Technology

How to Use Data to Boost Your Small Business

Published

3 months ago

August 20, 2024

Entrepreneurs can gain value by harnessing the full potential of your company’s data.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To succeed in today’s fast-paced data-driven business environment, small business owners should use performance metrics and KPIs (key performance indicators) to guide decisions and sustain growth. SCORE, a resource partner of the Small Business Administration and mentors to America’s small businesses, encourages small business owners to quantify and track performance benchmarks in order to refine operations and facilitate growth.

Small business metrics can be both qualitative, meaning they are described using words, or quantitative, meaning they are framed as numbers. In some cases, the most specific KPIs and metrics for your business might be a combination of both types of data points.

What’s the purpose of this data?
Business metrics and KPIs allow you to measure how well your company is performing against set goals for different areas of your operations, and how you can adjust to exceed expectations. There are metrics available for measuring customer satisfaction, employee retention, and understanding what products are selling the fastest and from what channel.

There are also different ways to develop situational or highly specific KPIs to track cash flow, quality, gross profit, the long-term value of specific customer demographic groups, and many other things. Every area of your business from people to products and processes can be measured, tracked and optimized through the use of data analysis.

“Verify your key metrics by periodically tracking both individual and aggregate results,” recommends SCORE mentor Nabil Freij. “With individual and total metrics, you can identify meeting your revenue goals, see who needs help improving, and learn who is pushing boundaries and raising the bar.”

Sales performance KPIs
To start building a more data-centered organizational culture, you need to start measuring success and qualifying shortcomings. For many small business leadership teams, sales performance metrics are the most logical place to start when looking to build on current success and sustain growth into the future. These metrics could include gross profit, cash flow forecast, inventory turnover and more.

These different indicators can provide actionable insights into the choices your management team should make to optimize successful business outcomes. However, sales performance data is not everything and as your business matures, you will want to consider many other areas as well.

Human capital performance metrics
For many small businesses, one of the single most variable costs is connected to the expense of human capital, or the value of your employees to your business. To develop a better understanding of the costs associated with human capital expenditure, your business may want to track KPIs such as turnover rate and human capital return on investment (HCROI).

Key logistics KPIs
Small businesses that are involved with e-commerce and are consistently working with shipping partners can benefit from using key performance indicators to evaluate success. Areas such as supply chain management, production, fulfillment and customer service all have metrics associated with them that your business should be tracking. These metrics can include freight cost per unit shipped, transit time to distance, and warehouse space.

Driving successful business outcomes
Measuring success is one of the most important ways for your business to optimize performance and consistently deliver better and more cost-effective operations. In today’s challenging business environment, the key to developing the agility needed to sustain success is found in harnessing the full power and potential of data-driven decision making.

Looking for more guidance? Find a SCORE mentor who can help you decide what’s right for your business.

“SCORE is free – utilize your free resources because as a startup, it’s hard to pinch all of those pennies,” said SCORE client Amber Sharp, CEO and owner of Claim Revolution. “They’re remarkable and always there for you.”

About SCORE:
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

CONTACT:
SCORE
202-968-6428
media@score.org

Looking for a small business expert or owner for an upcoming media story? Email media@score.org to request an interview source.

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SOURCE SCORE

Technology

Doo Group Strengthens Global Reach with CySEC License for Doo Financial

Published

5 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

LIMASSOL, Cyprus , Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Doo Group is proud to announce that Doo Financial, one of its brands, has been awarded a new license by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This achievement strengthens Doo Group’s commitment to providing a secure and regulated trading environment for its clients globally.

Expanding Regulatory Reach

The addition of the CySEC license highlights Doo Group’s extensive regulatory framework, which already spans across multiple financial jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. This strategic milestone reflects Doo Group’s dedication to ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards and prioritizing client security. As a European Supervisory Authority, CySEC offers a robust regulatory environment and is expected to enhance client confidence. For Doo Group, this new regulatory milestone reinforces its reputation as a trusted, reliable financial services provider.

“Acquiring the new license from CySEC is a significant milestone for Doo Financial, marking a key step in our ongoing growth and strategic expansion. This achievement not only reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory excellence but also solidifies our position as a trusted, reliable financial institution within Europe. By aligning with CySEC’s rigorous requirements, we are better positioned to offer enhanced services to our clients, foster greater transparency, and ensure long-term stability in an increasingly complex and dynamic financial landscape.” Costas Kappai, Doo Financial EU

Strengthening Client Confidence

Doo Financial EU, the European branch of Doo Financial, is now positioned to serve clients across Europe under the guidelines of a European Supervisory Authority. European clients will benefit from CySEC’s regulatory protections, including client fund safety and transparent business practices, ensuring a secure and trustworthy trading experience. This development allows Doo Financial EU to offer its suite of financial services and trading products to a wider audience, backed by the credibility and oversight of CySEC.

By expanding its regulatory reach, Doo Group continues to strengthen its position in the global financial market, enabling clients to trade with confidence. The CySEC license is another step toward achieving Doo Group’s vision of becoming a leader in financial services.

About Doo Group

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, Doo Group is an international financial services provider with a focus on FinTech. With operations across 10 major business lines—including Brokerage, Wealth Management, Payments, and Digital Marketing—we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial solutions that empower our clients to explore a better future.

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Technology

Liberty General Insurance Continues to Drive Insurance Awareness and Inclusion with ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ Initiative Across Delhi and Punjab

Published

5 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty General Insurance, one of the leading non-life insurance companies in India and the lead insurer for Delhi under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) State Insurance Plan, is spearheading an insurance awareness initiative in Delhi. While there are no gram panchayats in Delhi, Liberty continues to drive insurance awareness through grassroots and digital outreach.

In parallel, Liberty is fulfilling its rural and social obligations by focusing on underserved areas in Punjab. This effort includes a recently initiated awareness campaign across 400 gram panchayats in Punjab to expand insurance penetration and increase accessibility in these regions.

In Delhi, Liberty continues to create awareness under ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ initiative launched in 2023. This October Liberty began with a Door-to-Door Campaign across North-West and North East Delhi, reaching over 1600 households in Karala Village, Budh Vihar, Kanjawala Village and Begumpur, Burari, Kanhiya Nagar, Rampura, and Jahangirpuri, achieving over 25000 impressions. Over nearly a month, Liberty’s teams engaged with residents, distributing leaflets and explaining the benefits of motor and health insurance. This campaign was followed by the ‘Nukkad Natak’ (Street Play) initiative in South Delhi, targeting key neighborhoods of Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Nirman Vihar, Lakshmi Nagar, and Begumpur chowk market. The street plays used interactive performances to educate communities on the importance of insurance and dispel common myths. To reinforce the message, Liberty’s team also disseminated copies of the ‘Wise Ways of Insurance’ booklet—a unique resource developed to demystify insurance products and promote informed decision-making. The booklet, which is being translated into vernacular languages, is also being distributed in other states as part of Liberty’s commitment to financial literacy across India.

Complementing its on-ground efforts, Liberty General Insurance continues to leverage social media to drive targeted insurance awareness campaigns. Recognizing that widespread mobile access allows more people to connect online, Liberty reaches both rural and urban audiences, empowering individuals everywhere with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.

Commenting on this awareness drive, Mr. Parag Ved, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Liberty General Insurance said, “Our ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ campaign is an effort in line with IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ vision, towards empowering communities across Delhi, Punjab, and beyond with the financial security that insurance provides. With general insurance penetration in India still at less than 1% of its GDP, there is a pressing need to educate communities and break down the barriers to understanding the importance of insurance. Liberty will ensure that its wide distribution network makes policies accessible to all, so that every citizen—no matter where they are—can access the financial safety net that insurance offers.”

“Liberty is committed to fostering a culture of financial resilience where every Indian can feel secure about their future. Together, we are building a future where insurance isn’t just a product but a promise of protection and peace of mind,” Mr. Ved added.

Looking ahead, Liberty will be rolling out a transit media campaign across South Delhi in December, utilizing branded auto rickshaws to increase visibility and connect with residents in this vibrant area of the capital. By leveraging transit media, Liberty aims to bring insurance awareness into people’s daily routines, making information accessible in familiar, everyday settings. This campaign builds on the success of previous awareness initiatives and reinforces Liberty’s commitment to educating and empowering individuals about insurance.

About Liberty General Insurance

Liberty General Insurance Ltd. (LGI) is a joint venture between Summit Asia Investment Holdings PTE Ltd.— a group company of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, a diversified global insurer with over 900 offices across the world, headquartered in the U.S., Enam Securities, and Diamond Dealtrade. LGI commenced operations in 2013 with the aim of providing comprehensive retail, commercial and industrial insurance solutions. The company has an employee strength of 1100+ with presence across 100+ locations in 28 states and UTs. Its partner network consists of about 6000+ hospitals and more than 5000 auto service centres. The company offers health and personal accident insurance, car and two-wheeler insurance, employee compensation insurance, commercial insurance, engineering insurance, marine insurance, liability insurance and property insurance among other products in India.

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Technology

Hikvision unveils WonderHub and elevates smart collaboration across industries

Published

5 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2024 /CNW/ — Hikvision unveiled its fully upgraded smart collaboration business. The event showcased a range of innovative products designed to transform collaboration in education, meetings, retail, and more. Among the highlights were cutting-edge solutions like WonderHub interactive displays, digital signage, and video conference devices. These products underscore Hikvision’s commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing user experiences in an increasingly connected world.

At the heart of this ecosystem is WonderHub, which features WonderOS, an AI-powered platform that seamlessly connects devices and enhances collaboration. With tools like WonderSpark for interactive whiteboards and WonderCast for wireless content sharing, WonderHub enables users to communicate, create, and collaborate more effectively than ever.

Boosting Classroom Engagement with Innovative Solutions

In education, WonderHub is designed to elevate classroom experiences. The interactive displays enable students to share and express ideas effortlessly, creating a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. The built-in WonderSpark smart whiteboard software uses AI to recognize equations, provide solutions, and generate interactive 3D teaching materials across subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and natural sciences. Teachers can also access licensed images and videos through Creative Commons integration, enriching lesson content and boosting student engagement.

Classrooms equipped with WonderHub also benefit from multi-window modes and a suite of 19 educational tools. These include subject-specific templates and interactive applications. For remote learning, WonderHub integrates seamlessly with third-party conferencing platforms, allowing students to collaborate in real-time, no matter their location.

Empowering Business Meetings with Intelligent Features

Hikvision’s smart collaboration solutions transform business meetings into more efficient and immersive experiences. The WonderHub Ultra Series allows users to easily connect personal devices and leverage the interactive display’s camera, speakers, and microphone for high-quality remote conferencing. The HiSpire meeting management system streamlines meeting logistics, including room scheduling, attendee notifications, post-meeting summaries, and distribution of materials.

Advanced AI features, such as auto-framing and speaker tracking, ensure optimal video quality. Meanwhile, app-free screen casting allows for easy sharing of presentation materials. The X12 and X28 audio-video cameras offer enterprises tailored setups to suit meeting rooms of any size, ensuring seamless communication with high-definition video and precise audio capture.

Transforming Retail Spaces with Dynamic Digital Signage

Hikvision has also advanced its digital signage solutions to enhance customer engagement in retail scenarios. The vibrant displays and centralized content management allow retailers to effectively capture attention. High-brightness window displays attract passersby with promotions and new product highlights. Meanwhile, floor-standing signage supports interactive features, such as self-service ordering. The HikCentral FocSign platform enables retailers to remotely manage and distribute content across multiple locations, improving operational efficiency and ensuring consistent branding.

These digital signage solutions, including the DP and DL series, boast superior brightness and clarity, ensuring visibility even in strong lighting conditions. The displays run on Hikvision’s self-developed platform and support WonderCast wireless casting, enabling quick and easy content sharing from various devices.

Since entering the smart collaboration market in 2017, Hikvision has rapidly become a leading global player. With over 300,000 units sold across more than 140 countries and regions, Hikvision’s smart collaboration business exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. As a key highlight of this evolution, the fully upgraded WonderHub represents the next leap forward in smart collaboration technology.

By bridging advanced technology with practical applications, WonderHub, along with Hikvision’s broader range of smart collaboration solutions, is leading the way in providing more efficient and intelligent solutions for users worldwide.

For more information about Hikvision’s smart collaboration products and solutions, please visit Hikvision’s official website.

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SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology