The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the transformation of physical objects around the world that are now connected to the internet. These devices are all collecting and sharing data that help businesses make business decisions as well as automate human lives.
The idea first stemmed throughout the 1980s and 1990s when technologists thought of the idea to add sensors and intelligence to basic objects. They started investing in devices like televisions, cars, and smartphones. Now, these devices have matured to the point where an internet connection is part of the base offering.
A lightbulb that can be switched on by using a smartphone app
A smart refrigerator that tracks what type of foods you eat
A smart thermostat that analyzes patterns in your household to set the right temperature without human interference
Self-driving cars
Fitness watch
What is the IoT?
What are the benefits of the internet of things for businesses?
Businesses use the Internet of Things to learn more about their customers so they can react faster and serve them in advanced ways that add new value and increase revenue.
For example, manufacturers are adding sensors to parts of their products to record data and track how they are doing. This can help companies see when a certain part is likely to fail and switch it out before it causes any damage. This helps make their supply chain more efficient because they have data that keeps them one step ahead.
What are the benefits of the internet of things for consumers?
The Internet of Things makes our homes, offices, and vehicles smarter and measurable. Smart speakers allow users to play music, set timers, or get on-demand information just by speaking to it. Home security systems allow users to monitor their homes inside and out with little effort and smart thermostats help people heat or cool their homes before they arrive.
However, these connected devices can raise concerns about personal privacy since they contain sensitive data and can be open to hackers.
What next for the iot?
Tech analyst company IDC predicts that in total there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices by 2025. Consumer IoT spending was predicted to hit $108 billion, making it the second-largest industry segment: smart home, personal wellness, and connected vehicle infotainment will see much of the spending. Within the integration of artificial intelligence, the future of IoT is limitless.
The field of data science struggles with the presence and successes of women and people of color. According to Ms. Magazine, research suggests that only 15 percent of data scientists are women and fewer than 3 percent are women of color. Due to the education system failing to attract young girls and women to computer science, math, and other related fields, the number of girls and women leaning toward careers in data science is disproportionate. The leaky pipeline metaphor describes the gender gap in STEM-related careers.
A few solutions to this faulty pipeline include STEM education for women and people of color early in life, providing mentorship programs for women in data science, and developing gender-balanced policies.
One of the issues the lack of diversity in data science brings is racial and gender bias in algorithms. Women and people of color become overlooked depending on who is developing these algorithms. Machine learning is the act of training the computer to make judgments or predictions about the information it processes based on patterns it sees. In an article written by Rebecca Heilweil for Vox Recode, Amazon tried to use artificial intelligence to develop a resume screening tool. Its objective was to make screening resumes easier. The issue with that was that the data collected mainly came from men. In the end, this taught the computer to discriminate against women. Amazon decided not to use this tool for several reasons.
We can start accounting for everyone by hiring people of color and women to take on leadership roles. In addition, companies can start using rich and diverse data when training computers to process data.
We've all heard of the "cloud". What exactly is cloud computing and security? The cloud is an alternative to storing data on computer hard drives. It allows many users to store and access data over the internet, without direct management by the user. There are three types of cloud environments and cloud service models. This blog post will go over the different types and what you can do to protect your servers from future threats.
THE THREE PRIMARY TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING ENVIRONMENTS
Public Cloud Services: Hosted by third-party cloud service providers (eg. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) and generally accessible through web browsers, so identity management, authentication, and access control are essential.
Private Clouds: Usually dedicated and accessible to only a single organization. However, they are still vulnerable to access breaches, social engineering, and other exploits.
Hybrid Clouds: Combine aspects of public and private clouds, allowing organizations to wield more control over their data and resources than in a public cloud environment, yet still be able to tap into the scalability and other benefits of the public cloud when needed.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): With IaaS, you rent IT infrastructure'servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, operating systems'from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS is designed to make it easier for developers to quickly create web or mobile apps, without worrying about setting up or managing the underlying infrastructure of servers, storage, network, and databases needed for development.
Software as a Service (SaaS) : Overlapping with PaaS, server less computing focuses on building app functionality without spending time continually managing the servers and infrastructure required to do so. Server less architectures are highly scalable and event-driven, only using resources when a specific function.
Financial technology, usually shortened to FinTech, is one of the oldest pairings of domain specific knowledge and computing. It's origins can technically be traced back to 1918 when the US Federal Reserve Bank first developed Fedwire Funds Service. The service made it possible for the transfer of funds between the 12 Reserve Banks, the Federal Reserve Board, and the U.S. Treasury by telegraph using Morse code. Needless to say, technology has developed quite a bit since then.
Digital Banking and Trading
Computing in the mid-20th century brought huge changes to banking. In 1950, Diner's Club introduced the first credit card , and in 1967, Barclays Bank installed the first ATM machines. The two inventions were huge. The combination of easy-to-carry cards and widely available ATMs allowed for the quick, mobile transferring of funds. But things weren't just changing for consumers.
While credit cards were catching on, the stock market was beginning to undergo a digital transformation of its own. Quotron, the first dedicated financial technology company, began selling terminals that displayed stock quotes on electronic screens instead of printed ticker tape. Gaining traction in the early 1970s, the Quotron terminals greatly impacted the speed of which brokers could obtain a quote. Instead of waiting throughout a lengthy printing and manual communications process, brokers could receive a by-the-minute update right in front of their eyes.
Online Banking and Payment Systems
The 1980s brought several major changes to fintech, revolutionizing the industry and forming the bases for the ways in which the modern financial sector operates. The first was instantiated by the company TradePlus, now known as E-Trade, in 1982. The company became the first online stock brokerage firm. It still serves customers to this day.
The second innovation was the introduction of online banking a year later in 1983. Although online banking is the norm today, at the time, there was limited access. Several companies tried their hand at online banking, they mostly scrapped the idea throughout the next decade. A bit ahead of its time, online banking is now the preferred method of transferring funds.
Modern Trends
Modern trends in fintech revolve around modern technologies. The most prominent and impactful of these are the use of data science and artificial intelligence technologies. AI forecasting methods provide to-the-second forecasts to help traders maximize gains. Additionally, predictive analytics give insights and judge risk of potential borrowers. These techniques are so valuable that in 2018, organizations invested $59.5 million globally into new technologies. The huge demand points to an increase in financial automation in the years to come. Whatever innovations come next, it's certain that they will be cutting edge and likely immensely profitable.
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After several perceived mishaps in polls' ability to accurately predict the outcome or the scale of victories in recent elections, notably the US general elections in 2016 and 2020, the public has grown weary of polling accuracy. this sentiment is reflected in the media as well. Headlines such as '"WRONG. WRONG. WRONG' and '"Polling Blows It Again' don't inspire much confidence in readers. The industry is estimated to be worth over $20 billion annually, so it is safe to say polling isn't dead. Maybe, pollsters just need a little extra help?
Machine Learning & Electoral Outcomes
Much of what we call artificial intelligence (AI) is really machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics. These are computational statistical methods used to predict the likelihood of particular event occurrences, quantities, and outcomes. Many researchers exploring these techniques are arguing that they may boost the accuracy of polls. And it isn't just theory: early methods of implementing AI polling have already seen some success.
Take for instance Italian company expert.ai's system predicted that Democratic candidate Joe Biden would win by a 50.2% margin of the popular vote to Republican candidate Donald Trump's 47.3%. That's a narrow 2.9%. When the dust had settled, Joe Biden won with 51.31% or a 4.45% margin of victory. While the AI system underestimated Biden, in predicting state victories, it performed better. Traditional pollsters had expected Biden to carry states like Florida by a 2 to 3-point lead; Trump carried the state by just shy of 3.5%.
How is AI getting a more precise feel of voters before election? Partly by analyzing voter's social media and other online activity data. The advantage to looking at digital conversations over in person questioning is partly due to the social desirability bias (SDB). SDB explains the phenomena that humans, when responding in person, are more likely to give a response they deem to be more socially or situationally desirable. The internet largely negates this effect. Online, there is a sense of anonymity, even if there isn't. What people share, comment on, like, and follow are more indicative of their actual viewpoints and preferences. By utilizing aggregated data retrieved from online activity, AI researchers argue that voter sentiment can more accurately be obtained.
Concerns In the AI Era
Utilizing AI prediction methods does carry some ethical issues and raises questions regarding the future state of democracy. If people obtain perceived evidence of the outcome of an election, will this influence their turnout or vote? Given what we know about how humans react to traditional polling information, it's very possible. As AI becomes further integrated into our social fabric, these issues will soon get a chance to be answered as we move into the era of AI polling.
It's the de-facto feature of the 21 century. It's driving innovation from business to healthcare. Some may even be so bold as to argue it's driving the fourth industrial revolution and the current worldwide political and social strife. Yes, we're talking about artificial intelligence, usually referred to as A.I. But what do we mean when we say '"artificial intelligence,' and what makes it uniquely special? You'll likely get different definitions depending who you ask and what field you are discussing. In this week's blog post, we're going to do our best to give you a clean, clear explanation to the concept of A.I.
The Two Types of Artificial Intelligence
The term artificial intelligence might immediately bring to mind a robotic exoskeleton chasing after humans. In fact, Hollywood has done an excellent job of this. Fortunately - or unfortunately depending on your disposition - this is not what artificial intelligence typically refers to in IT or business. You see, there are two types of artificial intelligence: general and narrow.
The idea of fully autonomous programs or robots that can think, make, learn, and create across a wide variety of fields and subjects like a human is referred to as general A.I. While there are researchers working on general A.I., creating an autonomous homo sapien-esque program appears to be far away. Instead, software focuses on utilizing narrow A.I., which encompasses any computer-automated process designed to handle specific tasks. Google translate is one such example most of us are familiar with. In the case of the US' most popular translation device, the automated task is to process text from one language to another. Not so scary, right?
A.I. In Industry
A.I. isn't just for scientists hanging out in university departments. The push for data scientists, predictive analytics, and general automation in industry is helping to drive the recent surge in A.I. research and development. Let's take a look at some of the ways that A.I. is transforming business.
Customer Service
The likelihood that anyone reading this blog hasn't interacted with an automated voice message system in the year 2021 are slim. Although not terribly enjoyable, you are having an encounter with a form of A.I. - speech recognition whenever you interact with one of these digital secretaries. Similarly, if you have ever had a conversation with an automated chat bot when visiting a website, you are interacting with a text-to-text A.I. application.
Accounting
We've previously mentioned the limited nature of narrow A.I., but don't doubt the usefulness of such constricted programs. In accounting, thousands of hours are saved each year of repetitive and menial tasks, increasing the productivity of bookkeepers everywhere. Algorithms can now automatically calculate, store, and visualize entered data and records. This opens time for opportunities that require the human-mind of an expert accountant.
Healthcare
One of the hottest growing fields around the world, A.I. is present in virtually every aspect of the medical sector, both inside and outside of the waiting room. Common tasks include aiding in diagnosis and treatment suggestions, even aiding in surgery. Most impressive of all, computers are now able to aid in medical research and discoveries that would otherwise be out of reach for contemporary science.
Finance
Being one of the earlier adopters of A.I., the financial sector is no stranger to the benefits of automated assistance. Almost 35 years ago, banks started using neural networks to help prevent and detect fraud. Now, artificial intelligence systems can maintain business operations overnight, forecast future growth and decay, and even make investments!
2020 was quite the year. No matter your job or your location, you undoubtedly had to deviate from your expected schedule or plans in some manner. Many of us worked from home, most of us had to re-evaluate our forecasts, and some of us pivoted business priorities entirely. Such great and widespread change will have lasting impacts well beyond the first and second quarter of next year. In this week's blog post, we'll be looking at both new and continuing IT trends as the IT industry makes its way into the new year.
Cybersecurity
We'll start off with the elephant in the room: cybersecurity. 2020 exposed various holes and weaknesses in institutions and structures the world over, and only a few were exposed more than various cybersecurity implementations. From one of the largest software vendors in Europe to one of Japan's oldest and most beloved video game developers and publishers, ransomware attacks stuck fast and often. Phishing scams were up 667% from the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak. And one only has to look at the ongoing United States federal government data breach and the digital attack on Universal Health Services to see that even major world powers are not immune.
On the other hand, we all seem to be aware of our weaknesses. The market for cybersecurity-related services is expected to reach $230 billion next year, a $50 billion annual increase. This massive uptick in spending suggests that industry is responding to the feedback of recent events.
Healthcare
Healthcare is THE topic right now. It's a force so strong that it is driving science, computing, culture, politics, economies, and elections. The IT industry is no exception. A quick look at the US government's proposed spending for FY 2021 contracts is a telling sign. The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing $94.5 billion towards healthcare-related services, with much of the spending being on hospital IT and medical manufacturing. Clearly, both the need and the opportunity are there.
Cloud Computing
Next year, the cloud, as it did this year and the year before it, will continue its inevitable march through the tech industry. Market research center Gartner predicts that the cloud computing market will grow an additional $45 Billion next year. The market, they say, has been validated by the pandemic. Industries will continue to move a greater share of their product delivery to the cloud as workstations (and general work itself) become more collaborative, in no small part thanks to the expedited move to remote working. Look forward to a much more cloud-integrated year.
Data Science/AI
Another topic that likely made many end-of-the-year lists over the past decade is data science and AI. If you read any IT or tech news sources, you have likely noticed that not a day goes by without a new data science or AI advancement being announced. Simply look at the labor shortage. In 2020, there was an estimated shortage of 110,000 data or business analysts. This number will only increase next year. If you are an employer, you will likely need at least one data specialist, and If you're looking to get into the hottest field of the 21st century, you can't go wrong by studying statistics or data science!
Education
The final growing trend on our list is educational technology. Heated debates over whether online learning produces equivalent results to in-person learning will likely never end. However, there is no use in denying that distance education will continue to grow. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence LLP has estimated that the online learning market will grow to nearly $320 billion. Keep in mind the forecast was made before the pandemic hit.
Online education has been highlighted by telecommunications apps like Zoom, but there's much more to the future of digital learning. Cloud computing will better enable and inevitably drive massive open online courses (AKA MOOCs). The increased adoption of augmented reality is improving hands-on STEM education. And, most importantly, there will be a continued focus on personalized learning. 2021 will likely be a big year in education's transformation by the fourth technological revolution.
Initially developed and associated with manufacturing firms, business process outsourcing (BPO) is defined as a specific subset of outsourcing. An economical, financial, social, and political hot topic, BPO is more common than ever. Traditionally associated with Asia, companies are contracting in a much wider geographic landscape as we head into the new decade. Let's take a closer look at some of the top countries for outsourcing business processes.
Asia
When firms decide to outsource, the first region that comes to mind is likely Asia. Countries such as Japan and China originally got their economic jumpstart via manufacturing contracts with developed, western countries. Although Japan is less likely to be associated with outsourcing these days, countries such as India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are still among the top countries to go, or in the case of India, THE top spot.
Next we head west to Eastern Europe. Unlike India or China, Eastern Europe doesn't usually pop into one's mind when the term '"outsourcing' is thrown around. However, large (and not so large) Eastern European countries such Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, and Romania are making their way to outsourcing top 10 lists. What's making these former Eastern Bloc countries so popular?
Traditionally, laws that are either too ambiguous or too restrictive have been a concern for companies looking to outsource their business processes west of Germany, but cultural similarities, rapidly growing technical expertise, and advantageous cost-to-quality ratios are driving BPO growth in the ECE countries. The convenient time zones - especially if you're in Western Europe - also add to the region's appeal.
Africa
Going further west, we land on the continent of Africa. Several countries situated along the coast are up-and-coming locations for BPO operations. Currently, business and economic analysts are looking at five in particular: Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Tending to specialize in software development and financial and human resource management services, the continent provides a wealth of skilled labor. According to Empower Africa, the median age across the continent is 18. Compare that to the US or Europe where the median ages are much lower. These five rapidly developing tech centers are producing a huge, technically-skilled workforce that can maybe be able to reduce the STEM shortage in other countries. When done legally and ethically, this helps local economies too because many African countries do not always have the economic infrastructure to provide meaningful employment to their educated populace.
Central & South America
Finally, we arrive back in the Americas. Central and South America, typically known for the outsourcing of manufacturing, are now entering the tech industry.
For English-speaking countries, Argentina is a prime pick for managed services. The country consistently ranks high on English (according to this Spanish-language report), the highest in both Central and South America. Other countries, such as Chile, Belize, and Columbia are popular destinations as well for their low-turnover rate and relatively cheap costs. Mexico is no stranger to outsourcing. Known for outsourcing manufacturing and food science operations, the country is also getting into the IT sector. However, this very possibly could change heading into the future.
Where Is BPO Headed?
The BPO industry was worth $221.5 billion at the end of 2019. Analysts expect the market to grow at a compounded growth rate of 8%. So it's safe to say that BPO is not going away. If you are looking to subcontract our outsource your IT business process, but aren't sure if you want to head overseas, contact us to discuss how we can help you augment your staff and find the right people for the job.
Local Apps: How Small Businesses Are Using Web & Mobile Apps
Apps. From websites to tablets, they're everywhere. In fact, there were 2.9 million apps in the google play store as of July 2020 (Statista) and a whopping 4.4. Million apps in the Apple App Store. With so many apps available, their functions vary widely. From practical applications that help track calories for weight loss to less practical niche topics, such as this app that literally does nothing. But not all apps are designed with personal use in mind. In fact, the biggest impacts apps are having on the world may just be in the world of small and local businesses in the form of local apps.
Over the past decade, we have all become accustomed to web applications and customer portals from large businesses. But what we have been seeing over the past couple of years is that local businesses have started to adopt them as well. These smaller entities are utilizing applications to improve all areas of their operations, including scheduling, payroll, and customer experience. Let's take a look at some of the more practical and effective ways these businesses are employing apps to save time and money.
Accounting
If you own a business, accounting is almost assuredly involved. The process of financial recording was one of the first applications of computerization in the workplace, and it has remained one of the most common computer-assisted tasks to date - it may actually be increasing. A Sage survey found that 90% of respondents felt there is a cultural shift towards technological adaptation. These sentiments weren't only from ust large businesses. Statista found that nearly 2 out 3 small and mid-sized businesses are incorporating accounting software to streamline their accounting processes.
The most glaring advantage is efficiency. Applications are able to quickly calculate and complete tasks. These completed tasks also minimize simple errors in accounting procedures that humans are prone to make. Finally, apps enable accounting on the go. Apps release clear, transparent accounting information via reporting features that are accessible anywhere and at any time. Perfect for owners that may not always be in one place at any given time.
Time Management
One of the greatest constraints facing businesses is - wait for it - time. When you work as many hours in a day as many local business owners do (read: all of them), finding ways to manage your workload is imperative to keeping operations running smoothly. Luckily, there's an app for that!
For many service-based businesses, such as dental or repair services, the correct scheduling of client appointments is a critical aspect of keeping the business healthy. Custom, local apps can track and schedule appointments, but they often act as so much more than a mobile calendar. These applications allow for the tagging of tasks, which allow for filtering and prioritization. Additionally, contact information, notifications, and other valuable notes can be easily accessed on the fly.
Customer Experience
As any successful business owner can tell you, customer experience is vital to long-term success. From providing accurate information quickly to decreasing service time, the customer experience often determines the average customer lifespan. Small business owners have taken to a variety of commercial and custom applications to increase their customer lifespan and thus increase their average customer value. To be more specific, The Chamber of Commerce reports that 42% of all small businesses use mobile apps with the percentage increasing to 55% when looking at small businesses owned by millennials.
Of particular note, small businesses are making use of customer relationship management (CRM) applications to enhance customer support. With the help of these database-like applications, customer information, including order and payment history, can be brought up instantly. CRM has proven to be so convenient that 91% of all businesses with over 11 employees are using them. That time saved ends up transferring to money saved, with a Nucleus Research study finding that sales teams that utilized CRMs made back $8.71 for every $1 spent their CRM services.
Local Apps for Human Resources
Let's not forget about the employee! While smaller businesses may not have legions of employees to manage, for small employers, managing payroll, hours, and benefits can prove to be a time consuming endeavor. And even before that, finding and then maintaining candidates that are a good match for a company is a challenge all in itself.
Employee self-service portals (ESS) are the most common local HR apps in the workplace today. ESS are web portals that can be either built into a website or accessed via mobile devices. At their core, ESS portals allow for a greater level of autonomy on the part of the employee. This helps simplify employee data management and retrieval for everyone involved. ESS portals accomplish this feat by allowing employees to request time off, elect benefits, check their work stats, and log their own hours and work progress. You may also be wondering if employees will be resistant to adapt. But research shows that employees tend to want ESS implementation in their place of work. This Paychex survey concluded that the majority of respondents wanted ESS apps in their workplace by nearly a 2 to 1 margin.
Get Your Own Custom Web or Mobile App
Does your local business needs its own local app? Perhaps an employee self-service app? Or are you looking to minimize payroll or accounting errors? Our web and app developers know that not all businesses are the same. Our team works with you to understand your business and its needs to provide easy to use and implement applications.
Community Transit, Snohomish County's (WA) public transportation provider, has awarded ePATHUSA the On-Call IT Consulting Services Roster contract. The aim of the contract was to find IT-service providers who could provide a wide range of IT services. The contract will allow ePATHUSA to submit proposals for software and app design and implementation, business intelligence and analytics, staff augmentation, and technical writing and documentation among other IT-related services. We are proud to help Community Transit assist residents and travelers of Snohomish County '"get from where they are to where they want to be!'
For more information on Community Transit, follow the link here.
To contact ePATHUSA about our services, please follow the link here.
ePATHUSA Awarded Self-Exclusion Database Hosting and Maintenance Contract
ePATHUSA is happy to announce that we have been awarded the Self-Exclusion Database Hosting and Maintenance contract with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC). The contract is for the hosting and maintenance of the IRGC's Self-Exclusion Database, which is used to record the status of individuals participating in the Iowa Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. ePATHUSA will be responsible for the hosting, maintenance, and future enhancements of the Self-Exclusion Database. This will be accomplished through the management of the database, maintenance of cross-browser support, and the implementation of up-to-date web security. We're excited for the opportunity to work with the IRGC and look forward to providing our premiere IT services to our home state.
Wildfires, hurricanes, pandemics, flooding, drought...the world literally appears to be falling apart at the seams. Fortunately, it's not all doom and gloom. Distinguishing ourselves as toolmakers, humans have historically managed to find a way to innovate and invent their way out of a bad situation. Clothing was devised as a way to protect us from inhospitable environments. Various agricultural revolutions have saved unquantifiable amounts of people from starvation. Penicillin and vaccines were discovered and developed in order to help fight off infectious disease. The future looks to be no different. We'll be taking a look at several ideas, inventions, and trends that demonstrate how we are saving the world through tech.
Air Quality
Perhaps no form of pollution comes to mind quicker than air pollution. The thought of thick layers of smog rolling from industrial towers into the sky unabated is the classic image of environmental damage. But it isn't just in our heads. The combustion of fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. And we mean large. A 2014 EPA study found that 92% of all greenhouse gas emissions came from carbon dioxide (81%) and methane (11%). This makes carbon dioxide the primary driver of climate change. Methods of cutting down our '"carbon footprint' (i.e. our greenhouse gas emissions) are being invested in now more than ever, and they are producing creative results.
One way to go about reducing air pollutants is to eat them. No, we aren't suggesting breathing in unfiltered smog, but engineers have been working on devices that can. Known as direct air capture devices, these machines work to capture excess carbon once it has been produced. Among such inventions are smog-eating towers and trees. While these inventions have yet to be released at scale, there are some that are. In Switzerland, a plant that sucks down CO2 directly from the air, a world first, was released in 2017. Interestingly, carbon capture devices can also capture carbon from the air and pump it deep underground for storage. The concept of these carbon capture and storage (CCS) devices is effectively the reverse of extracting petroleum.
The second - and more immediately useful - method is to prevent such high levels of CO2 emissions in the first place. While policies such as carbon capping and rewarding sustainable minded commuters can be helpful, it's our continued dependence on fossil fuels that is driving our carbon footprint. Fortunately for the planet, and us, we have more than a couple sustainable alternatives.
Sustainable Energy
One of the greatest threats to the environment, not to mention humans, is our reliance on unsustainable sources of energy. Outside of causing air, water, and land pollution, reliance on unsustainable resources is an issue because, as the name implies, they can be exhausted. The majority of these non-renewable energy sources come from fossil fuels, which include petroleum and coal. In fact, they make up about 84% of the world's energy consumption. Researchers are hoping that advanced technologies can help us switch over to more green (i.e. sustainable) resources.
The chief alternative power sources being investigated are solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. While technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro and geothermal plants aren't new, the last decade has seen advancements and increased interest in harnessing and utilizing these technologies. According to the American Wind Energy Association, U.S. wind energy has more than tripled over the last decade, and it now ranks as the largest source of renewable energy in the country. The association also reports that just last year, 9,132 wind turbines were installed, making it the third highest year for turbine installations in the states. Why is this investment important? In 2019, the US generated enough electricity from wind to power 27.5 million households. That's significant.
Predictive AI is being used to forecast changes in ecosystems, climate, and even the Earth itself. Analysts are using computer modeling and statistics to better respond to and understand changes to our planet.Take deforestation for example.An estimated 18 million acres of forest have been lost every year as calculated by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. To put that in perspective, since 2001, an area over twice the size of South Korea has been lost due to deforestation. What can be done to reverse this destructive trend? Satellite imagery is being used to identify areas and causes of destruction to better inform decision makers on environmental policies. But computer and software engineering is doing more than just simple monitoring and data analysis work.
AI software is already being developed to help provide firefighters with real-time information on likely flow paths and flashovers during wildfires. This software will prevent the spread of fires and keep firefighters safe by altering them to likely danger areas. AI and data science aren't just restricted to natural disasters either. Combined with robotics and other automated tools, data science is being used to optimize livestock nutrition and farming methodologies in order to decrease waste and increase yield. Who knew AI and livestock management would be such a great match?
Waste Management
We've all been told since we can remember to recycle, and for good reason. Solid wastes, officially tracked as solid municipal waste (SMW), include plastics, discarded food, paper, metals, glass, and other discarded solids, and can cause a great deal of harm to humans, land and aquatic ecosystems, and global environmental health. Currently, humans produce about 2.01 billion metric tons of waste annually. Unfortunately, our SMW production is forecasted to increase faster than the human population up to 2050. So what is being done to prevent a literal pollutant landslide?
Just as software is used in business to streamline operations, so is it being used in waste management. According to EPA estimates, about 75% of all waste is recyclable, but only about 30% of that waste actually makes it to the recycling process. This is where waste management software, now being distributed as a service via cloud computing, comes into play. Plants are using software services to identify disposal errors and manage and sort materials. These software services don't just help during the processing phase, they also provide detailed analytics on disposal and recycling rates by households that provide insights on areas for improvements.
Of course, the most impressive waste management tech doesn't see waste mitigated, it sees the waste converted into power. Appropriately dubbed '"biogas,' facilities are converting biological waste into gas. Similarly, heat is being used in a process called thermal conversion to otherwise useless solid waste into usable energy, and in some cases, materials. If that isn't intense enough, plasma arc recycling uses non-combustible sources of heat to melt and vaporize waste into usable gas. Hot!
It's not only the stuff we make, but the material we make our stuff with. Material scientists are hard at work helping material science and industry go green. One up and coming material is graphene. Although more research is needed to fully understand its effect on human health, the single atom-thick material is the thinnest material known to man yet among the strongest in existence. It is currently being used and studied for increasing the longevity of electronics, batteries, solar panels, paint, and more. If goods last longer, less waste will be generated.
Although it's true that data centers leave a large carbon footprint due to the large amount of electricity needed to keep them running, the switch to cloud computing is helping to cut down on physical waste. Without the need for in-house IT infrastructure and equipment, less waste is being used and discarded. And as for all that extra power being generated? A large percentage of power generated by data centers is caused by the need to cool infrastructure. New, more effective and efficient data center coolers are being used to reduce heat. In fact, one device might reduce heat by up to 90%! Now that's...wait for it...cool!
ePATHUSA is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the MNSITE (Minnesota Seeking IT Expertise) Program master contract. The state of Minnesota designed the MNSITE program as a means to procure IT-related services by way of a fast and intuitive process. The entity awarded the master contract is able to provide all requested IT services to the state of Minnesota. Under this agreement, ePATHUSA will provide our premier IT services to the state of Minnesota. We are tremendously honored to be working with the state of Minnesota and proud to be providing our expert IT solutions to our neighboring state.
ePATHUSA is excited to announce our newest SaaS product, the ePATH eLS (electronic licensing system). The fully featured licensing and management system is an innovative yet intuitive platform for gaming and racing licensure for state governments. From entities to individuals, the ePATH eLS will be able to streamline and improve the licensing and license managing process. Features include an easy-to-navigate and update user interface, detailed search, and robust reporting. Additionally, the licensing system will be nonintrusive and easy to implement. The service will be available via cloud computing with a launch announcement coming at a later date. Until then, the ePATHUSA team can't wait to share more details as the project nears completion!
For the latest news and updates from ePATHUSA, head over to the blog or follow us on social media:
There's no way around it: IT support, also known as technical or tech support, is a necessary service for virtually every organization and department in the modern world. When the time comes, there are endless ways that organizations go about handling their IT support services. Luckily for business owners, all processes can usually be categorized as being part of either reactive or proactive models. We'll be taking a look at what makes these approaches to IT support different and the pros and cons of each.
Reactive Support
As the name implies, reactive IT support is reactionary. When something breaks or otherwise goes wrong, the IT professionals are called, which is why the approach is sometimes referred to as the break-fix model. Unfortunately, there tends to be more weaknesses than strengths with this model, but that isn't to say that there isn't any reason to take this approach.
Pros
The advantage of utilizing a reactive support strategy is that you only pay for IT support when you know you absolutely need them. Is it broken? Yes? Fix it! No. Don't fix it! This can often end up saving companies money in the short term.
Cons
The list of downsides when utilizing a reactive support approach are lengthy. Although you may only pay for service when you absolutely need it, if you end up needing more assistance than you initially thought, this can result in quite a bit of downtime and service charges. Calling for support in a reactionary manner also results in technicians with limited availability or lacking familiarity with an organization. The resulting wait time often can lead to expensive downtime. Not good. In short, utilizing a reactive IT support model often winds up being costly in regards to both service and downtime over the long haul.
Proactive Support
Proactive IT support, also known as the managed services model, is the opposite of the reactive model. With a proactive IT support strategy, an organization takes steps ahead of time in anticipation of issues. This mostly sees IT teams constantly monitoring system health to catch issues before they seriously disrupt or damage operations. This model isn't unlike exercising to ward off disease and illness or help us recover faster when we do get sick.
Pros
With so many strengths, there is a reason why businesses today favor a more proactive approach. Managed services providers are constantly monitoring client's system health; it's their job. When an issue presents itself, they can immediately start working to resolve the issue. This responsiveness reduces downtime and prevents larger, more costly issues down the line. These same managed service providers also provide fixed or flat-rate services, so costs are predictable throughout the year. Annually, the International Data Corporation (IDC) found that for every 100 users, $400,000 could be saved by using managed services!
Cons
A proactive IT support model doesn't have nearly as many downsides as its reactive counterpart. However, some periods may be more costly if service isn't required in the short term. This is a result of managed service providers tendency to favor fixed-rate pricing options. Added uncertainty can be added when an organization may not want to commit to a long-term contract with an IT support provider they are not familiar with.
What's Best For Your Company?
Given that IT issues are bound to pop up, we recommend a proactive IT support model. Being prepared simply saves time and money. In fact, according to B2B service provider Clutch, 59% of IT services have now transitioned to the newer managed services model.
If you or your business have yet to implement an IT support plan or are planning to move to a more proactive plan, we can help! After 15 years of providing proactive IT managed services, we know more than a thing or two about proactive solutions. We understand that every business has different needs, and we would love to learn more about your IT support needs! Get in touch with us
In the realm of business and IT, we hear more and more about managed services, but what are they exactly? How do they help business? And perhaps more importantly, why should you care? We've got the answers to these questions and more below!
What Are IT Managed Services?
Managed services are described as the practice of outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining, and anticipating need for, a range of processes and functions in order to improve operations and cut expenses. In short, managed services involve hiring a company or organization to manage a particular aspect of your business. Typically, this involves IT or technical support and web and database hosting. We'll be taking a better look into some of the most common managed IT services to better illustrate their importance.
Areas Of IT Managed Services
Tech Support
Various types of technical and IT support are available as managed services. From workstation and desktop installation and updates to cyber security and user management, managed service providers (MSPs) can cover IT infrastructure needs.
Web & Application Development
Many MSPs specialize in developing websites and mobile applications for clients who do not have software expertise themselves. MSPs can also enhance or update existing applications when the need arises.
Hosting
Businesses often don't have the expertise or funds to implement and manage their own web, data, or cloud hosting operations. MSPs can host websites as well as cloud and traditional databases which allows clients to focus on what they do best.
Digital Marketing
Everyone is marketing in the digital space, but that doesn't mean everyone is an expert at marketing in the digital space. Marketing specialists are typically hired to manage social media pages, ensure site SEO is up to date, and create search advertisements to generate leads and improve ROI.
Benefits Of IT Managed Services
Immediate Support
One of the more obvious benefits of managed services is quick access to support. As a client, a qualified and quality IT service provider will be able to start troubleshooting issues or begin new projects almost immediately. From workstation support to hosting, not having to wait for much-needed maintenance or upgrades can prove to be cost-effective down the line. Which brings us to our next point...
Lowered Cost
Here's something all business owners want to hear: implementing managed services lowers the cost of operation. Without having to purchase hosting hardware and recruit and hire additional IT professionals, managed IT services tend to save companies quickly. According to a poll conducted by Computing Technology Industry Association (CTIA), 96% of respondents said that switching to managed services has saved them between 1-50% of their previous IT costs. With that statistic in mind, outsourcing your IT services may be worth it on savings alone.
Increased Security
In the 21st century, digital security has risen to become one of the greatest threats to organizations and individuals. Insurance carrier Hiscox reports that as of the end of 2019, cyberattacks now cost companies of all sizes an average of $200,000. Yikes! Equipped with up-to-date training and certifications, quality MSPs can help prevent cyberattacks and other security breaches through the use of antivirus and intrusion detection software, the constant monitoring of IT infrastructure, and data recovery and backup systems.
Flexible and Predictable Pricing
With managed services, pricing options tend to be more flexible, often being customized or tailored for the individual client. Some of the most common payment methods include flat-rate, per-user, or per-month packages. These fixed, stable packages enable you to better forecast expenses and develop a budget for your business.
Increased Time
Downtime costs money - a lot of money. A study by Gartner found that the average cost of downtime was $5,600 per minute. While smaller businesses may not lose as much money per minute, downtime can detract from other initiatives and lower customer or client experiences. With services being managed around the clock by professionals, the likelihood of downtown is diminished. Additionally, IT service providers can ensure when downtime does occur, it won't last long.
Where To Begin
Are you looking for someone to assist your company or organization with tech support, digital marketing, or data or web hosting? At ePATHUSA, our IT experts have been helping manage IT services for 15 years, and they can help you too! Contact us today!
On August 10, Iowa and other parts of the Midwest were hit by a derecho (from Spanish: '"straight'), a short-lived but potentially devastating series of thunderstorms, earning its name from its straight-line movement pattern. Unofficially referred to as inland hurricanes due to their ability to cause or exceed hurricane-force winds, the storm system has also been known to cause tornados, heavy rains, and flash floods. Last week's derecho brought winds of up to 140 mph, a state record, which flattened crops, destroyed or partially collapsed buildings and other structures, and left many without food, shelter, or power. Even a week and a half later, thousands of residents are still left without basic necessities.
In order to help assist with the Iowa disaster relief and raise awareness of the damage that the storm has caused, ePATHUSA will be donating to the emergency disaster services (EDS) of the Heartland Division of The Salvation Army. You can find the donation link here.
Additionally, ePATHUSA has put together a list of organizations currently accepting donations or assisting in Iowa disaster relief efforts. We always advise researching the mission and details of an organization before making a decision to donate. Note that these links will take you away from the ePATHUSA website.
Are you looking to find out why cloud-based IT services are right for your small business? You've come to the right place! Read on to discover why you and your small business need the cloud.
What Is Cloud Computing?
The cloud stands for cloud computing - the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data. This is typically contrasted to traditional computing which stores data on local servers or personal computers. This may not seem like a huge deal, but failing to make the switch from traditional computing to cloud computing can be a costly and time-consuming mistake. To save you from losing valuable resources, we've compiled a list of the top 6 reasons cloud hosting and migration can benefit your small business.
Less Work, More Savings
Who doesn't like to save money?
Because cloud storage uses remote servers hosted online to store, manage, and process data, you save on the time and expenses of having to buy, install, and maintain traditional on-site hardware and infrastructure. Migrating to the cloud can also prove to be far more cost-effective over time. With traditional data storage methods, you pay for server space up front. This means the cost remains the same no matter how much space you end up using. Cloud computing payment options are much more flexible, allowing you to only pay for what you use.
Ease of Access
When you store your business' data remotely, you can access it remotely. This means that even if you or your employees are out of the office you can still use your much-needed data. Whether it's a weekend hustle, an out-of-town (or out-of-country) trip, or a work-from-home situation, information is readily available. On top of that, your employees won't need special administrative privileges to access all of that data, unless you want them to!
Disaster Recovery
It's no secret that things go wrong. Sometimes, they go very wrong. Cloud storage can help safeguard your data when things don't go your way. As cloud storage is not dependent on a single piece of hardware, a single point of failure does not spell doom for your most important information after a loss event. This means frequent backups utilizing disks, flash drives, or other storage devices are no longer necessary. Additionally, data can be stored and retrieved across multiple locations within minutes. This results decreased downtime, allowing your business to resume operations.
Future Scalability
We all want our business to grow, so it's important to have IT infrastructure that is scalable. On the flip side, you may sometimes find that you want to scale back. These are both very costly tasks when using on-site data centers. Due to adaptable payment models and off-site hosting, this is no challenge at all for the cloud. When it comes to scalability, cloud hosting is vital for all entrepreneurially minded small business owners.
Go Green
Cloud computing is far less wasteful than traditional business and IT infrastructure. Traditional IT equipment creates a large amount of non-biodegradable waste at the end of the equipment's life cycle while at the same time inefficiently using power that may never be used by an organization. Cloud computing avoids both of these issues. And while providers certainly require a large quantity of electricity to maintain server operation, the quantity used is still far less than what traditional IT infrastructure would utilize to perform the same big data tasks.
The Cloud Is The Future
According to Forbes, around two-thirds of all business infrastructure could be cloud-based by the end of 2020, and IBM found that 85% of businesses polled stated they were already using multiple cloud computing services. With worldwide spending on cloud computing reaching 107 Billion US dollars at the end of last year (Canalys), if you aren't utilizing the cloud, you are already at risk of falling behind the technological curve.
How To Get Started With Cloud Computing
Need help migrating to the cloud? ePathUSA's cloud migration and hosting experts can help you get started. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help you and your business leverage the benefits of the cloud!
As COVID-19 continues to affect our personal and professional lives, we are continuing to prioritize the health and well-being of our employees and clients. We are currently taking necessary safety precautions and following CDC guidelines. However, we are still committed to providing the full range of quality services you expect from ePATHUSA and maintaining all essential business operations. We're here to help you.
Although the way companies are conducting business is changing, we have always believed that working relationships should be based on trust and understanding. That has not changed. We emphasize collaboration and ingenuity when working together with you in order to optimize your processes, elevate your technology, and help you navigate and compete in a newly changed world.
We are inviting you to connect with us so that we can help you adapt to a "new normal."
ePATHUSA can assist your business by implementing effective and efficient remote working solutions. Our developers can also design or update your website to better help your clients and customer's current needs. With many industries increasingly turning towards digital marketing, we can assist with digital marketing efforts as well. Drive traffic, generate leads, and manage customer relationships with email and search engine marketing and campaigns. Do you need to transform your data into actionable insights? We can help with that as well by incorporating our proven data science and AI expertise. In whichever way we can provide support during such uncertain and challenging times, ePATHUSA is here for you.
COVID-19 is redefining professional and personal life, and we believe it is perfectly fine to adopt ingenious ways to adjust with the changing times. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by Corona virus and we want to reassure you that we are fully equipped to help and maintain projects. In this time of crisis, we took timely action to ensure safety of our teams besides maintaining business continuity. For our valued customers, we are leveraging leading-edge technology and remote solutions to help and maintain essential operations and offering super speedy response to customer queries, and even changed our business model to address emerging customer needs, supported by our committed and professional staff members to provide services.
As we prepare for what appears to be our '"new normal' for the likely future, I want to take a moment to share these perspectives with you. We'll continue to assess our plans based on guidance from Local & National governments and health authorities. I would like to lay out how the decisions we are making in response to COVID-19 align with the Company's mission and the values all ePATHUSA team members share.
If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your ePATH POC or email me directly at [email protected].
Please Stay safe & healthy and let us know how we can help.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services – Shop Project
Project Description
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and health insurance portability standards.
Project Objectives
The premium aggregation service is a financial and administrative system to allow qualified employers to receive a single monthly bill for all Qualified Health Plan (QHP) Issuers in which their employees are enrolled and to remit a single monthly amount to the FF-SHOP and then aggregate premium payments from qualified employers and distribute the payments to the appropriate QHP issuers.
Detail Description
Being one of the quality control partners for the project, ePATHUSA carried out various activities to ensure the same such as:
Apply, design and develop automated testing strategies and build automated testing frameworks.
Analyze and verify best automated and manual test approaches and execute acceptance, integration, installation and system testing.
Participate in product design to guarantee adherence of test coverage for meeting end user requirements.
Record test results and report and verify software bug fixes to accept automation criteria.
Coordinate with program and development management teams in product development lifecycle to conform end user product and quality requirements.
Analyze performance test requirements and develop test plans and debug to understand test objective requirements.
Handle performance testing and present results for validating and analysis to Project Teams.
Prepare software defect tracking and report entire project release status to stakeholders.
Establish test strategy and manual and automated test suites.
GCPS-Contract-Enterprise document management – MARTA
Project Description
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the principal public transport operator in the Atlanta metropolitan area. MARTA is a multi-county authority that is governed by a board of directors, consisting of representatives appointed from the city of Atlanta (3 members), and the remainder of the counties of Fulton, Clayton and DeKalb.
Project Objectives
MARTA needed to provide an amazing collaborative platform that is highly configurable and provide a more coordinated environment to track and manage project between team members. ePATHUSA designed and deployed SharePoint modules for various workflows within the MARTA with futuristic approach. It is also ensured that all the existing users were smoothly transitioned from legacy systems to current systems with excellent training workshop and documentations.
Detail Description
Several functional modules aligned to processes were designed and implemented as per the business needs. To ease the user’s work an option to load the necessary data into the system was implemented. Several workflows for specific business processes were designed in SharePoint which improved the organizational efficiency and productivity by automating the tasks and steps involved in the process. This also enabled the team members to concentrate on performing the actual work. Workflows, when applied correctly, can also help team members to adhere to consistent business processes. The relevant metrics that were collected in various business workflows empowered the business to take data driven decisions which helped in tremendous ways. These metrics were built as reports which can be accessed by users as assigned by the SharePoint administrator.
Several functional modules aligned to processes were designed and implemented as per the business needs. To ease the user’s work an option to load the necessary data into the system was implemented. Several workflows for specific business processes were designed in SharePoint which improved the organizational efficiency and productivity by automating the tasks and steps involved in the process. This also enabled the team members to concentrate on performing the actual work. Workflows, when applied correctly, can also help team members to adhere to consistent business processes. The relevant metrics that were collected in various business workflows empowered the business to take data driven decisions which helped in tremendous ways. These metrics were built as reports which can be accessed by users as assigned by the SharePoint administrator.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the principal public transport operator in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
CASE STUDY
Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
The Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) is the state of Nevada’s workforce development agency
CASE STUDY
VOX Solutions – Infrastructure Services
To provide Avaya IVR system and its infrastructure support to Vox Network Solutions on an ongoing basis as per the business needs.
Trending Post
February 28, 2025
Integrating AI into Business Processes: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic concept into a transformative force that is reshaping industries across the globe. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI enables businesses to unlock new opportunities for growth, reduce operational costs, and improve customer experiences. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, integrating AI into your processes can propel your business to the next level.
This guide will walk you through the basics of AI integration and how businesses can implement AI in their operations to achieve measurable success. At ePathUSA, we provide expert AI integration services, ensuring that businesses can seamlessly adopt AI technologies and maximize their potential for growth.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machines or systems that can simulate human intelligence, enabling them to perform tasks such as decision-making, learning, and problem-solving. AI is powered by algorithms, data, and computing power, allowing systems to improve over time. Key subfields of AI include:
Machine Learning (ML): The most common type of AI, ML allows systems to learn from data, identify patterns, and make predictions without being explicitly programmed.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): This branch of AI focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA allows businesses to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks, such as data entry, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex tasks.
According to Gartner, global AI software revenue is expected to reach $62 billion by 2022, demonstrating the growing reliance of businesses on AI to enhance operations and drive growth.
By embracing AI, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. ePathUSA offers end-to-end AI solutions that enable organizations to integrate AI into their business processes effectively and seamlessly.
Benefits of Integrating AI
Integrating AI into business processes offers several tangible benefits, ranging from enhanced operational efficiency to improved decision-making. Below are some key advantages of AI integration, backed by real-world data:
1. Improved Efficiency and Automation AI-powered automation can significantly improve efficiency by handling repetitive tasks that would otherwise take up valuable time and resources. According to a McKinseyreport, automation could raise global productivity by 0.8% to 1.4% annually, boosting economic growth.
For instance, American Express uses AI to automate fraud detection, significantly reducing the time required to identify suspicious transactions and preventing financial losses.
ePathUSA provides AI-driven automation solutions that help businesses optimize workflows, streamline operations, and improve overall productivity.
2. Cost Reduction AI-driven automation not only improves efficiency but also leads to significant cost savings. According to Accenture, AI has the potential to increase profitability by 38%by 2035, primarily by improving productivity and automating time-consuming tasks.
General Electric leverages AI to predict equipment failure and perform preventive maintenance, resulting in cost savings of over $200 million annually.
By integrating AI into business processes, organizations can reduce manual labor, cut operational costs, and improve resource allocation.
ePathUSA ensures that AI integration is optimized for maximum cost efficiency, helping businesses save money and improve profitability.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience AI helps businesses deliver more personalized, efficient, and proactive customer service. AI-driven tools like chatbots, recommendation engines, and sentiment analysis systems enable businesses to cater to customers’ needs instantly.
For example, Sephora uses an AI-powered virtual assistant to help customers find the right makeup products, creating a personalized shopping experience. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also drives higher conversion rates.
ePathUSA works with businesses to develop AI solutions tailored to enhancing customer experiences, ensuring businesses can stay competitive in a fast-paced, customer-centric world.
Discover the Benefits of AI IntegrationFor further insights into AI’s ROI, refer to Deloitte’s AI Business Transformation Report.
Key Steps for Integrating AI
Successfully integrating AI into business processes involves several key steps, each of which contributes to a seamless implementation. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure the AI integration process is effective:
1. Assess Your Needs Before implementing AI, businesses need to identify areas where AI can add value. Whether it’s customer service, data analysis, or automation, understanding your needs will guide you in selecting the right tools. PwC found that 59% of executives consider AI to be a “transformative” tool, but it’s important to focus on the most impactful areas first.
ePathUSA helps businesses assess their operational needs and identify AI tools that can address those needs most effectively.
2. Select the Right AI Tools Choosing the right AI tools is essential for successful integration. Businesses need to evaluate various AI technologies such as machine learning platforms, NLP tools, and RPA systems, ensuring that the tools align with their objectives.
ePathUSA provides expert consulting to help businesses select the best AI solutions that align with their goals and infrastructure.
3. Pilot Testing A pilot test allows businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of their AI solutions in real-world scenarios. Testing helps identify any issues, assess performance, and make adjustments before full-scale implementation.
ePathUSA offers pilot testing services to ensure that businesses can validate AI tools before committing to full-scale implementation.
4. Full-Scale Implementation After successful testing, businesses can proceed with full-scale implementation. This phase involves integrating AI systems into existing workflows, ensuring that data is processed efficiently and securely.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement AI systems require ongoing monitoring to ensure they continue to provide value. By collecting feedback, businesses can refine algorithms, update models, and ensure that AI systems evolve alongside changing business needs.
ePathUSAoffers continuous support and optimization to ensure that AI systems remain effective and evolve with business growth.
At ePathUSA, we specialize in helping businesses seamlessly integrate AI into their operations. Our service-oriented approach ensures that AI technologies are deployed effectively, enabling businesses to achieve their growth objectives.
Our Approach:
Needs Assessment: We work closely with businesses to understand their unique needs and identify key areas where AI can make a difference.
Technology Selection: Based on your specific requirements, we recommend the most suitable AI tools and platforms.
Pilot Projects: We assist with pilot testing to ensure the AI solutions deliver expected results before full-scale implementation.
End-to-End Implementation: From initial planning to deployment, we manage the entire AI integration process, ensuring seamless transition and minimal disruption.
Ongoing Support: We offer continuous monitoring and optimization to maximize the long-term value of AI systems.
Case Study: Coca-Cola's Integration of AI to Enhance Operations and Customer Engagement
Background Coca-Cola, one of the largest beverage companies globally, is constantly seeking ways to improve its operations and customer engagement. With a vast range of products and a customer base spanning multiple countries, Coca-Cola has embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and offer personalized experiences.
In recent years, Coca-Cola has focused on integrating AI into key aspects of its operations, from marketing and supply chain optimization to customer service and product innovation. The goal is to leverage AI's power to analyze vast datasets, automate processes, and ultimately provide better services and experiences to customers.
This case study outlines how Coca-Cola has effectively used AI to transform its business processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer interactions.
Challenge
Solution
Results
Operational inefficiencies in inventory, logistics, and supply chain.
AI-Powered Vending Machines: Use of computer vision & machine learning for personalized beverage recommendations.
Increased sales & engagement; data-driven insights on consumer behavior.
Need for more personalized and timely customer engagement.
AI Chatbots: NLP-powered bots handle customer inquiries across multiple platforms.
40% reduction in response times; improved customer satisfaction; reduced human workload.
Marketing campaigns required optimization for better ROI.
AI-Driven Marketing Optimization: ML algorithms analyze customer data for targeted ads & real-time campaign adjustments.
25% increase in marketing ROI; improved digital engagement & brand recall.
Need for better demand forecasting to reduce overstocking & stockouts.
AI in Demand Forecasting & Inventory Management: AI analyzes sales trends, weather, and external factors for accurate predictions.
10% reduction in overstocking; improved product availability & cost savings.
AI for Sustainability: AI monitors energy and water usage, optimizing efficiency.
Reduced carbon emissions & water consumption; improved environmental sustainability.
Future of AI at Coca-Cola
Expansion into production & logistics for streamlined operations.
AI-powered robotics in warehouses & distribution centers.
Continued digital transformation for innovation & competitiveness.
Future Trends in AI Integration
As AI continues to evolve, several trends are expected to shape the future of business processes. These include:
1. AI-Powered Automation AI will further enhance automation by enabling businesses to automate more complex tasks, such as decision-making, content creation, and customer service, creating fully autonomous systems.
2. Real-Time Data Analytics AI-powered systems will allow businesses to analyze data in real-time, leading to quicker decision-making and the ability to respond instantly to changes in customer behavior, market trends, or operational issues.
3. Hyper-Personalization AI will drive hyper-personalized experiences by analyzing vast amounts of customer data to create tailored offerings and experiences. This trend will become increasingly important in industries like retail, healthcare, and finance.
Stay Updated on AI Trends
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Integrating AI into business processes is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for businesses that want to stay competitive in a data-driven world. From improving efficiency and reducing costs to enhancing customer experiences, AI offers significant advantages.
ePathUSA is committed to helping businesses integrate AI into their operations seamlessly, ensuring that they achieve their growth objectives and maximize their ROI.
1. What is AI integration? AI integration refers to incorporating AI technologies into existing business operations to automate tasks, optimize workflows, and improve decision-making. It involves selecting the right tools, implementing them, and continuously refining processes.
2. What industries can benefit from AI integration? AI integration is beneficial across various industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and logistics. It helps businesses improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and make better decisions.
3. How do I begin integrating AI into my business? Start by assessing your business needs, selecting the appropriate AI tools, conducting pilot tests, and scaling up after successful implementation. Continuous monitoring and improvement are essential to ensure AI systems evolve with your business.
How Custom Software Solutions Enhance Business Efficiency
A Smarter Approach to Business Efficiency
Modern businesses operate in a fast-paced environment, and using off-the-shelf software can be frustrating. Many businesses face problems like inefficiency, security risks, and limited growth because generic software does not meet their specific needs. Custom software solutions offer a better way to improve business operations. They help streamline processes, enhance security, and support long-term growth.
Why Custom Software is a Game-Changer for Businesses
The global business software market continues to expand, fueled by increasing demands for automation, security, and seamless integration. Here’s why businesses are making the shift to custom software solutions:
Boosts Operational Efficiency: Companies adopting custom software experience up to a 40% increase in productivity compared to those using generic systems.
Enhances Security & Compliance: With cyber threats causing over $13.82 trillion in losses annually, customized security protocols significantly mitigate risks.
Facilitates Business Growth: Organizations leveraging scalable software solutions report a 30% faster growth rate than competitors using rigid platforms.
Key Advantages of Custom Software Solutions
Designed for Your Business Needs Every business has unique workflows. Custom software eliminates unnecessary features, enhances user experience, and improves automation. Studies show that businesses using tailored digital solutions see a 25% reduction in process inefficiencies and improved customer satisfaction.
Scalability for Future Growth Off-the-shelf software often struggles to scale with a growing business. ePATHUSA develops solutions that adapt to increasing workloads, ensuring seamless expansion without performance slowdowns.
Advanced Security & Regulatory Compliance One in three businesses experiences security breaches annually, leading to costly damages. ePATHUSA follows ISO 27001:2013 standards and incorporates the latest security measures, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems Businesses often face downtime when integrating new software. ePATHUSA specializes in smooth, disruption-free integration, keeping operations running efficiently.
User-Centric Design for Maximum Productivity An intuitive user interface and streamlined workflows improve productivity. Research indicates that user-friendly custom applications result in a 35% increase in task efficiency, cutting operational costs and training time.
Best Practices for Developing Custom Software
To maximize benefits, businesses should adhere to these best practices:
Comprehensive Needs Analysis: Identifying specific business challenges ensures the software aligns with key objectives.
Agile Development Approach: Iterative development reduces time-to-market by up to 50%, allowing for continuous improvement.
Scalability Planning: Designing software for future expansion minimizes long-term costs and complexity.
How ePATHUSA Leads in Custom Software Development
As a trusted technology solutions provider, ePATHUSA delivers innovative, secure, and scalable software across various domains:
Data Science & Analytics Our analytics-driven approach helps businesses make informed decisions, uncovering new opportunities for growth.
Artificial Intelligence & Automation AI-driven solutions optimize business processes, providing predictive insights for better strategy execution.
Cloud Computing Solutions We develop secure cloud-based platforms, ensuring remote accessibility, seamless collaboration, and robust data protection.
Software Modernization Transition from outdated legacy systems to modern, high-performance solutions designed for evolving industry needs.
Enterprise Security & Compliance Our advanced security frameworks protect critical data while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Emerging Trends in Custom Software Development
As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, several key trends are shaping the future:
AI & Machine Learning Integration: By 2025, AI-driven automation is expected to increase operational efficiency by up to 45%.
Low-Code Platforms: By leveraging reusable software components and frameworks, organizations can reduce delivery time by up to 60%. This approach combines the benefits of custom development with faster deployment, enabling efficient software creation without starting from scratch.
Edge Computing: Decentralized data processing is enhancing real-time decision-making, particularly in industries like healthcare and finance.
Real-World Impact: Case Studies of ePathUSA’s Custom Solutions
Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Best Management Practices (AgBMP)
ePathUSA helped AgBMP retain their current solution while modernizing the business process. This provided a structured roadmap for a gradual transition rather than an immediate switch and disruption. This approach enables organizations to manage their spending effectively, allows users to adapt to changes smoothly, and ensures a solution tailored to their unique business processes.
Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC)
ePathUSA modernized NERC’s business processes through custom software development, saving significant time and resources while ensuring compliance with NV security policies.
Conclusion
In a world where efficiency, security, and scalability dictate business success, investing in custom software is a strategic move that delivers long-term value. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions that come with limitations, custom software is designed to fit your specific business needs, allowing you to optimize processes, enhance security, and adapt to evolving market demands. At ePATHUSA, we are committed to delivering tailored digital solutions that drive operational excellence, improve productivity, and position businesses for sustainable growth. Whether you need advanced automation, AI-driven insights, or secure cloud solutions, our team is ready to develop software that propels your business forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the disadvantage of custom software development?Custom software development takes longer time for initial development and setup. Organizations will have to prioritize between time-to-market and long-term operational costs of the software. If retaining the solution in-house while controlling all aspects of its security are an important consideration than releasing the product earlier, custom development is helpful.
How does custom software improve business efficiency? Custom software optimizes workflow automation, eliminates unnecessary features, and strengthens security, leading to increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
What industries benefit most from custom software? Industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, logistics, and government sectors experience the greatest advantages from tailored software solutions.
How does ePATHUSA ensure software security? We integrate industry-leading security protocols, including ISO 27001:2013 compliance, encryption, and threat detection systems.
What is the typical timeline for custom software development? Project timelines vary based on complexity but generally range from a few months to a year, following an agile methodology for iterative enhancements.
Get Started Today
Ready to elevate your business operations with a custom software solution? Visit ePATHUSA's Custom Software Services to explore our offerings and kickstart your digital transformation.
Cloud Security: Safeguarding Your Digital Assets with ePathUSA
In the digital era, where cloud computing has become the backbone of modern businesses, securing your data in the cloud is no longer optional—it’s essential. Cloud security is not just about preventing unauthorized access; it’s about ensuring compliance, protecting sensitive information, and maintaining business continuity. But with evolving cyber threats, complex regulations, and diverse cloud environments, how can organizations effectively secure their cloud infrastructure? Enter ePathUSA, a trusted partner in cloud security solutions.
Understanding the Cloud Security Landscape
The shift to the cloud has brought unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and efficiency to businesses. However, it also comes with unique security challenges:
Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive information can lead to financial and reputational damage.
Misconfigured Settings: Human errors in cloud configuration can open doors for attackers.
Compliance Risks: Adhering to regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA can be daunting without proper safeguards.
Shared Responsibility Model: Understanding which security responsibilities lie with the cloud provider and which lie with the customer is critical but often misunderstood.
How ePathUSA Addresses Cloud Security Challenges
At ePathUSA, we specialize in empowering businesses to secure their cloud environments effectively. Here’s how we can help:
1. Cloud Security Assessments
Our experts perform in-depth evaluations of your cloud infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential risks. With actionable insights, we help you fortify your defenses.
2. Advanced Threat Detection
Using AI-driven analytics, we monitor your cloud environment for unusual activity and potential threats. Early detection ensures that incidents are mitigated before they cause harm.
3. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
We implement robust IAM solutions to control access to your cloud resources. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and zero-trust cloud architecture are at the core of our approach.
4. Data Encryption and Compliance
ePathUSA ensures that your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, keeping it secure against unauthorized access. We also assist with compliance to meet industry regulations and audits seamlessly.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Incident Response
Our 24/7 monitoring services provide real-time alerts and quick responses to potential breaches. Our incident response teams are always prepared to contain and resolve security incidents efficiently.
6. Secure Cloud Migration
Moving to the cloud? We ensure that your migration process is secure, with no data loss or exposure during the transition.
Why Choose ePathUSA for Cloud Security?
1. Expertise in Cloud Platforms
We have extensive experience with leading cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Our deep understanding allows us to tailor solutions to fit your specific needs.
2. Cutting-Edge Technology
We leverage advanced AI and machine learning to stay ahead of emerging threats. Our tools adapt to evolving risks, offering proactive protection.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions
Our cloud security solutions are designed to maximize security without overburdening your budget. We focus on delivering value while safeguarding your digital assets.
4. Trusted Partner
With years of experience and a proven track record, ePathUSA is a partner you can rely on for your cloud security needs.
Take Control of Your Cloud Security with ePathUSA
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the stakes for cloud security have never been higher. Protecting your organization’s data and ensuring compliance require expertise and robust solutions. At ePathUSA, we go beyond just addressing security concerns—we create a resilient cloud environment where your business can thrive.
Ready to secure your cloud? Contact us today and discover how ePathUSA can help you navigate the complexities of cloud security. Together, let’s build a safer, smarter future.
Secure your cloud with confidence—partner with ePathUSA!
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November 2, 2023
ePathUSA: Recognized by CIRAS & NAWOSB for Government Contracting Excellence
We are thrilled to have ePATHUSA, Inc. featured in the CIRAS - Iowa State University's Center for Industrial Research and Service Search's (@CIRAS) Summer edition of the CIRAS News magazine. The paper highlights our journey and achievements as a government contractor, especially in the federal 8(a) and Women-owned small business categories. We are grateful to receive the 2023 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES, INC. (NAWOSB) of the Year award from the National 8(a) Association and HUBZone Contractors National Council. We look forward to providing even better results this fiscal year, including at the Department of Defense. We are thankful for the opportunities to be your IT consulting partner!
ePATHUSA Joins Senator Joni Ernst at Iowa Small Business Expo, Nurturing Federal Contracting Efforts
ePATHUSA is excited to be at the Iowa Small Business focused Entrepreneur Expo with Senator Joni Ernst. We are thankful for Senator Joni Ernst and her efforts to bring federal contracting to Iowa. Our CEO and Vice-President were delighted to hear from the Senator and meet with other Iowan businesses.
Celebrating 18 Years of ePATHUSA Excellence: Turning Challenges into Victories, Together!
Our journey is a testament to an exceptional team whose dedication and brilliance have turned challenges into victories. We've conquered industry hurdles and set new benchmarks, making our path truly extraordinary. With each year, we've grown in strength and innovation, and our future shines brighter than ever.
Our team is more than just a workforce; it's a dynamic community fueled by shared goals and aspirations. Together, we've cultivated an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and success. Our achievements are a testament to the incredible things we can achieve when we unite as one.
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The Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) is the state of Nevada’s workforce development agency
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To provide Avaya IVR system and its infrastructure support to Vox Network Solutions on an ongoing basis as per the business needs.
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ePATHUSA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
ePATHUSA, Inc., was created with the belief in ourselves, the talent and skills of our growing team, and with our devotion to innovation of products and services we have continued to prosper.
