Senior Director Production & Technical at Free Country, Kimberly Fornari, describes the state of the company with respect to product development and production. “We had the information, but we didn’t have it all in one place; it started to become very time consuming for the teams to obtain the information fast and consistently. The more we grew as a company, the more we realized we really need to have a central location for our tech packs and libraries to improve accuracy and efficiency.”
“Having to sift through data causes second guessing and you want to be able to have your style information in one place. It is a challenge with over 100 styles,” Fornari says. “Now all product details for a style can be in one place and as our style count grows and the company grows—we have a great template and a great reference to work with.” She continues, “You’re only as good as the information you pass to a factory and we needed to do a better job of that.”
There were a number of reasons that Free Country chose Centric Software. Fornari says, “Centric PLM was the most user friendly. It is web based. It is geared toward both production and design. In my previous life, I worked on many PLM systems that were predominantly geared towards tech but weren’t really user friendly for production or design. We found from evaluating other companies that Centric was the one where we could have a happy medium of both.”
Fornari likens their business to a seasonless company. “We don’t have cut off dates the way other companies do. Bulk buys can run for four to five months a season and we would not refuse an order, we just make it happen. So we’re constantly moving all the time; if we had to back track, double check product details, we wanted to be able to do that faster and trust how we house the information. There was just no good way to keep our history. That was really the icing on the cake to decide to go with Centric PLM. Being able to have one centralized place to go for data whether it is current or historical—we wanted to work smarter, not harder.”
Free Country is looking forward to having all product data in a single repository as well as organized material libraries, with fabrics and trim together and accessible. Another plus is that sustainable materials can be tagged in the system. Says Fornari, “The attribute libraries are going to be really cool for us—we can make sure that whatever fabric or style has special attributes/features, the history of what we decided will be there and act as a reminder.”
Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software says, “We are delighted that Free Country, a respected outdoor company that produces high quality, affordable clothing for outside adventures, has chosen Centric PLM. It enables design through to production, streamlining their business and setting them up for the future.”
Ira Schwartz, Founder & CEO of Free Country, had the idea for our brand in the Colorado Rockies and it came to life in New York City in 1990. Active and outdoor looks is in our DNA, it’s what inspired and started this company more than 30 years ago, long before the word “athleisure” existed and before the outdoors became trendy. Our story doesn’t need to be reinvented to hit a new trend; it is who we are.
The outdoors belongs to all of us. We want to give everyone the freedom to belong outside, no matter where adventure takes them. It doesn’t cost anything to walk or hike a beautiful trail and the apparel to do this regardless of the weather should not cost a fortune. That is why it is our mission to provide amazing products at an incredible value.
Our styles are designed with performance fabrics, functionality, versatility, and comfort to be used every day! Whether it’s walking the dog, hiking some trails, or skiing the slopes, discover your Free Country your way! #OutsideIsOurs
Key benefits of the Event Temple and OPERA Cloud integration include:
Real-time Availability: Hotel sales teams can quickly check live room availability and pricing which facilitates quicker decision-making and quoting to grow group room and meeting sales.
Enhanced Communication: Both the sales and event teams can effortlessly communicate and collaborate, ensuring smooth transitions between event sales, planning, and execution.
Efficient Operations: Streamlining the event sales and management process reduces administrative tasks, minimizes errors, and increases operational efficiency.
“Our integration with Oracle’s OPERA Cloud marks a significant milestone for Event Temple,” said Bob Graham, CEO of Event Temple. “We believe in being integrated with world class solutions to make group sales easier. By combining the power of our scalable sales software with OPERA Cloud’s property management system, we provide a complete meetings and events solution for hoteliers looking to grow revenue, and offer excellent guest experiences without sacrificing their operations.”
Event Temple is dedicated to empowering hoteliers to drive revenue and simplify their group sales and event processes. Event Temple offers easy to use, and integrated sales and catering software that delivers world class customer success. This collaboration with Oracle’s OPERA Cloud aligns with the company’s mission to create the future of sales and catering and help hoteliers across the world win.
About Event Temple:
Event Temple is a leading venue management software provider, offering a comprehensive platform designed to help hotels to streamline group sales, and event execution. The company’s cloud-based solution enables users to manage their venues more efficiently, increase revenue, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
The Rookies Global School Rankings stand apart due to their distinctive methodology. In stark contrast to conventional school ranking systems, this evaluation is entrusted to hundreds of industry professionals who painstakingly assessed the digital art portfolios of over 5,500 students. This approach guarantees a precise, industry-aligned appraisal of students’ capabilities, endowing these rankings with unique relevance in the creative sphere.
## A Fair and Rigorous Evaluation
The Rookies Global School Rankings adhere to a robust and impartial process that assesses and ranks creative and technical schools on a global scale. This assessment predominantly hinges on the individual achievements of students representing each institution, with their work allocated a performance score, capped at 100 points. To ascertain a school’s overall standing, the median student score is computed, yielding an equitable gauge that represents the midpoint in a spectrum of scores.
The 2023 Global School Rankings cast a wide net over a myriad of categories, each encapsulating a unique facet of creative education:
### Top 50 Creative Schools
This category represents the epitome of creative education. These institutions have displayed unwavering dedication to excellence across all domains, emerging as pioneers in shaping the future of creative industries.
### 2D Animation
A tribute to the timeless art of two-dimensional animation, an art form that has been fundamental to the history of animation. This category honors the artistry and skills that underpin this enduring medium.
### 3D Animation
A tribute to the captivating realm of three-dimensional animation, a predominant medium in animated films and shorts. These rankings unveil the premier schools and colleges for the study of full CG animation.
### Architectural Visualization
This category zeros in on the specialized field of visualizing building interiors and exteriors, town planning, landscaping, and sustainability. It spotlights the top institutions for honing skills in this domain.
### Concept Art & Illustration
Dedicated to the imaginative universe of concept art, indispensable in feature films, video games, theme parks, advertising, and fan creations. These rankings celebrate the leading schools and colleges in this creative realm.
### Game Design & Development
A salute to the captivating world of game development, spanning everything from 3D modeling to animations and coding. These rankings stand as a cherished resource for aspiring game developers.
### Motion Graphics
This category pays homage to the dynamic sphere of motion graphics, a medium used in diverse forms of media, including advertisements, movie title sequences, and informational videos.
### Product Design (Industrial Design)
Focused on the conception and visualization of products, furniture, and mass-produced gadgets. These rankings spotlight the premier schools nurturing creative skills in product design.
### Visual Effects
Dedicated to the seamless integration of digital assets into live-action footage, crafting photorealistic environments, characters, sets, props, animations, and effects.
In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the 2023 Global School Rankings are a testament to the unwavering spirit of innovation and the dedication to fostering the next generation of creative talent. As we celebrate these institutions for their exceptional contributions, we invite you to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and explore the boundless world of creative education. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of artistic excellence and inspire the creators of tomorrow.
In the highly competitive landscape of creative education, French institutions have stood out as beacons of excellence. The recently released Rookies Global School Rankings revealed that a remarkable nine French schools secured positions in the coveted Top 50 list, underscoring France’s leadership in nurturing the next generation of creative professionals.
Topping the charts is New3dge, a beacon of creativity and excellence, securing the #1 position globally. This remarkable achievement showcases France’s dedication to offering world-class education in animation, design, and visual arts.
## A New Era of Creative Excellence
France’s creative schools have redefined the educational paradigm by offering cutting-edge programs in fields such as animation, visual effects, game design, and more. These institutions provide students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and industry-relevant curriculum.
## A Unique and Valuable Methodology: Industry-Driven Rankings
Unlike conventional school and college ranking systems, the Rookies Global School Rankings are driven and judged by hundreds of industry professionals who meticulously review students’ digital art portfolios. This approach ensures an accurate and industry-relevant evaluation of students’ skills, making these rankings especially meaningful for creative fields.
The Rookies Global School Rankings employ a rigorous and equitable process to assess and rank creative and technical schools worldwide. Rankings primarily rely on the individual performance of students representing each institution, with their work assigned a performance score, capped at 100 points. To determine a school’s overall standing, the median student score is calculated, providing a fair measure that represents the middle point in a set of scores.
In addition, Invoice360 includes a Fee Card module to enable users to set up their contractually agreed-to fee cards with the flexibility of managing complex fee structures at the legal entity, agent bank or third-party relationship level. It includes intuitive fee mapping between their internal fee categories and those used by agent banks hence facilitating standardization for reporting. Invoice360 also provides robust reconciliation tools to manage costs down to the line item level by offering the flexibility to model complex reconciliations and set thresholds to flag only material variances. Invoice360’s powerful reporting and analytics tools provide visibility into cost and fee trends and offer insights into critical data points for strategic redistribution of spending to maximize cost savings.
“Invoice360 exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology to bring greater efficiency and control over complex operational processes. Invoice360 brings an unprecedented level of automation, flexibility and control to network management invoice processing and cost management. We plan to continue to work closely with banks and service providers to bring efficiency and standardization to the invoice process using technology,” stated Shailesh Alawani, Vice President of Product Management at CENTRL.
About CENTRL
CENTRL is an AI powered third party risk and diligence platform for financial institutions worldwide. Its solutions deliver significant efficiency improvements and enhanced risk oversight to diligence teams across banking, investment management and other verticals. The CENTRL platform offers the most advanced and comprehensive features including AI powered insights, workflow automation, analytics, reporting, collaboration, and content management. The CENTRL platform is used by some of the largest banks and Investment Management firms across the Americas, Europe and APAC.
In this article, we will cover why security should be at the top of your priority list and leave you with some expert tips that can help you bolster your business’s security measures.
How Security Benefits Your Miami-Based Business:
In too many instances, Miami business owners start to focus on their security when it’s too late.
Prioritizing security sooner rather than later is a power move and means that you can:
Protect your business assets and investments:
It’s no secret that it takes time and money to start and grow a business. Falling victim to theft or vandalism can leave you with unimaginable losses and damage to your assets, resulting in a depreciation of your investments. Improving your security measures not only reduces risks but can potentially lower your insurance premiums, too.
Instil trust among your clientele:
Demonstrating a commitment to security builds trust with your customers. People are far more likely to do business with a brand that makes them feel safe on their premises. And if you handle customer products or sensitive data, it’s imperative that clients feel protected if you want to retain them.
Enhance brand image:
Many business owners don’t realize that security can also enhance their brand image, helping them stand out among their competitors. The benefits of an enhanced reputation don’t stop with customers either. Strong security measures are also appealing to partners and stakeholders, which can lead to growth and expansion opportunities.
Help employees feel safe:
Without your employees, your business goes nowhere slowly. Enhancing your security measures ensures your employees feel safe and empowered and can focus on doing what they do best.
Prevent disruptions. A disruption in operations can be detrimental to a small business, just another reason why security needs to be a priority. A day where you can’t open your business and sell products and services is a day that you lose out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential revenue.
Expert Tips to Elevate Business Security:
Now that you have a better understanding of the risks and rewards associated with securing your business in Miami, let’s delve into some expert tips.
Visibility is a Deterrence:
The benefits of a well-lit exterior cannot be understated. Criminals and vandals are only successful when they cannot be detected. If a criminal realizes they don’t even have a chance of stepping onto your premises without being spotted, they are much less likely to attempt it to begin with.
Permanently lighting your business premises after dark is one of the first ways that you can better secure your property. However, if you are concerned with energy efficiency, motion-sensing floodlights are an excellent alternative.
Another way that you can improve the effectiveness of external lighting is to trim back any vegetation that could serve as a hiding place or blindspot. One overgrown hedge could be enough to prevent a motion-sensor light from activating, giving criminals easy access to your building.
Train Your Employees:
Security is everyone’s business. Along with adopting specific security protocols, it’s essential to regularly educate your team on them. Each of your employees should know what to do if there’s a security breach. Add your security protocols to your onboarding processes and ensure this documentation is readily available on your internal systems.
And in the event of a major data breach, make sure you have staff-relief systems in place. This way, ongoing support is in place until the issue is resolved and security is restored.
Upgrade Regularly:
Security technology is always evolving, and if you want to stay ahead of local crime, you need to stay up to date. Generic locks will always serve a purpose, but they can only do so much to keep knowledgeable criminals at bay. Keyless entry systems, advanced security alarms, and multi-purpose safes are all recommended if you want to enhance the security of your business.
Regularly maintaining and upgrading these systems is just as important for protecting your assets and investments. Make a point of factoring upgrades into your annual budgets to keep your security measures as strong as possible. Even if you only upgrade one area at a time, it’s better than allowing your entire system to degrade all at once.
Collaborate with Local Artists:
If your business prides itself on supporting the local community in Miami, why not partner with local artists? Many businesses are using art and graffiti to make security installations less obvious and more aesthetically appealing.
Art is a way to blend security installations with the surroundings, making them less obvious to opportunistic criminals. Plus, by partnering with local aspiring artists, you give them less of a reason to vandalize your property. What’s more, highlighting your support for your local community builds more rapport with existing and potential customers.
Just make sure that you have permission to create art in the areas you’re planning to install further security measures. There are strict laws related to graffiti in public spaces in Miami, so any art would need to be on the physical premises.
Lean on Local Expertise:
One of the best ways to better protect your business is to partner with security consultants who have an in-depth understanding of the latest security threats. Experts such as Quickly Locksmith Miami pride themselves on staying abreast of local security challenges. It’s what allows them to make the best recommendations that are specific to your area of business.
Replace Access Cards with Biometrics:
Access cards are an effective access security measure, but physical cards are easily lost or stolen. Replacing physical access cards with a biometric access system will ensure only certain people can access your building.
To take it one step further, you can install biometric access systems in certain areas of your building, too. This way, you know that only employees who are meant to have access to sensitive systems, assets, and data do.
Over and above restricted access, biometric systems keep a record of the people accessing different areas of your building, further enhancing your security.
Invest in Smart Parking Solutions:
Do customers regularly visit your premises? Smart parking solutions rely on sensors and cameras to monitor parking areas. Not only does this enhance safety and security, but it improves the overall customer experience, too. When customers feel safe, they’re more likely to support your business over the long term.
Take Advantage of AI-powered CCTV Technology:
In the past, CCTV systems were blurry, which means they weren’t always the most effective deterrent. They also made it difficult to make a sound case in court cases. Today, CCTV systems record in HD or 4K with high-speed internet connections transmitting the footage to control rooms, many of which are off-site.
Thanks to AI, CCTV has become even better. Depending on the system you choose, artificial intelligence can be used to alert control rooms about unusual behavior in real-time, allowing for immediate action.
If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended that you upgrade your CCTV systems inside as well as outside your premises. To take things a step further, display the fact that your system records in high definition to deter potential intruders.
Maintain a Device Inventory:
Mobile devices are a convenient way to do business, but they do come with additional security threats. Mobile phones and laptops are often stolen, which is when many data breaches tend to occur.
To reduce the risks associated with using mobile devices, it helps to keep a detailed inventory. Knowing what and where these devices are can go a long way in keeping business and customer data safer.
For example, an employee should always check a device in and out. This can help you identify stolen devices and address potential data breaches more quickly by shutting them down remotely.
Use GPS to Track Vehicles and Assets:
Tagging vehicles and assets with GPS trackers is another step that many Miami-based businesses are taking to improve their security measures. These trackers regularly transmit location information, allowing you to see their positions at all times.
Should a vehicle be stolen, there’s a much higher chance of tracking it and the stock it’s carrying, reducing major losses and negative impacts on revenue.
Many of today’s insurers also encourage the installation of these trackers. By reducing your insurer’s risk, you automatically reduce your own while potentially decreasing your premiums at the same time.
Consider On-Site Security:
If budgets allow, on-site security is another step Miami businesses can take to further deter criminals and vandals and keep employees protected while on-site. On-site security guards can conduct door checks and aid with stock protection in warehouses and retail outlets.
Another alternative is paying for a mobile patrol unit. The moment a business closes, mobile patrol units are deployed to pick up on and deal with any suspicious activity. And, should a break-in occur, mobile units are available to assist until police officials are alerted. It should be noted that mobile units will not have access to the inside of your building until police officials arrive.
Don’t Forget About Digital:
By developing robust ransomware preparedness and recovery plans, you ensure sensitive customer and company data is protected from hackers. It doesn’t matter the size of your business, you will always be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
According to Astra Security, over 45% of cyberattacks are linked to small businesses with 1,000 employees or less. Having a solid cybersecurity plan in place is imperative and can significantly minimize risks and damages. Regularly upgrading your software and implementing backup protocols is essential for maintaining online security.
It’s also recommended to use ethernet connections where possible – this means you’re using wired computer networking technology. An ethernet connection ensures that your Wi-Fi networks are less vulnerable to hacking. Another option is to disable your router’s beacon signal, making it invisible to outsiders.
The final recommendation is to discourage employees from bringing and using their own devices. By only allowing the use of company devices, you have the option to shut it down remotely should theft or a data breach occur.
Steps to Take If Your Facilities Are Older:
For businesses that are currently in old and outdated facilities, implementing new, updated security measures can be more tricky.
If it’s not possible to upgrade your facilities as a whole, start with a risk assessment process. Focus on the areas of the store or building that are most vulnerable and start upgrading from there. It could be something as simple as increasing employee knowledge about security or upgrading your locks and alarm system until further budget is available.
Should you not own the building, it might be time to open up conversations with the property owner about upgrades and the benefits thereof. Enhancing a premises is beneficial over the short and the long term for property owners.
If Budget Is an Issue…
Even if you are in modern facilities, your business might still not have the budget to implement most of the security tips mentioned above.
If this is the case, the same logic of ‘start small’ applies. Anything you can change, no matter how small, that can enhance the security of your Miami-based business is beneficial. Turn to your risk assessment report to decide which areas to focus on first.
From there, include security upgrades in your budgets to eventually get to a place where your business is more secure, and your employees and customers feel safer and more confident.
Who to Contact:
Security is not just a nice to have, especially in challenging times when you’re already doing everything you can to help your business thrive. With the help of these unique tips and the advice of local experts such as Quickly Locksmith Miami, it’s possible to enjoy greater peace of mind and place all your focus on building your business instead. Contact us at (305) 984-9922.
Pryme Infil, innovative real-time operational planning software developed by an active SWAT team leader, is officially launched. This revolutionary platform streamlines law enforcement operations and training with features like real-time collaboration, top-tier data security, and extensive tactical capabilities. Pryme Infil empowers agencies to enhance efficiency, improve documentation, reduce redundancies, and prioritize safety. It’s a game-changer in the world of law enforcement technology. For more information, visit www.prymeinfil.com.
VACAVILLE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today marks a significant milestone in the world of law enforcement technology as Pryme Infil, a provisionally patented real-time operational planning software, is officially launched. Developed by an active SWAT team leader in California who understands the demands of high-stakes operations (both in the moment and months later during litigation), Pryme Infil is set to revolutionize how law enforcement agencies plan, coordinate, manage, and document operations.
Streamlined Planning for Better Efficiency
Pryme Infil offers a unique approach with the end-user as the #1 priority. Gone are the days of inadequate, slow commercial tech, phone calls/texts on multiple cell phones, paper notepads, and redundant back-and-forths. With Pryme Infil, agencies can create comprehensive operational plans quickly and efficiently, with real-time collaboration and customizable “plug and play” templates.
An Equal Focus on Training
Effective training is the backbone of any successful law enforcement agency. Pryme Infil made a point to go beyond standard operational planning software, offering robust, industry standard law enforcement training outlines and after-action reports that can be tailored to any topic. This ensures training events, qualifications, and core competencies are properly documented and stored for future needs.
Top-Tier Data Security
Security is paramount in law enforcement operations, and Pryme Infil takes this seriously. It offers top-tier encryption, access controls, and government-rated secure cloud storage to safeguard sensitive information and active investigative data approved for DOJ and CJIS.
Comprehensive Tactical Software
Pryme Infil doesn’t just encompass operational plans; it’s a tactical software ecosystem—customized to each agency. It covers every aspect of law enforcement operations, from notifications and GPS mobilization, to dispatch and crisis negotiations, to encrypted messaging and document uploads, to surveillance notes and overall information dissemination—fostering seamless communication and collaboration during any situation.
Real-Time Integration for Instant Action
One of Pryme Infil’s standout features is its real-time integration, which eliminates the need for emails, phone calls, text messages and notifications on non-government approved platforms, and overall disjointed communication. It keeps everyone involved in an operation—i.e. command staff, air support, K9 units, tac medics, intel analysts, tactical teams, investigators, perimeter units, drone operators, dispatchers, or crisis negotiators—in the loop, up to date, and with the ability to effectively communicate with each other in real-time.
Secure Records Management
Pryme Infil’s management function tracks and stores all corresponding data related to an operation or training in completely end-to-end encrypted files, ensuring data integrity and making retrieval for future needs convenient.
Pryme Infil is a critical ally that brings law enforcement teams together in real-time, ensuring every team member is connected, informed, and ready to act decisively. With Pryme Infil, agencies can enhance operational efficiency, improve training documentation, reduce redundant work loads, decrease overtime hours, standardize planning procedures, and better ensure the safety of officers and the public alike.
This software is a testament to innovation driven by firsthand experience in the fields of law enforcement, SWAT, investigations, and federal task force operations. As a result, the demands, challenges, and nature of rapidly evolving situations encountered daily by law enforcement is understood, and prioritized. Rather than wait for some commercial company to develop something that missed the mark, again—Pryme Infil was born to fill the void without compromise.
Pryme Infil is ready to empower law enforcement agencies to excel in their critical operations, reoccurring training, and team management. For more information about Pryme Infil, visit www.prymeinfil.com.
While most competitors in the industry operate traditionally, PURCOR Pest Solutions recognizes the evolving needs of today’s homeowners, including those who prefer the speed and ease of buying online. This e-commerce launch is yet another step in the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
“Engaging with new and existing customers and helping them care for what matters most has always been at the heart of our mission” stated Dave Bradford, CEO at Certus. “The launch of our e-commerce platform represents continued progress in our commitment to customer focused innovation. Whether protecting customer’s homes, families, or pets we are dedicated to friendly, fast, and effective service. Now, we’re meeting customers digitally and leveraging the power of today’s technology to serve them even better.”
For further details or inquiries, please reach out to:
PURCOR Pest Solutions is one of the fastest-growing pest control companies in the United States, bringing some of the most trusted pest control names across the country together as one. Now, as part of PURCOR, our pest professionals are equipped to offer you better protection and service than ever before. Serving communities throughout the U.S., our pest control teams continue to be locally managed while extending our reach throughout the country. The evolution of pest control is here, and we’re excited to be at the forefront. PURCOR Pest Solutions a Certus Company.
Aaron Thompson, PropertyRoom.com CEO says, “We’re incredibly honored to host unique auctions for our law enforcement and agency clients. These figurines are great pieces for collectors and admirers alike, and we’re thrilled for our bidders to give them a new home.”
About PropertyRoom.com PropertyRoom.com makes it remarkably easy for our 4400+ clients to manage and sell surplus assets. We streamline the entire auction process on a client’s behalf and deliver to the winning bidder. There is always a unique deal to be found, with hundreds of new auction listings added daily. Top categories include jewelry, watches, collectible coins, and consumer electronics along with cars, trucks, heavy equipment, and firearms through a partner website, eGunner.com. Working with law enforcement agencies, municipal surplus departments, state/county fleet programs, airports and even museums, PropertyRoom.com has generated and distributed millions of dollars to local communities nationwide.
Explore how developments in technology and information are impacting society. JUPITER, Fla., Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DMG Productions is excited to announce the upcoming broadcast of Advancements with Ted Danson, scheduled to air on Saturday, October 21st at 8:00 pm ET. First,…
