IoT is bringing substantial changes across all industries. Big cities are using IoT as a tool in order to move towards data-driven management across all systems which include energy, transportation, waste, and water. It is found that cities are using the most basic IoT tools like the street lights to develop their IoT programs and modernize their existing structures and facilities. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/this-is-it/the-internet-of-things-scaled-up-70258

We know that Electronic data interchange or EDI is a method of standardizing the exchange of electronic data between systems. Some people think that enterprise resource planning or ERP and EDI are same. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. EDI and ERP are actually separate technologies that don’t often gel well together unless one puts thought and planning into their integration. One of the barriers is integrating EDI and ERP. Data are formatted differently for each technology, so a large part of integration is finding a way to make each system see data the same way. It’s often expensive and time-consuming. Organizations that make that investment, however, increase the value of their ERP. Jerri Ledford (author of business technologies) writes in her article about the benefits of investing in the EDI–ERP integration process. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/3-ways-edi-can-add-value-to-your-erp-implementation-70222

Integration of e-commerce and ERP are gaining importance. But, some organizations are not giving importance as integrating ERP and e-commerce can be time-consuming and expensive. However, the benefits of the integration are much greater than the cost and time investment. When approached properly, an ERP and e-commerce integration can go well and end with excellent results. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/2-strategies-for-integrating-erp-and-ecommerce-70221

Communications and collaborations are not the same things. Decision-makers need to look at how employees have been collaborating, how well current applications are supporting this, and what their collaboration needs will be going forward. Technology is changing so quickly, impacting not only the applications  but also end user expectations about using them. Jon Arnold (Principal of J Arnold & Associates) writes in his article about interconnected challenges for making the right decisions around collaboration, and the success factors. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/collaboration-buying-decisions-three-keys-to-success-70223

Many businesses are implementing VoIP over PBX as VoIP operates over your data network, instead of phone lines, which introduces additional network considerations when you implement this system. Another reason is voice data gets processed alongside other types of data, instead of through its own dedicated line, therefore, you need to approach network optimization to ensure a high-quality customer service experience. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/5-ways-to-optimize-your-network-for-your-voip-solution-70226

It is the age of bring-your-own-device or BYOD, where employees use their personal smartphones, tablets and laptops for work in conjunction with company issued kit. The business is progressive when it supports BYOD use. Supporting BYOD requires different skills. The author writes in this article about the five skills necessary for IT departments that support BYOD. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/five-skills-it-needs-for-successful-byod-support-70167

Voice calls are still the most important mode of communication for any businesses. Research shows that the phone has a significant lead over any other method of communication for customers, with 68 % of buyers, says that it's their preferred way to communicate with businesses. Voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, is a powerful way for companies to maintain a high quality of voice-call service while cutting costs. It is also found that VoIP installation can save 90% over the installation charges of a traditional phone system and save 40-90% of future calls. But, there are some myths about VoIP's call quality, pricing and complexity which can overrule its benefits. In this article, the author has debunked a few of the most common whispers. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/voice-over-ip-myths-debunking-the-most-common-whispers-70154

The HR department is using big data in order to deal with massive data. These data can provide plenty of business intelligence if it is analyzed properly. An enterprise resource planning or ERP solution can handle the needs of the HR department, but one should know the critical problems HR faces on a day-to-day basis. Analytics tools also provide HR with important information on everything from employee performance to payment. Process automation also helps the HR department to make efficient use of their time by handling easily automated tasks. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/key-human-resource-management-features-for-your-erp-solution-70069

Most organizations are opting for cloud technology. It is improving operational efficiencies and is helping in cost savings. Cloud systems can also reduce travel expenses for employees. As a result, companies are bringing new solutions which will benefit the travel and expense management. Implementing these solutions can help organizations in savings. There are some considerations that every organization must know before purchasing any sort of expense management solution. Read more at:  http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/top-6-considerations-for-online-expense-management-introduction-70092

Every organization is concerned about information security. Despite efforts to invest in better protection, cybercrime is on the rise. No one is spared from such risks. There’s an increased attention on perceived security risks with the VoIP method of telephony. Whether a company is on a traditional phone network or a VoIP environment, voice calls can present a security risk. The risks associated with VoIP implementations can include: call hijacking, call tempering, and reroute calls to insert malware. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/how-concerned-should-you-really-be-about-voip-security-a-hypefree-analysis-70102

BYOD or Bring your own device is a happening thing in today’s business world. “BYOD user behavior is potentially IT’s largest risk factor,” says Trent Fierro, director of product marketing for  HP networking company, Aruba Networks. It is changing the enterprise security landscape. Here are four ways that BYOD is pushing security in new directions. They are - Data Security is Everyone’s Concern, Perimeter Security is Dead, More Data Protection and Less Device Lockdown, and Greater Policy Flexibility. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/four-changes-in-enterprise-security-after-byod-70099

The total cost of ownership or TCO separates one vendor of VoIP to another. An enterprise has telecom expenses as one of its biggest expenses. But, it is found that many companies fail to account for factors causing cost fluctuations, such as increasing data costs and high operational costs associated with employee-owned phones. Organizations must figure out the TCO for your VoIP solution. They are: CAPEX costs, OPEX costs, subscription costs, support costs, maintenance costs, ongoing training costs & network costs. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/what-is-your-tco-for-your-voip-solution-70097

Nowadays, cloud technology is helping immensely in any business. But, there are many cloud computing applications which are emerging. One such application is wind power. Cloud tools are being used to store and model wind data which is measured by turbines. Jared Jaureguy (Consultant), writes in his article about some other unique applications of cloud computing in the business world. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/byod-cloud/8-unique-applications-of-cloud-computing-70066

In a research, it was found that a lack of internal change management is a key factor why ERP implementations fail. Change management isn't just an important tool for employee happiness and software adoption, but it’s also critical to operational efficiency and a high return on investment in ERP implementations. Project planning, employee training and communications, communicating the vision, and creating a formal change management program are some of the things decision-makers need to know about the role of change management in an ERP implementation. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/youre-probably-forgetting-this-critical-erp-success-factor-change-management-70085

Technology is advancing and the risk of cyber security breaches is increasing as well. Every business should combat threats by encouraging an environment that prioritizes security. Business must set up a policy which will align with their culture and make sense for the employees that are using it. Extreme measures may be attractive, but, they may get ignored by employees. Enforcing milder measures with an emphasis on their importance will encourage an environment that will empower employees and create cyber awareness. Read more at: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/technology-data/henristeenkamp/2015-10-02/combatting-cyber-security-steps-keeping-your-business-data

User Experience Design or UX, is more than a concept. It is an intelligent approach to website design. UX designers think more scientifically and build frameworks for websites, assisting the transition between users’ needs and expectations from websites. There are four key fundamentals of user experience design: Information architecture (IA), Interaction design, Usability, and Visual design. Read more at: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/technology-data/decibelpowell/2015-10-07/why-does-user-experience-design-matter

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) systems cost 50 to 75% less than private branch exchange (PBX) systems, especially if you install it in the cloud. One can reduce the cost of VoIP installation by understanding the costs associated with VoIP onboarding. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/5-costs-associated-with-voip-onboarding-70021

Nowadays, hackers are using VoIP as a tool for fraud. Banks and institutions are using voice biometrics for security and to speed up transactions. Voice biometrics is becoming popular with call centers because they use the technology as part of authentication process which verifies the identity of customers.  Voice analytics is another way VoIP can work to detect fraud. Through voice analytics, call centers and other institutions can automatically monitor and record calls & turn a call into text for further machine processing. To know more, follow Doug Mohney (editor-in-chief of HD Voice News)’s article at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/4-ways-voip-can-reduce-fraud-70005

Generally people accept that using Voice over IP (VOIP) services will have a high level of quality, especially if they’re connecting from a hardwired internet connection.  We can measure the quality of your VOIP network. We can measure VOIP quality by its MOS or Mass Opinion Score. It is calculated by using the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards P.861 and P.862 or using ITU Standard G.107. Another way to determine the quality of your VOIP phone is to look at its R-Factor.  This score is an alternative to the MOS and runs on a scale that ranges from 0 to 120.  There are other factors that can be studied to determine the quality of your VOIP system.  They are: delay, jitter and lost data. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/tech-advances-business/how-to-assess-voice-quality-on-a-voip-network-70043

Experts estimate that 72% of ERP implementations fail to meet major targets. The most common disappointments are projects that exceed timeline targets, implementations that cost more than expected, and outcomes that deliver fewer expected benefits. Strong project management, the right internal and external talent, reasonable expectations, accurate selection processes, proper accountability for a project vision can help companies avoid the most common sources of failure. In short, without a clear road map, an ERP implementation is not possible. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/6-things-every-organization-needs-to-avoid-an-erp-faceplant-70026