Author: christopher Harper

DoD Contractors and the New Cyber Mandate Impacts DoD Contractor Administrations

Deposit photosIf your contract with the Department of Defense (DoD) involves processing or holding information that is considered controlled unclassified information, it’s important to become familiar with the new DoD cyber mandate. In addition to using a GSA listed supplier, you should also keep the following information on this new mandate in mind.

Restrict Access to Authorized Users Only

Only authorized individuals who are able to present the right credentials should be allowed access to sensitive information. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access that could compromise this information.

Maintain Security Awareness

Administrators, managers and others who are involved in these contracts must be aware of security risks and track access to protected data. This makes it easier to detect any unusual activity that could be considered a security risk.

Prepare for Audit Reviews and Practice Accountability

Contractors who need to stay compliant with the DoD cyber mandate should be prepared to create and maintain audit records that can be monitored and investigated as needed.

Configure the Information System

Information systems should be configured so that they provide only as much functionality as needed for different users. This helps prevent unauthorized access that allows screen sharing or screen scrapping.

Identify and Authenticate Users

Information system users must be properly identified and authenticated to help keep protected content safe from unauthorized access. Those who need to do this should use a platform that offers authentication in order to remain in compliance with the mandate.

DJ Products is a GSA listed supplier for DoD contractors. If you are among these contractors and need a GSA-approved supplier, please browse our selection of products. Our products help you save time and manpower hours, along with reducing the risk of staff injuries.

Technology is Changing the Face of Property Management

the Face of Property ManagementTimes sure have changed since the typical property management equipment consisted of little more than a mop, broom, and screwdriver. Today, software runs the show behind the scenes.

According to a recent Cre.tech article about the most successful real estate apps, 88% of property managers are using cloud-based software. Apps can handle online rent collection, tenant requests for repair, new tenant screening and applications, vacancy listings, and more.

Cre.tech highlights three property management apps with various selling points:

• AppFolio, an enterprise level property management software-as-a-service

• Buildium, with an owner portal packed with financial reports plus a tenant-facing portal

• Cozy, a property management app aimed at landlords and small businesses

Venture funds and public offerings have injected hoards of cash into these tech companies, with the market’s most popular apps becoming extremely profitable. With costs as low as a dollar per tenant per month, this is technology that any size landlord can adopt.

Does Your Property Need More Software… or More Hardware?

The value of such apps mostly comes from small increases in efficiency thanks to reduced paperwork, streamlined rent payments, and digital record keeping.

Property management equipment can bring an immediate impact to your productivity and profits, too. A battery-powered cleaning supply cart can help condo staff do daily chores a little faster. With motorized dumpster movers, you can use one employee instead of two to handle waste collection — while also reducing the risk of worker injury claims.

DJ Products has the property management equipment solutions you need to achieve the profitability that is now possible with modern technology. Check out our WasteCaddy and other efficiency-boosting products for more info.

Dumpster Tips: When Is a Dumpster a Better Solution than a Trash Compactor?

Deposit photos
When to Know When to Make the Right Decision

Having a place to keep garbage is essential for businesses of all kinds, but what type of trash storage does your company need? Whether your company would do better with a dumpster or trash compactor depends on a few different factors. Keep the following in mind when you need to choose the right trash storage for your business.

Company Budget

The amount of money in your budget is another factor to consider. Keep in mind that you’ll need to include the cost of dumpster moving equipment in your budget if you decide to go with a dumpster. Trash compactors can help you save money, since they don’t need to be emptied as often.

Amount of Garbage

The amount of garbage your company produces on a regular basis is one of the most important factors to consider. Companies that produce smaller or moderate amounts of garbage can use a dumpster to hold it until a local waste hauler empties it, which usually happens once a week or every other week. Companies that produce large amounts of garbage on a regular basis should look into getting a trash compactor. Trash compactors are able to hold more, since they compress the garbage inside them each time they’re filled.

Pest Concerns

If your property has problems with rats, mice, cockroaches or other pests, then you might be better off with a trash compactor. These tend to have tighter seals compared to dumpsters, which helps prevent pests from getting inside.

If you’re interested in dumpster moving equipment for your business, please visit DJ Products. We carry a wide selection of high-quality equipment that can help your business reduce the risk of injuries, save time and cut down on manpower hours.

Introducing the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler

Kayla pulling dumpsterHow many injuries do your employees have each year? Are any of those injuries related to moving heavy dumpsters on the job? If they are, then you need a solution. Moving dumpsters manually is hard work, and it puts employees and their health at risk. A dumpster puller or a great product like our WasteCaddy Trash Hauler can keep them safe. It also offers you plenty of other benefits.

Saving Time and Man Power

How would you use an extra employee? What would your employees be able to accomplish at work if they had more time? A dumpster puller could give you and your workers back some valuable time.

One customer stated that having the right equipment is, “…like having another employee on staff.” She went on to say that now, instead of needing two people to spend eight hours a week on the trash, it only takes one.

Preventing Injuries on the Job

Many on-the-job injuries are related to moving heavy dumpsters. This can get expensive for employers, plus, they also lose valuable members of their teams. Having the right equipment, such as using a WasteCaddy Trash Hauler, can prevent those injuries from occurring. This keeps businesses much more productive, and reduces costs in many areas.

Saving Money

When you save time and prevent injuries, you’re also saving money. In today’s world, that’s a big deal. Employers can avoid shelling out thousands of dollars every year because of lack of personnel and workers comp claims.

Do you have questions about the dumpster puller or the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler? We’d love to hear them and get you answers. Contact us!

Mexico Hospital Holds US Citizen Hostage Over Unpaid Bills

powered housekeeping cartDespite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the United States has continued to struggle with the problem of spiraling healthcare costs. For one woman from Idaho, the issue crossed international borders and has taken on nightmare proportions.

Medical Care or Extortion?

During a vacation to Mexico with her sister-in-law, 67-year-old retired high school teacher Vikki Moormann began experiencing uncontrollable vomiting. Doctors at the Hospital San Javier Riviera Nayarit diagnosed Moormann with a urinary tract infection and the initial stages of pneumonia.

The story took a bizarre turn when Moormann claimed that the hospital wouldn’t allow her to leave until she paid her bill, which had risen to $40,000. A hospital representative denied the accusation, blaming the media and Moormann’s son Ryen for sensationalizing the situation.

The Situation Escalates

While Ryen attempted to raise the funds by setting up a GoFundMe page, Moormann was able to pay only $6,000 of the total charges. Moormann offered to make monthly payments, and her family contacted both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Consulate, but nothing has been resolved.

In a conversation posted on his Facebook page, Ryen Moormann was told by another hospital representative that his mother would not be released until the bill was paid in full. When Fox News contacted Vikki Moormann, the phone cut in and out until they were informed that she was “busy.”

The Solution to Moving Heavy Hospital Carts

Whether your hospital cart needs are foreign or domestic, ask yourself if your employees struggle with moving hospital carts through busy hallways and tight quarters? Visit our website for information about electric tugs and pushers such as the CartCaddyLite from DJ Products.

Start 2019 Out Strong with Our Top Warehouse Efficiency Tips

Start the Year off on the Right Foot in the Workplace!
Start the Year off on the Right Foot in the Workplace!

Is increased efficiency on your list of New Year’s resolutions for your warehouse? Our electric industrial tugs are a safe and cost-effective way to accomplish this goal.

Supplement your efforts with a number of easy-to-implement methods that improve all factors of warehouse performance. Here are tested tips to increase efficiency and boost productivity in 2019:

Communicate Openly and Often

No matter how well everyone knows their job, nothing should be taken for granted. Share all relevant information required to prevent problems and keep order processing moving smoothly.

Embrace Metrics

Metrics provide specific measurements of performance in a straightforward and objective manner. Today there are more tools than ever before to collect and share data in a user-friendly format.

Maximize Vertical Space and Optimize Slots

Expanding vertically is a quick way to add space without expensive renovations. Warehouse management systems (WMS) let you assign slots for maximum productivity based on seasons, inventory levels, SKU movement and other relevant factors.

Reduce Travel Time

Labor is a significant expense, and much of it is taken up with travel time while picking, packing and shipping orders. Analyze your warehouse layout and make sure work stations are set up in a logical order.

Implement Effective Training Programs

As technology becomes more integrated in warehouse management, workers can’t afford to be left out of the loop. Design robust and ongoing training programs that allow employees to be comfortable with new systems and solicit feedback to find areas for improvement.

Industrial Tugs for Every Application from DJ Products

Whatever your need, we have battery-powered industrial tugs, movers and pushers that handle it. Use the handy chat feature on our website and let our friendly sales engineers find the solution that’s right for you.

Top Behaviors that Cause Forklift Accidents – What to Know

OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness
OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness

Is warehouse equipment safety training a priority in your company’s culture? Statistics show that 10 percent of forklifts will be involved in an accident over the next year due to poor training or operator error, resulting in 100,000 job-related injuries.

Accident prevention is more cost-effective than paying for medical costs and equipment damage. Use these tips to create greater safety awareness among your workers.

Develop Effective Training Programs

Some companies pay lip service to safety training, doing just enough to satisfy requirements. Focus on creating a meaningful training program that integrates demonstrations, interactive lessons and other learning forms to maintain interest. In addition, make training an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

Identify Risk Factors

Telematic data gathering lets you document location and other significant information about accidents and near misses. Use the data to develop a profile of common risk factors and incorporate the findings in safety training. You can also take steps to counteract risk, such as increasing lighting at dangerous intersections.

Monitor Optical Location Records

Optical location data provides real-time information to track individual drivers. Look for patterns corresponding with safety violations to spotlight areas for improvement.

Identify Risky Driver Behavior

Main causes of operator error include:

– Poor spatial awareness, such as misjudging the size of a load

– Recklessness, such as speeding or driving in unauthorized areas

– Complacency, which leads to lack of awareness regarding pedestrians, obstructions and other potential hazards

Put Safety First with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers come with standard safety features such as high-tech speed controllers, neutral throttle braking, and safety stop switches to reduce risk of accidents and injuries. Use the handy chat feature on our website to learn more from our knowledgeable sales engineers.

Hotels Embrace the New Concept of ‘Lifestyle’ in Marketing

The Hospitality Industry
The Hospitality Industry

Hospitality leaders agree: lifestyle hotels are more than a passing fad. The new norm focuses on guest experience and upscale communal features like critically acclaimed restaurants and WiFi friendly lobby seating.

Travelers want their hotel to be a desirable place to hang out, and “have a room upstairs.” The results can vary depending on the target market (young millennials, business travelers, international tourists) but the emphasis on a unique experience runs across the board.

A recent profile of the Freehand Hotels shows how the new chain learned from its first project, a hostel-style boutique in Miami with private and shared rooms. Guests loved the community lounge spaces but strongly preferred private rooms. Freehand changed gears for its subsequent hotels, moving away from shared bathrooms but keeping the lounge spaces.

Pod Hotels in New York City show the same commitment to the “lifestyle” concept. Guests are greeted by a twenty-something concierge dressed to go DJ at a nightclub — and find themselves immersed in a trendy bar scene before reaching the front desk.

Mainstream hotels and business hotels are embracing lifestyle, too. Some spotlight the beauty of restored historic buildings, local artwork, or lobby filled with business productivity tools.

For hotel management, the shift toward lifestyle hotels means creating a consistent atmosphere. After  choosing new decor and lobby furniture, the hotel can streamline daily operations with new tools for hotel and hospitality cart movement. Employees work with motorized carts to get cleaning and maintenance done quickly — putting the best foot forward for the hotel’s lifestyle experience.

For more info on hotel and hospitality cart movement, visit DJ Products.com.

OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness

OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness
OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness

Forklifts are standard material handling equipment in most warehouses. While forklifts allow greater productivity, they can also increase risk of injury and damage if workers don’t follow safe operating procedures.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promotes education and training to raise awareness of workplace safety. Here are OSHA’s top tips for operating forklifts safely and efficiently.

Mounting and Dismounting

– Make sure hands are clean and dry to prevent slipping off handholds.

– Don’t use the steering wheel to pull yourself up.

– Check the soles of shoes for grease that may cause your footing to slip.

– Climb in and out carefully and avoid jumping.

Starting and Stopping

– Conduct a visual and operational inspection of the forklift before each use.

– Check the travel path for obstructions.

– Watch out for blind spots and use the horn as needed.

– Don’t park in a spot that blocks the aisle or doorways.

– Always engage the parking brake.

Driving, Steering and Turning

– Drive at a speed that allows for safe stopping.

– Always look in the direction of travel.

– Reduce speed when turning and come to a complete stop before changing directions.

– Make sure forks are lowered before turning or reversing.

– Give pedestrians generous clearance.

– When traveling on an incline, always keep the load upgrade.

Forklift Operators

– Keep arms and legs inside the forklift at all times.

– Never carry passengers on the lift itself.

– Don’t engage in stunt driving or tricks.

– In case of a tipover, hold tight to the steering wheel, brace your feet and lean away from the impact.

Put Safety First with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Minimize costly workplace injuries and damages with our ergonomically-designed tugs, movers and pushers. Visit our website to learn more about our efficient and cost-effective material handling equipment.

ELD Changes Impact More Than Just the Trucking Industry

ELD Changes Impact More Than Just the Trucking Industry
ELD Changes Impact More Than Just the Trucking Industry

One of the advantages of our terminal tractors is that no special licensing is required to operate them. Other elements of the trucking industry are subject to extensive regulations, and nowhere is that more evident than with implementation of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate.

While the news has been full of stories about transportation companies and drivers dealing with the transition, an unexpected but serious consequence has arisen: customers are being affected by significant delays in delivery times.

Coping with Extended Delivery Times

One such business is Dakota Gasification Co., which depends on deliveries of supplies to its Great Plains Synfuel Plant near Beulah, ND. According to senior logistics administrator Nathan Johnson, single-day deliveries are now taking as much as three to four days.

Another company experiencing extended delivery times is McQuade, a distributor of specialty, import and craft beers located in Bismarck. President Shannon McQuade-Ely explains that many of their shipments come from Colorado, but loaded trucks often sit idle because no drivers are available.

What’s Behind the Delays?

The ELD mandate didn’t change service time requirements, but it did have a significant effect on how time is tracked. For example, the clock used to stop during loading and unloading of trucks, but now ELDs continue to run so that no longer counts as down time.

Not surprisingly, freight rates are rising as demand outstrips supply. McQuade-Ely points to a couple of other factors contributing to a driver shortage:

– Department of Transportation physical requirements

– Spread of legalized marijuana, which prevents applicants from passing drug tests

Efficient, Cost-Effective Terminal Tractors from DJ Products

Our Electric Yard Dog moves trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds for one-quarter the cost of a new shunt truck. Visit our website for more information.