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Edinburgh Reporter
8 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
How the Top 3 Construction Management Softwares Can Simplify Your Budgeting
Construction firms don't have time for fragmented workflows. Delays, budget overruns, and disconnected systems stall progress. The right project management software removes these issues with centralized control, real-time updates, and automated reporting. This article compares three leading solutions: Premier, Onsite, and ClickUp. Each one serves a different user base, from large-scale operations to small contractors and remote teams. We'll break down where each platform excels, how they improve oversight, and what kind of user benefits most from each system. If you're deciding on software that simplifies construction management while improving profits, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. Photo by Anamul Rezwan: 1. Premier: Top Choice for Streamlined Construction Management Premier sits among the highest-rated platforms for cloud-based construction oversight. It brings every piece of project data into one unified space, unlike outdated systems that scatter information across disconnected tools. What Sets Premier Apart Premier combines core operations in one digital workspace. Teams no longer need to manage separate apps for accounting, scheduling, and field tasks. Financial tracking, job progress, cost analysis, and site coordination are integrated, along with AI-powered enhancements. The software handles cross-company workflows and joint ventures with ease, managing internal transfers automatically. Tasks like invoice routing, RFIs, purchase orders, and submittals move faster, cutting office workload by up to 80%. Clear Oversight and Time Savings Real-time dashboards present up-to-date performance, potential risks, and financial summaries. Team members can pull reports or review live data from their phones or tablets. Version control guarantees that all stakeholders work from the most current files. These tools free up project managers, saving them up to 12 hours per week on average. Live Cost Tracking and Budget Insights Premier helps keep expenses in check by tracking labor, materials, and overhead as they happen. If spending nears preset limits, the system alerts users immediately, helping avoid budget issues before they escalate. Costs are analyzed by job, location, and phase for better financial accuracy. Future spending is estimated using real-time data and forecasts. With over 35 customizable reports, teams can pinpoint budget gaps, profit margins, and outstanding items in seconds. User-Centered Interface Premier's interface is clean and simple, which shortens the learning curve. A centralized inbox keeps users updated on requests and status changes. Mobile users can work offline without disruption, the app syncs automatically once reconnected. Built on Azure and encrypted with AES-256, the platform meets global data protection standards. 2. Onsite: Best for Small Contractors Small contractors looking for specialized construction management software will find Onsite works great for their needs. Built mainly for smaller teams, Onsite provides an easy-to-use set of tools that make project management simple without needing deep technical expertise. Daily Reporting Onsite makes daily site documentation easier with automated reporting tools that give busy contractors more time back in their day. Field teams can track progress using photos and videos and add them straight into their reports for better visual documentation. The system lets contractors update issues and snags whether they're online or offline. All changes sync up automatically when the connection comes back. The digital reporting creates professional-looking branded PDFs that keep everyone in the loop – much better than paper-based systems. These time-saving features let small teams spend more time on actual construction work instead of paperwork. Material Tracking Small contractors often struggle with material management. Onsite helps solve this with complete tracking features that include: Up-to-the-minute data analysis to stop over-ordering and material theft Purchase order tracking to keep tabs on procurement status Warehouse activity tracking for better material handling Material expense management to keep financial records accurate This visibility helps track costs better and cuts down on waste, which leads to better profits. Without doubt, this control helps small contractors compete better against bigger companies by keeping a tighter grip on their resources. Team Management Onsite makes workforce management smoother with team coordination features that just work. The software handles labor attendance and salary calculations automatically, which saves hours of administrative work. Managers can assign tasks smartly and watch progress to avoid delays and expensive overtime. Team leaders can also set up standard processes to get projects done faster. The platform makes shared teamwork natural by putting all stakeholder conversations in one available spot. This ends up building trust and accountability through better communication. 3. ClickUp: Best for Team Collaboration ClickUp provides robust solutions that help construction teams collaborate better. The platform comes with specialized features that streamline construction project coordination and team communication. Task Management Features ClickUp brings all construction operations together through customizable task management options. Teams can handle projects from pre-sales to concept to delivery on a single platform. Construction managers add specific columns using Custom Fields to track subcontractor details, construction sites, budgets, and other project information. The platform's visual organization tools include List view to organize resources and processes, Board view for Kanban-style workflows, Calendar view for timeline planning, and Timeline view to schedule project dates horizontally. Custom Workflows Construction teams can adapt task statuses to match their project phases like 'Design,' 'Permitting,' and 'Construction'. Task dependencies help work flow smoothly by setting tasks as blockers or waiting on other completions. The platform's automation features cut down time spent updating routinely, completed tasks automatically update their status, and deadline reminders go out before due dates. Teams can save status templates to build custom CRM systems that manage projects, clients, and contractors. Time Tracking ClickUp's built-in time tracking works on any device to benefit construction teams. Users track time right within tasks using the global timer, set estimates, and add notes. Time sheets show tracked hours by day, week, month, or custom ranges. Managers can pull reports that group time by dates with detailed tasks and entries to analyze resource allocation better. The system tracks billable hours and exports data for accurate invoicing. Document Creation Teams use ClickUp Docs to create documents, databases, and wikis for construction projects while editing together in real time. The platform lets users create nested pages, format content, add comments, and turn text into trackable tasks. Construction management templates, client relationship tools, and architectural design guides help teams set up workflows faster. The system also lets users embed Google Sheets, Docs, and other references directly into custom views. Conclusion Premier is the most capable overall, built for teams needing control across finance, operations, and fieldwork. Onsite fits smaller crews that want simple workflows, quick setup, and solid daily reporting. ClickUp leans toward teams prioritizing collaboration and task visibility, with flexible tracking and automation. Each tool serves its purpose well, but your business scale and structure should guide your choice. Look closely at how each system handles cost control, team coordination, and documentation. A solution that fits your current process, and scales with growth, will provide the greatest return. Choose based on impact, not features alone. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best VPN for Firestick (2025): Top Streaming Device VPN Named by Expert Consumers
Expert Consumers has named a leading VPN service as the top-ranked virtual private network for Amazon Firestick users in 2025 NEW YORK CITY, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert Consumers has named a leading VPN service as the top-ranked virtual private network for Amazon Firestick users in 2025, following an in-depth evaluation of streaming performance, device compatibility, privacy features, and ease of use. This recognition comes amid a growing reliance on VPN technology to protect user privacy, unblock streaming content, and maintain stable connection speeds, especially on devices such as the Fire TV Stick that serve as primary media hubs in millions of households. Virtual private networks have become essential tools for consumers looking to bypass content restrictions, secure their online activity, and prevent internet service providers from throttling bandwidth. However, many VPNs fall short when it comes to user experience on smart TV platforms like Firestick. Consumers often report a range of issues, from sluggish streaming speeds and inconsistent app support to limited server options and poor UI navigation using remote controls. One of the most pressing issues for Firestick users is the inability to access content libraries from other countries. Major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ often implement geo-restrictions that limit available content based on the user's IP address. A reliable VPN should have the ability to reliably bypass these restrictions by routing user traffic through high-speed servers in multiple regions. Another widespread problem is ISP throttling, where internet providers deliberately slow down streaming traffic during peak hours or high usage periods. This can significantly degrade the streaming experience on Firestick, especially for users consuming high-definition content. By encrypting user data and masking streaming activity, a good VPN prevents ISPs from detecting and throttling streaming sessions. This ensures smoother playback and more consistent speeds across all connected devices, even during peak usage windows. Privacy and security are also significant concerns for users accessing streaming services over public or shared networks. Without protection, browsing habits and personal data can be exposed to advertisers, network administrators, or malicious third parties. Employing AES-256 encryption, an industry-standard for securing data transmission, is the best practice. Combined with a strict no-logs policy and independently operated infrastructure, user activity remains confidential at all times, both from external surveillance and the service itself. Firestick compatibility is another critical benchmark that distinguishes the top performer from other options in the marketplace. Many VPNs lack direct support for Amazon's operating system or fail to offer apps optimized for use with a remote control. It's best if a VPN is available directly from the Amazon Appstore, enabling quick installation and intuitive operation. recommends the 2020 third-generation Firestick for users with 1080p TVs, and the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max for those using UHD displays. These devices offer dual-band WiFi, Dolby Atmos sound support, and improved processors that enhance streaming and app performance when used in combination with a VPN. Beyond the core capabilities, additional features such as split tunneling and automatic server selection are valuable tools for Firestick users. Split tunneling allows certain apps or services to bypass the VPN tunnel, which can be useful for streaming platforms that block encrypted traffic or for local network services that require a direct connection. Automatic server selection removes guesswork for less technical users by identifying the fastest and most stable server available based on location and usage metrics. A built-in kill switch also prevents data leaks by cutting internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preserving user privacy at all times. The 2025 ranking from reflects the changing expectations of streaming audiences and the growing complexity of online privacy needs. In an environment where digital borders and data vulnerabilities intersect, VPN providers must deliver more than just encrypted tunnels. They must offer speed, transparency, compatibility, and ease of use - especially on smart devices like Firestick, where the user experience must be seamless. The top-ranked VPN succeeded in all of these areas, providing an effective and well-rounded solution for consumers seeking private, unrestricted, and uninterrupted access to streaming media. Its recognition by offers Firestick users a trustworthy recommendation grounded in independent testing and real-world performance metrics. For further information, the complete review is available at About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. CONTACT: Drew Thomas (press@ 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Int'l Business Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
How Olivier Khatib's DATANEO Is Helping Fortune 500s Cut Costs and Accelerate Growth
I sat down with Olivier Khatib in a sleek London office, the hum of ambition palpable as he described his mission to transform the world's biggest companies. As the founder and CEO of DATANEO, Khatib isn't just building software—he's crafting an AI-powered engine that's helping Fortune 500 giants cut costs, streamline operations, and seize growth with surgical precision. "The old way of running enterprises, with fragmented systems and wasted potential, is over," he told me, "DATANEO makes businesses not just efficient, but unstoppable." Khatib's journey to this vision is rooted in a blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight. A Computer Science graduate from Imperial College London, he honed his skills leading machine learning projects at Bank of America and later as Director of London Data Consulting (LDC) , where he built AI and data solutions for clients like HSBC, AXA and BNP Paribas. Time and again, he encountered a persistent challenge: enterprises were awash in data but crippled by disconnected platforms. "The problem wasn't a lack of information," Khatib recalls, "but a lack of cohesion." This realization gave birth to DATANEO, a scalable platform distinct from LDC's custom consulting services. While LDC delivers tailored AI, cloud, and automation solutions, DATANEO offers a product-driven ecosystem powered by NeoMind™ AI, designed to unify operations for global corporations. Khatib's goal is clear: to provide a seamless, intelligent framework that turns complexity into opportunity. DATANEO's platform is a masterclass in flexibility, featuring modular tools like CRM+, Finance+, HR+, Stock+, Project+, Proposal+, and Support+. Each is infused with NeoMind™ AI, which adapts to a company's unique needs, predicting risks and identifying growth levers. This modular approach allows conglomerates like Nike to optimize operations for Jordan and Converse independently while harnessing enterprise-wide insights, or LVMH to align Louis Vuitton and Moët & Chandon under a unified strategy. As Sofia Salem, a DATANEO data scientist, puts it, "We don't just process data—we anticipate what drives success." The results speak for themselves. A Fortune 500 retailer used Finance+ to automate reconciliation across four regions, cutting overhead by 37% in a single quarter. A SaaS company leveraged CRM+ and Proposal+ to generate AI-driven pitch decks, shortening sales cycles by 45% and boosting conversions by 30%. In logistics, HR+ enabled a leader to detect churn signals early, reducing turnover by 32%. A luxury retailer slashed stock-outs by 55% with Stock+, while a tech firm minimized project delays through Project+'s predictive analytics. These aren't incremental gains—they're transformative shifts that free up resources for innovation and strategy. For Fortune 500s, where data is both a strategic asset and a potential liability, security is paramount. DATANEO delivers with a zero-knowledge architecture, AES-256 encryption at rest, TLS 1.3 in transit, and full compliance with SOC 2 and GDPR standards. "Trust is the foundation of our work," Khatib emphasizes. "We empower bold innovation without compromising control." This ironclad security ensures clients can scale operations confidently, even in an era of escalating cyber threats. Khatib imagines DATANEO as a dynamic platform that transcends its present form, seamlessly adapting to future innovations. He foresees integrating voice-activated analytics and AI-powered strategic assistants to streamline decision-making. Plans to connect with Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft 365 aim to unify the scattered tools that burden organizations. "Enterprises deserve simplicity," Khatib emphasizes. "A single, clear perspective empowers bold action." DATANEO is more than a platform—it's a paradigm shift, enabling the world's largest companies to move faster, smarter, and stronger. In a landscape where efficiency is the currency of dominance, DATANEO provides the edge that transforms potential into power. As Khatib puts it, "We're not just connecting data—we're connecting ambition to action." For Fortune 500s, that connection is nothing short of revolutionary.
Stuff.tv
25-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
VPN tips and tricks: how to get the best from your connection
There's been a lot of talk about VPNs recently, and you may be thinking that it's the sort of thing you should invest in for your PC, Mac or even mobile device. They have their uses, it's true, but a VPN (or virtual private network) is largely redundant for the majority of common computing tasks. For the times when you need one, however, it can be absolutely essential, and having an up to date subscription to one of the best VPNs can protect you from crime, allow you to access sites and services you otherwise might not be able to, and can help mask your location and increase your privacy. A VPN is essentially a way of encrypting your internet traffic and making it look as if you're connected to a server other than the one you actually are connected to, and it works using a network of servers spread across the world that you can bounce your traffic to. If you've ever seen a TV cop show in which they struggle to trace a hacker who's bouncing his signal through various countries, you get the basic idea. Sponsored: protect Your Privacy. Unlock the World ExpressVPN gives you the freedom to browse the internet safely, securely, and without limits. With ultra-fast servers in 94 countries, your data stays private and your connection stays lightning-fast—whether you're at home or on the go. ✅ Top-tier encryption to keep your data safe ✅ No activity logs—your privacy is our priority ✅ Bypass geo-restrictions and access content worldwide ✅ 24/7 customer support ready when you need it ✅ Easy-to-use apps for all your devices Experience the internet the way it's meant to be—open, private, and secure. Join millions of users who trust ExpressVPN to keep them safe online. So once you've got your VPN set up, you may be wondering what you can do with it. A common use is to connect you to the internal network of your workplace while you're somewhere else, perhaps working from home or the coffee shop. It does this by making an encrypted connection to your office server rather than to the usual one used by your ISP, and routing all your network traffic along it. When you're connected to a VPN server, your traffic is also encrypted, so it makes it harder for criminals, or anyone, to spy on your activities. This is handy if you have any qualms over the security of the website you're visiting, or if you're sending out information you won't want to fall into the wrong hands. VPNs usually use very tough encryption, such as AES-256, the same used by banks and credit card companies. Your traffic can still be intercepted by a determined attacker, but what they get is meaningless gibberish. Your IP address – the numerical name your computer is assigned, and which could potentially be traced back to your location (again, if your attacker is very determined) – is also masked, and this is what makes it possible to use a VPN to get around geographical restrictions. If you've ever taken your laptop to France, say, and tried to log into your account with a popular video streaming service over your hotel Wi-Fi, then you've probably seen the error message that tells you it's not going to work because you're in the wrong country. Even worse, some streaming services have different content available depending on which country you're in, so it should theoretically be possible to log in while on holiday and watch something you otherwise couldn't. Enter the VPN. It can be used in two ways. Either you use it to make it look as if you're still at home, when in reality you're sunning yourself on a beach in the Canary Islands, and you want to catch up with the latest must-watch series. Alternatively, you can find out in which countries a movie you want to watch is available, then use a VPN to appear to be in that location so you can watch it from your sofa. It doesn't always work. Streaming services are wise to the ways people try to get around their geographical restrictions, and have blacklisted common IP addresses used by the exit points of VPN connections, so they still won't work even if you set them up perfectly. There's currently a bit of an arms race between the two sides, and you never know if it will work until you try. Another trick for VPN use that involves spoofing your geographic location like this is playing GPS-enabled games on your phone like Pokemon Go. You'll need the VPN app installed and configured on your phone, and be signed up for a provider that provides the service, but you may be able to change where your phone thinks it is, allowing you to collect Pokemon you might not otherwise run into. Other gamers may also appreciate a VPN, as it can help them to get around ISPs' habit of throttling a connection's speed when they detect that someone is playing games online. If your traffic is encrypted, the ISP can't tell that it's game-related, and so is much less likely to try to slow it down. You'll need to choose a VPN with a fast enough connection to make this worthwhile, however. Other ISP restrictions can involve the blocking of particular sites and services, so if you want to use these you can connect to a VPN and sail right in, having first chosen a location that isn't blocked. Torrenting, for example, is a common way to share Linux distributions and other free software, but has a bad reputation thanks to its criminal use for breaching copyright laws, and is likely to be blocked. With a VPN, you can download all the Ubuntu you want. Join millions of users who trust ExpressVPN to keep them safe online.
Tom's Guide
20-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
NordVPN announces post-quantum encryption support for all applications
NordVPN has announced that post-quantum encryption (PQE) is now available on all its platforms. From our testing, we rate NordVPN as the best VPN available, and it has overseen a staggered approach to its PQE protection. Its implementation is made possible thanks to the NordLynx protocol. Widespread adoption of quantum computers isn't far off. They will soon be able to crack the current AES-256 encryption with ease – an event known as Q-Day – so adopting PQE is a must for VPN providers. There's a debate over whether rolling out PQE is necessary now or a premature move. But regardless of when, PQE is needed – and here's how NordVPN is handling it. NordVPN: the best VPN availableNordVPN is our #1 VPN. It's super fast, packed full of features, and great for streaming. You can protect up to 10 devices on one plan – with full support for post-quantum encryption. The 2-year plan starts at $3.39 per month ($81.36 up front plus tax). Plus, the plan comes with a free 1 GB Saily eSIM and a 30-day money-back guarantee. September 2024 saw NordVPN first launch PQE, rolling it out on its Linux VPN app. The VPN provider set a target of early 2025 for all other platforms to receive PQE. PQE is now available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, along with protection for tvOS and Android TV. There are some limitations to NordVPN's PQE support. It only works with the NordLynx protocol, so won't activate when you use Dedicated IP, OpenVPN, obfuscated servers, or NordWhisper. Enabling PQE will also turn off Meshnet because the features are not compatible. PQE is enabled via a toggle switch. Head to "Settings" and then "Connections" on your NordVPN app and turn PQE on. Once done, PQE will automatically be activated whenever you connect to a server via the NordLynx protocol. NordLynx is NordVPN's custom VPN protocol. It's based on WireGuard, and is known for its speed and security. NordVPN has implemented PQE in accordance with standards set by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST has spent years researching and testing PQE methods and finalized three standards in August 2024. "As quantum computing advances, the traditional encryption methods used by most VPN protocols today will eventually become vulnerable," said Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN. "By integrating PQE into our VPN infrastructure, we're taking a proactive step to ensure long-term confidentiality and resilience for our customers' data, both now and in a post-quantum future." ExpressVPN and Mullvad are the only other two mainstream providers to offer PQE protection across the board. ExpressVPN integrated PQE into its Lightway protocol in January 2025, while Mullvad launched its PQE strategy back in 2017. PureVPN and Windscribe also support PQE, but not for all applications. IPVanish is planning a 2025 release for PQE support and Surfshark said it is "actively implementing PQE now." Proton VPN is taking a slower approach and doesn't want to rush its implementation. Proton VPN General Manager, David Peterson, said the provider wanted to release PQE support "once across the whole Proton ecosystem" and described PQE technologies as "a marathon, not a sprint."
