News

An end-to-end solution and fast, efficient switching service enables new customers to save up to 70% on their existing costs

Following the launch of MultiPay Global Solutions, to help large merchants gain control and flexibility of their payments, MultiPay Group is bringing the same couture experience and ability to accept any payment, anywhere, to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The launch of MultiPay Merchant Services will enable SMEs to benefit from the same quality of service, level of expertise and innovative payment technology that is already helping businesses in the retail, hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors thrive and grow.

The pandemic effect

The last 12 months have been some of the hardest trading conditions UK SMEs have ever faced. A combination of lockdowns, restricted trading hours and new social distancing measures have impacted SMEs across the board and resulted in an estimated 234,000 small businesses permanently closing. With the pandemic costing small business owners an average of £11,799, between May and August 2020 the positive news of a roadmap out of lockdown and ever-increasing vaccination levels have created a light at the end of the tunnel. However, as lockdown restrictions across the country begin to lift and customers return, SMEs need to stay as competitive as possible to meet their customers’ payment expectations.

“SMEs are built around the highly personalised and tailored service they offer. When it comes to their own payment provider, they should expect the same,” said David Maisey, CEO at MultiPay Merchant Services. “Now more than ever, the six million SMEs in the UK need to focus on what they do best, keeping their customers happy and running their business, without worrying about their payment solutions and service. Whether paying with a card, a mobile device or online, SMEs need systems that can take any payment, anywhere. To facilitate this, we deliver a straight-forward, end-to-end solution that simplifies the payment process with personalised, couture support that solves 95% of technical queries in under 2 minutes. We achieve this with our own dedicated 24/7/365 in-house UK customer service team, ensuring support comes directly from MultiPay and is never outsourced.”

Payments all under one roof

In addition to its couture service, MultiPay Merchant Services’ card terminals are fully compliant with PCI P2PE & PCI DSS L1 and have been rigorously tested and accredited by all major UK banks accepting all major credit and debit cards. All its card machines accept contactless payments including Apple Pay and Android Pay. Helping customers fulfil their goals, MultiPay supplies payment technology that grows with businesses. This means support for all payment channels, all payment methods, and all acquiring banks. MultiPay Merchant Services provide businesses with everything they need to accept credit and debit card chip–and–pin payments, including contactless credit card machines and card processing merchant accounts. With its own payment solutions including e-commerce and EPOS for the hospitality and retail sectors, MultiPay Merchant Services makes it easy for businesses to expand on-line and face-to-face.

In addition, MultiPay Merchant Services’ customers also benefit from many other features including:

• Low card processing rates
• Free next-day settlements
• Tailored pricing options
• Combined on-line, in-store, over-the-phone and on–the-go payment solutions
• All-in-one mobile, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled terminals
• No PCI charge or CNP uplift
• No minimum monthly charges or statement fees

Cutting out unnecessary costs 

David Maisey continued: “We have built MultiPay to not only be the single point of contact for our customers’ payment needs but to also enable a fully end-to-end solution. With our in-house logistics and UK-based helpdesk support, we provide a bespoke, personalised payments experience all under one roof. By doing this, it also means that we cut out unnecessary expenses, allowing us to keep costs low and highly competitive. In fact, our fast and efficient switching service can save new customers as much as 70% on their existing costs.”

Led out of its Bishop’s Stortford Headquarters by CEO, David Maisey, and COO, Delia Pedersoli, MultiPay Merchant Services is built around a highly experienced team who are industry specialists in serving the payment needs of SMEs. Having formerly founded Chip & PIN Solutions in 2004, David brings extensive knowledge and insights from the payment world and the unique requirements that SMEs have for their payment technology.

Delia Pedersoli co-founded EPS, the first company in the world to be P2PE certified and in 2013 she founded International Payments Services. Delia, therefore, brings a high level of technical expertise in developing and delivering cutting edge payment technologies, that ensure SMEs always keep pace with their customer’s payment requirements.

MultiPay Merchant Services forms part of the MultiPay Group, which also includes MultiPay Global Solutions, a payments technology organisation, supporting larger merchants such as Zara, Frasers Group, Jack Wills, Pull & Bear and Big Bus Tours, on an international scale.

Graphic designers use specialized software to create designs or illustrate ideas using illustrations and photographs. They use specialized software to express themselves artistically on screen. Many graphic designers have formal training in the fine arts, but many more have learned to work effectively from real world experience. Some of the most successful designers are not formally trained artists but have honed their skills by doing what they enjoy. Learning how to draw is an invaluable skill, but it takes just as much hard work and patience to become a graphic designer as it does to become a painter or illustrator.

A graphic designer uses specialized software to express themselves artistically on screen. They use specialized pens and different types of software to create unique graphics. Most tablet computers include a black and white grid system that designers can draw directly onto in order to express themselves. Different kinds of ink pens are used in order to express different kinds of ideas. Tablets are also used in various other ways; for instance, 3-dimensional designers use specially designed tablets for manipulating a scene or creating a base map.

To become a graphic designer, you must master basic computer programs such as AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop. Other specialty design software is available, but these are the two main areas that a designer can master. In addition to using special design software, many designers learn to work with printers and fax machines. It is also important to work with designers who are familiar with your industry’s terminology, because terminology can vary widely among different sectors.

In order to obtain a degree in graphic design, graphic designers must take classes that teach them a wide range of technical subjects, including computer graphics, print design and illustration. After school, graphic designers must acquire specific certification from one of many accrediting bodies. One of the most highly recognized is the American Society of Graphic Artists, which offers many certificates, publications and special training workshops. There are other trade associations, as well. For example, the Computer Graphics and Interimedia Association offer membership in its network of professional computer graphics organizations.

Once graphic designers have obtained their education, they must begin to learn how to use their knowledge to express themselves creatively. There are many different ways that designers do this. One common way is through the creation of artwork. Another is through the creation of movies, commercials and even computer animations. If you are a graphic designer, it is likely that you will eventually find your way into the world of advertising or creative design.

The creation of advertising works is generally accomplished on a computer screen, but that is not the only place where graphic designers work. They may also create posters and brochures that convey visual concepts to consumers. For example, a graphic designer may create the logos for products. Packaging for these products is also an important role. Just as you would design a packing for anything that you would sell, graphic designers work with printers and company owners to produce unique packaging for the products that they create. This packaging can then be sold to consumers at retail prices or to raise funds for various charity organizations.

Many graphic designers find that they spend their lives working in this creative industry, but many others begin their careers working in the world of advertising. No matter which path you choose to take, having a college education will certainly help your career prospects. However, you will probably also need additional skills in order to succeed. These skills can be developed through work experience, hands-on experience with graphic design projects, or even a combination of any of these factors.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a graphic designer, there are many colleges and universities that offer a number of specific programs. You can also find freelance positions that will allow you to work with an onsite designer or freelancer. Regardless of the avenue you choose, you can get the training that you need to jump into this creative field. The first step that you will need to take is to get your high school diploma or GED. It may be necessary to also complete an English class. Once you have completed a college education and are able to enter into the world of graphic design, there are many job opportunities available to you.

What does a graphic designer do? They are responsible for creating the art of graphic design to help companies advertise their products and services. These graphic design artists create things such as logos, books, magazines, corporate identity for companies, and even brochures. Here are a few jobs that you might consider if you enjoy being creative and artistic.

Do you like creating magazine layouts and advertising? A graphic designer can help with designing magazine covers, advertising and marketing collateral. They can also work on magazine and newspaper graphic design. They may be involved in developing advertising campaigns and company logos for promotional purposes.

The graphic designer may be involved in creating advertisements for television, radio, and other media. Their work will often consist of designing logos for clients and creating concept art for animations and visual media. You will find that many agencies specialize in helping a client develop concepts, layouts, and concept arts. There are many different types of visual communication designers can work with and your career may involve developing advertising campaigns for companies such as Toshiba, BMW, Nike, and Levi.

When a company is looking to create new graphics for a logo or print advertisement, many professional graphic designers are used. There are many different types of logo designers and a designer will often work under a particular firm or brand name. The firm or brand name will determine the type of skills required. For instance, there are logo designers who specialize in creating brand identity logos for corporations or advertising agencies, and a designer who creates logos for individual clients.

There are many different types of graphic design jobs available and the type of graphic designer you choose will depend on the specific job. There are those who only work with computer software designed to produce images and there are those who use specialized computer programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. A person with a bachelor’s degree in a graphic design program will be qualified to take the most graphic design jobs. In order to become a successful designer, it is helpful if the designer has a working knowledge of the latest technology.

It is important to note that being a freelance graphic designer does not mean that you do not have a place in the business. Freelance designers are needed by many large corporations to create visual concepts and concept arts for advertisements, web pages, marketing campaigns, and even artwork for collectors. It is also helpful if the freelance graphic designer is creative and enjoys working with colors, shapes, and developing concept ideas. Even though it is possible to land a job as a freelance graphic designer, it is more difficult to get a job than it is to become an in-house graphic designer. However, for those interested in becoming part of the industry and establishing their own name, the freelance route is often the best way to go.

If an individual is interested in becoming an in-house graphic designer or is interested in establishing their own firm, it is important to know that the position can be both challenging and rewarding. The job of the graphic designer is to create visual concepts that will be transferred into an electronic format and then be sent back to the client for implementation. The work of the multimedia artist can include designing videos and animation, as well as creating advertising campaigns, theatrical presentations, or music scores. For those with degrees in either the field of art history or media studies, these skills can translate very nicely to the world of the web and multimedia.

When searching for a job as a graphic designer, it is helpful to know what kind of education and training is necessary for the position. Most positions require experience in both the design software used to create the final product as well as knowledge of both the print and digital worlds. For individuals who are interested in transitioning from the traditional world of print and digital media design to the internet world, it can be helpful to take classes in typography and design software.

Many people ask whether they should outsource their SEO services or not. This is a good question because not all SEO experts are created equal. In order for you to get the best SEO services, you need to make sure that they are knowledgeable and experienced in what they do. It’s important that you know what to look for when hiring a SEO expert to help you promote your business.

Search engine optimization isn’t just about building links and boosting your search engine rankings. In fact, it’s all about getting the most out of your SEM budget. Search engine optimization isn’t just about creating new sites or landing pages, but it’s also about making sure that your existing sites are optimized properly. This involves on-page and off-page factors. Here’s a breakdown of the different aspects of SEO.

On-page SEO strategies include meta tags, keyword research, site analysis, and updating your site and blog. These are all integral parts of a well executed on-page SEO strategy. Keywords should be chosen carefully and used in a strategic way within the content on your pages. Keyword research is essential, as this allows you to identify keywords that have been used successfully by your competitors. You can find this information by conducting a thorough analysis of your competitors’ websites. You can also use a free keyword tool to identify profitable keywords.

Off-page SEO includes things like link building, content optimization, and keyword strategy. By getting listed in Google, Yahoo, and other popular search engines you can increase your chances of getting found when people are searching for products or services similar to yours. This includes backlinking, which is a type of link building where you provide a link to another page that is relevant to your website. Link building and organic traffic are key factors to successful SEO.

A good company will strive to maintain a white-hat strategy, meaning they strive to provide a quality experience for their customers. If they do not have a good product, service, or website, they may not achieve the rankings they desire. Therefore, it is important to look for an SEO company that has white-hat SEO as their main focus.

While there are differences between the two, both have tactics that can work to increase rankings. However, there are differences in the methods. For example, black-hat SEO tactics include using deceptive tactics such as doorway pages, interlinking, and link farms. Organic SEO focuses more on content and strategic keywords, such as long-tailed phrases.

An SEO analyst should evaluate the tactics being used, such as pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, pay-per-play (PPP) ads, and the total cost. These tactics should be evaluated based on their return on investment (ROI) and their potential impact on the organic results. SEO campaigns should be evaluated based on their return on investment (ROI) and their potential impact on the organic results. A good SEO company will strive to maintain the highest level of success through a reliable organic strategy and with metrics to track performance.

If you find a good SEO company with a good track record of success and the ability to support you through all of your campaigns, then you have found an ideal match. SEO is a growing industry and each day brings new tactics, and strategies. It is important to have a solid strategy from the start and to continuously evaluate your strategies to ensure that your business is meeting its goals and objectives. An SEO consultant can help you create a solid strategy and develop a measurable results strategy.

Because SEO has become such a large part of the internet marketing landscape, many companies are turning to SEO services in order to gain higher rankings, drive more traffic and make more sales. There are many companies that offer these services but it is important to make sure that you hire a company that has a proven track record and that offers quality SEO services. In addition to looking for quality SEO services, it is also important to make sure that they provide black-hat techniques as well. Black-hat tactics are not as common as white-hat techniques and many companies use these techniques to gain more rankings. If a company is using black-hat tactics, make sure to find out why.

Other important issues include making changes to your content. Many companies experience substantial losses because they are not making changes to their content. Content is very important to gaining search engine optimization services. It is also imperative to make changes to your web site on a regular basis to ensure that it is presenting the information that people are searching for.

As business owners, it is important to hire a company that will work hard for you to achieve the results that you desire. If you find a good fit for your business, it is important to work with them to develop a long-term relationship. This relationship will lead to more SEO services, more traffic and more business from the company. If you have any questions or concerns about your current SEO provider, it is best to do some research and to determine if they are providing you with everything that you need.

What is a ‘startup’?

The true definition of ‘startup’ is disputed amongst many, but the real meaning, and our main goal at Motion Paradox, is turning your business idea into a reality. The title of startup doesn’t expire, but it isn’t one that many entrepreneurs want to retain for too long. If your startup is a success, you have a trusted business method which works, and you have sourced the best products, your startup is now a company.

Advice

Prior to doing anything, take the time to undertake extensive research, analyse to find potential gaps in the market and find out if there any competitors who offer an existing, successful solution. Having this vital information will help you to lay solid groundwork and increase the chances of success.

Forbes highlighted their top 25 tips for a startup, and we have handpicked what we think are some of the most notable.

1. Have a clear roadmap from the outset
2. Form strong relationships with suppliers, delivery companies etc.
3. Choose your team wisely, they play an integral role in the success of your startup
4. Solve real world problems with your product. Always remember to ask yourself ‘why?’ throughout each stage, as this will help you to narrow down to your key message
5. Trust yourself, be patient and enjoy the process. You’ll have worked so hard to get to where you are, so enjoy watching it unfold before your eyes

Startup protection

Protect everything. As an entrepreneurial start-up ourselves, we understand first-hand the importance of a clear and structured operational and legal strategy. Intellectual property encompasses the subjects of trademark, copyright, patents, and trade secrets. This means that uses of registered designs, trademarks, certain elements are protected by law and should anyone use it without the owner’s permission, it is a criminal offence.

We offer a range of bespoke solutions available at any stage in your growth and development to protect your business, ensure you are operating correctly and to avoid falling prey to your own success. We believe that without structure and governance, an already successful company cannot easily and effectively continue to move forward and transform.

This is a Sponsored Feature

Freelance digital marketing is a growing trend in the world of internet marketing. Why? Simply because it allows you to have a flexible schedule, work from home, be your own boss and make money while you play. What’s more, the rewards are not just great…they’re permanent!

What are the top industries using freelance digital marketing successfully? Quite simply, they are the ones worth your time: the ones with massive budgets, huge brand names, and hungry audiences. That’s right, if you love your current full-time job but can’t figure out a way to support it, start a part-time gig at a brand you admire and love, like YouTube. Or go for broke and plunge into it full-time to start a social media business around it (or a smaller one).

If you aren’t quite sure how you’ll fit into these businesses, take heart – most of them have a “How To” website that will walk you through the steps. Most of them expect you to be familiar with Google, so you probably won’t need any training. Most businesses, though, offer free classes on a number of different topics related to freelancing. If none exist, consider creating your own.

The best way to earn money as a freelancer working in the online business industry is to do marketing for brands. In fact, you’re going to be doing a lot of this anyway, since most people shop online for what they need. If you think you have what it takes to be a successful freelance digital marketer, then this is definitely a career you should look into. A few traits that sets this line of work apart from other industries are its fast pace, its freedom, and the fact that you can work from home. It may sound too good to be true, but when it comes to branding, having an online business could change your life forever.

While there are a number of different aspects of digital marketing, the two most popular fields are search engine optimization and paid advertising. In either field, if you want to earn a living, you’re going to need to be knowledgeable about how to go about promoting your online businesses, and the best way to do that is to get started with the best freelance digital marketing job on the internet. If you want to get started quickly, though, you should consider starting small businesses first.

It used to be said that it takes six years to break even in an offline business. This is no longer the case when it comes to working online. As long as you work hard and avoid scams, you’ll be able to build a profitable online business in no time at all. This is especially true with freelance digital marketing jobs, which can bring you in six figures or more in one year. A lot of people think that these are only for millionaires, but the truth is that anyone who has a good product or service can make money with an online marketing business. If you have the right information, you will be able to build a business in your spare time and make a good living at the same time.

With the ability to make a six figures a year working from home, what else could your dream career be? You could easily become a freelance digital marketer, which would allow you to work for yourself and have a lucrative online marketing business. If you’re interested in building a successful online marketing business, you will need to learn how to become a freelance digital marketer.

There are a few important things that you need to know if you want to become a successful freelancer. One of them is how to make the big bucks by offering your services to hundreds or even thousands of businesses for a small fee. Another thing is that you will not be able to just slap together some freelance work and expect to make a six figure income from it. The best way to make these types of successful businesses is by creating your own website, joining a few different affiliate programs, and posting several testimonial videos on YouTube. The testimonial videos are what will attract potential customers to you and your website. All of this will require some effort on your part, but if you put your mind to it, you can make it work.

While left 2020 behind, we see last year was challenging to fight against financial crime like all the other sectors. COVID-19 has affected many industries. The same challenges will likely occur in 2021 as the virus is still not losing its impact worldwide. Some gaps in AML compatibility emerged in epidemic conditions, and criminals tried to fill those gaps. Therefore, in 2021, regulators such as the FATF and the European Union may increase their regulations to fill these gaps.

As Sanction Scanner, we predict that regulatory pressures will continue and even increase in 2021. We believe that institutions at risk of money laundering should be more concerned with AML compliance. Technology and artificial intelligence can provide significant benefits in ensuring this compatibility, and as a result, 2021 can be called the most effective year of artificial intelligence compared to other years. Also, in 2021, criminals may discover new ways to launder money.

We asked 28 experts from 17 different countries to, “What are your expectations about AML trends in 2021?”. We have compiled the 2021 AML Trends views and received them from experts into a report. You can see possible 2021 AML scenarios in the report.

Report Highlights in Brief:

• Fraud will be the largest trend in AML for 2021. 2021 will be “The Year Of Fraud,” and post 2021 at all major banks, Fraud and AML Functions will be fully combined into one department at all major banks by the end of the year.
• Geopolitical worries will bleed into the AML realm in the form of additional sanctions and related AML activity.
• BSA/AML enforcement actions in the USA will increase based on newly appointed financial regulators who believe in compliance, regulation, and enforcement, replacing those who believe that the market knows best.
• The pace at which virtual assets are picking up pace around the world there is not looking back and only regulating the same will effectively combat the evils of money laundering.
• Digitalizing all processes and products, investing high tech resources and experts will bring super-fast, simple, and customer-oriented solutions.
• The main challenge for all of us in the AML sector will be to update our control processes to monitoring operations with Stablecoins.

You can download the report in here.  LINK- https://sanctionscanner.com/expected-aml-trends-in-2021

About Us: 

Sanction Scanner is an Anti-Money Laundering solutions provider. We aim to provide cost-effective AML solutions that businesses of all sizes can use. Today, we are happy to serve many countries with our solutions, such as global AML Name Screening, AML Transaction Monitoring and Adverse Media.

For more information, please kindly contact:

Media Contact:
Name*: Sevde Erciyes
Email*: Marketing@sanctionscanner.com
Company*: Sanction scanner
Phone: +90 (212) 963 01 84
Address: Yıldız Technical University – Yıldız, Technopark C1 – No:106-8, Istanbul,Turkey
Country*: Turkey
Website* : https://sanctionscanner.com/

Businesses held back by manual invoice processes and overdue payments

More than 80% of UK businesses say the future of their company is threatened by late payments, a result of outdated accounts receivable (AR) processes, according to a new report from global payment technology expert BlueSnap.

The new research reveals that current AR practices are impacting cash flow, human resources and talent acquisition, while also being a drain on senior executive time within B2B businesses.

The BlueSnap Progressing Payments Report found that 93% of B2B organisations in the UK experience negative consequences due to their current approaches to AR, with more than a third (37%) unable to forecast cash flow accurately.

On average, a quarter (25%) exceed their payment terms, resulting in 29% of a company’s monthly revenue being tied up in AR. This is such a major issue that 81% of senior decision makers believe that the future of their business is threatened by a lack of cash flow, brought on by overdue invoices.

A major culprit in all of this is the reliance on manual AR processes, with all (100%) of senior decision makers admitting that at least part of their organisation’s practices are not automated. These included faxing (31%) and posting (39%) invoices and accepting payments in cash (11%) and physical cheque (9%).

The use of manual processes not only increases the risk of human error but also demands more time and resource spent managing invoices. On average, senior decision makers estimate that a total of 11 working hours are spent managing a single invoice, with 78% estimating that up to 15 people are involved in this process.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has opened businesses’ eyes to the until now untold damage of outdated and manual AR processes on cash flow,” said Nikhita Hyett, Managing Director, Europe at BlueSnap. “With the benefits of automating legacy systems now beyond doubt, it’s high time B2B firms overhaul their AR infrastructure to unlock future growth.”

“While many of the businesses we surveyed consider themselves to be on their digital transformation journey, the B2B arena lags significantly behind the B2C market, where payments innovation is not only welcomed but expected, as consumers come to demand greater flexibility and more ways to pay.”

Respondents recognised the need for change – 93% thought they should be investing more in AR automation and payment technologies, with predicted benefits including improved cash flow (34%), better forecasting and planning (31%), and reducing late invoices (25%).

However, they also saw the opportunity for increased growth – 28% believe it would give their organisation the ability to invest and grow, while 24% linked AR automation to winning more business from existing customers.

“Forward-thinking businesses that embrace automation and digitisation in their AR processes will reap the benefits in an increasingly competitive B2B market and a time when cash flow is more important than ever.,” Hyett explained. “But this means identifying and overhauling manual touchpoints in the AR journey. It is only by automating these outdated systems and procedures that will enable firms to improve forecasting, reduce costs and reconcile payments more efficiently, as well as free up their teams to focus on higher level tasks that drive business growth.

By Carmen Ene, CEO at 3stepIT

The global pandemic and the restrictions it has placed on our daily lives has widened the digital divide in society and, in many cases, children are paying the price.

Schools in the UK will remain shut until March, while Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands have only just reopened their primary schools after weeks of being shut down.

Those that are working from home and have access to technology still have a lot of home learning to get through. Yet there is a large portion of schoolchildren that are at risk of being left behind now, and seriously disadvantaged in the future, because they do not have access to technology.

With government schemes trying their best to provide vital access to technology, can businesses play a part in helping bridge the digital divide?

What is the ‘digital divide’?

When the pandemic hit and school closures were announced, employees working from home had to take up the two roles of full-time worker, part-time teacher.

Children that had access to technology could simply log on to their laptops and sign into online classes.But many still don’t have access to the technology required to keep up with their peers, with the digital divide more widespread than many people were initially aware of.

The ‘Computers for All’ campaign in Finland, for example, aims to prevent digital exclusion and help children keep learning despite their circumstances by providing much-needed access to IT equipment.

Company devices that are no longer needed are collected, refurbished and donated to students across Finland who cannot afford to buy laptops, with data wiped from devices before they are distributed to ensure they are secure and safe for both old and new recipients.

A report compiled by the European Commission suggests that the switch to home learning will widen existing educational inequalities as students from less advantaged backgrounds are less likely to have access to relevant learning digital resources and a suitable

home learning environment.

That many disadvantaged children are now being tasked with catching up with their learning from home, yet unable to utilise online resources as those with greater access to technology, will only widen the gap.

How can businesses bridge the gap?

As of February 2021, the UK government has delivered just under one million laptops and tablets as part of its bid to get more devices to schools and colleges during the pandemic.

In Austria, a content platform developed by the government, Eduthek, offers learning material from external providers for schoolchildren of all levels to gain access to digital tools.

But if there was ever an opportunity for businesses to make a positive contribution, it’s now..

It’s not as if businesses are currently lacking in old, unused equipment either. Almost one third (29%) of office desktop PCs have been left abandoned in offices across Europe as employees shifted to remote working, while almost a quarter (23%) of office PCs are not expected to be required over the next year.

Businesses and IT leaders responsible for this technology are unsure of what to do with equipment once they’re no longer needed, with many simply locking devices up in cupboards, or worse, sending them to landfill for incineration.

Reuse, refurb, recycle, repeat

Many don’t realise that they can recoup tech investments and develop more sustainable practices with a positive social impact.

By implementing circular economy IT strategies and ensuring their old tech has the chance to be reused, businesses are fuelling a growing secondhand market, which is crucial to improving access to technology.

Not everyone can afford the latest technology, but they don’t necessarily need it either. As the refurbished market moves into the mainstream, there is hope that we can close the digital divide by providing access to technology to those who need it most.

Instead of dumping or destroying old devices, businesses who adopt Technology Lifecycle Management as an IT solution, will send old IT to be refurbished and use the value of those unwanted devices towards their digital transformation.

Meanwhile, the refurbished laptops, desktops and monitors can be made available to education institutions or charities as part of a thriving secondhand market.

There’s work to be done to bring the use of refurbished devices into the mainstream, but we are seeing increasing demand for this as people realise a device in its second lifecycle still offers enormous value.

Businesses have a big role to play – during a time when so many families and communities are struggling, it’s a win-win solution for every company, and their communities.

Operations research is a field that deals primarily with the use of modern analytic methods to assist make better choices in any operating environment. The phrase operational research has become synonymous with special operations and may also be used to describe the process by which military operations are planned, executed and managed. Operating inside of a structured set of rules and procedures is important to the success of any military operation, but there are several other considerations for any given military operation. This branch of study is concerned with more than just choosing the right equipment or tactics; it also deals with determining how best to operate within such a structured environment.

One way to categorize operational research is according to its focus. In most circles, operations research is thought of as having three main aspects; strategic, tactical and operational. Strategic operations research deals with how to implement policies and missions based on the needs of the United States Department of Defense. The quarterly journal of the operations research society focuses on the area of strategic operations research.

Tactical operations research deals mainly with training, equipping, and deploying the forces. It focuses on the employment of mathematical modeling and analytical methods in supporting this operational need. Other areas of focus for the quarterly journal include weapon systems, planning, information operations, human-centric design, surveillance, operational logistics, non-lethal weapons and networking.

Official journals, published by the United States Joint Staff, deal mostly with operational operations research. A major goal of the official journal is to provide regular reporting of events, developments and accomplishments of the Department of Defense. Other objectives of the journal are to review major initiatives and to provide explanations for why they were undertaken and why they failed. Official journals also specialize in specific topics such as psychological assessments, sexual assault assessments and others.

Operations Research Analysts (ORAs) are one type of operations research analyst employed by the United States Department of Defense. An ORA is primarily employed by the combatant departments in support of mission requirements. Other branches of the military such as the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Army also have operations research analysts. An ORA is required to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as mathematics, business or computer science. Prior to becoming an ORA, most ORAs undergo rigorous training and college-level courses on strategic, operational and mathematical skills.

The Strategic Analysis Processes, commonly referred to as the SAP, is a strategic planning initiative within the United States Department of Defense. A description of this process can be found in the United States Naval Service Revolving Management System Guidebook. Strategic analysis processes begin with a “ground work” using surveys, interviews and other forms of inquiry to acquire data on current policy issues, needs, threats, vulnerabilities and opportunities. From this point, a more in-depth strategic review is conducted to generate a set of recommended policy changes that meet the desired objectives for the United States. After thorough review, these recommendations are formally approved and put into execution. The operational analysis process continues through a series of reviews and evaluations to assure that the new policy is effective, and meets the desired goals and objectives of the United States Navy.

Operations research and management science careers combine many of the fundamental skills required to conduct successful operations. These core skills include information systems, human-centered design, complex decision analysis, technical intelligence, strategic management, and computer science. Combining these core skills with other disciplines such as mathematics, business, engineering, science and other areas of study creates a unique profile that allows an ORTA to leverage his or her expertise to solve problems. Operations research analysts are a critical part of the success of any navy, Marine Corps, Army or Air Force.

Interested parties can pursue a career as an operations research analyst working for a defense agency. Employment opportunities are increasing because of both the increasing demand for this highly skilled position in the defense industry, and the world war ii. The future for this field is excellent due to the ever growing need in military and government agencies for these highly skilled professionals. Finding a Defense Agency that will hire you to fill an operations research analyst position may be challenging, but with the right recruiter, you should have no problem finding a job.