Lest we forget

Lest we forget Our Team’s Tribute on Remembrance Day As we approach Remembrance Day, it is a time for reflection, respect, and gratitude. This day, deeply rooted in our history and hearts, is an occasion to commemorate those who have bravely served our nation, their sacrifices shaping the world we live in today. Our team at Ethos/ Pinnacle/ Walters shares their personal connections and feelings towards this significant day, bringing to light the diverse yet unified sentiments that Remembrance Day evokes in each of us. We asked our team what Remembrance Day means to them, and some have been kind enough to share their words with us. Join us in reading their comments below Clive Hamilton, Group Managing Director, Pinnacle “As someone that served in the Navy in the Helicopter support fleet (RFA) as a young boy entrant going through training at 16 and joining my first ship at 17 years old, then four months later serving in the Falklands conflict, Remembrance Day gives me the opportunity to pay respect to all that have served. Gave their all for their country and to all the families that let their loved ones do a job in protecting our country.  It’s also a time to appreciate what I have, as when I was 17 years old, I was still a child that didn’t really take life too seriously, it seemed like an adventure not a war. After the Falklands I stayed in for another five years during the (some say the heights of) Cold War of the 80`s.” Lisa Mawditt, Accreditations Manager, Ethos “Personally, it’s a day to reflect on my Great Uncle Charlie who was killed before he reached the age of my youngest daughter. My father who spent time in Germany after the Second World War ended in operations to rebuild industry. My dear friend who fought in the Falkland’s war and my nephew who is serving in the army now… but it so much more.  It’s a moment in time to stop and reflect with pride on the immense sacrifice that people who went before us gave so that we could live as we live today.  Without this courageous generation each and every person’s life would be different.  It is a day to remember, marked with great sadness and great pride, a day to talk and educate our future generations in the hope that the day is always a day of remembrance into the future in the hope that peace can be preserved, and humans can learn and live in acceptance of each other with celebration of our differences.” Peter Billinghay, Strategic Account Director, Walters “I have been fortunate not to lose anyone in a conflict but can clearly remember the Falklands and Gulf Wars, not to mention the awful wars that are taking place today, with such a sad loss of life. Remembrance focusses your mind and is an opportunity to honour and respect these brave people from the past and those currently in the armed services. My son-in-law is a Wing Commander in the RAF so it has particular relevance. As you get older it also focusses your mind on family, friends and colleagues that have past (not that you ever forget them) and makes you realise how lucky we are.” “upon the waters where they did go There are no crosses row on row Yet those who lie beneath the sea Can rest in peace your country`s free”. E.C. Boulton

ISO 45001 Recertified

ISO 45001 Recertified 2023 Ethos Receives Recertification in ISO 45001, Reinforcing Commitment to Occupational Health and Safety Ethos, a leading Document and Process Automation company, is pleased to announce the successful recertification of the ISO 45001 accreditation, reaffirming our dedication to maintaining the highest Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards within our organisation. ISO 45001 is a globally recognised standard that sets the framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an OH&S management system. This recertification underscores Ethos’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of our employees and all stakeholders in the workplace. Achieving recertification in ISO 45001 signifies Ethos’s dedication to: Safety Culture: We have embedded a strong safety culture throughout our organisation, ensuring safety is everyone’s responsibility. Risk Management: Our robust risk management processes help identify and mitigate potential hazards and health risks effectively. Legal Compliance: We adhere to all relevant legal requirements and regulations to guarantee the safety and health of our workforce. Continuous Improvement: Our commitment to continual improvement ensures that our OH&S management system evolves to address new challenges and opportunities. Employee Engagement: We actively engage our employees, fostering a workplace where they are encouraged to report safety concerns and participate in safety initiatives. Ethos Accreditations Manager, Lisa Mawditt, expressed their pride in this achievement, stating, “I am thrilled that we have again successfully regained certification of ISO45001.  It really is testament to the work of the whole team and the positive culture we have created with everyone having a voice, enabling the safety of our staff and continual improvement throughout our business processes” By maintaining ISO 45001 certification, Ethos not only reinforces its dedication to the safety of its workforce but also demonstrates to its clients and partners that safety is paramount in every aspect of its operations. For more information about Ethos and its commitment to Occupational Health and Safety, please visit https://www.isoqsltd.com/

Proudly Sponsoring the English Veterans Awards 2023

About Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu Proudly Sponsoring the English Veterans Awards 2023 September 22, 2023 Share this story For more information please visit Veterans Awards In Association with The ABF Soldiers’ Charity and proudly supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Ethos was honoured to attend the 2023 English Veterans Awards on 21st September at the Village Hotel Bristol. Recognising our Veterans in Business, Fitness, Sport, and the wider community, those reservists doing great things, and the Companies that support our Military Community! England has a vast number of highly successful Armed Forces Veterans who have made the transition from the Military to civilian life. The awards evening rewards these veterans who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields, serving as role models for future service leavers. The evening aims to identify individuals who excelled even during the most challenging periods! The English Veterans Awards are open to all Military Veterans doing great things in England, Reservists who are going above and beyond, and those companies that go the extra mile to support or recruit from our community! Ethos was proud to sponsor the Reservist of the Year award presented by Clive Hamilton, Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions Managing Director on behalf of Ethos. Congratulations to Shehan Hettiaratchy, who won the award, and to all the nominees and winners of the evening. Their exceptional contributions and accomplishments inspire and uplift the military community and the wider society. Related Stories More Fundraising for SSAFA! Our commitment to support SSAFA Ethos Supports the South Coast Challenge in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Highest Badge of Honour Child Care Deposit Scheme One Love Soup Kitchen Donation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

How to prevent IT downtime becoming company downtime

About Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu How to prevent IT downtime becoming company downtime July 20, 2023 Share this story Learn more Managed IT Services Contact us As the summer holiday season approaches, you may be wondering who can manage IT systems when key staff members are on annual leave. If only one or two people hold the expertise to keep your IT infrastructure up and running, it’s daunting to think how to deal with unforeseen IT issues. This is a good moment to consider the benefits of year-round managed IT services to supplement your team and avoid any decreased productivity from downtime. In this blog, we consider 5 benefits of managed IT services for small and medium-sized businesses and organisations: 1 Always-on IT monitoring The major benefit of outsourcing IT functions is access to reliable IT support with round-the-clock monitoring and support so you can take leave yourself knowing your systems are looked after. With a managed service provider taking care of routine maintenance, updates and backups, you can focus on your core competencies and strategic initiatives, knowing that the IT infrastructure is in safe hands. A managed service provider will also proactively maintain systems, detecting and resolving potential problems before they escalate to ensure continuous operations. 2. Predictable technology costs Another primary benefit of managed IT services, particularly for small companies, is the cost savings they offer. Instead of growing an in-house IT department, outsourcing IT operations can prove to be a more cost-effective solution. All-inclusive IT packages mean you pay for only the services you need, when you need them. A flat-rate predictable cost structure helps companies allocate their budgets more predictably and avoid unexpected expenses. 3. Up-to-date IT expertise You may have experienced that finding IT professionals to hire is difficult, particularly if you’re competing with larger organisations. Managed IT services bridge this gap by providing access to experienced IT consultants. These professionals stay up to date with the latest industry trends such as cloud services, security protocols and best practices, ensuring that you receive top-notch IT support and guidance. 4. Security and data protection Cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to your business or organisation, which realistically may lack the robust security measures and protocols implemented by larger corporations. Managed IT services provide comprehensive security solutions, including advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software and data encryption. A good managed services provider will also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and implement proactive measures to safeguard critical business data. In the event of a cyberattack or data breach, your technology partner should have disaster recovery plans in place to minimise damage and ensure swift recovery. 5. Scalability and flexibility Managed IT services also offer the flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements. Whether it’s onboarding or offboarding users, expanding storage capacity or integrating new technologies, MSPs can quickly adjust resources to accommodate growth. This scalability eliminates the need for extensive planning, purchasing new hardware, or dealing with complex migrations, allowing you to be agile and responsive to changing market dynamics. Discover Objective Part of the Ethos Group of companies, Objective is a managed IT services provider that works with you to deliver flexible, cost-effective and best-in-class solutions to help your business grow. Discover how Objective can support you. Discover Objective Related Stories 7 steps to integrating backend systems Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

7 steps to integrating backend systems

About Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu 7 steps to integrating backend systems June 8, 2023 Share this story Learn more Process Automation Solutions Contact us Most businesses will have unconnected, disparate backend systems operating in isolation and unable to speak to each other. The result is loss of time, productivity and a greater margin for error as manual handoffs and data entry become necessary to bridge the gaps. Many of our customers know that automated workflows can fix this problem but aren’t sure how to start. Here are our tips drawn from working with small and medium-sized companies on integration projects: Step 1: Assess your backend systems Start by identifying the key systems and processes to link to enhance efficiency as well as any gaps or bottlenecks that prevent smooth data flow. This assessment will give you a clear view of which areas will most benefit from process automation. Step 2: Define data integration points Once you have identified the systems to be linked, clearly define the integration points where data and tasks need to flow between systems, as well as the desired frequency and triggers. This step will help you outline the scope of automation and set clear objectives for the integration process. Step 3: Select an automation platform The next step is to evaluate automation tools that can effectively connect the workflow systems. Consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, ease of implementation and scalability. At Ethos, our developers quickly connect your existing systems using an IPaaS tool with over 1,400 existing connectors and custom development if there aren’t connectors for your systems. Step 4: Map and design workflows Mapping and designing the workflows is the next step to determine how different data entities, such as customers, orders, or invoices, will be synchronised across systems. This involves understanding the data structures, formats and any required transformations to ensure seamless data flow. Step 5: Test systems integration Before going live, we recommend starting with smaller, less critical backend workflows to validate the integration process before moving on to more complex ones, ideally in a sandbox testing environment. Identify any issues or discrepancies and make necessary adjustments. Step 6: Monitor and optimise Once the new workflow is live, monitor data transfer, task execution, and system interactions to identify any anomalies or bottlenecks. It’s important to leverage analytics and reporting features to gain insights into workflow efficiency and identify areas for further optimisation. Step 7: Expand workflow automation Automation and integration are ongoing processes. Once you have established the effectiveness of integrating backend systems, look for opportunities to expand integration capabilities to other isolated systems. Customer success stories By following these 7 steps, you can say reduce manual handoffs and data entry. If you want a tech partner to support you, we can help. We develop bespoke automation solutions to bridge gaps between your disparate backend systems For inspiration, here are two real-world stories of companies that have linked their backend systems to create automated workflows. In the legal sector solicitors Roythornes is saving staff time and reducing process complexity, and in the construction sector, Ground Construction Limited is making operational and productivity gains. Get in touch to book a consultation with our automation and integration team. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises

About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises May 5, 2023 Share this story Learn more Process Automation Solutions Contact us Download Report From talking to customers and understanding your pain points, we know there is interest in process automation. And with good reason – there are clear business cases for automating manual workflows, with benefits ranging from better staff satisfaction and output, less human error, improved customer experience and to more compliant processes. So, what is stopping many small and medium-sized enterprises from getting the automation ball rolling? We surveyed IT directors to better understand reasons for holding off on automation projects and their responses may ring true for many. A lack of in-house capacity to develop custom solutions was one, along with concerns about security and identifying a suitable workflow to start with. Value of process automation for SMEs This research prompted the creation of the report – The SMEs guide to process automation – How to transform manual legacy processes into time-saving, efficient workflows. In the document, you will find a list of benefits – in case you or a senior colleague need further convincing of the merits of automating manual workflows. We also offer tips from our experts on how to quantify the value of automation to see how you can tap into your ‘hidden margins’ – the cost to your business of not using staff’s time effectively. We have also included two case studies from Ethos customers, who have both started their digital transformation journey by automating a manual legacy workflow. Roythornes, a mid-market law firm, has made “significant savings” while construction company Ground Construction Limited has reduced costly operational errors. The message from their IT directors is to start your automation journey by identifying one labour-intensive workflow – such as one that uses the most paper and number of steps to complete – allow teams to see success and then expand from there. The guide finishes with tips from Ethos experts on how to plan for a process automation project to ensure success. Bespoke workflow automation Ready to take the first step to automating workflows? Talk to us about how we can support your journey. Our team builds bespoke process automation solutions to retrieve and collect unstructured data sending them into your IT systems for faster processing. Related Stories How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

How document conversion can save you time

About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu How document conversion can save you time March 29, 2023 Share this story Learn more About Ethos solutions Contact us What is document conversion and how can it save you time? ​ Running an office efficiently is challenging, particularly when staff leave and everyone’s workload expands as a result. Finding ways to get time back for you and your colleagues results in better productivity and job satisfaction. One task that can drain time from your working day is changing documents into the most useable formats so they fit with internal systems and employee needs. Think of the marketing materials to convert into an editable file so you can update them. Or the handwritten notes from a meeting to type up. Or the team members who want to listen to a document for convenience or accessibility needs. Manually converting documents from one format to another takes time, which is why using document conversion software is a great solution for any size company. Machine translated documents​ Consider the situation where you’ve made a great newsletter but need language versions to distribute internally to customers or community members. You may use a translation agency or ask a colleague to help with the wording. The time hassle for you is to manage the translation process, then copy and paste the translated text into your template. With machine translation coupled with data extraction technology, you select the languages you need, upload a formatted document and receive the file back already formatted with first pass translation accuracy. Text to speech software​ Text to speech is an interesting conversion solution for team members who listen to documents. Powered by AI, the software extracts the content of a document and generates speech from it with a near humanlike voice. Transcription software works in reverse and turns audio captured from a meeting or presentation into digital text. Centralised conversion platform​ While using software to save time on daily tasks is important, so is document and data security. It’s important therefore to know how your data is protected while being processed from one format to another. This is particularly important if staff members set up their own subscriptions without IT approval or use personal devices to convert company documents. Best practice is storing files using best-in-class encryption standards (we use AES-256 bit) and deleting once the workflow finishes. Document security​ Although there are benefits to AI-enabled document workflows, if you are the person managing multiple annual subscriptions, you may detect a hassle factor. That’s why Ethos has created a single, secure platform for document conversion. Ethos Hub is a set of document productivity tools that allows unlimited people in your company to convert, edit, redact, translate, and transcribe – all in the same place and with less manual input from you. Once installed on your office multi-function device or work desktop PC, laptop or mobile devices, you get the time-saving benefits of AI-powered conversion with end-to-end data protection. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

Ethos Recertifies ISO 27001 Accreditation for Another 12 Months

ISO 27001 Recertified Ethos is proud to announce that it has successfully recertified the ISO 27001 accreditation for another 12 months. The certification was awarded to Ethos after a rigorous assessment of its information security management system.   ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a framework for companies to manage and protect their sensitive information. This demonstrates Ethos commitment to ensuring the safety of both systems and data from external threats: both intentional and unintentional. Lisa Mawditt, Accreditations Manager, comments “We are exceptionally pleased to have achieved recertification of the ISO 27001 accreditation. “This is testament to our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security and control of risk. Ensuring systems, technology, data and reputation of both our customers and ourselves,  are protected.” With this recertification, Ethos/Pinnacle/Walters continues to demonstrate its dedication to maintaining the highest levels of information security, providing its customers with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a robust ISMS is in place. Related Posts Automated Data Extraction Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action.

Device as a Service Adoption

About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu Device as a Service Adoption March 2, 2023 Share this story Learn more For more information on DaaS, please visit DaaS or contact us using the form below. Contact us What is Device as a Service?​ Device as a Service (DaaS) is a subscription-based model that allows businesses to lease or rent hardware devices, such as laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, from a service provider. This model enables companies to access the latest technology without the upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining devices in-house. Additionally, DaaS providers typically offer services such as device management, security, and technical support to ensure that devices are running smoothly and securely What are the benefits of DaaS?​ DaaS can be particularly beneficial for businesses with fluctuating device needs, as they can easily scale up or down their device inventory as needed. DaaS can also help reduce technology’s environmental impact, as service providers can responsibly dispose of and recycle devices at the end of their lifecycle. In addition, DaaS can also provide businesses with greater control over their device lifecycle management. With a DaaS agreement, companies can be assured that their devices are kept up-to-date with the latest software and security updates, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and ensuring optimal performance. Another advantage of DaaS is that it can help businesses to better manage their IT budgets. By paying a predictable monthly fee for device usage and support, companies can more accurately forecast and plan their technology spending without having to worry about unexpected repair or replacement costs. Furthermore, DaaS can be particularly useful for businesses with remote or distributed workforces, as it allows employees to access the same high-quality devices and services regardless of their location. This can improve productivity and collaboration while also simplifying device support and management. Is DaaS suitable for all businesses?​ Overall, DaaS can offer a range of benefits to businesses of all sizes and industries, making it an increasingly popular choice for managing hardware device needs and providing a cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable approach to managing a company’s device needs. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises How document conversion can save you time Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

Workflow Automation in the Corporate World

About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu Workflow Automation in the Corporate World March 1, 2023 Share this story Learn more Ethos solutions offerings Contact us Workflow automation is the process of automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks to increase efficiency and productivity. This blog will discuss workflow automation, why it’s important, and how to implement it in your organisation. What is Workflow Automation?​ Workflow automation uses technology to automate manual, repetitive tasks to create a more efficient and streamlined process. It can be used in a variety of industries and departments, from finance and accounting to marketing and customer service. Workflow automation can involve a range of technologies, from basic tools like email filters and spreadsheets to more advanced platforms like robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI). Why is Workflow Automation Important?​​ There are many benefits to implementing workflow automation in your organisation, including the following: Improved accuracy: Automated workflows are less prone to human error, which can help reduce mistakes and improve quality. Faster processing times: Automated workflows can often complete tasks quicker than manual processes, which can help improve turnaround times and increase customer satisfaction. Cost savings: By reducing the time and resources required to complete tasks, workflow automation can help organisations save money and increase profitability. Implementing Workflow Automation in Your Organisation​ Implementing workflow automation in your organisations can be a complex process, but there are a few key steps you can take to get started: Identify repetitive tasks: Start by identifying the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This might include data entry, report generation, or other administrative tasks. Evaluate current processes: Once you’ve identified the tasks that could be automated, evaluate your current processes to identify areas for improvement. This might involve mapping out the current process to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Choose the right tools: There are a variety of tools and technologies available for workflow automation, so it’s important to choose the ones that are right for your organisations. Consider cost, ease of use, and compatibility with existing systems. Implement and test: Once you’ve chosen your tools, implement the automated workflows and test them thoroughly to ensure they’re working as intended. Make any necessary adjustments before rolling out the new processes to your team. Monitor and adjust: Finally, monitoring your automated workflows regularly and making adjustments as needed is important. This might involve tweaking processes to make them more efficient or updating tools and technologies as new options become available. Workflow automation can be a powerful tool for organisations looking to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve overall business performance. By identifying repetitive tasks, evaluating current processes, choosing the right tools, implementing and testing workflows, and monitoring and adjusting as needed, organisations can create a more streamlined and efficient workflow that can help drive success. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin