The ACCENT Learning Hub

When you think about getting a better handle on data management for your manufacturing, distribution or logistics company, your train of thought might take you immediately to getting new software. While this is a step in the process, putting it at the front-end is the wrong place because data management isn’t about the software. It’s about changing the way that your employees and your business operates on a day to day basis.

As you look at your numbers, do you feel like there’s a disconnect with how much business you’re doing and how profitable your company is? It might not occur to you to point your finger at data management when you’re trying to figure out why your bottom line isn’t responding as it should be. If you aren’t capturing the right data, or if you have to grab data from disparate locations, there could be important questions that you can’t answer, or that you aren’t answering accurately, and this could obstruct your success.

The Cloud is awesome, right? I love what the Cloud has to offer. We all use it even if we don’t realize it – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon, to name a few. Even the technology that many of us now have in our homes is made possible because of cloud computing – smart thermostats and home automation, video doorbells and security systems.

Your company database isn’t exactly a sales tool, yet if you’re not managing your data properly in your manufacturing, distribution or logistics business, it can be a reason why you fail to land a big prospective customer. It can also be the reason why you lose customers, or employees for that matter. You may have never thought that data management could have such an impact on your business but the truth is, getting a firm grip on the way that information flows through each department and process can improve your whole business. See if you have any of these five signs that you might need better data management.

When Accent Computer Solutions created a position totally dedicated to cyber security, Sean Sharifi was a natural choice to fill the role. Sean had long been attracted to the practice of cyber security and had spent much time and effort developing his knowledge and gaining certifications to validate his expertise. His credentials include the highly regarded CISSP and CompTIA Security +, as well as an MBA with an emphasis in Cyber Security.

Castle builders in medieval times knew that they needed a layered defense to keep marauders out. They built structures with thick walls, towers and battlements. They surrounded themselves with moats or ramparts, and had built-in attack positions. Doors were the most difficult part of the castle to defend, so they had as few doors as possible, and they often reinforced them with metal. None of these defenses did any good, however, when a castle occupant unknowingly opened the door to an intruder.

I got a call from a client recently asking, “Why are emails from my customers getting caught in my spam filter instead of sent to my inbox?” Fair question. The emails he was referencing were from a customer that he communicates with all the time. And to make matters worse, he didn’t even know the emails had been sent until a customer called to ask why he hadn’t been responding. He was understandably frustrated.

Not a day goes by in the IT world without talking about cyber security. IT professionals are constantly discussing protection methods, access controls, new and existing threats, and ways to reduce risk. To most people who use technology, security measures just get in the way of being able to use or access whatever you’re trying to access. Things like complex passwords, password expirations, and multi-factor authentication are complex ideas that frustrate and confuse people who are just trying to log in to a website or system. In fact, a significant percentage of support calls to manufacturers are related to passwords and system access. Yep, security is a nuisance that gets in the way, and we don’t like to be bothered with it. Nevertheless, cyber security and IT security are crucial.

Why are business owners and executives are turning to managed IT services as a cost effective way to resource the IT function of their business? Because it makes financial sense to do so. When making the switch to managed IT, these leaders aren’t just concerned about cutting their technology expenditures, they’re recognizing that a proactive approach to managing the IT function brings benefits that help them to be good financial stewards, while enabling their business goals. Consider for yourself these top seven financial benefits of managed IT services.

Cybercrime and ransomware attacks have become commonplace in society today. The impact is worldwide, causing headaches and financial troubles for many businesses and consumers. So, how do you stay safe from these threats? Here are a few tips to keep your personal information out of the wrong hands.