How to Make a Flexible Architectural Modeling by Ari Goldfarb

Although many of the concepts of modeling are the same for mechanical, character, and architectural projects, some are very useful to the architectural community, as you will see in this chapter. A clear understanding of these, the options available, and when to use them will make the process of creating 3D worlds productive and cost-effective.

Most architects assume, for example, that the entire model has to be in one file, complete to the same detail as the working CAD drawings. Using several smaller files Keeping detail to only that which can be seen at the viewing distance

Using mapped materials instead of mesh objects to create the illusion of detail

Controlling the level of complexity in lofted objects Learning to model effectively in the 3D Application is much like learning a foreign language or learning music. At first, everything may seem overwhelming. Terminology is completely new, concepts and work methods appear to make no sense, and people expect you to produce a masterwork after a week with the program.

Do not become discouraged. Start slowly with small, manageable projects and work your way into more complexity. Following two simple guidelines will help you in all your projects: Make a storyboard and keep your scenes compact.

Storyboarding an Architectural Scene: Compact, Efficient Modeling Concepts Make a Storyboard A most important step in the process is planning. Create a storyboard, a graphical outline of the scene or animation project, before you turn the computer on. The storyboard can be simple or complex, but it must contain all the issues important to the project at hand. The storyboard should be signed off by you and the client before any work is started. Most storyboards, such as one for an architectural walkthrough, contain some of following information: Starting camera viewpoint n Subsequent camera view sketches. Transition information from one scene to the next.

Timing information notation.

Lighting detail information.

Color information (Pantone numbers can be a good starting point).

Material assignments.

You will have to determine the detail necessary for each project based on the complexity of the scene and the levels of trust and understanding between you and the client.

Can Address Verification Stop Unauthorized Credit Card Use? by Raphael Wooley

Many of us are making transactions on the Internet or over the phone every day. We do our shopping, settle utility bills, and pay our employees from the comfort of our own home with nothing more than a computer and a credit card. But how many times have you had to give you address to an agent to complete a transaction? If you do a lot of business by phone or Internet, you will have probably run into this many, many times. It can get a little annoying to us from time to time, especially when we know they already have the information. This is a type of address verification. And just to be clear, we really shouldn't be that annoyed by someone conducting address verification on a transaction. When it comes to matters of financial transaction, this is a very important task that should always be done. Why is address verification so important? There are a couple reasons. The first is to make sure that each transaction is authorized by the right person to protect you from fraud or theft. If, for example, someone got a hold of your credit card, that person could use it to make many fraudulent purchases online or over the phone. However, if they have to verify their address, this will be harder to do. Address verification is a fairly simple process. The agent or the employee at the online shop will require a billing address. If the billing address doesn't match the one that has been entered in the system before, then the transaction can be declined and you can avoid unauthorized use of the card. As part of the address verification system companies will use the USPS address verification database to compare entries. The United States Postal Service address verification system is a reliable tool that they can use to check for a current address, or whether or not the address exists at all. It will also give them a chance to report fraudulent use. The second reason for installing this kind of software is to develop good relationships with their clients. If an unauthorized credit card purchase is made, the customer will likely call and complain, and tell many others that they allowed a fraudulent transaction to occur. This can really hurt a business. If you use a verification system you can limit the people that can use the card to make a purchase. When companies use address verification systems and access the USPS database, you can really start to build up a streamlined and effective business and develop quality customer relationships. You can keep doing business and not have to worry about dealing with unauthorized credit cards.

Secure Data Recovery by Ara Pekel

Secure Data Recovery

No matter how powerful or well-maintained your computer is, sometimes there are just some circumstances that can get out of hand and damage your system. Viruses, for instance, can corrupt your files and stop your computer from booting up properly. You can press a set of keys by accident and delete whole sets of data from your computer. Overheating, sudden power loss and electric grounding can burn up your hard drive, not to mention the other components inside your computer.

Whatever the cause may be, loss of data due to computer damage is always traumatic. Not only does it lead to a lot of frustrations on your part, but it can also cost you a lot of money. While there are many computer service companies out there that you can turn to so that you can recover your lost data, there is that danger of trusting the wrong company and getting your data compromised.

Beware of Misplaced Trust in Data Recovery

What can happen when the data in your computer becomes compromised? There are a number of outcomes that can stem from this event, but one of the more important ones is the possibility of your privacy being violated. You can wake up one morning and find sensitive pictures, videos and documents that you may have stored in your hard drive circulating freely on the Internet without your consent.

Not only that, you can also find your personal information - contact addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers, various passwords, and many others - being used and accessed without your permission. The loss of money and the amount of paperwork that needs to be done in order to straighten this mess up can become a nightmare.

Thankfully, there is a way for you to avoid this kind of mess in case your hard drive gets damaged and you need to recover the data you have stored in it. The solution: find a company that offers secure data recovery.

Secure Data Recovery: Guaranteed Peace of Mind

If you entrust your damaged hard drive and the task of recovering lost data from it to a company that offers secure data recovery, you have more or less bought yourself some peace of mind. That is because you can expect such a company to:

* Have top-of-the-line equipment and facilities that will prevent further damage to your computer hardware as the company tries to extract the data you lost from it. * Assign qualified and experienced personnel who will exclusively handle your hardware. * Keep secure and confidential whatever contents of your hard drive that its personnel will be able to recover, to the point of committing it into writing. * Return the hardware to you after extracting the lost data, or destroy the data completely if you do not want it anymore.

It is not enough that you are able to recover what data that you have lost when your computer got damaged. You have to be sure that you can rest easy in the knowledge that the data you have recovered is safe and sound, and you will not wake up one morning to see your files used, accessed or distributed without your permission. Only a company that offers secure data recovery can give you this peace of mind that you want.

RecoverMyPC.com is one such company that can give you the secure data recovery that you need. You will not be sorry to entrust us with your damaged hardware. Your data is safe and your peace is guaranteed with us

Property of RecoverMyPc Inc. For more information please visit www.recovermypc.com

Free, Internet "on board", online festivals and digital libraries by Otello Zorina

The autonomous communities are open to the Internet and new information technologies (ICT) initiatives such as free software free, massive celebrations for Internet, digital libraries or a network connection by tram.

Indeed, the report "Information Society in Spain 2008" published by the Fundación Telefónica, evidence that the Internet has becoming more and more presence in the autonomous regions through, inter alia, the introduction of broadband.

Under the slogan "Free Internet for All ', Cantabria has subsidized the installation charge for a whole year without a home network, while Extremadura has made one hundred percent of its territory have access to this type of connection under Plan Extension of broadband.

Another initiative is to promote Internet Network Asturcon the Principality, which aims to connect the municipalities of over 1,000 inhabitants of remote villages as the main coal basin and eastern municipalities of Asturias and Nava, Arriondas, Infiesto, or Navia Ribadesella.

And it is to break the gap distance to the urban areas of the countryside in terms of communications is one of the key objectives of the communities, especially those with more dispersed population.

Free access

Thus, Andalusia has launched the Network Guadalinfo formed by centers that allow users to access Internet software and utilities free of charge, both in towns of under 20,000 residents in neighborhoods with the greatest risk of social exclusion of its eight capital.

Several communities are also bidding for free software-free software that can be developed by users, such as the Balearic Islands and the reserve system "Avanthotel" which has sold to hotels or to your portal LaFarga.cat Catalonia.

Madrid is the CCAA with the highest Internet penetration, more than 53 percent of its population, which is to be improved by initiatives such as Digital Cities, which has introduced ICT in thirteen local authorities and will be extended to all community with the Digital Region project Madrid.

Castilla-La Mancha is not left behind, then used to send SMS to mobile users to communicate with those interested in receiving notices of the Board of Communities castellanomanchega.

¿Internet on the bus? No, not a thing of the future, but the pilot project "Internet on-board" of Canary Islands that allowed passengers to the Tenerife tram, a bus line of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura-Lanzarote ferry connecting to the network via 3G for a month.

TICS AND EDUCATION

Platform E-Ducat, developed by Aragon, is another example of the application of ICT in everyday life, and that is not only a useful tool for teachers, but also allows parents to track the activities performed by students.

They say that knowledge does not take place, but the fact is that books and documents themselves, so that initiatives such as the digital library of Navarre, BiNaDI, make available to all users, wherever they are, a rich cultural heritage which would otherwise be inaccessible.

There is also one of the uses of ICT more popular in the Information Society: the leisure and entertainment, which has its ultimate expression in the "keep" the fans who gather in a massive house in years such as the famous quotations Campus Party Valencia or Bilbao Euskal Encounter.

Incredible Simple Info on External DVD Burner by Maggie Charkey

A customary external DVD burner is one that can simply burn data with the assist of laser technology. As it is implied by the term external DVD burner, such kind of DVD burner is one that you can attach externally to your laptop or PC while using connectors, either USB or FireWire.

The most ordinary use of such kind of external DVD burner is to aid you to record videos and to also read as well as write review onto discs, for example CDs and DVDs. Whatever happens, it can store review onto the DVDs and CDs as well.

External DVD Burner to Back-Up Article

You can also utilize your external DVD burner to back up influential data. It is also helpful in aiding you to make audio as well as data CDs. In the eminent to know that it is better to utilize an external DVD burner rather than one that is internal.

The initial and noticeable advantage of opting an external DVD burner is that of portability. This is best seen when you wish to utilize a DVD burner on two or more computers. You don’t need to open the PC’s cabinet to install the DVD burner. All that is needed to use an external DVD burner is to plug the drive with the aid of a connector and then install the needed software, which is simply to download, for free. Another advantage to use an external DVD burner is that even when your computer does not have an empty drive bay, you can utilize this kind of device through a connector.

Even though these benefitss will make you wish to use an external DVD burner, you also need to be conscious of its drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is that the external DVD burner reads and writes much slower than an internal DVD burner. Then the external device is also more expensive if compared to the internal DVD burner.

Previous to opting your external DVD burner it is dominant for you to check whether your PC certainly supports high speed USB 2.0. If it is not, you would be better off using an internal DVD burner as the speeds achieved for reading and writing would be prohibitively slow. Another selection that is valuable to explore is a DVD writer though before you choose for this kind of device, you should be certain that you are totally familiar with all of the features that it comes with.

At the present, there are single as well as double layer burners that you can choose from. You can also change your internal DVD burner to an external one. After you have estimated the pros and cons of an external DVD burner; you can then look at a range of manufacturers and models and then choose one that is suitable to your needs.

Does that answer your question? For further explanation about external DVD burner you can find the complete guide here!

The Best Gifts For A Teenage Boy by Art Gib

Men are notoriously difficult to shop for, but teenage boys really aren't that hard because their likes and dislikes are usually pretty marked and universal. There are always exceptions, of course: there are probably a few boys out there who would like to receive an "Adopt A Wild Wolf" kit from an environmental group, but chances they are few and far between. If the teen is your own son or grandson, you'll probably know what he likes; but for those facing buying a gift for someone they don't know very well, of for relatives who are just not sure what to get, here are some of the best gifts for a teenage boy.

Video games, video games, and more video games

Video games are definitely ubiquitous among the teenage boy population in the United States and around the world. Today's kids have grown up with games and watched as the systems have become more and more sophisticated, realistic, and interactive. Unfortunately, if you are an adult buying for a teen, you may not know what's hot right now and what's not. "Killer Zombies IV" may have been popular 3 months ago, but chances are the crowd has moved on to a new obsession.

To avoid this problem, how about giving your teen a gift certificate good for a game or two at his favorite games store? He'll be thrilled at getting to choose one for himself and you'll be assured he's getting just what he wanted. If he needs a game system, go online and look for refurbished systems that cost a lot less than new and are just as good as new. You can find refurbished Wii systems, as well as Nintendo, Xbox, and just about anything else.

Buy for the teen's more active side

Since teen boys really shouldn't spend every waking hour playing video games (although they'd like to probably), they also like to get out there with friends and be physical. You may want to buy him gift certificates for him and his friends to go to the local laser tag place and enjoy a couple of rounds. If he really likes basketball but doesn't have a hoop at home, check with parents first then supply him with what he needs to enjoy hours of active fun with his buddies.

Get him movie or amusement park passes

Most teen boys love to go to the movies and they also love to enjoy a day at their local amusement park. Purchasing cinema gift certificates or open-ended amusement park tickets for him and a few friends (or yes: a date) will be something he will really like, appreciate, and use.

The teen boy in your life really doesn't want any more pairs of underwear or socks: he just wants to be a kid and have fun. The best gifts for teens will be the ones that tap into this need, and he'll love you for it.

7 Smart Ways in Choosing the Best Digital Camera by Pinky Mcbanon

Nowadays many people have the demand of having digital camera. Many other people would like to begin using this technology, but find the task of choosing an appropriate digital camera to be irresistible. So finding the best digital camera is not so easy. Here are 7 smart ways in choosing the best digital camera:

1) Computing Platform: This is an obvious consideration but it is fast becoming less of an issue than it once was. Most current cameras can be interfaced with both Mac and Windows platforms.

2) Image Quality: Image quality is a complex subject that includes exposure accuracy, color purity, optics, and image compression techniques.

3) Onboard Image Capacity: The amount of onboard image storage could be pretty important. There is generally a tradeoff between image capacity and image quality, so don't get too excited about high image capacity until you compare the amount of storage in relation to image resolution.

4) Reusable Memory Cards: Many cameras allow you to make your own decision about the memory/cost tradeoff by allowing you to store images on plug-in cards. This approach allows users to add as much or as little memory to the camera as they feel they need.

5) Exposure Versatility: digital cameras have the incapability to handle radically different lighting conditions. With film cameras, you can compensate for different lighting situations by using different types of film. With a digital camera, the camera's image sensor acts as the film, and it is not interchangeable.

6) Flash Capability: You have to also look for the availability and capabilities of a built-in flash. Key factors here are the range over which the flash will be useful, and the number of "modes" it has.

7) Self-Timer: A self-timer is simply a shutter delay that allows you to trigger the camera, and then run around to be included in the picture before the shutter snaps.

7 Smart Ways to Choose the Right Printer by Pinky Mcbanon

Printers are like computers and other technology. Like other technologies they also evolved almost everyday into something bigger and better. Newer versions and models are coming out. There are many types of printer can now be found. You have to choose the right printer for you. There are a lot of options and types of printers on the market today. The two major types of printers on the market are ink jet which is primarily used in homes and laser printers mainly used in business. The types of printers are endless and you have to choose the perfect one for your use.

Ink printers are generally used in home basis. Laser printers are use in office or business purpose. The 7 smart ways to choose the right printer are describing below:

1) If you want to use the printer for only printing text then you has to need high speed of the printer. If you are going to use it for photographs then you should choose a printer specifically for photographs and those kinds of printers have a high price.

2) You should also be considering what the costs of replacement cartridges are. Unfortunately, ink cartridges are pretty expensive. While ink jet printers are overall cheap when you first purchase it.

3) You may want to choose a speedy printer if you intend to use it on large amount of printouts.

4) Printers have many types. Each type has their own benefits and weakness, as most things in the world do.

5) Easy to control the printer. That means the printer must have easy control system and you have to make sure that the options are satisfy you requirements.

6) You have to make sure amount of space it takes up on desk or stand and what you want. If you want to use the printer for mobile use you have to buy a less weight printer.

7) You have to choose what printer you need wireless or hard wires. If the printer makes too much noisy then you should avoid the printer to buy.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review by Rick Lee

Here comes the best digicam available in the market today, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. Few years back, the Panasonic is actually a direct descendant of the FZ3. The camera we are talking to here has a zoom of an optical 12x minimum. This is thirty five-four hundred and twenty five millimetres in equivalent.

However, the camera is affected by the huge size of the sensor resulting to the aperture range of the camera becoming low. The aperture range readily available is actually slower than the previous F2.8 to F3.3.

But no need to worry because there is the enormous stabilization of the optical image including the engine from Venus which is simply out of the ordinary.

Becoming one of the highest ended camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 gets in league with the DMC FZ20 for it shots up its pixels by about five million times maximum. Furthermore, compared to its earlier versions, the camera has a very long battery life and actually longer than any other company.

More than this, the camera has a shutter release clutch repositioned from before with a design that allows proper, tactile grip.

The camera can detect orientation for it has a very good sensor and it also has an obviously larger screen of LCD. More than this, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 also contains a focus mode that is extremely fast.

The camera has a thirty percent upper hand over the previous model of the series and that is expected. This is something that photographers can be proud of, a truly remarkable camera.

With more than nine modes of scene along with a full control and a photographic control are some of the many features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. Since the camera has a two inch colour screen (1.8 really), it then enables you to have a better view of the object you are shooting.

For those who are nothing more than beginners in the art of photography, the makers of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 introduces the amazing TIFF mode that let you check out even the simple mode.

When you are in the dark, the camera still works effectively because it has a very powerful flash that makes everything becomes really bright. However, there are only two colors of the model, one is black and the other one is a silver color.

But in either of the two, either black or silver; the camera is going to make a statement. Everyone seems so glad to know that the product had earned great feedbacks from its customers. So secure now your own Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5!

Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum Review by Rick Lee

We all know that cleaning the house is not an easy task - it is so difficult. Do you want to risk yourself by just cleaning your house? If not, then better buy this latest Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum which is designed upright that is totally right.

This vacuum cleaner is the modernized and new era type of cleaning machine. And because it is modernized this machine apparently renders you a high-tech way of cleaning that makes cleaning easy and enjoyable. Do you believe this? Well of course you should! Why?

Let me specify this machine´s features that you will completely love.

This Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum has a steam vacuum cleaner which uses steam in clearing out dirt. This vacuum has a bag that has a capacity of one gallon full.

And if you worry about this machine´s energy consumption, you shouldn´t for this machine is an Energy Star rated machine which uses only about twelve ampere of power that helps reduce and lessen excessive power consumption.

Aside from that, this vacuum cleaner comes with two cleaning attachments that have a cleaning aperture that has a path of eleven inches. And for you to have convenient cleaning hours, this Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum has a power cord of twenty four feet long and a hose that can reach about eight feet for a total of about thirty two feet.

This long cord helps you reach places that are beyond your reach before- the ceiling, curtain, out of reach floors- without pulling or changing switch board. This means that this Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum offers you accessibility so your cleaning session brings out the best results ever.

This efficient machine is also incorporated with more than four cleaning brushes, which means powerful dirt suction.

A one year warranty is guaranteed for you. So, have this Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac Upright Vacuum and enjoy cleaning your house, to transform your house into a home of cleanliness and comfort.

Manufacturing Alumni has Journalist TR Cutler Profile TRANE and Ultriva e-kanban by Thomas R. Cutler

The idea of using technology to give people relief from summer heat was a radical and unproven idea when TRANE became an air conditioning pioneer in 1931. TRANE fundamentally changed the concept of air conditioning large buildings with the 1938 launch of Turbovac, the industry's first hermetic, centrifugal refrigeration machine. This was the beginning of a long chain of innovations leading to TRANE's current CenTraVac, the industry standard for large commercial air conditioning systems; this energy efficient system available anywhere for large buildings and it has earned TRANE the "Best of the Best" Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ultriva, the lean leader, with an electronic kanban focus, is featured in the current issue of Manufacturing Alumni. Manufacturing journalist, TR Cutler, profiled TRANE Residential Systems, a lean organization. For more than a century the TRANE name has identified products and technology that stretched the world's idea of what was possible.

TRANE's Lean Initiative "Our lean initiative at this plant has been in process for about two years now. However we've had deep roots for over ten years in DFT (Demand Flow Technology) and going so far as to have true mixed model flow production assembly lines now during that time. Our entire Plant level team is by function a lean leader including the plant manager. From a corporate level within our division (TRANE Residential Systems) -- it's mimicked similarly in that all functions are expected to be the lean leaders of our initiative. From a higher level of Ingersoll-Rand -- even our CEO participates in 2 kaizen events a year at different plants, so it's becoming part of our culture for sure," noted John Young, Materials/Supply Chain Leader of TRANE Residential Systems - Vidalia, GA.

TRANE used differing types kanban's with sporadic success across the sites in TRANE Residential. There was no standardization and in most cases the kanban's would not run correctly. Lost cards, no way to re-size efficiently, no visibility for kanban's in process with suppliers, were all challenges.

TRANE came to look at Ultriva as a solution because the organization wanted to implement kanban's and Young felt that based on past experiences, "I wanted some technology enablers to allow us management tools as well. Also, we came across Ultriva as solution due to a Six Sigma Project Team I was helping lead on material planning improvements."

Conditions needed Improvement

Stock outs, too much material, no visibility to parts with suppliers, and no visibility to parts in transit. There was no ability to measure OTD with suppliers; no ability to have real time receipts. Young noted that TRANE Residential, "Needed poka yoke's on receiving process and Material Control needs. We needed access to the data to address increases and decreases in demand for Kanban's and there had to be a Supplier Portal to have visibility into our shop floor. All this was needed along with the ability to run MRP orders the same as kanban, but just as one-time orders."

TRANE Resident looked at several electronic kanban programs, including a home written one that already existed for internal fabricated parts in the Tyler facility. "In the FMEA of our six sigma project on material planning improvements, Ultriva was able to move almost all of our highest ranking issues to non-issues through poka yoke's or minimal issues through its superior methodology," suggested Young.

In April 2008 TRANE Residential streamlined their purchasing system as well as streamlining internal management of fabrication department, providing the ability to manage capacity visually. The company officially moved to a consumption-based replenishment purchasing with real-time bar-coded receipts with poka-yoke (cannot double receive or double order); the company now has a Total Closed loop procurement (internal and external for kanban's producing a much cleaner value stream mapping process.)

Specific Benefits of Consumption-based Replenishment:

$4.7 Million in Material savings through successful implementation as part of control plan the companies Six Sigma project. $243k savings in 90 days (pilot period). Increased turns from low single digits to 25+ on track to hit 33 by year end (measured as COGS). Stock outs with no visibility as to why are gone. When there is a stock out now, the company knew it was coming and is certain as to root cause in minutes of data analysis. OTD metrics for suppliers are now available, none existed previously Transit lead time metrics (impossible in other systems).

Expanding the Electronic Kanban:

The system is being utilized with the entire supply chain, being implemented across the TRANE Residential division. The Ultriva system is implemented on over 85% of Vidalia's spend now. All sites are expected to be on it within 18 months, fully 100% (in TRANE RS Division).

Lean Technology Providing a Competitive Advantage

According to Young, "This Ultriva system provides a competitive advantage in that we are able to see down to very granular levels of details, what's happening in our supply chain. This analysis tool allows a manager to truly zero in on root cause and remove emotions from analysis and drive data driven decision making. Being able to have full visibility into our supply chain allows us to react to unforeseen circumstances better, react to demand shifts, minimize impact to our financial stakeholders as well as give realistic expectations to internal and external customers."

Ultriva (www.Ultriva.com) is live at over 120 plants across 10 countries. Companies like Emerson, BE Aerospace, Trane, Ingersoll-Rand, McKesson, AO Smith, FRANKE and AGCO among others are using Ultriva to collaborate with over 4000 suppliers and transacting $1.5 billion of purchased parts every year.

The complete article may be read at http://manufacturing.wtgalumni.com/media_detail.php?id=594.

Ultriva www.ultriva.com Cindy McGowan pr@ultriva.com 408.248.9803

Hertzler Systems' Evan Miller Profiled in Food Quality by Thomas R. Cutler

Evan J. Miller, developer of Hertzler Systems' GainSeeker Suite, an automated SPC software system, cited a recent benchmarking report by the Aberdeen Group, "The Cost of Quality: Benchmarking Enterprise Quality Management," which states that automated SPC is the number one tool used by best-in-class manufacturers. The research shows that best-in-class performers were nearly three times more likely to be using automated SPC systems and that use of these systems had the strongest correlation to performance than all other quality tools available.

Automated SPC can have a powerful impact in a number of areas affecting food quality. Often the fastest payback comes in the areas of net weight control and product giveaway reduction. This is especially true with skyrocketing food and petroleum prices. Automated SPC also has a profound impact on other areas, including HACCP data, process data such as processing temperatures and pressures, and even some of the soft, transactional data such as transportation cycle times and on-time delivery.

Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler, profiled the importance of statistical process control in Food Quality magazine. The complete article may be read at http://foodquality.com/mag/10012008_11012008/fq_10012008_QC1.html.

Various sources say statistical process control's power lies in its ability to monitor both process and variation. Collecting data from food samples at various points within the process enables detection and correction of variations in the process that would affect the end product's quality. Along with reducing waste, SPC lessens the likelihood that problems will be passed on to the customer. With its emphasis on early detection and prevention of problems, SPC has a distinct advantage over rudimentary quality methods, such as inspection, that apply resources to detecting and correcting problems in the end-deliverable food product.

Automated SPC gives food processors instant knowledge of process variation and, because it is far more sensitive to shifts in the process than pass/fail data, response time is that much faster when problems arise. Moreover, this data can be used in aggregate to improve a manufacturer's understanding of the underlying causes of variation, making it possible to systematically drive variation out of the process.

In addition to reducing waste, SPC often leads to a reduction in the time required to produce the food product; the diminished likelihood that the final product will have to be reworked may also result from using SPC data to identify bottlenecks, wait times, and other sources of delay within the process. Process cycle time reductions, coupled with improvements in yield, have made SPC a valuable tool from both cost reduction and customer satisfaction perspectives.

Hertzler Systems (www.hertzler.com) provides seamless, accurate data acquisition solutions that drive business transformation. The company provides the leading real-time data acquisition and analytics software, the GainSeeker Suite. This powerful and flexible system is best used by lean and progressive companies. Gainseeker Suite allows companies to connect with devices and other information systems, collecting data and alarming key personnel when problems arise; this technology allows organizations to analyze data for root cause problems, converting data into knowledge.

Hertzler Systems has been a leader in Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma for over twenty years, and includes a diverse customer base in service, transactional and manufacturing environments; clients include BAE Systems, Crown Audio, IDEX Corporation, McCormick & Company, Inc., Hormel Foods Corporation, Titleist & Footjoy, and TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Worldwide. The company's software and services enable clients to collect and analyze data; building a robust data infrastructure for making data-driven decisions. These capabilities help clients to reduce costs, cycle time and errors, and increase profitability.

Hertzler Systems Inc. www.hertzler.com Adrienne DePew Communications Manager info@hertzler.com 800.958.2709

Panasonic's Heartbeat is Boxing by Panasonic

Beatbox Battle World Championship sponsored by Panasonic

Core Facts • Panasonic is sponsoring the Beatbox Battle World Championship 2009, taking place in Berlin, Germany from May 28th until 1st June • The sponsorship follows the recent Lumix TZ7 ad campaign, which features two world-class beatboxers, Baba Israel and Kid Lucky. • Kid Lucky will be one of the referees at the World Championship event, which will see over 140 international artists from more than 30 countries competing to be the coveted winners of the Advancement Class, Team Beatbox or Female Beatbox categories

Panasonic Europe has announced its sponsorship of the upcoming Beatbox Battle World Championship, which takes place in Germany at the 2BE Club am Hauptbahnhof (Berlin-Central Station) from May 28th until 1st June 2009.

The event will highlight the skills, creativity, unique styles and beats of Beatboxers from around the world. Panasonic's support of the Championship closely follows the participation of two world-class beatboxers in a recent Lumix TZ7 ad campaign.

The ad, which positions the Lumix DMC-TZ7 as the perfect travel companion highlights the camera's ability to capture both still images and videos in 'HD Lite' quality when it shows the Statue of Liberty breakdancing to the rhythm of Beatboxing.

Quotes

'Working on the commercial was a blast! It was great to vibe with my long-time friend/beatboxer Kid Lucky. The director treated us like true artists and created a classic/magical New York experience. Beatboxing is powerful, it can even make the Statue of Liberty get down!

'As a traveling artist I am always looking to document my performances, workshops, and jam sessions. I plan to use the Lumix TZ7 to do just that. Its combination of portability and HD quality make it perfect!' Baba Israel Beatboxer

'At Panasonic, we believe that exploring creativity and sharing musical and artistic interests should hold no barriers. We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting event as the Beatbox Battle World Championship 2009 and wish all of the contestants the best of luck.' Andrea Rinnerberger, Director European Communication Centre, Panasonic Marketing Europe

"It was hard work to find all the international beatboxing artists and supporters to help us organise the Beatbox Battle World Championship in Berlin, but with the support of Panasonic our dream has become a reality. Beatboxing is growing increasingly popular and Panasonic's recognition of its importance in today's youth culture is paramount to helping an event like this be the success it deserves to be." BeeLow, Beatbox Battle World Championship

This social media news release and more information is available at:- http://blogit.realwire.com/?ReleaseID=12546

BSO Network Solutions Opens New Offices in the UK and Marks an Important Step in its Strategy of Global Expansion by BSO Network Solutions

Paris - France, May 26th, 2009 - While continuing to show strong growth in France after nearly 5 years of business operations, and with sales over €6.2m in 2008 and 120 customers, BSO Network Solutions, the leading Next Generation Operator (Network services, Integration and Hosting) has now announced that it is opening its first offices abroad, in London.

The London office will be headed by Scott Ritchie, Director Global Operations, and by Fraser Bell, Director Sales & Marketing. They have been tasked with bringing solutions developed by BSO Network Solution to the UK market which represents more than £20Billion and has shown continuous growth over the last 15 years.

Bolstered by its double-digit growth, this new step forward is a clear expression of BSO Network Solution' ambition to meet the needs of all enterprises in the transformation challenges they face today. BSO Network Solutions already present across a major part of the globe through its network which is deployed in 10 countries: France, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, USA and Hong-Kong (China). Opening these new offices will enable BSO Network Solutions to meet its customers' global problems more effectively and swell its customer base.

"This expansion abroad validates our model and paves the way to new opportunities for growth in a strategic market. By opening this first office in London we have moved to the forefront of the international scene and are sending a powerful signal to the entire market, and more particularly to our customers", says Michaël Ourabah, CEO and co-founder of BSO Network Solutions.

BSO Network Solutions has acquired the financial and human resources necessary to boost its growth abroad. More than ever, global expansion appears today as the future driver of business development which, in terms of markets, knows no limits. "Of course we are not forgetting the other continents and continue to examine plans to open more offices in the short term. ", concludes Michaël Ourabah, CEO of BSO Network Solutions.

Actix predicts coordinated future for radio network engineering and status management by Actix

London, 26 May 2009 - Actix, the leader in Network Status Management (NSM) solutions, today predicted that with the arrival of 4G, network managers will have a sharper focus on the delivery cost per data bit. A better co-ordination between radio network engineering and status management, Actix has found, can drive a reduction of almost 30% in day-to-day RAN engineering costs.

With the advent of LTE technology, mature operators will be managing at least three overlaying Radio Access Networks (RANs) - 2G, 3G and 3.9/4G networks. A large portion of the delivery cost of every bit is RAN-related, and the challenging economics of mobile broadband will enforce the need for a much sharper focus on delivery cost per data bit if operators are to remain profitable.

"Mobile carriers are under immense pressure to increase margins by cutting expense, while still delivering the ultra-high bandwidth, mobile broadband data services that consumers are coming to expect," said Sanjay Nagdev, Chief Sales Officer at Actix. "As operators focus on lowering the cost per bit of mobile data, the spectral efficiency of LTE is proving attractive, and driving some to make early investment into 3.9G and 4G technologies. However, simply overlaying this over existing 2G and 3G networks won't get the most out of the investment - operators need to remove cost layers, not add more. With multiple tier one operators now deploying NSM solutions, it's clear that RAN automation is an essential step towards improved cost effectiveness."

Through the use of modern solutions that help maximise the productivity of all network resources, by consolidating, automating, systemising and prioritising network engineering processes, Actix solutions have already delivered cost savings as high as 30%, while increasing the 'lost' capacity returned to the network by almost an order of magnitude. In one case, Actix was able to assist in accelerating the deployment of new network assets, cutting network deployment time by 75%.

IGEL demonstrates the healthcare benefits of its thin client technology at Smart Healthcare Live by IGEL

Reading, UK - May 26, 2009 - Fast and secure access to patient files whilst on the move will be just one of the benefits IGEL Technology will be demonstrating using thin clients at Smart Healthcare Live in Earls Court, London, from June 9-10. Using IGEL Universal Desktops with integrated smartcard devices, healthcare professionals can securely log-in to any IGEL device and access patient records in under 10 seconds.

As well as ease of use, IGEL's thin clients are ideal for healthcare environments because they are secure, unlike PCs the thin clients run from a server-based computing system with all data held centrally and not on the machines themselves, preventing sensitive patient information theft.

The IGEL thin clients are also robust and reliable because they have no moving parts, and are easy to roll-out. In fact, they can be up and running with just a few simple mouse clicks from a centralised IT team using IGEL's Universal Management Suite software, reducing administration costs by up to 70%.

In addition to the healthcare user benefits, IGEL thin clients are also economical and environmentally-friendly with power savings of up to 51% over traditional PCs. IGEL will be using its power calculator at the show to demonstrate how IGEL thin clients can pay for themselves, in power savings alone, over a three to five year period.

In addition to the IGEL Universal Desktop range, IGEL will also be demonstrating its new IGEL one thin client. The IGEL one, at just £128 excluding vat, is designed for single campus organisations, with up to 250 users, where sophisticated management software is not required.

The IGEL team can be found at Stand M363

Figuring Out Who Makes The Best HDTV by Kozan Huseyin

When buying consumer electronics, especially expensive consumer electronics, you want to buy the best straight off the bat! Doing this and buying the best HDTV is something we all want to do. In this article, I will provide you with several tips that can make this possible for you.

Points covered: * Attempting To Answer Who Makes The Best HDTV * Tools And Resources That Can Enable You To Find The Best HD TV * Selecting And Buying A High Definition Television Set

* Attempting To Answer Who Makes The Best HDTV Many people would like a definitive - this is who makes the best. However, this answer would have problems. Yes, the best may be the best today, and have produced an excellent set, however, would it be same for another model?

Generally though we can bet on some brands, for example Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung are just a handful of manufacturers who produce some fantastic sets. These are generally reliable companies. I say generally because as with all of them, some models are truly great, while others probably need a lot of work on!

* Tools And Resources That Can Enable You To Find The Best HD TV So how are you to find the best HD TV? The real answer will only come when you have successfully had that set for a number of years, and can give your own verdict.

Predicting the future is pretty easy though, thanks to some tools and resources! For example, the manufacturers can give you some insight, however add magazine or newspaper HDTV reviews and now you are more empowered.

Online you can also find HDTV ratings from people. This information can really work wonders, because it gives you insight from people who have actually purchased the high definition television set.

* Selecting And Buying A High Definition Television Set The first point you will want to do is to figure out how much space you have for television. Realize that with the televisions of today, they are much lighter, and so can be put up on a wall. The space saving of LCD HDTV sets have enabled people to buy a larger screen size than was physically possible before.

It can also be a good idea to consider your current television and existing television brands. Which brands have you been happy with? This is a good way to generally find out who makes the best set.

For example, if you have had a television set that lasted a decade, then it is a good indication that that brand makes great sets and puts good technology into it. This is not always the case, but it has proved successful for me.

The Era Of The Robotic Vehicles Has Arrived

From robotic construction trucks to robotic submarines, the world of robotic vehicles is being employed to revolutionize our lives. Traditionally associated with the military, robotic planes, submarines, tanks, trucks, cars, mechanical bugs and other types of mobile robots are being developed for civilian use as well. Futuristic advancements are no longer a matter of "How," but more so a matter of "When," as to when the technology will be affordable enough for average citizens.

"The good thing about this system is you don't have to send a marine out and risk that life," Captain James Lee said of his bomb-disassembling and reconnaissance mission robotic vehicles. The machines may cost $100,000 a piece, but they're fairly durable, especially considering that duct tape and common materials can be used to patch them.

The Packbot Scout Robot (developed by Robotic Systems JPO) quickly takes apart a bomb, saving an entire Humvee full of soldiers. The Dragon Eye and Raven B unmanned aircraft patrols the battlefields, even in adverse weather conditions.

The Stalker (developed by Lockheed Martin) is especially keen for silent night operations, while the Golden Eye can hover for three hours, assessing the scene. The unmanned Predator drone is one of the most highly-touted autonomous robots used by the US military today. Civilian robotic vehicles are also being developed for a number of uses. Sonar robotics technology is capturing never-before-seen images of deep sea beds with the Synthetic Aperture Sonar. Farmers use these vehicles to check on their crops.

Forest rangers count trees and monitor wildlife in remote regions of their parks. Surface water vehicles are skimming the coasts, while underwater devices are recovering old shipwrecks and AWOL lobster traps that have fallen loose, thus threatening endangered marine animals.

You may not know it, but automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are transporting materials all around warehouses and hospitals at this very moment. The early robotic vehicles were easy to make, researchers say, but they were fairly limited in their paths and found it difficult to adapt to changes in their environments.

The interim robotics automation could scan bar code grid lines on the floor or use laser technology to maneuver around, although tall obstacles still blocked the way and routine maintenance was high. New robotic vehicles are trained to circumnavigate around any obstacle, whether it is a pallet or a person.

They use 3-D scanners, maps and other complex systems. In the future, people are expected to work alongside robots much more frequently. by Mike Selvon

Australia Solar Panel Government Rebates

After receiving numerous questions, about the Australia solar panel government rebates, we found the following facts on the subject. The included information is a brief description of the details of the plan. The precise details can be read on our resources page. As you read, you will be given some options, which might be helpful to those of you who are curious.

Australia Solar Panel Government Rebates are available, through the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, for the construction of solar panel systems on homes and community use structures. Schools are no longer eligible for monetary assistance under this program.

The Solar Homes and Communities Plan ensures that monetary assistance get to the residents that would benefit most through the application of specific requirements, with only families with an annual gross income of less than $100,000 being eligible for the rebates.

The following are the initial eligibility requirements for the Australia Solar Panel Government Rebates:

* These government subsidies are for the purchase and construction of major equipment items. Equipment cannot be second-hand. * Residential rebates are for solar panel systems that are connected to a main-grid or are very near to a main-grid. * Any system eligible for a rebate under the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is not eligible for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan; applicants should consider which monies to apply for with an accredited designer and installer. * The individual who completes the construction must be accredited for design and installation of solar panel systems. * Applicant's gross taxable income must be lower than $100,000.

As you can readily see, the qualifications are very precise and the monetary rewards are really minimal. Fortunately, knowing a little about the Australian people's do it yourself way of life, there are extremely good alternatives.

We recommend that you look at the reviews that we have posted on our website. These reviews highlight the 3 absolute best diy manuals to home made renewable energy available today. These guides have all the information, you will need to be able, to correctly size your solar system, as well as for the different types of installations, that will depend upon your individual situation. You will learn of a quality alternative to the high prices 'contractor built' systems.

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