#Consolidation software

[triforceglobal]

The Ultimate Guide to Consolidation Software & ERP Software: Streamlining Your Business Operation

In today’s competitive business world, companies need robust software solutions to manage data, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. Consolidation software and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software are two vital tools that help businesses streamline operations, ensure compliance, and improve financial accuracy.

What is Consolidation Software?

Consolidation software automates financial reporting, merges data from different business units, and ensures compliance with accounting standards. It simplifies the complex task of financial consolidation for businesses with multiple subsidiaries.

Key Features of Consolidation Software

Automated Data Aggregation: Collects financial data from multiple sources.

Compliance & Reporting: Ensures adherence to GAAP, IFRS, and other regulations.

Real-Time Analytics: Provides instant financial insights.

Multi-Currency Handling: Ideal for global enterprises.

Audit Trail: Maintains transparency and security.

Benefits of Using Consolidation Software

Time-Saving: Eliminates manual data entry.

Error Reduction: Minimizes financial discrepancies.

Improved Decision-Making: Provides real-time financial data.

Scalability: Grows with your business needs.

Compliance Assurance: Ensures financial accuracy and reporting standards.

Understanding ERP Software

ERP software integrates various business processes, such as finance, HR, supply chain, and inventory management, into a single unified system. It enables seamless communication and data sharing across departments.

Core Features of ERP Software

Financial Management: Automates accounting and budgeting.

Human Resources: Manages payroll, benefits, and employee records.

Supply Chain Management: Tracks inventory, orders, and logistics.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Enhances customer interactions.

Business Intelligence: Offers data-driven insights.

How ERP Software Enhances Business Processes

Centralized Data: Reduces data silos.

Process Automation: Speeds up workflow execution.

Improved Collaboration: Connects all business functions.

Real-Time Reporting: Facilitates proactive decision-making.

Choosing the Right Software for Your Business

Consider your company size, budget, industry, and specific needs. A growing business may require an ERP solution, while large corporations with multiple subsidiaries might benefit more from consolidation software.

Top Consolidation Software Solutions

Oracle Hyperion Financial Management

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation

Workday Adaptive Planning

OneStream XF

Anaplan

Best ERP Software Options in 2024

SAP S/4HANA

Oracle NetSuite

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Infor ERP

Odoo

How to Successfully Implement ERP and Consolidation Software

Assess Business Needs: Identify requirements.

Choose the Right Vendor: Compare features and pricing.

Plan Data Migration: Ensure seamless transition.

Train Employees: Enable smooth adoption.

Monitor Performance: Regularly assess software efficiency.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Data Migration Issues: Ensure proper data backup.

Employee Resistance: Provide adequate training.

Cost Overruns: Set realistic budgets and milestones.

Integration Complexity: Work with experienced vendors.

Future Trends in Business Software Solutions

AI & Machine Learning Integration

Cloud-Based ERP & Consolidation Solutions

Blockchain for Enhanced Security

IoT for Real-Time Business Insights

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between consolidation software and ERP software?

Consolidation software focuses on financial data aggregation and reporting, while ERP software integrates various business processes.

2. Can small businesses use ERP software?

Yes, many ERP solutions cater to small and medium-sized businesses with scalable options.

3. Is consolidation software only for financial teams?

Primarily, yes, but other departments may use it for financial reporting and compliance.

4. How long does it take to implement ERP software?

Implementation time varies from a few months to a year, depending on the business size and complexity.

5. Do ERP and consolidation software require frequent updates?

Yes, regular updates ensure security, efficiency, and compliance with the latest standards.

6. What are the costs associated with these software solutions?

Costs vary based on vendor, features, and company size, ranging from a few thousand to millions of dollars.

Conclusion

Both consolidation software and ERP software are essential tools for modern businesses. While consolidation software enhances financial reporting and accuracy, ERP software optimizes overall business processes. Choosing the right solution depends on your organization’s unique requirements, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and growth.

[resultlane]

Leveraging Financial Reporting Automation to Reduce Month-End Close Time: Tips for Finance Controllers

Month-end close feels like being a stuntman racing through a fiery circus ring, with reports and numbers swirling around you like a looming threat. This challenging and time-consuming process is a monthly struggle for finance controllers.

Month-end close is the process of finalizing all financial transactions and reports at the end of each month. This includes reconciling accounts, reviewing financial statements, and preparing reports to assess your business’s financial health. Financial controls are an important activity that contributes to a business’s overall health and success.

Don’t worry, though—this guide will walk you through how to leverage financial reporting automation to simplify your month-end close process and streamline your financial operations.

Challenges Faced During Month-End Close Time by Finance Controllers

The monthly close time is a source of stressors for finance controllers due to:

Complexity of bringing data from legacy systems and ERPs

Gather commentaries and feedback from various sources

Maintain multiple spreadsheets, reconciling and matching transactions

Eliminating intercompany transactions

Dealing with multiple and duplicate data

Manual data entry prone to errors

Lack of visibility and control

Managing multicurrency transactions

Rollups while consolidating financial data from multiple entities

Inconsistent reporting due to frequent changes in shareholder stakes

The month-end close process is often plagued by several key challenges, starting with the use of complex and disparate systems. Over the past few decades, finance controllers have been conditioned to work with best-of-breed solutions for consolidation, account reconciliations, tax, and forecasting. However, these solutions are typically spread across multiple ERP systems, each with varying levels of detail, complex integrations, and data duplication, which do not seamlessly integrate.

Legacy systems were not designed to handle such complexity, forcing companies to rely on manual processes and spreadsheets to bridge the gaps in their consolidation and close systems. This fragmentation creates inefficiencies, adding time, complexity, and challenges for finance controllers during the close process.

The Transition Phase from Tradition to Automation

The transition to financial reporting automation from traditional methods of preparing reports is more than adapting it across the organization. It aims to address the challenges that today’s businesses face like rising resource costs, the need for skilled professionals, and accurate and less time-consuming financial reporting.

Numbers say you can do much more with financial reporting automation software:

      65% increased ability to predict trends and impacts

      60% improved real-time insights into risks

      57% improved data-enabled decision-making

      57% increased data accuracy

However, modern financial reporting automation solutions now do much more than simply automate tasks; they boost productivity and control throughout the close-consolidate-report cycle.

A standout feature of today’s consolidation software is its ability to streamline the entire closing process. While traditionally, financial closes took weeks, new tools have enabled companies to achieve much quicker closes—often within a single business week. This has become efficient because of automated workflows and the integration of AI, which not only accelerate tasks but also enhance accuracy and ensure compliance with ever-changing accounting standards and tax regulations.

For More Insights: ResultLane.ai

[pathquest1999]

From Chaos to Clarity: The Essential Role of Consolidated Reporting in Multi-Entity Organizations

We live in a continually evolving business landscape, where organizations often operate across numerous entities. For these multi-entity organizations, managing financial data becomes a complex yet crucial task. As businesses expand and diversify, managing financial data across various entities becomes more complicated, yet it is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and making informed business decisions. As a result, consolidating financial statements for these organizations goes beyond just a regulatory requirement, functioning instead as an essential and necessary strategic imperative.

Read More

[jupiterbusinesssystems]

Streamlining Operations: Logistics Software Transforming the UAE Market

The United Arab Emirates, a global trade hub, relies heavily on efficient logistics operations. To maintain its competitive edge, the industry is rapidly adopting advanced logistics software UAE. These solutions are revolutionizing how companies manage their complex supply chains, from warehousing to international shipping.  

Freight software solutions UAE are becoming indispensable, offering tools for real-time tracking, route optimization, and automated documentation. For companies dealing with maritime transport, specialized systems like container shipping software UAE, ocean freight software UAE, and sea freight software UAE are essential. These platforms streamline container management, track vessel movements, and facilitate efficient port operations. Additionally, liner software UAE provides specific tools for liner shipping companies, enhancing scheduling and vessel utilization.  

Freight forwarding system UAE and freight forwarding management software UAE are critical for companies handling the intricate process of moving goods across borders. Specifically, freight forwarding software Dubai and freight forwarding software UAE address the unique demands of this dynamic market. International freight forwarding software UAE enables seamless handling of customs procedures, documentation, and compliance across various jurisdictions. To manage the financial aspects, freight forwarding accounting software UAE and logistics accounting software UAE offer integrated solutions for invoicing, cost tracking, and financial reporting.  

For businesses focused on maximizing cargo space, freight consolidation software UAE helps optimize loading and reduce shipping costs. Cargo shipping software UAE and shipping software UAE provide broader tools for managing cargo movements, including tracking, documentation, and communication. Moreover, shipping management software UAE offers comprehensive oversight of all shipping activities.  

To further improve overall efficiency, freight logistics software UAE, freight management software in UAE, and ocean freight management software UAE provide advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions.

For companies seeking the best freight management software UAE, solutions offering seamless integration, scalability, and robust security are paramount. Finally, international logistics software UAE provides global supply chain visibility and control.  

[icon-resources]

Unlock Business Growth with Data Management & Analytics

Discover how Icon Resources empowers businesses with cutting-edge data management and analytics solutions. Learn more today!

[bicxo]

[Enterprise performance management] EPM software benefits for businesses

EPM software is a powerful tool that enables businesses to plan, budget, forecast, and analyze performance effectively by integrating data from various sources such as ERP, HRMS, WHMS, and customer interactions. It provides comprehensive insights into historical data, helping organizations make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation.

A key advantage of EPM software is its data integration and analysis capabilities, allowing businesses to track key performance indicators (KPIs), generate reports, and visualize data for better strategic alignment. Additionally, planning and forecasting tools help create realistic financial plans, conduct scenario modeling, and optimize operations. By integrating with project management and inventory systems, EPM software ensures seamless alignment between financial goals and operational execution.

Another critical feature is simulation modeling, which allows businesses to conduct "what-if" analyses, test different strategies, and assess risks proactively. By identifying potential challenges and mitigating risks, companies can make data-driven decisions and minimize costly mistakes.

The benefits of EPM software include improved decision-making, automation of planning tasks, enhanced collaboration across departments, and increased operational efficiency. It also helps organizations identify areas for improvement, track progress toward goals, and safeguard financial stability. In an increasingly data-driven world, EPM software is essential for businesses looking to enhance performance and achieve long-term success.

To read the full detailed article click here

[mapleweld]

Revolutionize Business Insights with Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM | CherryberryCRM

In today’s dynamic business environment, decision-making relies heavily on accurate and timely financial data. Consolidated financial reporting has become a critical tool for businesses, enabling them to unify data from multiple sources for a comprehensive view of their financial health. CherryberryCRM’s Consolidated Reporting Software in CRM  provides businesses with the tools they need to streamline reporting, ensure compliance, and enhance decision-making.

What is Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM?

Consolidated financial reporting is the process of combining financial data from different departments, subsidiaries, or systems into one cohesive report. Within a CRM system like CherryberryCRM, this functionality becomes even more powerful. It enables businesses to integrate their financial data with customer management insights, creating a unified platform for operational and financial decisions.

Why Businesses Need Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM

1. Centralized Data Management

CherryberryCRM brings all financial and customer data into a single platform. Instead of juggling multiple systems and spreadsheets, businesses can access consolidated reports with ease.

2. Improved Decision-Making

Consolidated reporting provides a bird’s-eye view of financial performance, allowing leaders to identify trends, allocate resources, and plan effectively.

3. Time and Cost Efficiency

Manual consolidation of financial data is time-consuming and prone to errors. CherryberryCRM automates the process, reducing labor costs and improving accuracy.

4. Enhanced Compliance

For businesses operating in multiple regions, compliance with various regulatory frameworks is essential. CherryberryCRM ensures financial reporting adheres to local and international standards.

Key Features of CherryberryCRM’s Consolidated Financial Reporting

1. Real-Time Financial Insights

CherryberryCRM provides up-to-date financial reports, ensuring that businesses always have the most current data for decision-making.

2. Customizable Dashboards

Tailor your reporting interface to display key metrics relevant to your business. Whether it’s revenue, expenses, or profit margins, you’ll have all the data at your fingertips.

3. Multi-Entity Reporting

For businesses with multiple branches or subsidiaries, CherryberryCRM enables seamless consolidation of financial data from various entities.

4. Integrated Analytics

Combine financial data with CRM insights to analyze customer profitability, revenue trends, and market performance.

5. Cloud Accessibility

Access your consolidated financial reports anytime, anywhere, with CherryberryCRM’s secure cloud-based platform.

6. Compliance Management

Generate reports that adhere to regulatory requirements, ensuring audit readiness and legal compliance.

Benefits of Using CherryberryCRM for Consolidated Financial Reporting

1. Simplified Workflows

CherryberryCRM automates repetitive tasks, such as data integration and formatting, making financial reporting a seamless process.

2. Enhanced Collaboration

With all stakeholders having access to the same financial data, teams can collaborate effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and delays.

3. Increased Accuracy

Automation reduces human error, ensuring that reports are precise and reliable.

4. Scalability

CherryberryCRM grows with your business, handling increasing volumes of financial data as you expand.

5. Strategic Insights

Combine financial data with customer behavior insights to make data-driven strategic decisions.

Applications of Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM

Consolidated reporting can be applied across industries and business sizes. Here’s how it benefits different sectors:

1. Retail and E-Commerce

Track sales and revenue across multiple stores or online platforms.

Monitor inventory costs and profitability.

2. Manufacturing

Consolidate costs from different production units.

Generate reports to analyze efficiency and waste management.

3. Financial Services

Manage and report on diverse investment portfolios.

Ensure compliance with financial regulations.

4. Real Estate

Track revenues from multiple properties.

Monitor expenses for maintenance and operations.

How CherryberryCRM Enhances Financial Reporting

CherryberryCRM stands out with its intuitive design, robust features, and unmatched customer support. Here’s how it elevates the financial reporting experience:

1. Seamless Integration

Integrate CherryberryCRM with your existing accounting software, ensuring smooth data flow and consistent reporting.

2. Advanced Data Visualization

Visualize complex financial data with charts, graphs, and infographics, making insights easier to understand.

3. AI-Powered Recommendations

Leverage AI to identify trends and recommend actions, such as cost reductions or investment opportunities.

4. Data Security

CherryberryCRM prioritizes data security, ensuring that your financial information remains confidential and protected.

Real-World Example: A Success Story

A growing retail chain in Lahore faced challenges in consolidating financial data from multiple branches. Manual processes led to delays and inaccuracies, affecting their decision-making.

After implementing CherryberryCRM’s Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM, the business experienced:

30% Faster Reporting: Automated data integration saved time.

Improved Accuracy: Errors were eliminated, ensuring reliable reports.

Enhanced Decision-Making: Real-time insights helped the company optimize inventory and improve profitability.

This case highlights the transformative impact of using CherryberryCRM for financial reporting.

Why Choose CherryberryCRM?

1. Tailored Solutions

CherryberryCRM understands the unique needs of businesses in Pakistan, offering solutions that align with local market dynamics.

2. Affordable Pricing

Get premium features at competitive prices, making CherryberryCRM accessible for businesses of all sizes.

3. Expert Support

Our team of experts provides training and ongoing support, ensuring you get the most out of your CRM system.

4. Continuous Innovation

CherryberryCRM regularly updates its features to stay ahead of industry trends, offering you cutting-edge solutions.

Conclusion

Consolidated financial reporting is no longer a luxury—it’s necessary for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. k empowers companies with Consolidated Financial Reporting in CRM  in Lahore and beyond to streamline their financial management, enhance collaboration, and drive growth.

Whether you’re a small business looking to unify your financial data or a large enterprise managing complex operations, CherryberryCRM provides the tools you need to succeed.

Invest in CherryberryCRM today and transform the way you manage your financial data. Visit CherryberryCRM’s website to learn more and schedule a demo.

[pathquestsolutions]

The Importance of Digital Transformation for Your Accounting Firm

Despite the technology available to simplify their work, many accounting firms still rely on paper. While some have adopted digital ledgers, 45% of businesses still primarily use paper checks. Moving to the digital age offers numerous benefits: cloud technology allows 24/7 access to financial data, real-time collaboration, and automation of routine tasks. By automating compliance work, firms can focus on providing valuable advisory services.

For more information visit us at https://pathquest.com/knowledge-center/blogs/why-your-accounting-firm-needs-to-move-into-the-digital-age/

[easternindiatechnosoft-blog]

https://eitpl.in/finance

Eitpl is a leading Banking & financial Software Development Company in Kolkata provides bank software development services at best price.

[resultlane]

Role of ERP vs BI vs EPM in Financial Consolidation: Know the Differences and Choose the Right Tool

Introduction

The growing business scale in the era of big data and digital transformation demands something more than classic techniques of making decisions. Imagine this: Your team is working overtime to close the quarter, but despite your best efforts, numbers aren’t adding up. The financial reporting system you rely on is slow, clunky, and doesn’t give you the insight you need to make critical decisions.

What solutions will fix this recurring monthly problem? How will I get actionable insights to make better forecasts? What will help me to consolidate the processes and operations? You might be wondering about these questions after the gruelling report-making days are over.

This blog is about helping you understand better what is EPM, what is BI, how they differ from ERP and what works best for my organization.

The right tool could make all the difference, but choosing wisely requires a deeper understanding of how each works. Let’s break it down and help you make the right choice for your business.

What is EPM?

Enterprise performance management i.e. EPM software is a suite designed to assist management processes like planning, modeling, and consolidation of data from single or multiple instances of ERP systems that an enterprise can utilize to improve its profits and performance. EPM software specializes in budgeting, forecasting and financial management. Generally, it is driven under the leadership of the CFO or finance department.

EPM aids the CFO and finance department in creating initial budgets and coordinating the planning across the organization. Business strategy and execution can be aligned.

Key EPM Functionalities

1.Budgeting & Target Setting: Helps CFOs and finance teams set initial budgets and targets.

2.Cross-Department Planning: Coordinates financial and operational planning across the organization.

3.Financial Consolidation: Aids in gathering financial and operational results quickly for timely decision-making.

4.Advanced Analytics: Supports modeling and analytics for data-driven insights and scenario planning to assess potential outcomes.

5.Simplified Auditing: Streamlines and accelerates the financial auditing process.

What is BI?

Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the systems and processes used by organizations to analyze data, extract insights, and drive strategic decision-making. An effective BI practice empowers everyone in the organization — from executives to front-line staff — to make informed decisions based on a shared, reliable source of data.

It overlaps with several data-driven disciplines, and understanding these differences is crucial for maximizing their combined value. At its core, BI fuels Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) by providing the data and analytics needed for effective financial and operational planning.

BI tools analyze, manipulate, and report on data, and support a wide range of business needs, including EPM. Most EPM systems rely on BI-generated insights and data, either built upon or fed by BI software.

Key BI Functionalities

1.Performance measurement: Multiple KPIs and metrics which are useful for the overall business functions like accounts payable or inventory are tracked and reported with ease.

2.Business process optimization: BI tools aid in identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks in the operational and transactional data. This helps managers to understand and analyze data in a refined manner.

3.Predictive and trend analysis: BI tools are able to use historical data to identify patterns and trends that aid organizations in making proactive and data-driven decisions.

4.Reporting and Dashboards: BI generates reports, dashboards, and interactive visualizations to present data in a precise and user-friendly format.

What is ERP?

ERP i.e. Enterprise Resource Planning is a system that focuses on transactional processing and keeps track of the organization’s resources. The ERP system gathers and organizes data on materials wherever the organization interacts with them, from ordering to procurement, and from supply chains to delivery. It is designed to document transactions and monitor resources inside an organization.

The data from an ERP system helps business leaders identify efficiencies and improve processes and resource management. An ERP can overlap with Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), especially in areas like financial planning and decision-making. However, implementing an ERP system can be a lengthy process, often taking months or even years in larger organizations to fully roll out.

Key ERP Functionalities

1.Integration: ERP systems help you with giving a central view of the financial and operational data. ERP is the base for developing BI. The reports and insights provided by ERP can be utilized to optimize resource allocation and use.

2.Automation: One important functionality here is the ability to automate repeated business tasks. For instance, a line of business with a financial module could automatically trigger a month-end report on cash flows and other metrics.

3.Report making: ERP reporting modules can compile operations data into reports aiding the stakeholders to make informed decisions in the light of real-time data.

4.Financial Management: With ERP in place finance leaders can assist management in tracking and analyzing critical business data. Capital projects, funding, cash management, and other departments can make a collaborative decision.

Continue reading : ResultLane.ai

[python-official]

Rules:

Python is the best language for real people (aka people who are not designated software devs)

This blog is a consolidation of all my rage. Main blog is a totally-mysterious grad student biologist tgirl who does bioinformatics. If you want politeness, go there.

Science has found NO NEED for AI more advanced than scikit-learn

The best IDE is the built in Ubuntu text editor

Prep for a day of computational research with a refreshing shower coffee

If you use C or it's variants I'm throwing you out of a bus window

If you use R.... I'm so sorry

If you use Java..... Who hurt you?

[jcmarchi]

Strategic patch management & proof of concept insights for CISOs - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/strategic-patch-management-proof-of-concept-insights-for-cisos-cybertalk/

Strategic patch management & proof of concept insights for CISOs - CyberTalk

Augusto Morales is a Technology Lead (Threat Solutions) at Check Point Software Technologies. He is based in Dallas, Texas, and has been working in cyber security since 2006. He got his PhD/Msc in Telematics System Engineering from the Technical University of Madrid, Spain and he is also a Senior Member of the IEEE. Further, he is the author of more than 15 research papers focused on mobile services. He holds professional certifications such as CISSP and CCSP, among others.

One of the burdens of CISO leadership is ensuring compliance with endpoint security measures that ultimately minimize risk to an acceptable business level. This task is complex due to the unique nature of each organization’s IT infrastructure. In regulated environments, there is added pressure to implement diligent patching practices to meet compliance standards.

As with any IT process, patch management requires planning, verification, and testing among other actions. The IT staff must methodically define how to find the right solution, based on system’s internal telemetry, processes and external requirements. A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a key element in achieving this goal. It demonstrates and verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of a particular solution.

In other words, it involves creating a prototype to show how the proposed measure addresses the specific needs. In the context of patch management, this “prototype” must provide evidence that the whole patching strategy works as expected — before it is fully implemented across the organization. The strategy must also ensure that computer resources are optimized, and software vulnerabilities are mitigated effectively.

Several cyber security vendors provide patch management, but there is no single one-size-fits-all approach, in the same way that there is for other security capabilities. This makes PoCs essential in determining the effectiveness of a patching strategy. The PoC helps in defining the effectiveness of patching strategy by 1) discovering and patching software assets 2) identifying vulnerabilities and evaluating their impact 3) generating reports for compliance and auditing.

This article aims to provide insights into developing a strategic patch management methodology by outlining criteria for PoCs.

But first, a brief overview of why I am talking about patch management…

Why patch management

Patch management is a critical process for maintaining the security of computer systems. It involves the application of functional updates and security fixes provided by software manufacturers to remedy identified vulnerabilities in their products. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by cyber criminals to infiltrate systems, steal data, or take systems hostage.

Therefore, patch management is essential to prevent attacks and protect the integrity and confidentiality of all users’ information. The data speaks for itself:

There are an average of 1900 new CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) each month.

4 out of 5 cyber attacks are caused by software quality issues.

50% of vulnerabilities are exploited within 3 weeks after the corresponding patch has been released.

On average, it takes an organization 120 days to remediate a vulnerability.

Outdated systems are easy targets for cyber attacks, as criminals can easily exploit known vulnerabilities due to extensive technical literature and even Proof-of-Concept exploits. Furthermore, successful attacks can have repercussions beyond the compromised system, affecting entire networks and even spreading to other business units, users and third parties.

Practical challenges with PoC patch management

When implementing patch management, organizations face challenges such as lack of visibility into devices, operating systems, and versions, along with difficulty in correctly identifying the level of risk associated with a given vulnerability in the specific context of the organization. I’ll address some relevant challenges in terms of PoCs below:

1) Active monitoring: PoCs must establish criteria for quickly identifying vulnerabilities based on standardized CVEs and report those prone to easy exploitation based on up-to-date cyber intelligence.

2) Prioritization: Depending on the scope of the IT system (e.g. remote workers’ laptops or stationary PCs), the attack surface created by the vulnerability may be hard to recognize due to the complexity of internal software deployed on servers, end-user computers, and systems exposed to the internet.  Also, sometimes it is not practical to patch a wide range of applications with an equivalent sense of urgency, since it will cause bandwidth consumption spikes. And in case of errors, it will trigger alert fatigue for cyber security personnel. Therefore, other criteria is needed to identify and to quickly and correctly patch key business applications. This key detail has been overlooked by some companies in the past, with catastrophic consequences.

3) Time: To effectively apply a patch, it must be identified, verified, and checked for quality. This is why the average patch time of 120 days often extends, as organizations must balance business continuity against the risk of a cyber attack. The PoC process must have ways to collect consistent and accurate telemetry, and to apply compensation security mechanisms in case the patch process fails or cannot be completely rolled out because of software/OS incompatibility, drop in performance and conflict with existing endpoint controls (e.g. EDR/Antimalware). Examples of these compensation controls include: full or partial system isolation, process/socket termination and applying or suggesting security exclusions.

4) Vendor coordination: PoCs must ensure that software updates will not introduce new vulnerabilities. This situation has happened in the past. As an example, CVE-2021-30551 occurred in the Chrome Browser, where the fix inadvertently opened up another zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2021-30554) that was exploited in the wild.

Another similar example is Apple IOS devices with CVE-2021-1835, where this vulnerability re-introduced previously fixed vulnerabilities by allowing unauthorized user access to sensitive data, without the need for any sophisticated software interaction. In this context, a PoC process must verify the ability to enforce a defense in depth approach by, for example, applying automatic anti-exploitation controls.

Improving ROI via consolidation – The proof is in the pudding?

In the process of consolidating security solutions, security posture and patch management are under continuous analysis by internal experts. Consolidation aims to increase the return on investment (ROI).

That said, there are technical and organizational challenges that limit the implementation of a patch and vulnerability management strategy under this framework, especially for remote workers. This is because implementing different solutions on laptops, such as antimalware, EDR, and vulnerability scanners, requires additional memory and CPU resources that are not always available. The same premise applies to servers, where workloads can vary, and any unexpected increase or latency in service can cause an impact on business operations. The final challenge is software incompatibility that, together with legacy system usage, can firmly limit any consolidation efforts.

Based on the arguments above, consolidation is feasible and true after demonstrating it by the means of a comprehensive PoC. The PoC process should validate consolidation via a single software component a.k.a. endpoint agent and a single management platform. It should help cyber security practitioners to quickly answer common questions, as described below:

How many critical vulnerabilities exist in the environment? What’s the breakdown?

Which CVEs are the most common and what are their details?

What is the status of a specific critical CVE?

What’s the system performance? What/how it can be improved?

How does threat prevention works in tandem with other security controls? Is containment possible?

What happens if patching fails?

Failure in patch management can be catastrophic, even if just a small percentage fail. The PoC process must demonstrate emergency mitigation strategies in case a patch cannot be rolled out or assets are already compromised.

Managing this “mitigation” could limit the ROI, since extra incident response resources could be needed, which may involve more time, personnel and downtime. So, the PoC should demonstrate that the whole patch management will maintain a cyber-tolerance level that could be acceptable in conjunction with the internal business processes, the corresponding applicable regulations, and economic variables that keep the organization afloat.

Check Point Software Technologies offers Harmony Endpoint, a single agent that strengths patch management capabilities and hence, minimizes risks to acceptable levels. It also provides endpoint protection with advanced EPP, DLP, and XDR capabilities in a single software component, ensuring that organizations are comprehensively protected from cyber attacks while simplifying security operations and reducing both costs and effort.

[jupiterbusinesssystems]

Logistics Software for Logistics Companies in UAE

Streamlining Operations: Logistics Software Transforming the UAE Market

The United Arab Emirates, a global trade hub, relies heavily on efficient logistics operations. To maintain its competitive edge, the industry is rapidly adopting advanced logistics software UAE. These solutions are revolutionizing how companies manage their complex supply chains, from warehousing to international shipping.  

Freight software solutions UAE are becoming indispensable, offering tools for real-time tracking, route optimization, and automated documentation. For companies dealing with maritime transport, specialized systems like container shipping software UAE, ocean freight software UAE, and sea freight software UAE are essential. These platforms streamline container management, track vessel movements, and facilitate efficient port operations. Additionally, liner software UAE provides specific tools for liner shipping companies, enhancing scheduling and vessel utilization.  

Freight forwarding system UAE and freight forwarding management software UAE are critical for companies handling the intricate process of moving goods across borders. Specifically, freight forwarding software Dubai and freight forwarding software UAE address the unique demands of this dynamic market. International freight forwarding software UAE enables seamless handling of customs procedures, documentation, and compliance across various jurisdictions. To manage the financial aspects, freight forwarding accounting software UAE and logistics accounting software UAE offer integrated solutions for invoicing, cost tracking, and financial reporting.  

For businesses focused on maximizing cargo space, freight consolidation software UAE helps optimize loading and reduce shipping costs. Cargo shipping software UAE and shipping software UAE provide broader tools for managing cargo movements, including tracking, documentation, and communication. Moreover, shipping management software UAE offers comprehensive oversight of all shipping activities.  

To further improve overall efficiency, freight logistics software UAE, freight management software in UAE, and ocean freight management software UAE provide advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions.

For companies seeking the best freight management software UAE, solutions offering seamless integration, scalability, and robust security are paramount. Finally, international logistics software UAE provides global supply chain visibility and control.  

[therobotmonster]

On that recent Disney Vs Midjourney court thing wrt AI, how strong do you think their case is in a purely legal sense, what do you think MJ's best defenses are, how likely is Disney to win, and how bad would the outcome be if they do win?

Oh sure, ask an easy one.

In a purely legal sense, this case is very questionable.

Scraping as fair use has already been established when it comes to text in legal cases, and infringement is based on publication, not inspiration. There's also the question of if Midjourney would be responsible for their users' creations under safe harbor provisions, or even basic understanding of what an art tool is. Adobe isn't responsible for the many, many illegal images its software is used to make, after all.

The best defense, I would say, is the fair use nature of dataset training and the very nature of transformative work, which is protected, requires the work-to-be-transformed is involved. Disney's basic approach of 'your AI knows who our characters are, so that proves you stole from us' would render fair use impossible.

I don't think its likely for Disney to win, but the problem with civil action is proof isn't needed, just convincing. Bad civil cases happen all the time, and produce case law. Which is what Disney is trying to do here.

If Disney wins, they'll have pulled off a coup of regulatory capture, basically ensuring that large media corporations can replace their staff with robots but that small creators will be limited to underpowered models to compete with them.

Worse, everything that is a 'smoking gun' when it comes to copyright infringement on Midjourney? That's fan art. All that "look how many copyrighted characters they're using-" applies to the frontpage of Deviantart or any given person's Tumblr feed more than to the featured page of Midjourney.

Every single website with user-generated content it chock full of copyright infringement because of fan art and fanfic, and fair use arguments are far harder to pull out for fan-works. The law won't distinguish between a human with a digital art package and a human with an AI art package, and any win Disney makes against MJ is a win against Artstation, Deviantart, Rule34.xxx, AO3, and basically everyone else.

"We get a slice of your cheese if enough of your users post our mouse" is not a rule you want in law.

And the rules won't be enforced by a court 9/10 times. Even if your individual work is plainly fair use, it's not going to matter to whatever image-based version of youtube's copyreich bots gets applied to Artstation and RedBubble to keep the site owners safe.

Even if you're right, you won't have the money to fight.

Heck, Adobe already spies on what you make to report you to the feds if you're doing a naughty, imagine it's internal watchdogs throwing up warnings when it detects you drawing Princess Jasmine and Ariel making out. That may sound nuts, but it's entirely viable.

And that's just one level of possible nightmare. If the judgement is broad enough, it could provide a legal pretext for pursuing copyright lawsuits over style and inspiration. Given how consolidated IP is, this means you're going to have several large cabals that can crush any new work that seems threatening, as there's bound to be something they can draw a connection to.

If you want to see how utterly stupid inspiration=theft is, check out when Harlan Ellison sued James Cameron over Terminator because Cameron was dumb enough to say he was inspired by Demon with a Glass Hand and Soldier from the Outer Limits.

Harlan was wrong on the merits, wrong ethically, and the case shouldn't have been entertained in the first place, but like I said, civil law isn't about facts. Cameron was honest about how two episodes of a show he saw as a kid gave him this completely different idea (the similarities are 'robot that looks like a guy with hand reveal' and 'time traveling soldier goes into a gun store and tries to buy future guns'), and he got unjustly sued for it.

If you ever wonder why writers only talk about their inspirations that are dead, that's why. Anything that strengthens the "what goes in" rather than the "what goes out" approach to IP is good for corps, bad for culture.

[nsomniacsdream]

I love my brother, full stop. But he's completely capitalism poisoned, he's been doing one sales job after another for decades now. He immediately quits one job as soon as he senses he might make ten dollars more at another job. And I've told him that his way of life is disgusting to me, he knows I want nothing to do with it. So the other day, he tells me this new company he's working at is hiring and he says it's debt waiving or something? he's describing that he doesn't do any selling, they just contact like credit companies and negotiate lower rates or payments or whatever. He specifically says it's not sales. So the company sends me a job invite (it's recommendation only, red flag 4 thru 10), and I take a look at the job duties. It's spelled out without euphemism (which is refreshing, I won't lie) that the job is doing presales confirmation. You do all the arguments they might have against taking out a loan to consolidate their debt, you run their credit and everything, then you pass the ones who qualify on to the sales team. It's literally sales but you aren't the one who gets the commission. I can't imagine a job that would make me suicidal faster, unless it was like Concentration camp guard or something.

So that was about two weeks ago. Today, he texts me that he has access to the application software, and he sees that my application is 'in review pending interview'. It is very important to clarify that I in no way applied for this job. I want nothing to do with this job. I think everyone that does it should burn in hell for all of eternity. It's a job preying on desperate people to get access to the biggest chunk of their stuff when they declare bankruptcy. I looked into the reviews of the company after he told me about it, they aren't helping ANYBODY. My opinion of my brother has gone down a couple notches honestly that he's seemingly so passionate about it. He genuinely thinks he's helping people at the same time he's lining his wallet. I can't wrap my head around how he doesn't realize what he's doing. He buys up people's debts so that his company can take their house. As soon as he moves to a new job, he completely internalizes all their feel good propoganda about how this time, it's predatory lending with a soul tho, so it's totally different.

[bicxo]

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