Your Scrum or Kanban board- Best Practices 19 Dec 2021, 10:08 am

 Kanban is an agile workflow management method used in project management to maximize project efficiency by visualizing the workflow and reducing work in progress. Scrum, on the other hand, is an agile product development process where the complete work is divided into short iterations and completed within a timeline called “sprint”.

Despite having many differences, the Kanban board and Scrum board are quite similar in some important aspects. Many organizations have made both the methodologies an important part of their project management tool. Yet many would prefer to use only the Scrum methodology because of its prescriptive nature. It is not easy to declare one of them as the best given their varied pros and cons.

Let us have an understanding of the differences between a Scrum board and a Kanban board

Kanban and Scrum board differs mainly on the following points:

1. Roles and responsibilities:

• There are three parties to a scrum, a product owner, scrum master, and the scrum team. The product owner defines what goals need to be achieved. The scrum master defines the timeline and guides the team on Scrum technique. All the team members (which is generally cross-functional) have a predefined set of roles. No one remains in a state of ambiguity and the work is equally distributed.
• However, in Kanban, roles are not predefined. The team, which doesn’t require being cross-functional, is expected to collaborate on their own in terms of work allocation.

2. Due dates

• In Scrum, the work is divided into sprint backlogs and are assigned a timeline of less than a month, which is termed as a sprint. All the subtasks are expected to be completed and reviewed in the given timeframe.
• Due dates in a Kanban board are decided by the business as per its needs. The workflow continues and the products are delivered on an “as-needed” basis.

3. Modifications

• In Scrum, no changes are allowed once the sprint backlog is determined and the work is commenced. Any required changes are encouraged to be made in the subsequent sprint.
• Kanban board is flexible in terms of changes, which could be introduced at any time during the development of the project. Continuous improvements are allowed even in the project mid-stream.

4. Measurement

• In a Scrum board, productivity is measured through velocity. Each sprint is laid out back-to-back to review the performances. The success of a sprint depends on the previous sprint because adjustments and disruptions identified in a sprint are corrected in the next sprint.

• In a Kanban board, productivity is measured on a project basis by ascertaining the time required to complete a project right from the beginning to the end.

5. Board

• In a Scrum board, at the beginning of the sprint, all the stories are mentioned in the first column. The stories pass through different stages until they land on the final “completed” column. After successful completion and review of each sprint, the board is prepared for the subsequent sprint.

• In a Kanban board, too, the same way columns are labeled. However, there is a limit on the number of stories allowed in each column at a time. The same content on the board continues until the completion of the project.

Advantages of Scrum

• A scrum board promotes more transparency in the project development process as frequent feedback is obtained from the product owner throughout the sprint process.
• With predefined roles and responsibilities and sprint reviews, it increases team accountability.
• It is a cost-saving method.
• It is an independent tool and does not require to be merged with any other business process.

Disadvantages of Scrum

• It is less flexible in terms of changes. Changes are discouraged in a sprint and be carried out only in the next sprint.
• It requires an experienced and trained team to work with a Scrum board.
• It is mandatory to appoint a Scrum master to guide the team in scrum methodology. A less experienced scrum master can severely impact the development process.

Advantages of a Kanban board

• A Kanban board is way more flexible than a scrum board, which allows for process changes whenever needed.
• A Kanban board helps in reducing wastes from processes.
• As the process is quite easy to understand, it does not require a trained team to work with it.
• It helps organizations in reducing the time cycle of the product development process.

Disadvantages of a Kanban board 

• One major disadvantage is the lack of timeframe. As workflows continue on an “as-needed” basis, there are chances of processes taking way too long if the team does not work sincerely on it.
• It cannot be used as an independent tool. It has to be merged with other processes to derive its benefits.
• Through Kanban allows flexibility in terms of project requirements, it is not suitable if your organization operates in a dynamic environment. The planning is done assuming stable situations.

Which is better?

The choice depends on various factors and circumstances as under:

• If you already have a product development system in place, which is deriving the best results and all you want is to improve its productivity, then a Kanban board is the ideal choice. This will help in visualizing the workflow and help in managing time more efficiently. Your primary development system will remain the same.

• However, if you want to adopt an efficient and well-defined product development framework to replace the existing system in your organization, then Scrum is the best choice. In this case, Kanban cannot be implemented, as it is not an independent tool.

• As far as types of projects are concerned, a Kanban board is best with projects with varying requirements as it allows for frequent changes. While projects with stable priorities, a Scrum board is preferable as not many changes are allowed.

4 Hacks That Make Your Reception Space Perfect In a Customized Fashion 19 Dec 2021, 10:06 am

 Being able to find a wedding venue in Houston that answers your wants, while remaining in your budget, can be tough. The décor itself crosses out many options. This is because most wedding venues and reception halls have a set décor for an occasion. This then rules out adding your customizations. However, there are also many inexpensive wedding venues in Houston that provide customizable options. Thus, opting for them makes your wedding more personal.

In this blog, we shall be talking about 4 great hacks to help you customize your wedding reception to make it more personal and attractive. All these hacks work seamlessly without requiring extra costs or requirements. All you have to do is to think from the guests’ point of view. There are some affordable wedding venues in Houston that allow you to incorporate your own ideas and their design experts will work on them to give you the perfect wedding reception space.

Here are 4 great wedding space hacks for you:

1. 1. CREATE FOCAL POINTS

One of the most primary concerns for any couple about to be hitched is to be able to find a wedding venue that is perfect for the number of guests invited. A reception venue seems either too small or too large. Well, when this is the situation, it is suggested to go for a larger venue and then make the most of the space with decorations to give it a personal touch. You can use floor coverings or furniture to designate separate areas. You can think of setting up buffets and drink stations in a spread-out fashion so that people can move around. There are many wedding venues in Houston that have customizable décor options. Their expert designers will help you in turning the spacious interior into a cozy wedding space.

1. 1. INCORPORATE Themes

Themes are what make a wedding unique. And the primary aspect of a theme is color. However, it is very much possible that you may run into a wedding reception hall whose décor colors clash with those of your intention. And this can be really irritating. However, instead of chalking out the venue itself, find out ways of how you can create a contrasting décor using the hall’s color. For this, what you can do is think about incorporating them in minute ways, like in the napkins, centerpieces and flowers too. Many inexpensive wedding venues in Houston let you add your own choice of flowers and beautiful centerpieces and make your wedding theme more attractive and gorgeous.

1. 1. LOSE THE CARPET

This is a very underrated aspect of a wedding reception hall. Many such halls try to make the event look special by putting patterned carpets. This pulls the concentration of the guests downwards to the floor. But you don’t want that, do you? So what you can do is get rid of them. Or better still, opt for attractive centerpieces that your guests will look up to. As a matter of fact, many affordable wedding venues in Houston provide table covers and chair linens that make them much more royal and suit a wedding.

1. 1. PROJECTOR SCREEN

This is a great way to customize your wedding. You can have images showing memories of you and your beloved along with the friends and family especially of those who have been invited. After all, people love to search for themselves in old pictures. There are many wedding venues in Houston that provide high-quality projectors and large projector screens to make your memories larger than life while making sure that your guests are entertained to the fullest.

Making sure that your guests do not feel bored is very important. These 4 hacks will help you customize your wedding reception space perfectly.

NOC Engineering 18 Dec 2021, 10:03 am

NOC Engineering

All the individuals who are engaged in manufacturing and servicing of utility equipment are advised to follow the standards and regulations of NOC Engineering. A company with quality appliances and electronic devices is called a NOC engineering firm.

To meet the standards set by the industry, a company requires adequate knowledge and analysis of the industries that they wish to serve. A company should have the requisite knowledge and skills to design, produce, and deploy the products. There are various types of standards established for use in manufacturing, designing, producing, and deploying the products.

The standards implemented to ensure customer satisfaction and to maintain quality standards are set by organizations of NOC Engineering. These standards cover the processes and operations associated with the product. These are the details of how the products are manufactured and used by the customers.

Facilities are the most important aspect of manufacturing. These are the work areas where various industrial processes are carried out. These work areas include workbenches, equipment management system, work tables, production machines, distribution, and salesrooms. The equipment management system controls the use of all the devices within a certain industrial process.

The equipment management system employs the concepts of setting priorities of different devices and taking measures to ensure efficiency and accuracy in the manufacturing of a certain industrial process. A monitor will also be designed in such a way so that appropriate measurements can be made at regular intervals. A good monitor ensures that all the standard parameters are met in the manufacturing of a certain product. After proper monitoring, the process of manufacturing and distributing the product can be carried out.

A systematic engineering team is responsible for ensuring that the right procedures are followed in the manufacturing of the products. The team will develop the products according to the specifications set by the end-users.

The overall aim of the NOC Engineering is to develop an industrial process using technology that suits the requirements of the customers. The products that come out of this process are always in conformity with the standards set by the environment. With this, it is ensured that the product is used properly and effectively and meets the objectives of the customers.

The industrial process can be implemented with the help of such instruments as measurement equipment, control equipment, and control system. These are some of the equipment that is used in the manufacturing of a certain product. These are required to meet the requirements of the industries so that they can meet the expectations of the end-users.

The main aim of the workers is to ensure that the products that are produced are done so in an efficient manner. NOC Engineering organizations consider the possibility of having the products in a defective condition.

Some of the standards required for a manufacturing process include process specifications, identification of technical problems, continuous product improvement, requirements of the end-users, consumer acceptance and communication, industrial process monitoring, and business systems planning. An organization can meet the standards that are set by the standards organization of the industry and it ensures that the products are in a clean state and secure. It also ensures that the end-users get satisfactory results from the products that are produced.

These standard specifications and processes enable the products to meet the needs of the end-users. It can take care of all the practicalities involved in the industrial processes. It ensures that all the processes are carried out properly and efficiently.

A NOC Engineering company has trained engineers, technicians, and management in its industrial process and material handling plants. It also ensures that all the products that are produced have the quality and functionality that are required. As such, it is a company that can provide service to all the industrial processes in an efficient manner.

NOC Engineer Responsibilities

The NOC Engineer is responsible for many NOC projects. The duties of the NOC Engineer vary, depending on the project.

On-site team development. A NOC project may require developing an on-site team that will perform the tasks of the project as part of a regular NOC Engineer's work. The responsibilities for this task may vary, but generally, the NOC Engineer is responsible for carrying out design work that will help achieve the mission of the organization.

Design work. All projects require design work to be carried out in order to achieve a mission or goal. This is work that is integrated into the overall development of the project.

Process improvement. All projects have certain parts of the process that are in need of improvement. In order to deliver a project successfully, a NOC Engineer needs to have the ability to identify and design improvements to those areas of the process where the development is needed.

Project management. A NOC Engineer is expected to work closely with management to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The role of the NOC Engineer can be done by the management or the engineering team, depending on the project. Typically, the NOC Engineer will ensure that each team works as a single unit and that they achieve the necessary synergy to make the project a success.

Production and installation. Most projects will involve a change to a process, or an increase in production, or an increase in the quality of production. The requirements for production and installation for these projects vary. This responsibility can be delegated to the engineer who will ensure that the design of the process is suitable for the new product or to the engineering team, depending on the requirements.

Project management. These are separate from the operations of the project and involve managing all aspects of the project, ensuring that the project gets done on time and within budget. The NOC Engineer has many responsibilities in relation to the success of the project. Typically, the engineer has responsibility for the overall success of the project, including information on the budget, schedule, progress, status, and methods of communication.

Technical analysis. A NOC project may require a specialist to perform the technical analysis of the process. This is a process that helps determine the factors that influence the process. The NOC Engineer will be involved in the process analysis, but they will also have responsibility for communication with the client.

People management. All projects require human interaction between the various teams, and the NOC Engineer is responsible for managing people in the team.

Project documentation. The NOC Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the project documentation is accurate and that it contains all the necessary information that is required to complete the project.

Program implementation. All projects require an implementation phase, and this phase is the phase of the project where the real work begins. Typically, the NOC Engineer will perform the first phase of the project (this could include design, prototype, and design verification), before the first implementation stage begins.

In the event of any difficulties during the project, the NOC Engineer will be involved in the initiation of the project. The responsibilities of the NOC Engineer are so wide and varied that it is sometimes hard to know where to start. In most cases, a brief discussion with management or the project team will help make the right decisions.

Most Popular Types of Working Capital Loans 18 Dec 2021, 10:01 am

 Most people usually think that there is only one type of business loan available in the financial market. But there are many kinds of working capital loans available in the markets which are mostly unseen. Business loans are always based on the type of business that one runs and the amount of cash flow, required for that business. It might be, at times, complicated to understand the world of the business and working capital loans, but it is worth the knowledge and understanding of these loans. It is essential to do the necessary research. Listed below are the types of business loans.

Working capital loan

It is essential to have an understanding of the working capital loans and what they are used for. Working capital loans are specially meant for the funding of daily operations of a business. They can be used for paying off the employee salaries, every regular operating expense as well as mortgages on business properties. The working capital loans are not for the starting up of any business or purchasing of assets. They are required to give the necessary cash flow that one needs to handle the business expenses as well as the running up of the business. The working capital loans will always be precious as they try to infuse the cash flow during any emergency as well as the financial crisis. There can be a proper flow of cash to have all the operations—expansion of business running at all times. Most of the small businesses gain a lot from these loans as they will require cash for all their emergencies. There are a few types of working capital loans that one must understand to have clarity with these loans.

Short term working capital loans

A working capital loan can be availed from any source or a financial lender. These loans can be availed from banks to online lenders that are available in the market. The very first type of working capital loan is the short term loan. The short term loans usually vary from two weeks to twelve months and many other financial institutions, as well as lenders, offer loan terms up to five years. These short term loans are beneficial when there is a need for cash at specific intervals or needs and have the ability to be paid back within a short interval of time. The application process, lack of broker fees as well as no prepayment penalty, and having flexible payment options make these loans an ideal option.

Loan facility and Bank overdraft

The bank overdraft type of the working capital loan will allow the withdrawal in excess from the savings as well as checking account of the concerned person who avails the loan. The bank overdraft type of cash advances on credit cards can be made possible. These overdrafts can also be in the form of investments made. Bank overdrafts are not only suitable for working capital but are very useful in general. The loan terms and tenures of a bank overdraft will always be related to the relationship that one has with the bank as well as their credit history. In most of the cases, the interest rates for the bank overdraft will always be higher when compared to the other working capital loans taken from a bank.

Accounts receivable loan

These loans are related to one's assets on the whole as a company which can be like the business's sales order value. The entire value of the loan will be based on the general account amount received by the person. This value can arrive from the number that comes with the value of the confirmed orders in the past. These types of loans are very essential and also an ideal option for the companies that require cash flow for the completion of orders and sales contracts. The credit history and reputation of the companies are focussed.

Advanced working capital loan

These types of working capital loans are very similar and mostly the same as the accounts receivable loans. Loans are availed basically during the sales order value of the business. The sales order value is always based on the anticipation of the person for receiving in the future.  It is also based on the future receipts of the transactions made with the credit card. When a business mostly relies on a credit card transaction, and in those cases, these loans become very ideal for that business, and also future capitals can be expected with these transactions.

Other Sources

With these listed types of working capital loans above, Equity funding is also considered as an important source for the working capital loan. When businesses are starting out afresh in the business world, they can be the right solutions for all their issues. The equity funding is a working capital loan that comes with its own resources. The personal resources include investments as well as the home equity loans and also investments involving the friends and family. A trade creditor loan can be explored which is based on the existing relationship that one’s business has with the supplier now or in the future. These are quite common as many suppliers will offer these loans to the person who purchases the orders in bulk. This is a very essential option for the business that relies mostly on the suppliers as well as good credit history.

Many individuals simply take out the working capital loans from their financial institutions as it is very similar to the availing of a business loan through a bank or also a car loan. Some individuals can take out loans that might last up to five years at the credit-dependent interest rates. There are many types of working capital loan sources available in the market. The business credit history, as well as the monthly deposits, must be kept in the mind as they play a part in the eligibility of the loan. The needs of the loan that is availed must be understood completely before the loan is availed to make proper planning.

Also, the cash flow must help generate profit margins. This planning will help to choose the right loan suitable for the business. Short term loans are very easy to avail and also very easy to pay back to complete the repayment process as they have competitive interest rates. The banks and NBFCs will help any individual in their working capital needs to fulfill their business requirements. So with the above-listed types of working capital loans, one can have a clear understanding of the other areas in business loans.