http:// 2013-05-15T05:47:58Z 2013-05-15T05:47:58Z 1spatial-launches-1edit-powerful-spatial-data-editing-solution

Sydney, Aust., 15th May 2013.  1Spatial, global specialists in spatial big data management, is today launching 1Edit in Australia and New Zealand, as well as globally. A revolutionary, touch-screen-compatible solution, 1Edit offers fast and intuitive data-editing in the field or office. Trialled by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), 1Edit incorporates an innovative touch screen for capture and editing of real-world data, making it a breakthrough for data collection in the field via touch screen, stylus and survey devices.  It can also be used in an office environment with mouse and keyboard. 1Edit’s ‘in the field’ capabilities will be a particular benefit to spatial data providers and industries such as utilities, transport, environment and government.  Lorraine McNerney, Spatial Data and Infrastructure Manager, Ordnance Survey Ireland said: “Ordnance Survey Ireland has been trialling 1Edit as a tool for maintenance of our PRIME2 product database. PRIME2 is the OSi real-world feature database that ensures Ireland has accurate and up-to-date spatial datasets supporting improved government service delivery and economic development in Ireland. The facility for users to interact with 1Edit using a portable device touch-screen with a stylus or as a desktop with a mouse, and the integration it provides with our existing survey equipment means that our surveyors out in the field and staff who are office based can utilise the same innovative tool for optimal efficiency. This means that we will be able to provide more accurate and up to date data to our customers more frequently.”1Edit provides fast and accurate topological editing to keep data connected. It allows change-only saving of data and supports rich real-world hierarchical data models, as well as intelligent management of inter-feature references.  1Edit is currently available on Windows 8 with other operating systems to follow.Brett Madsen, Regional Director, 1Spatial said: “We are delighted to launch 1Edit, which offers a powerful, fast and accurate tool to effectively manage real-world data. 1Edit maximises data output, because the touch screen capability means that whether organisations are using 1Edit on location or in the office, they will be able to use the same tool to edit information quickly and easily, saving them time and money on data capture. Organisations can also use aerial imagery or survey devices to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data they create and manage.” He continued, “We have used our extensive knowledge and experience of working with the world’s largest, spatial big data sets to build and develop our products to truly meet the needs of organisations around the world. 1Edit is an innovative approach and further complements our product offerings.” 1Spatial will be hosting a series of live webinars offering attendees the chance to be amongst the first to see 1Edit in action, including Thursday 6 June 2013 at 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM AEST. Places are limited so register for your free place at www.1spatial.com/1editlaunchNotes to Editors 1Spatial at Geospatial World Forum1Spatial will be exhibiting at Stand No.40 and hosting a series of live webinars offering attendees the chance to be amongst the first to see 1Edit in action. Places are limited so register for your free place at www.1spatial.com/1editlaunchAbout 1Spatial1Spatial technology already provides the foundations for data management and processing solutions around the world.  Customers include National Mapping and Charting Agencies, utilities companies and defence and government departments. Visit www.1spatial.com

2013-03-05T04:17:00Z safety-gets-serious-in-melbourne

In March 2013, there’s one event not to miss if you are serious about Safety. Over three days the Melbourne Exhibition Centre will play host to hundreds of businesses working to keep Australians safe. Experts from all over the country will converge to talk about the latest technology and know-how at Safety in Action Melbourne (Tuesday 19 – Thursday 21 March 2013). And this year Australia’s premiere workplace health and safety trade show will be presenting safety at its best. Event Director Tony Francis says, “there is no other show with this level of commitment to safety. We’ll have a huge series of free seminars from top industry experts across all the important topics, a massive array of state of the art technology to check out, and the chance to network with people and businesses who are leading the field in safety. If you’re looking for answers or to develop a network you can rely on for safety, you should definitely register and book into some of the seminars that suit you.” Safety in Action 2013 will also play host to safety world leaders for the SIA National Safety Convention (19th - 20th March 2013). They will discuss health and safety legislation, issues and practises across Australia and the world for a wider perspective on crucial safety matters for those wanting a deeper experience. There will be a strong line-up of thought-provoking speakers from backgrounds such as the legal profession, academia, risk management, border control, construction, mining and much more. While you’re there you can also visit The Advanced Logistics and Materials Handling show for those wanting supply chain specialist information on the packing, moving, storing, tracking and delivering industries. More than just a trade show Safety in Action offers an unparalleled opportunity to keep up-to-date with new developments in OHS from the broad range of industry specialists, all conveniently located under one roof. To register or for more information, go to www.safetyinaction.net.au/ or call the visitor hotline on 1300 656 184. What: Safety in Action When: Tuesday 19 March 2013 10am - 4pm Wednesday 20 March 2013 9am - 4pm Thursday 21 March 2013 9am - 4pm Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf www.safetyinaction.net.au/

2012-11-01T01:45:14Z quintiq-increases-presence-in-western-australia

Perth, Australia — 31 October 2012 — Quintiq, a leading global provider of Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) solutions, has increased its presence in Western Australia to address the state’s natural resources market growth. In view of this, the software company has relocated to a larger office in Perth to support an expanding Australian team. The new office — at Central Park, St Georges Terrace — joins 11 other Quintiq offices in ten countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. Paul Shepherd, Director of Quintiq Australia, stated: “Quintiq Australia has expanded its Perth office to ensure the success of our projects within Western Australia’s natural resources sector.” He added: “Having established a client base in the west, we are now further dedicating resources and developing local talent to provide the best level of support possible.”  The Perth office is equipped to deliver end-to-end projects from sales through to post implementation support. The team has access to industry experts from Quintiq offices worldwide, including the company’s Global Development Centre (GDC) in Malaysia. The GDC shares Perth’s time zone and employs over 200 technical and support staff to enable the deployment of on-scope, on-budget and on-time solutions to its customers. Originally established by Managing Consultant, Dean Tsou, in January this year, the Perth office has seen growth in its pre-sales, implementation and support teams. Dean has over ten years of experience in delivering supply chain and operational planning consulting projects to both the private and public sectors. Joining the Perth team is Business Development Manager, Michael Stockbridge. Michael has eight years of experience working in the natural resources sector across Australia and Southeast Asia, with a career focused on the successful sale and deployment of efficiency and optimization technology solutions. Among the high profile companies he has worked with are BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. Quintiq’s first Australian office was established in January 2008 in Melbourne. Since then, the Quintiq team has grown rapidly with the acquisition and support of major clients in a broad range of industries, such as Airservices Australia, Anglo American, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT), NBN Co., Royal Flying Doctors Service, and Xstrata Coal. Over the last year the number of staff has grown by over 100% with personnel based in Brisbane and Sydney.

2012-10-22T06:41:00Z a-call-out-to-australia-s-hottest-start-ups

Media releaseOctober 22, 2012 A CALL OUT TO AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST START-UPS The Advance Innovation ProgramApplications open from November 5 to December 7, 2012 An opportunity to be mentored, make invaluable connections and experience Silicon Valley from the inside is now available to 25 of Australia’s hottest start ups selected for the Advance Innovation Program running for the second year in 2013 with entries open from November 5, 2012.The Advance Innovation Program has been established to assist innovative, globally ambitious start-ups tap into the experience and knowledge of Australians abroad. It is the only program open to Australian start-ups that includes a trip to Silicon Valley and Los Angeles to attend a forum with top tier venture capitalists including leading incubators, accelerators and investors. Candidates operating in a range of industry sectors are encouraged to apply. Entrants must demonstrate a working prototype, and have clarity around their business model in terms of revenue, customers and distribution. As well as being focused and passionate they must demonstrate a clear competitive advantage.Wynbox, a ratio buying shopping site, was one of the Australian companies selected for the 2012 program. Damien Cantelo, Co-Founder said ‘the experience and knowledge gained has enabled us to present the company in a more comprehensive manner, resulting in us successfully closing a sizeable round of funding from Australian investors on our return.‘Program entries will close on December 7 and 25 start-ups will be selected to join an impressive lineup of entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers for five heady days at the Innovation Summit in the USA – two in LA followed by three in Silicon Valley. Each start-up will also benefit from one on one mentoring with a successful Australian based in Silicon Valley.According to the Advance CEO, Serafina Maiorano, “Advance brings with it the brain power of a huge network of global Australians who are able to share their expertise and connections to benefit Australian entrepreneurs. Companies will leave the Innovation Program inspired to build successful global start-ups and with the know how and connections to do so.”Prior to the summit, three workshops will be held in Australia to streamline pitches, feedback from experienced Australian entrepreneurs and investors and head into the zone of international entrepreneurialism. Post summit, select investor-ready entrepreneurs will return to showcase their companies to potential investors.For information about the Advance Innovation Program visit the website http://advance.org/innovation-program-2013-homepage Key dates: WHATWHENApplications openNovember 5 2012Applications closeDecember 7 2012Final Selection: Pitch eventsFebruary 4 – 8 2013Announce ParticipantsFebruary 11 2013Mentor Program & WorkshopsMarch / April 2013Innovation Summit - LAApril 28 – 29 2013Innovation Summit – Silicon ValleyMay 1 – 3 2013 ENDS For further information or interview opportunities, please contact Phoebe Jackson at Stellar* Concepts on 02 9281 8000, 0410 323 396 or phoebe@stellar.net.au ABOUT ADVANCEAdvance is the leading global community of Australians and alumni abroad, with a growing membership of over 20,000 in 90 countries. Advance forges connections with the one million Australians in our diaspora, drawing on their experience and networks to open doors and opportunities for Australia, Australian companies and Australians around the globe. We are devoted to the exchange of knowledge, connections and ideas to: inspire and empower other global Australians to succeed in the world; build entrepreneurial Australian companies globally; grow global career opportunities for global Australians; and create opportunities to be a ‘brain resource’ for Australia. Advance is a not-for-profit organisation, and headquartered in New York City, with further offices in Hong Kong, London and San Francisco. Advance is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, with further support from corporate partners and donors. Advance receives funding support from the Australian Government.

2012-09-17T04:45:00Z untitled-release-123

Epson’s new game-changing 64-inch SureColor Solvent printers, launched in Australia this month, deliver extreme speed, extreme colour and extreme value. Radically changing customer expectations for sign and display production, these printers will create new and profitable print applications with never before seen quality, speed and output flexibility.“Customers will find a lot to like in these new SureColor S-Series printers, such as advanced media handling, high output flexibility and exceptional colour gamut, giving a boost to customer satisfaction and productivity,” said Craig Heckenberg, Business Unit Manager at Epson Australia.“The SureColor SC-S50600 and SC-S70600 produce at speeds never before seen in this class of printer with an image quality that far surpasses any solvent printer available today. Together with the SureColor SC-30600, the revolutionary SureColor S-Series will change customers’ perception of solvent print quality across all applications,” said Craig.The Epson SureColor S-Series delivers many benefits including: • Extremely fast production speeds with integrated take-up and drying systems for high productivity, quicker job turnaround and faster return on investment. • High Resolution photographic quality imaging for high-impact, high-value, in-store Point Of Sale and art décor production. • Support for rolls up to 40kg (80kg optional) with easy one person media loading and remote e-mail status notification for improved efficiency and workflow management. • Advanced media management with a super-rigid construction and a feed unit with auto tension control that enables consistent output with precise image positioning and sizing. • Extremely affordable to purchase and cost-effective operate. • Up to three years outdoor light fastness without lamination.** • Quiet operation with a zero nickel, zero fluorine, low odour, eco-solvent ink that allows for installation in an office environment. The SureColor SC-S70600 is designed for cost-effective high-quality sign and display production. It incorporates a dual set of Epson’s patented high-resolution Thin Film MicroPiezo™ print heads, and uses a high capacity 8 or 10 colour ink supply. In the 8 colour configuration it supports production speeds up to 26.8m2/hr, and can also be configured in 10 colour with White and Metallic Ink for specialist applications and high-value work.The SureColor SC-S50600 designed to produce cost-effective high-volume durable sign and display materials. It has dual high-resolution Thin Film MicroPiezo™ print heads supported by a dual high capacity CYMK ink supply. It features a super-rigid chassis, advanced media management, adjustable multi-stage media heating, and comes with an integrated air drying system. In the 4 colour configuration it supports production speeds up to 51.8m2 /hr and can also be configured in 5 colour with White Ink for output on coloured stock, enhanced imaging on vinyl and paper as well as production of specialist window and back-lit signage.Boasting groundbreaking all-Epson engineering, each model in the SureColor S-Series integrates an entirely new print engine and introduces new convenience features that help automate previously time-consuming processes such as nozzle checks, media feed adjustments and tensioning, and complicated media and print head alignments. Additional features include: • MicroPiezo TFP Print Head: One-inch wide, high performance print head with 720 nozzles per colour; low vibration meniscus control for highly accurate dot shape and placement and ink repelling coating for reduced nozzle clogging; both the SureColor S50600 and S70600 leverage two print heads for improved performance and operational redundancy. • UltraChrome GS2 and UltraChrome GSX: Epson’s latest generation Solvent Ink technology delivers an exceptionally wide colour gamut with virtually odourless printing without the need for special ventilation or air purification systems and do not contain Nickel (Ni) or Fluorine compounds, reducing the impact on the environment as well as the safety of operators and staff. • Advanced media management: Intelligent media-feed system with Auto Tension Control (ATC) ensures precise tension and media positioning. It works together with the integrated auto-take-up system to allow for unattended production complete with facility for wind-in and wind-out. All printers support rolls up to 40Kg (80Kg via an optional upgrade) with easy one person loading. • Precision Construction; robot assembly with laser welding ensures a high quality product with consistent and precise printing, even at the highest operational speeds. Reduced printer movement ensures extended durability and reliability with low operational noise for installation in an office environment. • Cost Effective High-Capacity Ink System: Ink cartridges are priced to ensure low production costs. Ink usage is minimized through Epson’s Variable Dot Size technology and cartridges come in large capacities (up to 700ml) for maximum productivity. To ensure minimum downtime and continuous high volume production the S50600 holds a total of 5.6 litres of installed ink in the 4-colour configuration and 6.8 litres in the 5-colour configuration. • Easy Management: Full colour LCD panel provides easy access to menu items and controls. An in-built e-mail notification system allows for unattended production with automatic remote status/error notifications. • Media Heater and High-Speed Dryer: Individually controlled pre, platen and post heaters for optimum media support all controlled via a front control panel or front-end RIP software. An additional optional high-speed dryer (standard on all configurations of the SureColor S50600 as well as the 10-colour S70600 configuration) provides additional drying for high volume/ high ink density production.Pricing, Support and AvailabilityThe EPSON SureColor SC-S50600 and SC-S70600 are available from mid-September 2012 through selected authorised Epson Pro Graphics resellers at prices starting from $28,995 ex tax including a full set of ink and delivery*. Replacement Inks are priced from just $209 ex tax per cartridge. 1 year on-site warranty is included as standard with optional extension to 3 years. An optional 3 year Premium warranty program is also available for business customers who wish a preventative maintenance program that ensures all significant service costs are fixed at the point of purchase.* Delivery is included for sites with ready access in greater metro areas of all Australian Capital cities. Sites with difficult access &/or in remote locations will incur additional charges.** Based on Epson test standards: ISO 18930. Does not constitute a guarantee or warranty to the longevity of printed images which may vary depending on substrate, application and environmental conditions. Data is based on 4 colour (CMYK) printing only. For detailed specifications see www.epson.com.au.ENDSHigh resolution images of Epson products are available at: http://www.channel.epson.com.au/ where you can log in using the email address media@epson.com.au and password <media>.To obtain an Epson product for media review please contact Bob Pritchard at CommunEcom Strategic Communications on 02 9949 9788 or 0413825552 or by email at Bob.Pritchard@communecom.com.au.About EpsonEpson is a global imaging and innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and 3LCD projectors to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 75,000 employees in 97 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.http://global.epson.com/About Epson AustraliaEpson offers an extensive array of award winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader worldwide in sales of data projectors [DTC Consulting Limited figures]. Epson's products meet consumer and business customer needs for superior quality colour image reproduction (printers), projection (projectors) and capture (scanners) devices with high-level functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson Australia, founded in 1983 is headquartered in North Ryde NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan.

2012-08-22T05:07:00Z untitled-release-48

Around 740,000 Australian small businesses could between them save at least $45 million a year and reduce their carbon footprint if they simply replaced one laser printer with one business inkjet printer this year. “Laser printers have become anchors that are stopping small businesses from improving productivity and cutting costs,” said Mike Pleasants, Director of Marketing Communication for Epson Australia. “The facts are there for all to see: business inkjet printers have lower costs per printed page, use less electricity, are faster, have a lower purchase price for comparable printers, and have features like auto-duplexing that can help cut costs even more while improving productivity,” Mr Pleasants said. “Laser printing technology has been around for 30 years. We have now reached the tipping point where technology advances in business inkjet printers mean they easily outperform business lasers (in the same price range) on all key office productivity measures.” Mr Pleasants used the examples of an Epson WorkForce Pro 4530 (RRP $379), Epson WorkForce Pro 4540 (RRP $449) and the Epson WorkForce Pro 4590 (RRP $499) supporting PCL and Postscript for larger workgroups, compared with a well known colour laser multifunction printer (RRP $749). If one of the Epson printers replaced the colour laser in every small business then in the first year the total savings for Australian small businesses could exceed $45 million, based on independent assumptions about average use. The savings can come from: Electricity - a reduction of around 43 million KwH/ year (43,000 Mw) cutting power costs to business by more than $8.6 million. This saving is projected to increase to more than $12 million by 2014 given the expected ongoing increases in energy costs. (Calculations based on power consumption tests reported by Buyers Laboratory Ltd) Ink/toner - ink for the business inkjet printer would cost at least $35 million less than toner for the laser across all 739,312 small businesses in Australia. (Where average print volumes are higher than those used - in larger small businesses - then the cost savings would be greater.)(Calculated savings based on cost per page results reported by Choice magazine July/August 2012) Paper - if 25% of the 1,848,280 reams of A4 office paper were printed double sided using the included auto-duplexer on the Epson printers, then 221,794 reams of paper (553 tonne) would be saved at a cost saving of $1,219,865. The colour laser does not have an included auto-duplex print feature. (Calculations based on print volumes used by Choice in the cost per page tests.) ENDS About Epson Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and 3LCD projectors to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 75,000 employees in 97 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. http://global.epson.com/ About Epson Australia Epson offers an extensive array of award winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader worldwide in sales of data projectors [DTC Consulting Limited figures]. Epson's products meet consumer and business customer needs for superior quality colour image reproduction (printers), projection (projectors) and capture (scanners) devices with high-level functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson Australia, founded in 1983 is headquartered in North Ryde NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan. www.epson.com.au

2012-07-20T06:34:00Z vworkapp-changes-the-way-security-installers-and-maintenance-providers-send-jobs-to-their-workers-out-in-the-field

vWorkApp today announced that its job dispatch and scheduling software, vWorkApp, will be showcased at Security 2012 Exhibition. vWorkApp is a new web-based dispatch and scheduling application that sends jobs to your field worker’s smartphone or tablet device. This application assists small to medium-sized businesses with mobile workforce management with a great solution for security installers and maintenance providers, by making it easier for managers to track, schedule and balance jobs across field workers all in real-time. Paul-Tec Security, a security installation and maintenance company based in New South Wales, have been using vWorkApp for nearly a year, replacing an older system that was reported, “Cumbersome, with numerous errors and had no interface to communicate with the techs.” Ray Tozer, the National Operations Manager from Paul-Tec Security stated, “vWorkApp has improved our working life with quicker communication to field staff and better visibility of job status and work load.” vWorkApp streamlines business processes giving business owners and workers in the security industry up-to-date detail on all of their jobs. Job stages are updated easily through vWorkApp giving more control and scope to managers and dispatchers. Jobs can be tracked easily with timeline and map views as well as simplified scheduling with drag and drop functionality. The fields to be completed by workers are customised and tailored to fit each individual business. Information can be exported into Excel and easily integrated with accounting systems such as MYOB. vWorkApp is all online which means no specialised hardware is required, just access to the internet. Day-to-day schedules, routine alarm checks, alarm response, mobile patrols, installation and maintenance job sheets become paperless. Integration with Google Maps also enables route planning and directions, saving time on the road and better arrival time estimations. vWorkApp is now offered through Brisbane-based IT firm Solutions to Go Pty Ltd. vWorkApp can be downloaded via the App Store for iPhones or iPads and via Google Play for Android devices. vWorkApp will be attending the Security 2012 Exhibition in Sydney 25th-27th July. Come and see the vWorkApp team at Stand Number F21 to meet face-to-face to discuss your business requirements for a job dispatching solution. www.vworkapp.com.au sales@s2go.com.au 1300 551 978 Security 2012 Exhibition is the must-attend trade show for security professionals in Asia Pacific. Now in its 27thyear, Security 2012 is expected to attract more than 4,500 visitors from government and private enterprises, including security consultants, facilities managers, security and safety officers and installers. The 2011 exhibition attendees had a combined buying power of more than $10 billion. Security 2012 Exhibition is endorsed by the industry’s peak body, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL). Register to attend at http://www.securityexpo.com.au

2012-06-27T04:31:00Z retriever-communications-improves-efficiency-and-accuracy-of-remote-data-collection-through-mobile-field-form-solution

Retriever Communications, a global provider of mobile field force automation, today announced Retriever Sniffing, a mobile field form solution that streamlines the data collection processes for any field activity including quality audits, safety inspections and asset condition inspections. An off-the-shelf solution delivered in the cloud, the product enables companies to build and deploy forms fast, schedule work to the field, capture data electronically with workflow, integrate to corporate systems and run business intelligence (BI) reports to analyse the results. FormBuilder, a core component of Retriever Sniffing and now available on Apple’s iPad, lets users design electronic forms and deploy them into the system. Its drag and drop functionality enables businesses to convert existing Word or Excel documents, or design completely new forms to replace paper in the field. Functionality found within each form includes interactive questions and answers, signature panels and mandatory and conditional fields, all working within existing workflows. The intuitive creator allows companies to develop new forms for field workers instantly, while competitor solutions require days. “Many field workers are forced to use paper when recording important data points, leaving a lot of room for human error in the collection process. This can have devastating effects on the reporting and analysing of that data,” said Mary Brittain-White, CEO of Retriever Communications. “Our Sniffing product eliminates that obstacle for companies and alleviates the challenges with manual data entry by making field forms and scheduling digital. We’re assisting businesses with employees scattered in the field to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, vital in today’s environment.” Retriever Sniffing works across iOS, Android and Windows operating systems, ensuring companies can use current products and workflows when completing work away from the office. This becomes especially important with the rise in employees bringing their own devices into the corporate environment. According to Good Technology’s 2012 State of BYOD Report, 72% of respondents were formally supporting BYOD (bring your own device) programs, with almost 20% indicating they plan to sometime in the future. The Retriever product portfolio includes field service management tools, dispatch and schedule services, mobile time sheets and field asset management products. The company’s RADE3 (Retriever Application Development Environment) allows businesses to create and deploy device-agnostic native applications to iOS, Android and Windows Mobile. For more details on Sniffing and FormBuilder, see http://www.retrievercommunications.com. About Retriever Communications Retriever Communications has been providing field force automation technology internationally since 1996. Privately held with corporate headquarters in Sydney, Australia and North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, Retriever supports deployments in over 21 countries. Retriever’s wireless field solutions improve productivity and automate processes for field workers - from scheduling to wireless in-field applications operating on rugged and consumer-grade mobile devices. Retriever supports Windows mobile, iOS and Android operating systems. Differentiated by the breadth of its product capability, scalability, reliability and high quality of service, Retriever maintains local offices in Sydney, Milan and Houston TX.

2012-06-25T00:32:08Z recognition-from-managers-key-to-retaining-employees

Tuesday 12 June 2012: More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of employees would consider leaving their organisation if they weren’t recognised for their contribution, and one in four are already actively seeking a new job or intend to in the next three months, according to employee engagement specialists RedBalloon for Corporate.And its managers receiving the bulk of the criticism, with 44 per cent rated “very poor”, “poor” or just “satisfactory” at delivering praise; three quarters of employees are starved of recognition, receiving it only monthly, quarterly or once a year; and 11 per cent receiving no praise at all.These insights come from the 2012 RedBalloon Reward and Recognition Survey, which studied more than 4,000 businesses across Australia and New Zealand to gauge the current trends, attitudes and behaviours around employee reward and recognition programs.These are worrying findings given a 25-year-long Gallup study – based on interviews with 12 million workers at 7,000 large companies – also found that the relationship with a manager largely determines the length of an employee’s stay.[i]According to RedBalloon for Corporate General Manager Matt Geraghty “Retention is one of the biggest issues facing businesses right now and with the cost to replace someone estimated at 150 per cent of their salary, simple maths demonstrates the return on investment of a successful reward and recognition program.”“In tough economic times, it’s your people that will get you through, and if businesses invest in and show their employees appreciation now, they’ll stay for the long term.“Similarly, it’s unrealistic for employees to expect significant raises in the current economic climate – but a well thought-out and effective reward and recognition program can help keep your employees feeling valued and motivated for a fraction of the cost of increased pay packets.“Businesses need to encourage and empower managers to unleash the power of praise, and managers must invest the time to get to know their people and what inspires and drives them – how else can they expect to build trust and retain employees over the long term?The report also shows that rewards alone will not give you happier employees. Almost half (46 per cent) of respondents would opt for recognition over a reward when being thanked; 50 per cent want recognition and something physical, such as an experience, a gift voucher or time off from the office; and only 4 per cent of employees would be happy with a reward alone.The role of managers in this process is key, with 51 per cent of respondents seeking acknowledgment from their direct manager, 35 per cent from peers and colleagues, and only 14 per cent from the CEO.And recognition is most important to Generation Y, with 86 per cent prepared to leave an organisation due to lack of recognition, compared to 77 per cent of Generation X and 63 per cent of Baby Boomers.“Organisations cannot afford to put lip service to this – any acknowledgement needs to be authentic, personal and relevant to a specific activity. Saying thanks and ‘you’re a good bloke’ is not enough. People need to know what they did specifically that contributed to a business result,” Mr Geraghty said.“The study highlighted that 42 per cent of businesses do not have a reward and recognition program in place, which does not bode well for those who are considering leaving for lack of thanks.“But just as worrying are the 57 per cent of companies providing a substandard reward and recognition experience, as employees are five times more likely to leave their organisation if their business provides a poor program.“We are calling this the ‘recognition retention multiplier’, and it represents is a big opportunity for businesses to pull up their socks.”Top things employees want to see improved in their business right now20% pay, benefits and conditions15% work-life balance12% rewards and recognition12% systems and processes9% communication9% career progression8% training and development7% culture5% leadership/senior management4% my bossThe most popular rewards1. 42% Experiences - sharing with family/friends (25%) or Personal (17%)2. 31% Cash/Visa Card3. 11% Time off work- ENDS-For more information, or to arrange an interview or image, please contact:Lauren Ashton, Communications Specialist - P: 02 8755 0034 M: 0404 136 765 E: lauren@redballoon.com.auDownload the report: http://corp.redballoon.com.au/rewardandrecognitionreportAbout RedBalloonRedBalloon For Corporate provides exciting reward and recognition solutions, corporate gifts and sales incentives to ensure businesses keep their employees and customers motivated, rewarded and engaged. With a unique resource of over 2,500 amazing experiences in Australia and New Zealand RedBalloon specialises in creating attachments between employees and their employer. RedBalloon has also been awarded for its innovative employee engagement practices, named in the Best Places to Work by BRW Magazine three times, including a top ten ranking in 2009. Hewitt Associates have also awarded RedBalloon with an engagement score of over 90 per cent three years in a row. The average engagement score in Australian businesses is 55 per cent.[i] Kaye, B & Jordan-Evans, S. (2005) Love ‘Em or Lose Em. Berrett Koehler.

2012-02-07T08:31:18Z use-lean-to-go-green

FEBRUARY 07, 2012 — SYNDEY, AUSTRALIA. With the Carbon Tax due to launch in July 2012 there has never been a more appropriate time for businesses to assess their waste production and environmental plans for the future. Worldwide software provider, Cincom Systems of Australia (www.cincom.com.au), and Level 5 Lean (www.level5lean.com.au) are collaborating to present a daylong workshop on harnessing the power of Lean manufacturing principles to produce environmentally sustainable results, “Use Lean to Go GREEN.” Grant Forsdick, Director of Level 5 Lean and presenter of the event explains, “Businesses are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact on the earth - both from society in general and increasingly from a regulatory perspective.” “Lean provides the leadership thinking, principles and tools to reduce environmental wastes in addition to the traditional machine losses and lean wastes,” he says. Use Lean to Go GREEN is a hands-on workshop aimed at helping manufacturing companies in the Newcastle and Hunter region to understand the link between lean thinking, green thinking and change management. The event will allow participants to develop practical action points to take back to their businesses. Topic areas to be covered include: Green Stream Mapping Measuring environmental wastes Using lean thinking principles to eliminate environmental wastes The benefits of a combined approach to waste reduction Use Lean to Go GREEN will also feature key addresses by experts in environmental business management and carbon foot printing, Dr. Gary Ellem and John Downie. Dr. Gary Ellem is a leader in the Future Industries Think Tank at the University of Newcastle’s Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment. After working in consulting on low emissions technology assessments and sustainability strategy, Gary re-joined the University in 2010 to support development of the Carbon Valley 2050 project. This project is targeted at developing productive pathways to environmental, social and economic sustainability in the Hunter Valley of NSW. Dr. Gary Ellem believes events like Use Lean to Go GREEN are incredibly relevant for businesses looking to remain competitive. “We know a focus on energy, waste and asset management provides an immediate economic and environmental benefit while preparing businesses for a competitive green future. Having the tools to get it done is the essence of going Lean to go Green,” he says. John Downie has a background as a Product and Marketing Executive however made the switch to the sustainability field four years ago. He has since specialised in delivering practical and profitable carbon footprint advice to businesses. After extensive studies in the field, John is now a peer-reviewed author following the publication of some of his research results and is the founder of the specialised carbon advisory firm, Carbon Coach. Use Lean to Go GREEN will be held Wednesday, 7 March 2012 at Quality Inn Noah’s on the Beach, Newcastle and will be limited to 30 people, so interested companies or individuals should register as soon as possible! “Previous events have proven extremely successful and attracted a large amount of interest from senior people wishing to learn more about Lean techniques,” says Greg Mills CEO of Cincom Systems Australia. Cincom Systems of Australia is a major supporter of business innovation and have a strong relationship with Level 5 Lean and the Lean and Green concept. “Cincom has long recognised the importance of adopting a Lean approach to business. The demands of the Green Economy mean that it is even more important that organisations focus on reducing waste. Cincom’s role is to provide technology enablers that help organisations achieve those Lean and Green outcomes and we’ll be showcasing some of these tools at the Workshop,” Mr Mills adds. The cost of the event is $250 per person and includes participant materials, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and drinks. Early bird tickets however, are available until 10th February at $150 per person. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To register, call 02 8875 1400 and ask for Sheryl or Maria, or register online at http://leanandgreen2012.eventbrite.com. About Grant & Level5Lean Grant has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and more specifically has been successful in managing large-scale organisational change through implementation of Lean thinking and world-class manufacturing and services best-practice concepts. Lean 5 Lean provides strategic direction and training for executive teams preparing for and implementing organisational change associated with the introduction of Lean-thinking philosophies in the manufacturing and service industries. The company focuses on sustainable business improvements through the development of internal capabilities throughout the business to support improved performance. About Cincom Systems Cincom Systems of Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Cincom Systems. For over 40 years, Cincom’s problem-solving software, services and people have helped thousands of companies all over the world grow and manage their businesses. The Australian subsidiary, established in 1975, services both Australia and New Zealand and includes Australian customers, Royal Australian Mint, ASC, Thales, CSL, Manly Windows, Campbell Scientific, SMC and TAD. For more information about Cincom’s products and services, contact Cincom at 1 800 022 871 or send an e-mail to info@cincom.com.au. Media Contacts: Maria MourikisCincom Australia Marketing Department02-8875 1400mmourikis@cincom.com Sheryl Boral Jaber Cincom Australia Marketing Department02-8875 1400sjaber@cincom.com

2011-09-22T22:37:40Z the-worker-s-workmate-new-uhf-radio

Meeting the new 80 channel standard, this 5.0 Watt DIN mounted radio was designed to be quick and simple to use, yet contain a truck-load of functionality.Front fire speakers and a large easy-to-see backlit display means the UHF088 delivers clarity and control at a glance. Set against these the rotary channel, squelch and volume controls; along with a fast-grasp microphone, provide quick and easy operation.Behind this compact unit sits the technology to deliver 80 narrowband channels, 38 CTCSS / 104 DCS codes, duplex range extender, dual watch, memory/priority scanning and all the features needed in a reliable 2-way, except the exorbitant price.“We developed our UHF088 to be the reliable mate for those that make their living on the road or farm”, explains Oricom Managing Director Kevin McDonnell.“As an Australian owned business we have always prided ourselves on our ability to deliver solid UHF radios of superior quality, priced for everyday use.”The UHF088 is available nationally through leading auto retailers and retails at around $259.00For more details visit: www.oricom.com.au.~ end ~About Oricom: Oricom International is an expert in communication technologies and leader in design and ideas across multiple categories, Oricom provides real choice. Being 100% Australian owned Oricom builds communication products for the diverse, unique conditions of Australia and New Zealand. Oricom International has partnered with some of the world's leading communication manufacturers to design and create communication products that are second to none, ensuring innovative design and excellent product performance.About UHF088: 5.0 Watts (max TX power), 80 Narrowband channels, 60 user programmable receive only channels, 38 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes, Duplex (range extender), Rugged construction, Heavy duty microphone plug, Memory/Priority scanning, Dual watch, Priority channel, Up/down channel select on microphone, Graphic strength signal, Large easy to read LCD display, Multi-colour backlit display (orange & green), Microphone with backlit keys, Digital signal strength indicator, Rotary channel, squelch & volume control, Busy channel lock out, Call tones, Emergency channel quick select, 3.5mm External speaker connection (for optional speaker), Front facing speaker, Requires external antenna (not supplied).Pack Includes: In-vehicle UHF CB Radio, Microphone, Microphone hanger bracket, Din mounting kit, Power cable with in-line fuse.

2011-08-02T11:28:19Z international-environmental-pioneer-to-visit-australia-next-week

Media Release ‘You can look at plenty of satellite pictures and see change in them, but until you get on the ground—in some cases down on your hands and knees—you can't fundamentally understand what climate change is all about."…..Brian Rosborough Melbourne August 3 2011 Brian Rosborough is the Founding Chairman of Earthwatch Institute who headed up the organisation for 25 years, is set to visit Australia early next month. Way ahead of his time in 1971, Brian was responsible for one of the most visionary approaches to supporting scientific research; involving the community in the research, to help them understand changes in the climate and the environment. Richard Gilmore, Executive Director of Earthwatch Australia has announced that Brian will be a special guest at Earthwatch’s 40th Anniversary to be celebrated in Melbourne on August 10 at a black tie gala event at Crown Palladium to raise funds for much-needed oceans research. A former investment banker, Brian Rosborough, launched Earthwatch in 1971 with the goal of providing ‘social venture capital’ to scientists by enlisting volunteers to do fieldwork. Now, one of the world’s largest private funders of field research, Earthwatch sends nearly 4,000 volunteers each year on join scientific expeditions in 60 countries. Since 1971 Earthwatch internationally through 100,000 global supporters, volunteers, scientists and educators have committed nearly 11 million hours to conservation research - equal to more than 5,000 years of work. Currently raising millions a year from the generosity of institutions, individuals, governments and corporations, Earthwatch has a global reach. Earthwatch is supported by more than 150 staff, locatedin our headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as in offices in Oxford, England, Melbourne, Australia, and Tokyo, Japan. Mr Gilmore said, Brian Rosborough has a significant history with Australia arriving with very few connections and little money to set up the Australian Earthwatch Institute some 30 years ago. “He soon gathered a small but esteemed group of prominent Australians. That group included legendary names like Sir James Vernon, Sir Jack Crawford, Sir John Proud and Sir Laurence Muir,who along with the Myer and Darling families chose to take a gamble on an untried and unproven idea.” Brian Rosborough Background Brian Rosborough serves as a Member of Advisory Board of CMarket; Inc. and serves as a Trustee of Deerfield Academy. He served as a special envoy to the United Nations, as well as serving on a wide variety of boards including PrincetonUniversity, the Fulbright Institute, Mt Holyoke College, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and numerous others Mr. Rosborough Founder Earthwatch Institute in 1971. Mr. Rosborough has been involved in social venture capital since ... leaving the investment banking business in 1971. Mr. Rosborough served as Director of EarthCare Co. since December 16,1998. He served as a Member of the Advisory Committee of CMarket, Inc. More Links Brian Rosborough CV Earthwatch Australia Earthwatch International About Earthwatch Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organisation that brings science to life for people concerned about the earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world. This unique model is creating a systematic change in how the public views science and its role in creating environmental change. Today, Earthwatch recruits close to 4,000 volunteers every year to collect field data in the areas of rainforest ecology, wildlife conservation, marine science, archaeology, and more. Through this process, we educate, inspire, and involve a diversity of people, who actively contribute to conserving our planet.