Prove What’s Possible Startups

Amazon Web Services today launched a content marketing campaign called Prove What’s Possible, which recognises the innovative spirit, tenacity, and resilience of Australia’s technology-driven startups. Featuring two new online video series, ‘Found to Founded’ and ‘Billion Dollar Napkin,’ the campaign aims to inspire the nation’s future founders to pursue their big ideas with the power of cloud technology.

The Prove What’s Possible campaign shines a light on founders who are leveraging AWS to drive industry transformation, positively impact their communities, and build a better world for the future. From machine learning-powered 3D mind maps that revolutionise neurosurgery, to an NFT-based game built on the Ethereum blockchain, to a homegrown cryptocurrency platform making it easier to trade and invest, the Australian businesses featured demonstrate that even though it is challenging to launch and grow a successful startup, with a big idea and the right support, it is possible.

The campaign launched today across digital, social, and podcast platforms. It follows the recent national AWS Australia brand campaign, Curiosity Kid, and is part of AWS’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of how Australian businesses can grow and innovate by harnessing the power of cloud technology.

“Through the Prove What’s Possible campaign, we’re celebrating the innovation, passion, and resilience inherent in Australia’s startup ecosystem, showcasing founders from a broad cross-section of backgrounds and industries who are brave and bold enough to find new solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges,” said John Kearney, Head of Startups, Australia and New Zealand, AWS. “Launching and growing a startup is not an easy journey – founders dig deep within themselves to find the courage to solve problems that have never been solved before, and spot possibilities where many others see limitations. This pioneering spirit is what inspires us at AWS, too – that’s why, for over 15 years, we’ve helped more startups launch, build, and succeed than any other cloud provider, offering the technology tools, mentorship, and technical support to enable startup founders to bring their ambitious, world-changing ideas to life, and prove what’s possible.”

The ‘Billion Dollar Napkin’ Vodcast and Podcast series

‘Billion Dollar Napkin,’ a filmed podcast series consisting of six 30-minute episodes, features in-depth interviews with startup founders who discuss the trials and tribulations they faced from ideation, to launch, to scale, as well as their startup’s growth journey powered by AWS.

Hosted by Australian television and radio personality, Adam Spencer, ‘Billion Dollar Napkin’ aims to reveal the personal and often unseen side of a startup’s success story. Throughout the series, Spencer digs into what makes founders tick.

“The thing you realise throughout the course of this series is that while many entrepreneurs-in-the-making have a billion-dollar idea, so few will actually go through with it,” said Spencer. “These are the founders that have taken that leap of faith, separating them from the rest. It was a blast to get to pick their brains about how they risked everything to fully commit to their idea, and the success they’ve enjoyed as a result.”

The first episode of ‘Billion Dollar Napkin’ features the founders of crypto exchange Swyftx, and is available now on major podcast platforms.Subsequent episodes will be released fortnightly, featuring the founders of other prominent Australian startups, including mobile menu, ordering, and payments platform Mr Yum; social media community and conversation management tool Pattr; workforce intelligence platform Reejig; digital brain mapping company Omniscient Neurotechnology; and open-world, NFT gaming platform Illuvium.

“Every founder knows the unique mix of exhilaration and fear that comes with taking the plunge and launching a startup – it’s the feeling that accompanies the decision to back yourself and your idea and really go for it. While it can be one of the biggest risks of your life, what makes it easier is knowing that you’re not alone on the journey. Startup life can be a wild ride of wins and losses, and it’s critical to surround yourself with the right allies,” said Alex Harper, Co-CEO & Founder of Brisbane-based fintech, Swyftx. “In our case, we’ve benefitted from support and guidance from AWS, which has helped us turn our business idea into a reality. We’ve shared our story on ‘Billion Dollar Napkin’ to help inspire a new generation of startup founders by showing them what’s possible when you have a big idea, even bigger ambitions, and the right technology behind you.”

“15 years ago, it wouldn’t have been conceivable for someone like me, with no IT background or expertise, to launch and grow a tech company that is now recognized as one of the fastest growing startups in Australia. It takes game-changing technology, dedication, determination, and a supportive network to get to where we are today,” said Siobhan Savage, CEO and Co-founder of Sydney-based workforce intelligence platform, Reejig. “Our mission is to create a world with Zero Wasted Potential in people, business, and society; where everyone has access to personally meaningful work, no matter their background or circumstance. As a result of sharing Reejig’s journey through AWS’s Prove What’s Possible campaign, my hope is that our story resonates with future founders, helps unlock the potential in Australia’s startup ecosystem and across the business landscape, and serves as a reminder to chase your ideas.”

The ‘Found to Founded’ content series

‘Found to Founded’ is a short-form video web series that takes a look at the universal ‘lightbulb moment’ experienced by all founders, kickstarting the journey from spotting a problem, to identifying a solution, through to founding a startup.

The three-part video series features solar energy finance provider Brighte, drone logistics company Swoop Aero, and legal access startup Law on Earth. The series documents each founder’s success story including the highs and lows along the way to proving their idea possible. The short films all launch today, and are available to watch on the Prove What’s Possible site.

Following the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Sydney) Region in 2012, AWS has invested more than AUD $8 billion in local infrastructure and jobs across Australia. AWS has also trained more than 200,000 individuals with cloud skills since 2017, and employs thousands of people in its offices across Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth.

For more information about how startups are proving what’s possible on AWS, and to access all related content.

Sony FX30 4K Cinema Line camera

Sony has announced the newest addition to the brand’s prestigious Cinema Line – the Sony FX30 (model ILME-FX30). The new FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes, and user-imported LUTs (Look Up Tables) at a price point that appeals to many aspiring filmmakers.

In addition to introducing the new FX30, Sony announced two new CFexpress Type A Memory Cards – CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T. Both are large capacity cards that support high-speed performance with high-speed performance in both reading and writing.

“The launch of the FX30 introduces an exciting new entry point into our Cinema Line range of cameras,” said Jun Yoon, Head of Digital Imaging ANZ. “Whether it is your first dedicated video capture device, or it acts as a subsidiary cam, the FX30 can deliver professional high-end content that will seamlessly fit into your Cinema Line workflow.”

Creating a Cinematic Look

The FX30 offers up-and-coming filmmakers’ cinematic expression with the latest imaging systems. It features a new back-illuminated APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+ stops of latitude.

The FX30 supports a variety of video recording codecs. It can shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. The FX30 also features the ability to shoot in high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps. Both 16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while an HDMI Type-A connector can be used to output 4K, 16-bit RAW to an external recorder.

Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows more flexibility when colour grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. In addition, the FX30 includes a selection of built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony’s S-Cinetone™. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities with the BIONZ XR processing engine for natural gradations and realistic colour reproduction.

Designed to Support the Creators’ Needs

The FX30 features Sony’s fast and reliable autofocus, with settings including:

  • Real-time Eye AF (human, animal, or bird[iv])
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Detailed AF settings
  • AF Assist[v]

Creatives also have more control when using the Focus Map, which makes it easy to visualise depth of field, and Breathing Compensation offers a stable angle of view when focusing. The camera also includes effective stabilisation for run and gun shoots using Active Mode thanks to the optical in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and time code sync.

The FX30 incorporates other features that retain the spirit of the Cinema Line, including:

  • New customisable list-style main menu screen which provides quick access to frequently used items 
  • New standby movie screen that provides an unobstructed view of the subject
  • Buttons and dials dedicated to movie shooting

The FX30 also includes added functionality to assist with the creative workflow, such as post-production editing using embedded LUT, and EI metadata. This metadata is available using the latest version of Sony’s Catalyst Prepare or Catalyst Browse applications. A new “Catalyst Prepare Plugin” for Adobe Premiere Pro was released in August.

Easy Operation and a Compact Form Factor

Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit[xii], which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also allows filmmakers to capture crystal clear audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. External microphones can be connected directly to the camera via the Multi Interface Shoe or microphone jack. The FX30 also features an internal stereo microphone for audio recording.

The FX30 is equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards, bringing wide range of shooting experiences to creators. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly announced large capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.

The FX30 offers not only advanced performance but also outstanding reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation structure for uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, reliable power for extended recording, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis. A comprehensive selection of E-mount lenses, high-performance microphones, and other essential components gives creators extraordinarily flexible systems for a broad range of creative needs.

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards

The new FX30 is an ideal choice for filmmakers that are actively working on or considering an entry into the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, a major new annual awards program for short films.  Sponsored by Sony and free to enter, the Awards set out to elevate original voices from around the globe with a fresh perspective on storytelling.  For more information, please visit: www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com/ 

Price and availability

The new FX30 and FX30B will be available in Australia from late October 2022. 

FX30 (ILME-FX30 – Camera body with top handle) SRP: $3,699.00

FX30B (ILME-FX30B – Camera body only) SRP: $2,999.00

The FX30 enables ultimate creative freedom and comes with an option to purchase with or without the XLR handle.[xiv]

A product video on the new FX30 can be viewed here.

The FX30 will also be compatible with the new version of Camera Remote SDK (Version 1.06), a development kit for software that enables remote operation and configuration changes.

CFexpress Type A Memory Cards: CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T

The compact and high-performance CFexpress Type A memory card CEA-G320T will be available in October, while the CFexpress Type A memory card CEA-G640T[xv] will be available in December in selected countries in Asia Pacific. In addition to the existing 80GB and 160GB cards, large capacity 320GB and 640GB cards will be added to the series.

These large capacity cards support high-speed performance with a maximum writing speed of up to 700MB/s and Video Performance Guarantee “VPG400”, which offers sustained writing speeds of up to 400MB/s and enables 4K 120p high bit rate video shooting.

The new large capacity cards have achieved TOUGH specification, which means they have been certified to be waterproof, dustproof, (IP57) and robust enough to support stable long-term shooting in various environment.

Price

CF Express Type A 320GB SRP: $1,299.00

CF Express Type A 640GB SRP $2,499

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FX30 and Sony’s other imaging products can be found here.

Uniden UPP1000 Jump-start Kit review

According to the NRMA (NSW car breakdown assistance), the most common causes of breakdown are flat batteries, flat tyres and running out of petrol. Cars are much more reliable now, and let’s face it, most cars carry a spare tyre and ignore the low fuel light at your peril. A flat battery is also something we can deal with, and we look at the Uniden UPP1000 jump start kit.

The Uniden UPP1000 is a rugged portable car battery jump start kit and USB power bank that will start a flat car battery.

What is a Jumpstart kit?

A portable car battery jump starter kit is everything you need to start a vehicle flat battery. The kit has a portable battery that can power a vehicle’s electrical system to enable the starter motor to start the engine.

WHY should you consider a Jumpstart kit?

Running a small business, you probably rely heavily on your vehicle for transport. If the battery goes flat due to age or simply leaving a light on, you are stranded and not making money. This can happen at any time and most likely when it is most inconvenient.

The whole kit weighs 1kg, and the carry case measures 21 x 9 x 13 cm, so it will easily fit in your glove box, underneath the seat or car boot. At the RRP of $200, it’s great insurance if you don’t have roadside assistance or the time to wait for them to arrive.

What is in the Box?

Modern Lithium battery technology means that a 10,000mAh battery can produce 250 cold cranking amps. That’s enough juice to start up a 7-litre petrol engine or a 5 Litre diesel engine. Thus, you could start a small truck(12v) with this device. An included jumper cable with large alligator clips allows you to connect to your vehicle’s 12-volt battery terminals.

The UPP1000 is also a portable power bank which means you can recharge your mobile phone, tablet or other devices that support USB charging. There are two USB-A sockets and one USB-C socket with a maximum output of 18 watts. There are even 3 USB-A cables included (to USB-C, Micro USB, and Mini USB)

To charge the Uniden, included in the package is a USB wall charger (240 volts) and a cig charger plug to use in your car’s 12-volt socket. From flat, it will take 7 to 10 hours to charge.

The Uniden battery is waterproof IP67, has a rugged impact-resistant rubber coating, and the electrical outlets are covered by a rubber grommet. This and all the accessories fit into a durable carry case.

Using the Uniden UPP1000

It is important to recognise that Uniden recommends that the UP1000 be recharged every 3 months to ensure it is ready to go when needed. A good habit may be to do this every time your BAS is due. If unused, the battery will lose 20% of its capacity annually and has a useful life of 1000 chargers.

When you recharge it, 4 external LED lights indicate the charging state. Each illuminated LED equals 25%, so 3 lit LEDs means you have 75% battery capacity.

If you need a torch in your car, the UPP1000 has a LED light that will last a very long time if you are not doing anything else. The light is also able to signal SOS.

To charge a smartphone etc., simply insert a USB. The external button on the Uniden battery pack operates merely the light.

Our favourite feature is that the two alligator clips are slightly different lengths. This has nothing to do with one battery terminal being further away from the other but with ensuring the two alligator clips do not touch each other and cause a short circuit. The plug into your Uniden battery has clear instructions to help you jump-start your car versus flipping through the paper instruction manual.

Don’t stress about short circuits, as the UPP1000 has several circuit safety features to keep you and the start kit safe.

Depending on just how flat your battery is (The car still needs to have a working car battery), the Uniden has 2 modes. The first is active once you connect the blue plug of your jumper cables to the Uniden battery. Match the red and black alligator clips to your red and black car battery terminals. Once you see a red and green flashing light on the jumper cable plug, you are ready to start your car.

Uniden recommends that you disconnect the jumper leads and wait 30 seconds between each additional attempt to start your car. After 3 attempts, you can try the 2nd mode called “force start”. Activated by pressing a button on the jumper cable, this mode increases the current, maximising your ability to start your vehicle.

Although we tested this unit, we did not have the vehicles to push the UP1000 to its limits. Still, Uniden shares some videos of just how powerful this unit is.

Our Take

This is a great piece of mind accessory. Whether it be being able to charge your smartphone or deal with the most common car breakdown, a flat battery. The Uniden UPP100 Jump start kit is cheap insurance. This lightweight package has everything you need and easy instructions to start your engine. Whether it be for your tradie Ute, rescuing you on that camping trip when the kids left the radio and interior light on or just the security for your partners’ car.

Logitech MX for Mac accessories

Logitech MX for Mac is a “Designed for Mac” collection of keyboards and mice, unleashing better control and productivity.

Logitech announced a new “Designed for Mac” collection of products, crafted to be seamlessly compatible and reliable with Mac setups across a variety of use cases. The new collection includes the MX Mechanical Mini for Mac keyboard, MX Master 3S for Mac mouse and Lift for Mac mouse. “We know that Apple users value a consistent design aesthetic for their entire setup — work or home — and that they need mice and keyboards that work across their ecosystems,” said Delphine Donné, vice president and general manager of Creativity and Productivity at Logitech. “We’ve created a suite of stylish tools that elevates how you work by adding more functionality, customisation and comfort. And because we know that one size doesn’t fit all, this collection was designed, developed and engineered to meet the diverse needs of Apple users.”

MX Mechanical Mini for Mac Keyboard

Logitech’s’s first mechanical keyboard optimised for Mac, available in Space Grey and Pale Grey, features a keyboard layout for Mac with the ability to customise shortcuts and accelerate creativity with Logi Options+. MX Mechanical Mini for Mac features Tactile Quiet low-profile switches and Smart Backlighting, to stay in the flow in any light conditions. Connect up to three different Apple devices for macOS, iPadOS or iOS with Easy-Switch and charge the keyboard with a USB-C cable while working.

MX Master 3S for Mac Mouse

An icon remastered for advanced Mac users, the MX Master 3S for Mac mouse, available in Space Grey and Pale Grey, combines what you love already with new features for ultimate comfort, performance and work flow. With the MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel, zip through 1,000 lines per second, and set the DPI between 1,000 and 8,000 for precise work on either one or multiple high resolution monitors. MX Master 3S for Mac features Quiet Clicks, tracks on glass, quickly recharges with the USB-C cable while in use and can connect up to three different Apple devices on macOS and iPadOS with Easy-Switch.

Lift for Mac Mouse

Crafted for day-long comfort, Lift for Mac is a vertical ergonomic mouse ideal for people with small to medium-sized hands. Developed and tested in the Logitech Ergo Lab, the 57° angle of Lift for Mac places your hand in a natural handshake position. This puts less pressure on the wrist throughout the day and places your arm and upper body in a more natural posture.

Logitech’s Sustainability Approach

Logitech products, including “Designed for Mac” products, are designed to not only deliver exceptional user experiences but do so with an understanding of environmental and social impact. The plastic parts in MX for Mac and Lift for Mac products include certified post-consumer recycled plastic to give a second life to end-of-life plastic from old consumer electronics.

  • 47% for MX Mechanical Mini for Mac Space Grey
  • 36% for MX Mechanical Mini for Mac Pale Grey
  • 27% for MX Master 3S for Mac Space Grey
  • 22% for MX Master 3S for Mac Pale Grey
  • 54% for Lift for Mac

All Logitech products are certified carbon neutral. We reduce the net carbon impact of Logitech products by designing for sustainability and using renewable energy where possible. We also compensate our residual impact by purchasing high-quality, certified offsets from forestry, renewables, and climate-impacted communities.

Pricing and Availability

Available in September 2022 on logitech.com and at selected retailers, the suggested retail prices are:

  • MX Mechanical Mini for Mac: $229.95
  • MX Master 3S for Mac: $169.95

Lift for Mac: $129.95

Reviews of the PC version of the keyboard and mouse are available.

Lonely at the top: the importance of networking

There is an etymologically questionable proverb that says ‘If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together’. Quoted by such leaders as Warren Buffet, Hilary Clinton, Cory Booker, and Al Gore, the core truth remains that small business leadership can be the loneliest role that you will ever undertake.

As chief executive – and chief bottle washer – no one has the eagle eye over your business that you do. However, as well as CEO you are also likely to head up HR, WHS and IT – just a few of the acronyms you take up with your mantle. It’s easy to get lost in taking care of everyone and everything and start to lose sight of the motivation with which you began your business.

If you sink into patterns of completion and just ‘hanging on’, rather than striving for growth and innovation, you might find yourself hitting a wall. Worse still is the growing strain on your health, mental health and relationships, in and out of work.

It’s vital for CEOs to realise this all too common trap and take steps to mitigate the isolation and at times overwhelming nature of managing every aspect of your business alone. A key support mechanism here is your network – a vital resource for business owners to succeed. No successful CEO in the world achieves success alone, no matter the size of the enterprise. We all need a support network around us to succeed, backing us up when we feel our whole world is on our shoulders.

Opportunity cost

Exploring what various networking groups have to offer you can often take second place to time and money, two resources of which hardworking business owners have little to spare. It’s worth considering that a small investment in funds and time may reap big rewards. What price do you put on your mental health? What do you stand to lose if you don’t find the support you need from like-minded peers?

No matter who I speak with in my own dealer group, Office Brands, no member uses our services in the same way. We are all unique and the model of baseline support and connection, together with specialised service, means that members can pick and choose to engage with what they need specifically for their business.

One common thread our members have is that they talk to each other, not just at coordinated events, but on the phone, by email, and in casual meetings. They ask questions, and challenge and support each other to improve. They share successes and strategies to ensure our group continues to grow.

Where to connect

There are many great ways for small businesses to connect these days with networking groups, dealer groups, expos and conventions. There is a myriad of options online with social media and digital business groups, as well as a recovery in face-to-face networking functions.

Contrary to popular belief, these sorts of events are not just junkets. They can be a source of strength, support and collegiality which can go a long way to easing the isolation and garnering valuable advice and resources.

If you are just starting out it can be useful to do some research into small business industry bodies – national or state-based – that often have a variety of resources and information available. Also, the industry groups relevant to your specific business can be very useful for networking events, informative newsletters with news developments and analysis, online training and more. It only takes the first step to find a world of peer support you never knew was out there.

There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t speak with one of our members for some reason – learning, sharing, or hypothesizing on our next great adventure. In the first 12 months in my role, this helped me to collaborate with our team and board to set our three-year strategy. The initiatives and innovations that occurred were very much inspired and supported by networking with our members.

 I encourage you to do the same in whatever industry or small business sector you are in. If you are in it for the long game, it’s far better to walk forward together.

Adam Joy is the CEO of Office Brands and the former CEO of the Australian Newsagents Federation. He provides leadership, development and strategic planning to ensure optimal business outcomes. 

Procore cloud construction management tools

Xero, the global small business platform, has partnered with leading global provider of construction management software, Procore Technologies, Inc., to provide a new integration between Procore’s construction financial management solution and Xero’s cloud-based accounting platform.

The new app integration is now available on the Xero App Store in Australia. It helps solve some of the biggest challenges small and medium construction firms face by enabling them, and their advisors, to connect field and back office teams with real-time, accurate, financial data in the cloud. This in turn supports the delivery of multiple complex projects on time, and on budget.

Kris Lengieza, global Vice President of Partnerships and Alliances, Procore, said: “Procore is excited to partner with Xero, one of the world’s leading small business accounting platforms. Together we are bringing an integration to market that helps accountants, bookkeepers and business operators working in construction improve communication and workflows with their cohorts in the field. With our integration, Xero and Procore customers can rally around a single source of truth when it comes to financial data, which ultimately empowers teams to make more informed decisions.”

According to McKinsey, the construction industry accounts for 13 percent of global GDP, but productivity has grown by just one percent annually over the past 20 years and digitalisation is lower than in nearly any other industry.

Chris O’Neill, Chief Growth Officer at Xero, said: “Digitalisation and the adoption of cloud tools has the potential to transform the construction industry and make a real impact to the efficiency of individual firms. By partnering with Procore on this app integration, we’re enabling construction project leads to make better informed, data-driven decisions, so they can help tune their operational efficiency, mitigate project risks, and better scale their business.”

You can try the new Procore app in the Xero App Store here.

Workplace Wave-ongoing pandemic impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought extreme workplace disruption, and employees are now emerging with a different perspective on the role of work in their lives, the Workplace Wave. Despite a refreshed outlook and clearer expectations, 2 in 5 (42 per cent) of surveyed employees and more than half of surveyed managers (57 per cent) believe they are yet to experience the most significant impacts of the pandemic on the workforce.

New research by leading Workers’ Compensation insurer, Allianz Australia, reveals surveyed employees currently have a wide range of concerns that are negatively impacting their job satisfaction. Fatigue and burnout (42 per cent), staff shortages due to low levels of talent acquisition (34 per cent), and not being adequately rewarded for work (31 per cent) were the most reported factors. Managers surveyed believe worries around physical health (30 per cent), fatigue and burnout (29 per cent), staff shortages due to low levels of talent acquisition (25 per cent) and limited opportunities to connect with the team in person (25 per cent) are causing employee dissatisfaction.

Despite clear concerns from both managers and employees, more than half (53 per cent) of managers surveyed believe their company has gone above and beyond to provide support and systems to create mentally healthy workplaces. In contrast, claims data from Allianz shows there was a 19 per cent increase in the days taken off work from mental health claims in the last three years.2 

The rate of dissatisfaction and disconnect amongst employees and managers is continuing to grow because of the pandemic, with the disruption of the last two years causing permanent shifts in desired ways of working, employee engagement and workplace mental health. This phenomenon – or next wave of change – is defined as The Workplace Wave and it’s set to directly impact organisations that are not ready to respond.

Julie Mitchell, Chief General Manager of Personal Injury, Allianz Australia said, “Despite emerging from the depths of the pandemic, the disruption to workplaces has not subsided. Employees have emerged with refreshed values and a change in how they are approaching work, prompting the emergence of concepts like ‘the right to disconnect’, ‘loud leaving’, ‘quiet quitting’, and ‘acting your wage’.

These trends are all real-world examples of The Workplace Wave, and organisations unequipped to effectively respond are likely to experience the full effects – being increased employee turnover, employee disengagement, and in some instances, a mental health workers compensation claim.”

The research reveals that the best response to The Workplace Wave is reducing staff shortages/absenteeism (39 per cent) minimising fatigue and burnout (13 per cent), introducing flexible annual leave policies (11 per cent) and creating more meaningful connections with colleagues (11 per cent).

Dr Mark Cross, Consultant Psychiatrist said, “The Workplace Wave is yet to be widely discussed in public discourse, but it’s spreading rapidly. Organisations have worked hard to be ‘pandemic proof’ and respond to all the challenges of the last two years, however, it is being ‘post-pandemic proof’ that requires attention and action.

We should expect to see further examples of The Workplace Wave emerge in the coming months – even years – as organisations and employees continue to adapt to the fundamental shifts in their shared approach to work. It’s important that employees are transparent about how they feel towards their work, and that employers create an environment that addresses and nourishes emerging values.”

Looking ahead, managers should be responding to the needs of their employees. Adequate remuneration in line with the market/inflation (40 per cent), empathetic and emotionally intelligent environments (38 per cent), and specialist mental health days in addition to sick leave (34 per cent) are the top measures employees surveyed believe organisations should commit to in order to improve mental health. In response, surveyed managers say their organisation has committed to creating empathetic and emotionally intelligent environments (37 per cent), regularly updating mental health policies (34 per cent), having clear processes in place for annual leave accrual, holidays and sick leave (34 per cent) and ensuring employees receive adequate remuneration in line with the market/inflation (33 per cent).

Julie Mitchell continued, “The relationship between employee and leader has become more important than ever before. Organisations need to ensure that the tone from the top is very much aligned with the behaviours leaders want to see throughout the business. This, alongside transparency, vulnerability, and clear action points are the key ingredients to ensure that the workplace is thriving and mentally healthy – which is something Allianz encourages and champions.”

For more information on how to respond to The Workplace Wave and how to create more mentally healthy workplaces, visit the Allianz Workplace Mental Health Hub https://www.allianz.com.au/business/workers-compensation/mental-health

Allianz tips for employers :

  • Facilitate important conversations: Develop a better understanding of employee needs by facilitating important conversations and creating more open and nurturing workplace environments.
  • Foster an inclusive and meaningful culture: Place greater importance on the issues impacting employee engagement and retention by inviting formal feedback through tools such as workplace surveys, and informal feedback through transparent discussion.
  • Build, educate and reward your team: Modernise organisational approaches to employee skill building, career progression pathways and learning and development programs to help build team resilience and motivation through clear purpose and goals.
  • Encourage micro breaks: The workplace can often be fast paced, and it can lead to employee burn-out. Taking micro breaks encourages employees to disconnect at clear times in the day and can in turn, lead to greater employee productivity. 
  • Review mental health policies: Actively review workplace policies around mental health support, extended annual leave and flexible working programs to allow employees to personalise their approach to work.


Defining The Workplace Wave:

The Workplace Wave is evident in organisations in the following ways:

  • A continued sense of isolation from colleagues and managers.
  • Issues with high staff turnover and meeting employee flexibility expectations.
  • Employees feeling increasingly unsatisfied with the role of work in their lives, seeing them look for new employment opportunities
  • Employees remaining unsatisfied with the proportion of time they spend working each day, with managers failing to recognise dissatisfaction amongst staff.
  • A growing disconnect between managers and employees on the importance of creating more mentally healthy workplaces and the necessary steps to implementing change.

Wireless Security Camera buying guide

As a small business owner, you watch over your business carefully. You ensure process is working, you count the money etc. However, do you actually watch over your business literally when you are not there?  In this wireless security camera buying guide, we will look at why you would install one, what you need to know and how to make a buying decision.

A wireless security camera is a surveillance camera that can capture video images and transmit those images with no wires back to a recording devise either on premise or to the cloud. A power cable or battery will be required to provide electricity.

WHY should you consider a surveillance camera?

The ability to watch what is going on remotely within your business means you are always in the know.

Once you may have installed a burglar alarm to protect your business or home, a security camera can do so much more.

Benefits of installing a wireless security camera:

Deterring crime– A thief does not want to be caught on video

Video proof – If an incident does occur, footage can be reviewed, and police can use images

Check up on the business remotely – Is the store busy at the moment

Employee safety– Watch and review staff member behaviour to ensure safety procedures are being followed.

Insurance claims – Camera footage can validate a claim, or the camera may lead to a discount

Notification – Be alerted a customer has entered your showroom

Progress or conditions – What is the weather or progress on a building site.

WHAT do you need to know about wireless security cameras?

There are wireless and wired camera solutions. A wireless camera solution uses a wireless network solution such as your Wi-Fi network to transport the video. A wireless camera may also have a battery enabling it to be completely wireless. A wired camera will require you to install cables running from a central recording box as well as power cables.

A wireless camera will record vision once motion is detected.

Advantages of wireless over wired camera
  • No cables need to be run back to a central recorder
  • Video surveillance can be stored in the cloud. This means images can be easily accessed from anywhere, and even if thieves remove the camera, images are preserved.
  • Installation is simpler, and a completely wireless solution may give you additional placement options to increase visibility.
  • Cables cannot be cut.
  • DIY solution. An electrician or tradesman is unlikely to be required.

Disadvantages include possible limits to live viewing and maximum resolution.

Wireless Cameras come in 3 forms:
  1. Battery operated mobile networked cameras – This product can be placed anywhere with mobile phone reception and will run until its battery runs out. The video vision is transmitted back to the cloud via mobile data.  Perfect for surveillance of a building site with no internet or power.
  2. Battery operated Wi-Fi Cameras – This is the most common type of camera which will use W-Fi to communicate back to the cloud or a base station and a battery to power the unit. This solution is truly wireless.
  3. Mains connected Wi-Fi cameras – Mains power is required, but the video signal is transferred via Wi-Fi. With a power point likely to be close by, this type of camera will allow continuous recording, which requires more electricity.

An optional Solar panel may be available to power and battery-operated charge cameras, potentially removing the need to remove the camera for mains recharging.

Wi-Fi coverage needs to be good – If you mount a camera outdoors, chances are the Wi-Fi coverage will be poor. Wireless cameras need good coverage to work properly. Wi-Fi congestion can also be an issue. Video uses a lot of bandwidth. If there is a lot of other internet traffic, the transfer of video may be interrupted. Some vendors use a dedicated Wi-Fi network to transfer the footage, but most use your shared Wi-Fi network. Most cameras will also have an SD card slot where a storage card can be inserted. This allows for local storage of images and acts as a backup if cloud storage is interrupted or not used.

All wireless cameras will be supported by a free smartphone app. This App will enable you to receive alerts, live view and watch historical recordings. The App will also allow you to customise camera settings.  Depending on features, you can also trigger alarms, turn on a spotlight and engage in a 2-way conversation.

Cloud storage enables recorded footage to be stored off-site and accessed from anywhere.  Vendor-specific, this may be free, or a fee may apply.

HOW do I use and choose a wireless security camera?

Wireless camera setup

The setup of a wireless camera is very much a DIY exercise:

  1. Connect the camera to power with the supplied USB cable. For battery models, this will charge the battery.
  2. Download the App for your smartphone.
  3. Open the App and follow the instructions.
  4. Select suitable locations for your camera, considering whether the camera can capture what you want to record and the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough.
  5. Use the App to customise settings (such as alerts) and enable cloud recording if applicable.
  6. Familiarise yourself with playback settings and how you can view live video versus recorded video.

Features you should consider when buying a wired security camera:

Outdoor or indoor– If the camera is located outside, it will need to be weatherproof|
Wi-Fi vs Mobile of 4G cameras – as discussed above
Camera types – beyond the power choice options (battery or mains power), cameras can be bought as a fixed direction or a pan & tilt model. The fixed version view can only be changed manually versus a pan and tilt model that can be rotated to change the view remotely. Some cameras will offer optical zoom, which will provide an enlarged picture without deteriorating resolution.
Battery – On battery models, what is the expected operating time between recharges
Resolution of the camera
 – The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the picture and the greater ability to zoom in digitally to see details such as faces and number plates. You can choose between Standard Definition (SD), High definition (Full HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K). Each resolution jump is 4 x the number of pixels or dots.
Viewing angle of the camera – This refers to the field of vision of a camera. The larger the number represented in degrees means the camera will record a wider view in tight locations. A camera with a 90-degree viewing angle would see everything 45 degrees left and right from the centre.
Low light – Also referred to as night vision, is the cameras ability to see in the dark.  Most modern cameras will support this but look for the distance from the camera it will see. E.g. 10m.
Technology to stop false alerts – Normally based on measuring a heat source in the camera view, this technology is critical in reducing false alerts, especially on a windy night with moving vegetation. Alerts can also be programmed only to occur at certain times, like outside business hours.
Mounting kits – A magnetic mount will allow easy removal for recharging. Mounting straps allow easy installation on tree branches or poles.
Other –  various other features may be attractive to you like Siren, strobe, 2-way audio or a spotlight
Remote functionality of an App – A smartphone app will allow you to receive security alerts as well as provide live views from anywhere with internet coverage.  This can potentially remove the need for expensive security monitoring with you having the ability to review and call the police if necessary. The App will also notify you of low batteries. Multiple people can be given access to share the responsibility.
Storage – Camera’s or base stations will support an SD card to record vision on-premise. In addition, cloud backup is available from most vendors on various pay per use plans (some free).
Solar Panel
– Is it available for your model, and can it be installed to orientate to the north?
Solution price and bundle options – Once you choose a brand, you will have to stay with that brand unless you start again.  Price will increase with functionality, and we do recommend you go with a known brand.  Once you know the number of cameras you need, you may buy a bundle to suit. Different compatible camera types can be purchased and added separately, assuming you have available channels.

HINTS

Once you commit to a specific brand of cameras, you cannot mix and match different brands of cameras as they will not work on the same smartphone App.  You must either start again with a new vendor or run multiple Apps.

Use the QR code to easily find the right App.

Handy features include the ability to mask a section so no video is recorded or no motion alerts triggered within a specific part of the field of view.

Are Wired security camera buying guide can be found here.

SUMMARY – Wireless Security Camera

A wireless security camera allows you to keep an eye on your business 24/7. The system can act as a burglar alarm, evidence of an event or even safety monitoring. The available solutions are simple to install yourself and can be located anywhere you have a Wi-Fi signal. Via a smartphone App you can receive movement alerts and also view cameras in real-time.  This access can be shared with others.

A configurable solution allows you to mix and match different cameras to suit your requirements, including totally wireless products that use the sun for power and the Mobile phone network.

Wireless security cameras can be purchased directly from vendors or from office supply, hardware and electrical retailers.

Alternate sources of funding for growth

With tougher economic conditions and tighter lending criteria, Australian SME’s are increasingly looking to alternate sources of funding.

New data from funding solutions company OptiPay shows an increase in small businesses seeking invoice financing, which is commonly used by SMEs overseas as alternate sources of funding.

“With banks tightening up on how much and how easily they’ll lend money to SME’s, smart business owners are looking outside the box for solutions to grow,” says OptiPay CEO Angus Sedgwick.

“Invoice financing gives them an advance on the money owed from their business’ outstanding invoices – a revolving line of credit which they can unlock from their accounts receivable ledger,” he says.

Internal OptiPay data shows their customers are growing their sales revenue on average between 50-60% every year.

“What we see with our clients is a snowball effect. Unlocking that cash flow allows them to grow at a faster rate because they’re no longer having to wait 30 plus days for their invoices to be paid which allows them to utilise the cash from their sales revenue immediately within their business to drive growth.”

“The problem some businesses run into with a bank loan is that they’re growing so rapidly over a 6 month period that suddenly the approved loan isn’t enough and it can be virtually impossible to get that loan increased,” says Mr Sedgwick.

The demand for invoice financing has more than doubled since early 2018 with 16.3% of SME’s taking out a new invoice finance facility in the past 12 months compared to 7.6% three years ago.

“When a business is going through a rapid growth phase it needs cash as they might be taking on new contracts, new employees, upscaling machinery and possibly needing new premises so they’re spending money before they make any – and invoice financing can bridge that gap.”

“An invoice finance company will pay up to 90% of the verified outstanding invoice value, often within 24 hours. It effectively bridges the cash flow gap between a sale being made and cash for that sale actually being received.”

“By unlocking that cashflow, we’re seeing businesses on average grow their sales revenue by 50-60%.”

 “It’s a tough environment out there for SME’s at the moment and whilst banks are becoming more risk-adverse to lending, for us a growing business is the perfect client,” says Mr Sedgwick.

“Manufacturing and wholesale traders are the most common utilisers of our products, but any B2B business with strong sales should be considering invoice financing,” he adds.

CYPHER LEARNING for Shopify businesses

CYPHER LEARNING, a leading provider of intelligent learning platforms for schools, universities and organisations around the world, today announces partnership with Boost Commerce, a leading Shopify & Shopify Plus business solutions provider – to streamline and strengthen training for its fully remote workforce. 

Boost Commerce is a team of Shopify experts, providing efficient and reliable technology solutions to assist Shopify & Shopify Plus stores grow and scale up their business. Boost Commerce launched their Product Filter & Search app in 2017 and currently have over 13,000 Shopify subscribers. The global eCommerce platform chose CYPHER LEARNING’s solution MATRIX LMS to streamline onboarding and deliver a high-quality learning experience forits staff. 

MATRIX is an intelligent learning platform (ILP) for businesses that enables organisations to reach the full potential of online training and collaboration. The platform ensures Boost Commerce can create and manage interactive e-learning activities that are accessible to employees anytime and from any location.  

“CYPHER LEARNING is thrilled to partner with Boost Commerce to provide the best e-learning solutions for their staff to help grow their business,” said Graham Glass, CEO and Founder of CYPHER LEARNING. 

“The company is strengthening its presence in the APAC region and will continue to provide the most innovative and feature-rich online learning solutions for organisations to deliver the best training experience for their staff.”

“Working remotely, with its undeniable boost in productivity, also presents a unique set of challenges. One of the many issues we come across includes finding a suitable L&D strategy.” said Mr. Triet Nguyen, co-founder of Boost Commerce.  

“Boost Commerce needs a specialised tool that helps organise and streamline the training process of our employees. That’s when we found CYPHER LEARNING.  Our experience with the platform has been outstanding. Trainers can easily manage their materials and trainees have no trouble accessing their assigned courses. CYPHER LEARNING provides a user-friendly yet more immersively advanced training experience compared to the other LMS tools we’ve used. To cap things off, there’s always a dedicated support team to quickly and effectively address our concerns.” 

MATRIX LMS was recently awarded a top spot on Forbes Advisor’s “Best Learning Management Systems of 2022” list, recommending the platform for businesses that want an LMS with an intuitive UX, robust e-commerce capabilities and all-round ease of use.