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Cal Wilson / October 7, 2024

How to assess a SaaS platform’s security.

More and more, businesses are migrating their operations onto the cloud. Software as a Service (SaaS) is becoming standard across all industries, and for a variety of functions. However, moving any sort of data online comes with the risk of data breach.  

This is no small fear. In 2023, IBM found the average data breach cost is $4.88 million USD – the highest that number has ever been.  

So how can your business make a proactive, safe decision when purchasing SaaS subscriptions? In this article, we take a look.  

When in doubt, ask. 

You’re likely working with a SaaS vendor or reseller who is an expert in their offerings. Ask them to explain the security and show proof. Some SaaS providers will even offer detailed security whitepapers or a more thorough security assessment upon request. If they can’t answer your questions, that’s a red flag.  

Likewise, client testimonials that speak to this area are never an unfair ask.  

Some questions to highlight. 

If you are talking to a vendor and don’t know what to ask, here are some questions to help guide the discussion: 

  • What sort of data encryption protocols does the platform follow? 
  • Is multi-factor authentication an option for user login? What about single sign-on? 
  • Does the platform allow granular permissions based on user roles? 
  • What is the vendor’s documented incident response process and how do they handle security breaches? 
  • What is the platform’s backup frequency, retention policy, and recovery time objective (RTO) in case of an outage? 
  • Do they have a vulnerability assessment for you to review? Do they conduct regular third-party penetration tests? 

Of course, depending on your industry and needs, there may be more to ask. But these questions are important when determining the strength of a platform’s security.  

Keep security certifications in mind.  

Industry standards mean that many SaaS applications should proudly disclose their security certifications. Some of the important ones to look out for include: 

  • ISO/IEC 27001 – the world’s best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides companies of any size and from all sectors of activity with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system. Conformity with ISO/IEC 27001 means that a SaaS platform’s operations respect all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard. 
  • SOC 2 Type II – the System and Organizations Control (SOC) framework’s series of reports offer some of the best ways to demonstrate effective information security controls. A SOC 2 Type II report confirms that a SaaS platform has robust controls for data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. 
  • PCI DSS – any platform that handles payment card data should be PCI compliant, just like your business has to be.  

Again, this isn’t an exhaustive list, of course. Industry-specific certifications also exist and should be taken seriously. 

In conclusion
 

It’s critical that you assess any SaaS platform’s security before purchasing a subscription. Your business’ financial health and reputation depend on it. Asking the vendor tough questions and ensuring the necessary security accreditations are met is a strong first step in determining which platforms are safe for your business.  

Jessica Pett / September 23, 2024

Is tap-to-pay more secure?

Tap
 and go!  

The ability to tap-to-pay has been around since 1995, where it was first introduced as a way to pay for public transportation. Over the years, many other adaptations have been born and in recent years, consumers have had the ability to keep their bank cards right at their fingertips. Contactless payment has become the most prevalent method across all consumer industries in recent years- largely due to its convenience factor. Whether it be on our smartphones or smart watches, consumers no longer even have to go into their wallets to make their purchases. But what does that mean for the security of our sensitive information? In this article, we take a look at what measures are in place to protect your personal data and what you can be doing to help yourself.  

Who oversees the protection of my mobile payment data?  

The PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) is the governing body over which standards in payment account data security are continuously created, implemented, monitored, and adjusted in an effort to protect consumers who use bank cards. Any type of business that handles payment card data needs to be PCI compliant.  

The four main ways that the PCI SSC help to keep your payments secure are by: 

  • Managing global payment security standards 
  • Validating and listing products and solutions that meet PCI SSC standards and program requirements 
  • Training, testing and qualifying security professionals and organizations 
  • Providing free best-practices and payment security resources 

Over time, the PCI SSC has deployed many different standards in keeping with the ever-changing technological landscape. One of their most recent standards deals with mobile payments specifically. With the introduction of the ability to use our phones and watches to make contactless payments, there was a need to adjust the standard. This new standard ensures that merchants who accept cardholder PINs or contactless payments using a smartphone, or other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, are maintaining compliancy requirements. 

Ok it’s technologically secure, but can theft still occur? 

Not only is it comforting to know that there is a governing body enforcing compliance when it comes to our financial privacy, but you may be surprised to know that experts have said that using ‘tap’ is physically the safest payment method currently available to us, as well. This goes for ‘tap’ using a credit or debit card and right from your smart device. 

Card theft and fraud in the past has typically happened physically, wherein, a card would be stolen and then used for fraud, card cloning, or other counterfeit tampering methods. Now, with the innovation of tap-to-pay, you can feel safer. Each time you make a purchase using ‘tap’, Near Field Communication (NFC) creates a unique, one-time code in order to transmit the customer’s account data to the merchant’s terminal, safely. That code ensures a secure communication between the two parties which significantly reduces the amount of risk you assume when making purchases this way. These same parameters go for tap-to-pay on your smart devices, but the level of security is even greater. 

Let’s talk about why. 

  • You no longer have a physical card to pull out of your wallet, eliminating the risk of dropping or losing your card and therefore disallowing the opportunity for theft or card-skimming to occur.  
  • Smart devices require either two-factor authentication, facial recognition or fingerprint recognition to access your payment cards. There is very little opportunity for theft or deception to occur with these restrictions in place.  
  • The only information being transmitted between the two devices is the unique one-time code. Your address, account numbers, name, etc. are not being shared. 

Do your part, too. 

Of course, there is always an exception to every rule, so it is important to do your part in protecting your information.  

  • Keep your devices up to date. New security measures are always being added to the new operating systems updates. By having the latest updates installed, you can feel comfortable knowing any bugs or dysfunctions have been improved upon or fixed.  
  • Be careful connecting to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is a technology that allows your devices to link to other Bluetooth-compatible devices. Wi-Fi networks that are public or unprotected can be risky to utilize as anyone can join them. These wireless connections leave room for hackers to gain access to your devices. Only join Wi-Fi networks and pair with Bluetooth devices that you trust.  
  • Keep your information to yourself. Never share payment details like credit card numbers, passwords, etc., via text message or email. Doing so will leave you vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous and malicious activity. 

In conclusion
 

While there are some dangers associated with using contactless payment methods, the overall consensus is that they are here to stay. Consumers enjoy the ease, convenience, and safety of tap-to-pay and even more so of mobile tap-to-pay. In the fast-moving pace of the world today, convenience is highly sought-after and using ‘tap’ is just one of the modern day conveniences we all enjoy. 

Jessica Pett / September 17, 2024

Overcoming the afternoon slump.

It happens to all of us in the workforce, a certain fatigue overcomes you; you check the time and low and behold, it’s 3:00 p.m.! It always happens around 3:00 p.m.- the dreaded afternoon slump. You wonder to yourself, ‘Did I have a bad sleep?’, ‘Did I forget to eat breakfast today?’, ‘Why am I so tired?’. You’ll be happy to know it’s not something you brought on yourself, its your circadian rhythm– your body’s internal clock.

Understanding your Internal Clock

All of us have a pretty similar clock; it runs on a 24-hour time period and dictates our sleep-wake cycle. Generally, we flip-flop between low and high energy cycles based on the time of day. We’re low when we wake up and are still feeling groggy, high when it hits mid-morning and after we’ve fuelled our bodies with breakfast, then our infamous mid-afternoon slump, followed by an early-evening high and then a final low before bed. Sound familiar? Certain factors can affect your circadian rhythm, like being a night-shift worker, daylight savings time, or having a baby keeping you up through the night, but for the most part, people typically experience their afternoon slump between 1:00-4:00 p.m.

How to Overcome It

The internet is certainly not short of tips and tricks for getting yourself through the afternoon, but here is a list of those backed by science:

  • Fitness break. Getting your body moving, your blood flowing, will cause your senses to sharpen and in turn, get you more focused. Go for a quick walk or do a few stretches – something that will get you on your feet and out of your office chair.
  • Don’t rely on caffeine to do the job. Christopher Barnes, an assistant professor at the University of Washinton, says caffeine really doesn’t consistently give you more energy. “The more dependent you are, the less benefit you gain from using it and the more you need it just to get to your normal level.” He suggests using caffeine strategically, like before a big meeting.
  • Listen to music. Just like you would use upbeat, fast-paced music to get pumped up for a workout, or slow, chill music to relax, it can be a useful tool in waking up your senses during that afternoon lull too.
  • Drink Fluids. Preferably water, but keeping your body hydrated plays a big roll in its performance, physically AND mentally.
  • Eat a proper breakfast. Just like the importance of staying hydrated is important, so is the way in which you fuel your body. Skimping on or skipping your morning meal means depriving yourself of essential nutrients that aid in your focus, communication, problem-solving and productivity.

While all of these are helpful tips, it is also important not to expect ourselves to be running at 100% capacity all day long. Author, Carson Tate says, “Just as you wouldn’t expect yourself to walk at a brisk pace for eight solid hours, you shouldn’t expect yourself to be focused or think strategically for that amount of time.” Understanding the way your body works and then adapting your productivity style to it, can be effective in preventing burnout. The afternoon slump is the perfect time to take on some of your simpler tasks and give your brain a second to relax and regroup.

In closing, remember to get up from your desk and get in some physical activity, listen to music that will pump you up, drink proper fluids and ensure you’ve nourished your body. Don’t work on important or highly intellectual tasks during the afternoon lull and don’t depend on caffeine to push you through the day. Keeping these in mind will give you the best shot at overcoming that mid-afternoon slump every day.

Jessica Pett / September 9, 2024

Addressing Size Inclusivity in Uniforms and Linens

Operating your business in a way that supports size inclusivity can be a crucial factor in achieving a positive team culture, attracting prospective employees, and in displaying one of your core values to customers and community members. Not to mention the plus-size industry is set to become a billion-dollar industry in the coming years. Seemingly small details like towels or staff uniforms can be small but effective ways to implement inclusive options into your business.  

Back to basics for your customers. 

It is common practice for businesses to experiment with ways to attract new clientele. When it comes to hotel chains for example, this often means more extravagant options, leaving things like the simple bath towel falling to the wayside. Towels have been a sore spot for some time when it comes to size inclusivity. How often have you been back in your accommodations after a long day, enjoying a nice warm shower, only to be met with what feels like a scratchy dishcloth to dry off with? If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. That scenario has become such a common occurrence that we have even seen a number of small businesses sprout up in recent years to provide solutions to this very problem. Let this be an example of how taking note of and implementing small changes for your customers can make a large impact in your business. 

Staff morale counts too! 

Your customers are not the only demographic crucial to the success of your business; an inclusive workplace for your staff can be a determining factor as well.  

According to a survey done by McKinsey & Company in 2020, “39% of respondents said that they have turned down or decided not to pursue a job because of a perceived lack of inclusion at an organization.”  While size-inclusive workwear has been improving in recent years, there is still much work to be done! Knowing you work for an inclusive company can make all the difference in personal confidence and in overall team culture. 

Barrier to inclusion. 

As with any shift in the standard, there are factors and complications to consider. Alternate sizing can require more fabric, multiple patterns needed, and more time spent perfecting each garment. All of those barriers will come into play as you reach out to your vendor to obtain a wider range in sizes as not all vendors will have implemented them. A ‘standard’ sizing chart typically goes up to 2X, however, we are starting to see uniform brands like Dickies extend into the plus size ranges too.  Working with your vendor to obtain a full size range for your staff could be a barrier you’ll need to face.  

So how can you ensure you are being size inclusive in your business?  

Remaining openminded and vigilant when it comes to knowing the market and ever-changing needs of both your clientele and your staff is the first step. Next, review your core values and adjust your budget, make adequate room to properly accommodate them. Also, communicate with your team to ensure that their needs are being heard and met. Finally, work with your vendors to explore the sizing possibilities that are right for your business’ specific needs. 

Cal Wilson / September 3, 2024

Workforce among CEOs’ top concerns right now

A recent survey from Gartner of over 400 CEOs found that most of these executives rank “workforce as their third most important business priority for 2024 to 2025, behind growth and technology.” What does this mean and how does it reflect changing business trends?  

In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look.  

What were Gartner’s findings?  

The results of Gartner’s recently published survey indicated that: 

  • 57% of CEOs are planning to increase investment in people and culture. 
  • 46% plan to increase investments in hiring.  

However, these numbers are slightly down from a similar survey taken in 2022, about the year ahead. The 2023 numbers suggested that:  

  • 69% of CEOs planned to increase investment in people and culture. 
  • 54% planned to increase investments in hiring 

What does this mean? Companies are investing more in AI and other technology to foster growth, meaning the post-pandemic trend of focusing on talent acquisition and retention is cooling down somewhat. However, its place as third most important priority says that finding and maintaining talent is still a concern.  

Leaders must balance these priorities.  

Investing in technology and growth is only doable if you have the workforce to sustain it. While new innovations and developments change the way we work, and change our reliance on technology, it’s important to never let investing in people fall by the wayside.  

This is especially important, as according to a new McKinsey report, “87% of executives have or expect skill gaps within their workforce over the next few years.” 

Luckily, there are ways companies can invest in their workforce to align with their other priorities. These include: 

  • ‘Upskilling’ or investing in employee skill development and ongoing learning.  
  • Fostering collaboration between teams with different skill sets and knowledge.  
  • Encouraging the development of soft skills, through mentorship and training opportunities. 
  • Thinking outside the box and looking at larger, more diverse pools of applicants when hiring.  

The worst thing leaders can do is neglect their workforce at this critical juncture, when integrating new tech with workers is so crucial to achieve that desired growth.  

In conclusion
 

While the workforce overall might not be CEOs’ number one priority in the coming year, it’s still a big one. And there are strategies companies can take to integrate investment in all their priorities for success.  

Cal Wilson / August 26, 2024

How and why do fleets use nitrogen for cooling trucks?

For fleets across several industries, nitrogen is a critical resource used in their daily operations. Cylinders of nitrogen are used for temperature control in trucks, ensuring safe transport of sensitive products, such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and more.

How does this process work and why do fleets use nitrogen compared to alternatives? In this article, we take a look.

Fleets use cryogenic cooling.

The process through which nitrogen is used to cool trucks is called cryogenic cooling. During this process, nitrogen is stored at extremely low temperatures – think -320°F – and transported in insulated tanks, where it can be released into the cooling system of the truck’s cargo area. As the nitrogen evaporates, it absorbs a significant amount of heat from the environment, keeping the cargo area at the correct temperature for transporting those sensitive goods.

Why is this method chosen?

There are a lot of advantages to cryogenic cooling with nitrogen that make it attractive to companies. These include:

  • Efficiency – nitrogen cools a truck’s cargo space quickly and effectively, which is critical when transporting perishable goods.
  • Precision – nitrogen cooling systems allow for very precise temperature control, at a wide range of possible temperatures, making it ideal for goods that require that specificity.
  • Simple maintenance – nitrogen cooling systems typically are less complicated than traditional refrigeration systems, requiring less maintenance, and posing less risk of mechanical failure.
  • Noise reduction – nitrogen cooling systems operate almost silently, making them better for urban and nighttime deliveries, where sound is a concern.
  • Fuel cost reduction – cooling with nitrogen does not use a vehicle’s engine to operate, meaning it doesn’t use up diesel fuel.
  • Truckload optimization – because nitrogen cooling systems are smaller than traditional refrigeration systems, fleets can potentially load more product per trip.

Nitrogen cooling systems are also far more sustainable.

Another huge benefit of nitrogen cooling for fleets is the sustainability and reduced emissions. These days, companies must factor sustainability into their operations. Being able to pair sustainability with cost reduction is, therefore, a huge advantage for a fleet.

Unlike using a diesel counterpart, nitrogen cooling systems produce no direct emissions. In some cases, switching a refrigerated truck from diesel to nitrogen can reduce the vehicles overall emissions by 93%.

Are there disadvantages?

With so many advantages, nitrogen cooling systems may sound too good to be true. There are considerations in the ‘con’ column, too. These include:

  • A high upfront cost to switch to nitrogen cooling systems for a fleet’s existing trucks.
  • The hassle of ongoing nitrogen tank refills and storage, compared to just refilling on fuel.
  • Limited operating range – the cooling system is only operational as long as the nitrogen supply in the truck is stocked. Depending on the cooling requirements and cargo volume, liquid nitrogen may need to be refilled more frequently than diesel or electric refrigeration systems.
  • Handling risks – if drivers and workers aren’t trained properly, including frostbite, other injuries, oxygen displacement, and more.

While switching to nitrogen can offer huge benefits, it’s not a switch to make without consideration of these factors.

In conclusion


Nitrogen cooling systems are quickly becoming a go-to solution for fleets that need to transport perishable goods. They have advantages and disadvantages, but their potential to reduce fuel costs and fuel emissions is a huge pull for fleet management.

 

Cal Wilson / August 20, 2024

How to claim your leadership power

When faced with challenges, do you often seek someone else to blame? Leadership expert Michael Timms shows why this instinct is counterproductive, highlighting three effective habits of self-accountability that will empower you and others to make positive change — whether at home or at work.

Cal Wilson / August 12, 2024

Current challenges faced by small package shipping providers.

Businesses relying on shipping vendors may be faced with inconsistent or creeping rates, slow turnaround times, and dissatisfaction from customers regarding deliveries. These challenges can have implications for your business’ revenue and reputation.

With approximately 58 million parcels shipping to homes every day in the United States alone, your business is just one part of a larger ecosystem when it comes to shipping and fulfillment. Your shipping provider, likely one of the big players in the game, is also facing a lot of variables when it comes to transporting goods to your customers. Knowing what challenges they face, and how that might impact your business, is important when developing your shipping and fulfillment strategy.

In this article, we take a look at some pressures facing shipping providers that have the potential to effect on your business’ profitability.

Constant growth means rising demands that are hard to meet.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid growth of e-commerce has increased consumer shipping demands, creating a new challenge for shippers to keep up with. With the average consumer ordering 64 parcels a year,  meeting this demand with accuracy and efficiency is a significant challenge. Not to mention that failure to do so, leaves room for an unsatisfied customer and decreased loyalty further down the road.

Labor is always a question.

Growing demand means a rising need for skilled labor. Especially workers who can commit to irregular or undesirable hours. Drivers, warehouse staff, and more are all critical parts of the supply chain, helping to get products and services into consumer hands. To increase efficiency and minimize downtime, providers are turning to automation to meet some of these needs, but not everything can be handled this way. Likewise, implementing and maintaining automation and other technological innovations require substantial investment.

Labor shortages are a challenge for all shippers. Paying attention to which shipping providers are struggling with labor shortages, can give you predictive insight into how your customers’ orders will be fulfilled.

It’s never quite fast enough.

With standards set by giants like Amazon, many customers expect next-day delivery, or at the very least, faster deliveries than they did a few years ago. This makes the entire process harder for the provider to fulfill, from logistics to the real work done by drivers and warehouse staff.

If a carrier is having significant difficulty fulfilling delivery speed expectations – or you operate in an industry where that turnaround time is key – this could be detrimental for your business.

Last-mile delivery proves difficult and costly.

Often, the part of the shipping process that puts the most strain on carriers is the last mile. It is the most expensive and time-consuming step in the journey, with more margin for error than during other steps. This is complicated further by the location of the delivery. Optimizing routes across sparse rural areas, spending time in thick urban congestion, or a driver struggling to find an address and safely deliver it, can be a big cash drain on the provider. Which may translate down the line to your invoice amount.

Sustainability concerns from consumers are rising.

Increasingly, businesses and carriers alike are expected to provide reasonably transparent sustainability metrics, informing consumers of the goals and actions taken on a corporate level. This means it’s become increasing important to balance your budget to ensure maximum reduction of environmental impact.

As a business, if you choose a carrier that isn’t taking this concern seriously, it may have an adverse effect on your brand.

Costs are rising, generally.

Whether its labor, fuel, supplies, technology, or anything else, prices are on the rise; for you and your shipping provider. If you’re not diligent, the extra costs incurred by your provider could end up resulting in rate creep for you.

In conclusion


Knowing what obstacles your shipping provider faces is important for your own business’ success. After all, the services they offer might make or break your customer satisfaction and reputation, among other things.

Cal Wilson / August 6, 2024

Most people actually do like their bosses

While power dynamics in the workplace are naturally going to result in tension now and again, the truth is, the majority of bosses are perceived as being fair by their employees. According to a recent study published by Pew Research Center, 55% of American workers “said their manager or supervisor is excellent or very good for which to work.” 

In this issue of the Pulse, we’re looking at the findings of this study. 

How do workers see their bosses? 

Pew’s study collected responses from 2,657 employed U.S. adults who have a manager or supervisor at work. The results shined a positive light on how this subset of the population feels about their superiors. As it turns out, most respondents would describe their bosses as: 

  • Capable (69%) 
  • Confident (66%) 
  • Fair (58%) 

Most workers also praised their bosses for: 

  • Giving employees flexibility to balance work and their personal life (63%) 
  • Giving employees credit when it’s due (56%) 
  • Staying calm under pressure (56%) 
  • Setting high standards (53%) 
  • Being open to new ideas (52%) 
  • Being clear about expectations (50%) 

Fewer than 20% would label their bosses as dismissive, unpredictable, aggressive, or arrogant. 

Why is this important? 

A bad boss can do a lot to increase employee turnover rates. Qualified talent is in demand, and many workers won’t tolerate operating under a boss who doesn’t meet the criteria above. Moreover, turnover can cost companies an average of $15,000 USD per employee. Employees quitting over bad management is something every business should strive to avoid.   

In conclusion
 

Bad bosses aren’t in the majority. At least most American workers don’t seem to think so. Which goes to say, if you are experiencing working under a bad boss, that doesn’t have to be the way things are. Â