Guest Blogging

The Launch of Digital Beanie Brings Accountants into the Digital Age

From Accounting Weekly: The launch of Digital Beanie – a collaboration between Tangent Solutions and SA Institute of Business Accountants (Saiba) – ushers in a new era of digital accounting.

“Digital Beanie is a portal for accountants to get educated on the world of digital accounting and to give them a feel for what it should look like,” says Glen Ansell, intelligent automation lead at Tangent Solutions, a global frontrunner in robotics, automation and AI.

Adds Nicolaas van Wyk, CEO of Saiba: “We’re following similar model to that adopted by the Singapore government, which took the lead and developed the guide and support mechanisms for accountants and SMEs moving into the cloud. Digital Beanie will provide training videos, support tools, and links to technology providers. The Singapore government decided to take the lead in moving accountants into the cloud because it wanted to upskill the nation and avoid job losses due to the 4IR.

“We want to invite other stakeholders, technology providers, government and accountants to participate in this collaborative effort. It’s safe to say that accountants won’t become IT specialists – although there are some that are doing just that – but they do need to know what tech is available so they can properly guide and advise their clients.”

Digital Beanie is a product of the seismic shifts taking place in the accounting and finance fields.

“Technology is creating a shift in the roles and responsibilities of finance professionals. Machines and automation can process and collect data much more effectively and efficiently. Therefore, the focus of the finance function must be to ensure data integrity and the creative use thereof in other words, provide insights, generate revenue, and create value,” according to Re-inventing finance for a digital world: the future of finance, published by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

Many of the routine accounting functions are rapidly being taken over by automation. Accountants are having to get used to terms such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Intelligent Data Extraction using Optical Character Recognition, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Intelligence (BI).

Want to build a member base – also access to providers to give them (robotic process automation, SEO, machine learning, journey to the cloud)

Van Wyk says it is vital for accountants to position themselves as overseers protecting the interests of their clients in this new, evolving 4IR occurring in the business space. “Facebook and Google take your data and on-sell it to advertisers. We think if these tech providers have access to our clients’ bookkeeping systems and are selling that data, they should pay for that. We see an opportunity here for accountants to audit tech providers code to make sure that they are not selling client data.”

There is an anti-trust drive in some parts of the world to rein in tech giants like Facebook and Google and make them pay for data that it currently obtains for free from users. “We say there should be a similar model for tech providers in the accounting and finance space where they should not be allowed to sell client data or, if they do, they share the revenue with the client,” says Van Wyk.

Where does your accounting practice sit on the Digital Maturity Scale?
Ansell says Digital Beanie will provide accountants (including tax and payroll practitioners) with educational resources to bring them up to speed on the latest technology and tech providers serving the accounting community.

“Many accountants that are stuck in the old, analogue way of doing things don’t understand that these technology solutions are available. The accountant of the future is going to have to be less of a bookkeeper and more of a business intelligence analyst. They will have to add value to clients’ businesses, while many of the bookkeeping functions they currently perform will be automated,” he says.

Van Wyk agrees, adding that accountants in the near future will be expected to guide clients on what tech solutions are most suitable to their businesses and to guide the implementation.

To find out more, click here.

Article by Digital Beanie.

Five Tips For Frazzled Students To Remain Fit And Healthy

We all know that studying takes a lot out of us. Working, then coming home to study and try and fit in some exercise is easier said than done. Most of us still want to retain some semblance of a social life or spend time with our family.

Here’s a new insight. You don’t need to be hitting the gym for 60 minutes a day to make your step count and lead a healthy life. Instead, it’s the simple things you can do daily that will keep your step count up, your mind sharp, and still provide you with time to spend with your friends and family.

Here are five tips to keep you on the move while you work and study:

Get Up And Get Moving
For most of us, we spend our days at work behind a desk or on long car drives in traffic, on train rides, buses or taxis to and from the office. Naturally, the last thing you want to do after this is sit down again to study. However, your brain and your eyes need a break too. Therefore, it is important to take frequent small breaks to maintain your concentration and productivity levels. After every 30 to 45 minutes of working at your desk, stand up and walk around a little bit. This could mean making yourself something to drink, checking on the kids, throwing the ball to the dog, stepping outside for a bit of fresh air.

Maintain A Good Posture
A lack of posture-awareness can lead to you hunching over your desk, which in turn puts strain on your back, neck, shoulders, muscles and even your eyes. Not surprisingly, you may end up with a splitting headache before you have finished.

Nowadays, there is some helpful technology to make your life easier in this respect. Get yourself an iPad, tablet or Kindle, download your textbook and change your environment. Sit on a Pilates ball, lie on the grass, read in the bath or even while standing – these small changes will make a difference. Your body will tell you that it is time to move or change position as soon as you start feeling uncomfortable. This is your built-in notification that it’s time for a breather and a leg stretch.

Change Up Your Routine
We mentioned earlier that you don’t need a gym to train and this is very true. Your kids or pets make for great training tools during active play with them, and you get to spend some quality time together. Play an exercise video or some dance music and get your kids involved in the activity too. Play tug of war with your dog!

You can also use routine chores of washing dishes or bath time for the kids by tweaking your routine slightly and adding squats or lunges while you are busy with them. If you have to stand a lot at work, you can perform some great Pilates exercises, and you can do it at any point during your day.

Being Active Should Be FUN!
It can be disheartening to constantly hear how you should take up running, or cycle more, or play a sport to get fit when you are battling to find time for yourself. These activities are great if introduced slowly and structured into a well-planned training programme. There is nothing worse than injury or burn-out when you first start exercising.

Whatever you decide to do, the point is to stay active without hurting yourself and to enjoy whatever you choose to do. It could be a day hike with friends on the weekend, a beach walk with your dogs, or rollerblading with the kids. All too often, we don’t give ourselves enough time to unwind, which leads to further stress and shorter spans of attention.

Laugh lots to release a magical cocktail of feel-good hormones.

Set Yourself Mini-Goals
Goals are essential as they keep you motivated. So start out making a small list of easily achievable things to do during the week, and work up to bigger goals as you become more motivated. It is also essential to reward yourself tangibly for achieving your goals. This doesn’t mean that you should go overboard, but make sure that the reward aligns with your goal and is enjoyable.

eta College is a private higher education and training college specialising in qualifications that lead to employment in the sport and fitness industries. They dedicate themselves to providing dynamic learning programmes that lead to internationally benchmarked qualifications.

Students can study coaching science, fitness or sports management full-time, part-time or online at one of their twelve campuses across South Africa. They also have campuses in Namibia and Mauritius.

For more information on the courses that they offer, visit their website.

Article by eta College.

Is Vinyl a Good Flooring Option?

Flooring should always look great, be comfortable to walk on and be functional enough for its intended use. Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective and highly durable, attractive flooring solution that competes with laminate flooring and is available in a wide variety of styles and colours.

Why is Vinyl Flooring Becoming so Popular?
In terms of durability, if installed and maintained correctly, vinyl flooring will hold its own for 10 – 20 years. It is a perfect solution for areas with high traffic and is also a better flooring option for homes with pets or children as most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on the surface that is resistant to stains and scratches.

Vinyl flooring has grown in popularity, not only due to its durability but also because of its resistance to spills and the fact that it is generally cheaper to install than laminate flooring. It is very comfortable underfoot as it has a slight spring when you walk on it but retains the necessary firmness.

Due to recent developments within the flooring industry, vinyl flooring has become far easier to install for a DIY enthusiast. Initially, vinyl flooring was only available in rather large and cumbersome sheets. Today, it is available in planks or tiles that can be installed without any hammering or sawing as in earlier days. Some brands even offer a self-adhesive vinyl where the backing can simply be removed and the flooring pressed into place on a prepared floor.

What are the Negatives of Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring does, however, have some negatives and you should be aware of this before selecting a flooring option for your home or office.

Unfortunately, once the adhesive backing on the vinyl flooring hardens to the floor, the glue becomes extremely difficult to remove – but, with a bit of persistence, it can be removed without any special tools. Another downside to vinyl flooring is that it tends to fade when constantly exposed to direct sunlight and is not a good option for use outdoors.

Libra Flooring is the leading Vinyl Flooring Company located in Montague Gardens, Cape Town and, thanks to recent technological advances, offers a wide range of high-quality, beautiful vinyl finishes.

Besides offering and installing vinyl flooring, they also specialise in the supply and fitting of laminate flooring, engineered flooring, solid wooden flooring and timber decking in Cape Town, South Africa. They firmly believe in a balance between quality and price. As a family business, service has been paramount in Libra’s dealings with all of its clients – giving them the confidence to place repeat business.

A skilled, technical base combined with a wide range of high-quality flooring products has led Libra to service both the domestic and commercial flooring markets. Libra has developed in-house skills to construct both specialised staircases and timber decking. The attention they pay to the finer flooring details has led to Libra Flooring being viewed as the installers of choice by many satisfied customers in Cape Town. Consult with the flooring experts in Cape Town for assistance with the best flooring solution for your next project.

Article by Libra Flooring.

MIFF Reschedules 26th Edition To 2022

Informa Markets, the organiser of Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), the biggest industry show in Southeast Asia, has moved MIFF 26th edition from 1-4 September 2021 to 8-11 March 2022 due to the ongoing global pandemic. MIFF 26th edition will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC). In the absence of the physical show in 2021, the 3rd edition of MIFF Online Exhibition, MIFF Furniverse, will take place in August 2021.

Dato’ Tan Chin Huat, founder and chairman of MIFF, said: “We regret that we are unable to bring MIFF’s physical event back this year though we miss our show, exhibitors and visitors so much. However, we have never stopped connecting the global furniture market and providing trade opportunities to exhibitors and buyers.”

MIFF Furniverse has concluded its second edition earlier this year (8-12 March 2021), with the virtual trade attracting 67 exhibitors and 1,703 buyer visits from 101 countries and regions, an increase of 35.5% from the first edition in August 2020, contributing to a total of USD4.55 million sales generated over the five-day live event. Strong numbers of buyers from Asia attended, followed by buyers from Europe and North America. It also brought new buyers (31% of the total) who have not visited MIFF before to start sourcing from MIFF exhibitors. “We are glad to receive advanced bookings from new exhibitors to join the 3rd MIFF Furniverse based on real business achieved from the last two editions.

“The online exhibition connects the industry and furniture community at this challenging time, it has proven its effectiveness to help global buyers accomplish their business needs with the absence of a physical show,” said Dato’ Tan. From the Philippines, Rowena Ramirez of Igo Digital High Technology found MIFF Furniverse ‘useful and a good avenue for networking’. High praise from Alan Wogan of VIDA Living in Ireland, who said that “Absolutely the best show MIFF has put on in these difficult circumstances. It was great to have a shop window to look into – the first for such a long time.”

MIFF is the largest marketplace for Malaysian exporters and their predominantly wood and upholstery furniture for home and commercial use, and it offers the widest range of office furniture in the region from Malaysian and international manufacturers. MIFF attracts buyers from 140 countries and regions, the MIFF-online experience provides a great alternative for manufacturers and buyers to remain connected.

For more information, visit www.miff.com.

Article by HGR (Home Goods Retailer).

What a Dish!

Whether you are looking for an upgrade or kitting your kitchen out from scratch, a dishwasher is an essential kitchen appliance. Miele’s Jon Molyneaux offers some important tips to consider when making your dishwasher purchase decision.

It’s difficult to comprehend how we coped without dishwashers in our kitchens – not only do they save you time and effort by cleaning and drying the dishes for you, but they also ensure that dirty dishes are neatly stored out of sight and that they are more hygienically cleaned than washing them by hand. Energy efficient models such as those from Miele for example, which need a mere 6,5-itres of water to wash an entire load, will also ensure savings on your utility bills because they use less water than you would need to wash the same number of dishes by hand.

However, with all the options available to you on the market, it is not always that easy to decide which dishwasher to purchase. Says Miele’s Jon Molyneaux: “Your dishwasher will be used to clean your dishes almost every day, so you want to choose one that will not only complement the aesthetics of your kitchen, but will also offer continued high performance, state-of-the art technology, energy- and water-efficiency and durability.” He says that you should not make your decision purely on price points, but you should also look at the following factors:

Craftsmanship
It is important to know that your new dishwasher is going to last, and this largely depends on how well the dishwasher has been made. Look at well-known brands that focus on craftmanship and quality. Says Jon: “Miele, for example, focuses on crafting every detail of its appliances with meticulous German engineering, because only by perfecting every aspect is it able to achieve ultimate reliability. In fact, all its appliances, including its range of dishwashers, are designed, tested, and manufactured to last for 20 years, which is much longer than the average 7-year lifespan of most other appliance brands. That is benchmark-setting durability, and quality ahead of its time!”

Aside from durability, other quality features to look for include:

Hygienically clean: With the current pandemic, it has never been more important to ensure that your dishes are hygienically washed, so look for hygiene programmes. Jon says that Miele’s dishwashers have been scientifically tested to show how hygienically they clean: “Tests conducted by the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences confirm the exceptional hygienic cleaning performance of Miele dishwashers. In combination with the PowerDisk and UltraTabs, the Hygiene and Intensive programmes reliably remove over 99.9% of viruses (e.g. Corona, influenza or Noro viruses), and bacteria (Enterococcus faecium).”

Insured against water damage: Nobody wants their dishwashers to leak and damage their kitchen cabinetry or floors. For this reason, all Miele dishwashers come with the Waterproof system that consists of a number of interdependent safety features to provide protection against water leakage. Jon explains: “Should this system fail, resulting in damage to your home, you are covered for any consequential damages – for a period of 20 years. We bear the costs for any property damage according to the terms and conditions for the water protection system.”

Best noise levels: Since most kitchens are open-plan these days, it is important that your dishwasher operates quietly, notes Jon: “Miele’s dishwashers operate at quiet noise levels starting at just 41 dB(A) – significantly quieter than a normal conversation.”

Sustainability
With the ever-rising cost of electricity, and water being a valuable resource, choosing sustainable appliances has become increasingly important. It is imperative that you compare the energy- and water-efficiency of different models. “Miele’s dishwashers are some of the most sustainable models on the market. Most of its dishwashers boast an EU energy rating of A+++, and in the ECO programme, water consumption has been reduced to 6,5litres. With EcoFeedback, our dishwashers make it easy for you to protect the environment when washing your dishes: as soon as you select a programme, the display tells you how much water and electricity it is likely to consume. EcoFeedback enables you to select the option which is best for the environment. You can view the actual consumption values in the display at the end of the programme.”

However, aside from being efficient, you also need to look at the lifespan of the appliance itself, Jon explains: “Instead of using many appliances over the years, you can use one Miele dishwasher, as it will last for 20 years. This fact substantially decreases the overall carbon footprint of the dishwasher itself.” He also notes that you should look at the sustainable practices of the brand: “For Miele, sustainability is entrenched in the values and traditions of the company and is the absolute foundation for long-term corporate success. Miele is a member of the UN sustainability organisation Global Compact and signatory of the ‘Diversity Charter’. Miele publishes a sustainability report every two years, and ensures sustainable practices in every aspect of its business.”

Performance
Of course, aside from being durable and efficient, the real yardstick of any dishwasher’s worth is how well it performs. To guarantee maximum performance, any machine needs to be rigorously tested, says Jon: “It’s no secret that practice makes perfect, and as such, all Miele appliances, including our dishwashers, are tested up to three times longer than some car engines. This ensures that Miele continues to achieve winning performance tests globally – guaranteeing continued reliability and perfect washing results for 20 years.” When considering a dishwasher’s performance, Jon advises to take special note of the following:

Baskets He says that dishwashers require a very specialised skillset – they need to be able to wash the most soiled items, such as pots and pans, all the way through to the most delicate, such as crystal and glassware: “To accommodate this, Miele has designed intelligent baskets for all types of dishes. You’ll be astounded by the various options enabling all sorts of crockery and cutlery to be safely accommodated. Cups sit securely on the FlexCare cup rack’s non-slip surface. Bowls fit perfectly into the split hinged row of spikes. And your precious wine glasses? The silicone buffers in the FlexCare glass holder take good care of them.”

Programmes: There are also a number of specialised programmes to help best clean dishes – some of the more notable ones on Miele dishwashers include:
• IntenseZone: This option is for enhanced cleaning performance in the lower basket can be added to a programme.
• Intensive 75°C: Maximum cleaning performance for pots, pans, etc., which are cleaned residue-free.
• Gentle: The programme cleans heat-sensitive crockery that is slightly dirty.
• Pasta/Paella: For dishes containing starch: residue from food like pasta or rice is removed thanks to the higher temperature.
• SolarSave: Minimum electricity consumption with solar heat system, heat pump or gas-oil heating.

Auto-dispensing systems: A dishwasher with an automatic detergent dispensing system, such as those from Miele are exceptionally convenient. Not only do they ensure that there is no detergent wastage, but they also ensure perfect wash results. Jon explains: “Miele’s PowerDisk for example, helps reduce the amount of detergent and energy used to wash dishes. With a detergent powder and rinse aid incorporated, the PowerDisk is placed in a special compartment on the inside of the G7000 door. The PowerDisk is a detergent-filled disk that automatically releases the precise amount of detergent each time it rotates during a cleaning cycle. The load is monitored by a sensor with more detergent dispensed for heavy loads, whereas less is dispensed for lighter loads. The powder detergent contains special enzymes for an effective wash, even at low temperatures, as well as active oxygen for thorough cleanliness and freshness. It also has protective factors for silver and glassware. Special protection against moisture and heat further guarantees unwaveringly high quality and consistency over the entire use of a PowerDisk.”

Smart technology: Today, it is important to consider choosing a smart dishwasher, notes Jon: “Networked appliances can help you to seamlessly manage and operate your appliances. With our innovative Miele@home system for example, you can exploit the full potential of your Miele appliances and make your everyday life even smarter. All intelligent Miele domestic appliances can be networked conveniently and securely. Operation is simple – whether you use the Miele app, voice control or integration into existing smart home solutions – the appliances are networked via a home Wi-Fi router and the Miele Cloud.

“All G7000 models with AutoDos can be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi and can be controlled via the Miele@mobile app from a mobile device, as well as Amazon’s Alexa. This allows users to start and stop their G7000 Dishwasher from anywhere, activate wash cycles and options from their smartphones, check levels and even order detergent online. The G7000 Dishwashers can also be programmed to start at the same time or at different times throughout the week, as well be programmed to run different wash cycles. This intelligent system also knows to cancel a start if the appliance door has not been opened between cycles. Additionally, the user can trigger further cycles from a mobile device, or conversely, cancel or postpone programmed starts,” he concludes.

Article by HGR.

How to Stop Furniture From Fading in the Sun

Summer is around the corner and, while you may be looking forward to warming sunshine on your shoulders, the sun’s rays are not great for your carpeting and furniture. While natural light improves the look of a room and makes it appear larger, consistent exposure to sun and heat can cause damage to upholstery, wood and carpets.

There are several measures you can take to protect your furniture and carpets from fading and discolouration. One of the easiest and cheapest is simply to move the furniture out of the light, but this may not be practical. Another option is to apply a window film on the inside of your windows that creates a protective layer and reflects the harmful rays.

A third option is to use a decorative window treatment, which not only looks great but adds value and functionality too. Roller blinds have become increasingly popular to reduce glare while retaining the view and are available in a wide range of fabrics, textures and colours. These blinds do not have slats but consist of a single piece of material that is rolled up and down by a chain and roller mechanism. They can also be motorised to facilitate opening and closing.

Sunscreen Roller Blinds
These blinds will block out the glare but still allow you to see out of your window and are available in a range of different colours to suit your interior.

Block Out Roller Blinds
These blinds serve a dual purpose; to block out the harmful rays of the sun and to prevent anyone from looking inside your home when it is dark outside.

Double Roller Blinds
These roller blinds consist of two sets in one; one roller blind for the front and one for the back, which makes choosing from different colours, sunscreens and blocks out designs so easy.

TLC Flooring in Tokai, Cape Town, not only offer flooring but also blinds for both indoor and outdoor use too. Their sales team has a wealth of experience and are extremely well-versed in providing their clients with the necessary information to ensure that the correct purchasing decision is made. Their installation teams measure, deliver and install their blinds to the highest standards of excellence.

See automated roller blinds in action here or take a look at roller blinds from the inside and outside.

TLC Flooring supplies and fits a wide variety of custom-sized blinds in the greater Cape Town area, where they offer their clients the most competitive blinds pricing and installation in the Cape – which makes TLC’s Blinds division the preferred blinds company in Cape Town.

Contact TLC Flooring to find out more about their roller blind range or to request a quote.

[email protected]
021 701 1503
www.tlcflooring.co.za

Article by TLC Flooring.

The Role Consumer Behaviour Plays In IT Strategies

If you want to be recognised as an IT leader in your field, you need to thoroughly understand what your company does and why a constantly evolving IT strategy is necessary. This process will require support from the company Executives as well as a financial commitment. Relationship-building and communication skills are vital for an IT Manager to align their IT strategy with the company’s ultimate goals and, in the process, provide sustainable value for it to maximise their Return On Investment (ROI).

Nevermore than before has Information Technology advanced so rapidly. This can, in part, be attributed to the responses to the current pandemic, which necessitated a rapid technology change. However, there are several other contributing factors causing CIO’s to re-examine their IT strategies, thanks to changing customer behaviour and expectations.

Remote Working
Globally, more users than ever before were required to work from home during the lockdown that followed the pandemic’s emergence. Previously non-technical users quickly adjusted and became adept with the latest computers and software applications. This, in turn, created a need for better remote-friendly technology that included both hardware and software.

Cost-Cutting
In July 2021, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs raised its global growth projections as the global economic recovery gained strength but expressed concern that these growth prospects would still be limited in many developing countries. However, the damage had been done. Many companies all over the world were forced to retrench staff or close their doors. One outcome of the efforts to save costs and jobs was a dramatic increase in using open-source software.

Social Media
Social media has proved that it is not a frivolity simply for teenagers, and the lockdown supported this view. Business people and consumers discovered that many different platforms provided the ability to communicate and stay connected, resulting in the uptake of platforms such as Zoom Meetings and MS Teams. Companies also realised how quickly a poor customer experience could be communicated to a broad audience, with unlimited ramifications.

Environmentally Friendly IT
A looming trend is Green IT, which aims to use computers and other IT infrastructure in an environmentally friendly manner by using less natural resources to run a company more responsibly. These natural resources range from the raw materials needed in manufacturing hardware to the power required to run computer systems.

Cloud Virtualisation
Scalable cloud solutions and applications are becoming more popular due to the virtualisation of servers, the ability for better collaboration, increased security in a world where cyber-security threats are growing, and a global drive to lower costs all around.

Data Management
In a competitive world, knowledge is integral to business success as it allows business leaders to leverage their most important assets to create additional value for the company. In addition, the collation, analysis and distribution of pertinent data can foster important innovation.

A company’s IT strategy needs the involvement of all stakeholders in the business to survive, and it must be flexible enough to reflect a thorough understanding of its clients’ behaviour dynamics under all circumstances. Although this comes at a price, underestimating the link between a flexible IT strategy and the value of customer behaviour in the business can be a costly mistake.

Westech is a highly experienced IT support company that has been servicing all major business sectors across South Africa since 1994. They understand that the business world is unpredictable and offer flexible IT service level agreements for on-site and remote support.

Westech has a highly experienced team who use, supply and support the latest in IT technology. Whether you are looking to outsource your IT, for advice on your IT strategy or for hardware and software, contact Westech for a professional IT service.

Article by Westech.

Does Talent Equate to a Competitive Advantage?

Dr Steve Harris, The Mind Doctor and motivational speaker in South Africa, recalls being told that no matter how hard you practice and strive for excellence; you can never achieve the same levels of mental or physical prowess as talented leaders, elite athletes, and high achievers. His research shows that this claim is false.

Steve agrees that some people certainly have a greater inclination for sports or certain leadership positions. For example, you are unlikely to become an international Lock Forward in rugby unless you are tall, and preferably taller than two metres.

However, everyone can acquire skills that enable them to improve their performance and excel within the realms of their boundaries – you need to learn how to become the best version of yourself. When you start out on this journey, the first thing you need to realise is that it is both mental and physical attributes that allow you to get ahead of the pack. Essentially, you have to be mentally tough and resilient in today’s fast-paced and stress-induced world.

Mental Toughness Requires a Holistic Approach
The ideal approach to developing mental toughness is a holistic methodology. You cannot gain a sustainable competitive advantage by simply concentrating on one angle. The key is to set an objective and be mentally tough enough to follow through with it. There must be an alignment between what you say and what you do to accomplish and develop a competitive advantage.

Nature and Nurture
Some people are born with or develop substantial physical or technical abilities that help them become successful. These abilities are enhanced when supported by mental toughness. Talent, combined with mental toughness is a powerful combination. Mental toughness is a resource that can and must be developed.

With increased mental toughness, those with a small amount of talent can become the best version of themselves and prevail over those with some talent, but no mental strength. However, mental toughness is not a solution on its own.

How Much Success can be Attributed to Mental Toughness?
Professor Ross Tucker talked about the relative mental and physical contributions needed to succeed. He concluded that there is no exact figure on how much each grants you. He said, “Some say it is 50% mental and 50% physical to 100% mental and 100% physical, but it depends on the context.”

In the above example, he was referring to sport. “Canoeing is different from athletics; long jump differs from high jump, both of which vary from a marathon. Downhill skiing, no doubt, requires substantial parts of both mental and physical application……, it’s difficult to pin down.” (Tucker, 2013).

Improve Your Inner Game
Playing the outer game of golf requires knowledge of the sport and its mechanical skills. To improve the outer game, you need to increase your game expertise and develop mechanical skills through learning and experience. However, your inner game exists beyond the knowledge and logistics of the game. Understanding and developing this intrinsic resource has a huge influence on your performance. Great golfers understand that the outer game can only take them so far; to get further, they need to improve their inner game because this understanding will ultimately enable them to improve performance over time.

In a last word about talent, Marianne Adams gave a TED talk, where the gist of her conversation was “Talent doesn’t mean anything if you are a jerk.” This requires no further explanation!

Dr Steve Harris has been studying performance for thirty years, of which fifteen have been devoted to performance improvement through an integrated mind and body approach. His MBA dissertation at the University of Cape Town focused on business performance improvement. He followed this with a PhD thesis on Mental Toughness as a factor in performance.

Academic research combined with experiences assisting business organizations and sport teams at all levels led to his work as a motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, conference speaker and keynote speaker. Steve is now also offering leadership courses. Steve has the business knowledge and skills to view a wide range of problems with a perspective broader than the established patterns that entrench thinking and close minds.

To hire Steve as a motivational speaker, facilitator or for successful team building programmes, contact him here.

Article by Dr Steve Harris.

The Value Of An IT Quarterly Business Review

Every company should evaluate their technological requirements from time to time by conducting a quarterly IT business review. The primary objective of this IT business review should be to obtain a clearer picture of the current state of your business’s IT infrastructure in terms of how effectively it is supporting your business operations. In other words, it determines the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s IT framework.

Considering the speed of technological advancements, it is crucial to implement the right technologies for your business. A regular IT review from a professional IT company will not only keep your business up to date with the latest technology but will also gauge the impact of that technology on your business operations and determine its feasibility for your company.

What are the Aims of an IT Business Review?
This in-depth analysis of your business’s IT environment should include everything from hardware, software, IT infrastructure and assets to existing applications and IT personnel. This process will also allow you to update your IT strategy, which can provide your company with a competitive advantage.

The three main areas that are included in this review are:

• IT Performance
• IT Compliance
• IT Security & Risks

IT Performance Review
Existing IT systems and processes need to be evaluated under this review to measure how effectively they contribute towards the daily business operations and how prepared the company is for business continuity in the event of an incident or disaster. This review will provide objective insight that should identify operational inefficiencies and waste resulting in potential cost-savings.

IT Compliance Review
A regular review of a company’s compliance with IT-specific policies, laws, regulations and industry standards is vital. This is even more relevant with the introduction of the Protection Of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Failure to comply opens up your business to significant fines and reputational damage. Westech, a top IT company in South Africa, advises firms on complex, cross-functional issues and on how to develop and implement strict data protection policies to ensure POPIA compliance.

IT Security and Risk Review
The rise in cyber-crime increases the risk of sensitive data held by a company being stolen or held for ransom. Therefore, operating system policies and asset management processes need to be regularly reviewed for inefficiencies and updated accordingly to reduce these risks.

Westech’s IT audit consultants enhance this IT assessment process by providing companies with a customised IT review that recognises each business’s unique internal control, compliance, security and performance requirements.

This professional IT service provider’s proven process reduces the overall risk and provides relevant, actionable advice to your IT department on how to improve their service levels to the business. Contact Westech for an obligation-free quote.

Article by Westech.

Pet-friendly flooring options – inside and out

Having been suppliers and installers of almost every type of flooring surface, both inside and outside the home, we are often asked by those with pets what would be the most pet-friendly options for both.

Well to begin with let’s look at flooring options inside the home. As we know the two biggest problems with animals inside are scratching the floors when playing too boisterously and little ‘accidents’ when they don’t get outside in time or have not yet been house trained.

Obviously, hard flooring options like tiles or stone would be suitable but these are highly uncomfortable for pets and will have them slipping and sliding all over the place – also they are not suitable for pet owners who prefer a warmer look. Carpets on the other hand are warm, but not great when it comes to pets with nails pulling up the pile and for staining after little accidents too.

Laminate floors are Fido-friendly

A good option to alleviate both these main issues with pets and a comfortable surface for them too would be laminate flooring. Laminate flooring doesn’t scratch easily (although this should not be tested to the limit and pets nails should be cut anyway) and it is really easy to clean and maintain. Just ensure it has been professionally installed and speak to us about good maintenance to get the most out of it.

Artificial grass for happy pets and owners alike

Artificial grass, also known as synthetic lawn, is by far the best outdoor surface for your pets. For pets it has a nice solid but comfortable feel to run and roll around on – and all the latest products contain no harmful chemical additives. For pet owners the benefits are numerous and here are just a few of them…

It’s much cleaner – To keep your indoor flooring surfaces clean is a bit of a mission when you have pets that are always dragging dirt and mud into the house. With synthetic lawn, a permeable base quickly disperses any extra rainwater, which quickens the drying process. A sub-sand layer creates a shield over the mud underneath it. With no dirt or mud to be had, this dirt in the house problem is eliminated for good.

No more holes in the lawn – One of the biggest issues with dogs is the incessant digging of holes – sometimes apparently for no good reason. This too is no longer an issue.

No mess or smells – You do have to have your usual cleaning regime with pets on the lawn, but this is easily done and the lawn is easy to clean and holds no odour of pet’s messes. The synthetic blades don’t discolour and plenty of drainage holes make it easy to hose away the excess.

Creating the balance

As they say, it’s all about creating harmony and balance- and what better way for pet lovers to do so than to have pet-friendly surfaces both inside and out!

Libra Flooring, situated in Montague Gardens Cape Town, has been creating a balance of quality and price for all our flooring options, installations and maintenance since 1999 and nothing tips the scales. We have remained consistent throughout Covid-19 and will continue to do so.

We will still be giving the best advice, service and pricing options in the Western Cape for many years to come. Contact us or visit our showroom to view our wide range of products and discuss your specific flooring, carpets, rugs, blinds, decking or artificial grass requirements.

Stay safe – and stay positive!

Article by Libra Flooring.