Be a Part of the Engineering Outsourcing Boom

World over, engineering services represents a large portion of the industrialized world, with approximately $750 million being added to it in terms of value each year. These are offerings that cover a large range of design and support services needed for the functioning of most industries, and cover the entire gamut of engineering.
Several companies have taken to the outsourcing of their design elements offshore. In the process of new product development and introduction (NPDI) process, almost 30% of companies worldwide have outsourced at least one element of it. It is estimated that around 40% more are going to outsource such activities over the next two years. The offshore engineering outsourcing business therefore is poised for stupendous growth.
India is one of the primary countries for engineering services outsourcing (ESO). This is primarily in the fields of aerospace, automobiles and hi-tech telecom. Intense focus is also on the construction and industrial field, utilities and the like. In fact, the market potential for India is estimated to be around $30 billion by the year 2020.
Why Outsource?
Many top engineering companies, especially in India are now working on outsourced business for two main reasons –
•The ability to provide better costing
•The ability to ensure top-notch quality, from qualified individuals who are focused on specific engineering based service domains.
One of the simplest models of outsourcing is that of the BPO services. However, ESO is much more complex because it involves a delivery of services that revolves around a specific set of technical skills as well as domain expertise. The right kind of judgment from a qualified engineer is essential. In terms of feasibility right now, it is seen that design services that are centered round patented products is what is being outsourced. Along with this specific designs as well as interior customizations are also given out.
While the outsourcing industry is still in its nascent state, measures are constantly on to try and expand its horizon and become more inclusive in a project, from the brainstorming stage, to design, implementation and then delivery.
Hiring the Right ESO
You need to do your homework before you approach top engineering firms to outsource your work to. Hiring the right service provider in terms of overall reputation, qualifications of the team, domain expertise and prior experience will be a huge advantage to your project.
A remote engineer will be your one-point contact for the project and you will have to ensure that the person is well suited for the job. Qualifications, past references, expertise, will all count. Also, you will have to make sure that you enjoy a comfortable rapport with them.
Staying in direct contact with your remote engineer and being on top of the progress on your project is essential to getting the best from outsourcing of your engineering needs. Transparent communication is the key.

Source:http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/5860879?articleid=5860879

Engineering Solutions an Amalgamation of Sciences

What is it that enables certain organizations to respond faster than others and introduce products according to their changing consumer demographics?

How the world’s largest industries manage to optimize costs and maintain employee safety at the same time?

How have telecom companies across the world managed to double their pace of expansion and improve their capabilities?

Would it be outrageous to suggest that a physicist could help increase customer hits on an online networking site?

How do you think that complex oil rigs or large infrastructure projects can operate without compromising safety?

The answer to all these intriguing questionslies in being able to provide high quality, end-to-end overview across the entire value chain - be it research, manufacturing or selling high-end precision electronic equipment or reducing the time to reach markets for heavy machinery. A strong engineering design solution ties in elements like -

g) Analyzing the problem

h) Conceptualizinga solution

i) Developing prototypes

j) Managing the testing and operations

k) Ensuring bottlenecks are removed

l) Controlling quality

In the traditional project management mode, organizations often struggled to break the silos that exist within themselves.With rapid technological advancement, several of the above processes may be executed using modeling tools and embedded software that enable organizations to overcome these challenges.Smart process solutions and simulation modeling have now evolved to ensurethe accuracy in evaluating material properties of processes, rather than relying on time-consuming laboratory testing methods.

Even after implementation of new solutions, equipment or service breakdowns often require recurring maintenance and result in inventory build-up, increased time to market andhigher cost. The role of design has,therefore, assumed importance in addressing suchprocess inefficiencies. As a result, there is an enhanced focus on product design services that incorporate the designing aspects at all stages of the project lifecycle. Better visualization tools have evolved to allow a more integrated approach rather than a sequential way of product management.

Aesthetics, customer safety, usability, costing and innovative ways to deliver, package and streamline processes are now an integral part of process engineering. Multi-dimensional insights by employing experts from a diverse range of fields create more value. Graphic designers, precision engineers, scientists, business analysts, animation experts, conservationists, marketing professionals, supply chain experts - all come together for engineering a product or service that is also environment-friendly, reliable, scalable and cost-effective.

source:http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/5854422?articleid=5854422

Worldwide ‘Prius’ Sales Top 3-Million Mark

Bangalore, July 3, 2013 - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that the worldwide cumulative sales of the “Prius”, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle passed the 3-million mark as on June 2013. 

In 1997, TMC launched the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car. The second generation followed in 2003, and the third generation in 2009. From the first to third generation, TMC greatly reduced the cost of the hybrid system by two-thirds and increased fuel efficiency from 28 km/L to 38 km/L*. In addition to this, TMC also applied for 1,261 patents relating to the third-generation Prius, achieving progress worthy of the Prius name (derived from a Latin word meaning “to go before”). 

The third generation Prius was launched in India in 2010. Since becoming the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, the Prius has received worldwide acclaim. 

Since the development of the first-generation Prius, TMC has positioned hybrid technology as a core technology required for the development of various types of environment-friendly vehicles and has placed emphasis on the development and production of core components such as motors, inverters, batteries and electronic control units (ECUs). 

TMC will continue to conduct R&D for the development of hybrid and other cutting-edge technologies and achieve sustainable growth by deploying these technologies across the globe. 

Last year, hybrid vehicles accounted for 14 percent of TMC’s global vehicle sales and 40 percent of its vehicle sales in Japan. As of this month, TMC sells 19 hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid model in approximately 80 countries and regions around the world, and between now and December 2015, TMC will launch a total of 18 new hybrid vehicles worldwide and is committed to augmenting its product lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions where it sells hybrid vehicles. This expansion is based on TMC’s ultimate objective of promoting hybrid vehicles as a mass market adoption option and its underlying philosophy that environment-friendly vehicles can only truly have a positive impact if they are used and experienced widely. 

Toyota Prius Sales (based on TMC data) (Unit = 1 vehicle) 

          First Generation - Second Generation - Third Generation*2 - Cumulative Total

           (Dec.1997–Aug. 2003)-(Sep. 2003–Dec. 2011*1)-(Since May 2009)-(Dec. 1997–May 2013)

Total - 123,000 - 1,192,000 - 1,688,000 - 3,002,000*3

Japan - 65,000 - 360,000 - 899,000 - 1,325,000

Outside Japan - 57,000 - 831,000 - 788,000 - 1,677.000*3

North America - 52,000 - 683,000 - 600,000 - 1,335,000*3

Europe - 4,000 - 123,000 - 134,000 - 262,000

Other - 500 - 24,000 - 53,000 - 79,000

*1With the launch in Japan of the third-generation Prius in May 2009, the second-generation Prius was sold as the “PriusEX”. Production ended in December 2011; *2Prius only (not including the “Prius α / Prius v / Prius +”, “Aqua / Prius c” or the “Prius PHV”); *3Sum of cumulative total through the end of May 2013 and June sales volume in the United States.

*Measured using the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

For more info on our product & services visit:http://www.toyotabharat.com

Source:http://www.prlog.org/12175393-worldwide-prius-sales-top-3-million-mark.html

Smart Technology for a Smarter Workplace

In an interesting tête-à-tête, the CEO and MD, Adrenalin eSystems Limited, Mr Balaji Ganesh talks about changing trends at workplace and the corresponding adaptations in HRMS. He starts with Smart Technology’s role in today’s work environment and goes on to detail the benefits, security aspects and the role of employees in this transition. 

What is the role of smart phones and technology at the work place today?

 

Smart technology is no longer a choice. It is here to stay. It has effectively invaded our personal spaces and our workplace too. So, what’s the big draw of smart technology? I will say simplicity. Everything is at your fingertips, literally. Even a laptop cannot compete with the speed and prompt response of a tab. In fact, today’s technology has made instruction manuals redundant. We can’t ignore the advantages and complexities of such technology available to the employee.

Our products are acutely aware of these changing trends and our systems have evolved to accommodate the requirement. For instance, many employees prefer using their own gadgets. We can adopt the ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)’ concept. Our system will have a registration process for their devices and also create an authentication process to recognize that particular device in the system. This way we can control information flow to a certain extent. 

What are the key benefits an organisation stands to receive by adopting smart technology? 

 

Let me illustrate that with a ground level example. A service guy is at the site in response to a malfunction in a vending machine. He identifies the problem and the spare part required. He can use his phone for the requirement and our system will pick up the message from there. Promptly he will get an answer that includes availability of the spare part and closest location of an outlet providing the same.

Basically by using this technology we have saved time and increased the productivity of the employee. When harnessed positively, mobile technology is a sure advantage to an organisation. 

What are the critical security aspects that are to be considered while adopting mobile technology? 

 

Every system needs guidelines to ensure positive usage. Social networking and smart technology can be moderated within the system. Devices can be registered and monitored by the system.

This further helps with the security aspects too. In case of loss of device, by tracking the time frame we can identify inappropriate transactions. Similarly if an employee quits without notice, his device can be erased from the system preventing any malpractice through the device. Even if an employee switches off his phone, his location can be tracked, thanks to mobile technology. Of course all applications cannot be accessed by all employees. Depending on the need of the organisation there will be security clearance at various levels. But the irony is that we are back to our traditional value system; an employee’s ethics remain the most valuable asset. 

Should employees be allowed to use mobile technology for enterprise application? 

 

Yes, employees should be allowed to use mobile technology for enterprise application. According to a study by a IT Research firm, by 2017, half the employers will require employees to supply their own device for work purposes. Organisations should reap the benefits of using the mobile technology. There will be lots of advantages when employees are allowed to use mobile technology, such as increased employee productivity, employees get to use the benefits of the services offered by the organisations whenever required. The other benefit is that employees stay connected to each other all the time. 

How does mobile technology fit in Adrenalin’s road map? 

 

Mobile technology will play a very crucial role in the Adrenalin’s road map. Adrenalin understands the importance of empowering employees to enable agile workforce and in creating Agile organizations. We have implemented key modules on the mobile platform which are user friendly and will empower employees to be productive and take smarter and faster decisions from anywhere, accelerate workflow alerts & approvals. Adrenalin’s roadmap includes full adoption of the HR processes in mobile over a period of time.

Mr Balaji Ganesh makes it quite clear that smart technology will give certainly an edge to organizations that quickly adopts them to empower their workforce. The simplicity that these devices offer will help save time and increase employee productivity. His insights into smart technology and employee management are a valuable resource for all who are involved in corporate enterprises. 

About Adrenalin

 

Adrenalin eSystems Limited is a global product and software solutions company in the field of HR automation. It is a part of Polaris Financial Technology, a leader in state-of-the-art solutions for Core Banking, Corporate Banking, Wealth & Asset Management and Insurance. Adrenalin esystems Limited is headquartered in Chennai, with partners and sales offices across India and worldwide. Adrenalin is a web-based human resource software that automates HR processes to boost productivity. Adrenalin has over 500+ customers, 5,00,000 users across India, Middle East, UK, Africa and South East Asia. To know more about Adrenalin, please log on to http://www.myadrenalin.com/

Source: http://www.directionsmag.com/pressreleases/smart-technology-for-a-smarter-workplace/339660/

Micromax launches Canvas 4 smartphone!

New Delhi, July 08, 2013: Building on the tremendous success of the Canvas series, Micromax, India’s leading handset manufacturer today announced the launch of its much anticipated smartphone - Canvas 4. The company also announced that 11500 devices have already been pre-booked by the consumers in less than a week. Canvas 4 combines great hardware and loads of great software features that make the device a great enabler for consumers.

Exemplifying sleekness and simplicity, the Canvas 4 sports full aluminum mid-housing and users can now ‘blow’ to ‘unlock’ their smartphone. Equipped with a 13MP camera with image sensor, the Canvas 4 promises the users an outstanding shooting experience with face detection, photosolid to increase precision, Geo-tagging, touch focus, smile and face detection, four direction panorama and 1080p video recorder. Users can also enjoy additional benefits with a 5MP front camera.

Key features of Canvas 4

Full aluminum mid housing

5” 16:9 HD IPS full touch display

1.2 GHz Quad Core processor

Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean)

13MP rear camera; 5MP front camera

2000 mAh battery

Dual SIM

16GB NAND flash memory expandable up to 32GB

1 GB RAM

Blow to unlock

Multi video viewing

Look away to pause video

Video/Browser pop out

4 way panorama – Horizontal and Vertical

M!Security, Hike, Spuul, Opera Mini, MPower M! Zone+, M!live, Fone Clay installer, Kingsoft Office Suite, Game hub

Designed for multitasking, one can now watch a video and at the same time can watch a preview of another video with ease, pause the video when you are not looking at the screen, or use the option of video pinning to continue surfing on the phone while the video continues to run. The phone packs smart gestures that allow users an array of features like, ‘Proximity answer phone, Downside Silent, Upside speaker and Proximity dial phone’ for easier and hassle free functioning.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Sharma, Co-Founder, Micromax said, “With the launch of Canvas 4, we are yet again raising the bar for affordable innovation. Canvas 4 combines great functionality and style, complemented by an entire eco-system of applications that directly address the needs of our evolving consumers. Canvas series has been a trendsetter in Indian smart phone market, and has truly massified smartphone evolution in India. Our consumers have yet again reposed their faith in Micromax with the overwhelming response to the unprecedented pre-booking for Canvas 4 without revealing price or specifications. We understand that Micromax consumers expect something new every time, and we would continue to build on our promise to pleasantly surprise people with innovations that directly address their needs.”

Talking about the recent growth of company, Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax said, “We are very excited with the consistent growth of the brand in India, and with the launch of Canvas 4, we are confident that the brand would continue to reach newer heights. The numbers have been promising with 17.1 percent smart phone market share in Q1 of 2013 positioning us a clear number two in the category, and we have already moved to 24.3 percent in April 2013 as per CMR. As we move forward in our pursuit of being the number one smartphone player in India, we are looking to further strengthen our product innovations and service offerings.”

He further added, “We are also strengthening our promise of offering great service to millions of Micromax consumers across the country. With Canvas 4, we are introducing a new challenge for ourselves to build on our promise for service excellence, ‘either we deliver or we pay’. Starting with Canvas 4, we would be offering a new replacement device for any customer issue which is not resolved within 7 working days of registering the complaint in any of our 681 service centers called as ‘Micromax Check Point’ across the country.”

For the security of Canvas 4 buyers, Micromax will also offer a unique, M! Security feature that offer security solutions including Back-Up, Anti-Theft Tracker, Anti-Virus. The smartphone also comes equipped with a lot of fun features and apps for the users like Fone Clay to download unlimited cool themes, Hike for instant messaging, Opera Mini, Spuul to watch free movies for a limited period, Customized Music Hub to get access to over 5 lac songs online music via ‘mionline music tab’ and M!

Live, to allow users to download HD/premium games, Kingsoft office suite, to help you view and edit your official documents.

Canvas 4 will be priced at Rs. 17999 across the country. For more information, please visit http://www.micromaxinfo.com/mobiles/smartphones or http://www.canvas-4.com/ *the market share figures quoted are from CMR India Mobile Handset Market Report for Q1 & April 2013 Please refer to product brochure for detailed disclosure of all the features and specifications. 

Source: http://prsync.com/micromax-smartphone/micromax-launches-canvas--smartphone-553560/

Renting, the New Word for Return on Investment

A regular monthly income or chances of a bigger investment, what will you prefer? Well, common sense directs us towards a regular monthly income that promises a secured future. This is possible if you have a rental property in your name. It takes years for a person to buy a house then how can he plan another property investment? It is tough but possible. 

First of all one should be futuristic in his or her approach. If investment is on cards then one should constantly endeavor to cut down expenses and increase income. It is advised that one fourth of your earning should be kept aside for investment purposes. Also a recurring scheme or savings plan with any of the nationalized or private banks is equally beneficial. If you are unable to save a good share of your earnings for investment due to your other priorities then don’t be disheartened, there is always a better way. For example if you have a life insurance cover then you can take a loan against it and invest the money in buying rental property. Even if you take loan for buying property for rental purposes, later you can pay the rent collected from the tenant as monthly installments to the bank for few years. Similarly there are many ways to save for investment without disturbing your present financial planning. 

When you are stable on the financial front then the next thing to decide is the location. The real estate prices are rising day by day. Every place promises best of return on investment but still we often get misguided. Sometimes being judgmental also affects your decision and leaves you in a state of dilemma. Time and again we have mentioned about the sub-urban areas and their growing demand in the country. Among them Gurgaon tops the chart. It will not be wrong if we call it the goldmine of the real estate industry at present. The hub of information technology firms, favorite excursion spot of the generation next and luxurious living are some words which aptly define the place. Renting a flat in Gurgaon brings best returns on property investment. A property on rent in Gurgaon is in trend. There are many rental properties in Gurgaon. Therefore, we advise you purchase property in Gurgaon. You will get both residential property and commercial property. Don’t confuse between any because it is a win-win deal. 

Once you are firm and determined about the above said points, we believe that no one can stop you from earning revenues. Other factors that you need to consider are legal formalities, price negotiation, finding the right tenant and many other such tasks. Also don’t forget to take an expert advice and consultation. Remember that property investment is an investment with value addition and rental property is return on investment on a monthly basis. 

Coming back to our question from where we started the discussion, “A regular monthly income or chances of a bigger investment?” After analysis and understanding of the above said points we are sure that you must have got the answer. A regular monthly income is definitely a safe and sound option. It guarantees financial security and fruitful returns. And for generating a one such source of income we must think about investing in a rental property. Undoubtedly, renting is the new word for return on investment.

Source:http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/5848591?articleid=5848591

Toyota Kirloskar Motor sells 13,805 units in June 2013

July 1, 2013, Bangalore: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) sold 13,805 units in June 2013 when compared to 17,140 units last year. Sales declined by 19 %. The company exported 2,795 units of the Etios series last month. 

The company sold 11,010 units in the domestic market in June 2013 as compared to 14,700 units in the corresponding month in 2012. 

Commenting on the sales in June 2013, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marketing and Commercial said “The overall weak economic conditions continue to keep the market sentiments low and the market sluggish. We have seen an increase in sales when compared to last month. We have been able to keep the inventory levels low, both at TKM and dealer’s end. We hope to see the market improve after the monsoon and during the festive season.” 

For more info on our product & services visit:http://www.toyotabharat.com

Source:-http://www.prlog.org/12167458-toyota-kirloskar-motor-sells-13805-units-in-june-2013.html