabling systems is rising as businesses try to address the growing data requirements. This article provides an overview of issues related to testing the cabling for these systems. [ + ]

Cable installers and network technicians are expected to cost-effectively demonstrate that their data cabling is installed correctly and is capable of supporting ethernet applications. With a wide array of testers on the market purporting to do similar things, and some just a fraction of the price of others, it's difficult to determine the best way to test your network. [ + ]