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Drop in demand and expectations of increased supply weigh on marketView the full article

Pimco and BlackRock both say chancellor needs to go beyond slim £9.9bn of margin left against key borrowing rule View the full article

Some say this is a ‘good’ bubble, but investors should remember that all bubbles burst in the endView the full article

While broader growth is subdued, consumers feel optimistic about their own lotView the full article

New entrants could revitalise and expand rail services from London to continental Europe View the full article

The massive bond purchases are being unwound at a time of fierce political criticism of the monetary authorities. The controversy could limit options in future crisesView the full article

Companies struggle to assess scale of financial risks emerging from artificial intelligenceView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. On August 23, I bought an Amazon Fire TV 50" Omni QLED Series 4K television for $379.99. It seemed like an OK deal—the list price is $469.99, and it's a good television with a 4K display, adaptive brightness, and an Alexa-enabled remote control. But today, that same model of TV I bought is selling for $359.99, even less than what I paid in August. 50" Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series 4K Smart TV $359.99 at Amazon $469.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Get Deal $359.99 at Amazon $469.99 Save $110.00 Am I angry? Not really. My old TV broke, so I had to get a new one. The price difference is only $20, so it's not the end of the world; plus, this is the best TV I've ever owned, and even the higher price I paid is reasonable for a QLED TV. Here's what it looks like when you watch Peacemaker on it: Credit: HBO Having watched most of Peacemaker, some John Woo movies, and playing a lot of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I feel my new TV made movies, TV, and video games look fantastic. And it's super easy to operate; I even use Alexa to change the input, because saying "Hey, Alexa, switch to HDMI 1" is easier than poking through the menus. It's a lot of television for $359.99, so if you're looking for a TV, consider making the decision now. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $819.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you walk into an Apple Store today, you could buy a pair of AirPods Pro 3. They're the best earbuds Apple has ever made. But unless you really need the best earbuds Apple has ever made, you could likely put your money to better use. Apple's previous generation of pro earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2, are currently $80 cheaper than the newest model for Amazon's October Prime Day. And while that $80 will net you a number of exclusive new features, those features just aren't necessary for most of us. If you're looking for a great pair of earbuds, especially if you're in the Apple ecosystem, the second-gen AirPods Pro are arguably the better deal. AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Apple might slap its "Pro" moniker on most product categories these days, but AirPods Pro come with a lot of features to live up to the name. They may not be intended for "professionals," but you do get features that are not available on other AirPods models. For one, the AirPods Pro come with excellent noise cancellation—although, honestly, the in-ear seal from the silicone tips blocks out enough background noise that I hardly ever turn on Noise Control. In fact, because the seal is so good, you also get Transparency Mode, an option that pumps in the sounds around you, so you can be aware of your surroundings or even have a conversation with your earbuds in. Speaking of conversations, another excellent feature is Conversation Awareness: When you start talking while listening to something, your AirPods will automatically adjust the volume to enhance the voices of the people you're talking to. When everyone stops speaking, your AirPods will return to their normal state. It's great. Another automatic feature is "Adaptive Audio" (previously known as Adaptive Transparency), which can reduce any sound above 85 dB while maintaining other sounds at their typical volume. That way, you can follow a conversation or even watch a TV show with your AirPods in, but if an ambulance races by you, its sirens will seem to be a very tolerable 85 dB. Like all AirPods, the Pros seamlessly switch between all your connected Apple devices. You could be watching a video on your Mac, then take a call on your iPhone and start chatting through your AirPods. If you have an Apple TV, you can also switch to your AirPods, which I frequently do, as I prefer the experience over my soundbar. While all these features are awesome, what it really comes down to for me is sound quality: The Pros just sound great, especially for such low-profile earbuds. And because they block out so much sound on their own, I feel like I can appreciate the quality of the music I'm listening to in various situations. I used to pause my music with my old AirPods whenever a loud truck or bus would drive past me on a walk. That's not a problem with the Pros. Plus, now that it's been FDA approved, you can even be able to use these AirPods as hearing aids. Not a bad perk for $170. What you miss by skipping the AirPods Pro 3Apple's latest earbuds do have some new features to justify the higher price tag. They offer up to double the ANC of the AirPods Pro 2, come with a built-in heart rate sensor, provide an extra two hours of use between charges, feature slightly higher water resistance, and include a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the charging case. There are undoubtedly some perks, but I'd argue that the $80 in savings for Prime Day negates most of them. As someone who owns an Apple Watch, I don't really need a heart rate sensor in my earbuds—though it is a cool feature. And while the extra battery life in between charges is great, the AirPods Pro 2's charging case is actually rated for more charges than the AirPods Pro 3's: 30 hours of listening time compared to 24. Other great Prime Day deals on AirPodsIf you don't like the tight seal of the Pros, you might prefer the more traditional fit of the AirPods 4. They're on sale for $119 for Prime Day, or $89 if you opt for the version without noise cancellation. There's also a deal on the USB-C AirPods Max, which are now $ 429, down from $ 549. I love my AirPods Max, but they're tough to recommend at their outrageously expensive MSRP. Now, they're a bit of an easier pill to swallow. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Before you kick off a new project, it’s crucial to follow a structured approach to guarantee its success. Start by clearly comprehending the project’s core objectives and defining everyone’s roles. Next, set SMART goals that align with your organization’s vision. You’ll additionally need to plan the scope, build a timeline, and decide on effective reporting methods. By managing expectations and maintaining open communication, you can proactively address potential challenges that may arise. What comes next is fundamental for a smooth execution. Key Takeaways Schedule a kick-off meeting to clarify project objectives and ensure alignment among all stakeholders. Create a formal document outlining project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones for approval. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member to avoid confusion and enhance accountability. Set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to guide project efforts. Develop a detailed project timeline with key milestones and deadlines, and communicate it to all stakeholders. Understand Project Core Before plunging into a new project, it’s crucial to nail down the project core. Scheduling a kick-off meeting with your manager or client helps clarify the project’s objectives and guarantees everyone’s aligned on the vision. During this meeting, discuss key deliverables and success criteria, as it establishes a shared comprehension of what success looks like for all stakeholders involved. Identifying any specific requirements or constraints at this stage can prevent misconceptions later in the process. Define Roles and Responsibilities When starting a new project, it’s crucial to clearly define roles and responsibilities for everyone involved. By selecting team members based on their skills and experiences, you can guarantee that every task is covered effectively and efficiently. Regularly reviewing these roles as the project progresses will help you adapt to any changes and maintain smooth communication among all team members. Team Member Selection Selecting the right team members is crucial for a project’s success, as each person’s skills and experiences directly impact the overall outcome. Begin by defining the necessary roles based on the project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Assess each member’s skills and past experiences to guarantee effective role alignment. Confirm their availability to commit to the project timeline without conflicts. To streamline communication, create a contact list that details each team member’s roles and responsibilities. This helps clarify accountability throughout the project. Role Skills Needed Responsibility Project Lead Leadership, Planning Oversee project execution Developer Coding, Problem-Solving Build and test project components Designer Creativity, UX Design Create user-friendly interfaces This table can aid in your project kickoff agenda discussions. Role Clarity Importance Defining roles and responsibilities within a project isn’t just a formality; it’s a critical step that improves accountability and guarantees team members clearly understand their specific contributions. During the kick off meeting, discussing each member’s role helps avoid overlaps and confusion, which can considerably boost productivity by 25%. When everyone knows their tasks, miscommunication and conflicts are reduced, minimizing potential project delays by 30%. Furthermore, establishing clear roles during onboarding improves team morale and engagement by 40%, as individuals feel more confident in their contributions. Effective role definition also streamlines resource allocation and project scheduling, ensuring a more efficient use of time and budget throughout the project lifecycle. This clarity finally leads to better project outcomes. Set SMART Goals When you set SMART goals for your project, you create a clear path to success by defining specific objectives. These goals help everyone on the team understand exactly what needs to be accomplished, eliminating any confusion. Furthermore, measurable success indicators allow you to track progress effectively, ensuring that adjustments can be made as necessary to keep the project on track. Specificity of Objectives Establishing clear objectives is crucial for the success of any new project, especially when you consider the importance of SMART goals. Specificity in your goals means outlining precise objectives that clearly define what the project aims to achieve. This clarity helps you and your team stay focused, making it easier to develop your kick-off agenda. Your goals should likewise be achievable, making certain they’re realistic given your resources. Furthermore, they need to be relevant, aligning with broader business objectives. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you create a framework that guides your project effectively. This guarantees everyone understands their roles and the project’s purpose, leading to a more organized and successful outcome. Measurable Success Indicators After clearly defining your project’s objectives, the next step involves setting measurable success indicators that align with the SMART criteria. Start by establishing specific goals that unambiguously define what you aim to achieve. Incorporate measurable metrics, such as completion percentages, that allow you to track progress effectively. Guarantee your goals are achievable by evaluating the resources and time available, creating realistic objectives within project constraints. Confirm that your goals are relevant by aligning them with broader organizational aims, making sure they contribute meaningfully to the project’s purpose. Finally, set time-bound deadlines for each goal to promote urgency and accountability. These steps should be included in your project kickoff checklist to keep your project on track and facilitate timely evaluations. Plan Scope of Work To effectively plan the scope of work for a new project, you need to create a formal document that outlines the project’s objectives, deliverables, and milestones. Collaborate with your team to identify all necessary tasks and responsibilities, ensuring everyone’s input is considered. Clearly define what’s included and excluded in the scope to prevent scope creep. Additionally, include estimated timeframes for each task to facilitate effective planning and resource allocation. Finally, review the draft with key stakeholders for final approval, aligning with their expectations and project goals. Task Estimated Timeframe Draft Document 1 week Team Collaboration 2 days Review & Approval 3 days Finalize Scope 1 day Understanding the kick off meeting meaning is essential for initiating the project. Manage Expectations Once the scope of work is clearly defined, managing expectations becomes essential for the project’s success. Start by clearly communicating the project scope and deliverables in your kick off call agenda to guarantee all stakeholders share a unified comprehension. Establish criteria for success early on, outlining measurable outcomes and performance standards that align with your goals. Throughout the project lifecycle, regularly update stakeholders to manage any shifts in expectations, keeping everyone informed of progress and potential challenges. It’s imperative to address and clarify any misconceptions about the workload and timeline to prevent misunderstandings. Cultivate open dialogue by encouraging stakeholders to voice their concerns and expectations, which can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Finalize Costs and Resources Before kicking off your project, you need to finalize costs and resources to guarantee everything runs smoothly. Start by creating a detailed budget that outlines labor, materials, and any third-party services, during the process of evaluating the availability of necessary resources. Budgeting Project Needs Budgeting project needs is a critical step in guaranteeing that your project stays on track financially. Start by analyzing the scope of work to identify all required resources, including personnel and materials. During your kickoff meeting, clarify the budget expectations and guarantee everyone understands their roles. Consider these key aspects: Create a detailed budget forecast that separates fixed and variable expenses. Research prices for materials and tools to maintain quality during being cost-effective. Factor in potential third-party services, like consulting fees, to avoid budget overruns. Regularly review and adjust your budget throughout the project lifecycle to accommodate any changes or unforeseen expenses. This proactive approach helps maintain financial control and guarantees your project’s viability. Resource Availability Assessment Evaluating resource availability is crucial for ensuring your project can proceed smoothly and efficiently. Start by thoroughly evaluating the project scope to identify all necessary resources, including personnel, materials, and tools. Develop a detailed budget that outlines expected costs associated with these resources, making sure it aligns with your overall financial objectives. Next, check the availability of both internal and external resources, confirming that team members have the required skills and that third-party services can be secured on time. Prioritize resource allocation based on project phases and tasks, ensuring critical resources are ready for deployment. Finally, establish a contingency plan to address potential shortages or delays, allowing for quick adjustments to keep everything on track for your project kickoff. Cost Estimation Techniques When starting a new project, accurately estimating costs is essential to guarantee that you allocate resources effectively and stay within budget. During your kick-off meeting for a project, consider using various cost estimation techniques: Analogous Estimation: Leverage historical data from similar projects for predictions, achieving accuracy within 10-15%. Bottom-Up Estimation: Break down the project into smaller components, estimate costs individually, and aggregate for precise results. Parametric Estimation: Use statistical relationships to calculate costs quickly, such as determining costs based on team size. Additionally, incorporate expert judgment to improve your estimates, and don’t forget to include contingency reserves, typically 5-20% of the total budget, to account for unforeseen expenses. Build a Timeline Building a detailed project timeline is crucial for successful project execution, as it serves as a clear roadmap that outlines key milestones, deliverables, and deadlines. When you develop your timeline, consider using a Gantt chart to visually represent the project flow and task dependencies. Assign realistic deadlines based on resource availability and complexity to guarantee timely completion. Communicate these expected completion dates to stakeholders, aligning everyone with the project kick-off agenda. Regularly review and update your timeline to address any delays or changes in scope, keeping the project on track. Milestone Deadline Project Kick-Off MM/DD/YYYY First Deliverable MM/DD/YYYY Final Review MM/DD/YYYY Decide on Reporting Methods Establishing effective reporting methods is essential for maintaining clarity and accountability throughout a project. During your kickoff meeting, make certain to outline these methods clearly to align your team. Consider the following key aspects: Reporting structure: Define who tracks project progress and reports updates to stakeholders. Update frequency: Decide whether updates will be daily, weekly, or bi-weekly to keep everyone informed. Standardized formats: Use templates or dashboards for consistent communication across the project team. Additionally, implement project management tools that enable real-time tracking and reporting. Guarantee all team members and stakeholders are informed about the reporting expectations and methods. This alignment will help everyone stay accountable for their contributions. Maintain Open Communication Open communication is vital for the success of any project, as it guarantees that all team members are aligned on expectations and updates. Start by establishing clear communication methods, ensuring everyone knows how to share information. A kickoff meeting example can set the tone for these discussions, allowing team members to voice their thoughts and concerns from the beginning. Schedule regular check-ins, like weekly meetings, to encourage ongoing dialogue and provide a platform for progress updates. Utilize collaborative tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, to improve real-time communication. Documenting communication protocols helps maintain transparency and clarity on who to approach for inquiries. By cultivating a culture of openness, you create an engaged workforce, ultimately leading to better project outcomes. Proactively Address Potential Threats Project managers and team members should take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential threats before they escalate into significant issues. Start by incorporating threat assessment into your kickoff call agenda. Focus on these key strategies: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to evaluate resource availability, team dynamics, and external influences. Develop an extensive contingency plan that outlines specific actions for identified threats, preparing your team for unexpected challenges. Implement a robust change management strategy to address any changes that arise, minimizing disruption. Additionally, regularly review and update your risk management strategies throughout the project lifecycle. Encourage open communication among team members to promote discussion of potential threats, fostering proactive risk mitigation and collective problem-solving. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Required Before Employes Begin a New Project? Before you start a new project, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research to understand trends and validate demand. You should analyze competitors, assess technical feasibility, and prepare a business case. Clearly defining project objectives and expected outcomes guarantees alignment with company goals. Furthermore, establish a detailed project schedule, assign roles, and identify potential risks with contingency plans. This groundwork helps manage timelines and keeps your team accountable throughout the project lifecycle. What Are the Correct Steps That Need to Be Taken Before Starting a Project? Before starting a project, you should conduct thorough market research to identify trends and validate product demand. Next, assess the project’s technical feasibility, resources, and timelines as you analyze financial implications. Clearly define project objectives and scope, breaking them into manageable tasks. Create a detailed project plan with timelines and milestones, and establish effective communication protocols to guarantee everyone stays aligned. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms will help maintain focus and accountability throughout the project. What Is Required Before Employees Begin a New Project in NFPA 70? Before starting a new project under NFPA 70, you need to familiarize yourself with the National Electrical Code provisions relevant to your work. Review the project scope to guarantee compliance, identify potential electrical hazards, and complete any necessary training or certifications. It’s vital to establish proper documentation and record-keeping to verify compliance with safety standards. What Are the 7 Steps of Project Planning? The seven steps of project planning involve defining clear objectives, conducting thorough market research, analyzing project feasibility, outlining the project scope, identifying team members, creating a detailed project plan with a timeline, and establishing communication strategies. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives, you can guarantee a focused approach. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms help keep the project on track, aligning progress with your initial goals and expectations. Conclusion By following these ten vital steps, you can lay a solid foundation for your project’s success. Comprehending project objectives, defining roles, and setting SMART goals are critical. Moreover, planning the scope, building a timeline, and maintaining open communication help manage expectations. By proactively addressing potential threats and deciding on effective reporting methods, you guarantee your project remains on track. Implementing these practices not just improves collaboration but likewise drives alignment with organizational goals, leading to successful outcomes. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Required Steps Employees Must Take Before Beginning a New Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Before you kick off a new project, it’s crucial to follow a structured approach to guarantee its success. Start by clearly comprehending the project’s core objectives and defining everyone’s roles. Next, set SMART goals that align with your organization’s vision. You’ll additionally need to plan the scope, build a timeline, and decide on effective reporting methods. By managing expectations and maintaining open communication, you can proactively address potential challenges that may arise. What comes next is fundamental for a smooth execution. Key Takeaways Schedule a kick-off meeting to clarify project objectives and ensure alignment among all stakeholders. Create a formal document outlining project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones for approval. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member to avoid confusion and enhance accountability. Set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to guide project efforts. Develop a detailed project timeline with key milestones and deadlines, and communicate it to all stakeholders. Understand Project Core Before plunging into a new project, it’s crucial to nail down the project core. Scheduling a kick-off meeting with your manager or client helps clarify the project’s objectives and guarantees everyone’s aligned on the vision. During this meeting, discuss key deliverables and success criteria, as it establishes a shared comprehension of what success looks like for all stakeholders involved. Identifying any specific requirements or constraints at this stage can prevent misconceptions later in the process. Define Roles and Responsibilities When starting a new project, it’s crucial to clearly define roles and responsibilities for everyone involved. By selecting team members based on their skills and experiences, you can guarantee that every task is covered effectively and efficiently. Regularly reviewing these roles as the project progresses will help you adapt to any changes and maintain smooth communication among all team members. Team Member Selection Selecting the right team members is crucial for a project’s success, as each person’s skills and experiences directly impact the overall outcome. Begin by defining the necessary roles based on the project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Assess each member’s skills and past experiences to guarantee effective role alignment. Confirm their availability to commit to the project timeline without conflicts. To streamline communication, create a contact list that details each team member’s roles and responsibilities. This helps clarify accountability throughout the project. Role Skills Needed Responsibility Project Lead Leadership, Planning Oversee project execution Developer Coding, Problem-Solving Build and test project components Designer Creativity, UX Design Create user-friendly interfaces This table can aid in your project kickoff agenda discussions. Role Clarity Importance Defining roles and responsibilities within a project isn’t just a formality; it’s a critical step that improves accountability and guarantees team members clearly understand their specific contributions. During the kick off meeting, discussing each member’s role helps avoid overlaps and confusion, which can considerably boost productivity by 25%. When everyone knows their tasks, miscommunication and conflicts are reduced, minimizing potential project delays by 30%. Furthermore, establishing clear roles during onboarding improves team morale and engagement by 40%, as individuals feel more confident in their contributions. Effective role definition also streamlines resource allocation and project scheduling, ensuring a more efficient use of time and budget throughout the project lifecycle. This clarity finally leads to better project outcomes. Set SMART Goals When you set SMART goals for your project, you create a clear path to success by defining specific objectives. These goals help everyone on the team understand exactly what needs to be accomplished, eliminating any confusion. Furthermore, measurable success indicators allow you to track progress effectively, ensuring that adjustments can be made as necessary to keep the project on track. Specificity of Objectives Establishing clear objectives is crucial for the success of any new project, especially when you consider the importance of SMART goals. Specificity in your goals means outlining precise objectives that clearly define what the project aims to achieve. This clarity helps you and your team stay focused, making it easier to develop your kick-off agenda. Your goals should likewise be achievable, making certain they’re realistic given your resources. Furthermore, they need to be relevant, aligning with broader business objectives. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you create a framework that guides your project effectively. This guarantees everyone understands their roles and the project’s purpose, leading to a more organized and successful outcome. Measurable Success Indicators After clearly defining your project’s objectives, the next step involves setting measurable success indicators that align with the SMART criteria. Start by establishing specific goals that unambiguously define what you aim to achieve. Incorporate measurable metrics, such as completion percentages, that allow you to track progress effectively. Guarantee your goals are achievable by evaluating the resources and time available, creating realistic objectives within project constraints. Confirm that your goals are relevant by aligning them with broader organizational aims, making sure they contribute meaningfully to the project’s purpose. Finally, set time-bound deadlines for each goal to promote urgency and accountability. These steps should be included in your project kickoff checklist to keep your project on track and facilitate timely evaluations. Plan Scope of Work To effectively plan the scope of work for a new project, you need to create a formal document that outlines the project’s objectives, deliverables, and milestones. Collaborate with your team to identify all necessary tasks and responsibilities, ensuring everyone’s input is considered. Clearly define what’s included and excluded in the scope to prevent scope creep. Additionally, include estimated timeframes for each task to facilitate effective planning and resource allocation. Finally, review the draft with key stakeholders for final approval, aligning with their expectations and project goals. Task Estimated Timeframe Draft Document 1 week Team Collaboration 2 days Review & Approval 3 days Finalize Scope 1 day Understanding the kick off meeting meaning is essential for initiating the project. Manage Expectations Once the scope of work is clearly defined, managing expectations becomes essential for the project’s success. Start by clearly communicating the project scope and deliverables in your kick off call agenda to guarantee all stakeholders share a unified comprehension. Establish criteria for success early on, outlining measurable outcomes and performance standards that align with your goals. Throughout the project lifecycle, regularly update stakeholders to manage any shifts in expectations, keeping everyone informed of progress and potential challenges. It’s imperative to address and clarify any misconceptions about the workload and timeline to prevent misunderstandings. Cultivate open dialogue by encouraging stakeholders to voice their concerns and expectations, which can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Finalize Costs and Resources Before kicking off your project, you need to finalize costs and resources to guarantee everything runs smoothly. Start by creating a detailed budget that outlines labor, materials, and any third-party services, during the process of evaluating the availability of necessary resources. Budgeting Project Needs Budgeting project needs is a critical step in guaranteeing that your project stays on track financially. Start by analyzing the scope of work to identify all required resources, including personnel and materials. During your kickoff meeting, clarify the budget expectations and guarantee everyone understands their roles. Consider these key aspects: Create a detailed budget forecast that separates fixed and variable expenses. Research prices for materials and tools to maintain quality during being cost-effective. Factor in potential third-party services, like consulting fees, to avoid budget overruns. Regularly review and adjust your budget throughout the project lifecycle to accommodate any changes or unforeseen expenses. This proactive approach helps maintain financial control and guarantees your project’s viability. Resource Availability Assessment Evaluating resource availability is crucial for ensuring your project can proceed smoothly and efficiently. Start by thoroughly evaluating the project scope to identify all necessary resources, including personnel, materials, and tools. Develop a detailed budget that outlines expected costs associated with these resources, making sure it aligns with your overall financial objectives. Next, check the availability of both internal and external resources, confirming that team members have the required skills and that third-party services can be secured on time. Prioritize resource allocation based on project phases and tasks, ensuring critical resources are ready for deployment. Finally, establish a contingency plan to address potential shortages or delays, allowing for quick adjustments to keep everything on track for your project kickoff. Cost Estimation Techniques When starting a new project, accurately estimating costs is essential to guarantee that you allocate resources effectively and stay within budget. During your kick-off meeting for a project, consider using various cost estimation techniques: Analogous Estimation: Leverage historical data from similar projects for predictions, achieving accuracy within 10-15%. Bottom-Up Estimation: Break down the project into smaller components, estimate costs individually, and aggregate for precise results. Parametric Estimation: Use statistical relationships to calculate costs quickly, such as determining costs based on team size. Additionally, incorporate expert judgment to improve your estimates, and don’t forget to include contingency reserves, typically 5-20% of the total budget, to account for unforeseen expenses. Build a Timeline Building a detailed project timeline is crucial for successful project execution, as it serves as a clear roadmap that outlines key milestones, deliverables, and deadlines. When you develop your timeline, consider using a Gantt chart to visually represent the project flow and task dependencies. Assign realistic deadlines based on resource availability and complexity to guarantee timely completion. Communicate these expected completion dates to stakeholders, aligning everyone with the project kick-off agenda. Regularly review and update your timeline to address any delays or changes in scope, keeping the project on track. Milestone Deadline Project Kick-Off MM/DD/YYYY First Deliverable MM/DD/YYYY Final Review MM/DD/YYYY Decide on Reporting Methods Establishing effective reporting methods is essential for maintaining clarity and accountability throughout a project. During your kickoff meeting, make certain to outline these methods clearly to align your team. Consider the following key aspects: Reporting structure: Define who tracks project progress and reports updates to stakeholders. Update frequency: Decide whether updates will be daily, weekly, or bi-weekly to keep everyone informed. Standardized formats: Use templates or dashboards for consistent communication across the project team. Additionally, implement project management tools that enable real-time tracking and reporting. Guarantee all team members and stakeholders are informed about the reporting expectations and methods. This alignment will help everyone stay accountable for their contributions. Maintain Open Communication Open communication is vital for the success of any project, as it guarantees that all team members are aligned on expectations and updates. Start by establishing clear communication methods, ensuring everyone knows how to share information. A kickoff meeting example can set the tone for these discussions, allowing team members to voice their thoughts and concerns from the beginning. Schedule regular check-ins, like weekly meetings, to encourage ongoing dialogue and provide a platform for progress updates. Utilize collaborative tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, to improve real-time communication. Documenting communication protocols helps maintain transparency and clarity on who to approach for inquiries. By cultivating a culture of openness, you create an engaged workforce, ultimately leading to better project outcomes. Proactively Address Potential Threats Project managers and team members should take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential threats before they escalate into significant issues. Start by incorporating threat assessment into your kickoff call agenda. Focus on these key strategies: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to evaluate resource availability, team dynamics, and external influences. Develop an extensive contingency plan that outlines specific actions for identified threats, preparing your team for unexpected challenges. Implement a robust change management strategy to address any changes that arise, minimizing disruption. Additionally, regularly review and update your risk management strategies throughout the project lifecycle. Encourage open communication among team members to promote discussion of potential threats, fostering proactive risk mitigation and collective problem-solving. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Required Before Employes Begin a New Project? Before you start a new project, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research to understand trends and validate demand. You should analyze competitors, assess technical feasibility, and prepare a business case. Clearly defining project objectives and expected outcomes guarantees alignment with company goals. Furthermore, establish a detailed project schedule, assign roles, and identify potential risks with contingency plans. This groundwork helps manage timelines and keeps your team accountable throughout the project lifecycle. What Are the Correct Steps That Need to Be Taken Before Starting a Project? Before starting a project, you should conduct thorough market research to identify trends and validate product demand. Next, assess the project’s technical feasibility, resources, and timelines as you analyze financial implications. Clearly define project objectives and scope, breaking them into manageable tasks. Create a detailed project plan with timelines and milestones, and establish effective communication protocols to guarantee everyone stays aligned. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms will help maintain focus and accountability throughout the project. What Is Required Before Employees Begin a New Project in NFPA 70? Before starting a new project under NFPA 70, you need to familiarize yourself with the National Electrical Code provisions relevant to your work. Review the project scope to guarantee compliance, identify potential electrical hazards, and complete any necessary training or certifications. It’s vital to establish proper documentation and record-keeping to verify compliance with safety standards. What Are the 7 Steps of Project Planning? The seven steps of project planning involve defining clear objectives, conducting thorough market research, analyzing project feasibility, outlining the project scope, identifying team members, creating a detailed project plan with a timeline, and establishing communication strategies. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives, you can guarantee a focused approach. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms help keep the project on track, aligning progress with your initial goals and expectations. Conclusion By following these ten vital steps, you can lay a solid foundation for your project’s success. Comprehending project objectives, defining roles, and setting SMART goals are critical. Moreover, planning the scope, building a timeline, and maintaining open communication help manage expectations. By proactively addressing potential threats and deciding on effective reporting methods, you guarantee your project remains on track. Implementing these practices not just improves collaboration but likewise drives alignment with organizational goals, leading to successful outcomes. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Required Steps Employees Must Take Before Beginning a New Project" 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you send a lot of packages, you know it's a tedious process. Whether you own a small business, use resale platforms, or have family far away, waiting in post office lines is a drag. That's why I'm finally buying my own label printer now that this one is on sale for Prime Day. As a reseller, it's long past time. This Phomemo label printer is on sale for 36% offA few weeks ago, for the first time in a decade, the online resale platform Poshmark lowered its shipping prices. And as a committed reseller, I was both excited and trepidatious. On the one hand, buyers would be more likely to shop if they were spending less overall, which would mean my listings would be more likely to sell. On the other hand, it also meant that instead of getting access to free Priority postage envelopes at USPS, I'd have to source all my own packing materials and spending more money. Still, I bought a bunch of poly mailers and continued packing them at home before walking them all to the USPS to be labeled, scanned, and shipped. But I wondered, if I was doing more of my own packing and shipping now, why not take it a step further? I started thinking about getting a label maker to print my own labels, making my daily trip to the Post Office a thing of the past. When I looked up printers on Amazon, though, I remembered why I hadn't done this in the first place: The things are expensive. Like, $80, $100 expensive. Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer $69.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $69.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $40.00 I added the best-selling label maker to my cart and waited for the price to drop, but that day never came... until today. The Phomemo Bluetooth thermal label maker is now $70, down from $110. I haven't used it personally yet, but it has a nearly 5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews. It's also a brand I've actually heard of, which obviously doesn't necessarily mean it's quality, but when I'm scrolling through pages of nonsensical brand names on Amazon, seeing one I recognize is comforting. (Compare it to, say, another I found for $40 made by a brand I never heard of, and which has far fewer reviews.) The label maker prints from a phone or computer and allows for different sizes (though it clearly specializes in standard postage labels). It prints using thermal pressure, not ink or toner, which will save me money in the long run. I've already spoken to my mailman, Justin (with whom I have developed a pleasant rapport since I'm not just a seller, but a frequent buyer), and once my label maker is up and running, he'll pick up my outgoing packages for me, eliminating my need for those daily Post Office walks. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Prices have doubled in less than two years as central banks stockpile bullion and investors pour in to gold fundsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you're into sports video games and feel obligated to purchase Madden every year, you might as well get it for a good price. Madden NFL 26, the league's official video game, is on sale for Prime Day for $36.54 on PS5, Xbox, or Switch 2, which is nearly half off its list price of $69.99. Madden NFL 26 - Nintendo Switch 2 $36.54 at Amazon $69.99 Save $33.45 Get Deal Get Deal $36.54 at Amazon $69.99 Save $33.45 I really like Madden, but every year, I vow not to spend money on another version of the same game. Because, yes, each Madden is basically the same as the previous year's Madden. But I'm not playing a video football with last season's rosters. What am I, a caveman? Plus, I want the iconic cover of Saquon Barkley doing his thing. The physical version of Madden NFL 26 is available on the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and XBox Series X/S for this bargain price, but if you're playing on PC, it's full price. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. It's October, which means it's time for another Prime Day sale. Unlike July, which had four straight days of deals, Amazon is opting for a traditional two-day sale this month: Oct. 7 and Oct. 8. During these "Big Deal Days," there are a ton of deals on devices across the tech spectrum. But just because something is discounted doesn't make it a good deal, so I've reviewed Amazon's offerings to find the best deals on technology. The best Prime Day deals on laptops M4 MacBook Air (13-inch) $799.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $200.00 If you're in the market for a new laptop, there are some great Prime Day deals this October, particularly for MacBooks: M4 MacBook Air (13-inch): $799 at Amazon (was $999): If you need a new laptop, few options out there are going to offer a better value than the M4 MacBook Air. At $800 for Prime Day, you get the capable M4 chip with 16GB of RAM. Unless your work involves professional graphics or requires significant processing power, this setup will likely get the job done for years to come. M4 MacBook Air (15-inch): $989 at Amazon (was $1,199): This is essentially the same machine as the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air, just larger. If you need the extra screen real estate and don't mind paying the extra $190, this is a great price for this MacBook. M4 MacBook Pro (14-inch): $1,399 at Amazon (was $1,599): I don't think this MacBook is for everybody, but I do think it's for anyone who wants "pro" features at a decent price. This is the same M4 chip as in the Air, but with the Pro, you get a higher-quality mini-LED display, HDMI port, SD card slot, an extra USB-C port, and 512GB of storage. Is that worth the extra $600 over the 13-inch Air? Probably not for most people. But if you're really interested in the "best" MacBook design Apple has to offer, this would be the way to go. Microsoft Surface Laptop: $799 at Amazon (was $999): If you're looking for a MacBook-like experience, but with a Windows machine, Microsoft's Surface laptop might be the move. The Surface offers a touchscreen display in a compact package, with 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a Snapdragon X Plus ARM chip. Alienware 16 Aurora: $1,179.99 at Amazon (was $1,399.99): Dell's gaming laptop line, Alienware, has some deals for Prime Day. For $1,180, you can get a 16-inch laptop with an Intel Core 7-240H chip, 16GB of RAM, RTX 5060, and a 1TB SSD. There are also other deals on more powerful Alienware laptops. Galaxy Book5 Pro: $1,199.99 at Amazon (was $1,699.99): Samsung's 16-inch Galaxy Book5 is heavily discounted this Prime Day. This model features a 2880x1800 120Hz touchscreen display, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The best Prime Day deals on tablets and e-readers iPad A16 (128GB) $279.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $279.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $70.00 For tablets this Prime Day, I'm focusing on a couple of recommendations in two categories: iPads and e-readers. iPad (A16): $279 at Amazon (was $349): The best iPad for most people is at a great price for Prime Day. You can pick up this 11-inch iPad for as low as $279; however, you may want to consider a model with more storage. The 256GB model is currently 16% off at $379, and if you think you'll need that extra storage, it'll be worth that $100 extra in the long run. iPad mini: $379 at Amazon (was $499): This is my favorite iPad Apple makes, mostly because it's so fun. The mini is small but mighty, capable of doing everything you expect an iPad to do in a tiny form factor. You can get one for as low as $379 for Prime Day, but again, you might feel limited by the 128GB storage size. Consider grabbing the discounted 256GB model for $479, down from $599. Kindle Colorsoft: $199.99 at Amazon (was $249.99): While not a traditional tablet, Kindles remain among the best e-readers you can buy. The Colorsoft comes with the added benefit of a color display, which is especially useful for reading graphic novels. Boox Palma 2: $269.99 at Amazon (was $299.99): If you're willing to spend a bit more on an e-reader, you can't really go wrong with the Boox Palma 2. It's a favorite of Lifehacker editor Joel Cunningham, in part because it combines the convenience of Android with the e-ink display typically found on an e-reader. You can download whatever reading app you want onto this device, but its limitations mean you won't want to bother with distracting apps as you would with a smartphone. The best Prime Day deals on phones Pixel 9 (128GB) $549.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $549.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $250.00 Amazon isn't focusing on smartphones this year, so this isn't the retailer to turn to if you're looking for a discount on a new phone. Still, if you're in the market for a new Pixel phone, there are two deals here to check out: Google Pixel 9: $549 at Amazon (was $799): This is Google's 2024 flagship smartphone, and while the Pixel 10 is also available, you'll save $100 by going with the previous-gen. Last year, our editor Michelle Ehrhardt thought the Pixel 9 was so good, you didn't need the Pro. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $749 at Amazon (was $1,099): That said, if the Pro is more your speed, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also on sale for Prime Day. You can save 32% on this phone, which comes with a larger higher-quality display, extra RAM, and a higher-resolution camera. The best Prime Day deals on smartwatches Apple Watch Series 10 $309.00 at Amazon $429.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $309.00 at Amazon $429.00 Save $120.00 There are several smartwatches on Amazon's Prime Day deals list, but many of the advertised sales are for watches that I wouldn't necessarily recommend. Instead, stick to deals from reputable brands, like some of the following: Apple Watch Series 10: $309 at Amazon (was $429): Apple's latest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11, is great. Last year's model, the Series 10, is also great, and it's currently available for anywhere from $80 to $90 less. If you're okay missing out on hypertension alerts and 5G connectivity, the Series 10 is the way to go. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169.99 at Amazon (was $249): If you're looking for a simple Apple Watch that can do the core things an Apple Watch is supposed to do, 2022's Apple Watch SE is a great pick—when you consider the Prime Day sale. Apple released a newer model of the SE this year, but the SE 2 is currently $79 less. Pixel Watch 3 (41mm): $170.99 at Amazon (was $249.99): If you have an Android device, especially a Pixel phone, the Pixel Watch 3 is a great buy. The 41mm is the most affordable option here, but both wifi-only models are $70 off for Prime Day. Similarly, the LTE models are each $100 off. The 41mm LTE watch, for instance, is $249. Galaxy Watch Ultra: $534.99 at Amazon (was $649.99): While Amazon has a number of sales on Samsung watches this year, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has the biggest discount. The titanium gray color offers the steepest discount, but the watch's other colors are down to $549.99. Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm): $199.99 at Amazon (was $249.99): If you're looking for a simple yet capable Galaxy Watch, the last-gen option has the second-biggest savings among Samsung watches. You can save a bit on Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch 8, for example, but compare its current discount of $314.98 to the Galaxy Watch 7's $199.99. For Galaxy users who want to track workouts and stay up to date with notifications, the Watch 7 is a great deal. Garmin Venu X1: $699.99 at Amazon (was $799.99): As Lifehacker editor Beth Skwarecki explains, this is the first time Garmin's Venu X1 watch is on sale. And it's a great first sale, as Amazon has the watch discounted by $100. If you're looking for an Apple Watch Ultra alternative that offers Garmin's excellent exercise tracking tech, this might be a great option. The best Prime Day deals on earbuds and headphones AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 This is one category where Amazon shines. You'll find a number of great deals on typically expensive earbuds and headphones, including: AirPods Pro 2: $169.99 at Amazon (was $249): AirPods Pro 3 might be Apple's latest and greatest "pro" earbuds, but they cost $250. The AirPods Pro 2, which are still excellent earbuds in 2025, cost $80 less this Prime Day. You'll still get an outstanding audio experience, seamless connections across your Apple devices, and great ANC and transparency modes. AirPods 4: $89 at Amazon (was $129): For anyone that doesn't want to commit to the price tag that comes with the "pro" moniker, AirPods 4 are also a great deal this Prime Day. You can pick up a pair for as low as $89, 31% off, but you can also get the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $119, 34% off. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $169 at Amazon (was $229): If you have an Android phone, especially a Pixel, you should consider the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These buds are currently $169, which is 26% off their MSRP, and offer great ANC in a lightweight package. Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds: $129 at Amazon (was $179): Bose is known for its noise cancellation tech, so picking up a pair of their QuietComfort buds for their ANC is a good call. They're also much cheaper than either Apple or Google's pro earbuds, though they're competitive with the AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation. If you prefer a silicone-tip earbud, however, consider the Bose. AirPods Max (USB-C): $429 at Amazon (was $549): I love my AirPods Max, but they're pretty difficult to recommend at their MSRP. When they're 22% off for Prime Day, however, it's a different story. $429 is still a hefty price tag for a pair of over-ear headphones, but if you're fully committed to the Apple ecosystem, these headphones are fantastic. They sound great, work across all your Apple devices, and have exceptional ANC—perfect for frequent fliers. Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $188 at Amazon (was $348): If I weren't such a die-hard Apple fan boy, these would be the first headphones I'd pick up. Sony makes an excellent pair of over-ear headphones, and it's a bonus that the price is so reasonable. If you don't care about the Apple-exclusive features, you can't do much better than the WH-1000XM4 for $188. Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones: $199 at Amazon (was $359): If you're looking for Bose-level ANC, but prefer an over-ear experience, these headphones might be for you. Amazon currently has them 45% off for Prime Day. The best Prime Day deals for gaming Meta Quest 3S (256GB) $329.00 at Amazon $399.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal Get Deal $329.00 at Amazon $399.99 Save $70.99 Amazon doesn't have a ton of great gaming deals for October Prime Day, but look hard enough, and you'll find some interesting sales: Meta Quest 3S: $329 at Amazon (was $399.99): If you've been waiting to jump in on VR gaming, Prime Day might be your excuse. The 256GB Meta Quest 3S is currently 18% off, and comes with Batman: Arkham Shadow to boot. If you want to save even more, you could pick up the 128GB version for $249, which instead comes with Gorilla Tag. WD Black 2TB SSD for PS5: $180.49 at Amazon (was $251.99): Games these days take up a lot of storage, and our console's built-in SSDs often don't cut it. Rather than managing your PS5's storage, you could pick up an expansion SSD. This one from WD Black adds 2TB of storage for just over $180, a 28% discount. If you need more or less storage, there are options for 1TB, 4TB, and even 8TB. There are also some decent deals on console games right now, including: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch): $62.90 at Amazon (was $69.99). Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch): $51.80 at Amazon (was $59.99). Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PS5): $49.99 at Amazon (was $69.99). Elden Ring (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X): $26.58 (Xbox) or $29.99 at Amazon (was $35.99 (Xbox), $39.95 (PS4) and $49.99 (PS5)). God of War Ragnarok (PS5): $29.83 at Amazon (was $69.99). Returnal (PS5): $29.99 at Amazon (was $69.99). Horizon Forbidden West (PS5): $29.83 at Amazon (was $69.99). Split Fiction (Xbox): $24.98 at Amazon (was $49.99). Life Is Strange: Double Exposure (Xbox): $23.74 at Amazon (was $29.99). Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. LEGO sets don't go on sale often, so when they do, I try to act quickly. And for Prime Day, there are LEGO sets for every taste, from kids who want to build a Star Wars starship to adults who want a LEGO centerpiece for their Thanksgiving table for some reason. All of them are great deals. This LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby is 30% off LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Building Set 42138 - Pull Back Drag Race Toy Car Model Kit, Featuring AR App for Fast Action Play, Great Gift for Boys, Girls, and Teens Ages 9+ $34.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Get Deal $34.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $15.00 If your child is getting a little old for regular LEGOs, maybe they'd like a Technic set, like this Ford Mustang Shelby. Once it's built, you can play with it in two ways: Use the two pull-back toy car motors, or scan it with the LEGO AR+ app and race it in augmented reality. It's on sale for only $34.99 right now, 30% off the list price of $49.99. This LEGO Star Wars Ahsoka set is 30% offThe Ahsoka Ghost and Phantom II Spaceship set is a seriously fun project for LEGO fans. It's a 1,394-piece play set inspired by Ahsoka, and it includes a ton of the interactive features that make LEGO sets great, as well as four mini-figs: General Hera Syndulla, Lt. Beyta, Jacen Syndulla, and First Officer Hawkins, plus a Chopper (C1-10P) LEGO droid figure. It's $111.99, 30% off the list price of $159.99. This LEGO Mandalorian Grogu set is 30% offRemember when everyone was all about Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian? The Mandalorian Grogu set lets you re-live those golden days by building a display-worthy Grogu who can ride around in a little hover pram. The 1,048-piece building kit comes with a buildable Grogu figure and a display plaque, too. It's $99.99, 30% off the original list price. This LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong set is 30% offEvery kid likes Donkey Kong, and this 555-piece set will let you build DK's iconic tree house, complete with TV, radio, and conga drums you can bang on. It comes with two collectible LEGO Super Mario figures: Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong. Donkey Kong's Tree House is $41.99, 30% off the list price of $59.99. These classic LEGO bricks are 30% offMovie and video game tie-in LEGO sets are cool, but creating your own designs is even cooler. This big box of LEGO bricks contains 850 multi-colored plastic bricks and instructions for how to make a horse, carrot van, cherry, boom box, and more, but really, your kid can make anything out of 'em. That's the whole point. They're selling for $41.99, 30% off the list price of $59.99. This LEGO Halloween barn is 30% offThis seasonal LEGO set comes with a skeleton mini-fig, hidden teeth behind the door, a decorated eye, a green bottle, a black jar, and a gnarled old tree, as if LEGO is defying you to explain the macabre details that led up to this crime scene. The Halloween Barn is $10.49, 30% off the list price of $14.99. This LEGO flower centerpiece is 30% off LEGO Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece, Botanical Collection Crafts Set for Adults, Artificial Flowers with Rose and Gerbera, Table or Wall Decoration, Home Décor, 10314 $34.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Get Deal $34.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $15.00 What adult doesn't want to build a festive fall flower arrangement out of plastic bricks? LEGO says that once you complete this model, it can be "used as a table centerpiece, hung on a wall, or combined with one or more sets to create a large flower decor display." And why not, right? It's $34.99, down 30% from its list price of $49.99. This LEGO DC Superman mech set is 30% off I don't know why Superman, with his godlike powers, needs a mech, but it's cool that he has one. This DC Comics tie-in set lets you build both Supes and his archenemy Lex Luthor, so you can re-enact their never-ending conflict. (I think they should just get a room already.) Marked down 30%, this set costs only $10.49. And this LEGO City set is only $6 right nowYou want a dirt-cheap LEGO set? A low-cost stocking stuffer, perhaps? Check out this LEGO City set. It's only $5.59! That's like the price of a cup of coffee, and 44% lower than the list price. The Pizza vs. Fire Truck Race pack features mini-figures of a pizza delivery driver and a firefighter, each in a souped-up car, allowing them to race against each other. (Things are out of hand on the streets of LEGO City.) Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Cloud inventory management software is an influential tool that helps you track and manage stock in real time, accessible from any device with internet connectivity. It integrates with existing systems, like accounting or e-commerce platforms, to streamline processes and minimize errors. By automatically updating stock levels and generating purchase orders when needed, it improves inventory control. Comprehending how it works and its benefits can greatly impact your business operations and efficiency. Key Takeaways Cloud inventory management software tracks and manages stock in real time via a cloud-based platform accessible from any internet-connected device. It integrates with existing business systems, centralizing inventory data and automating processes to reduce manual errors and save time. Key features include real-time tracking, automated reordering, and comprehensive reporting tools to enhance inventory insights. The software supports seamless integration with other systems, ensuring real-time data synchronization and efficient order fulfillment. Future trends involve AI enhancements, omnichannel integration, and IoT tracking for improved decision-making and operational efficiency. What Is Cloud Inventory Management Software? Cloud inventory management software is a potent tool that allows businesses to efficiently track and manage their stock in real time. This digital solution operates on a cloud-based platform, making it accessible from any internet-connected device. By integrating with existing business systems like accounting and e-commerce, it provides a centralized hub for inventory data. This software automates processes such as reordering stock and tracking shipments, which notably reduces manual errors and saves time. Real-time updates guarantee you maintain accurate inventory levels, preventing stockouts and overstock situations. Additionally, cloud inventory management solutions are designed to scale with your business growth, offering flexibility without requiring extensive investments in IT infrastructure, making them ideal for any manufacturing management software needs. How Cloud Inventory Management Software Works When businesses adopt cloud inventory management software, they gain access to a system that operates on remote servers, enabling real-time updates and access from any device with internet connectivity. This software integrates seamlessly with existing systems, providing a centralized view of inventory levels and transactions. Here’s how it works: Data Storage: Inventory data is stored on remote servers for easy access. Automatic Updates: Stock levels adjust automatically based on sales, returns, and new stock arrivals. Reorder Points: The system triggers purchase orders when stock falls below a set threshold. Analytics: Real-time reporting tools offer insights into inventory performance. This cloud-based order management software streamlines operations, ensuring accurate inventory counts and informed decision-making. Benefits of Cloud Inventory Management Implementing cloud inventory management software offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your business operations. With real-time data access, you can track stock levels accurately, preventing costly stockouts or overstocking. The software automates repetitive tasks like reordering stock and tracking shipments, saving you valuable time and reducing labor costs. Improved collaboration is another advantage, as centralized visibility of inventory data across teams and locations leads to better decision-making. In addition, by integrating with existing accounting and order management systems, cloud inventory management boosts overall operational efficiency and streamlines your supply chain. Plus, its scalability means you can easily adapt to growth, accommodating new sales channels and increased stock-keeping units without needing significant infrastructure changes. Key Features of Cloud Inventory Management Software Effective inventory management hinges on the robust features offered by cloud inventory management software. This software provides crucial tools that streamline your operations and improve accuracy. Key features include: Real-time inventory tracking – Monitor stock levels across multiple locations instantly. Seamless integration – Connect effortlessly with existing systems like POS and accounting software for efficient data flow. Automated reordering – Automatically reorder items when stock falls below specified thresholds, ensuring product availability. Mobile accessibility – Manage inventory from any device with internet access, offering flexibility in operations. Additionally, thorough reporting tools provide insight into inventory performance, sales trends, and demand forecasting, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive your business forward. Choosing the Right Cloud Inventory Management Solution When you’re choosing a cloud inventory management solution, it’s crucial to evaluate key features like real-time tracking and integration with your existing systems. For instance, if you use specific accounting software or eCommerce platforms, make sure the solution you select can seamlessly connect with them. This will help streamline your operations and provide accurate insights into your stock levels, in the end supporting your business’s efficiency and growth. Key Features to Consider Choosing the right cloud inventory management solution requires careful consideration of several key features that can greatly impact your business operations. Here are some crucial aspects to keep in mind: Real-time inventory tracking: This guarantees accurate stock levels, reducing risks of stockouts and overselling. Automated reorder points: These help maintain ideal stock levels by triggering orders when inventory drops below a certain threshold. Multi-location management: This feature allows centralized tracking of inventory across various warehouses or stores, streamlining distribution. Comprehensive reporting tools: These provide valuable insights into inventory performance and trends, supporting data-driven decision-making. Integration With Existing Systems Integrating cloud inventory management software with your existing systems can greatly improve operational efficiency and streamline processes. This software can seamlessly connect with tools like accounting software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and eCommerce platforms, facilitating smooth data flow across your operations. With effective integration, stock levels and sales data update in real-time, reducing discrepancies and improving inventory accuracy. Many cloud solutions offer pre-built integrations with popular software, simplifying connections and automating workflows without requiring extensive technical expertise. When selecting a solution, consider compatibility with your current systems to guarantee smooth data migration and minimal disruption during implementation. Robust integration capabilities can further boost supply chain efficiency, providing visibility throughout the inventory management process, leading to better decision-making. Real-Time Inventory Tracking and Updates With real-time inventory tracking, you get instant updates on stock levels, so you always know what’s available at any given moment. This capability means that whether you’re at the office or on the go, you can access accurate inventory data from any device, ensuring informed decision-making. Instant Stock Level Updates Real-time inventory tracking is essential for businesses aiming to maintain ideal stock levels, as it enables you to receive instant updates on your stock status. With cloud inventory management software, you benefit from: Automatic Updates: Inventory counts refresh with every transaction, accurately reflecting sales, returns, and new arrivals. Prevention of Stockouts: Real-time data helps you avoid running out of popular items, ensuring you meet customer demand. Overstock Management: By monitoring stock levels, you can prevent excess inventory, reducing holding costs. Automated Reordering: Set reorder points that trigger stock replenishment when you hit specific thresholds, optimizing your inventory flow. This level of inventory visibility improves operational efficiency and boosts customer satisfaction across all sales channels. Multi-Device Access Availability Accessing your inventory data from any device connected to the internet can greatly improve your operational efficiency, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. Cloud inventory management software allows you to track inventory levels in real time from smartphones, tablets, or laptops, enhancing your operational flexibility. As transactions occur, real-time updates prevent overselling and stockouts by providing accurate stock information instantly. With a centralized database, every team member can collaborate effectively, accessing up-to-date inventory insights regardless of location. This multi-device access empowers you to manage inventory remotely, enabling quick responses to changes in stock levels. Automated updates streamline processes, ensuring consistent accuracy across all devices without requiring manual input. This efficiency can remarkably benefit your business operations. Integration Capabilities With Other Systems Cloud inventory management software offers robust integration capabilities that connect seamlessly with various business systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency. By integrating with key platforms, you can: Synchronize real-time data across accounting, eCommerce, and POS systems. Automatically update stock levels, reducing the risk of overselling and stockouts. Utilize API integrations for customized workflows suited to your business needs. Streamline order fulfillment through effective connections with shipping services, allowing for real-time tracking of shipments. These integration capabilities provide a centralized view of your inventory, making it easier for you to make informed decisions. With accurate data flowing across all channels, your operations become more efficient and effective, ensuring you meet customer demands without unnecessary delays or errors. Cost Savings and Efficiency Improvements When businesses adopt inventory management software, they often find considerable cost savings and efficiency improvements. By automating tasks that once required specialized staff, you can reduce labor costs and reallocate resources more effectively. Shifting to cloud-based systems eliminates the need for physical records and minimizes storage space, greatly lowering your storage costs. The subscription-based pricing model allows you to manage expenses better without large upfront infrastructure investments. Furthermore, automated workflows save time and improve accuracy, which leads to enhanced operational efficiency and reduced error rates. With real-time data access and dynamic forecasting capabilities, you can minimize excess inventory and improve cash flow, eventually resulting in potential savings and a healthier bottom line for your business. Future Trends in Cloud Inventory Management Software As technology evolves, the terrain of inventory management software is set to undergo significant transformations that will impact how businesses operate. Here are some future trends you can expect: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will improve demand forecasting and automate inventory replenishment, making processes more efficient. Sustainability Features: Expect tools that help track and reduce carbon footprints through better resource management, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability. Omnichannel Integration: As eCommerce expands, cloud systems will integrate with various sales channels and logistics providers, enhancing customer experience. IoT Tracking: Real-time inventory tracking through connected devices will provide granular visibility into stock levels and movement, allowing for smarter decision-making. These advancements will fundamentally shape how you manage your inventory in the future. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Cloud-Based Inventory Management System? A cloud-based inventory management system allows you to track stock online by storing data on remote servers. This means you can access your inventory from any internet-connected device. It replaces traditional methods like paper records, offering real-time data on stock levels, including items that are in stock, low, or on order. Moreover, it integrates with business tools, automating processes such as reordering when stock levels drop, enhancing operational efficiency. What Does Inventory Management Software Do? Inventory management software helps you track stock levels in real-time. It shows you what’s in stock, what’s low, and what’s on order across various locations. By automating tasks like reordering when stock falls below set levels, it minimizes stockouts. The software integrates with your existing systems, such as POS and accounting, and generates detailed reports on inventory trends and sales performance, allowing you to make informed decisions based on accurate data. What Is Inventory Management and How Does It Work? Inventory management involves tracking your stock levels, orders, sales, and deliveries. You record inventory transactions, forecast demand, and manage logistics to guarantee you have the right products at the right time. For example, using techniques like Just-In-Time (JIT) helps reduce holding costs by receiving goods only as needed. Effective systems provide real-time visibility across locations, preventing issues like overstocking or stockouts, and often integrate with other business tools for better efficiency. What Are the Four Types of Inventory Management Systems? You’ve got four main types of inventory management systems to evaluate. First, manual systems rely on spreadsheets and physical counts, often leading to errors. Next, perpetual systems continuously track inventory using technology, suited for high transaction volumes. Periodic systems, ideal for smaller businesses, count inventory at specific intervals but lack real-time updates. Finally, cloud-based systems offer remote access and scalability, integrating seamlessly with other tools to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. Conclusion To conclude, cloud inventory management software is a crucial tool for businesses looking to streamline their inventory processes. By providing real-time tracking, automatic updates, and seamless integration with existing systems, it improves efficiency and accuracy. The benefits, including cost savings and enhanced decision-making, make it a fundamental investment for any organization. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about trends in cloud inventory management will help you choose the best solution for your needs. Image Via Envato This article, "What Is Cloud Inventory Management Software and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cloud inventory management software is an influential tool that helps you track and manage stock in real time, accessible from any device with internet connectivity. It integrates with existing systems, like accounting or e-commerce platforms, to streamline processes and minimize errors. By automatically updating stock levels and generating purchase orders when needed, it improves inventory control. Comprehending how it works and its benefits can greatly impact your business operations and efficiency. Key Takeaways Cloud inventory management software tracks and manages stock in real time via a cloud-based platform accessible from any internet-connected device. It integrates with existing business systems, centralizing inventory data and automating processes to reduce manual errors and save time. Key features include real-time tracking, automated reordering, and comprehensive reporting tools to enhance inventory insights. The software supports seamless integration with other systems, ensuring real-time data synchronization and efficient order fulfillment. Future trends involve AI enhancements, omnichannel integration, and IoT tracking for improved decision-making and operational efficiency. What Is Cloud Inventory Management Software? Cloud inventory management software is a potent tool that allows businesses to efficiently track and manage their stock in real time. This digital solution operates on a cloud-based platform, making it accessible from any internet-connected device. By integrating with existing business systems like accounting and e-commerce, it provides a centralized hub for inventory data. This software automates processes such as reordering stock and tracking shipments, which notably reduces manual errors and saves time. Real-time updates guarantee you maintain accurate inventory levels, preventing stockouts and overstock situations. Additionally, cloud inventory management solutions are designed to scale with your business growth, offering flexibility without requiring extensive investments in IT infrastructure, making them ideal for any manufacturing management software needs. How Cloud Inventory Management Software Works When businesses adopt cloud inventory management software, they gain access to a system that operates on remote servers, enabling real-time updates and access from any device with internet connectivity. This software integrates seamlessly with existing systems, providing a centralized view of inventory levels and transactions. Here’s how it works: Data Storage: Inventory data is stored on remote servers for easy access. Automatic Updates: Stock levels adjust automatically based on sales, returns, and new stock arrivals. Reorder Points: The system triggers purchase orders when stock falls below a set threshold. Analytics: Real-time reporting tools offer insights into inventory performance. This cloud-based order management software streamlines operations, ensuring accurate inventory counts and informed decision-making. Benefits of Cloud Inventory Management Implementing cloud inventory management software offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your business operations. With real-time data access, you can track stock levels accurately, preventing costly stockouts or overstocking. The software automates repetitive tasks like reordering stock and tracking shipments, saving you valuable time and reducing labor costs. Improved collaboration is another advantage, as centralized visibility of inventory data across teams and locations leads to better decision-making. In addition, by integrating with existing accounting and order management systems, cloud inventory management boosts overall operational efficiency and streamlines your supply chain. Plus, its scalability means you can easily adapt to growth, accommodating new sales channels and increased stock-keeping units without needing significant infrastructure changes. Key Features of Cloud Inventory Management Software Effective inventory management hinges on the robust features offered by cloud inventory management software. This software provides crucial tools that streamline your operations and improve accuracy. Key features include: Real-time inventory tracking – Monitor stock levels across multiple locations instantly. Seamless integration – Connect effortlessly with existing systems like POS and accounting software for efficient data flow. Automated reordering – Automatically reorder items when stock falls below specified thresholds, ensuring product availability. Mobile accessibility – Manage inventory from any device with internet access, offering flexibility in operations. Additionally, thorough reporting tools provide insight into inventory performance, sales trends, and demand forecasting, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive your business forward. Choosing the Right Cloud Inventory Management Solution When you’re choosing a cloud inventory management solution, it’s crucial to evaluate key features like real-time tracking and integration with your existing systems. For instance, if you use specific accounting software or eCommerce platforms, make sure the solution you select can seamlessly connect with them. This will help streamline your operations and provide accurate insights into your stock levels, in the end supporting your business’s efficiency and growth. Key Features to Consider Choosing the right cloud inventory management solution requires careful consideration of several key features that can greatly impact your business operations. Here are some crucial aspects to keep in mind: Real-time inventory tracking: This guarantees accurate stock levels, reducing risks of stockouts and overselling. Automated reorder points: These help maintain ideal stock levels by triggering orders when inventory drops below a certain threshold. Multi-location management: This feature allows centralized tracking of inventory across various warehouses or stores, streamlining distribution. Comprehensive reporting tools: These provide valuable insights into inventory performance and trends, supporting data-driven decision-making. Integration With Existing Systems Integrating cloud inventory management software with your existing systems can greatly improve operational efficiency and streamline processes. This software can seamlessly connect with tools like accounting software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and eCommerce platforms, facilitating smooth data flow across your operations. With effective integration, stock levels and sales data update in real-time, reducing discrepancies and improving inventory accuracy. Many cloud solutions offer pre-built integrations with popular software, simplifying connections and automating workflows without requiring extensive technical expertise. When selecting a solution, consider compatibility with your current systems to guarantee smooth data migration and minimal disruption during implementation. Robust integration capabilities can further boost supply chain efficiency, providing visibility throughout the inventory management process, leading to better decision-making. Real-Time Inventory Tracking and Updates With real-time inventory tracking, you get instant updates on stock levels, so you always know what’s available at any given moment. This capability means that whether you’re at the office or on the go, you can access accurate inventory data from any device, ensuring informed decision-making. Instant Stock Level Updates Real-time inventory tracking is essential for businesses aiming to maintain ideal stock levels, as it enables you to receive instant updates on your stock status. With cloud inventory management software, you benefit from: Automatic Updates: Inventory counts refresh with every transaction, accurately reflecting sales, returns, and new arrivals. Prevention of Stockouts: Real-time data helps you avoid running out of popular items, ensuring you meet customer demand. Overstock Management: By monitoring stock levels, you can prevent excess inventory, reducing holding costs. Automated Reordering: Set reorder points that trigger stock replenishment when you hit specific thresholds, optimizing your inventory flow. This level of inventory visibility improves operational efficiency and boosts customer satisfaction across all sales channels. Multi-Device Access Availability Accessing your inventory data from any device connected to the internet can greatly improve your operational efficiency, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. Cloud inventory management software allows you to track inventory levels in real time from smartphones, tablets, or laptops, enhancing your operational flexibility. As transactions occur, real-time updates prevent overselling and stockouts by providing accurate stock information instantly. With a centralized database, every team member can collaborate effectively, accessing up-to-date inventory insights regardless of location. This multi-device access empowers you to manage inventory remotely, enabling quick responses to changes in stock levels. Automated updates streamline processes, ensuring consistent accuracy across all devices without requiring manual input. This efficiency can remarkably benefit your business operations. Integration Capabilities With Other Systems Cloud inventory management software offers robust integration capabilities that connect seamlessly with various business systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency. By integrating with key platforms, you can: Synchronize real-time data across accounting, eCommerce, and POS systems. Automatically update stock levels, reducing the risk of overselling and stockouts. Utilize API integrations for customized workflows suited to your business needs. Streamline order fulfillment through effective connections with shipping services, allowing for real-time tracking of shipments. These integration capabilities provide a centralized view of your inventory, making it easier for you to make informed decisions. With accurate data flowing across all channels, your operations become more efficient and effective, ensuring you meet customer demands without unnecessary delays or errors. Cost Savings and Efficiency Improvements When businesses adopt inventory management software, they often find considerable cost savings and efficiency improvements. By automating tasks that once required specialized staff, you can reduce labor costs and reallocate resources more effectively. Shifting to cloud-based systems eliminates the need for physical records and minimizes storage space, greatly lowering your storage costs. The subscription-based pricing model allows you to manage expenses better without large upfront infrastructure investments. Furthermore, automated workflows save time and improve accuracy, which leads to enhanced operational efficiency and reduced error rates. With real-time data access and dynamic forecasting capabilities, you can minimize excess inventory and improve cash flow, eventually resulting in potential savings and a healthier bottom line for your business. Future Trends in Cloud Inventory Management Software As technology evolves, the terrain of inventory management software is set to undergo significant transformations that will impact how businesses operate. Here are some future trends you can expect: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will improve demand forecasting and automate inventory replenishment, making processes more efficient. Sustainability Features: Expect tools that help track and reduce carbon footprints through better resource management, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability. Omnichannel Integration: As eCommerce expands, cloud systems will integrate with various sales channels and logistics providers, enhancing customer experience. IoT Tracking: Real-time inventory tracking through connected devices will provide granular visibility into stock levels and movement, allowing for smarter decision-making. These advancements will fundamentally shape how you manage your inventory in the future. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Cloud-Based Inventory Management System? A cloud-based inventory management system allows you to track stock online by storing data on remote servers. This means you can access your inventory from any internet-connected device. It replaces traditional methods like paper records, offering real-time data on stock levels, including items that are in stock, low, or on order. Moreover, it integrates with business tools, automating processes such as reordering when stock levels drop, enhancing operational efficiency. What Does Inventory Management Software Do? Inventory management software helps you track stock levels in real-time. It shows you what’s in stock, what’s low, and what’s on order across various locations. By automating tasks like reordering when stock falls below set levels, it minimizes stockouts. The software integrates with your existing systems, such as POS and accounting, and generates detailed reports on inventory trends and sales performance, allowing you to make informed decisions based on accurate data. What Is Inventory Management and How Does It Work? Inventory management involves tracking your stock levels, orders, sales, and deliveries. You record inventory transactions, forecast demand, and manage logistics to guarantee you have the right products at the right time. For example, using techniques like Just-In-Time (JIT) helps reduce holding costs by receiving goods only as needed. Effective systems provide real-time visibility across locations, preventing issues like overstocking or stockouts, and often integrate with other business tools for better efficiency. What Are the Four Types of Inventory Management Systems? You’ve got four main types of inventory management systems to evaluate. First, manual systems rely on spreadsheets and physical counts, often leading to errors. Next, perpetual systems continuously track inventory using technology, suited for high transaction volumes. Periodic systems, ideal for smaller businesses, count inventory at specific intervals but lack real-time updates. Finally, cloud-based systems offer remote access and scalability, integrating seamlessly with other tools to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. Conclusion To conclude, cloud inventory management software is a crucial tool for businesses looking to streamline their inventory processes. By providing real-time tracking, automatic updates, and seamless integration with existing systems, it improves efficiency and accuracy. The benefits, including cost savings and enhanced decision-making, make it a fundamental investment for any organization. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about trends in cloud inventory management will help you choose the best solution for your needs. Image Via Envato This article, "What Is Cloud Inventory Management Software and How Does It Work?" 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. Language learning apps usually fall into two camps—either they’re too rigid and boring, or they gamify things so much that you stop learning and start guessing. Qlango aims to find the middle ground, and currently, you can buy a lifetime subscription for $31.97 from StackSocial (down from $119.99), which grants access to all 50+ supported languages. Languages include Spanish, French, and German, as well as less common ones such as Georgian, Tatar, and even Latin. Whether you're prepping for a trip, brushing up your vocabulary, or just trying to keep your brain busy, it’s a lot of content for not a lot of money. What makes Qlango different is how it forces you to use your target language actively. You don’t spend time translating back into your native tongue—everything you do, from dictation to sentence-building to multiple choice, is centered around the language you’re learning. It uses spaced repetition, so if you miss something, it’ll keep coming back until it sticks. And while that might sound annoying, it’s actually one of the most effective ways to build long-term memory. You can also pick the learning style that suits you best—go slow with word matching, or dive into full sentence translations if you’re up for it. That said, the app’s design isn’t as polished as something like Duolingo, and if you’re someone who needs visual bells and whistles to stay motivated, it might feel a bit barebones. The real value lies in its flexibility, though—you can set your own weekly goals, skip the guilt trips for missing a day, and focus on what actually helps you learn. You can hear the pronunciation of each word, learn nouns with their articles (super helpful for gendered languages), and build a vocabulary that’s actually useful. If you’ve bounced off other language apps in the past because they either felt too childish or too intense, Qlango might be the middle path you’ve been looking for. And at this price, it’s not a huge risk to find out. 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. If you want to begin coding—either for a career shift, a hobby, or just to better understand your favorite apps—you can get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 together with the Learn to Code Certification course pack currently on sale for just $45.97 on StackSocial. The deal runs through October 12. The standout here is that you’re not just getting a license for Visual Studio, which is already a powerhouse development environment, but also lifetime access to more than 60 hours of beginner-to-advanced coding instruction. Visual Studio Pro 2022 itself is widely used in professional environments, built for serious dev work—think C#, Python, .NET, and more. You get tools like IntelliCode for AI-assisted coding suggestions, built-in Git support, debugging, and advanced testing features, all of which are useful whether you're building a small app or working on enterprise-level projects. Normally, licenses for just the IDE can get expensive, so getting it bundled with a full curriculum covering JavaScript, React, Python, CSS, and more is the kind of package that feels designed for someone starting out with ambition or a side hustle in mind. That said, this is a Microsoft-centric deal. If you’re aiming to become a Mac-based developer or work heavily with Xcode and iOS projects, this probably won’t be your best fit. The same goes if you’re already deep into development and just looking for a few advanced certifications, as some of the coursework may feel too foundational. But if you’ve been stuck in tutorial limbo, this bundle provides structure, software, and real-world tools at a reasonable price. For under $50, it’s hard to beat the value, especially for learners who want both a development platform and a guided roadmap in one place. View the full article

In early 2023, a couple of months after ChatGPT launched and became the fastest-growing consumer application in history, I remember feeling both excited but also a bit overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI. The barrage of news, product launches, and innovative use cases was relentless. We held an executive meeting at that time and decided to immediately reassign additional teams from other long-planned initiatives to double down on AI. We saw an opportunity to deliver even more value to our customers. My experience is not unique. Across the board, leaders have been aggressively implementing AI to improve productivity, lower costs, and improve communication—but the results have been disappointing to date for many organizations. Only 34% of organizations say their AI projects have returned a positive ROI for most or all initiatives, according to Lucid’s AI readiness survey. Unlocking the tremendous value AI offers isn’t a technology problem. It’s an operational one. Leaders need to be more intentional about their workflows and practices to realize AI’s vast potential. OPERATIONS ARE DRAGGING AI INITIATIVES DOWN In the race to keep pace with AI, businesses are moving quickly. But their emphasis on speed comes at a cost. About 61% of knowledge workers said in the survey that their firm’s AI strategy is only somewhat to not at all well aligned with operational capabilities. Most are glossing over foundational steps today that jeopardize their chances for success tomorrow. One notable example is documenting company processes and knowledge, a critical input for AI initiatives. The survey found that most organizations lack process documentation for their AI initiatives. Only 16% of survey respondents replied that their workflows are extremely well documented. The top obstacle to documenting knowledge at scale is a lack of time, according to 41% of respondents. Before implementing AI, leaders should ensure their teams understand the importance of documenting processes so that they always make time for it. Teams can’t harness AI to its fullest without well-documented, clearly structured processes. If an organization is already well into its implementation but didn’t prioritize this upfront, it’s never too late to course-correct. It’s actually critical to do so. The next top barrier to knowledge documentation is the lack of tools (30%). Recently, I met with a Fortune 500 executive whose company is mandating AI to drive significant efficiency and productivity gains, yet relying on a legacy tool to collaborate that was never built for teams and centered on the individual user. If companies want AI to be adopted across the enterprise, they need a common space for brainstorming, decision making, planning, and collaborative documentation. Even with all of AI’s transformative capabilities, the fundamentals of successfully integrating technology into a workplace still apply. Companies need the right tools that enable better collaboration and help them document current processes and best practices easily. FRICTION AROUND COLLABORATION LIMITS AI’S IMPACT A while back, our executive team tackled a strategic challenge together. A product leader used AI to generate an impressive preparatory memo in a short timeframe, summarizing the challenge, benchmarking solutions, and offering recommendations. But the AI-generated memo was the starting point, not the end. We still needed to debate nuances specific to Lucid’s context, prioritize actions and assign ownership, and document takeaways and define next steps. Even with the amount of work that can be accelerated and automated with AI, collaboration is still critical. The survey found 23% of respondents say collaboration is often or always the bottleneck in complex work. Implementing AI is a major undertaking. Only by consistently engaging key stakeholders for in-depth discussions, clarifying decisions, and ensuring shared understanding can these bold initiatives succeed. THE NEW COMPETITIVE EDGE IN AI The success of a company’s AI strategy is only as strong as its execution, and a large perception gap proves this. The survey found that 61% of C-suite executives feel their AI approach is well considered, but a much smaller percentage of managers (49%) and entry-level employees (36%) agree. Closing this gap requires more than just a good plan; it requires operational readiness. Organizations must build stronger processes, improve documentation, and foster better collaboration to successfully implement AI. Harnessing the power of this revolutionary technology requires a level of rigor most organizations have yet to demonstrate. The new competitive advantage for AI adoption lies in the operational systems behind it. Dave Grow is CEO of Lucid Software. 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. I love my AirPods Max, but I can rarely recommend them. It's a shame, because they should be a no-brainer for anyone in the Apple ecosystem: They easily pair with all of your devices, have great noise cancellation (these are my go-to airplane headphones), and they sound fantastic. What's not to love? Well, the price. Typically, AirPods Max retail for $549, making them among the most expensive consumer-grade headphones available. Comparable headphones in this category range from $250 to $450, making the AirPods Max a tough sell for anyone not completely tied to the Apple ecosystem. If all you care about is a pair of high-quality on- or over-the-ear headphones, you can opt for something less expensive. For Prime Day, though, you can pick up a new pair of AirPods Max for $429—over $100 off, 22% off the MSRP. That's still expensive, no doubt, but it places the headphones at the top of this category range, rather than nearly $100 outside of it. I can comfortably say if you're interested in these headphones, now is a great time to buy. AirPods Max $429.00 at Amazon $549.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $429.00 at Amazon $549.00 Save $120.00 As far as headphones go, AirPods Max are pretty straightforward. Like other AirPods, when you put them on your head and they automatically connect to your active Apple devices. If you're listening to music on your Mac, but you pick up your iPhone to watch a video, they'll automatically switch over to the new active source. You don't have to live with this feature, but it's gotten so good in recent years that it's pretty seamless when working across devices. The headphones come with excellent noise cancellation, as well as its opposite: Transparency Mode. This feature pumps in sounds through tiny microphones in the AirPods, so you can have a full conversation without needing to take the headphones off. (Even with noise cancellation turned off, AirPods Max can block a decent amount of noise just by being on your head.) Perhaps my favorite AirPods Max feature, however, is the battery life. These are rated for 20 hours of power at a time, which blows Apple's other earbuds out of the water. If you make sure to place the AirPods Max in their case in between uses, you'll find you don't have to charge them very often. (Though make sure you do use the case, since there's no way to turn off the AirPods when they're outside of it.) Should you buy the new AirPods Max or the original?You may or may not be aware that these AirPods Max are not the original model Apple released back in 2020. Apple actually refreshed the headphones last September, though you might not know it at first glance. In fact, for the most part, the two AirPods Max versions are almost identical, save for three points: new color choices, USB-C instead of Lightning, and the "ultra low latency" audio option that allows you to listen to lossless content over a wired connection. Those are all improvements, of course—especially the latter two perks—but for a while there, I was recommending the original pair over the new model. For one, Apple hadn't yet rolled out the exclusive wired playback features, but for another, you could find the original model at a greater discount than the new pair, especially during events like Prime Day. As long as you could live with Lightning instead of USB-C, you'd save a chunk of change and have roughly the same AirPods Max experience. Now the situation is different. Not only is the new model better, but the original model seems to be harder to find new. You can pick up an original pair for $399 or less, but it'll be renewed. If that's fine with you, go for the savings. But I think $429 isn't a terrible price for a new, unopened pair of AirPods Max. Alternatively, consider AirPods ProIf you’re looking for a high-quality audio experience that similarly works well with the Apple ecosystem, you really can’t go wrong with the AirPods Pro. In fact, they might be better for some people than the AirPods Max, since they have some exclusive features despite the lower price tag. I really wish Apple would add things like Conversation Awareness to AirPods Max, an advanced version of Transparency Mode that automatically reduces your music or audio source when you start talking to someone. While Apple's newest AirPods Pro 3 remain at their full price of $250, Amazon has a great deal on AirPods Pro 2 for Prime Day, so if $429 is still too large a pill to swallow, give the Pros a look. You'll get the features you expect—noise cancellation, automatic device switching, high-quality audio—plus more. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

One thing I genuinely love about my job is mentoring young professionals who are just getting started in their careers. Gaining a foothold in the tech industry is tough, especially in the AI age. And today’s new generation of employees are asking compelling questions: How do I focus in complex environments? How do I create a competitive advantage? What happens if I fail? I recently found myself asking similar questions—about my golf game—to one of the world’s top golfers, Padraig Harrington. It was humbling to be on the other side of the fence, getting insights from a global legend that not only improved my swing, but helped me better coach the next generation of tech employees. Here are four highlights. Commit to a strategy. Pressure’s on. It’s time to step up and take a swing. But then you second-guess your approach. Do you have the right strategy? Should you try something new? Padraig says that changing your strategy at the last minute could ruin your shot; you need to have a plan and stick to it. Your key goal on the golf course, he says, is to not change your mind over the ball. This might seem counter to advice you would typically give young professionals. At SAS we talk a lot about staying flexible and agile amid changing market conditions. But while flexibility has its place, so does confidence and consistency. Once you lock in during the moments that matter most, you’ll get the job done the way you intended, instead of panicking under pressure. Seek metrics that no one else measures. This one really resonated with me, because in data and AI it’s tempting to default to metrics that are easy to capture: latency, throughput, conversions. But Padraig also zeros in on his own personal performance indicators that are slightly outside the norm, like how often his first putt is taken from inside the eight-foot mark—not because it looks good on paper, but because it increases his chances of converting birdies or rescuing par. As a data and AI organization that helps customers stay ahead of the game, this insight is incredibly useful. We will always track the necessary metrics, but we can also dig deeper to find that extra edge. This is true for individual employees, as well. If you do things a little differently than everyone else, find your own performance indicators, and sharpen your unique skills, you’ll stand out from the crowd. Lean into the difficult shots. “Practice putting from off the green” is a strategy Padraig lives by for short game. It sounds simple, but what he’s really saying is you should challenge yourself when practicing. Great golfers, he says, practice being under pressure. They give themselves obstacles to overcome and being out of position by practicing from difficult lies or in unfamiliar wind conditions, so they’re ready for anything when it’s tournament time. In organizations, just like in golf, you don’t only win in good conditions. You also win by managing through tough conditions. It’s how you adapt when facing a challenge, like overcoming a volatile market, mitigating bias, or managing data quality. If you’re just starting out in your career, uncertainty is a given; but if you learn to anticipate it, or even welcome it, you’ll be ready for anything thrown your way. Love the next shot. Padraig’s advice is pivotal when it comes to playing the game: Love the next shot. Don’t dwell on past mistakes, especially as there’s nothing you can do about them. This is a powerful mindset shift in any profession, especially in tech, where failure is part of the terrain. I’ve found that young professionals tend to be harder on themselves; they fear that one mistake could tank their future career. As technology leaders, mentors, or even golf professionals, we need to remind the younger generation not to beat themselves up over the last shot. Just learn, adjust, and commit fully to the next one. With the next SAS Championship PGA Tour Champions golf event happening now, I’m already applying these insights—both on the course and in the conference room. And if I end up in the rough? That’s fine. I’ve got another shot to look forward to. Bryan Harris is the executive vice president and chief technology officer at SAS. 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. Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best bargains, based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you knew me in person, you might not necessarily guess that I have a favorite vacuum. Nothing about me suggests that I spend a lot of time being fussy over a cleaning brand. But cleaning less often than I should is precisely why I have a favorite vacuum: I may not tidy up often enough, but when I do, I need one that works. And in my tiny Manhattan apartment, I find the space for not one, but two Bissell vacuums. (One is for what I call "the horrors," and the other is for normal cleaning.) Regardless of how you live, you may also be considering a new vacuum, and these Bissell models are on sale for Prime Day. My beloved Bissell CrossWave is nearly half offI love my CrossWave OmniForce, which I've evangelized about frequently. It's both a vacuum and a mop, allowing you to use it on both hard and soft floors. The cleaning solution gets dispensed, the brush spreads it around, and the vacuum sucks it back up into a separate chamber. It's ideal for both the squeaky-clean person (maybe you) and the desperately lazy (definitely me). BISSELL® CrossWave® OmniForce™ Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum with Dedicated Dry Vacuum Mode, 3882 $199.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $180.00 Typically $380, it's currently on sale for just $199. It comes with a charging dock (which serenades you with a pleasant little jingle whenever you set the vacuum on it), plus two bottles of cleaning solution. You should get this vacuum, but a word of advice: Always dump out the dirty solution as soon as you're done cleaning. Left in the canister, it will quickly smell awful, which is obviously my own fault. There are other CrossWaves available as well, including the CrossWave Turbo, a slightly less powerful model that performs essentially the same function as the OmniForce and is now marked down 43% to $130. There's also the CrossWave HydroSteam, which steams carpets and floors in addition, and it's $270 instead of $320. Other great Bissell dealsI'm sad to report that the second vacuum I use—the one for the horrors—is not on sale for Prime Day, but it doesn't really need to be: The Bissell Featherweight, a tiny-but-mighty stick vacuum that transforms into a handheld dust-buster and has a handful of useful attachments, is just $33 as is. For a more powerful stick vacuum, consider the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, which is marked down to $130 instead of $230. Bissell's Little Green compact carpet and upholstery cleaner is also marked down to $75 instead of $95 right now. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. View the full article

Artificial intelligence is changing everything: how we work, build, create, and grow. It’s unlocking opportunities daily. At Grove Collaborative, we’ve seen it firsthand. AI helps us move faster, make smarter decisions, and, most importantly, serve our customers better. But here’s the part not enough people are talking about: the environmental cost. AI is resource-intensive, especially when rolled out at scale. It uses a ton of electricity and water, drives new forms of e-waste, and complicates carbon accounting. For mission-driven companies—especially those built on sustainability—that creates a real tension. We want to innovate. But we also want to protect the planet we all share. So we asked ourselves a deceptively simple question: What’s our AI footprint? We didn’t know the answer. There was no standard. No export from a large language model. No tool. Just a growing impact no one seemed to be measuring. So we built one. A METHOD TO ESTIMATE AI EMISSIONS Partnering with our longtime friends at Gravity, a carbon and energy accounting platform, we developed a science-informed method for estimating AI emissions—factoring in compute time, server power, and grid emissions. It’s not perfect (no model is). But it’s a practical start that gives us real visibility into the footprint we’re creating. Our projected 2025 AI-related carbon footprint is 17.8 metric tons of CO2e, equivalent to roughly 6% of our 2024 business travel emissions (299 metric tons of CO2e). This is a first estimate based on our current usage today, but we know this number will grow. And having a baseline is essential to understand our impact so that we can explore how to reduce it over time. During NYC Climate Week, we became one of the first retailers to disclose estimated AI emissions. And beginning in 2026, we’ll include them in our annual sustainability reporting. But this can’t just be about us. Which is why we’re open-sourcing the methodology. Any company, whether a startup or multinational, can—and should—use it to measure and track their AI footprint. Because the speed of AI adoption is outpacing our ability to measure its impact. Without transparency, there’s no path to making AI both powerful and sustainable. This isn’t about slowing innovation. It’s about making sure innovation and sustainability move forward together, not in opposition. 4 WAYS TO MEASURE YOUR AI FOOTPRINT Here’s the playbook we’re proposing for you to measure your AI footprint: Measure what matters. Don’t guess. Track AI emissions with as much granularity as current science allows. Build them into Scope 3 emissions reporting. Mitigate with integrity. Offset what you can’t reduce, but don’t stop there. Balance AI emissions with high-quality carbon offsets and, based on your measurement, invest in strategies to reduce them over time. Choose more sustainable models. Favor AI platforms that share environmental data, prioritize efficiency and water stewardship, and embrace circular design. Lead through disclosure. Perfect measurement doesn’t exist. But transparency builds trust and drives momentum. Of course, this only works if the upstream providers—the companies building the AI infrastructure itself—step up too. We’re calling on OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, Meta, NVIDIA, and others to disclose their tools’ environmental impact. Without their transparency, no one can truly measure with accuracy. LEAD WITH TRANSPARENCY We know we’re early. We don’t have all the answers. But we believe in leading with openness, not waiting for perfect data, and driving progress over perfection. Our mission at Grove has always been to create healthier homes and a healthier planet. That mission doesn’t end with AI, but it does have to evolve to include it. Our current AI emissions are modest. But even small footprints matter. And if we don’t measure them, they’ll grow unchecked. So here’s the challenge I’ll leave with my peers: Don’t let sustainability lag behind innovation. Measure your impact. Share your findings. Hold yourself accountable. The future of innovation isn’t just faster. It’s more responsible, more transparent, more human. That’s how we make real progress—and make sure it lasts. Jeff Yurcisin is CEO of Grove Collaborative. View the full article