#field force automation software

[astiinfotech1]

Top Employee Transport Nightmares & How AFM Fixes Them

The Daily Transport Struggles of Employees & Admin Teams 

Managing employee transportation is one of the biggest challenges for corporate organizations. Whether it’s cabs not arriving, last-minute shift changes, compliance issues, or billing disputes, transport managers and employees face daily struggles that affect productivity and safety. 

Enter AFM (Asti Fleet Management) – a smart, AI-powered employee transport automation platform that removes the chaos by automating rostering, live tracking, employee safety features, compliance, and billing in one seamless solution. 

[fieldnova]

How Field Nova's Expense and Travel Tracking Features Help Save Time and Money

In today's fast-paced business environment, managing field operations efficiently can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Field Nova, a cutting-edge field force management software, has revolutionized how businesses track expenses and monitor travel activities of their field teams. Let's explore how this comprehensive field employee tracking app is transforming business operations and delivering substantial cost savings.

Streamlining Expense Management with Real-Time Tracking

Managing expenses for field teams has traditionally been a nightmare of paper receipts and delayed reimbursements. Field Nova's field force automation software changes this paradigm completely. The platform offers real-time expense tracking capabilities that allow field representatives to log expenses instantly through their mobile devices.

When a sales representative makes a purchase, they can simply:

Capture receipt images through the sales employee tracking app

Categorize expenses on the go

Submit claims instantly for faster processing

Track approval status in real-time

This streamlined process eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of lost receipts, saving both time and money for organizations.

Optimizing Travel Routes and Reducing Costs

The field force management app's intelligent route optimization feature is a game-changer for businesses with large field teams. By analyzing historical data and current traffic conditions, Field Nova helps plan the most efficient routes for field visits. This smart functionality:

Reduces fuel consumption and vehicle wear-and-tear

Maximizes the number of client visits per day

Minimizes unnecessary travel time between locations

Provides real-time navigation assistance to field teams

Enhanced Visibility and Control

One of the most powerful aspects of this field employee tracking app is the unprecedented visibility it provides to management. Supervisors can:

Monitor team movements in real-time

Track expense patterns and identify anomalies

Generate detailed reports on travel expenses and efficiency

Make data-driven decisions to optimize field operations

Automated Compliance and Policy Enforcement

Field Nova's field force management software includes built-in policy enforcement features that help organizations maintain compliance with expense regulations. The system automatically:

Flags expenses that exceed predetermined limits

Ensures proper documentation for all claims

Maintains digital records for audit purposes

Enforces travel policy guidelines

Measurable Cost Savings

Organizations implementing Field Nova's field force automation software typically see significant cost reductions in several areas:

Travel Expenses

By optimizing routes and reducing unnecessary travel, companies report average savings of 15-20% on fuel costs alone.

Administrative Costs

The automation of expense processing reduces administrative overhead by up to 40%, freeing up resources for more strategic tasks.

Time Savings

Field teams spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with customers, leading to improved productivity and sales outcomes.

Employee Satisfaction and Retention

The sales employee tracking app not only benefits the organization but also improves employee satisfaction by:

Ensuring prompt expense reimbursements

Reducing paperwork burden

Providing clear visibility into claim status

Offering user-friendly mobile interfaces

Real-World Impact

Companies across various industries have experienced transformative results using Field Nova's expense and travel tracking features. For instance, a pharmaceutical company with 500 field representatives reported annual savings of $300,000 in travel costs and a 50% reduction in expense processing time after implementing the field force management software.

Future-Ready Solution

As businesses continue to evolve, Field Nova's field force automation software stays ahead of the curve with regular updates and new features. The platform's scalability ensures that it can grow with your business while maintaining optimal performance.

Conclusion

In an era where efficiency and cost control are paramount, Field Nova's expense and travel tracking features provide a comprehensive solution for businesses with field teams. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly interfaces, this field force management app delivers measurable improvements in both operational efficiency and bottom-line results.

Ready to transform your field operations? Discover how Field Nova's field employee tracking app can help your business save time and money while improving productivity and compliance.

For more details: 

+91 96663 37878 

[thepsmsblog]

The FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry is an essential component of the global economy, with products like food, beverages, and personal care items being in constant demand. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, sales and distribution remain critical components of success. In recent years, sales tracking software has emerged as an essential tool for businesses looking to optimise their sales operations and stay ahead of the competition.

This article will talk about the latest trends in sales tracking software and take a closer look at the most important ways it can help businesses do better overall.

What is FMCG & Its Important Features

FMCG stands for Fast Moving Consumer Goods. FMCG products are typically low-cost, high-volume items that are sold quickly and consumed rapidly. Examples of FMCG products include food and beverages, personal care items, household cleaning products, and toiletries. Some important features of FMCG products include:

Low Cost: FMCG products are typically low-cost, making them affordable for the majority of consumers.

High Volume: FMCG products are sold in large volumes, with retailers and manufacturers focusing on high turnover rates.

Rapid Consumption: FMCG products are consumed quickly, with consumers often needing to replenish their supplies frequently.

Short shelf life: FMCG products have a limited shelf life, which means that they need to be sold quickly to avoid spoilage or expiration

Strong Distribution Network: FMCG products require a strong distribution network to ensure they reach consumers quickly and efficiently.

Intense Competition: The FMCG sector is highly competitive, with numerous brands and products vying for consumer attention.

The Current State of Sales in FMCG Industries

Traditionally, sales operations in the FMCG industry have relied heavily on manual processes, such as in-person meetings and paper-based record-keeping. While these methods have served the industry well in the past, they are now becoming increasingly outdated in the face of changing market trends and technological advancements. The industry is now shifting towards more automated and data-driven sales strategies that leverage the power of digital tools and software.

Sales tracking software helps businesses to track their sales activities in real time and gather insights into their performance. It FMCG businesses with a more accurate and comprehensive view of their sales activities, helping them to identify areas for improvement and stay ahead of the competition.

Trends in Sales Tracking Software

To enhance their sales operations and drive revenue growth, sales tracking software has become a crucial tool that has become indispensable in streamlining their field sales management. Here are some of the trends in sales tracking software:

Mobile AccessibilityWith the rise of mobile technology, more and more sales tracking software is being developed for mobile devices. This allows sales reps to access real-time sales data and reports on the go, enabling them to make better-informed decisions in the field.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningSales tracking software is increasingly being developed to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. These technologies allow for more accurate forecasting, smarter lead scoring, and personalised recommendations for each customer.

Integration with Other SystemsSales tracking software is being designed to integrate with other systems like CRM, marketing automation, and accounting software. This integration ensures that all relevant data is synced and up-to-date, saving sales teams time and reducing errors.

Cloud-Based SolutionsCloud-based sales tracking software is gaining popularity because it offers benefits like easy accessibility, scalability, and security. With cloud-based solutions, teams can access sales data from anywhere, and the software can scale up or down based on changing needs.

Data Visualization and ReportingSales tracking software is being designed with more advanced data visualisation and reporting capabilities. This allows teams to quickly identify trends and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights..

Customization and PersonalizationSales tracking software is being developed to allow for more customization and personalization. Teams can set up their own workflows, dashboards, and reports, making the software more tailored to their specific needs.These trends are shaping the future of sales in FMCG industries, and companies that adopt these technologies will be better equipped to stay competitive in the fast-paced world of sales.

Benefits of PSM App for FMCG Industries

The PSM app can provide a wide range of benefits for FMCG industries. Here are some of them:

Enhanced Sales PerformanceThe PSM app provides real-time insights into the performance of individual sales reps and the entire sales team, enabling managers to identify areas for improvement and address them quickly. This can lead to an overall improvement in sales performance.

Efficient Inventory ManagementThe PSM app helps companies keep track of their inventory levels, which can help reduce overstocking or stock-outs, and optimise inventory turnover. This can lead to a more efficient supply chain and lower costs.

Improved Customer ExperienceWith access to detailed customer data, sales reps can personalise their sales pitch and provide a better customer experience, increasing the likelihood of customer loyalty and repeat business.

Increased EfficiencyThe PSM app automates routine tasks such as data entry and report generation, saving time and reducing the workload of sales reps. This can help sales reps focus on more important tasks and improve their overall efficiency.

Better decision-makingWith access to real-time data and analytics, sales managers can make informed decisions and adjust their sales strategies as needed to stay competitive and meet sales targets. This can lead to better decision-making and a more successful sales strategy.

New Customer AcquisitionThe PSM app assists FMCG companies acquire new customers by providing insights into potential leads and opportunities. Sales reps can use the app to track customer behaviour and preferences, identify new prospects, and tailor their sales approach accordingly. This can lead to increased revenue and growth for the company.

Meeting Sales TargetsThe PSM app helps sales managers set and meet sales targets by providing real-time data and analytics on sales performance. Managers can use the app to track progress towards goals, identify areas for improvement, and adjust sales strategies as needed to meet targets. This can help ensure that the company meets its sales objectives and stays competitive in the market.

Wrapping Up

Are you ready to streamline your lead management process and boost your sales? Look no further than the best lead management software on the market! With advanced features like lead scoring, automated follow-up, and real-time analytics, the PSM App will help you convert more leads into customers. By streamlining your sales operations with PSM, you can focus on growing your business. Take advantage of the 7-day trial and if you require additional information, our automation experts are available to provide a demo at your convenience. Get started today!

[essglobe]

Accelerate the growth of your Business with ESS's Sales Force Automation App

In today's competitive business landscape, it's more important than ever to have a sales team that is firing on all cylinders. ESS's Sales Force Automation App can help you do just that. Our app provides a comprehensive suite of features that can help you streamline your sales process, improve productivity, and close more deals.

Sales Force Automation Mobile App helps enterprises to digitally manage their sales force and operations from anywhere. Eastern Software Systems has extensive experience in developing custom digital solutions for enterprises of all scales, helping them to embark on their digital transformation journey.

[nyggs]

Salesman Tracking Software for Small Business

Field sales reps are a vital part of your sales team, especially if you’re a small business. Salesman Tracking Software helps you keep track of where your sales reps are by giving you valuable insights into their location.

[mariacallous]

Following a White House edict effectively banning federal employees from disclosing their personal pronouns in email signatures, sources within multiple federal agencies say pronouns are now being systemically blocked across multiple email clients and other software.

WIRED confirmed various automated efforts with employees at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the General Services Administration (GSA), the US Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The employees spoke to WIRED on condition of anonymity, citing fears of retaliation.

Multiple agency directors sent emails over the weekend telling staff that, due to President Donald Trump’s executive order, their offices would be removing the pronoun capability from Office 365. Employees were told they’d also need to remove pronouns from their email signatures in order to comply with the directive.

A staffer at USAID says the formal deactivation of their ability to list pronouns occurred last week, in response to executive orders defining sexes issued by President Trump on his first day in office. A GSA staffer says pronouns were wiped from employees’ email signatures after hours on Friday and were also no longer visible in Slack, the workplace messaging app. At the CDC, there used to be a section for employees to share their pronouns on their Teams profiles, another workplace app. That field no longer exists.

Reached for comment, the White House transferred WIRED to OPM communications director McLaurine Pinover, who pointed to January 29 memorandum ordering agencies to disable all features “that prompt users for their pronouns.”

The ban on personal pronouns follows sweeping efforts by the White House to eliminate programs that encourage diversity and social justice within the federal government, as well as other references to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in federal employees’ discourse.

In a striking example of the policy in action, an image surfaced last week of a wall being painted over at the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Quantico, Virginia, academy due to it listing "diversity" among the bureau's core values. (According to an email from the FBI’s Office of Integrity and Compliance obtained by Mother Jones, the bureau no longer counts "diversity" among its core values.)

The Trump administration began a radical campaign last week aimed at inducing members of the federal workforce to leave their jobs ahead of threatened reductions. The effort is spearheaded by Elon Musk, leader of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force that has effectively seized control of several federal agencies and sensitive government systems with apparent clearance from the White House.

WIRED reported last week that Musk’s outfit had effectively taken over the Office of Personnel Management, the US government’s human resources department. In this and other efforts, it is employing inexperienced young engineers whose ages range from 19 to 24—many of whom, public records show, are former interns or have been affiliated with Musk-aligned companies.

OPM emailed federal workers on January 28 with a “deferred resignation offer,” sparking widespread confusion among federal workers. (DOGE’s own new HR chief was unable to answer basic questions about the offer in a contentious staff meeting last week, WIRED reported.) In an email to staff Sunday evening, OPM clarified whether the deferred resignation program complied with existing privacy laws. “Yes,” read the answer. “The deferred resignation program uses only basic contact information about federal employees, like name and government address, along with short, voluntary email responses. The information is stored on government systems. To the extent that the Privacy Act applies, all information relevant to the program is covered by existing OPM System Records Notices.”

Multiple agency sources told WIRED last week that several of Musk's lieutenants had been granted access to key computer systems controlled by the GSA, an independent agency tasked by Congress with overseeing federal buildings and providing equipment, supplies, and IT support across the government.

[usafphantom2]

B-2 Gets Big Upgrade with New Open Mission Systems Capability

July 18, 2024 | By John A. Tirpak

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has been upgraded with a new open missions systems (OMS) software capability and other improvements to keep it relevant and credible until it’s succeeded by the B-21 Raider, Northrop Grumman announced. The changes accelerate the rate at which new weapons can be added to the B-2; allow it to accept constant software updates, and adapt it to changing conditions.

“The B-2 program recently achieved a major milestone by providing the bomber with its first fieldable, agile integrated functional capability called Spirit Realm 1 (SR 1),” the company said in a release. It announced the upgrade going operational on July 17, the 35th anniversary of the B-2’s first flight.

SR 1 was developed inside the Spirit Realm software factory codeveloped by the Air Force and Northrop to facilitate software improvements for the B-2. “Open mission systems” means that the aircraft has a non-proprietary software architecture that simplifies software refresh and enhances interoperability with other systems.

“SR 1 provides mission-critical capability upgrades to the communications and weapons systems via an open mission systems architecture, directly enhancing combat capability and allowing the fleet to initiate a new phase of agile software releases,” Northrop said in its release.

The system is intended to deliver problem-free software on the first go—but should they arise, correct software issues much earlier in the process.

The SR 1 was “fully developed inside the B-2 Spirit Realm software factory that was established through a partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-2 Systems Program Office,” Northrop said.

The Spirit Realm software factory came into being less than two years ago, with four goals: to reduce flight test risk and testing time through high-fidelity ground testing; to capture more data test points through targeted upgrades; to improve the B-2’s functional capabilities through more frequent, automated testing; and to facilitate more capability upgrades to the jet.

The Air Force said B-2 software updates which used to take two years can now be implemented in less than three months.

In addition to B61 or B83 nuclear weapons, the B-2 can carry a large number of precision-guided conventional munitions. However, the Air Force is preparing to introduce a slate of new weapons that will require near-constant target updates and the ability to integrate with USAF’s evolving long-range kill chain. A quicker process for integrating these new weapons with the B-2’s onboard communications, navigation, and sensor systems was needed.

The upgrade also includes improved displays, flight hardware and other enhancements to the B-2’s survivability, Northrop said.

“We are rapidly fielding capabilities with zero software defects through the software factory development ecosystem and further enhancing the B-2 fleet’s mission effectiveness,” said Jerry McBrearty, Northrop’s acting B-2 program manager.

The upgrade makes the B-2 the first legacy nuclear weapons platform “to utilize the Department of Defense’s DevSecOps [development, security, and operations] processes and digital toolsets,” it added.

The software factory approach accelerates adding new and future weapons to the stealth bomber, and thus improve deterrence, said Air Force Col. Frank Marino, senior materiel leader for the B-2.

The B-2 was not designed using digital methods—the way its younger stablemate, the B-21 Raider was—but the SR 1 leverages digital technology “to design, manage, build and test B-2 software more efficiently than ever before,” the company said.

The digital tools can also link with those developed for other legacy systems to accomplish “more rapid testing and fielding and help identify and fix potential risks earlier in the software development process.”

Following two crashes in recent years, the stealthy B-2 fleet comprises 19 aircraft, which are the only penetrating aircraft in the Air Force’s bomber fleet until the first B-21s are declared to have achieved initial operational capability at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. A timeline for IOC has not been disclosed.

The B-2 is a stealthy, long-range, penetrating nuclear and conventional strike bomber. It is based on a flying wing design combining LO with high aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft’s blended fuselage/wing holds two weapons bays capable of carrying nearly 60,000 lb in various combinations.

Spirit entered combat during Allied Force on March 24, 1999, striking Serbian targets. Production was completed in three blocks, and all aircraft were upgraded to Block 30 standard with AESA radar. Production was limited to 21 aircraft due to cost, and a single B-2 was subsequently lost in a crash at Andersen, Feb. 23, 2008.

Modernization is focused on safeguarding the B-2A’s penetrating strike capability in high-end threat environments and integrating advanced weapons.

The B-2 achieved a major milestone in 2022 with the integration of a Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS), enabling delivery of the modernized B61-12 precision-guided thermonuclear freefall weapon. RATS uses the aircraft’s radar to guide the weapon in GPS-denied conditions, while additional Flex Strike upgrades feed GPS data to weapons prerelease to thwart jamming. A B-2A successfully dropped an inert B61-12 using RATS on June 14, 2022, and successfully employed the longer-range JASSM-ER cruise missile in a test launch last December.

Ongoing upgrades include replacing the primary cockpit displays, the Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) to provide Link 16-based jam-resistant in-flight retasking, advanced IFF, crash-survivable data recorders, and weapons integration. USAF is also working to enhance the fleet’s maintainability with LO signature improvements to coatings, materials, and radar-absorptive structures such as the radome and engine inlets/exhausts.

Two B-2s were damaged in separate landing accidents at Whiteman on Sept. 14, 2021, and Dec. 10, 2022, the latter prompting an indefinite fleetwide stand-down until May 18, 2023. USAF plans to retire the fleet once the B-21 Raider enters service in sufficient numbers around 2032.

Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Boeing; Vought.

First Flight: July 17, 1989.

Delivered: December 1993-December 1997.

IOC: April 1997, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Production: 21.

Inventory: 20.

Operator: AFGSC, AFMC, ANG (associate).

Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Active Variant: •B-2A. Production aircraft upgraded to Block 30 standards.

Dimensions: Span 172 ft, length 69 ft, height 17 ft.

Weight: Max T-O 336,500 lb.

Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F118-GE-100 turbofans, each 17,300 lb thrust.

Performance: Speed high subsonic, range 6,900 miles (further with air refueling).

Ceiling: 50,000 ft.

Armament: Nuclear: 16 B61-7, B61-12, B83, or eight B61-11 bombs (on rotary launchers). Conventional: 80 Mk 62 (500-lb) sea mines, 80 Mk 82 (500-lb) bombs, 80 GBU-38 JDAMs, or 34 CBU-87/89 munitions (on rack assemblies); or 16 GBU-31 JDAMs, 16 Mk 84 (2,000-lb) bombs, 16 AGM-154 JSOWs, 16 AGM-158 JASSMs, or eight GBU-28 LGBs.

Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.

[lonelywretchjervistetch]

My DC Cinematic Universe - Creature Commandos: Part V

Chapter Five: Cheers to the Tin Man

Y'know, I had a few ideas for titles of this essay, but this is honestly the perfect title, which is probably why Episode Three of the series also has it. Cheers to the Tin Man is far-and-away my favorite episode of the series, because it's honestly just a hell of a lot of fun, and justifies the Creature Commandos in this universe by making them terrifyingly (and mostly realistically) effective, while also giving us the backstory of one of its best-executed characters: G.I. Robot.

Like the Frankensteins in the last essay, I won't waste time and say that G.I. Robot was always going to make it into my version of the Creature Commandos. He's one of my favorite Weird War characters, and the idea of an automated soldier is gold, both for creativity and comedy, as this series proves. Unlike the Frankensteins, I think Gunn nailed this character, and honestly gave him more dimension than I would've expected from this character. This is an example of a character with little-to-no personality in the comics, elevated to his best possible form. God, I can't speak highly enough of this guy, and this'll be the complete opposite of the last essay.

Of course...the episode isn't perfect. But we'll get there. For now, let's actually go through this episode, because there are a slew of other characters and references here that flesh out the universe, also making this one of the more important episodes of the season. But yeah, let's start with the Tin Man himself.

First appearing in Star-Spangled War Stories #101 in 1962, the first G.I. Robot had a name: "Joe". A functional prototype, this robot responded to commands, and was sent into the field on a test run with a necessary human handler, a private named Mac. To test this machine, the creator, Professor Zurin, sent the duo to a super-safe testing area: an island full of still-surviving dinosaurs. Yeah, uh, Dinosaur Island is a major feature of 1950s DC, and is a central part of a period known as "The War Time Forgot." And, oh, don't worry: I'll be revisiting Dinosaur Island very thoroughly at a later date. With that said, the two survive their encounter, with G.I. Robot interpreting (and sometimes misinterpreting) Mac's commands, and saving him on multiple occasions. But Joe, as a prototype, would only last a few issues.

The next G.I. Robot was nicknamed "Mac", in honor of the prototype's handler. This one was also sent to Dinosaur Island, this time with a new helper named Reed, and the two had the same kind of shenanigans, with an improved response to commands in Mac as compared to Joe. However, this iteration died on his first seen mission, saving Reed in the process. And, heads-up, G.I. Robot getting destroyed is a trend throughout his comic book history. That may come back into play later. At this point, though, in 1966, the last story about a G.I. Robot is published for years, until Weird War Tales #101 in 1981. This time, he's not a prototype...and he's fit for war.

20 years later, G.I. Robot comes back in a story written by Ross Kanigher, who also invented the previous two iterations, and had obviously been trying to get this character to catch on. Guess he saw the opportunity, and decided to throw him into actual war. This iteration, named J.A.K.E. (Jungle Assault Killer Experiment), was now invented by...Myron Mazursky. Oh, HOOOOO, now that's an interesting connection, isn't it? Now, to be fair, having Mazursky be both a biochemist and a mechanical/software engineer is...silly. Even for comic book standards. However, the other person involved in making G.I. Robot is Charles Grayson, who absolutely makes sense in this role. A relative of the original Robin, Dick Grayson (yes, REALLY), Chuck was also the assistant to another prominent World War II era scientist, Robert Crane. Crane would be in an accident, forcing his brain to go into a mechanical body, and becoming the first Robotman in the process. So, yeah, Grayson had some experience.

G.I. Robot, therefore, was a part of Project M, the think tank responsible for the Creature Commandos, establishing that link. There's more to this story, but just know that J.A.K.E. was sent out outfitted with multiple weapons, and with new human handler Sgt. Coker. The two had several mission in the South Pacific campaign of World War II, mostly fighting the Japanese forces, until J.A.K.E.'s destruction in 1943 via self-sacrifice. Again. There's a trend here. A second G.I. Robot, J.A.K.E. II, was built afterward, and accompanied by a robotic companion, C.A.P.D.. This version of the character would eventually team up with the Creature Commandos in earnest, all of whom were stationed on Dinosaur Island during the latter days of the war. Afterwards, he would be silently decommissioned in 1945, but would survive into the present day this time! But, he would have very few appearances, and would return during the New 52 era with a whole new backstory. Now. Allow me to show you one of the best comic book pages I've ever seen.

Again. You see why I'm pissed about Frankenstein's Monster's treatment in Creature Commandos. Jesus. Anyway, this badass image comes from Men of War #8, the last issue of a series rebooted from a 1970s war series, and starring Frankenstein's Monster during World War II. And it is chock-full of badass images of Frankenstein's Monster that just make me upset when I think of Creature Commandos. But the most relevant point here is that scientist Robert Crane is kidnapped by the Imperial Army of Japan, and the Bride rescues him, only for him to reveal that he's already been forced to build a weapon for them, and it's ready for war.

The Japanese Attack Killer Elite Robot, AKA J.A.K.E., is sent after the allies to fight. However, when it goes after a submarine that Frank is in, he LAUNCHES HIMSELF AS A TORPEDO AT HIM UNDERWATER, GOD GUNN DID HIM SO DIRTY!!! Crane reverses the Robot's alliance (because why not), and he becomes the Joint Allied Killer Elite Robot instead, AKA G.I. Robot. And then, he punches a kaiju in the face, because this comic is both ridiculous and amazing. After this mission, G.I. Robot survives at least until the Korean War, where he teams up once again with Frank. Honestly, awesome. Gruesome, but a hell of a character legacy.

Although, to be fair, it wasn't over. G.I. Robot appeared once again in a...really odd limited series that I'd never heard of before writing this post. One-Star Squadron starred a number of new or D-class heroes running Heroz4U, a gig-economy superhero hiring platform that has heroes work as telemarketers, security guards, birthday party entertainers...Cameo appearances, yes, ACTUALLY? It's definitely a joke series, but the main roster includes Red Tornado, Power Girl, Flying Fox, Heckler, Gangbuster, and...G.I. Robot. And here's the thing: it's such an odd series, and everybody is SO out-of-character, I don't think this can be considered canon. It's definitely a satire, and a good one, but there's no way it's canon. Look, I'm mentioning it o be a completionist, but it's going to be completely ignored by the annals of time. Not a great series, and incredibly odd in several ways for several characters. Plus, uh...G.I. Robot looks like this. Nightmare fuel.

Now, G.I. Robot's been adapted a couple of times, namely in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and, of course, Creature Commandos. Both series sets his origins and actions in World War II, and funnily enough, serving with the classic comic book wartime group Sgt. Rock and the Easy Company. I'm tempted to go into Easy Company in more detail, because its a super-neat group with a long comic book history, but that may be a topic for another day. All you need to know is that Easy Company was a group of soldiers serving on every battle in the European front of World War II, and they've appeared in DC Comics and other media since 1959. Classic group, cool to see them here, especially because we might be getting a Sgt. Rock movie? That's been in development for years.

Cheers to the Tin Man opens with G.I. Robot's backstory, bringing us back to his days with Easy Company, or "his boys", who gave him the nickname "Tin Man" in the first place. And you can immediately see his connection with the group, and his prowess in fighting Nazis. It's genuinely heartwarming. Flash-forward to the 1950s or '60s (unclear), where he's on a television show showing his somewhat unhinged (and hilarious) programming, only to be watched by Will Magnus, holy shit.

Now, not sure how I feel about time-shifting Will Magnus this far into the past, for a number of reasons, but this is incredibly exciting because of what Gunn's implying: that we'll see Magnus' creations in his DCU, those being the robotic superheroes, the Metal Men. And if there was ANY other group I'd want to hand over to Gunn from DC Comics, the Metal Men is incredibly high on the list. 'Course, this series has made that claim less enthusiastic, but I actually think Gunn would be excellent at changing the Metal Men for a modern audience, and giving some characters more depth to their purposely-simplistic personalities. Lab experiment characters, after all, seem to be Gunn's strongest point when it comes to adaptations.

Obviously, other stuff is happening in this episode's modern day, as the group realizes that Circe is headed to the palace while they're all absent to kill the Princess, and these things don't matter to me at the moment. I'll talk about Circe's nonsense plot in another essay, don't worry, but not this one. But towards the end of the episode, we see why G.I. Robot landed in prison, and in the Creature Commandos, intercut with two montages of glorious ultraviolence. In the present, G.I. Robot absolutely massacres Circe's troops at Flag's command, and it's fun seeing his upgrades as compared to World War II. In the flashback, he ended up being collected by a member of the KKK/American Nazis in Hub City (gotta assume local heroes Blue Beetle and the Question weren't around yet), with plans to use him as a weapon to do something heinous, only for him to slaughter literally all of the Nazis in the room and get arrested. We also establish that due to a previous criminal case, robots are granted human rights and accountability. Now that...is interesting. Can't wait to find out what that refers to in Gunn's DCU. Red Tornado, perhaps?

But all of this brings us to the most controversial move Gunn makes.

And I'm actually all for this. Kind of.

Look, I love G.I. Robot, but it's literally in his character to die. Nearly every single iteration of G.I. Robot has been destroyed at least once, only to be rebuilt and sent into commission with a new name and new identity. This is exactly what to expect from G.I. Robot. Now, should he have died in episode 3 of the series? Well, that's arguable. Unfortunately, the way this series is structured makes this the perfect story moment for him to die dramatically in order to forward the mission. Definitely made me sad, because I love this character, and Sean Gunn plays him incredibly well, but I get it.

However, this does expose a real problem with this series, and Gunn's treatment of the Creature Commandos as a group. Fact is, Gunn is still running on Suicide Squad logic. And the Creature Commandos are not the Suicide Squad. The purpose of the Creature Commandos is, yes, to get the job done, but also to use literal and psychological warfare to interfere with the enemy. It's a horror story where we're on the side of the monsters. It is not a story of a group of criminals trying to get time off of their sentence by going into impossible scenarios, in which any of them could die. That's the Suicide Squad. And the fact that Gunn is willing to kill characters like this early in the series means that we're supposed to expect at least one of our new friends to die. And of course, if you've seen the series, you know how that ends.

And, as if fulfilling an age-olf prophecy...spoilers for the finale...

Yeah, G.I. Robot comes back. Least surprising move of the century, but an incredibly welcome one! Now in a modernized form that reminds me a bit of his Men at War/New 52 iteration, this golden dynamo is set to serve in the group for season 2, where he will probably die again, let's be honest here. But now, him dying would be a part of the joke, and will lose its gravitas as a result. Which is OK.

Fact is, I think this is the best adapted character in Gunn's series, and there isn't a hell of a lot I think needs changing, and the stuff I would change doesn't have to do with the character. Maybe push the Will Magnus timeline a couple of decades; kill G.I. Robot in the next episode by making this the eight-episode series it was clearly supposed to be; maybe get rid of Nina's maybe-romantic fascination with G.I. Robot (that went truly nowhere at all); maybe even bring the new form of G.I. Robot back during the season finale to participate in a final fight. But a lot of that is restructuring of the series as a whole, or changing characters around G.I., not G.I. himself. I actually think he's kinda perfect.

But before we sew up here, I'd like to put something forward in terms of my version of Creature Commandos. Because this episode opens up an opportunity that I'm somewhat sad wasn't actually explored: World War II.

If it isn't clear by now, World War II is sort of a big deal in DC Comics, both in and out of universe. One of the reasons that DC Comics (and superhero comics in general) rose into cultural prominence in the United States, as well as being a major time period in the DC Comics universe, this is a time that has gone untouched by live-action media. And I mean that. Even the CW series barely touch World War II outside of references or the occasional alternate future. It's a black slate, because I'm not sure anybody's been able to figure it out. And it's not impossible to do, by any means; just takes some creative work.

How powerful would it be for the future of the DCU if one of the focuses of Creature Commandos was on the history of the team, rather than just the individuals. And, more importantly, this means that the Creature Commandos exist independent of the Suicide Squad, and have a different tone to them altogether. It's entirely possible, of course, that I've just predicted Gunn's plans for season 2, as he could bring in elements of the original group for the next season, with out modern Creature Commandos dealing with something from that time period. And frankly, for my version, I know exactly how I'm setting this up, but that'll be a later essay. My point is, why not use the connection to World War II, as seen with G.I. Robot (and as COULD have been seen with the Frankensteins), and give us both references to the original Creature Commandos, and the intricate history that was World War II in DC Comics. A missed opportunity, is all I'm saying here.

But regardless, that's the end of this essay; I'll elaborate more on this in the future. But next time...well, I guess it's time to talk about this character, and his confusing place in this story, as well as his genuinely interesting backstory. Next time, episode four, Chasing Squirrels, starring another of Gunn's seemingly favorite characters: Weasel.

See you next time (maybe, no pressure)!

Part One: Introduction and Adaptation Part Two: The Original Creature Commandos Part Three: Amanda Waller and Rick Flag, Sr. Part Four: The Frankensteins Part Five: G.I. Robot Part Six: Weasel Part Seven: Doctor Phosphorus

[souhaillaghchimdev]

Getting Started with Industrial Robotics Programming

Industrial robotics is a field where software engineering meets automation to drive manufacturing, assembly, and inspection processes. With the rise of Industry 4.0, the demand for skilled robotics programmers is rapidly increasing. This post introduces you to the fundamentals of industrial robotics programming and how you can get started in this exciting tech space.

What is Industrial Robotics Programming?

Industrial robotics programming involves creating software instructions for robots to perform tasks such as welding, picking and placing objects, painting, or quality inspection. These robots are typically used in factories and warehouses, and are often programmed using proprietary or standard languages tailored for automation tasks.

Popular Robotics Programming Languages

RAPID – Used for ABB robots.

KRL (KUKA Robot Language) – For KUKA industrial robots.

URScript – Used by Universal Robots.

Fanuc KAREL / Teach Pendant Programming

ROS (Robot Operating System) – Widely used open-source middleware for robotics.

Python and C++ – Common languages for simulation and integration with sensors and AI.

Key Components in Robotics Programming

Motion Control: Programming the path, speed, and precision of robot arms.

Sensor Integration: Use of cameras, force sensors, and proximity detectors for adaptive control.

PLC Communication: Integrating robots with Programmable Logic Controllers for factory automation.

Safety Protocols: Programming emergency stops, limit switches, and safe zones.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Designing interfaces for operators to control and monitor robots.

Sample URScript Code (Universal Robots)

# Move to position movej([1.0, -1.57, 1.57, -1.57, -1.57, 0.0], a=1.4, v=1.05) # Gripper control (example function call) set_digital_out(8, True) # Close gripper sleep(1) set_digital_out(8, False) # Open gripper

Software Tools You Can Use

RoboDK – Offline programming and simulation.

ROS + Gazebo – Open-source tools for simulation and robotic control.

ABB RobotStudio

Fanuc ROBOGUIDE

Siemens TIA Portal – For integration with industrial control systems.

Steps to Start Your Journey

Learn the basics of industrial robotics and automation.

Familiarize yourself with at least one brand of industrial robot (ABB, KUKA, UR, Fanuc).

Get comfortable with control systems and communication protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET).

Practice with simulations before handling real robots.

Study safety standards (ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA R15.06).

Real-World Applications

Automated welding in car manufacturing.

High-speed pick and place in packaging.

Precision assembly of electronics.

Material handling and palletizing in warehouses.

Conclusion

Industrial robotics programming is a specialized yet rewarding field that bridges software with real-world mechanics. Whether you’re interested in working with physical robots or developing smart systems for factories, gaining skills in robotics programming can open up incredible career paths in manufacturing, automation, and AI-driven industries.

[astiinfotech1]

Imprint is a powerful field force management software designed to help businesses effectively monitor and manage their on-ground teams, enhancing productivity and ensuring task completion on time. With real-time tracking, automated attendance, and a range of features tailored for both managers and field agents, Imprint simplifies field operations and boosts overall efficiency.

[fieldnova]

Boosting Productivity with Field Nova: The Ultimate Employee Tracking App

Boosting Productivity with Field Nova: The Ultimate Employee Tracking App

In today's dynamic business landscape, managing field employees effectively can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Field force management software has become an essential tool for businesses looking to optimize their operations and boost productivity. Enter FieldNova, a cutting-edge field employee tracking app that's revolutionizing how companies manage their mobile workforce.

The Evolution of Field Force Management

Traditional methods of managing field employees often led to:

Inefficient route planning

Poor time management

Limited visibility of field activities

Delayed reporting and communication

Inconsistent performance tracking

Modern field force automation software like FieldNova addresses these challenges head-on, providing real-time solutions that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Key Features That Set FieldNova Apart

Real-Time Location Tracking

As a comprehensive sales employee tracking app, FieldNova offers precise GPS tracking that enables managers to:

Monitor field staff locations in real-time

Optimize route planning

Ensure employee safety

Verify client visit duration

Track travel histories

Automated Attendance Management

The field force management app simplifies attendance tracking with:

Geofencing technology for automatic check-ins

Time stamps for visit verification

Digital attendance records

Leave management integration

Working hours compliance monitoring

Performance Analytics

FieldNova's field force automation software provides powerful analytics tools:

Customizable KPI dashboards

Performance trend analysis

Visit efficiency metrics

Task completion rates

Customer feedback integration

Maximizing ROI with FieldNova

Cost Reduction

Implementing FieldNova as your field employee tracking app leads to significant cost savings through:

Reduced fuel consumption

Optimized route planning

Decreased overtime expenses

Lower administrative costs

Improved resource allocation

Productivity Enhancement

The field force management software boosts team productivity by:

Streamlining daily operations

Automating routine tasks

Improving communication

Reducing paperwork

Enabling data-driven decisions

Implementation Success Stories

Companies implementing FieldNova's field force management app have reported:

30% increase in field visit efficiency

25% reduction in operational costs

40% improvement in reporting accuracy

20% boost in employee productivity

35% enhancement in customer satisfaction

Security and Compliance

FieldNova prioritizes data security in its field employee tracking app through:

End-to-end encryption

GDPR compliance

Regular security audits

Secure cloud storage

Privacy-focused features

Mobile-First Approach

The sales employee tracking app is designed with a mobile-first approach, offering:

Intuitive user interface

Offline functionality

Quick data synchronization

Battery-efficient operation

Cross-platform compatibility

Conclusion

In an era where efficiency and transparency are paramount, FieldNova stands out as the premier field force management software solution. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, this field employee tracking app helps businesses transform their field operations and achieve unprecedented levels of productivity.

Ready to revolutionize your field force management? Contact FieldNova today for a demonstration of how our field force automation software can transform your business operations.

For more details 

+91 96663 37878 

[wanderersrest]

Diabolos Est Machina Part 1: Defining Artificial Intelligence

Special thanks to my sister, who helped inspire me to do this series.

Welcome to the first part of Diabolos Est Machina, the series covering AI ethics in relation to the Devil Gundam! Today, we'll be covering the basics of artificial intelligence! Yes, that's right! This is actually a school lesson!

Something to also keep in mind is that artificial intelligence is a broad field, so we will have to do a lot of defining today. We're going to take a look at what artificial intelligence is, the different concepts that make up the field of artificial intelligence, and why we would create an artificial intelligence in the first place.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI for short) is a field of study in computer science that focuses on allowing a computer to perceive the world around it as if it were a human. As we are all aware, computers are not sentient beings. The idea behind AI is to make it so that a computer can perform certain tasks where complex decision-making is concerned. At its most basic, an AI is practically a large nest of conditional statements (If X Then Y Else Z). In fact, calling it an AI is even a bit of a misnomer; a more apt name would be Complex Information Processing, but that doesn't roll off the tongue the way Artificial Intelligence does.

When created, the AI is like that of a baby. And like all babies do, the AI needs to learn. And the way most AI today can achieve this is through Machine Learning, since using just conditional statements would be exhausting and prevent the AI from being able to change its outputs dynamically. Machine Learning is a pretty broad and complicated subject itself, but the gist of it is that Machine Learning is the means by which an AI can learn how to do a given task. If you've ever heard of things like Neural Networks (NN) or Large Language Models (LLM), they are both applications of Machine Learning.

The AI has to be trained with a given data set in order for it to be able to accomplish a given task. To understand this a little bit better, lets take a quick look at a field I am actually pretty knowledgeable on: Computer Vision. Computer Vision, as its name suggests, is the field of AI where the general goal is to make a computer able to perceive visual data using cameras. So for something like facial recognition, we would need to train the system on a data set of some kind. So we train the AI on a data set consisting of two things: faces and not faces. The goal during the training phase is to reinforce the AI (in this case our facial recognition software) on what is or is not a face. We repeat this training process until the AI is able to differentiate faces from non-faces.

So, Why Make An AI? What's Its Purpose?

Like any form of automation, the purpose of AI is to perform tasks at a more efficient rate than what humans are capable of achieving. In a more positive light, AI is useful in its ability to remove the human element from dangerous, and in some cases outright impossible, tasks. On the other hand (and I'm willing to bet this is probably what you know AI for dear reader), AI is also used by major corporations to force people out of their jobs for the sake of the bottom line.

Another purpose for the existence of AI is in research, specifically when it comes to understanding how human consciousness works. The idea, like most constructed models in general, is to create a sort of simulacrum of how human intelligence works. There are, of course, a couple of issues with this.

The first is that we don't really know how human intelligence works, so how would we even be able to create something that models human intelligence if we barely understand human intelligence in the first place?

The second problem is that, as they currently stand, AI systems are not very smart.

Okay, IBM Watson is kind of smart, but that was almost ten years ago. Yes, I can feel myself aging rapidly...

But even Watson has the same problem as most AI systems, which is they are reliant on the data they are trained on. And because the data they are trained on is almost always a very specific type of data, it means that most AI systems are only good at doing one specific task and pretty much nothing else.

"But Kaien," you might ask, "What about Artificial General Intelligence? If we just made a system that could handle different tasks instead of just one then-"

NO. It's already enough of a pain in the ass to make an AI system that can handle one specific task really well. The idea that we are close to any kind of general AI that can do a multitude of tasks (let alone do them well) is, to be frank, something a snake oil salesman would tell you. Even when they handle tasks that they are supposed to be good at doing, AI systems can and do fail.

A prime example of a specific AI system failing is Amazon's Rekognition being used by the ACLU to highlight how a facial recognition system can incorrectly flag non-criminals as criminals due to systemic racial biases. It's surprising if this is your first time hearing about facial recognition in a major capacity; not so much if you know that computer vision software can and will occasionally label cats as dogs.

To put it bluntly before moving on: as they currently stand, AI systems in general are nowhere near ready to be used as a replacement for humans in pretty much every scenario where corporate ghouls try to sell them for.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this section of Diabolos Est Machina, you might be asking yourself "But why the Devil Gundam? Couldn't you cover something more iconic like HAL-9000 or Skynet?"

And to be frank, enough ink has been spilled over HAL-9000 (heck, there's an interesting paper you can read that focuses on AI ethics through the lens of HAL ), and Skynet isn't particularly interesting in my opinion due to it being more of a generic "AI overlord who is evil and wants to wipe out humanity." At least AM was an actual character...

And now to sound like a complete hypocrite, the Devil Gundam is interesting. Hear me out: a lot of this stems from the fact that a lot of the plot of G Gundam revolves around various superpowers (including THE UNDEFEATED OF THE EAST, MASTER ASIA) trying to get their hands on what is basically an AI-operated super weapon. Which is interesting, because the Devil Gundam's primary purpose was not to be used as a weapon. And next time, we will turn our focus onto the history of AI in fiction! Complete with HAL, AM, Atom, and even Skynet (without the flippant remarks this time, I swear). And most important to us: the JDG-00X Devil Gundam!

Also Hashmal might get a reference, as will the AV-0.

[essglobe]

Route Management- The Throbbing Pulse Of SFA Mobile App

Introduction to SFA mobile app

In today's highly competitive business landscape, sales force automation has emerged as a game-changer for organizations looking to enhance their sales operations and drive productivity. One of the key features that make SFA mobile app indispensable for sales teams is their ability to optimize routes and streamline beat planning.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of route planning within a Sales force automation mobile app and how it contributes to the success of sales force automation.

[nyggs]

7 Reasons for Field Sales Growth Down with Field Sales App Solution

Don't let your field sales growth slow down. Find out the 7 most common reasons for slower field sales and how the Field Sales App can help you solve them. Read on the blog! Get started today and take your business to the next level.

[laxmankodadala]

Small Business Must-Haves: The Best Tools for internal communication software

Team members can no longer rely on one-on-one conversations with coworkers in today's modernising workplace, and sending important files or sharing every little detail via email—which can take a lot of time because of its protocol—to accomplish these tasks. Selecting internal communication softwares can be the finest choice because it enhances time management, team productivity, and collaboration in addition to communication.

Little and microbusiness owners turn to social chat applications since they don't meet their needs and they believe work chat platforms are too expensive. Some were forced to use them due to an unforeseen pandemic disease. However, because of their subscription programs, some of the best products are able to provide excellent services at a low cost.

The following are some of the most effective communication tools for your business.

1. Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger is considered the best internal communication software, which can be used as a business messaging tool, work chat tool, and instant messaging tool for both office and remote work.

Troop Messenger shocked the market in a short amount of time, and many companies chose it after discovering its innovative capabilities, which are likely to be included in future updates of major applications or may not be present in apps available today.

Troop Messenger's thorough investigation led to the addition of new functions to the instrument, which is inexpensive and appropriate for use in any field. The military and NASA might exchange secret information using this safe and secure team texting tool.

Features

Remote screen sharing and controlling

Join Now, allows the user to join the missed group audio or video call while ongoing

Burnout

Live Location Tracking

Jointly Code

Advanced Search Filters

Forkout

2. Microsoft Teams

Office 365 plans can be accessed by users of Microsoft Teams, a proprietary internal communication software created by Microsoft and included in the Microsoft 365 product line. If you utilise more Microsoft apps at work, this is the right collaboration tool.

Features

Meeting Recordings

Screen sharing

All Microsoft 365 apps and services may be accessed with a single sign-on.

Cloud-based solution

100+ Participants capacity

3. Slack

Slack Technologies, an American software business that created the exclusive team communication platform Slack, was purchased by Salesforce in 2021. Because of its price, startups might be interested in it, and it could be a helpful tool for communication at work. It is a better alternative to email services because of its corporate key management, two-factor authentication, data encryption, and other features.

Features

Files sharing

Voice and Video calls

File sharing

Apps & Integrations

Slack Connect

4. Flock

Flock is a well-integrated enterprise communication tool with Twitter, Google Calendar, Trello, Jira, Google Drive, GitHub, and so on, which helps your team save time from switching between multiple tools.

Features

Well Integrated

Automate workflows

Polls

Notes

To-dos

Reminders

5. Twist

Twist was created to withstand the unique demands of contemporary work by a remote workforce consisting of more than 70 individuals across more than 25 nations. This internal communication software allows users to follow the thread conversations of users who are at least one month old. For distant workers, this team communication solution is perfect. To make user cooperation simple, Jira Software, Google Drive, Pipedream, Google Calendar, and other tools are integrated.

Features

Organized conversations

Private Conversations

Thread Conversations

Well Integrated

Project Management

6. Ryver

With emails, group chat, task management, and audio & video calls, Ryver allows the users to handle team communication in ONE APP. Ryver provides a discount to non-profit organizations and educational institutions, making it a useful team communication tool for them.

Features

Well Integrated

Task Management

Advanced Team Management

Custom Invite Links

Unlimited file sharing

Conclusion

We think the information on our blog will assist you in selecting the most appropriate technologies for internal communication software. Prior to selecting a chat tool, assess the demands of your business and carry out market research on the features, functionality, user or customer reviews, and other elements of the tool. As a result, you are not required to replace the tool even if it does not satisfy your needs.