Bacs payments and the challenge of transaction reversibility

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March 16th, 2014

Bacs, or Bankers Automated Clearing Software, has been in use a long time. Essentially, though, bacs payments merely entail transferring money directly from one bank account into another. FPS or Faster Payments Service is exactly the same, but it generally occurs almost immediately, whereas Bacs takes up to three working days. Bacs software is therefore different to credit or debit card transactions, and has advantages and disadvantages in comparison.

Since bacs payments are made right from one bank account into another, they are effectively irreversible. With credit cards, the transaction can be cancelled and the cash returned to you if there is good reason (such as fraud, or the item you ordered turned out not to be as advertised, or never dispatched at all). With bacs, this is far harder. That is a good thing for stores, since you won’t have to worry about customers making uncalled for chargebacks if they change their minds. For buyers, though, it means transfers cannot be undone. In most cases, this will not be a problem because bacs tends to be used for paying suppliers and for your people’s wages, and so on. These are mostly predictable and are paid in arrears. However, if a mistake (such as a typo) is made, it is not a simple matter to get back the money. Without the goodwill of the recipient, it can be extremely time-consuming. If you are making monthly payments, it might simply be easier to change the next one rather than ask for the last one.

Bacs software can be connected into your accounting application to ensure that mistakes don’t routinely happen due to human error, but it’s impossible to eliminate them altogether. That bacs payments are made in their millions every day demonstrates that this need not be a major flaw for bacs, and that there’s no reason your organisation should not use it too. Indeed, the advantages far outweigh any minor problems that might arise from its use. Bacs is more secure, faster and easier than paying by cash or cheque. It’s also the standard, now – or, at least, FPS is – which means that if you’re still paying by more traditional methods then you will naturally find yourself at a competitive disadvantage. There is really no good reason to hold large amounts of cash on the premises or to use time-consuming and inefficient cheques when immediate and straightforward transfers are possible at minimal cost.

Please visit http://www.bottomline.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.bottomline.co.uk/

532e9e0d28b67

Business

Document processing: spanning the gap

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January 9th, 2014

Document management is still a fairly little-known thing, but one that has the potential to transform the business place. In an age in which the paperless office is a rarely-achieved ideal, the suite of technologies known as document processing (and the accounts department special case, invoice processing) can actually make this a reality.

Document management systems are very effective collaboration tools. They allow groups to store, exchange, modify and keep track of documents. There are also facilities to track the changes made and record many versions of documents. This allows many people to work on the same project, saving it centrally without the need for many different versions or fragments that then have to be standardised and put together as a full product.

If you have paper documents, as most businesses do, then there is obviously a gap between that state of affairs and the truly online version to which you may aspire. Simply, it is tough to work across the two – sometimes having to deal with real letters, memos and documents and sometimes with virtual ones. This is where document processing comes in. It is a set of technologies that changes physical documents to their electronic equivalents. Some of the most basic (and therefore cheapest) of these technologies involve merely scanning-to-PDF: creating an image or other file out of a written document. However, at its most advanced it is possible to turn handwritten notes into editable files, like any other work document. These can then be placed into your document management system and treated like any other electronic document.

Document management and the document processing that makes bridging the void between ‘real’ and virtual possible are therefore extremely helpful technologies. Invoice processing applies this to your accounts department, allowing you to turn physical invoices into electronic ones. This is significant, since many suppliers and organisations will still submit paper invoices, and these can easily be treated differently to the ones you receive electronically. They can get forgotten or mislaid, with implications for your relationships with your suppliers and for your reputation. If you are aiming for a paperless office, whether for financial or environmental reasons, then this is an effective way to help bring that about. The solution you opt for will depend upon the nature of your organisation and its needs, as well as its budget, but the range of alternatives available means there is something for everyone.

Please visit http://www.bottomline.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.bottomline.co.uk/

52c82325e3731

Archiving, Business

External louvres can save power and money

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October 21st, 2012

As with so many such developments, brise soleil and other sorts of natural climate control have been around a while but are now becoming very popular due to cost and environmental reasons. A ‘sun breaker’, as the concept translates, can be a very simple structure (little more than a well-placed wall), or it can be very complex, as with the extensive and mechanical wing-like structures in use. Other variants are glass louvres and several forms of external louvres.

The overall idea in all cases is to avoid using unnecessary power to control the temperature in a building by making more effective use of natural resources. During the course of a day, and through the changing seasons, any face of a building will receive greater or smaller proportions of sunlight. The trick is to maximise the ‘passive’ heating provided by the sun in the winter, whilst making sure that in the summer the level of sunlight is lowered and ventilation increased, to keep the building cool. Obviously, getting the balance wrong could result in freezing or stifling temperatures.

Whilst some forms of external louvre are extremely complex, other types are really simple. Brise soleils can be little more than a wall, placed in such a location as to reduce the sun at certain points of the day and year. Louvres are generally positioned to allow the building to receive low-angle sun – at the beginning and end of the day, or during the winter, when the sun never rises very high in the sky. Higher-angle sun, at hotter points of the day and year, is stopped.

What this means is that the temperature of a building can be controlled far more easily, reducing the need for extra energy on heating or air-conditioning systems. It also makes for a more comfortable office, because the air has not been heated or processed to the same extent – something that can leave it dry and recycled. This means people are more comfortable, happier – and therefore more productive.

There are many examples of brise soleil and external louvres, which can be retrofitted to buildings. The simplest glass louvres are merely slats which open and close depending on the present conditions. However, depending on your needs and budget, there are some really imaginative examples around, which add to the character of the building and are part of its architectural appeal, as well as any functional upside.

Please visit http://www.maplesunscreening.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.maplesunscreening.co.uk/

507c2f2e51f12

Construction, Sun Protection

School uniforms that can be handed down

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August 20th, 2012

In the world of business, staff are often glad if their company provides a staff uniform. No money need be spent on endlessly updating one’s wardrobe in order to keep up with trendier colleagues and no time need be wasted on choosing what to wear each morning – as long as one’s work clothes are washed and pressed we can be out of the house in a flash. These are the simple pleasures that school children do not appreciate: for teenagers above all school uniforms represent a denial of their right to self-expression, a curb placed on their identity. But this is probably a positive thing; given that adolescence is a time where young people are still discovering their identity, perhaps it is best that they are allowed to test out different looks on the weekends and return to the reassurance of their school clothes in the week. London schoolwear supplier certainly thinks that the compulsory wearing of uniform in UK schools is something to be proud of. What’s more, assist social cohesion and help conceal the economic differences on which most of us believe to be a bad basis on which to make friends.

In large families, parents tend to be glad if they can send all of their children to the same school wearing good quality uniforms that will survive being shared around. In recent years this has become easier because flimsy materials that once thinned at the knees and elbows have since been substituted for more durable fabrics. Among these fabrics is a Teflon-coated cotton-polyester mix used for school skirts and trousers and non-bobbling wool employed in the most up to date blazers. Many variations on the white school shirt exist so it is best to check the school regulations to see which styles are acceptable and which have been ruled out. In some schools for example, they prefer the girls to wear fitted styles, while others have strict rules against anything too low-cut. In any case, most of the suitable styles of shirt come in non-iron easy-care cotton which means that time can be saved on making sure your child looks smart.

Searching for school uniform can be a stress, even a real headache when the necessary sizes are out of stock. But this is less of a problem now that London schoolwear supplier takes orders via their website. In fact, school clothes shops need not be visited in person if you know what you’re getting because a door to door delivery service has been set up. Buying school uniforms is now simple.

Please visit http://www.uniform4kids.com/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.uniform4kids.com/

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Education, Schools

Bacs software integrates with accounts

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August 17th, 2012

bacs software is now a well-established tool that enables you to pay customers and suppliers quickly, securely and easily through electronic transfer. Bacs payments are a far superior option than paying by cheque or cash, since you don’t have to worry about keeping substantial quantities of cash on the premises – a potential security question – or cash-flow problems caused by people cashing their cheques at unexpected stages in your financial month. Bacs, which stands for bankers’ automated clearing standard, is a well-tried and tested form of payment that can save you a lot of time and money, as well as having other advantages.

Bacs generally takes three days to complete as standard, although depending on the sending and receiving banks it can be practically instant. If you are concerned or there is need to make a fast transfer, SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is guaranteed same-day. However, this brings an additional cost, so for low payments it is rarely worth it. For larger sums or urgent orders and payments, SWIFT may be a worthwhile choice and the costs will be proportionately smaller if the transfer is large.

One of the best things about Bacs software is that it can be integrated with your other accounting systems and databases. If you haven’t done this, it can be a real headache and a drain on resources, as different transactions have to be logged and entered into separate systems. If you take the time to set up your systems correctly, however, you can save a huge amount of time (and potentially expensive errors) and streamline your accounts in a way that is simply unrealistic if you are using several applications or processes.

bacs software consultants will be able to advise you on the best programmes for your accounts, and whether your current systems can be used in conjunction with Bacs payments. Migrating your accounts can be a complex task, though the benefits are exceptional. Once you have completed the process, you can use Bacs automatically – paying employees on time, every time; ensuring that suppliers are paid and that customers are respecting their commitments to you; and noting every transaction to make sure that there are no surprises hiding in your accounts to cause problems at the end of the tax or accounting year. Moreover, auditing processes can be used to identify and fix past accounting errors – something which can cost businesses a significant proportion of turnover.

Please visit http://www.bottomline.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.bottomline.co.uk/

501d7a9828992

Finance, Software

Document processing for ease of sharing

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July 23rd, 2012

document processing is the term used for the collection of technologies that turn paper documents – whether handwritten, typed or a combination – into electronic ones that can be kept and retrieved on a computer or network. Whereas only a few years ago these provided only very basic capabilities, they are now far more advanced and allow for versatile and easy management of your paperwork. One of the greatest advantages is that physical documents can then be integrated with ones that were created by computer into a document management system. This is effectively a kind of electronic filing cabinet. The difference is that it is much easier to locate what you want – not to mention the fact that losing letters and memos becomes a thing of the past. Yet another benefit is that more than one member of staff can read a document at the same time. When applied to your accounts department, the result – known as invoice processing – allows you to enjoy these benefits when paying customers, staff and suppliers, resulting in greater efficiencies as well as fewer errors.

Document processing is carried out in a range of different ways; there is no single solution that is appropriate for all organisations, since each company will have its own special needs. OCR – optical character recognition – forms a part of the collection of techniques; in other instances simple scanning and conversion to PDF may be all that is necessary. Of course the complexity (and cost) of the solution you choose will depend on the nature of your business and demands of the office.

In each case, though, the aim is total integration of your systems. In the typical office, paper is still used for much of your documentation. Other functions will be carried out either partly or fully electronically. This mixed system produces particular problems and inefficiencies. These can be all but eliminated if you convert paper documents to electronic ones, allowing you to treat everything in the same way.

This is particularly true of invoice processing. Electronic payments are swift, reliable and secure. Many of your invoices may come in electronic form, and be settled in the same way. Other parties will send paper invoices. These are all too often treated as second priorities. Similarly document processing means that paper letters and memos can be approached with the same ethos as emails. A good document management system reduces the inefficiencies of the business that currently relies on two inherently incompatible technologies.

Please visit http://www.bottomline.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.bottomline.co.uk/

4ff44a15025b9

Communication, Organisation

Shop for sale in London – prices good

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June 21st, 2012

Shops to let in North London have, like all commercial property London, suffered in recent times. The credit crunch and following recession hit properties hard in capitals across the world. In many of these, prices have still not risen much. In London, however, the picture is rather different. Commercial property took a real hammering as the economy nosedived, and grade A office space in particular was badly hit. That meant a couple of things. Firstly, yields rose quite markedly as sale prices fell but rental prices dropped less sharply. Secondly, there were significant opportunities for external investors who recognised a bargain when they saw one – which is what happened a while afterwards. The relative strength of the Euro against the pound meant that investors on the continent (as well as further afield) made the most of the low prices. Whether it was a high-rise development in the Square Mile or a shop for sale in london, it could be seem as a potentially lucrative buy.

This dynamic led to a sharp bounce back in property prices in the capital. This was supported by a relative dearth of fresh development. As the long-awaited recovery appears on the horizon – subject to further problems from the Eurozone – the bottleneck this will cause is expected to push prices even higher once again. Things in London aren’t exactly ‘business as usual’ but the picture there is much better than in other regions of the country, which helps as well. The GDP figures that the country awaits from quarter to quarter are not a reliable local indication, since they are not uniform; London and the southeast, in particular, are in a much stronger position economically than elsewhere.

Shops to rent in North London can consequently be seen as an investment opportunity. Property has fallen from grace as an investment in recent times, being blamed as a major strand of the global economic problems that are still working themselves out. Commercial property London doesn’t play by quite the same rules as property elsewhere – office space, industrial, retail or otherwise. This means that, assuming you’re able to stay in it for the immediate future, you can expect to make a profit on your purchase. A shop for sale in london might not have the prestige of a skyscraper on Canary Wharf, but with a little work you could find it bringing the same kind of return on investment.

Please visit http://www.claridges-commercial.co.uk for further information about this topic.

http://www.claridges-commercial.co.uk

4fd1c265255fa

Commercial Property, Property, Rental Property

Coach hire London: saving time and money

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June 8th, 2012

Luxury coach hire is an excellent way of avoiding some of the usual troubles of large-scale travel. Whilst coaches are a great way of transporting large numbers of people, and far more efficient than many cars going independently, they have their own set of problems. Coaches can be old and badly furnished, not equipped with the mod cons that people require nowadays. Yet with the right coach hire london company you can both travel for a good price and in style. If you only need to find seats for a dozen or so people, then minibus hire might be a better way to approach the problem. Either way, though, these are options that allow you to save money on diesel and to get someone else to do the driving for you.

If it’s a coach then this is one of the main attractions: a trained driver (or drivers) does the work for you, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride. This is critical if you are doing long distances – for example, on a school trip to the continent. Coach hire is one of the cheapest ways to get to Europe, and it makes a lot of sense if you’ve got the time to do it. However, the flipside is that the journeys are longer. You could easily be driving for 24 hours, and that’s not something you want to be responsible for if you need to be in a reasonable state at the other end.

That’s where luxury coach hire comes in. If you’re going to be travelling long distances, it makes sense to get a coach that allows you to do so in comfort. Minibus hire is suitable for shorter distances, since you are the one driving – there is no requirement for a new licence, so anyone who can drive a car can drive a minibus. But decent coach hire london companies will make sure that they offer drivers who are experienced and well-trained, as well as the vehicle to make your journey as easy as possible. For these reasons, opting for a minibus or luxury coach is an excellent way to go away with a large group of people. There are economies of scale that you do not have if everyone has to travel separately, and the hassle factor of taking many different cars is enormous – lots of drivers, lots of scope for people getting lost and breaking down, and no means to organise things centrally.

Please visit http://www.goldenboy.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.goldenboy.co.uk/

4fd1c7c0eaf55

Automotive, Holiday, Rental

Community broadband keeps even the most remote communities in the loop

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April 15th, 2012

The internet is everywhere. These days, it’s an infrastructure requirement as basic as electricity or phonelines. ICT infrastructure now needs to set its sights beyond basic connectivity, however, and make sure that Next Generation Access is installed to ensure your area or business keeps up with the fast-paced technological world. community broadband provides a total solution that will keep you in the loop, speed up data transmission, and won’t cut you off.

Regardless of the type of situation you’re in – whether business park, small community or rural estate – enhanced connectivity will bring in huge benefits. These benefits are both economic and social. First and foremost, ICT services produce high profitability for business and science park operators. Revenue from these services is second only to rents when carefully installed. Implementation advice can be sought from expert providers, who will be able to draw up a commercial strategy customised to your business needs. Business objectives, investment and upgrades will all be taken into account to formulate the technological infrastructure most suitable to your organisation. Efficient IT services make sure your business runs smoothly and improves your professionalism.

These improvements extend to rural estates, where isolated residents and local businesses collaborate together to construct a sustainable infrastructure across the area. This tried and tested strategy offers a useful second source of income, a sound return on investment and upgrades the current ICT services. Look to advisers with know-how in this particular field of ICT services to access the best and most expedient package for your area. No rural location need be distant thanks to recent developments in community broadband. In remote rural areas, residents often feel that they cannot expect the level of connectivity enjoyed by those in urban areas, but this is not necessarily the case. Investing in internet access produces economic growth, and subsequently gives a boost to local industries. Being connected to the world not only helps business: local services such as health and education also benefit from the increase in easily available information.

Enhancing your ICT infrastructure should be made a priority for all, from far removed rural communities to multi-tenanted business properties. Socially and economically, the benefits are enormous. Investing in Next Generation Access broadband now will pay off in terms of competitive edge and future resilience to technological advances. For solutions of the highest technical quality, look for co-operative outsourcing of community broadband projects and keep in the game wherever you are. In these times it makes no sense not to invest in growing technologies. Don’t delay: get connected.

Please visit http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/

4f7a372910e86

Business, Communication, Internet

Choose from a huge variety of London kickboxing classes

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March 27th, 2012

If you feel like your exercise routine needs some spicing up, then turn to a London kickboxing club for a work out that will really keep you on your toes. The last thing you want is for your fitness to suffer because you’re not motivated to go to the gym. With plenty of London kickboxing classes on offer, there’s no excuse not to seek one out. What’s more, once you’ve done some kickboxing, London will feel a whole lot safer.

Exercise should never feel like a chore. Keeping fit and healthy should be something you enjoy, not a slog. Kickboxing offers a brilliantly fun and engaging way to get fit – and it’s a little bit different, meaning you’ll not be just one more middle-of-the-road jogger or one more member of that gruelling legs bums n’ tums class. Kickboxing is an aerobic sport and improves co-ordination, flexibility, strength and speed – all in all, a great workout.

What’s more, kickboxing always takes place in an interactive, sociable setting. Most classes are non-contact, so don’t be put off, but with your sparring partner right in front of you, there’s no time to think about what you’re having for dinner or watching the clock. Most importantly this is a sport that engages you physically and mentally. You’ve got to be on the alert and always thinking about your next move.

These benefits are tied into another, which is the boost kickboxing can give your mental and spiritual health. The sociable, fun aspect increases your confidence, and as you acquire new skills this new-found confidence will rise and rise. The knowledge that you can defend yourself should a threatening situation arise also contributes towards this peace of mind. The supportive group-learning is geared towards making you feel supported, and at the same time, challenging you to go beyond your limits. There’ll be no danger of stagnation in this environment.

The defence aspect of kickboxing is an important one, because as well as developing your assertiveness, and giving you the tools to protect yourself and your property from harm, you’ll be doing two things at once! Keeping fit, and staying safe. When you live in a fast-paced city such as London, you’ll know what a benefit it is to be able to multi-task.  London kickboxing classes are available for everyone, from young children to teenagers, students and adults. All levels and standards are provided for, and the multi-tasking can continue – as there are a great deal of classes specifically for younger children from the age of four upwards, your kids can go to their class while you go to yours. Child-minding sorted! They get taught discipline, respect and confidence, too – all vital life-skills. London kickboxing clubs are a fusion of Western boxing and Eastern martial arts, taking the best of both worlds to give you a sport that never feels tired. Join a kickboxing London class today!

Please visit http://www.karmaa.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.karmaa.co.uk/

4f4fbe739e969

Sports