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Why Is Preventative Maintenance For Overhead Cranes Important?

December 19, 2021 By

Integrity Crane and HoistAt the end of a long day of installing your overhead cranes, you might think that your job is done. However, according to Tennessee-based Integrity Crane and Hoist, OSHA standards mandate routine maintenance on your equipment. Keep reading for a bit of insight on why the standards are so stringent and what types of inspections are needed to keep you compliant.

Q: How often do my overhead cranes need inspection and maintenance?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Overhead equipment requires both quarterly and annual inspections and service. To fulfill Cal-OSHA requirements, your crane and hoist system must have preventative maintenance performed four times each year. These quarterly inspections offer an opportunity for your machines to undergo a “tuneup,” which can reduce downtime and prevent costly damage down the road. Your annual inspection also reduces liability and helps to ensure that your entire staff is aware of potential maintenance issues.

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Filed Under: Industrial Tagged With: , ,

What is Malvertisement? Nashville Cybersecurity Service ImageQuest Answers

November 21, 2021 By

ImageQuestIn today’s Q&A session, we talked with cybersecurity service provider ImageQuest about one of the newest security threats to face businesses and individuals alike: Malvertisement. So, what is it? And how do we keep our computers safe?

Q: What is Malvertisement?

ImageQuest: Malvertisement is a form of internet threat similar to a phishing scheme. These are designed to look like an ad from a reputable company. However, when an internet user clicks the banner or other ad, malicious code is sent to their computer. These are especially dangerous since they are specifically designed to leak into legitimate web pages and trusted advertising avenues.

Q: Who is targeted by this type of attack?

ImageQuest: The quick answer: everyone. However, while some attacks can be broad-based to cast a wide net, others may target an individual or one specific company. These targeted attacks are often aimed at people with high-value access credentials.

Q: How can I keep my company safe?

ImageQuest: The US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends several cybersecurity service options for both public and private organizations. These are to utilize a single web browser (such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer) throughout an entire organization, utilize ad-blocking software, and implement other safeguards, such as Protective Domain Name System technology. However, one of the most valuable pieces of advice from CISA is to isolate all computer operating systems from browsers utilizing a SaaS designed to filter and remove malicious code.

Q: Should I invest in cybersecurity services for my business?

ImageQuest: The vast majority of businesses will benefit greatly from cybersecurity services. As it relates to malware and other threats, having a managed IT partnership or a dedicated technology team is a great way to keep your systems and information safe. Your IT professionals can even help you implement cloud domain technology to prevent infected advertisements from ever showing up on your company’s computer screens.

Hackers continue to get smarter, and so must businesses who wish to keep themselves safe. Malvertisement is just one of the newer threats. ImageQuest recommends that business owners take a close look at their digital security as it is easier to prevent an attack than recover from one.

ImageQuest is a Nashville-based technology services company that offers clients in the insurance, legal, healthcare, banking, and other industries a host of IT products, including cybersecurity service, IT compliance, and virtual CISO.

Filed Under: Cybersecurity Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Overhead Crane Service Basics: Gantry Crane Inspection and Maintenance

October 26, 2021 By

Integrity Crane and Hoist

Regular gantry crane inspection and maintenance benefit your organization in different ways. You can spot wear and tear early on, which reduces the risk of equipment failures and accidents. Ensuring that your gantry cranes are working fine saves you time and maintains your productivity; you don’t have to decommission any equipment and put operations on hold. Gantry cranes will, in turn, last longer; this helps you save money on major repairs and equipment replacement.

Types of gantry crane inspections

The type and frequency of gantry crane inspections will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the working environment. It will also depend on the frequency of the usage of the gantry crane. The types of inspections include:

Routine inspections. Regular checking encompasses both visual inspections and maintenance work to meet the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements. Regular checks should be carried out at intervals not exceeding three months apart unless the crane is not engaged in work.

Check speed controls, operational smoothness, emergency and safety switches, and interlocks. Make sure all moving parts are lubricated, filter elements are cleaned and replaced, and required fluids are at their correct levels. Routine inspections help reduce wear and tear and instances of unplanned work stoppage while maintaining equipment availability.

Periodic inspections.  The basis of routine checks should be on-site conditions. Another one is the frequency of the usage of gantry cranes. Note that the inspection interval should not exceed 12 months. Apart from inspecting parts recommended by the manufacturer, check critical components such as brakes, gears, fasteners, pins, shafts, wire ropes, sheaves, locking devices, couplings, torque arms, and buffers.

Periodic third-party inspections. A trained and qualified independent inspector should always perform third-party checks. Each overhead crane should undergo a third-party assessment to ensure that the maintenance and repairs comply with industry standards and the crane is safe to use. 

Inspectors should review all maintenance records of the crane before the inspection, and they should document the results. There should also be a confirmation that the usage of the crane is according to its design classification. The assessment should cover electrical, mechanical, and structural components. If the crane has an existing condition, cover plates should be left open and guards removed. They shall pay particular attention to any element with any history of malfunction.

Major inspections. Major inspections are required to assess gantry crane safety and usability. Major assessments should include all manufacturer-specific items and structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation components. It should cover the gantry crane’s operational history, outlier events (e.g., overloads, duty changes, collisions), emergency functions, braking systems, and the disassembly and removal of paint, grease, and corrosion from critical components of the crane. Expect the inspector to check for any evidence of cracking, fatigue, and excessive stress.

Covering the southeastern United States, Integrity Crane and Hoist, LLC (ICH) is committed to overhead crane service excellence and workplace safety, striving for zero incidents at all times. Call (615) 302-3431 for more information.

Filed Under: Industrial Tagged With: , ,

Here’s Why You Should Not Consider Paying To Recover From Ransomware

October 22, 2021 By

ImageQuestPaying to recover stolen data from ransomware groups will only get your organization caught up in a vicious cycle. Paying ransom and resuming operations is not a guarantee that these groups will stop attacking your system. They can do so at any time and will continue to threaten to leak your data should you refuse to pay up.

Here’s the newest plot twist: Ransomware hackers will encrypt a victim’s data twice at the same time. They will notify some ransomware victims about the double encryption threat at once. In contrast, others will only see one ransom note and only find out about the second layer of encryption after they’ve paid to eliminate the first.

Ransomware groups usually operate on a revenue-sharing model. One group builds and maintains a strain of ransomware and then leases out its attack infrastructure to “affiliates” who carry out specific attacks. These cybercriminals have one goal: to get the most profit with the least amount of effort. 

Should your company be a victim of a ransomware attack, know that there’s a possibility that ransomware groups won’t supply a decryption key at all. The rise of the double encryption strategy raises the additional risk that if you do pay, you can decrypt the files once but then discover that you need to pay again for the second key. Moreover, decryption keys are likely to corrupt data. These keys are known to crash, requiring data recovery to start over or manual inputs to continue the process. Either way, it adds to both recovery cost and downtime.

Don’t pay up; just back up. Here are five ways to strengthen your data backup strategy:

  1. Review and update backup policies

Complete a thorough audit of all your data locations. Keep in mind the 3-2-1 rule: make three copies of your data, store these across two different forms of media and keep one copy off-site. Isolate off-site data from the business network to prevent ransomware from encrypting it.

  1. Air gap data

Keep a copy of your critical data offline, disconnected, and inaccessible from the internet.

  1. Back up data regularly

How often does your IT team back up data? Review backup frequency policies, especially in off-site locations (including the cloud). IT teams should also assess how long they keep the backups, especially air-gapped data. 

Keep separate backups for critical business systems to make data recovery easier.

  1. Ensure backups are clean and robust

Businesses should do what they can to make sure their backups are not infected with malware. Up-to-date malware detection tools are essential, as is system patching.

Limiting user access to critical data enhances security and can stop the spread of ransomware from the beginning.

  1. Test all plans and recalibrate if necessary

Testing all backup and recovery plans is critical to calculating recovery times and establishing whether data recovery is possible.

ImageQuest works with Bowling Green, KY businesses to fight ransomware attacks by developing state-of-the-art protection against these malicious threats. ImageQuest’s solutions protect rapid-growth, high-target organizations, and their assets with risk and vulnerability assessment capabilities. Get in touch today to learn more.

ImageQuest is the top cybersecurity service provider in Bowling Green, KY, and supports more than 5,000 technology users in 29 states. Visit their website or call 502-400-3300 to learn more.

Filed Under: Cybersecurity Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Q&A: What Are The Things To Consider When Designing Multipurpose Kitchen Islands?

October 8, 2021 By

The Linen Duck

A kitchen island is not just the area’s focal point; it also serves as an additional dining area, countertop, and storage space. How does one design a kitchen island that scores high on both form and function?  The interior designers at the Linen Duck share tips on planning a multipurpose kitchen island that meets your needs.

Q: Is there a recommended kitchen island size? 

A: The size of the kitchen island should neither be too big or too small. A kitchen island that’s too big can restrict movement and disrupt the usual workflow, which reduces the functionality of the area. On the other hand, a kitchen island that’s too small (i.e., less than two to three feet in length) might not be essential.

Thus, a kitchen island should ideally be three feet long and four feet wide. In terms of height, it should be at least three to four feet tall. The former is a comfortable counter height, while the latter is perfect for a breakfast bar with elevated seating.  Kitchen islands that are four feet primarily high have two levels to accommodate both seating and counter space. 

The kitchen island should have at least four feet of space around it on each side, leaving enough room for people to walk around and use appliances without bumping into corners into each other.

Q: What appliances can a kitchen island have?

A: A kitchen island can have a sink, dishwasher, or microwave. Make sure to install outlets that are easily accessible. 

When designing a kitchen island, the interior designer should also consider how many appliances are concerning. For example, the sink should be next to the dishwasher, or the sitting area should not have exposure to the heat emanating from the stove. 

As a rule of thumb, kitchen workspaces should be at least 4 to 9 feet apart. 

Q: How can storage space be incorporated into a kitchen island?

A: A kitchen island should strike a balance between its work areas and storage spaces. But if you do need more of the latter, make sure that cabinet and drawer dimensions meet standard measurements.

Q: What role does lighting play in kitchen island design?

A: Lightning can make any kitchen island stand out aesthetically, from minimalist pendant lights to statement chandeliers. 

Lighting can also enhance a kitchen island’s functionality. Install task lighting fixtures over breakfast bars and stovetops so users can see the food they’re eating or cooking.

Q: How can we design a kitchen island to fit our lifestyle?

A: If you cook a lot, you might want the kitchen island to serve as the food prep space. If you enjoy having meals as a family, then it could be your breakfast bar. Think about what you love doing and what’s important to you.

Offering interior design services in Nashville, TN, The Linen Duck is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Call (931) 548-2422 or visit their website to learn more.

Filed Under: Interior Design Tagged With: , , , ,

Q&A: How Do I Choose a Reliable Garage Door Company?

October 5, 2021 By

Franklin Door and DockGarage doors play an essential role in securing your property and in maintaining its market value. Over the years, however, your garage door can get too creaky, too loud, or it might not work at all. Franklin Door & Dock answers your questions on finding a reliable garage door repair company in Franklin, TN.

Q: There are a lot of garage door repair companies in my area. Where do I start?

A: Referrals from family members, friends, and colleagues will generate quality leads. These will also help you avoid trial and error since you already know someone who can vouch for the services rendered by the garage door repair company you’re considering. 

When looking for garage door repair services in Franklin, TN, the internet is your friend. Do a quick online search on garage door companies in your area and check their social media pages for customer reviews. 

Go through several garage door repair companies and request as many garage door repair quotes as possible. Compare rates and service offerings so you can get the best deal available.

Q: What are the factors to consider when choosing a garage door repair company?

A: Location is essential; you’ll want a garage door repair company that can quickly respond to emergencies. Serving a 50-mile radius around Franklin, TN, Franklin Door & Dock specializes in garage door installation, repair, and preventive maintenance.

Ask if the garage door repair company is insured. Working with an insured garage door repair company means they will cover expenses should there be any mishaps during the garage door repair process. 

Service guarantees are just as important as insurance. Franklin Door & Dock offers a 2-year limited service guarantee on all repairs carried out. It is their policy to always explore repair options first before recommending garage door replacement.  

Make sure to work with a garage door repair company that specializes in the kind of repair work you need. A garage door repair company in Franklin, TN, Franklin Door & Dock, has the tools and the skills to address a wide range of garage door issues. Their team can even produce custom fabricated parts if necessary.

Franklin Door & Dock has over 75 years of combined experience in the garage door industry. All technicians are trained and committed to providing complete customer satisfaction.

Franklin Door & Dock specializes in garage door repair and serves a 50-mile radius around Franklin, TN. The team can also fabricate custom parts as necessary. Call (615) 857-DOOR (3667) to learn more. For after-hours support, call (615)-336-7799.

Filed Under: Industrial Door Supplier Tagged With: , , , , ,

Benefits of a Private School Over a Public School Education

August 28, 2021 By

Currey IngramMany parents are choosing a private school education for their children to teach them the necessary skills they need to navigate an ever-changing world. From preschools to alternative schools and boarding schools, many private school options are available for children with different learning needs. Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy shares more reasons why private school education is worth the investment.

Exceptional academic experiences

Private school students benefit from enriching academic opportunities such as extracurricular activities and advanced placement course options, to name a few. Private school students have consistently scored top marks in standardized tests and college entrance exams, enabling them to attend the university of their choice.

Smaller class sizes 

Almost all private schools maintain small class sizes to give each student individualized attention. At Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy, class sizes average between four-to eight students each to give all students opportunities to excel and assume leadership roles.  All academic classes are grouped according to the abilities and needs of the student.

Active parental participation

Private schools believe that families are an integral part of a child’s education and make it a point to involve parents in the community, from parent-teacher conferences to athletic events and fundraising initiatives. Communication lines between parents and the school’s administration are likewise kept open.

Passionate faculty members

Private school instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Small class sizes make it possible for students to build close relationships with their teachers, who also act as mentors and role models. 

A safe and nurturing environment

The community spirit fostered in private schools encourages both self-discipline and respect towards peers and teachers. Most parents believe that such environments improve the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. 

Moreover, most friendships formed in private schools have lasted post-graduation. Private school alumni are also known to have a strong sense of school pride, creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce.

Holistic development

Private schools have incredible resources to support students in their artistic and athletic pursuits. Currey Ingram Academy’s Fine Arts Department, for example, provides opportunities for students to explore music, visual arts, and theatre. Students, in turn, develop new skills, deepen their passions, gain confidence and develop their creativity through exploration and performance.

Currey Ingram Academy’s educational-based athletics program provides a competitive and safe environment. Student-athletes connect with caring coaches and experience physical, social, and emotional growth leading to positive transformation.

Clubs and after-school activities provide a much-needed break from academic work while providing students opportunities to socialize and develop valuable life skills.

Educational philosophy

Finding a private school with a teaching philosophy that’s in line with your values as a family can create a positive and productive academic experience for your child. The right private school will not only allow students to thrive in a supportive environment and build independence but also gain unique skills that fit their learning style. 

Shaping tomorrow’s leaders

Private school alumni have assumed leadership roles in politics, business, and society; their education has trained them to adapt quickly to cultural and technological changes. That same education is bringing out the best in students with learning differences. Private schools like Currey Ingram Academy provide a premier educational environment for students with unique learning needs. The school remains committed to creating a supportive, accepting climate that promotes academic success and personal fulfillment.

Currey Ingram Academy is a private school in Brentwood that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Choosing The Right UCaaS Provider for Your Business

July 30, 2021 By

Pivotel NetworksChoosing a UCaaS provider is a critical decision since it entails a significant investment. Your organization must get it right the first time, especially if the provider is intending to lock you into a contract.

Business phones system expert Pivotel Networks shares factors to consider when selecting a new UCaaS provider to ensure a great fit for you and your business.

Identify your business requirements

Different businesses have different needs, which is why you should have an in-depth review of all UCaaS features on offer. How do these meet your organization’s goals? 

Most, if not all, UCaaS providers will have business instant messaging, secure file sharing, video conferencing, and a combination of internal and external voice calling. Identify features that are critical to your operations and make sure potential providers have these available.

Get fully acquainted with each provider on your shortlist; arrange for a free trial or a conversation with their sales advisor whenever possible to filter out offerings that simply won’t work for you.

Check service-to-service and third-party integration capabilities

You’ll want the new UCaaS system to seamlessly integrate with various third-party apps and services. 

There are UCaaS platforms that come with additional integrations. Microsoft Teams, for example, integrates with all of Microsoft’s other products and services that you have a license for, ensuring a seamless experience.

Integration with your existing system must be taken into account when choosing a UCaaS provider. Be on the lookout for those that offer open APIs, or Application Program Interfaces, which enable your or third-party developers to create solutions tailored to your business.

Make sure technical support is available 

Things can go wrong at some point and when it does, it’s reassuring to work with a UCaaS provider who can readily provide the technical support you need. 

See what other customers have to say

Do a quick search online to see if the UCaaS provider has a good number of genuine customer reviews; excellent work will surely speak for itself.

UCaaS is essential to your team’s day-to-day operations; getting a firm grasp of what features are essential and what is just nice to have is an excellent start. From there, you can dive deeper into each provider’s capabilities, allowing you to select which one best meets your requirements.

Serving Knoxville, TN, and surrounding areas, business phone systems expert Pivotel Networks strives to be your advocate and ally in an ever-changing world of telecommunications and technology. Call (615) 499-7900 for more information.

Filed Under: Telecommunications Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Here’s How To Add Drama To Your Home

July 13, 2021 By

The Linen DuckDark, rich, ornate. These are the words that come to mind when describing a home with a dramatic aesthetic. Whether you’re styling a home in the country or an apartment in the middle of the city, here’s how to give your space that opulent look and feel.

Set the mood with fabric

Luxurious textiles like silk, velvet, suede, or leather can transform the mood in any room. Use these textiles to upholster furniture or as drapes. Experiment with different textures, prints, and colors.

Don’t shy away from black – but don’t overdo it either

While black makes a bold statement, you don’t have to go all out. Consider adding just a few statement pieces like a sofa, coffee table, dining table, or art piece.

Accessorize

Create an introspective space with accessories like candles, rugs, dried flowers, pottery, throw pillows, and vintage finds. Chandeliers and gilded mirrors add opulence to any space. 

Embrace rich, deep colors

From dark greys to forest greens, deep purples, bold reds, and navy blues, dark hues add intimacy and depth.

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect paint color for your interior design project, The Linen Duck offers complimentary color consultation sessions. The team uses large color boards to find the perfect color combination to complement the right undertones in your space. You will receive a customized paint schedule, which you can pass on to your trusted paint professional. If you require both the color scheme and paint services, The Linen Duck can provide these as well.

The Linen Duck offers interior design services in Nashville TN and surrounding areas. Sit down with one of their in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a space you are working on.  Email info@thelinenduck.com or call (931) 548-2422 to book a discovery call.

Filed Under: Interior Design Tagged With: , , , ,

Attention Parents: Here’s What To Look For in a Boarding School

June 27, 2021 By

Currey IngramA boarding school offers a completely different approach to learning and holistic development. If you’re looking for a suitable boarding school for your child, the selection process should be as multi-faceted as your child is. Currey Ingram Academy, recognized as one of the best boarding schools in the South, shares tips on narrowing down your options and getting the best educational experience possible.

Make a list of your non-negotiables

Sit down with your child early on and discuss what your ideal boarding school experience looks like. Don’t worry about whether one school will meet all your criteria. This exercise will help you determine your must-haves, and factors you’d like to avoid. These could include:

  • Location
  • Campus and class size
  • Facilities
  • Extra-curricular activities and after school programs
  • Cost and financial assistance available
  • Recommendations from friends and other family members
  • Diversity
  • Philosophy
  • Spiritual affiliation

If your child is entering high school,  take the discussion even further and ask them what their goals are and who they would like to do after graduation. A boarding school has the power to shape a student’s future and the boarding school should be able to provide an environment that nurtures them along the path they wish to pursue, both academically and beyond the classroom.

Understand the boarding school’s mission statement and philosophy

A boarding school’s mission statement is crafted to reflect its values and goals. Policies and decisions will be made based on this statement, so it’s important to make sure the boarding school’s values are aligned with what you stand for as a family. 

Explore the boarding school’s curriculum, teaching methodology, and how it strives to maintain social and academic balance. The school’s history and traditions will determine its approach to yearly meetings, uniforms, and community-building efforts. 

Check out what professional development and curriculum growth opportunities are available to the school’s faculty and staff. The culture within the teaching community is indicative of the culture nurtured in the classroom.

Look into its specializations and focus areas

Variety is important as it helps students explore their different interests over the years. The boarding schools on your shortlist should have a performing arts curriculum, science classes, and a broad range of advanced placement classes to choose from. 

See if the boarding school has partnerships or affiliations with international learning institutions. 

Find out if there are teachers who offer mentorship opportunities in their fields of expertise, and if college counseling services are available.

Many families are drawn to boarding schools with strong athletics programs. Take note if the boarding school has the facilities and the support systems to nurture this program and develop high-caliber athletes.

Get first-hand reviews

Just as important as classroom size, student-teacher ratios, school rankings, and other data are insights from students currently enrolled in the boarding school. Schedule a visit to interview students and parents in the community; this will give you a grasp of what the boarding school is actually like beyond the statistics.

Do a campus tour

Experiencing the school’s energy first-hand can help you gauge how life actually is on-campus. Pay attention to details: Do students greet each other? Do they greet you? Are the classroom discussions lively and engaging?

During your tour, you may want to cover the following areas as well: parent-teacher communications; housing arrangements; medical support available in case of an emergency; food options, especially if your child has dietary restrictions; and off-campus activities.

Each boarding school is unique. Each institution’s culture and mission statement will serve your child’s life differently, so admission departments are as keen to find the best fit for your child as much as you are. Ultimately, the boarding school should inspire your child to learn and thrive all year round.

Currey Ingram Academy is a boarding school in the South that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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