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Monday.com is a recognized brand that has aggressively promoted its work management software to the general public. But is it project management software? One way to find out is by examining its features. For example, is there a Monday dashboard? Project dashboards are essential project management tools. They offer an overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) that help project managers and team members keep track of schedules, budgets and resources. Let’s see if there’s a Monday.com dashboard and, if there is, if it lives up to industry standards. What Is Monday.com? Monday.com is a work operating system designed to help teams plan, track and manage their work. It’s an online platform that enhances collaboration, project management and workflow automation. The tool is made for various types of teams–from marketing, product development and IT to sales and operations–enabling users to streamline their processes, improve productivity and maintain visibility into the process of tasks and projects. Founded in 2012 under the original name of Depulse, the software was developed to help teams collaborate and manage tasks, which developers felt was lacking in the marketplace. By 2017, the company rebranded as Monday.com and expanded beyond basic task tracking to a full-fledged work tool, allowing companies to manage everything from workflows to communications in a centralized space. We’ll get to the Monday dashboard question in a moment, but first, let’s explore the features that fulfill its promise to “Work Without Limits.” At the heart of the software are boards, which allow teams to organize tasks and projects similarly to kanban, with rows and columns. It also has automation to reduce manual work, integrates with many third-party apps and has time-tracking features to help teams log time spent on tasks or projects. Built on a collaborative platform, reporting tools, workload management and customizable templates exist. Does Monday.com Have a Dashboard? This leaves us with the question of whether there is a Monday dashboard. But first, a bit of information on why dashboards are so important to project managers and team members. Project dashboards are visual tools used to display key project data and metrics in a centralized location. They provide a quick view of the project’s status, progress and health through charts, graphs and tables. The key features that users should be on the lookout for include delivering real-time data to reflect the most up-to-date status of the project. These visual tools make it easier to digest data in a centralized overview of a project or multiple projects. They compare the plan against the actual progress to help steer the project to a successful end through improved decision-making. Short Answer: Yes, Monday.com Has a Dashboard The Monday dashboard can do many things, but it also lacks features that project managers and their teams need. While it has the basics, such as customizable widgets, data consolidation, real-time updates tracking workload, deadlines and more, it doesn’t go the extra mile to provide the robust metrics that help guide projects to successful completion. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Monday-Dashboard.png Long Answer: Monday.com Dashboards Lack Key Features for Project Management The Monday dashboard has many issues that make it not ideal for those looking for superior project management software. For instance, it has limited customization of widgets and visualization and scaling issues, which makes it a poor choice for larger projects. Performance lags when working with large teams or complex workflows. That’s only the beginning of the criticisms, though. Not Ideal for Project Portfolio Management: Dashboards are more suited for tracking individual boards or a limited scope of projects. They lack robust, high-level tools to manage and prioritize an entire project portfolio, such as interdependencies between projects or portfolio-wide resource planning. Lack of Planned vs. Actual Comparisons: While Monday.com dashboards provide real-time data, they don’t inherently include planned vs. actual performance comparisons unless users create custom workarounds or integrations. This makes it harder to track variances or delays against the original project plan. Doesn’t Show the Percentage of Completion of Tasks: Dashboards don’t intuitively display the percentage of task completion. Users must manually set up progress indicators like the “Battery” widget, which may not always meet detailed tracking needs. Those who want a powerful project dashboard turn to ProjectManager, an award-winning project and portfolio management software with real-time project and portfolio dashboards. That means project managers and team members can get a high-level overview of a significant project, program or portfolio of projects. Dashboards have easy-to-read graphs and charts that show metrics such as time, cost, workload and more, with planned vs. actual effort and percentage of completion. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA.pngProjectManager’s dashboards are better than a Monday.com dashboard. Learn more Cons of Making a Monday.com Dashboard Another issue with a Monday dashboard is that users have to build it. Unlike ProjectManager, where the dashboard is ready to view immediately upon setting the baseline in the Gantt chart, Monday.com requires users to customize and build their dashboards from scratch, selecting the data they want to visualize and how they want it displayed. The issues with this are as follows. The setup is time-consuming and achieving the ideal dashboard may require several iterations There’s a learning curve to understanding how to connect multiple boards, adjust widgets and choose the right metrics and know the data structures within the software to link them effectively, which can be confusing A variety of pre-built widgets limit customization and there’s a lack of advanced data visualization Ongoing maintenance is required as projects evolve or new data is added, and if a team or project workflow changes, users might have to redesign or update the dashboard It’s not easy to track dependencies across projects, especially with multiple teams or projects that are highly interconnected Premium features are behind paywalls and for teams or businesses on a budget, the additional cost of upgrading to access these features is a drawback, especially compared to competitors that offer these features in lower-cost versions How to Make a Monday.com Dashboard Better With ProjectManager Importing a project from Monday.com to ProjectManage illustrates the advantages of using our dashboard over a Monday dashboard. Not only are users getting a more useful dashboard feature, but access to superior Gantt charts, secure timesheets and more detailed analytics. Simply take a free 30-day trial of ProjectManager, no credit card required, and follow these simple steps. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/monday-pm-import-dashboard.png 1. Export Your Monday.com Project Begin by exporting the project data from Monday.com into an Excel file. This will allow you to transfer the information to ProjectManager. 2. Select the Excel File and Import Into ProjectManager Open ProjectManager and navigate to the import section on the Gantt chart. Choose the Excel file you just exported from Monday.com and upload it into ProjectManager. /wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Gantt-import-light-mode.png 3. Add the Data to a New or Existing Project Once the file is uploaded, you can either create a new project or add the data to an existing project in ProjectManager. This flexibility lets you choose how to organize your tasks and workflows. 4. Choose What Data to Import & Toggle to the Dashboard View During the import process, you’ll be prompted to select the specific data points you want to import. You can filter the data to include only relevant tasks, milestones, deadlines or other important metrics. Remember to set a baseline on the Gantt chart to compare actual versus planned data. Once the data populates, toggle to the dashboard view to see live project data. 5. Success! View Monday.com Dashboard Data in ProjectManager After the import is complete, you can now view your Monday.com project data in ProjectManager’s enhanced dashboard, which offers advanced project management tools such as Gantt charts, task assignments and real-time reporting. ProjectManager Has a Better Dashboard than Monday.com While a Monday dashboard offers basic project management features, ProjectManager takes it a step further with its advanced dashboard capabilities. It provides comprehensive tools for monitoring progress, tracking costs, managing workloads and more. Here’s a breakdown of how ProjectManager’s dashboard features stand out: Project Portfolio Management Dashboard: ProjectManager allows you to manage multiple projects from a single view, offering an at-a-glance overview of all active projects. Users can track key metrics, timelines and resource allocation across the project portfolio, helping to prioritize and make data-driven decisions. Planned vs. Actual Project Management Data: This feature compares a project’s planned milestones and timelines to the actual progress. With ProjectManager, you can instantly identify discrepancies and adjust project plans to stay on track, providing better insight into project health. Progress Tracking: This compares a project’s planned milestones and timelines to the actual progress. With ProjectManager, users can instantly identify any discrepancies and adjust their project plan to stay on track, providing better insight into project health. Cost Tracking: Keep a close eye on the project’s budget with ProjectManager’s detailed cost-tracking features. It tracks actual spending versus budgeted costs, helping to ensure the project stays within financial limits and providing transparency to stakeholders. Workload Management Data: Monitor the team’s workload, ensuring that tasks are balanced and resources are appropriately allocated. The dashboard shows real-time data on team capacity, task assignments and potential overages, helping prevent burnout and optimizing team productivity. Slippage Reporting: This allows you to track delays and deviations from the project schedule. This feature helps you identify causes of slippage, whether it’s resource issues or task delays and take corrective actions before they impact the overall timeline. Monday.com Dashboard Example Let’s look at a Monday dashboard to see how it works. The one illustrated below is for a sales team. As with any visual analytic tool, this one is made up of bar graphs and other types of charts. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Monday-Dashboard-Example.png For example, there’s a bar chart that tracks the total revenue over time. A list of top projects is also provided, as well as a map to show sales by country. Another bar chart captures volume vs. service levels. This Monday dashboard example is a fair representation of how the software works. How to Make a Dashboard In Monday.com For those who don’t want to upgrade, here’s a tutorial on how to create a Monday dashboard. Start in the software by selecting the dashboard tab. Click “create new dashboard” and name it. Choose from a variety of pre-built widgets and select the specific boards and data you want to display for each. At this point, customize the widgets to display the relevant data. This involves linking your boards and understanding what data is needed to showcase. Now, organize the widgets and fine-tune the layout for readability. As projects evolve, regularly update and adjust the dashboard to reflect changes. As noted, this is time-consuming and can be difficult. The Monday.com dashboard isn’t fully customizable and limited by the pre-built widgets. There are also issues with linking multiple boards, selecting relevant data and ensuring it flows smoothly. It’s a trial-and-error effort and not workable with multiple projects. Why ProjectManager Is a Better Project Tracking Software Than Monday.com The Monday dashboard might be helpful for individuals trying to work more productively, even smaller teams could find it useful. However, any project management professional will balk at wasting time creating a dashboard and then having that dashboard not be able to do fundamental project tracking functions, such as comparing planned against actual effort or monitoring multiple projects in one place. That’s why project managers and their team members choose ProjectManager, an award-winning project and portfolio management software with powerful dashboards and more. Plan, Schedule and Track With Multiple Project Management Views Like Monday.com, our software has multiple project views. Unlike Monday, though, we have a real Gantt chart that schedules tasks, resources and costs. More than that, it can link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns that impact the budget and schedule. Once a plan is in place, set a baseline to track progress in real time. These plans are shared across the software, allowing teams to manage their work on kanban boards that visualize workflow or task lists that prioritize, tag and track progress. There’s even a calendar view that stakeholders can use to stay updated on progress. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-1.png Track Costs with Online Timesheets, Workload Charts and Reports There are more ways to track work than just the high-level view provided by our dashboards. For example, secure timesheets can streamline payroll but are also a window into labor costs to help keep to the budget. They also monitor how much work each team member is doing compared to their assignments. Color-coded workload charts offer a view into resource allocation, showing who’s overallocated or underutilized. Managers can balance their team’s workload from the chart to keep teams working at capacity without threatening burnout. Customizable reports can be filtered to go into detail or summarize progress and shared with stakeholders to keep them informed. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks.png Related Monday.com Content This isn’t the first time we’ve reviewed Monday.com or wrote about the importance of dashboards. For those looking to read more on those topics, check out the links below. They lead to recent posts on Monday.com alternatives, free templates and much more. Best Mondayu.com Alternatives Free & Paid Options Monday.com Gantt Chart: How to Make a Gantt Chart With Monday.com Project Dashboard Template (Free Excel Download) KPI Dashboard Template Budget Dashboard Template for Excel (Free Download) ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay up to date with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who are using our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Monday.com Dashboard: Key Features, Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

THINK back to the last difficult conversation you had. What happened? Maybe you lashed out, got defensive, dodged or overexplained; possibly you lied, got passive-aggressive, or completely shut down, unable to talk. Whatever the reaction, I want you to know that it’s normal. In high-stress interactions, our walls go up, and our armor comes on and we’re ready to protect ourselves in any way we can. Most of the time in difficult interactions, we turn cold. Our bodies tense up, and we’re on the defensive. We start saying things that are hurtful and unhelpful and likely have to repair the situation with multiple conversations to get the issue resolved. This toughness that we exude during hard interactions has a tendency to keep us rigid and unable to move the conversation forward in a productive way. Think about what might happen if you did the opposite. If you were able to relax in these high-stakes and stressful moments — what would change? Those in leadership are often scared of losing their edge. They don’t want to be too soft or too Zen because they’re nervous to be more human in a work setting. It’s more professional to be at odds, cold, serious, standoffish, untouchable, inaccessible. Since being human isn’t necessarily what got them to where they are in their careers, to begin with, they aren’t sure if the act of softening is for them. I would raise an eyebrow if some people didn’t think this was a bit outside the box; however, at the end of the day, what’s most important is for the work to get done, the bottom line to be met, and everyone to go home feeling fulfilled and of service, and if that’s the experience people want, then learning how to soften in the moments we want to be hard is the way to go. Below, I’ll share four reasons why softening within a difficult interaction is crucial as an authority figure. Adaptability Think about difficult conversations like you would martial arts. If someone is attacking you and your whole body is stiff, hard, the attacker can simply push you, and you’ll fall down, break easily. But if instead you drop your weight and soften the body, you become fluid, able to move, adapt, pivot, and navigate the situation with grace and confidence. Employees want to see those in leadership positions show calm under pressure, where moments of crisis or stress are met with more openness and creativity; where they can show different ways of handling and solving a problem - showing that there’s another way forward, even when others can’t see it. To be able to access this trait within a hard conversation means we must soften within it—let our guard down—so we can think clearly and talk wisely. Loyalty and Trust Think of the scenarios that come up daily where you react too quickly to fix the problem, forgetting about the people or group who brought the issue to you. Or maybe there have been instances where you have felt tension on your team and said you were open to hearing what was needed, but the moment it was shared, you went straight to defending and justifying your actions. When we find a way to relax within the interaction, we’re able to be more compassionate during heated interactions. We get to meet those expressing themselves where they’re at first, and then help to solve the issue second. Opening ourselves up to listen and acknowledge the other person or group during a stressful moment, helps those coming to you feel that they can trust you. Once trust is established and a bond is formed, loyalty is close behind. Creativity and Productivity In our lives, we go off instinct, and one of the most popular ways to manage others off instinct is to micro-manage. Where we’re constantly checking in on our teams, having meetings, 1:1s to make sure everyone is doing their job and on track. This constant monitoring is a result of mistrust of those around us. Our fear is what is driving the behavior and the interactions. When we start to calm our nervous system and move ourselves out of fear and into more rest within interactions, we start choosing different behaviors and words. We come from a more abundant mindset instead of scarcity and are then able to trust those around us more and give them permission to thrive in their positions on their own—for them to show us what they can do. Letting go of the reins and finding the calm within our interactions helps give those we work with space to create and thrive. Humanness Right now, the world is swept up by advances in technology. We’re connected all day long, emailing at all hours, even on weekends. In the working world, being is not what’s important. Doing is. All this doing is leading more and more employees to burnout and creating a toxic company culture. What softening does is bring back the idea of humanness. It reminds us to think of others in hard moments, to see if we can be helpful and supportive, even when it’s challenging to do. To see what a person or group of people needs, acknowledge it, and respond accordingly. So much of business is focused on outcomes and numbers that we forget it’s actual people who are doing the work. Softening helps us connect with each other, even when it’s hard to do. When I first start working with clients, their eyebrows raise when I share with them this idea of softening. There’s a lot of discomfort around the word itself. Won’t others walk all over me, take advantage, or think I’m not fit for the position I’m in? And what I say is this: Softening helps you connect with those you work with; it’s what allows you to be heard, understood, and human in the moments when your people need you to be. Softening is what gives you the opportunity to think clearly and live into the quote often attributed to Albert Einstein, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” In heated moments, it’s turning the body and mind from ice (hard and impenetrable) to water (soft and fluid). Where can you start to soften in your interactions today? * * * Cynthia Kane helps people enhance their lives and relationships by teaching them how to become less reactive in difficult conversations and speak to themselves, others, and their environment in a kind, honest, and helpful way. She has taught over 70,000 people how to change the way they communicate through her books and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program. She is the author of The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations. She is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, certified breathing coach, and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute, LLC. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. * * * View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The problem with Netflix's algorithmic recommendations is that it creates an entertainment echo chamber where viewers' tastes are confirmed instead of challenged. Right now, there's probably a TV series languishing in Netflix's back catalog that would blow your mind, if only you knew about it. But it's probably not in English. Netflix has a huge catalog of excellent foreign-language shows, so many that finding a place to start can be daunting. As Lifehacker's expert on "what's good on TV," I've put together a list of the best of the best "not in English" Netflix series, listed in order of Rotten Tomatoes review aggregation score. If you can deal with subtitles, I bet you'll find your new favorite show somewhere below. Marianne (France, 2019) I'm starting this list with Marianne, maybe my favorite TV show of all time. I love horror, but I've seen so much of it that I'm rarely actually spooked by anything anymore. French series Marianne, though, legitimately creeped me out. A deeply unsettling series about a horror writer whose nightmares come true, Marianne carefully builds an atmosphere of dread that's practically suffocating at times, then releases the pressure valve with gruesome, Grand Guignol set pieces at exactly the right time. It's horror for grown-ups, and it's really good. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Korea, 2022) K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a legal show like no other. Park Eun-bin plays the title character, Woo Young-woo, a woman with autism who made herself into a legal savant by memorizing seemingly all of Korea's laws. Extraordinary Attorney Woo's heroine is a fully fleshed out character—she's a woman who has autism, not "autism personified"—and the show is as much about the different cases she tries each week as it is about her navigating a world she doesn't fit into. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Money Heist (Spain, 2017) This brilliant, stylish, crime thriller begins with some heavy Tarantino influence, but it's a bait-and-switch. Money Heist's gang of misfits are cool, but they aren't badass anti-heroes. They're complicated, conflicted, damaged people who make bad decisions for good reasons, and good decisions for bad ones. Their audacious plan to rob Spain's national mint of billions of Euros may seem like an Oceans' Eleven lark at first, but it's soon revealed as a desperate criminal act that blows up and spins farther out of control than anyone predicted. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% The Chestnut Man (Denmark, 2021) At its worst, "Nordic noir" transplants tired police procedural tropes to Northern European countries, and you end up with NCIS with parkas. At its best, though, Nordic noir is like The Chestnut Man, a grisly, gloomy series that combines serial killing, political corruption, and ancient, unspeakable pagan rituals into something unique, cliche-free, and perfect for binging. If you like the vibe of the first season of True Detective, check out The Chestnut Man. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Cassandra (Germany, 2025) Just the premise of this German sci-fi series should be enough for most people to watch it. In Cassandra, a typical suburban family moves into an isolated house that was built in the 1980s and was meant to be the "home of the future." The massive old computers in the basement still work and the dusty household robot still clanks around, but something is very wrong with this house. If you're like me, and you feel like you're being haunted by both the past and computers, Cassandra will resonate deeply. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Delicious in Dungeon (Japan, 2024) Along with traditional foreign series, there's a ton of anime on Netflix too; enough that the specialized genre deserves a separate list (stay tuned). I put Delicious in Dungeon here to represent all anime, and because I really like it. It's good entry-level cartoon, a fantasy series influenced by Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and food, in which a group of intrepid adventurers eat their way through a monster-packed dungeon to save their friend. It's a weird combo, but it's held together by well-drawn characters, beautiful art, and lore that's as rich as espagnole. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Dear Child (Germany, 2023) I went into Dear Child cold, without knowing anything about it, and the first couple of episodes are so mysterious and dread-inducing, I wasn't sure if it was going in a dark science fiction direction, or if it was more of a supernatural horror show. Turns out, it's neither. Dear Child is a thriller based on real life, and its carefully paced, visually stunning depiction of captivity, torture, and brainwashing is way scarier than any made-up monsters. Germans really have a unique understanding of how authoritarian control degrades the human soul; go figure. Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Squid Game (Korea, 2021) You can't make a list of Netflix's best foreign shows and not include Korean sensation Squid Game. I defy anyone to watch the first episode of this show and not keep going. Set in a near-future dystopia where rich people convince ordinary people compete in deadly versions of childhood games for a fortune, Squid Game provides pointed commentary on capitalism's corruption of culture and is somehow is fun to watch at the same time. It's brutal, addictive, fearless, darkly funny, and wildly original. Squid Game definitely earned its nearly universal approval among critics and viewers. Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% Kleo (Germany, 2022) This stylish, action-packed period thriller takes place in the days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Jella Haase plays the title character, an imprisoned Stasi agent with an unusual skill set that includes making poison from a pufferfish and kicking serious ass. With the Cold War over, Kleo is released with all the other political prisoners and sets out for vengeance upon the spooks and government functionaries who ruined her life. If you like slick-as-hell action that isn't stupid, check out Kleo. Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% All of Us are Dead (Korea, 2022) Imagine The Breakfast Club, Parasite, and Train to Busan had a three-way baby and you have some idea of what All of Us are Dead is like. This Korean zombie epic is set at Hyosan High School, where regularly scheduled classes (and teenage romance, popularity jockeying, bullying, shenanigans, etc.) are briefly interrupted by an invasion of fast, deadly zombies. All of Us are Dead hits all the undead invasion notes perfectly—it's brutal, violent, and action-packed—but it stands out from the pack by featuring characters you care about and thoughtful social commentary on youth and society, without ever devolving into "Heart-to-Heart Talk of the Dead" territory, like the later seasons of The Walking Dead. Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (Germany, 2019) Based loosely on a true story, How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) tells the story of Moritz Zimmerman, a high school nerd who dreams of becoming a tech mogul and sticking it to the popular kids one day. So, like the title says, Moritz starts selling drugs online (fast) which expands his social circle, but creates exponentially expanding dangers in the form of cops, drug-dealers, and other crime-show complications. Fast, funny, and addictive, How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is perfect binge-TV. There's no score from Rotten Tomatoes, but trust me. Rotten Tomatoes Score: None Tabula Rasa (Belgium, 2017) Intense Belgian mind-fuck Tabula Rasa is criminally under seen—It doesn't have enough online reviews to even have a Rotten Tomatoes rating—but it's amazing. Main character Kai lost her memory after a car accident. She lives in a perpetual, confusing present in which her mind seems to "fill in the blanks" of her life with horrifying hallucinations. Or maybe her house is haunted. Or maybe she's a killer who murdered a young man like the police think. Maybe someone else is setting her up for something. Maybe none of this is real. Tabula Rasa's "what is even happening?" plot holds up through the final twist, and its grotesque imagery is fascinating. This is a true hidden gem. Rotten Tomato Score: None View the full article

Google announced that most Business Profile Reviews are returned to normal. Sites still missing reviews should be normal in a few days The post GBP Reviews Outage Is Over appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Industry lobbies for requirements on reporting of transactions in financial markets to be slimmed downView the full article

Hey peeps, The remote work world is full of debates—should we scrap job titles? Will the WFH culture war ever end? And, most importantly, how do you actually land a remote job in 2025? This week, we’re diving into: ✅ Why one startup ditched job titles—and what happened next ✅ How to move past the endless WFH vs. office debates ✅ What you really need to know before applying for a remote job Vic Our Favorite Articles 💯Why We've Removed Job Titles At ElevenLabs (Sifted)At ElevenLabs, employees don’t have job titles—just responsibilities. Is this the future of remote work? ​Read more​. Things to Know Before Applying for a Remote Job in 2025 (InclusivelyRemote)A strong résumé isn’t enough to land a remote job; here’s what really matters in the hiring process. ​Learn more​. How Do We End The WFH Culture Wars? I Have The Answer (The Guardian)Still arguing about WFH vs. the office? This piece makes a case for calling a truce once and for all. ​Check it out​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Too many emails? Declutter your inbox with Meco, your home for reading newsletters. Try it for free Remotive Jobs 💼Is this job for you? 👉 ​Backend/Full-stack Python Developer​ (Odoo) at YouNav (Europe) 👉 ​Migrations Engineer - Support Role at Discourse​ (Americas, EMEA) 👉 ​iOS Developer at nooro ​(USA) 👉 ​Backend Engineer at Clerkie​ (USA) 👉 ​Senior Frontend Developer at Mimo GmbH​ (EMEA, UK) 👉 ​Senior Backend Developer at Mimo GmbH​ (EMEA, UK) 👉 S​enior Sharepoint Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Django Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior ERP Solutions Developer (NetSuite) at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) Free Guides & Tools​Public Job Board​We curate 2,000 remote jobs so you don't have to! ​Find your remote job →​ ​Exclusive Webinar​3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking For A Remote Startup Job (And What To Do Instead) ​Register for free →​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely ​Check it out → View the full article

Optimism at the prospect of tax cuts and lighter regulation has given way to anxiety over trade policiesView the full article

Scammers are getting increasingly clever about injecting apps with malware. Certainly it's nothing new that malicious apps are littered across the internet, but lately they've been popping up with alarming frequency even in theoretically safe spots like the Google Play Store and even Apple's App Store. Malware is even showing up on Steam, serving as a reminder that we all need to be careful with each and every app (or game) we choose to download onto our devices. As reported by GameRant, Valve recently removed a title called PirateFi from Steam. Created by developer Seaworth Interactive, the game was free to play, and was advertised as a survival adventure that let players fish and swim, with both single player and co-op mode. The game was only released on Feb. 6 of this year, meaning it was active on Steam for less than one week. Why the removal? Steam claims the game's developer uploaded versions of the game to Steam that included suspected malware. Steam has since removed those builds, as well as the game itself, but if you happened to play the game while these builds were active, Steam says its likely your PC was infected with malicious code. Luckily, the scope of the situation was small, relatively speaking: It appears only about 1,500 people actually downloaded the game, which is fewer than many malware scares in recent memory. Moreover, Valve reached out to affected players directly, warning them of the likely malware problem. SteamDB shared Valve's message to PirateFi players in a post on X. As part of this message, Steam is warning players they should completely reformat their PC's OS to make sure they scrub their machine of malware entirely. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It seems some players who were affected were acutely aware of how malicious the game was. One negative review claimed the game emptied their Steam wallet to buy Dota 2 skins, while another claims most of their accounts were hacked after installing the game. A troubling trendStill, that this occurred at all is troubling. Usually it's safe to download apps and games from official sources like app stores—especially Steam. It's almost unheard of that a game on Valve's store would be malicious. It's even rarer than finding malicious apps on Apple's stores, which, while uncommon, do slip past the company's defenses every now and then. Do I expect more malicious games to pop up on Steam? Not necessarily. In fact, Steam might bolster its security even more following this event. Still, these kinds of situations are a good reminder that, truly, you can never be too careful online. What to do if you played PirateFi If you installed PirateFi on your PC, you should delete it as soon as possible. Steam recommends running an antivirus scan of your machine to root out any potential malware, and to look for any new software you don't recognize: Malware tends to install new programs and files to run in the background, so make sure to uninstall anything you know you didn't install yourself. You may want to consider changing passwords on your accounts, as well. While regularly changing passwords isn't necessary, this malware may have obtained the passwords of your accounts, which puts your accounts at risk. To be extra secure, you may want to reformat your PC entirely—though this is obviously the most intensive solution. Again, encountering malware on Steam is quite rare, but it's still worth exercising caution whenever downloading new titles on the store. Make sure to inspect the pages for new games before installing them: Look at the images and the description to see if the game is delivering on what's being advertised. Importantly, check reviews: If there are too many negative ratings, or too few ratings at all, it might be best to skip the title altogether. View the full article

Running a sushi bar is a tricky business. Keeping your sushi rolls fresh and tasty while showcasing them in an appetizing way can make or break your customer experience. The right sushi display case can play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, ensuring you serve the freshest food every time. What is a Sushi Display Case? A sushi display case is essential in any sushi bar, café, or restaurant. They’re specifically designed to maintain food-safe temperatures while beautifully showcasing your sushi and sashimi rolls. Often featuring curved glass fronts and a lighted inside, these refrigerated sushi display cases allow your customers to browse your selection, amplifying their dining experience easily. The Importance of Sushi Display Cases in the Food Industry Refrigerated sushi display cases are much more than an aesthetic addition. They create a visual feast for customers, enhancing the appeal of your counter display. They help maintain the best-tasting, freshest food by effectively chilling your sushi. This ensures your sushi bars are synonymous with quality, propelling repeat customers. What to Look for in Sushi Display Cases When recommending sushi display cases, we consider several key criteria to ensure that our suggested products are efficient, reliable, and capable of enhancing the sushi’s presentation while preserving its freshness. Below is our assessment process, along with an importance scale for each criterion: Temperature Control and Consistency: Importance: 9/10 Precise temperature regulation is vital for keeping sushi at the optimal temperature, preserving its freshness and quality. Visibility and Lighting: Importance: 8/10 The case should offer clear visibility of the sushi, ideally with appealing lighting to enhance the presentation and attract customers. Size and Capacity: Importance: 8/10 The case size should match the establishment’s sushi volume, ensuring adequate display space without overcrowding. Humidity Control: Importance: 9/10 Proper humidity levels are crucial to prevent sushi from drying out or becoming too moist. Design and Aesthetics: Importance: 7/10 A visually appealing design that matches the restaurant’s decor can improve the overall dining experience. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Importance: 8/10 The sushi display case should be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, featuring accessible parts and surfaces to promote hygiene and extend its lifespan. Durability and Material Quality: Importance: 8/10 High-quality materials that withstand regular use and wear are important for the longevity of the case. Energy Efficiency: Importance: 7/10 Energy-efficient models are beneficial for reducing operational costs and are better for the environment. Safety Features: Importance: 7/10 Features such as tempered glass and secure closures are important for safety and compliance with health regulations. Price and Value for Money: Importance: 7/10 We evaluate the cost in relation to the features, efficiency, and overall quality of the sushi display case. Brand Reputation and Customer Support: Importance: 6/10 We consider the brand’s track record in quality and reliability, along with customer service and warranty terms. Our aim is to recommend sushi display cases that meet the needs of food establishments in preserving and showcasing sushi effectively while maintaining quality and customer appeal. Sushi Display Cases – Top Picks for Your Small Business Hoshizaki 47″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Curved front glass design Rear-to-side condenser airflow NSF approved thermometer Spacious 5.6-inch plate space on top Self-contained refrigeration unit R600a Refrigerant Dimensions: 47.2″ x 13.6″ x 11″ (WxDxH) Net Capacity: 1.48 cu. ft. Hoshizaki 47″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Ebay Everest Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Capacity: 2 cubic ft with 4 trays High-density foamed-in-place polyurethane insulated cabinet Left-mounted self-contained condensing unit in black-coated steel Pre-wired and ready with NEMA 5-15P plug Equipped with eco-friendly R290 refrigerant Everest Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Amazon Cooler Depot Refrigerated Countertop Sushi Case Key Features: Dimensions: L53″ x D17″ x H10.5″ Temperature range of 32°F to 53.6°F. 52L capacity Built-in digital temperature control Energy-efficient LED lighting Sleek design with a black-colored body and curved, tempered glass front Cooler Depot Refrigerated Countertop Sushi Case Buy on Amazon Turbo Air 46″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-290) for energy conservation and environmental friendliness LED interior lighting that is energy-efficient and provides clarity and brightness Digital temperature display and control to maintain precise, constant temperatures An ambient temperature range of 50°F ~ 80°F, saturation temperature 39°F Stainless steel solid food plates and inclined bottom for better drainage Low-E coated, tempered glass doors on the chef’s side with durable plastic handles Side mount compressor that simplifies servicing without needing to move the case Auto defrost and a hot gas loop & wicking pad for optimal food preservation Turbo Air 46″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Buy on Ebay Omcan USA 44″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: 1.55 cubic foot capacity: This model is designed to hold four 1/3 GN pans, offering plenty of room to showcase a diverse selection of sushi options. Internal LED illumination is featured at the top of the case to enhance the presentation The flat front glass and sliding rear doors offer excellent product visibility and easy access to food service. Uses R134a refrigerant, ensuring efficient cooling. Power specification of 160 watts, ensuring energy-efficient operation. Self-contained refrigeration allows for a simple and easy installation process Omcan USA 44″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Ebay Turbo Air 70″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-290) comply with the DOE’s Energy Conservation Standards and the EPA’s SNAP Program. Energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates your sushi offerings with brightness and clarity. Digital temperature display and control Straight front glass and slightly inclined bottom for maximum product visibility and better drainage Stainless steel solid food plates Low-E coated, tempered glass doors on the chef’s side Side mount compressor Auto Defrost, Hot Gas Loop & Wicking Pad Element Lux LED Open Sign Buy on Ebay Hoshizaki 83″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Display Key Features: LED lights ensure a perfectly illuminated display Curved front glass design enhances visibility and makes the product more appealing to customers. Condenser airflow is designed to enter from the back and exit from the side, contributing to efficient cooling performance. Large diameter 1-inch drains at the front Larger front-to-back interior: The unit has an 11-inch depth, providing ample space to display a variety of items. Self-contained refrigeration unit Solid food plates with radius groove Hoshizaki 83″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Display Buy on Ebay Turbo Air 59″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon Refrigerants (R-290) Maintains temperatures between 35°F ~ 41°F, which is ideal for sushi preservation. The ambient temperature range is between 50°F and 80°F, with a saturation temperature of 39°F. Features a curved front glass which is angled downwards to enhance visibility. The side-mounted compressor can be serviced without having to move the unit. Stainless steel exterior Practical Design Elements, including a slightly inclined bottom for better drainage and a 1” diameter drain hole with plastic cover. Stainless steel solid food plates are also included. The self-contained refrigeration unit is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Turbo Air 59″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Buy on Ebay How to Maintain Your Refrigerated Sushi Cases Refrigerated sushi cases aren’t cheap, so making sure yours is running its best is very important. Here are a few tips to help: Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Regular cleaning is essential for any food display or storage equipment. Make sure to regularly wipe down your sushi case and refrigerator to prevent the build-up of mold or bacteria. Temperature Monitoring Consistently monitor the temperature of your sushi refrigerator and display case. This is important to ensure that your sushi is always kept at safe temperatures. Handling Common Issues Like any appliance, your sushi display case and refrigerator may encounter some issues. From temperature fluctuations to glass fogging, it’s crucial to handle these promptly to keep your sushi at its freshest. Frequently Asked Questions Check out these FAQs for more handy info! How often should I clean my sushi display case? It’s advisable to clean it at least once a week; however, if your establishment experiences high traffic, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Maintaining cleanliness is crucial not only for health and safety regulations but also for prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. What is the ideal temperature for a sushi refrigerator? The ideal temperature is usually between 33°F and 41°F (0.5°C – 5°C). It’s important to keep raw fish products chilled at this range to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, maintaining the freshness and safety of your sushi. What is the best material for a refrigerated sushi display case? The best material for a sushi display case is typically stainless steel, particularly for the interior. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and effectively maintains cold temperatures. For the display front, tempered glass is a great option as it offers excellent visibility, is scratch-resistant, and is easy to clean. How do I choose the right size for my sushi display case and refrigerator? When choosing the right size for your sushi display case and refrigerator, you should consider the volume of sushi you plan to sell daily, the available space in your establishment, and the layout of your counter. It’s important to choose a size that can accommodate your product volume without crowding while fitting comfortably in your space. Finding the right display case for your business is not merely about keeping your food fresh. It’s about showcasing your food in the best possible light, captivating your customers, and enticing them to buy. By carefully considering the factors we’ve discussed, you’ll be well-equipped to make a decision that benefits both your business and your customers. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Sandwich Prep Table: The Top Picks for Your Business What’s the Best Commercial Refrigerator for Your Business Commercial Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine: The Options for Your Business Deli Case: Picks a Cut Above the Rest for Your Business Commercial Refrigerators: Top Picks to Keep Your Stock Fresh and Profitable Image: eBay, Amazon This article, "Sushi Display Case: Choices for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Running a sushi bar is a tricky business. Keeping your sushi rolls fresh and tasty while showcasing them in an appetizing way can make or break your customer experience. The right sushi display case can play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, ensuring you serve the freshest food every time. What is a Sushi Display Case? A sushi display case is essential in any sushi bar, café, or restaurant. They’re specifically designed to maintain food-safe temperatures while beautifully showcasing your sushi and sashimi rolls. Often featuring curved glass fronts and a lighted inside, these refrigerated sushi display cases allow your customers to browse your selection, amplifying their dining experience easily. The Importance of Sushi Display Cases in the Food Industry Refrigerated sushi display cases are much more than an aesthetic addition. They create a visual feast for customers, enhancing the appeal of your counter display. They help maintain the best-tasting, freshest food by effectively chilling your sushi. This ensures your sushi bars are synonymous with quality, propelling repeat customers. What to Look for in Sushi Display Cases When recommending sushi display cases, we consider several key criteria to ensure that our suggested products are efficient, reliable, and capable of enhancing the sushi’s presentation while preserving its freshness. Below is our assessment process, along with an importance scale for each criterion: Temperature Control and Consistency: Importance: 9/10 Precise temperature regulation is vital for keeping sushi at the optimal temperature, preserving its freshness and quality. Visibility and Lighting: Importance: 8/10 The case should offer clear visibility of the sushi, ideally with appealing lighting to enhance the presentation and attract customers. Size and Capacity: Importance: 8/10 The case size should match the establishment’s sushi volume, ensuring adequate display space without overcrowding. Humidity Control: Importance: 9/10 Proper humidity levels are crucial to prevent sushi from drying out or becoming too moist. Design and Aesthetics: Importance: 7/10 A visually appealing design that matches the restaurant’s decor can improve the overall dining experience. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Importance: 8/10 The sushi display case should be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, featuring accessible parts and surfaces to promote hygiene and extend its lifespan. Durability and Material Quality: Importance: 8/10 High-quality materials that withstand regular use and wear are important for the longevity of the case. Energy Efficiency: Importance: 7/10 Energy-efficient models are beneficial for reducing operational costs and are better for the environment. Safety Features: Importance: 7/10 Features such as tempered glass and secure closures are important for safety and compliance with health regulations. Price and Value for Money: Importance: 7/10 We evaluate the cost in relation to the features, efficiency, and overall quality of the sushi display case. Brand Reputation and Customer Support: Importance: 6/10 We consider the brand’s track record in quality and reliability, along with customer service and warranty terms. Our aim is to recommend sushi display cases that meet the needs of food establishments in preserving and showcasing sushi effectively while maintaining quality and customer appeal. Sushi Display Cases – Top Picks for Your Small Business Hoshizaki 47″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Curved front glass design Rear-to-side condenser airflow NSF approved thermometer Spacious 5.6-inch plate space on top Self-contained refrigeration unit R600a Refrigerant Dimensions: 47.2″ x 13.6″ x 11″ (WxDxH) Net Capacity: 1.48 cu. ft. Hoshizaki 47″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Ebay Everest Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Capacity: 2 cubic ft with 4 trays High-density foamed-in-place polyurethane insulated cabinet Left-mounted self-contained condensing unit in black-coated steel Pre-wired and ready with NEMA 5-15P plug Equipped with eco-friendly R290 refrigerant Everest Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Amazon Cooler Depot Refrigerated Countertop Sushi Case Key Features: Dimensions: L53″ x D17″ x H10.5″ Temperature range of 32°F to 53.6°F. 52L capacity Built-in digital temperature control Energy-efficient LED lighting Sleek design with a black-colored body and curved, tempered glass front Cooler Depot Refrigerated Countertop Sushi Case Buy on Amazon Turbo Air 46″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-290) for energy conservation and environmental friendliness LED interior lighting that is energy-efficient and provides clarity and brightness Digital temperature display and control to maintain precise, constant temperatures An ambient temperature range of 50°F ~ 80°F, saturation temperature 39°F Stainless steel solid food plates and inclined bottom for better drainage Low-E coated, tempered glass doors on the chef’s side with durable plastic handles Side mount compressor that simplifies servicing without needing to move the case Auto defrost and a hot gas loop & wicking pad for optimal food preservation Turbo Air 46″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Buy on Ebay Omcan USA 44″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: 1.55 cubic foot capacity: This model is designed to hold four 1/3 GN pans, offering plenty of room to showcase a diverse selection of sushi options. Internal LED illumination is featured at the top of the case to enhance the presentation The flat front glass and sliding rear doors offer excellent product visibility and easy access to food service. Uses R134a refrigerant, ensuring efficient cooling. Power specification of 160 watts, ensuring energy-efficient operation. Self-contained refrigeration allows for a simple and easy installation process Omcan USA 44″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Buy on Ebay Turbo Air 70″ Refrigerated Sushi Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-290) comply with the DOE’s Energy Conservation Standards and the EPA’s SNAP Program. Energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates your sushi offerings with brightness and clarity. Digital temperature display and control Straight front glass and slightly inclined bottom for maximum product visibility and better drainage Stainless steel solid food plates Low-E coated, tempered glass doors on the chef’s side Side mount compressor Auto Defrost, Hot Gas Loop & Wicking Pad Element Lux LED Open Sign Buy on Ebay Hoshizaki 83″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Display Key Features: LED lights ensure a perfectly illuminated display Curved front glass design enhances visibility and makes the product more appealing to customers. Condenser airflow is designed to enter from the back and exit from the side, contributing to efficient cooling performance. Large diameter 1-inch drains at the front Larger front-to-back interior: The unit has an 11-inch depth, providing ample space to display a variety of items. Self-contained refrigeration unit Solid food plates with radius groove Hoshizaki 83″ Curved Glass Refrigerated Sushi Display Buy on Ebay Turbo Air 59″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Key Features: Hydrocarbon Refrigerants (R-290) Maintains temperatures between 35°F ~ 41°F, which is ideal for sushi preservation. The ambient temperature range is between 50°F and 80°F, with a saturation temperature of 39°F. Features a curved front glass which is angled downwards to enhance visibility. The side-mounted compressor can be serviced without having to move the unit. Stainless steel exterior Practical Design Elements, including a slightly inclined bottom for better drainage and a 1” diameter drain hole with plastic cover. Stainless steel solid food plates are also included. The self-contained refrigeration unit is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Turbo Air 59″ Refrigerated Sushi Display Case Buy on Ebay How to Maintain Your Refrigerated Sushi Cases Refrigerated sushi cases aren’t cheap, so making sure yours is running its best is very important. Here are a few tips to help: Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Regular cleaning is essential for any food display or storage equipment. Make sure to regularly wipe down your sushi case and refrigerator to prevent the build-up of mold or bacteria. Temperature Monitoring Consistently monitor the temperature of your sushi refrigerator and display case. This is important to ensure that your sushi is always kept at safe temperatures. Handling Common Issues Like any appliance, your sushi display case and refrigerator may encounter some issues. From temperature fluctuations to glass fogging, it’s crucial to handle these promptly to keep your sushi at its freshest. Frequently Asked Questions Check out these FAQs for more handy info! How often should I clean my sushi display case? It’s advisable to clean it at least once a week; however, if your establishment experiences high traffic, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Maintaining cleanliness is crucial not only for health and safety regulations but also for prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. What is the ideal temperature for a sushi refrigerator? The ideal temperature is usually between 33°F and 41°F (0.5°C – 5°C). It’s important to keep raw fish products chilled at this range to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, maintaining the freshness and safety of your sushi. What is the best material for a refrigerated sushi display case? The best material for a sushi display case is typically stainless steel, particularly for the interior. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and effectively maintains cold temperatures. For the display front, tempered glass is a great option as it offers excellent visibility, is scratch-resistant, and is easy to clean. How do I choose the right size for my sushi display case and refrigerator? When choosing the right size for your sushi display case and refrigerator, you should consider the volume of sushi you plan to sell daily, the available space in your establishment, and the layout of your counter. It’s important to choose a size that can accommodate your product volume without crowding while fitting comfortably in your space. Finding the right display case for your business is not merely about keeping your food fresh. It’s about showcasing your food in the best possible light, captivating your customers, and enticing them to buy. By carefully considering the factors we’ve discussed, you’ll be well-equipped to make a decision that benefits both your business and your customers. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Sandwich Prep Table: The Top Picks for Your Business What’s the Best Commercial Refrigerator for Your Business Commercial Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine: The Options for Your Business Deli Case: Picks a Cut Above the Rest for Your Business Commercial Refrigerators: Top Picks to Keep Your Stock Fresh and Profitable Image: eBay, Amazon This article, "Sushi Display Case: Choices for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Agile capacity planning can help you meet your project deadlines and stick to your budget, even when the scope or requirements are changing regularly. Here's how it works, and which tools to use to make the process easier. The post Agile Capacity Planning: How It Works & Which Tools To Use appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

This is a world in which no one can ‘price’ peace any moreView the full article

Consumer and employees groups are seeking a restraining order against CFPB acting Director Russell Vought, arguing that he was unlawfully installed and has "no power to direct" the bureau. View the full article

Have you ever looked at a bridge, building or structure of any kind and wondered, “how did they do that?” They did it with construction management. Construction is, of course, a project, one that tends to be long, complex and involves many different parties to deliver. In order to control all those moving parts, construction professionals use construction management for all project delivery methods. Let’s look at what construction management is and then go into some of the key elements. We’ll also discuss the process and offers some free templates to help in your next construction project. What Is Construction Management? Construction management is a professional service for project owners. It provides them with the management of the construction project’s schedule, cost, quality, safety, scope and function. Construction management is led by a construction manager, who reports to the owner and is tasked with delivering a successful project. In order to schedule and budget the construction project while adhering to safety and security measures and managing risk, construction management requires project management methodologies and software. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps construction management plan, manage and track projects in real time. Robust Gantt charts organize tasks, resources and costs while linking all four types of dependencies and creating milestones. You can even filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track whether your actual progress is meeting your planned progress. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgProjectManager’s Gantt chart is ideal for construction management. Learn more 10 Key Areas of Construction Management Multiple key areas make up the construction management discipline. By managing all of these separate areas a construction manager can deliver projects successfully. Here’s a quick overview of each of them. 1. Construction Scope Management This is the process of defining and controlling what’s included in a construction project. It consists of planning, documenting and managing the work needed to complete the project while factoring in the budget and schedule. Key aspects of construction scope management include defining the project scope, creating a scope of work, developing a work breakdown structure (WBS) and managing changes. 2. Construction Cost Management and Budgeting Cost management and budgeting helps ensure that construction projects are financially successful by effectively managing costs. Typically, the construction manager will help oversee this area of the project. There are several key focus areas, including cost estimating, budgeting, cost control and cost reporting. As a result, it helps reduce the risk of cost overruns, improves profitability, enhances decision making and increases stakeholder satisfaction. 3. Construction Resource Management This is the process of planning, scheduling and managing the needed resources to complete a construction project. It includes everything from labor and materials to equipment, finances and time. Resource planning, scheduling and tracking all play a role in construction resource management with the goal of reducing project costs, improving project efficiency and boosting stakeholder satisfaction. 4. Construction Risk Management All projects have risks, but especially construction projects. The project manager will work to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks that impact the project’s success. In construction projects, risks can range from material shortages to safety hazards to legal disputes. The more effectively risks can be managed, the better the project can stay on track while ensuring the safety of the workers. 5. Construction Planning and Scheduling A construction management plan isn’t successful without planning and scheduling. These are two closely related processes that help define the project scope, identify the needed activities, determine their sequence and dependencies, estimate the durations and allocate resources. They work together to determine the overall approach and strategy for executing the construction project. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg 6. Construction Quality Management In construction, quality management consists of both quality assurance and quality control. These areas work together to ensure the project meets the desired quality standards and specifications all while adhering to industry best practices. Processes involve planning, implementing and controlling activities to ultimately achieve a project that meets the client’s needs and expectations. 7. Construction Site Management Construction site management focuses on organizing, directing and controlling the activities on a construction site to ensure the project is completed according to safety standards. It also helps the project stay on track so it finishes on time, on budget and within the desired quality standards. Key components of construction site management include site planning, site inspection, resource management, scheduling and coordination, cost control and quality control. 8. Construction Bidding The bidding process in construction allows the construction manager to review contractors to hire for the project. Of course, price is a factor, but risk is also assessed. It’s important to look over the safety, financial and insurance resources of these contractors to ensure they’re professional and best suited for the job. This process begins with a request for general contractors to bid on the project. These general contractors then get bids from subcontractors. There’s a back and forth as questions are answered about the project until the deadline when bids must be submitted and a contractor selected. This leads to contract negotiations and when agreed on, the contract is signed and distributed to the project team. The general contractor who won the bid will then make the final selection of subcontractors. 9. Construction Contract Management Construction contracts are legally binding documents that are signed by the winning bidder and the owner and outlines the scope of work, risks, duties and legal rights for both parties. There are many different types of contracts, such as a lump sum contract in which the owner pays upon completion of the project. But there are many more, such as percentage rate, item rate, cost plus fixed fee and so on. You have to determine which contract is right for you and the job being done. 10. Construction Delivery Methods There are five common delivery methods in construction projects. Design-bid-build, also known as traditional building, is probably the most used method. There are three phases: design, bid and build. This is often found in commercial construction projects and while lengthy, it gives owners the opportunity to work with architects and engineers to get a good price for the project. Design-build (D-B) reduces the timeline that’s associated with design-bid-build by having a single party replace the designer and the contractor. This design-builder is usually an architect, engineer or contractor and works with the owner. This fosters better communication but puts many responsibilities on the shoulders of the design-builder. Another delivery method is construction manager at risk (CMAR or CM at risk). It’s similar to the design-bid-build method, but the construction manager (CM) is hired by the owner to oversee the project. This is great for owners who need expert help managing the project and often allows the owner to remove themselves from the process. Then there’s job order contracting (JOC), which works at completing a number of predefined construction tasks. It tends to be used in small-to-medium construction projects, such as repairs, renovations and maintenance. It’s ideal for short timelines and fixed budgets, but not new construction. Multiple award task order contract (MATOC) is often found in military or government construction work. It involves long-standing contracts for multiple projects, all of which are under a single master contract. There could be multiple contractors at work, there could also only be one. Construction Management Roles There are three main parties involved in construction management. They are the owner, who is the one commissioning the work and funds or finances it; the architect or engineer, who is responsible for the design of the project; and the general contractor, who is the person overseeing the day-to-day operations of the project as well as managing the subcontractors. Construction management is overseeing these parties and the overall project through the lens of the owner’s interests. Therefore, construction management interfaces with all three parties in order to make sure the project is delivered on time and within its budget, if not ideally under budget. The project must also meet the quality, scope and function expectations of the owner. This is accomplished by a combination of experience and education that directs the construction operations through the development of a detailed schedule and budget. Project Owner The project owner initiates the project, defines its purpose and is ultimately responsible for its success or failure. They help bring the project together and coordinate with all of the involved parties to guide the project from inception to completion. Keep in mind that the involvement of the project owner can vary depending on the project’s size and complexity. Construction Manager The construction manager is usually hired after the owner has finalized a design and is responsible for the day-to-day operations on the job site. They plan every stage of the construction project and make sure that the completed building meets quality and safety requirements while keeping to the timeline and budget. General Contractor The general contractor is responsible for taking the owner’s vision and architect’s plans to turn them into reality. They spend most of their time on the construction site and help with areas such as project management, cost management, quality control, risk management and more. The general contractor brings together the resources, manages the work and ensures the project is completed as it should be. Site Supervisor or Foreman The site supervisor or foreman is on the ground ensuring that the construction plans are brought to life both safely and efficiently. They help lead the crew and ensure everyone is working effectively. This role oversees day-to-day operations and enforces safety protocols. They also help with scheduling, progress tracking and communication. Architect The architect is the creative visionary for the team. They are involved from conception to completion to ensure the project is safe, functional and meets the clients needs. Their creativity, technical expertise and project management skills helps the building’s aesthetics and functionality. Civil Engineer Civil engineers are involved in all phases of the construction project, overseeing safety and functionality to help the project meet its goals. They evaluate the construction site, address any technical challenges that arise and coordinate with other project team members, problem-solving when needed. Quantity Surveyor or Cost Manager A quantity surveyor or cost manager in construction oversees all aspects of the project’s costs. This includes everything from the initial estimates to the final accounts to help the project stay within budget and deliver value for the money that’s going into it. Health and Safety Manager The construction health and safety managers is responsible for overseeing safety on the construction site. They help develop and implement safety plans while enforcing regulations. They are also working to promote a culture of safety consciousness on site to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Procurement Manager The procurement manager helps acquire the needed materials, services and equipment for a project. They work to guarantee that the right resources are available at the right time, at the right price and with the right quantity. These supply chain experts help navigate the ins and outs of sourcing and logistics to help keep the project on track. Contract Manager The contract manager ensures that all parties in the project understand their obligations and are fulfilling them as needed. They help bridge the legal and commercial complexities of construction contracts while protecting the company’s best interests. The Construction Management Process Construction management follows project management methodology in order to deliver the project on time and under or within the agreed-upon budget. After the bidding process and the contract has been signed, it’s time to build. Construction projects have phases, and there are five basic phases to the construction management process. Initiation Before any planning is started, an objective for the construction project has to be decided upon. There is also a need to do a feasibility study to ensure that the construction is even viable. That is, there’s a return on investment and the project can be delivered on time and within a reasonable budget. You’ll also need to have a schematic design at this phase. Once this is done, a project initiation document (PID) is made, which will provide the groundwork for the construction plan. Preconstruction This first step is to assemble a project team who will look at all the work that must be done in order to complete the project. A work breakdown structure (WBS) is often used to divide the larger job into small, more manageable deliverables and tasks. Time is planned in a schedule of activities that includes the costs for executing tasks and the resources needed to do them. This is called preconstruction. At this point, the schedule, budget, risk management plan and communication plan are all finalized. Though, these are living documents that must be reviewed and revised throughout the life cycle of the project. Procurement Now, the project team orders, purchases or rents everything it needs for the construction project. This includes tools and services that’ll be necessary to complete the project. Depending on the scope of the project, this can be demanding. Good communication is vital between the owner, contractor and vendors to ensure everything is done properly. Poor communication leads to bad purchasing and inventory that’s lacking or overstocked; either scenario is bad for business. Construction This is when the project is executed. During this phase of the process, the general contractor and subcontractors carry out all the planning and procuring of resources that had been done in the previous steps. The construction manager, architect, engineers and project manager will all work together to perform quality control inspections, respond to requests for information (RFIs) and review and approve technical submissions. This is all done to make sure the construction meets the design requirements while keeping to schedule, budget and quality. Post Construction The final phase involves a punch list, where the contractor and owner look over the job and catch errors or items that still need to be completed. Once the project has been successfully delivered, however, there’s still work to do. Resources are demobilized, rentals are returned, the worksite is cleaned and subcontractors’ contracts are closed so they can move on to other projects. Free Construction Management Templates While project management software is better suited to managing the processes of construction management, many still work off of spreadsheets. It’s not recommended, but if one isn’t ready to upgrade, there are construction management templates. ProjectManager is project management software but also a site in which dozens of free project management templates for Excel and Word can be downloaded for free. The following are free of construction-related free templates. Construction Proposal Since construction projects are based on the bidding process, construction management needs proposals to prove they are the best choice for the job. Our free construction proposal template for Word gives you space to outline the scope of work, cost and payment, schedule and much more. Construction Estimate The more accurate your estimate, the more likely you’ll profit from construction management. Better forecasts come from research and using our free construction estimate template for Excel. With the free template, you can document the direct, indirect, labor and material costs of your construction project during the bidding process. Construction Schedule When planning all the activities necessary to complete a construction project on time you need our free construction schedule template. See all your tasks on a timeline to track deliverables, manage resources, add milestones, filter for the critical path, link all four dependencies and track your budget to avoid overspending. Construction Daily Report Every day a report must be filed to document the work done and set up for the work coming the next day. Our free construction daily report template for Excel captures the work you did, whether it was completed on schedule, notes who and what is needed to finish the job, to list visitors and the weather conditions. ProjectManager Helps With Construction Management Templates are fine, but you may get frustrated with them fairly quickly. That’s because they’re static documents that don’t automatically update or lend themselves to collaboration. ProjectManager is online project management software that has automation and real-time data for greater insights into your project and connects teams across departments, whether they’re in the office or the field. Monitor Progress in Real Time Construction management is all about keeping on schedule and not overspending. To make sure you’re following the construction plan, you need to use our real-time dashboard. It captures, calculates and displays easy-to-read graphs and charts on time, cost and four more project metrics. There’s no complicated configuration as with lightweight tools. Our live dashboard is up and running the moment you open the software. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dashboard-IT-Light-2554x1372-1-1600x860.png Manage Resources to Stay Productive Keeping track of your resources is another responsibility in construction management. Our resource management features allow you to see the availability of your crew to ease scheduling and then monitor their workload to keep them working at capacity. Use the color-coded workload chart to see who is overallocated or under-allocated. Then balance the team’s workload right from the same chart, increasing productivity and avoiding burnout. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/assign-people-resource-allocation-light-mode-gantt-chart-workload-assignments-1600x786.png Manage your team’s hours with secure timesheets. They’re easy to submit and show how many hours each team member has spent on their tasks. You can set recurring tasks and automate workflows to further make work more efficient. There are also customizable reports that give you details on project status, variance and more. We have what you need to manage your construction project. ProjectManager is award-winning software that empowers teams to collaborate and gives managers transparency to keep them productive. Our flexible tool works for traditional, agile and hybrid methodologies. Join teams qt Avis, Nestle and Siemens who are using our software to deliver success. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Construction Management: Process, Key Areas and Roles appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Discover the best photo booth app for elevating your small business’s event and promotional efforts. In today’s digital-dominated era, photo booth apps serve as invaluable tools, merging entertainment with marketing to create memorable experiences. This article will guide you through the top photo booth apps, each designed to make your business stand out at any gathering or campaign. Best App for 360 Photo Booth: Touchpix Touchpix is the ultimate 360 photo booth app, offering a comprehensive solution for event professionals. It seamlessly integrates iPhone, iPad, Android, GoPro 7-11, and DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice. With over 60 advanced video and photo effects, customizable templates, and built-in internet-free sharing, Touchpix sets itself apart. Pricing is simple, offering a range of options from weekly to yearly subscriptions to meet various needs. Whether you’re seeking a dynamic 360 photo booth experience or efficient event management, Touchpix delivers a user-friendly interface and robust features. Make your events truly exciting with Touchpix’s innovative photo booth app. Best iPad Photo Booth App: Booth.Events Booth.Events stand out as the best iPad photo booth app, offering ease of use and versatility. With support for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras, it caters to professionals and businesses seeking a reliable solution. This app allows customization of every aspect, from branding to capture types, making it adaptable to various event requirements. The testimonials from satisfied users speak to its quality and user-friendliness. Booth. Events offer robust features at a competitive cost, making it an attractive choice for those in the photo booth business. Whether it’s for marketing events or entertainment, Booth. Events deliver the tools for success without compromising on quality or ease of use. More Top Photo Booth Apps for Businesses Let’s explore more fantastic photo booth apps to enhance your business events and keep your audience entertained and engaged. Simple Booth App Simple Booth offers user-friendly photo booth solutions for events, with features like custom branding and social sharing. Salsa Booth Salsa Booth by Photo Booth Supply Co. is a powerful software designed for event professionals looking to create engaging photo experiences. Snappic Snappic provides a versatile photo booth platform with social integration, filters, and branding options for creating memorable event experiences. Mini Photobooth Mini Photobooth offers iOS users the ultimate event photobooth. Customize layouts and countdowns, print or share photos, and explore 60+ templates, fonts, and stickers for creative fun. LumaBooth LumaBooth, developed by DSLR Booth, is an all-in-one photo booth app that offers a range of features, including social sharing, customizable templates, and sophisticated editing tools. Darkroom Booth Darkroom Booth offers professional-grade photo booth software with customizable templates, green screen support, and social sharing features. Pocketbooth Pocketbooth is a mobile app that turns your iPhone into a classic photo booth, allowing fun photo sessions with vintage effects. App NameDescriptionNotable Features Simple Booth AppUser-friendly photo booth solutions for events.- Custom branding - Social sharing Salsa BoothPowerful software designed for event professionals.- Engaging photo experiences SnappicVersatile photo booth platform for memorable event experiences.- Social integration - Filters - Branding options Mini PhotoboothiOS app offering the ultimate event photobooth.- Customize layouts & countdowns - Print or share photos - 60+ templates, fonts, and stickers LumaBoothComprehensive photo booth app by DSLR Booth.- Social sharing - Custom templates - Advanced editing tools My Photobooth AppVersatile solution for unique photo booth experiences.- Customization options - Instant sharing capabilities Darkroom BoothProfessional-grade photo booth software.- Customizable templates - Green screen support - Social sharing features PocketboothMobile app that turns your iPhone into a classic photo booth.- Fun photo sessions - Vintage effects Choosing the Best Photo Booth App for Your Event: Our Methodology Photo booths have transformed from a simple attraction at events into digitized and mobile experiences thanks to apps. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual gathering, the best photo booth app can capture memories in a fun and engaging way. To help you select the ideal one, we used the following criteria, rated on a scale of importance from one to ten, with ten being the most important: Variety of Features and Effects (Importance Scale: 9/10) Wide range of filters, stickers, and special effects. Options for customization include adding text or drawing. Ease of Use (Importance Scale: 10/10) User-friendly interface. Quick setup and intuitive navigation. Quality of Images (Importance Scale: 9/10) High-resolution output for clear, crisp photos. Good color balance and image enhancement features. Sharing Capabilities (Importance Scale: 8/10) Easy sharing options to social media platforms. Options to send photos via email or text. Customization Options (Importance Scale: 7/10) Ability to customize backgrounds and templates. Options for branding for business events. Speed and Performance (Importance Scale: 8/10) Fast photo processing and minimal lag. Reliable performance during continuous use. Compatibility with Devices (Importance Scale: 7/10) Compatibility with various smartphones and tablets. Cross-platform support for wider accessibility. Cost and Pricing Plans (Importance Scale: 6/10) Affordable pricing with transparent costs. Free version or trial available for initial testing. Customer Support and Updates (Importance Scale: 6/10) Accessible customer support for troubleshooting. Regular updates for new features and bug fixes. Privacy and Security (Importance Scale: 7/10) Assurance of data privacy and security. Clear policies on data usage and storage. Using the above criteria as a roadmap, we’ve delved into the myriad of photo booth apps available. Our aim is to recommend apps that not only capture memories but also amplify the fun factor, ensuring your event is memorable for all the right reasons. Types of Photo Both Apps 360 Photo Booth Apps: The immersive experience offered by 360 photo booths is gaining popularity among businesses. These booths capture moments from every angle, providing a unique and memorable experience for customers. Companies looking to create a lasting impression at events and promotions may find 360 photo booths an excellent choice. iPad Photo Booths: Using iPad photo booth apps comes with numerous benefits. Their portability enables you to set up the booth in any location, providing greater flexibility. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps available, iPads are an excellent option for businesses seeking a straightforward and effective photo booth solution. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iebEEsZjUq0%3Fsi%3DZaakrvpBgWkC-lO2 Why Every Small Business Needs a Photo Booth App In today’s digital age, small businesses must adapt to new ways of engaging customers. Photo booth apps have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing brand image, increasing customer engagement, and promoting products or services. The Role of Photo Booths in Modern Business Modern digital photo booths are now taking the place of traditional ones. These digital booths provide interactive features, instant sharing options, and customization possibilities that were once unimaginable with classic photo booths. This transition signifies a significant shift in the way businesses approach marketing and customer interaction. Everyone, from traditional retail business owners to those focusing on mobile business ideas, may benefit from this technology. Mini Photobooth Solutions for Small Events Mini photobooths offer a cost-effective way to add fun and engagement to small events. Their compact size makes them a perfect fit for limited spaces. These scaled-down versions still deliver the joy of capturing memories and sharing moments without breaking the bank or overcrowding your event. Integrating Photo Booths with Social Media In the age of social media, integrating photo booths with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is a game-changer. The best photo booth apps offer seamless connectivity, allowing users to share their pictures and experiences with their online communities instantly. This integration enhances engagement and expands your reach effortlessly. Using Analytics and Insights from Photo Booth Apps Photo booth apps aren’t just about fun snapshots. They’re valuable tools for data collection. By analyzing user interactions, demographics, and photo-sharing patterns, businesses gain insights to refine their marketing strategies. Harnessing this data empowers you to make informed decisions, boosting your marketing effectiveness. Enhancing Customer Experience with Personalization One of the key strengths of photo booth apps is their ability to personalize the user experience. Businesses can leverage this by: Customizing photo templates by incorporating the company’s logo and details specific to the event to enhance brand identity. Offering themed photo filters and effects tailored to the nature of the event or season, adding a fun and memorable twist to the customer’s experience. Utilizing photo booth data to personalize follow-up marketing efforts, sending tailored offers or messages to participants based on their interaction with the booth. Leveraging User-Generated Content Photos captured at your business events can serve as a compelling type of user-generated content (UGC). Motivate your customers to post their photos on social media using a designated hashtag associated with your brand or event. This not only extends the reach of your marketing efforts but also provides authentic content that can be repurposed for future promotional campaigns. Boosting Social Media Engagement Integrate your photo booth app with social media platforms to make sharing effortless. This direct integration can significantly increase your event’s visibility online and encourage engagement from those who couldn’t attend in person. Highlighting the best customer photos on your business’s social media pages can further enhance engagement and foster a sense of community around your brand. Networking and Lead Generation Photo booth apps can be an excellent tool for networking and lead generation. By requiring users to provide their email addresses or connect a social media account to access and share their photos, businesses can collect valuable contact information. This information can be utilized for future marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, special offers, and newsletters, which will enhance ongoing engagement and conversion. Creating Memorable Brand Experiences Ultimately, the goal of incorporating a photo booth app into your business strategy is to create memorable brand experiences. Whether it’s a launch party, a promotional event, or a customer appreciation day, the fun and interactive nature of photo booths make them an ideal addition. They not only provide entertainment but also enhance brand recall, making your business stand out in the minds of customers long after the event has ended. Implementing Feedback Loops Utilize the interactive nature of photo booths as an opportunity to gather feedback from your customers. This can be done through quick surveys on the photo booth app post-photo session or by analyzing the types of photos and interactions most common among your guests. This feedback is invaluable for improving future events, products, and customer experiences. By exploring these strategies and understanding the broader applications of photo booth apps, small businesses can significantly benefit from their investment in this digital tool. Whether it’s through enhanced customer engagement, increased brand visibility, or the generation of valuable marketing content, photo booth apps offer a multifaceted solution to modern marketing challenges. FAQs: Best Photo Booth App How do photo booth apps boost engagement at events? Photo booth apps create an engaging and interactive experience for event attendees, motivating them to take pictures and share them on social media, which in turn enhances brand visibility. Are there free photo booth apps for businesses? Yes, photo booth apps like TinyBooth are free. Businesses can start with a basic photobooth app like TinyBooth to test the waters before investing in premium options. How secure are photo booth apps? Photo booth apps should prioritize user data security. Look for apps with robust encryption, data privacy policies, and user authentication features to ensure a secure experience. What varies in photo strip quality across apps? Photo strip quality depends on factors like image resolution, printing options, and customization features offered by different apps. Choosing the right app ensures high-quality prints for your business. What’s the cost to start a photo booth business? The cost to start a photo booth business varies widely depending on factors like photography equipment, software, marketing, and location. There are also photo booth franchise opportunities that may cost a bit extra due to the support and brand recognition provided. On average, it can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, photo booths can be among the most profitable vending machines to operate. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Photo Booth App Options for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Discover the best photo booth app for elevating your small business’s event and promotional efforts. In today’s digital-dominated era, photo booth apps serve as invaluable tools, merging entertainment with marketing to create memorable experiences. This article will guide you through the top photo booth apps, each designed to make your business stand out at any gathering or campaign. Best App for 360 Photo Booth: Touchpix Touchpix is the ultimate 360 photo booth app, offering a comprehensive solution for event professionals. It seamlessly integrates iPhone, iPad, Android, GoPro 7-11, and DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice. With over 60 advanced video and photo effects, customizable templates, and built-in internet-free sharing, Touchpix sets itself apart. Pricing is simple, offering a range of options from weekly to yearly subscriptions to meet various needs. Whether you’re seeking a dynamic 360 photo booth experience or efficient event management, Touchpix delivers a user-friendly interface and robust features. Make your events truly exciting with Touchpix’s innovative photo booth app. Best iPad Photo Booth App: Booth.Events Booth.Events stand out as the best iPad photo booth app, offering ease of use and versatility. With support for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras, it caters to professionals and businesses seeking a reliable solution. This app allows customization of every aspect, from branding to capture types, making it adaptable to various event requirements. The testimonials from satisfied users speak to its quality and user-friendliness. Booth. Events offer robust features at a competitive cost, making it an attractive choice for those in the photo booth business. Whether it’s for marketing events or entertainment, Booth. Events deliver the tools for success without compromising on quality or ease of use. More Top Photo Booth Apps for Businesses Let’s explore more fantastic photo booth apps to enhance your business events and keep your audience entertained and engaged. Simple Booth App Simple Booth offers user-friendly photo booth solutions for events, with features like custom branding and social sharing. Salsa Booth Salsa Booth by Photo Booth Supply Co. is a powerful software designed for event professionals looking to create engaging photo experiences. Snappic Snappic provides a versatile photo booth platform with social integration, filters, and branding options for creating memorable event experiences. Mini Photobooth Mini Photobooth offers iOS users the ultimate event photobooth. Customize layouts and countdowns, print or share photos, and explore 60+ templates, fonts, and stickers for creative fun. LumaBooth LumaBooth, developed by DSLR Booth, is an all-in-one photo booth app that offers a range of features, including social sharing, customizable templates, and sophisticated editing tools. Darkroom Booth Darkroom Booth offers professional-grade photo booth software with customizable templates, green screen support, and social sharing features. Pocketbooth Pocketbooth is a mobile app that turns your iPhone into a classic photo booth, allowing fun photo sessions with vintage effects. App NameDescriptionNotable Features Simple Booth AppUser-friendly photo booth solutions for events.- Custom branding - Social sharing Salsa BoothPowerful software designed for event professionals.- Engaging photo experiences SnappicVersatile photo booth platform for memorable event experiences.- Social integration - Filters - Branding options Mini PhotoboothiOS app offering the ultimate event photobooth.- Customize layouts & countdowns - Print or share photos - 60+ templates, fonts, and stickers LumaBoothComprehensive photo booth app by DSLR Booth.- Social sharing - Custom templates - Advanced editing tools My Photobooth AppVersatile solution for unique photo booth experiences.- Customization options - Instant sharing capabilities Darkroom BoothProfessional-grade photo booth software.- Customizable templates - Green screen support - Social sharing features PocketboothMobile app that turns your iPhone into a classic photo booth.- Fun photo sessions - Vintage effects Choosing the Best Photo Booth App for Your Event: Our Methodology Photo booths have transformed from a simple attraction at events into digitized and mobile experiences thanks to apps. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual gathering, the best photo booth app can capture memories in a fun and engaging way. To help you select the ideal one, we used the following criteria, rated on a scale of importance from one to ten, with ten being the most important: Variety of Features and Effects (Importance Scale: 9/10) Wide range of filters, stickers, and special effects. Options for customization include adding text or drawing. Ease of Use (Importance Scale: 10/10) User-friendly interface. Quick setup and intuitive navigation. Quality of Images (Importance Scale: 9/10) High-resolution output for clear, crisp photos. Good color balance and image enhancement features. Sharing Capabilities (Importance Scale: 8/10) Easy sharing options to social media platforms. Options to send photos via email or text. Customization Options (Importance Scale: 7/10) Ability to customize backgrounds and templates. Options for branding for business events. Speed and Performance (Importance Scale: 8/10) Fast photo processing and minimal lag. Reliable performance during continuous use. Compatibility with Devices (Importance Scale: 7/10) Compatibility with various smartphones and tablets. Cross-platform support for wider accessibility. Cost and Pricing Plans (Importance Scale: 6/10) Affordable pricing with transparent costs. Free version or trial available for initial testing. Customer Support and Updates (Importance Scale: 6/10) Accessible customer support for troubleshooting. Regular updates for new features and bug fixes. Privacy and Security (Importance Scale: 7/10) Assurance of data privacy and security. Clear policies on data usage and storage. Using the above criteria as a roadmap, we’ve delved into the myriad of photo booth apps available. Our aim is to recommend apps that not only capture memories but also amplify the fun factor, ensuring your event is memorable for all the right reasons. Types of Photo Both Apps 360 Photo Booth Apps: The immersive experience offered by 360 photo booths is gaining popularity among businesses. These booths capture moments from every angle, providing a unique and memorable experience for customers. Companies looking to create a lasting impression at events and promotions may find 360 photo booths an excellent choice. iPad Photo Booths: Using iPad photo booth apps comes with numerous benefits. Their portability enables you to set up the booth in any location, providing greater flexibility. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps available, iPads are an excellent option for businesses seeking a straightforward and effective photo booth solution. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iebEEsZjUq0%3Fsi%3DZaakrvpBgWkC-lO2 Why Every Small Business Needs a Photo Booth App In today’s digital age, small businesses must adapt to new ways of engaging customers. Photo booth apps have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing brand image, increasing customer engagement, and promoting products or services. The Role of Photo Booths in Modern Business Modern digital photo booths are now taking the place of traditional ones. These digital booths provide interactive features, instant sharing options, and customization possibilities that were once unimaginable with classic photo booths. This transition signifies a significant shift in the way businesses approach marketing and customer interaction. Everyone, from traditional retail business owners to those focusing on mobile business ideas, may benefit from this technology. Mini Photobooth Solutions for Small Events Mini photobooths offer a cost-effective way to add fun and engagement to small events. Their compact size makes them a perfect fit for limited spaces. These scaled-down versions still deliver the joy of capturing memories and sharing moments without breaking the bank or overcrowding your event. Integrating Photo Booths with Social Media In the age of social media, integrating photo booths with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is a game-changer. The best photo booth apps offer seamless connectivity, allowing users to share their pictures and experiences with their online communities instantly. This integration enhances engagement and expands your reach effortlessly. Using Analytics and Insights from Photo Booth Apps Photo booth apps aren’t just about fun snapshots. They’re valuable tools for data collection. By analyzing user interactions, demographics, and photo-sharing patterns, businesses gain insights to refine their marketing strategies. Harnessing this data empowers you to make informed decisions, boosting your marketing effectiveness. Enhancing Customer Experience with Personalization One of the key strengths of photo booth apps is their ability to personalize the user experience. Businesses can leverage this by: Customizing photo templates by incorporating the company’s logo and details specific to the event to enhance brand identity. Offering themed photo filters and effects tailored to the nature of the event or season, adding a fun and memorable twist to the customer’s experience. Utilizing photo booth data to personalize follow-up marketing efforts, sending tailored offers or messages to participants based on their interaction with the booth. Leveraging User-Generated Content Photos captured at your business events can serve as a compelling type of user-generated content (UGC). Motivate your customers to post their photos on social media using a designated hashtag associated with your brand or event. This not only extends the reach of your marketing efforts but also provides authentic content that can be repurposed for future promotional campaigns. Boosting Social Media Engagement Integrate your photo booth app with social media platforms to make sharing effortless. This direct integration can significantly increase your event’s visibility online and encourage engagement from those who couldn’t attend in person. Highlighting the best customer photos on your business’s social media pages can further enhance engagement and foster a sense of community around your brand. Networking and Lead Generation Photo booth apps can be an excellent tool for networking and lead generation. By requiring users to provide their email addresses or connect a social media account to access and share their photos, businesses can collect valuable contact information. This information can be utilized for future marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, special offers, and newsletters, which will enhance ongoing engagement and conversion. Creating Memorable Brand Experiences Ultimately, the goal of incorporating a photo booth app into your business strategy is to create memorable brand experiences. Whether it’s a launch party, a promotional event, or a customer appreciation day, the fun and interactive nature of photo booths make them an ideal addition. They not only provide entertainment but also enhance brand recall, making your business stand out in the minds of customers long after the event has ended. Implementing Feedback Loops Utilize the interactive nature of photo booths as an opportunity to gather feedback from your customers. This can be done through quick surveys on the photo booth app post-photo session or by analyzing the types of photos and interactions most common among your guests. This feedback is invaluable for improving future events, products, and customer experiences. By exploring these strategies and understanding the broader applications of photo booth apps, small businesses can significantly benefit from their investment in this digital tool. Whether it’s through enhanced customer engagement, increased brand visibility, or the generation of valuable marketing content, photo booth apps offer a multifaceted solution to modern marketing challenges. FAQs: Best Photo Booth App How do photo booth apps boost engagement at events? Photo booth apps create an engaging and interactive experience for event attendees, motivating them to take pictures and share them on social media, which in turn enhances brand visibility. Are there free photo booth apps for businesses? Yes, photo booth apps like TinyBooth are free. Businesses can start with a basic photobooth app like TinyBooth to test the waters before investing in premium options. How secure are photo booth apps? Photo booth apps should prioritize user data security. Look for apps with robust encryption, data privacy policies, and user authentication features to ensure a secure experience. What varies in photo strip quality across apps? Photo strip quality depends on factors like image resolution, printing options, and customization features offered by different apps. Choosing the right app ensures high-quality prints for your business. What’s the cost to start a photo booth business? The cost to start a photo booth business varies widely depending on factors like photography equipment, software, marketing, and location. There are also photo booth franchise opportunities that may cost a bit extra due to the support and brand recognition provided. On average, it can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, photo booths can be among the most profitable vending machines to operate. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Photo Booth App Options for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I gave up wearing an Apple Watch about three marathons ago. Fitness watches are fantastic tools for most runners, but they're not for me—especially when I'm not training for a specific race. It turns out that, for me, there's a distinct freedom in running without a training plan. After years of following structured programs with specific paces, distances, and workout types, I've learned to appreciate the art of intuitive running—letting my body guide the way rather than my watch. The joy of watchless runningThe decision to ditch my running watch was a conscious one. No more obsessing over pace, distance, or heart rate. Instead, I've developed a deeper connection with my body's natural rhythms and signals. I measure my runs less in miles or minutes, and more in landmarks, breath patterns, and perceived effort. My body has become my most reliable metric. How to run without a training planWithout digital data, I focus on three key indicators: Pay attention to your breathing patternMy breath has become my personal speedometer. A "good" pace means breathing through my nose or maintaining a comfortable conversation. When I want to push slightly, I'll let myself breathe harder but never to the point of not being able to string together a few words. This natural governor keeps me honest about my effort level. Listen to your body's feedbackI pay attention to how my feet strike the ground, whether my shoulders are relaxed, and if my form feels fluid. These physical cues tell me more about my running quality than any GPS watch could. When my footfalls feel light and my posture stays tall, I know I'm moving well. Pay attention to your recovery signalsPerhaps most importantly, I listen to how my body feels the day after a run. Mild muscle fatigue is fine, but any hint of joint pain or excessive tiredness means I need to dial back. This attention to recovery has helped me avoid injuries more effectively than when I was following strict training plans. The advantages of a "slow and steady" approachWithout a race deadline looming, I can truly embrace the "slow and steady" approach to my running. I'm not building toward a specific event; I'm building a sustainable running practice. This means: Taking genuine easy days (most days are easy days) Gradually increasing distance by feel rather than forced progression Respecting recovery as much as the running itself Adding intensity only when my body feels particularly springy and willing The benefits of intuitive runningThis more intuitive approach has transformed my relationship with running. Gone is the pressure to hit certain paces or weekly mileage targets. Instead, each run becomes an opportunity to tune into my body's capabilities on that particular day. This isn't just about my hippie mentality—it's a true fitness hack for me. I've found myself more consistent than ever, partly because I'm not burning out from trying to stick to an arbitrary schedule. Some days I run longer, others shorter. Some days I find myself naturally picking up the pace, while others I'm content to move at what feels like a whisper. Don't get me wrong. I know there's a time for intensity and diligence—I've run six marathons, after all. but it's perfect for maintaining fitness and joy in running. I'm building a base that will serve me well when I do decide to train for another marathon. More importantly, I'm cultivating a sustainable practice that I can maintain for years to come. The beauty of running lies in its simplicity. No gadgets, no complicated workouts—just me, my breath, and the road ahead. It's a reminder that sometimes, less structure leads to more consistency, and paying attention to our bodies can be more valuable than any data point a watch could provide. View the full article

Poor economic data and flatlining growth are threatening to erode the chancellor’s £9.9bn margin of errorView the full article

In most cases, you have to be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to attend a discovery day, get ready. Things are about to get serious. You are about to enter an exciting step in your goal to become a franchise owner. By the time franchise discovery day rolls around, you have pretty much decided which franchise opportunity you are going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to franchise ownership. What is Franchise Discovery Day? Franchise Discovery Day is a planned event at a franchisor’s headquarters, limited to “qualified” candidates for franchise ownership. Discovery day is the day that you as the prospective franchisee travel to the home office to meet the franchise team members in person and ask questions. Franchise discovery day has a structured agenda including group presentations, meetings and a tour. Discovery day is an opportunity for the franchisor and franchisee to get to know each other. You get to meet key executives and solidify your impression. Not just anybody can attend franchise discovery days. You must meet the franchisor’s desired qualifications in terms of skills and finances. Only candidates who have been through every stage of the franchise exploration process with the franchise representatives get an invite. When Does a Prospective Franchisee Get Invited to Discovery Day? Most franchisors don’t extend invitations to franchise discovery days until their candidates have gone through several specific steps in the process. By the point of getting an invitation to Franchise Discovery Day, you have done a good job with your franchise business selections. You’ve made sure that the opportunities you’ve looked into are easily within your budget, and you have identified the most profitable franchises. You’ve done a stellar job with your franchise research. As a candidate for potential franchise ownership, you typically go through the following steps prior to franchise discovery days: Complete an application — Most franchisors ask prospective franchisees to formally apply. This includes providing confidential financial information (see why). Undergo a credit check — The franchisor checks the candidate’s credit history and usually performs a background check, too. Review the disclosure document — Before an invitation to attend, you will receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Franchisors must present this document to franchise buyers before they legally can buy the franchise opportunity. The 23 items listed include company financials, executive backgrounds, and more. Begin review of the franchise agreement — Franchisors are required to attach to the disclosure document a sample of the franchise agreement. You have the opportunity to review rights and responsibilities in advance. Conduct due diligence — Before attending franchise discovery day you dig around for other information, including talking with and asking questions to franchisees. As part of your due diligence, you ask questions – lots of them. And remember, you will be an entrepreneur. So, you start to formulate a business plan based on what you learn. Along the way, it’s the job of the franchisor representative to answer questions that prospective franchisees like you may have about the franchise system. The franchisor development representatives must feel confident that a prospect has a good understanding of the franchise business model and the requirements. Prospects are carefully vetted to ensure they are a good fit for the franchise program and know what their roles and responsibilities would be in the operation of it. Only Serious Prospects Should Attend If you meet the criteria identified above, and you do get an invitation to headquarters, should you go? The answer to that question depends on how serious you are about becoming an owner of the franchise in question. When my clients ask me if they should attend a franchise discovery day that they’ve been invited to, I tell them to only go if they’ve made the commitment to buy the franchise. That’s because by the time discovery day rolls around, the candidate has done his or her homework. You should know just about all there is to know about the opportunity. At this point, you need no more research. You will incur out-of-pocket travel expenses. You also have to invest some time. The event typically takes place over 1 to 2 days. Allow extra time as needed for travel, depending on the distance. Before going, you should have a pretty good idea of your franchise financing plans. This includes knowing you can come up with the capital for the franchise fee and initial investment. You should have a franchise attorney standing by to look the contract over. In fact, the actual franchise agreement may be sent home with the candidate on franchise discovery day or a few days later. That’s right: the actual contract. That’s why only serious franchise candidates should pay a visit to headquarters … candidates who are just about ready to take the leap. What Happens at Discovery Day? Franchise discovery days allow you to see the franchising operation in action. Each franchisor handles the day differently. Typically, here is what happens on franchise discovery day: Tours — Most franchisors include a tour of the franchise company offices. Some include a tour of a warehouse, if there is one. Group presentations — Expect formal presentations to immerse you into the brand system. Come prepared with a list of additional questions to ask franchisors so you can get answers. “Meet the team” opportunity — You’ll spend some time in different departments with support staff members you will be working with — including finance, operations, training, marketing and the sales team. You will meet the management team; this may include the CEO, founder and other personnel. Franchisee meetings — Some franchises bring in franchisees to talk with prospects. Visits to nearby operations — You may have an opportunity to visit a nearby operation. Reception or dinner — In the evening there may be a reception of some kind if it’s a large event. Or it could mean going out to dinner. Many franchisors hold multi-participant events with a number of people just like you who all are evaluating franchise opportunities. Or you may be the only potential franchisee attending the franchise discovery day. What is the Result of Discovery Day? When you attend the franchisor’s discovery day, you’re going to notice a difference in the way your franchise development representative is communicating with you. Things may start to feel a little more sales than they have been during your past interactions. Remember, your rep is part of the franchise sales process. He or she could be feeling close to making a sale — and a commission. But two things need to happen before that sale can take place: The franchisor executive team needs to feel that you’d be a good franchisee and, if so, formally approve you. If they do so, your franchise representative will call you a day or two after your visit. The rep will tell you they would love to have you as a franchisee. The second decision will, of course, be yours — The Decision to become a franchisee. Your discovery day will fly by. Absorb as much as you can. Get a feel for the company culture. Then, go back home and sit on things for a couple of days. Bring the contract to your franchise attorney. If everything looks good, you’ll have a decision to make. You’ll know what to do. Image: Depositphotos This article, "What to Expect At Franchise Discovery Day" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In most cases, you have to be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to attend a discovery day, get ready. Things are about to get serious. You are about to enter an exciting step in your goal to become a franchise owner. By the time franchise discovery day rolls around, you have pretty much decided which franchise opportunity you are going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to franchise ownership. What is Franchise Discovery Day? Franchise Discovery Day is a planned event at a franchisor’s headquarters, limited to “qualified” candidates for franchise ownership. Discovery day is the day that you as the prospective franchisee travel to the home office to meet the franchise team members in person and ask questions. Franchise discovery day has a structured agenda including group presentations, meetings and a tour. Discovery day is an opportunity for the franchisor and franchisee to get to know each other. You get to meet key executives and solidify your impression. Not just anybody can attend franchise discovery days. You must meet the franchisor’s desired qualifications in terms of skills and finances. Only candidates who have been through every stage of the franchise exploration process with the franchise representatives get an invite. When Does a Prospective Franchisee Get Invited to Discovery Day? Most franchisors don’t extend invitations to franchise discovery days until their candidates have gone through several specific steps in the process. By the point of getting an invitation to Franchise Discovery Day, you have done a good job with your franchise business selections. You’ve made sure that the opportunities you’ve looked into are easily within your budget, and you have identified the most profitable franchises. You’ve done a stellar job with your franchise research. As a candidate for potential franchise ownership, you typically go through the following steps prior to franchise discovery days: Complete an application — Most franchisors ask prospective franchisees to formally apply. This includes providing confidential financial information (see why). Undergo a credit check — The franchisor checks the candidate’s credit history and usually performs a background check, too. Review the disclosure document — Before an invitation to attend, you will receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Franchisors must present this document to franchise buyers before they legally can buy the franchise opportunity. The 23 items listed include company financials, executive backgrounds, and more. Begin review of the franchise agreement — Franchisors are required to attach to the disclosure document a sample of the franchise agreement. You have the opportunity to review rights and responsibilities in advance. Conduct due diligence — Before attending franchise discovery day you dig around for other information, including talking with and asking questions to franchisees. As part of your due diligence, you ask questions – lots of them. And remember, you will be an entrepreneur. So, you start to formulate a business plan based on what you learn. Along the way, it’s the job of the franchisor representative to answer questions that prospective franchisees like you may have about the franchise system. The franchisor development representatives must feel confident that a prospect has a good understanding of the franchise business model and the requirements. Prospects are carefully vetted to ensure they are a good fit for the franchise program and know what their roles and responsibilities would be in the operation of it. Only Serious Prospects Should Attend If you meet the criteria identified above, and you do get an invitation to headquarters, should you go? The answer to that question depends on how serious you are about becoming an owner of the franchise in question. When my clients ask me if they should attend a franchise discovery day that they’ve been invited to, I tell them to only go if they’ve made the commitment to buy the franchise. That’s because by the time discovery day rolls around, the candidate has done his or her homework. You should know just about all there is to know about the opportunity. At this point, you need no more research. You will incur out-of-pocket travel expenses. You also have to invest some time. The event typically takes place over 1 to 2 days. Allow extra time as needed for travel, depending on the distance. Before going, you should have a pretty good idea of your franchise financing plans. This includes knowing you can come up with the capital for the franchise fee and initial investment. You should have a franchise attorney standing by to look the contract over. In fact, the actual franchise agreement may be sent home with the candidate on franchise discovery day or a few days later. That’s right: the actual contract. That’s why only serious franchise candidates should pay a visit to headquarters … candidates who are just about ready to take the leap. What Happens at Discovery Day? Franchise discovery days allow you to see the franchising operation in action. Each franchisor handles the day differently. Typically, here is what happens on franchise discovery day: Tours — Most franchisors include a tour of the franchise company offices. Some include a tour of a warehouse, if there is one. Group presentations — Expect formal presentations to immerse you into the brand system. Come prepared with a list of additional questions to ask franchisors so you can get answers. “Meet the team” opportunity — You’ll spend some time in different departments with support staff members you will be working with — including finance, operations, training, marketing and the sales team. You will meet the management team; this may include the CEO, founder and other personnel. Franchisee meetings — Some franchises bring in franchisees to talk with prospects. Visits to nearby operations — You may have an opportunity to visit a nearby operation. Reception or dinner — In the evening there may be a reception of some kind if it’s a large event. Or it could mean going out to dinner. Many franchisors hold multi-participant events with a number of people just like you who all are evaluating franchise opportunities. Or you may be the only potential franchisee attending the franchise discovery day. What is the Result of Discovery Day? When you attend the franchisor’s discovery day, you’re going to notice a difference in the way your franchise development representative is communicating with you. Things may start to feel a little more sales than they have been during your past interactions. Remember, your rep is part of the franchise sales process. He or she could be feeling close to making a sale — and a commission. But two things need to happen before that sale can take place: The franchisor executive team needs to feel that you’d be a good franchisee and, if so, formally approve you. If they do so, your franchise representative will call you a day or two after your visit. The rep will tell you they would love to have you as a franchisee. The second decision will, of course, be yours — The Decision to become a franchisee. Your discovery day will fly by. Absorb as much as you can. Get a feel for the company culture. Then, go back home and sit on things for a couple of days. Bring the contract to your franchise attorney. If everything looks good, you’ll have a decision to make. You’ll know what to do. Image: Depositphotos This article, "What to Expect At Franchise Discovery Day" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Package handlers are critical to logistics and distribution. They have a variety of responsibilities, including sorting packages based on their destination’s size, type and delivery route. They can be involved in the physical aspects of the job, like loading and unloading packages and quality control. Package handlers ensure deliveries arrive on time and compliance with safety and regulatory standards is met. What Do Package Handlers Do? Package handlers play a critical role in the logistics and supply chain operations. Their duties extend beyond merely moving packages; they are instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the package transportation process. Here’s an expanded overview of their responsibilities: Operate Material Handling Equipment: Package handlers are skilled in using various material handling equipment to facilitate the movement of goods. This includes: Hand Trucks: Utilized for moving smaller loads within a facility, enhancing mobility and reducing physical strain on the handler. Pallet Jacks: Essential for transporting palletized goods, these tools help in moving heavier loads with ease, ensuring stability and safety. Forklifts: For larger and heavier items, forklifts are indispensable in warehouses and distribution centers, allowing for the stacking and retrieval of goods from different heights. Unload and Load Vehicles: They are responsible for efficiently unloading goods from incoming vehicles and loading them onto outgoing ones. This involves: Inspecting Goods: Checking for any damage or discrepancies upon arrival and before dispatch to ensure quality control. Optimizing Space: Arrange packages within the vehicle in a strategic manner to maximize space usage, maintain stability during transit, and avoid damage. Inventory Management: Some package handlers are also involved in inventory management tasks, which include: Stock Audits: Participating in periodic inventory checks to verify stock levels, identify discrepancies, and update inventory records accordingly. Inventory Organization: Ensuring that goods are properly organized within the warehouse or facility, making it easier to locate items when needed and maintaining a tidy workspace. Ensure Safety and Compliance: Package handlers must adhere to safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards to prevent injuries and accidents. This includes: Following Safety Procedures: Using personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safe lifting techniques, and following guidelines for operating equipment. Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential hazards in the workplace and taking appropriate measures to mitigate risks. Collaborate with Team Members: Effective communication and collaboration are essential since package handlers frequently coordinate with other warehouse personnel, drivers, and management to maintain smooth operations. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Completing necessary paperwork related to shipping and receiving, tracking inventory movements, and maintaining records for accountability and traceability. Basically, package handlers are integral to the logistics sector, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of goods from origin to destination. Their multifaceted role requires a blend of physical skill, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The Importance of Package Handlers in the Logistics Chain Package handlers oversee deliveries for logistics and distribution networks. They optimize operational workflows and minimize delays by scanning and tracking packages at different warehouse or facility transition points. Crafting the Perfect Package Handler Job Description Is your small business looking to hire one of these employees? You need to put together an excellent job description. A good job description will outline the qualifications, required skills, and responsibilities. Usually, a good candidate has a high school diploma or equivalent and a basic proficiency with scanning equipment and technology. Generally, they should be able to lift about 50 pounds. Differences and Overlaps: Package Handlers, Warehouse Workers, and Material Moving Machine Operators A package handler has responsibilities that include: Sorting packages and categorizing them by destination, size and priority. Safely load and unload from different vehicles using techniques and equipment to prevent damage. Package handlers should also be able to use barcode scanners and other tracking systems. The package handler job description includes walking, bending, and lifting. Candidates are often asked to work different shifts, including weekends and nights. A job description for a general warehouse worker has similarities and differences. These employees are tasked with receiving, counting, and managing inventory and picking and preparing packaging orders for shipments. They should be able to operate various warehouse tools like pallet jacks and forklifts. One of the significant differences between the two job descriptions is that package handlers are specifically trained to handle, sort, and move packages. AspectPackage HandlersWarehouse WorkersMaterial Moving Machine Operators Primary DutiesLoading and unloading packages from delivery vehicles, sorting packages, and preparing them for shipment or distribution.Receiving, storing, and distributing materials, parts, and products within a warehouse. They may also be involved in inventory management and order fulfillment.Operating machinery such as forklifts, conveyor belts, cranes, and other equipment to move, load, and unload materials in a variety of settings. Typical Work EnvironmentDistribution centers, warehouses, and sorting facilities. Work is fast-paced and can be physically demanding.Warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities. The environment can be fast-paced, especially in facilities that operate around the clock.Warehouses, manufacturing plants, construction sites, and ports. The environment can vary widely depending on the industry and specific machinery operated. Necessary SkillsPhysical stamina and strength, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, time management.Physical stamina and strength, organizational skills, basic math skills for inventory, teamwork and communication skills.Mechanical skills, attention to detail, certification for operating specific machinery (e.g., forklift certification), safety awareness. Education RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient; on-the-job training is typically provided.High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; additional training or certifications can be beneficial.High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications for specific machinery (e.g., forklift, crane operation) may be required. Career Advancement OpportunitiesWith experience, package handlers can move into supervisory roles, or transition into other logistics and supply chain roles.Opportunities to advance to supervisor or manager positions, or specialize in areas like inventory management or logistics planning.Potential to advance to supervisory or managerial positions, or specialize in operating more complex machinery. Some operators may pursue certifications in multiple types of equipment to enhance job prospects. Key Qualities and Qualifications for a Package Handler A good package handler has the following qualities: Physical stamina and strength are essential because package handling is demanding. It requires an employee who can move heavy items and carry and lift different items safely and effectively. A good employee also pays attention to detail. Packages need to be dispatched, handled, and sorted correctly. Errors need to be minimized They also must have the ability to be fast and efficient because accuracy is essential. Package handlers must also have good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They must also be familiar with local safety regulations, including procedures and workplace safety standards. Because these jobs are usually entry-level, a high school diploma is often all that’s needed. It demonstrates the basic mathematical and literacy skills for performing simple calculations and completing paperwork. The Hiring Process for Package Handlers Recruiting the best package handlers means understanding the skills, physical demands, and duties required. You should offer a competitive compensation package that’s above the market rate. Identifying Your Warehouse Needs Hiring the correct package handler means clarifying your warehouse needs. Shipment Volume Taking stock of your projected and current incoming and outgoing shipments will tell you how many package handlers are necessary. Processing Times The average time it takes to process a shipment is another metric. For example, if processing times are bad and delays are happening, it might be time to add more package handlers. Seasonal Differences Every industry has peaks and valleys, like retail outlets’ holiday seasons. During the spikes, you’ll often need additional staffing. There are other things to consider, such as whether your warehouse plans an expansion requiring more employees. Where to Find Skilled Package Handlers If you’re ready to grow your team and want to avoid needing to hire a family member or do all of the work yourself, here are some options: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster have an extensive reach. They have a vast user base and a diverse applicant pool. Many of these have advanced filtering options that make it easy to find the best candidates. Specialized job platforms specific to industries are another option. They cater to a target audience; the candidates your small business can find on these will have the relevant skills and experience. They also offer additional resources and insights. You can also explore job fairs, community bulletin boards, and other unusual ways to promote a job opening. Some companies even explore building a team with contractors and freelancers instead of traditional employees. Interviewing and Hiring for a Package Handler Job A candidate should have a mix of soft skills and physical capabilities. Role-playing exercises can reveal their abilities to collaborate and communicate. A candidate can be tested on stacking boxes or organizing different items in a specific time frame. You can also test a candidate’s ability to find errors in lists and shipping labels. The typical hiring process should consist of several key steps: reviewing applications, conducting an initial interview, and assessing the aptitude and skills of the package handler. Develop an objective approach to guarantee that you select the most suitable candidate and reduce hiring bias. Typically, an in-person interview is conducted afterward, followed by a reference check before extending a job offer. Be sure to send an interview rejection letter to candidates who are not selected and follow up with those who are. Compensation and Benefits for Package Handlers Two big players in the industry, FedEx and UPS, pay different compensation and have benefits as part of their package handler job listings. As of this year, a FedEx package handler earns approximately $15.80 an hour, ranging between $13 and $19 per hour. FedEx offers full-time health benefits and some coverage for part-timers. UPS offers benefit packages to both part-time and full-time unionized employees. That company provides healthcare, a pension, tuition assistance, option days, and paid holidays. Onboarding and Integrating New Package Handlers A good onboarding process checks the following boxes for a package handler. Here’s a guide on how to onboard new employees in this sector: Clear job descriptions that outline expectations, responsibilities, and roles should include performance standards and safety protocols. A small business should emphasize safety right away with guidelines on any package handler job description. A formal orientation should include a welcoming session that explains the company’s values and cultures. You’ll also need to conduct comprehensive safety training. That’s followed up by hands-on training that’s job-specific. This is an excellent time to match up new hires in a mentorship program with experienced employees. Onboarding should be an ongoing process that includes regular safety workshops and safety and performance evaluations for packaging handling. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JMW-YbR0mzE%3Fsi%3DDal0LTfqiq-z32Zx FAQs: How to Hire a Package Handler Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help you find the right package handler. Is a high school diploma needed for a package handler job? That depends on the employer and the specific nature of the job they are hiring for. Many small businesses prioritize how a candidate can handle packages and adhere to safety protocols over education. Is health insurance typically offered to part-time package handlers? Health insurance is determined by the specific job terms. In the United States, the Affordable Health Care Act mandates that companies with 50 or more employees must provide this type of insurance to their full-time workers. There’s no mandate for extending this to part-time employees, even though some companies offer benefits to part-time package handler employees. What are important safety protocols for package handlers? Proper lifting techniques are at the top of this list on any job board. Employees should always be taught to use leg muscles instead of the back and bend at the knees. Proper lifting techniques also include teaching them to avoid twisting their backs. Personal protective equipment should consist of safety shoes, gloves, and high-visibility vests. A package handler should also receive training on hazardous materials if applicable. Equipment safety and proper training on pallet jacks, forklifts, and conveyor belts are important. Finally, these employees should be trained in emergency procedures and know the location of first aid kits and how they are used, plus the location of emergency exits and evacuation routes. What training is recommended for package handlers? Package handlers should receive training with solid information about any package handler job. An introduction to company policies and procedures and an overview of the entire process that includes sorting, loading, and unloading should be first. Safety training is important, and that includes the use of personal protective equipment as well as equipment safety and proper lifting techniques. Teamwork and communication skills are critical. That’s why these employees should be trained in effective communication with supervisors and team members. It is important for a package handler to undergo training in quality control, which emphasizes attention to detail in every aspect of package handling. Use a training plan template to streamline the process and include all these elements. What’s the typical career progression for a package handler? The Entry Level Position An entry-level package handler should be developing efficient handling techniques and working to understand the whole logistical process. That should be clear on any job board. An experienced package handler is ready to train new employees and manage a specific part of the operation. The Supervisor Package Handler Job Description Supervisory positions include team leaders or shift supervisors, overseeing other employees’ work and managing schedules. A warehouse or operations manager might require additional training because they oversee the entire operation. They have moved well beyond loading packages. Finally, a logistics distribution manager has an advanced skill set that includes a full understanding of supply chains, and advanced analytics know-how. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Hire a Package Handler" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Package handlers are critical to logistics and distribution. They have a variety of responsibilities, including sorting packages based on their destination’s size, type and delivery route. They can be involved in the physical aspects of the job, like loading and unloading packages and quality control. Package handlers ensure deliveries arrive on time and compliance with safety and regulatory standards is met. What Do Package Handlers Do? Package handlers play a critical role in the logistics and supply chain operations. Their duties extend beyond merely moving packages; they are instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the package transportation process. Here’s an expanded overview of their responsibilities: Operate Material Handling Equipment: Package handlers are skilled in using various material handling equipment to facilitate the movement of goods. This includes: Hand Trucks: Utilized for moving smaller loads within a facility, enhancing mobility and reducing physical strain on the handler. Pallet Jacks: Essential for transporting palletized goods, these tools help in moving heavier loads with ease, ensuring stability and safety. Forklifts: For larger and heavier items, forklifts are indispensable in warehouses and distribution centers, allowing for the stacking and retrieval of goods from different heights. Unload and Load Vehicles: They are responsible for efficiently unloading goods from incoming vehicles and loading them onto outgoing ones. This involves: Inspecting Goods: Checking for any damage or discrepancies upon arrival and before dispatch to ensure quality control. Optimizing Space: Arrange packages within the vehicle in a strategic manner to maximize space usage, maintain stability during transit, and avoid damage. Inventory Management: Some package handlers are also involved in inventory management tasks, which include: Stock Audits: Participating in periodic inventory checks to verify stock levels, identify discrepancies, and update inventory records accordingly. Inventory Organization: Ensuring that goods are properly organized within the warehouse or facility, making it easier to locate items when needed and maintaining a tidy workspace. Ensure Safety and Compliance: Package handlers must adhere to safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards to prevent injuries and accidents. This includes: Following Safety Procedures: Using personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safe lifting techniques, and following guidelines for operating equipment. Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential hazards in the workplace and taking appropriate measures to mitigate risks. Collaborate with Team Members: Effective communication and collaboration are essential since package handlers frequently coordinate with other warehouse personnel, drivers, and management to maintain smooth operations. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Completing necessary paperwork related to shipping and receiving, tracking inventory movements, and maintaining records for accountability and traceability. Basically, package handlers are integral to the logistics sector, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of goods from origin to destination. Their multifaceted role requires a blend of physical skill, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The Importance of Package Handlers in the Logistics Chain Package handlers oversee deliveries for logistics and distribution networks. They optimize operational workflows and minimize delays by scanning and tracking packages at different warehouse or facility transition points. Crafting the Perfect Package Handler Job Description Is your small business looking to hire one of these employees? You need to put together an excellent job description. A good job description will outline the qualifications, required skills, and responsibilities. Usually, a good candidate has a high school diploma or equivalent and a basic proficiency with scanning equipment and technology. Generally, they should be able to lift about 50 pounds. Differences and Overlaps: Package Handlers, Warehouse Workers, and Material Moving Machine Operators A package handler has responsibilities that include: Sorting packages and categorizing them by destination, size and priority. Safely load and unload from different vehicles using techniques and equipment to prevent damage. Package handlers should also be able to use barcode scanners and other tracking systems. The package handler job description includes walking, bending, and lifting. Candidates are often asked to work different shifts, including weekends and nights. A job description for a general warehouse worker has similarities and differences. These employees are tasked with receiving, counting, and managing inventory and picking and preparing packaging orders for shipments. They should be able to operate various warehouse tools like pallet jacks and forklifts. One of the significant differences between the two job descriptions is that package handlers are specifically trained to handle, sort, and move packages. AspectPackage HandlersWarehouse WorkersMaterial Moving Machine Operators Primary DutiesLoading and unloading packages from delivery vehicles, sorting packages, and preparing them for shipment or distribution.Receiving, storing, and distributing materials, parts, and products within a warehouse. They may also be involved in inventory management and order fulfillment.Operating machinery such as forklifts, conveyor belts, cranes, and other equipment to move, load, and unload materials in a variety of settings. Typical Work EnvironmentDistribution centers, warehouses, and sorting facilities. Work is fast-paced and can be physically demanding.Warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities. The environment can be fast-paced, especially in facilities that operate around the clock.Warehouses, manufacturing plants, construction sites, and ports. The environment can vary widely depending on the industry and specific machinery operated. Necessary SkillsPhysical stamina and strength, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, time management.Physical stamina and strength, organizational skills, basic math skills for inventory, teamwork and communication skills.Mechanical skills, attention to detail, certification for operating specific machinery (e.g., forklift certification), safety awareness. Education RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient; on-the-job training is typically provided.High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; additional training or certifications can be beneficial.High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications for specific machinery (e.g., forklift, crane operation) may be required. Career Advancement OpportunitiesWith experience, package handlers can move into supervisory roles, or transition into other logistics and supply chain roles.Opportunities to advance to supervisor or manager positions, or specialize in areas like inventory management or logistics planning.Potential to advance to supervisory or managerial positions, or specialize in operating more complex machinery. Some operators may pursue certifications in multiple types of equipment to enhance job prospects. Key Qualities and Qualifications for a Package Handler A good package handler has the following qualities: Physical stamina and strength are essential because package handling is demanding. It requires an employee who can move heavy items and carry and lift different items safely and effectively. A good employee also pays attention to detail. Packages need to be dispatched, handled, and sorted correctly. Errors need to be minimized They also must have the ability to be fast and efficient because accuracy is essential. Package handlers must also have good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They must also be familiar with local safety regulations, including procedures and workplace safety standards. Because these jobs are usually entry-level, a high school diploma is often all that’s needed. It demonstrates the basic mathematical and literacy skills for performing simple calculations and completing paperwork. The Hiring Process for Package Handlers Recruiting the best package handlers means understanding the skills, physical demands, and duties required. You should offer a competitive compensation package that’s above the market rate. Identifying Your Warehouse Needs Hiring the correct package handler means clarifying your warehouse needs. Shipment Volume Taking stock of your projected and current incoming and outgoing shipments will tell you how many package handlers are necessary. Processing Times The average time it takes to process a shipment is another metric. For example, if processing times are bad and delays are happening, it might be time to add more package handlers. Seasonal Differences Every industry has peaks and valleys, like retail outlets’ holiday seasons. During the spikes, you’ll often need additional staffing. There are other things to consider, such as whether your warehouse plans an expansion requiring more employees. Where to Find Skilled Package Handlers If you’re ready to grow your team and want to avoid needing to hire a family member or do all of the work yourself, here are some options: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster have an extensive reach. They have a vast user base and a diverse applicant pool. Many of these have advanced filtering options that make it easy to find the best candidates. Specialized job platforms specific to industries are another option. They cater to a target audience; the candidates your small business can find on these will have the relevant skills and experience. They also offer additional resources and insights. You can also explore job fairs, community bulletin boards, and other unusual ways to promote a job opening. Some companies even explore building a team with contractors and freelancers instead of traditional employees. Interviewing and Hiring for a Package Handler Job A candidate should have a mix of soft skills and physical capabilities. Role-playing exercises can reveal their abilities to collaborate and communicate. A candidate can be tested on stacking boxes or organizing different items in a specific time frame. You can also test a candidate’s ability to find errors in lists and shipping labels. The typical hiring process should consist of several key steps: reviewing applications, conducting an initial interview, and assessing the aptitude and skills of the package handler. Develop an objective approach to guarantee that you select the most suitable candidate and reduce hiring bias. Typically, an in-person interview is conducted afterward, followed by a reference check before extending a job offer. Be sure to send an interview rejection letter to candidates who are not selected and follow up with those who are. Compensation and Benefits for Package Handlers Two big players in the industry, FedEx and UPS, pay different compensation and have benefits as part of their package handler job listings. As of this year, a FedEx package handler earns approximately $15.80 an hour, ranging between $13 and $19 per hour. FedEx offers full-time health benefits and some coverage for part-timers. UPS offers benefit packages to both part-time and full-time unionized employees. That company provides healthcare, a pension, tuition assistance, option days, and paid holidays. Onboarding and Integrating New Package Handlers A good onboarding process checks the following boxes for a package handler. Here’s a guide on how to onboard new employees in this sector: Clear job descriptions that outline expectations, responsibilities, and roles should include performance standards and safety protocols. A small business should emphasize safety right away with guidelines on any package handler job description. A formal orientation should include a welcoming session that explains the company’s values and cultures. You’ll also need to conduct comprehensive safety training. That’s followed up by hands-on training that’s job-specific. This is an excellent time to match up new hires in a mentorship program with experienced employees. Onboarding should be an ongoing process that includes regular safety workshops and safety and performance evaluations for packaging handling. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JMW-YbR0mzE%3Fsi%3DDal0LTfqiq-z32Zx FAQs: How to Hire a Package Handler Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help you find the right package handler. Is a high school diploma needed for a package handler job? That depends on the employer and the specific nature of the job they are hiring for. Many small businesses prioritize how a candidate can handle packages and adhere to safety protocols over education. Is health insurance typically offered to part-time package handlers? Health insurance is determined by the specific job terms. In the United States, the Affordable Health Care Act mandates that companies with 50 or more employees must provide this type of insurance to their full-time workers. There’s no mandate for extending this to part-time employees, even though some companies offer benefits to part-time package handler employees. What are important safety protocols for package handlers? Proper lifting techniques are at the top of this list on any job board. Employees should always be taught to use leg muscles instead of the back and bend at the knees. Proper lifting techniques also include teaching them to avoid twisting their backs. Personal protective equipment should consist of safety shoes, gloves, and high-visibility vests. A package handler should also receive training on hazardous materials if applicable. Equipment safety and proper training on pallet jacks, forklifts, and conveyor belts are important. Finally, these employees should be trained in emergency procedures and know the location of first aid kits and how they are used, plus the location of emergency exits and evacuation routes. What training is recommended for package handlers? Package handlers should receive training with solid information about any package handler job. An introduction to company policies and procedures and an overview of the entire process that includes sorting, loading, and unloading should be first. Safety training is important, and that includes the use of personal protective equipment as well as equipment safety and proper lifting techniques. Teamwork and communication skills are critical. That’s why these employees should be trained in effective communication with supervisors and team members. It is important for a package handler to undergo training in quality control, which emphasizes attention to detail in every aspect of package handling. Use a training plan template to streamline the process and include all these elements. What’s the typical career progression for a package handler? The Entry Level Position An entry-level package handler should be developing efficient handling techniques and working to understand the whole logistical process. That should be clear on any job board. An experienced package handler is ready to train new employees and manage a specific part of the operation. The Supervisor Package Handler Job Description Supervisory positions include team leaders or shift supervisors, overseeing other employees’ work and managing schedules. A warehouse or operations manager might require additional training because they oversee the entire operation. They have moved well beyond loading packages. Finally, a logistics distribution manager has an advanced skill set that includes a full understanding of supply chains, and advanced analytics know-how. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Hire a Package Handler" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. These days, there are some features that make Bluetooth speakers better than they were just a couple of years ago: USB-C for universal fast charging, hi-res audio playback for great audio quality, charging for other devices, and a built-in speakerphone. The Beats Pill speaker has all these features and more, making it a great modern speaker. It is down to $99.99 (originally $149.95), matching the lowest price it has been since its recent release, according to price-tracking tools. For less than a hundred dollars, this speaker is a steal. Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker Maximum Output: 100 Watts, Frequency Response: 1 MHz, Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB, Audio: Mono. $99.99 at Amazon $149.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $149.95 Save $49.96 I've been trying out the Beats Pill speaker since it came out in June, and it has everything I would want in a portable speaker: a stereo sound when connected to another compatible speaker, multi-room mode to play the same music on multiple speakers, the Find My Device feature in case you misplace it, and Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range. This Beats speaker is not just for Apple users, since Android users can also connect to the Bluetooth 5.3, but it only supports AAC and SBC codecs, so there are no Android-friendly codec options that will make the audio pop out. Apple users will get the most out of the Pill, with seamless iOS compatibility for a much smoother experience. You can read about it in more detail on PCMag's "excellent" review. When it comes to battery life, you can expect around 24 hours per charge depending on your use, which is up there with other speakers of its size. The sound is the classic bright Beats sound signature, offering a balanced yet bass-heavy sound. It is rated IP67 for being dust-proof and waterproof, so it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes. The main con for this speaker is that there is no adjustable EQ on the app, but it already comes with a great sound signature. View the full article

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