Vol 100 issue 06 2016

JUNE 2016 R50. inc vat THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATIONERY, HOME AND OFFICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

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m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 1

My Office magazine is the official magazine of

the Southern African Association for Stationery,

home and Office Products (shop-sa). It was first

published in 1916. The stationery and office supply

industry is a fast-changing environment. We aim to

write and select articles that will both inform and

benefit readers, keeping them abreast of current

and future market trends.

The magazine is read by over 25 000 buyers and

sellers of stationery and office products each

month.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1916

PUBLISHER

Rob Matthews - [email protected]

EDITOR

Leigh Richter - [email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MARKETING

Wendy Dancer - [email protected]

NATIONAL OFFICE

Design and Layout: Vanessa Bentley

New Membership: Wendy Dancer

Johannesburg Office

PO Box 3226, Parklands, 2121

6 Edward Street, Kensington B, Randburg, 2194

Tel: + 27 11 781 0088 / 89

Fax: + 27 11 781 2828

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.myofficemagazine.co.za

CONTRIBUTIONS

Letters and editorial contributions are welcomed

and should be addressed to the editor at editor@

shop-sa.co.za. Publication cannot be guaranteed

and is subject to space and the editor’s

discretion.

THE LEGAL BIT

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy the

publisher and editor cannot accept responsibility

for supplied material. The opinions of contributors

are not necessarily those of shop-sa. Copyright

is strictly reserved and no part of this magazine

may be reproduced in whole or in part without the

written permission of the publisher.

Contents Vol 100 | June 2016www.myofficemagazine.co.za | www.facebook.com/shopsa.za

NEWS34 | INDUSTRY NEWS Industry-related news and announcements36 | ECO NEWSA green news update

SALES SAVVY12 | MOBILE MANNERS A guide to mobile phone ettiquette16 | ON THE MOVE A comprehensive guide to mobile devices20 | MOBILE PERIPHERALS Improve your bottom line with our guide to

selling mobile peripherals

RETAIL SAVVY26 | THE OFFICE THAT’S NOT Co-working is the latest office trend28 | PEOPLE MANAGEMENT Focus and the art of mind wandering30 | ARTS AND CRAFTS Fun craft ideas when travelling with kids

BUSINESS SAVVY03 | GET OFF MY LAWN! Companies should stop trespassing on our virtual real estate, says Aki Kalliatakis 04 | LABOUR LAW Dr Ivan Israelstam looks at legal representation at disciplinary hearings05 | GIVE YOUR BATTERY A BREAK A little R&R is important, explains Gavin Moffat06 | PREPARE FOR POPI The POPI Act may be here sooner than you think, says Dr Peter Tobin

SPECIAL FEATURES08 |IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE STORE Part two of our mini back-to-school feature 10 |IT FOCUS Using the cloud to improve mobility32| MONDI ROTATRIM TURNS 30 Mondi celebrates three decades of paper47 |THE REAL STUFF – NOT MARKETING FLUFF This month we speak to Hilton Cock of TechExpress

IN EVERY ISSUE02 | EDITOR’S LETTER14 | EVENTS31 | WEB BUTTONS37 | CRIME ALERT38 | PRODUCT SHOWCASE40 | BUYERS’ GUIDE48 | PUNCHLINE

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Global software giant Microsoft recently announced its acquisition of social networking platform LinkedIn for $26-billion. According to the New York Post, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes buying the company will improve Microsoft’s cloud-based services, allowing it access to rich and detailed information about companies’ workers.

Often seen as a behemoth in the technology space, Microsoft has been making moves to become more agile and move ahead of its competitors.

Agility is a keyword in the business space these days as companies strive to stay on top of consumer trends.

One of the best ways to improve agility is to become mobile. Companies who enable their staff members to work from anywhere, at any time, are able tap into an important resource: the mobile worker.

This month’s issue of My Office magazine delves into all things mobile. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to laptops, smartphones and tablets, our feature on page 16 covers all the bases, while our cloud computing feature (page 10) explores the benefits of moving your business into the cloud.

The How to Sell feature this month looks at ways to improve your bottom line by selling mobile peripherals such as storage, connectivity and power. See page 20 for more.

Mobility is not only helping workers to complete tasks on the go: the trend is actually re-inventing the way offices function. Co-working occurs when disparate businesses and organisations share the same collaborative and open working space. This leads to a sharing of ideas among workers who would otherwise never had any contact with one another. Read all about it on page 26.

Our mobility theme even extends to our Arts and Crafts story on page 30, where we look at how best to entertain children while on the move – perfect for those long car trips during the school holidays!

This month we continue our mini back-to-school feature (page 8). It’s Not All about the Store focuses on the factors outside of the retail store that will influence the success of your BTS campaign. So start now, and don’t get left behind this season.

Until next month,

Leigh

Going mobile

V o l 1 0 0 - J u n e 2 0 1 6m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e2

e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r

Get off my lawn!Companies should stop trespassing on our virtual real estate

In today’s world, if you catch someone trespassing on your property without good reason, you have every right to call the police and they will help you to get rid of the unwanted visitors.

In the last few weeks I have noticed that every time I get onto a Web site from my browser, some truly irritating things happen. The first is that a whole bunch of adverts persistently appear on the bottom 20% of the screen – adverts I neither asked for nor am interested in. The second is that is a double underline under every other word, and if you just dare to pass over it another banner comes up that you have to have to kill before you can continue reading. It is so frustrating!

I read somewhere that Google pays Web site owners when viewers click on pop-up adverts. But when I saw this on our own company’s Web site, I lost it! I have never asked Google to give me some free money every time someone clicks on an advert on my page – and especially not if they click on an advert for one of my competitors.

My Web site belongs to me. It is my virtual real estate. The last time I looked, no one contributed to paying for my domain name, or the development or maintenance of my Web site. Why can’t I evict these virtual trespassers? I hate that our clients and prospects have to wade through the drivel of irrelevant adverts just to read an article on my Web site.

As a typical 59-year old male, I also have no idea how to block out or “opt out” of these, nor how to evict them.

As far as I know, there are no effective “Internet police” that I can call to help me. I also have no idea where to find the unsolicited “cookies” that I believe I can delete.

The Internet was supposed to make our lives easier and more convenient. It has done exactly the opposite. I just stopped my old e-mail address, which I’ve had for more than 20 years, because I’m now wading through 400 e-mails a day. I have divested myself of social media, and it’s been very liberating to gain back hours of my time.

I notice that this has become so pervasive it’s even on my mobile phone when I receive text messages from my personal contacts. Occasionally, when I call someone I know but before they actually answer, I am asked if I want to buy a song. Now I’m even starting to get unsolicited texts from companies which I will probably never deal with in my life again. Did you hear that security companies, retailers, banks, airlines, investment and insurance companies, and motor car retailers? If you bug me I will never buy anything from you.

Early last year I looked for some flights to visit my family in Europe for a holiday in August. Of course, a whole bunch of airlines whose Web sites I’d visited saw this as an excuse to keep sending me “special offers” on flights to Europe. None of these special offers was particularly attractive, because you had to buy a R19 000 Business Class ticket to get some inane reward like prawns for dinner and a seat that was 5cm wider. But one airline still sends me special offers for my selected flights – nine months after I came back. Nine months! That’s how

long it takes to make and deliver a whole new baby.

I have been told that this practice is part of the whole new “freemium” economy, but now it’s just become too much. It’s not free. I pay hefty monthly subscriptions to my cellular service provider; to Telkom for my ADSL line; and to my Internet service provider for the privilege of using their server. I’d much rather not have to pay “a small monthly subscription fee” to get rid of unsolicited, unasked for and unwelcome adverts.

I have also (rather immaturely, but vengefully) made it a principle that if a company advertises to me by invading my privacy on any electronic or social media, I will actively go out of my way to cause trouble for them by using the very media that they have used.

If I want to buy something, I promise you I will do my research and find a decent seller of what I’m looking for – a company that proves it is focused on my needs for a great product at a decent price, delivered with top-notch service. If you don’t qualify, then stop trespassing!

All of this is may be academic. In a few years I am due to retire; at which point I will get rid of all of this as I sip on a cocktail on a beach somewhere. I will throw away all electronic conveniences (irritations) like my mobile phone, laptop and e-mail account.

If you want to talk to me, then pick up your phone and give me a call. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTAKI KALLIATAKIS

w w w . m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 3

b u s i n e s s s a v v y

The Code of Good Practice: Dismissal contained in Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) states that when an enquiry is held into an employee’s alleged misconduct, “the employee should be

allowed reasonable time to prepare the response and to obtain the assistance of a trade union representative or fellow employee”.

It is on this basis that employers allow the accused to be represented by someone from inside the organisation rather than from outside.

However, this practice came into question some years ago. In the case of Blaauw versus Oranje Soutwerke (1998 3 BALR 254), the employer was represented at a disciplinary hearing by an attorney but the employee was denied the right to external representation. The CCMA decided that the employee should have been allowed an attorney in order to “level the playing fields”, and awarded the employee seven months’ remuneration in compensation.

In the case of MEC: Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Tourism: versus Schoon Godwilly Mahumani, the Supreme Court of Appeal decided that

the chairperson of a disciplinary enquiry could, under certain circumstances, be entitled to be represented by a legal representative at a disciplinary hearing.

In this case the employee requested that he be allowed to bring a legal representative. This request was denied on the grounds that such representation was prohibited by clause 7.3 of the disciplinary code and procedures for the public service. The presiding officer said that this code did not give him discretion to grant legal representation.

The employee went to the High Court to dispute this ruling. The Court found that the ruling of the presiding officer of the disciplinary was wrong and ordered that the employee be allowed to have legal representation at the disciplinary hearing.

The employer appealed against this judgement to the Supreme Court of appeal. This court found that clause 2.8 of the employer’s disciplinary code labelled the code as a guideline that may be departed from under appropriate circumstances. This gave presiding officers the right to use their discretion in deciding whether to depart from the prohibition on legal representation. For example, legal representation should be considered in situations where, amongst possible others:• The complexity level of the case is

high;• The consequences of an adverse

finding could be serious;

• There would be no significant prejudice to the employer if legal representation would be allowed; and

• The employee’s ability to deal with the case is low in comparison to that of the employer.

The above findings have major consequences for employers engaging in disciplinary hearings.

In particular:• An employee’s request for legal

representation can no longer be dismissed out of hand. While such requests are not always be granted, they must be given very careful consideration.

• This in turn means that employers will need to ensure that their presiding officers are highly skilled in chairing disciplinary hearings. This will ensure that they are able to make the right judgement as to whether to allow legal representation or not, and also to be able to deal with the legal challenges posed by attorneys and advocates at disciplinary hearings.

• Managers must be thoroughly trained in disciplinary process and the employer must use genuine labour law experts to chair and/or prosecute hearings. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTDR IVAN ISRAELSTAM

THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE STAR

Legal representation at disciplinary hearings


l a b o u r l a w

There is much to be said for getting away from it all. Taking a break. Changing the pace. Shifting down a gear. Putting your feet up. There are so many sayings for going on holiday that it feels like we place an inordinate

amount of focus on it – which we probably do, and for good reason.

We seem to be programmed to be able to work for a period and then require some degree of recharging, much like the battery on our mobile phones. And, like our phones, what we do after a full charge has an impact on how long we have until we need to be plugged in again. (Or plugged out, depending on your preference for a go-go-go holiday, or some time in the bush.)

If you work in a high-stress environment then you are likely to require a recharge sooner rather than later – much like using WiFi on your phone to surf the net or download apps. It is a factor of being human. Each of us is built in a relatively unique chemical way and we deal with our stresses in an individual (but mappable) way.

If you spend all day using the bits of your phone, tablet or laptop that require large amounts of energy, like the radio transmitters, WiFi or the bright, high-res screen, you are going to kill the battery sooner. It’s the same with your body. If you use all of the parts of yourself that consume a lot of “spoons” * then you will run down sooner.

I guess it’s part of the bigger conversation around lifestyle. How do you work with the various cogs of your daily life in a manner that provides you with the longest battery life? There seems to me to be little point in running the battery dry all the time, and it makes sense to keep your energy levels at a point of comfort. One of the downsides of misusing a battery in an electronic device is that it will give up long before it should. It will begin to lose charge rapidly and become unreliable. Technology has improved over time and we no longer need to give batteries the same full charge that we used to have to.

The analogy with humans is there too. If you deplete your energy levels rapidly without providing an appropriate recharge mechanism and abuse your “battery”, it will fail in time. It will let you down when you need it to be at its strongest.

So what do we do in order to ensure that we are providing our “battery” with

the greatest opportunity to live a lively life? We watch our burn rate.

Keep an eye on which activities burn the most energy in our lives. Does being around your mother-in-law drain you? Then try to minimise how much time you spend with her.

Does working 13 hours a day make your weekend nothing more than a sports-and sleep-fest? Give serious consideration to changing how you work or where you work, and the teams that you support.

The problem with our human “battery life” is never seen today or even tomorrow. It is only seen down the line, after years of energy-sapping activities that leave us unable to take a simple walk along the beach or climb the set of stairs that would take us to a wonderful view of the sea.

And that may be the single biggest challenge that we face – kicking the can down the road in the expectation that we will be able to deal with it later. n

Give your battery a breakA little R&R is important

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTGAVIN MOFFAT

@GAVINMOFFAT

* Spoons: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory



The Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, No.4 of 2013, was gazetted in November 2013. From that date it became a law of South Africa, but has yet to commence in terms of taking effect. On 11 April

2014 there was partial commencement of the POPI Act conditions which allowed for the establishment of the new Information Regulator, as required by the POPI Act.

In July 2015 the nominations period was opened for the appointment of the panel, which had five positions to be filled. An unknown number of nominations were received by the time the period closed in August 2015.

In April 2016 the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services of the Parliament of South Africa announced the names of 10 people as a short-list of nominees to be considered for the five panel positions.

The final list of five nominations, revealed in May 2016 are:• Adv Pansy Tlakula (nominated as

chair);

• Adv Cordelia Stroom;• Johannes Weapond;• Prof Tana Pristorius; and• Sizwe Lindelo Snail.

A quorum of MPs was not available in Parliament to confirm these nominations, which has led to a further delay. The confirmation vote is currently scheduled to take place in August 2016. The actual formation of the Information Regulator should follow soon thereafter. The Regulator will then prepare recommendations as to which sections of the POPI Act are to be commenced and when. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

In February 2016, during his 2016/17 budget speech, the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan announced that budget was being allocated to support the establishment of the Information Regulator.

An amount of R10-million was allocated for 2016, increasing to R26-million in 2017 and R27-million in 2018.

It was also mentioned in supporting documentation that there would be a complement of 12 administrative personnel and their office requirements. These are understood to be in addition to the Information Regulator panel.

On the international scene, the European Union (EU) and Commission have recently ratified the new EU-wide

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will harmonise the laws in effect across all of the member states. The GDPR now has 25 May 2018 as the effective date.

October 2015 saw the suspension of the 15-year-old “Safe Harbour” agreement between the EU and the federal authorities in the United States, following a finding of the European Court of Justice. This led to a period of uncertainty about trans-Atlantic exchanges of data, until the European commission launched the “Privacy Shield” agreement, designed to provide protection to EU standards for the data of EU citizens when sent to the US, in February 2016. Another development was the publication of a report earlier in 2016 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which expressed concern about the delay in the implementation in full of the POPI Act as a further obstacle towards achievement of the UN development goals in South Africa. There is no doubt that this will act as a further stimulus to ensure the full commencement of the POPI Act sooner rather than later. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTDR PETER TOBIN

@SAPOPITALK

Prepare for POPIThe long-awaited Protection of Personal Information Act may be here sooner than you think



7568 Bic Crystal My Office Ad.indd 1 2016/05/16 10:34 AM

It’s not all about the storeThere are many ways to prepare for back-to-school

Back-to-school (BTS) shopping is no longer a day-long buying spree. Today’s consumers are specific about what they want, and they will take the time to find it.

Retailers have an opportunity to capitalise on this attitude shift by beginning their 2016 BTS preparation as soon as possible. Prepare early to give your store a greater chance to compete successfully.

Planning ahead of back-to-school shopping peaks is key to your success. Retail giants like Target start preparations months in advance and use their vast purchasing power and resources to bring shoppers the best deal.

For smaller businesses, it’s better to

start your preparations sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be scrambling at the beginning of November to put your plans together. By then you’ll be too late – and you’ll miss out on sales.

Some of the preparations listed below take time to put together. For example, it takes weeks for keyword targeting, a part your SEO strategy, to produce results. You might also need to upgrade your technology to provide a better customer experience. Technology implementation also takes time.

The following is a must-do checklist for the 2016 back-to-school shopping season:

Make your site mobile friendly It’s important to know where your customers are conducting their product research when buying their back-to-school supplies. Is it online or in-store?

The Internet is being used more often for both back-to-school product searches and purchases. According to data from Google, 40% of back-to-school searches

were done on mobile in 2014, showing a 25% increase year-on-year.

Merchants should have a responsive site that enables back-to-school shoppers to easily compare products. A responsive site is one that provides an optimal viewing experience for users across all devices, from desktops to mobiles.

Your shoppers must be able to search your back-to-schools deals on their mobile devices with minimal panning, re-sizing or scrolling. They’ll stay on your site for longer periods of time without getting frustrated. The easier you make searching for them, the more likely they’ll be to find what they want and buy it.

Another reason to optimise your site for mobile is because of the Google algorithm change dubbed Mobilegeddon. This change, issued by Google in 2014, impacts all Web site owners. If your site isn’t mobile friendly, it will hurt your ability to rank highly in search engine results. Lower rankings make it harder for customers to find you.


m i n i b a c k - t o - s c h o o l

Giving back-to-school shoppers the option to search and buy via a mobile is key to your selling success. Become mobile friendly to make it easy for them to find and buy from you.

Improve your product listingsWith the increase in online shopping during this time, it’s important to provide customers with the best customer experience you can on your site or marketplaces. There is a lot that goes into creating an unforgettable customer experience, and much of it has to do with your product information.

Better product information means increased product findability through search engines; better site navigation; and richer product descriptions: all things that help convert more back-to-school shoppers into buyers.

Your product listings should be accurate, complete and rich with detailed information. Shoppers can then find the items they need on their back-to-school list more quickly. They’ll also be confident that they’re buying exactly what they need.

However, managing your product information is usually a pain point for merchants. It can be difficult to update and optimise your data just for back-to-school supplies or sales. It might seem impossible for you to get it done in time for this season.

A product information management (PIM) solution can help you get this task done in time. You’ll be able to make bulk updates to your information, and build collections specifically made up of back-to-school items, all from your master catalogue of products.

Don’t settle for sub-par product information. It will harm your chance to be competitive and successful this back-to-school season.

Brainstorm unique marketing campaignsThe best part of the back-to-school shopping season is having the chance to have fun with it. Think of creative ways to engage your shoppers.

Unique marketing campaigns help inspire participation from customers. And they boost your brand image. Get your team together and see what you can come up with.

Plan and execute SEO strategyOverall, back-to-school searches grew 45% between 2013 and 2014. Many of those shoppers are leveraging search

engines like Google to find the BTS items they need.

If your back-to-school products and promotions rank well in search engine results, shoppers can more easily discover what you’re offering. To achieve higher rankings, you’ll need to plan your SEO strategy carefully.

Back-to-school searches can start as early as August, and three- to four weeks’ additional lead time is recommended for any content to gain SEO rankings. If you consider that top search terms will be “back to school”, “school supplies”, “school shopping,” and “back to school sales”, it makes sense that smaller or mid-sized retailers, with less brand equity, will struggle to rank toward the top of such competitive keywords. A good solution to this problem is “long-tailing” keywords – in other words, making them more niche and specific to your business.

For example, instead of “school supplies”, try target “premium school supplies Johannesburg South”. The search volume will be lower for that keyword, but it will be easier to gain a ranking for because the audience is extremely targeted.

Think about your offering and how potential shoppers will search for your products. You’ll want to create and target your messaging to include these types of keywords. Start your SEO plan as soon as possible to reach those early searchers.

ConclusionBack-to-school and back-to-university is one of the biggest retail events of the year. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Merchants should start preparing now so they won’t be left scrambling at the beginning of the BTS season.

Whether you’re ready or not, back-to-school searches are going to start soon. Be ready to compete and be successful this season. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTJILLIAN KNOX FOR WWW.NCHANNEL.COM


m i n i b a c k - t o - s c h o o l

Up in the cloudsThe cloud is an important

part of mobility for modern businesses

What is your business doing to separate itself from the competition? While there are a number

of ways to go about this, some stand out more than others. One such way to differentiate your brand from your competitors is to turn to the cloud.

Moving into the cloudSo why should you take your business into the cloud?

Speed mattersIn a world where many business owners will tell you it feels like they do not have enough hours in a day to get everything done, speed truly does matter. Cloud services give business heads the ability to move along much faster. By being able to streamline their brands, businesses can meet the needs of clients today, rather than tomorrow or the next day.

Boost organisation and productivityAsk just about any business owner what they covet the most from their workers (or themselves, if they run one-person companies) and they will focus on improved productivity. Many of today’s clients have myriad options when it

comes to getting the products and services they need. The cloud helps to organise all of your company’s important data into easy-to-use files, making the brand so much more efficient.

Improve accessHow many times have you wished you or your employees had better access to the files and folders you need to do business? With the cloud, that access is much improved. While many companies still operate on a standard 8-to-4 or 9-to5 format, many others have broken away from that.

As more and more businesses have employees travelling and/or working from home, it is important that everyone can have access to the files and folders they needed whenever necessary. The cloud does just that, permitting anyone on the staff (or independent contractors) to share and download files, folders and other data. Giving independent contractors (such as consultants, writers and marketers) the ability to interact with your documents proves a game-changer too. In a global world, where time is of the essence in securing deals and making business happen, not having to wait until you’re physically in your office to download data can mean the difference between securing a deal and losing one. With the cloud, you literally have 24/7/365 access to your business.

Competing in the cloudIn the past, business owners had to run applications and software that was downloaded physically onto a computer. Not only was this process pricey, but it’s now a relic of the past that can put your business at a major disadvantage.

Thanks to the cloud, business owners can access information on any device, anywhere in the world. For example, you can update your social channels, send out invoices or communicate with your team members. This makes running your business much more efficient, so you can stay on top of projects without having to sit behind a computer.

If you’re still on the fence about making the move to the cloud, here are five benefits that your business will experience after making the switch:

Increased flexibility and collaborationApproximately 61% of employees have reported that they work outside of the office at least some of the time. This reflects how today’s workforce is rapidly evolving into one that is constantly on the move. Whether it’s a freelancer working remotely or an executive who needs to work with a team member while travelling, cloud-based applications have made it more convenient to access, share and collaborate on information and complete tasks – no matter where you are in the world.


I T f o c u s

Besides this flexibility to, cloud-based applications can be scaled up or down depending on your needs. They can also be configured to meet the needs of your business.

Because of this operational agility, cloud computing can give you a competitive edge.

Increased security There are misconceptions that cloud-based applications are less secure than server-based programs. However, server-based programs are actually more vulnerable to a number of security concerns such as viruses, identity theft, data loss and intellectual property theft.

In reality, the cloud provides exceptional security for two reasons. First, all of your data is backed-up offsite. This means that you’re drastically reducing the chances of hackers breaching your system and exposing your data to potential viruses.

Second, cloud technologies are doing more than ever to invest in ensuring the security of customer data. This includes security tools and controls such as physical protection, advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, automatic backup and identity and access management controls.

Improved disaster recovery To be fair, there’s still a chance of security breaches in the cloud. Even so,

the cloud allows you to get your business back up and running quickly and easily after a breach.

In fact, cloud-based applications have been designed to save time, avoid capital expense and leverage third-party expertise.

Increased cost efficiency Using cloud-based applications can result in big savings. For example, instead of purchasing expensive hardware that requires installing, updating and maintaining, you can invest in software that will ultimately reduce costs because suppliers automatically take care of maintenance and updates. It’s been found that cloud implementations can take up to 50% less time, and total cost of ownership can be up to 46% cheaper.

Most suppliers use a subscription-based model centred on your specific needs, as opposed to you having to make a hefty investment in hardware.

Improved storage capabilitiesAs mentioned previously, cloud-based applications give you the ability to scale up or down based on your needs. If your business grows, then you’re probably going to start generating more data and hiring more staff. In this case, you’ll need to expand your storage – but instead of purchasing new hardware, you can increase your storage at a fraction of the cost.

Choosing a cloud providerWhen selecting a cloud provider be sure to do your research, so you can vet each and every potential provider you might end up doing business with.

Not only is their cloud experience important, but you need to look at their track record when it comes to customer service.

Just as you go out of your way to provide stellar customer service to each and every one of your customers, the cloud provider you end up with must do the same for you.

If you’re having trouble finding out much about your potential cloud provider via their Web site or through word-of-mouth, turn to social media. Social networking sites allow you to see comments (both positive and negative) that will give you an overall understanding of how they do business. This may prove useful in your decision-making process.

If your business has been hesitant to move towards the cloud, there is still plenty of time to get your brand integrated.

At the end of the day, you should do anything to make your business a more polished and streamlined company.

Switching over to the cloud makes sense for business owners today if they want to maintain a competitive edge and increase their productivity at a reasonable price. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTDAVE THOMAS FOR WWW.HOSTREVIEW.COM;

ERIC HEBERT, SENIOR MARKETING STRATEGIST FOR EVOLVOR.COM


I T f o c u s

In spite of their convenience and necessity, mobile phones are now just another means whereby we can irritate our fellow man. Theatres, restaurants, trains and even public restrooms are no longer safe from the possibility of an untimely call.

Somehow, mobile phone ownership seems to affect common sense – and it could make you the least favourite person in the office.

In a communal workspace, such as an open-plan office, you need to practice mobile phone etiquette as a courtesy to those around you.

Annoying or cutesy ringtones The cha-cha, the latest pop single or your child laughing – your co-workers don’t want to hear any of it. Have mercy on the rest of the people you work with when selecting a ringtone. Poor choices of ringtone may make you unpopular at the office.

Holding court There is no need to hold loud, unnecessary conversations in the middle of an office. Calls should be business related, or personal emergencies. Irrelevant conversations, such as what to have for dinner, should be kept for outside of work hours or outside of the building.

Volume control For whatever reason, many people talk at top volume when they are on a mobile phone. Microphones are sensitive, and the person you are calling can hear you. Try to mitigate the volume of your call unless absolutely necessary.

Likewise, ensure your ringtones and keytones are not set to such a high volume that they disturb the people in your immediate vicinity.

Don’t multi-taskDon’t try and talk on your mobile phone while doing something else. Not only will you be unable to focus properly on either task, but it is rude to your colleagues.

Make sure you get off the phone before engaging your co-workers in tasks and activities.

Taking a call when in a meeting Just because something can be done, it doesn’t mean that it should be. Whether you have called it yourself or are merely attending at someone’s request, invitation or order, a scheduled meeting is not the time for mobile phone calls. Answering a call in a meeting makes those who are attending feel as if they are less important than the disembodied voice coming through the phone.

Switch it offIt is a good idea to switch your phone to silent or vibrate during important meetings or presentations. The rings are intrusive, and distract attention for the task at hand. It is also the height of rudeness to be preoccupied with your phone while your colleagues are trying to discuss or present work-related matters.

Mobile mannersCommon mobile phone etiquette rules for the office


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We’ve all been in a conversation with someone who is busy on their smartphone, sending a message, reading an e-mail or checking Facebook while we’re attempting to have a face-to-face conversation. In addition to being bad manners, this is bad for your relationships too. Firstly, checking your phone while you’re in the middle of a conversation means that you are not paying attention to what the other person is saying. Secondly, you might find that people don’t want to spend time with you, and your relationships will suffer as a result.

Here are five reasons to put your phone away when in the company of others:

It’s good mannersUsing your phone while someone is trying to talk to you is tantamount to talking to someone else in the middle of a sentence. People need to keep in mind that the person who is face-to-face with them should have priority. Unless it’s an emergency, stay connected with the individuals you’re talking to by putting your phone away and refraining from using it while conversing.

It improves conversationsAccording to research conducted at Virginia Tech University in 2014, even the presence of a mobile phone lowers the quality of the conversation. While technology aids business relationships and keeps people connected, it serves as a distraction during in-person conversations. Focus on the person in front of you and forget your phone, and you’ll find the quality of the conversation will improve.

It mitigates distractionsA study conducted by Florida State

University shows that a simple cell phone notification can impair your ability to focus on a specific task or conversation. Hearing the notification tone or feeling the phone vibrate causes users to think about what the notification might be for, rather than focusing on the conversation or experience they’re having with the person in front of them.

It improves empathyConstantly sending messages and updating your status while you’re out with others does not only create disengagement, but also leads to a lack of empathy. Face-to-face conversation is humanising and creates feelings of empathy, joy and understanding. Constant distractions from mobile phones have created a culture of “time-sharing”, where focus is split among different tasks and these basic tools of socialisation are not learned.

It improves relationshipsA new phrase has been coined for people who just can’t get off their phones – even when with their significant others. “Phubbing”, or phone snubbing, is when people persistently use their phones in the presence of others, ignoring them in favour of the virtual world. A 2015 study conducted by Baylor University showed that 46,3% of adults surveyed were “phubbed” by their significant other. This lead to lower levels of satisfaction in relationships. This is particularly noticeable in restaurants, where one half of a couple is engrossed in their phone, or both parties use their mobiles without talking to each other. This behaviour is detrimental to interpersonal relationships. n

Put your phone down!

Are you talking to me? The invention of the hands-free kit has resulted in many cases of mistaken identity. The streamlined headset attached to a co-worker’s head is often not seen by other people in the room, and could lead them to think you’re talking to them – or to yourself. If you have to answer your phone, make sure people can see you are on it.

Too much information Discussing anything of a private nature within earshot of your colleagues is unwise on a number of counts. Your co-workers don’t want to know about the results of your tests or the ins and outs of your personal life. Similarly, giving out sensitive information such as banking details or a home address in a group environment is unwise. Decide based upon the caller whether or not your conversation will be of a personal or confidential nature, and remove yourself from the office to converse.

These tips just might save you your credibility – or even your job. n


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Diarise thisA list of industry-specific events and exhibitions to mark on your calendar

SABC Education African EduWeek is a two-day event showcasing products like education technology; maths and science equipment; publishing for both digital and print; school supplies; stationery and educational toys for the education industry.

29 – 30 JuneEDUWEEKGALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, MIDRAND

This event is the ultimate destination for those involved in marketing, promotion, and events services and solutions. Packed with exciting ventures and attractions, this innovative forum presents the latest in marketing and promotion technologies and strategies. Both exhibitors and visitors enjoy partnerships forged by means of direct interaction and communication.

6 – 7 JulyMARKEX JOHANNESBURGSANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

This expo is a two-day event showcasing products like appliances; auctioneers; automotive; awnings and blinds; bathrooms; financial services; flooring and flooring products; furniture and accessories; furniture manufacturers; gardens and outdoors; generators; glass and aluminium; health; beauty and lifestyle; roofing products; security; solar products; stone products; technology and stationery; timber/wood products; and more in the household consumables, household services industries.

15 – 19 June YOUR HOME EXPOEAST LONDON INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST LONDON

Southern African International Trade Exhibition for Retail Products (SAITEX) is the biggest business and networking opportunities event in South Africa. It showcases a wide range of products that includes retail products with special sectors featuring tools, equipment and essentials; hardware and building supplies; homeware; decorating and interior design items; and much more.

19 – 21 JuneSAITEX GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, MIDRAND

This event showcases the latest equipment and consumables related to the commercial and digital printing industries, helping attendees to grow their customer base; offer their clients a wider range of products and solutions; and remain at the forefront of technology in the business services, computer hardware and software, industrial products, and printing and publishing industries.

29 JuneAFRICA PRINT REGIONAL EXPO NELSPRUITEMNOTWENI ARENA CONFERENCE CENTRE, NELSPRUIT

e v e n t s

This event showcases products from the banking, insurance and finance industry.

8 – 9 JulyMONEY EXPO SANDTONSANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG


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On the moveKeep your workforce on track with these modern mobile devices

Smartphones

Smartphones are essentially tiny computers placed in cellular phones. They can run apps, stream video, connect to the Internet, receive e-mails and send and receive calls and text messages. When it comes to choosing a smartphone for someone to use in your business, there are a number of things to consider. Luckily there are wide range of makes, models, sizes and colours to choose from.

Operating systemAll smartphone models come with a list of specs – a detailed breakdown of all the product’s features. One of the most basic and important specs is the

operating system or OS. There are four major smartphone operating systems: iOS (Apple), Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry. Each operating system has advantages and disadvantages. As a general rule of thumb, try to select one that you know will integrate well with your existing devices. Apple and Android phones are market leaders in this sphere, and their applications are widely compatible.

One way to begin the smartphone-for-business selection process is to choose an OS, then a manufacturer and then a model. Each manufacturer will have “flagship” models. These models are the most expensive in their range, but contain cutting-edge technology.

SpeedSpeed is an important consideration when you select a smartphone. The better the chipset on the computer processing unit (CPU), the better the performance and speed. The more powerful the CPU, the more powerful the smartphone. Power is determined via the number of Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz) the phone has. A higher number, means a more powerful phone. The chipset in the CPU contains a number of cores. The higher this number, the more powerful the device. Modern phones are available in dual-, quad- or octa-core. Cores are important for intensive use. Although gaming is the most resource-intensive activity that can be performed on a


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smartphone, having multiple programs open when multitasking is also intensive.

BatteryIn general, the more powerful the CPU, the more of a drain it is on a battery. The battery capacity is therefore a very important consideration when purchasing a smartphone. Look for models with a capacity of 3 000 mAh and higher. Many newer models offer a “fast-charging” capability, which ensures your phone will be fully charged in just over an hour. Some smartphones have a removable back cover, meaning that the battery can be replaced or swapped out in the event of failure. Newer, unibody chassis models do not allow for the exchange of batteries.

StorageStorage is a very important aspect of a phone that will be used for business. Storing and accessing files is critical to an on-the-go worker. Ensure the model you choose has sufficient on-board memory for your needs. Most phones come standard with 16GB of internal storage. Many manufacturers offer the option of external memory, which is essentially a slot for a microSD card. MicroSD cards with a capacity of up to 64GB are supported.

Size and weightModern smartphones come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. When choosing a smartphone for business, consider what it will be used for. If you plan to take a large volume of calls and answer a few text messages, a large screen is not essential. However,

if you will be working on spreadsheets or typing lengthy e-mails then a larger screen becomes a necessity. A 5-inch screen offers users a nice space to work and type on.

The weight of a smartphone will largely depend on its size and the materials it is made from. A smartphone made from metal and glass and containing a large screen will weigh in the region of 200g, while a thinner phone made from plastic may weigh as little as 100g.

DurabilityAs the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Smartphone aesthetics may be important to some, and less important to others. Manufacturing materials differ vastly by make and model. Some smartphones are brightly coloured

plastic, while others are made of brushed steel and glass. The glass on the front of a smartphone (and, if applicable, the back) should be made of Gorilla Glass 2. This is a special type of glass that is resistant to scratches and does not break as easily as normal glass. Durability is an important consideration for workers on the go. Some phones are specifically tailored to dirty or hazardous environments. They are called rugged phones and have special rubber cases and more waterproofing than standard models.

In general, modern smartphones are resistant to a low-level drop, scratches and a bit of water. However, it is best to put phones into shock-resistant, waterproof cases to protect them while on the road.

Did you know?

The phablet – a combination of the words “phone” and “tablet” – is slightly larger than a regular smartphone. It offers users the computing power of a tablet but is easy to carry, like a phone. They are often used by people who prefer a large screen because of the size of their hands or their inability to see small text on a small screen.


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Tablets

The first widely-adopted tablet was created by Apple just six years ago. The popularity of this larger-than-a-phone, smaller-than-a-laptop device sparked a global surge in manufacturing. Tablets are very similar to smartphones in that they have the ability to send and receive calls and messages via a SIM card. All of the attributes listed in the smartphone section above are applicable to tablets too.

With so many tablets on the market, it can be hard to pick out the one that’s right for your business.

The easiest way to begin is decide on form factor, use and operating system.

Use Decide what your tablet will be used for. If you want to check your e-mail and use productivity apps regularly, then just about any tablet will suit your needs. Your choice will then be based on which operating system you prefer and what size tablet you need to operate the device comfortably. If you plan to do a lot of typing, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard that will work with just about any tablet.

If you will be using your tablets in meetings to take notes, you will probably need a stylus – especially if you are drawing diagrams. While it’s true that you can buy a capacitive stylus for just about any tablet, some are better suited to the task of note-taking than others. Only a few tablets come with a stylus, and they generally feature pressure-sensitive displays that make writing on a digital screen feel more accurate and natural. If your tablet is does not come optimised for use with a stylus, then using one on its surface may be difficult.

If you have decided to replace your desktop PC with a tablet, it is a good idea to invest in a premium tablet. This will have a higher processing capacity, more storage and a better quality screen. Premium tablets often come with desktop docks, so you can easily connect accessories such as a large monitor and mouse.

Size The size of tablet that you choose is also important.

In general, a 7-inch tablet is small and compact, and slides easily into your bag – or perhaps into your pocket. The portability of the tablet is a trade-off: the smaller screen size can be difficult to work on.

The tablets in the 8-to-9 inch range have larger screens to work on, but are pricier and heavier. This size group strikes a nice balance between portability and productivity.

The 10+ inch category is for serious power users. Tablets of this size are ideal for screen-intensive tasks like editing spreadsheets and typing long documents. However, they are heavy and bulky, and can be very expensive.

Operating systemAs with smartphones, you will have to choose a tablet with an operating system that suits you and your other devices.

Apple iPads run on iOS. These tablets have a large range of secure applications which are optimised for larger displays. The security of the platform is due to the fact that it is closed-source. You can’t install applications from outside sources, and apps inside the App Store are rigorously screened.

Android is an open-source platform, which means that hardware manufacturers are free to put their own spin on it when they release their devices. That means your Android experience will vary widely depending on which tablet you choose. Google has its own range of tablets, like the Nexus 9. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung, make a wide range of Android tablets. Amazon also has Android-based tablets, which runs the Fire OS.

The advantage of an open platform is that you can download apps from outside sources, and everything is customisable. This is also a disadvantage, and it means the platform is less secure.

Having a tablet that runs Windows is advantageous in that you probably already use a Windows computer at work, and all of the desktop applications you use will also run on your mobile device. Although you will be able to find good alternatives to most of your favourite programs on Android and iOS, Microsoft’s platform might be your only real option if you depend on a specific piece of Windows software.

Did you know?Two-in-onesThis is a new type of device that looks like a notebook but can be flipped so that it becomes a display device. The screen can also be detached and used on its own, like a tablet.

Google’s Chromebook is a good example of a two-in-one. They are inexpensive to buy and maintain, and they don’t need large hard drives because they leverage applications in the cloud.


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Laptops

Laptop computers continue to get thinner, lighter and more powerful with bigger screens and a longer battery life than before. When choosing a laptop for use within your business, it is important to remember that it has to be suited to the type of work you do. If you are using the machine largely as a word processor, you won’t need a high-powered device. If you’re a graphic designer and need to render resource-intensive images, a more powerful laptop will suit.

Laptops which are specifically made for business use have the same basic components as consumer laptops, but include more business-oriented features like biometrics (fingerprint readers and facial recognition), ruggedness, specially tested chassis and keyboards, certified networking and power management, and more secure access. The operating system may also be optimised for business, with more professional applications like spreadsheet or server programs.

Performance Dual-core processors are the norm in laptops aimed at business users, although quad-core processors are available for more strenuous business applications. Some laptops, known as ultrabooks, use ultra-low-voltage processors, which help keep the laptops thin, while extending battery life to approach 8-hours plus.

Higher-powered, low-voltage and standard mobile processors can be found in desktop-replacement and entry-level laptop categories. You’ll also find the occasional desktop-class processor in power-users’ systems and mobile

workstations. Just remember that the more powerful the processor, the shorter the battery life.

Memory is very important in laptops. Look for at least 4GB of random access memory (RAM). Anything less will result in a sluggish laptop. Graphics-based businesses and those who use large spreadsheets on a regular basis will require more RAM. Anything from 8GB is ideal. The right amount of memory will allow you to do multiple things at once, such as process multimedia and open a large file simultaneously.

Graphics and displayMost business PCs come with integrated graphics. This is adequate for business laptops, especially if you are not a power user and don’t play games. Most professionals who require discrete graphics will use them for specialised tasks, like creating large images, editing HD video or rendering 3D graphics.

Mobile workstation-class laptops will usually come with some sort of discrete graphics, either for their 3D capabilities or to drive multiple monitors. LCD screens with a resolution of 1 366 by 768 are still available, but a 1 920 by 1 080 display is much better for your eyes. The 1080p screen will give you more space for showing spreadsheets, and the IPS display is better at displaying colours over a wider viewing angle.

QHD and 4K displays should be considered for graphics and scientific work, and are seen on the top tier of high-end laptops.

Size and weightBefore you look too closely at the specs or

pricing of laptops, you need to decide just how portable you need your laptop to be. Laptops are usually categorised by their display sizes.

Laptops that have a screen of 11 to 12 inches are the thinnest and lightest systems. They typically weigh between 1kg and 1,5kg.

The 13- to 14-inch laptops provide the best balance of portability and usability, and usually weigh in at 1,8kg.

The 15-inch laptop is the most popular size. Consider this size if you want a larger screen and you’re not planning to carry your notebook around often. These laptops weigh between 2kg and 3kg.

The biggest laptops are 17 to 18 inches. They have lots of processing power and are a good replacement for a desktop workstation.

A new range of laptops, called ultrabooks, are ultra-thin, ultra-light and ultra-powerful. They have large screens, SSDs instead of hard drives, and boot very quickly. They are, however, very expensive.

ExtrasOne thing that both smartphones and tablets lack is optical drives. In a business environment, being able to read and write CDs and DVDs is still important. External DVD drives are available, but these can be bulky. If your employees are on the go, it is better to have a built-in drive which won’t be left behind by mistake. Blu-ray drives are only necessary if you need to view movies as part of your work.

Many laptops also have an SD card reader. These can take full-sized SD cards or microSD card converters. They are particularly useful if your job involves removing photos from a digital camera. n


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Mobile peripheralsUse this simple guide to mobile peripherals to boost your bottom line

For organisations whose employees are always on the go, mobile peripherals are a must-have. You can improve your bottom line by upselling on these useful items.

Connectivity

3G modems These are extremely useful tools for workers who are on the move. Available in a range of styles, colours and sizes, 3G modems require SIM cards to work because they connect to a cellular network rather than ADSL Internet. When selling modems to clients, be sure to ask them about the areas in which they will be used. Modems have an internal antenna with which to acquire signal, but you can advise your customers to purchase an additional external antennae for use in areas with poorer signal.

Mobile WiFi hotspot devicesWhen looking for Internet connectivity on-the-go, your customers are probably accustomed to using a 3G dongle that plugs into their laptops. However, the limitation of a 3G dongle is that it only supplies Internet access to one device. Portable WiFi hotspot devices are a far

more effective way of supplying Internet access to multiple devices. A SIM card can be inserted into the device and, once configured, it will broadcast a WiFi signal in much the same as your customers are used to at home or at the office. These devices are a cost-effective alternative to a 3G dongle, and they often contain batteries. This makes them truly portable, and ensures your customers will have Internet access anywhere they go.

Power

Power banksPower banks are portable batteries in specialised casings with custom-designed circuitry to control power flow.

They are ideal for mobile workers as they can be used to charge many different types of mobile devices, from smartphones to MP3 players, tablets and digital cameras. Keeping devices powered up is the cornerstone of mobile working, and a power bank allows your customers to overcome the constant power struggle associated with short battery life. Power banks are rated in mAh (milliampere-hour), which describes the battery capacity as well as how quickly the power bank can transfer its capacity. Power banks typically range in capacity from 1 500 mAh up to 20 000 mAh. Advise your customers to buy power banks which contain multiple


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ports with different amperage ratings; 1A is typically for smartphones, while 2A is typically for tablets.

Extended-capacity batteriesMany laptop manufacturers sell extended-capacity batteries for their laptops. A standard laptop battery is designed to sit flush with the body, while the extended-capacity batteries are physically larger which means they will protrude. The extended-capacity batteries are sold separately and will provide your customers with an average of double their normal battery life on average. Suggest an extended-capacity battery for customers who travel a lot in areas without power. These fit easily into a laptop bag. Your customer will just need to unclip the original battery from the back of their laptop, and clip in the extended-capacity battery.

Multi-chargers These handy devices allow for the charging of a number of devices at once. Especially useful for mobile work environments, they offer high-speed charging for multiple items. Advise your customers to choose ones that are device agnostic (that is, will work with any type of device) and work in a range of environments, such as vehicles. They are ideal for keeping the modern worker connected at all times.

Computer peripherals

A peripheral is considered to be any device that connects to a computer in order to add functionality. Unlike the motherboard or power supply, a peripheral is not part of the core architecture of the computer. However, it is still dependant on a computer in order to be able to function. Peripherals are usually connected and disconnected from a laptop or PC with relative ease, and

therefore simple to replace.

There are many different types of peripherals. Some peripheral devices exist outside the computer (such as a printer), while others can be inside (such as an optical drive).

KeyboardsKeyboards are a method of input containing all the letters of the Roman alphabet, and are otherwise known as QWERTY keyboards. Keyboards connect to computers via cables or wirelessly in the same way a mouse does. For your mobile customers, you will want to recommend a small form-factor, wireless keyboard. Wireless keyboards are powered by a battery, which allows it to send its signal to a receiver that is connected to the PC through a USB port. In some keyboards a Bluetooth antenna receives the information transmitted to it from the keyboard.

With a wireless keyboard, your customers can work up to three metres away from their devices. This is useful for users working in large workspaces or those who need to work in awkward spaces, such as in airport lounges. One disadvantage is that the further away from the receiver the keyboard sits, the greater the chance of delay or keystrokes being dropped.


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MiceA mouse is a device that is use to point and select. It detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface, which is then translated into the motion of the pointer on the screen (display). In this way, a mouse becomes almost essential to operate a computer.

Mice can connect to your customers’ computers or laptops via a cable, such as a USB cable, or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Similar to keyboards, wireless mice need to have sight of the receiver. They can be difficult to use on irregular surfaces, so suggest to your customers that they buy a decent mousepad (see below).

Storage

Hard drivesHard drives come in a wide variety

of capacities and types. Used for storing data, they can be

portable or require their own power adaptor.

Portable hard drives

are usually 2,5-inch and do not require an external power source to operate. They can be plugged into a computer with a USB cable. Hard drives that are 3,5 inches usually require a separate power source.

Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) contain stacks of disks called platters that store magnetic information. These drives are big, heavy and bulky due to the mechanism that reads the data. Solid state drives (SSDs) contain no moving parts. They are more resilient to knocks and are read much more quickly than traditional HDDs.

Ask your customers how they will be using their portable hard drives. If they need to access a lot of information quickly, recommend they purchase a portable SSD drive. These are more expensive but will pay off in the long run as they are better suited to working on the go.

USBsFlash drives (also known as USBs)

are connected to a computer via the USB port. They are available in a range of sizes, up to 1TB. They contain no moving parts, and are resilient to drops. Advise your customers to ensure they have adequate security measures in place when handing out flash

drives to employees, and as these devices are easily lost or stolen.

SD cardsSD or secure digital (SD) cards are a non-volatile memory card format. These cards are used in devices such as laptops and cameras, in order to expand the available memory. SD cards fit into slots in the device, or can be placed in an SD card converter (which plugs into a USB port). As technology developed, a mini version of these cards was created. These extend the memory availability of small form factor devices, such as smartphones. SD and miniSD cards are available in a range of capacities, up to 512GB.

Laptop bagsThe storage of mobile devices is as important as the storage of data for your customers. Advise them to purchase bags that are durable, and made from a good quality material (such as nylon or neoprene) with heavy stitching. Dark colours are best as they can take a fair amount of dirt without looking untidy. However, laptop bags are available in a


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range of colours and sizes to suit every taste.

The bag should have a heavy-duty strap and handles so that it can be carried with confidence. Some bags even have reinforced sides and wheels, and a telescopic handle by which to pull it.

Ask your customers what sorts of things they need to store in their bags. Laptop bags have special padding and straps to hold a laptop or tablet in place. Devices are usually surrounded by foam and secured with velcro.

Encourage your customers to choose bags with additional pockets and storage areas to secure items such as files, notebooks, pens, peripherals and chargers.

Navigation

Employees who are often on the road visiting sites and clients will need personal navigation devices (PNDs) to ensure they get to the right place quickly and efficiently. Getting lost or stuck in unnecessary road blocks and traffic costs companies both time and money. A good GPS will not only have up-to-date maps, but will also have live traffic advisories that indicate snarl-ups and accidents in

real time, and reroute users accordingly. The basic features of PNDs include

resistive touchscreens; text-to-speech conversion to speak street names; 3D map views; a point of interest (POI) database; automatic rerouting; and live traffic updates. Warn your customers that entry-level devices may lack the Bluetooth connectivity required for hands-free, in-car calls, so it is a good idea for mobile workers to purchase devices that are middle- or high-end.

For mobile workers, recommend a larger screen size with an interface that is easy to understand and see. Clear, easy-to-read icons and colourful map graphics are a must for people who are on the go. Everything should be large and easy to glance at quickly while behind the wheel.

The amount of information your customers will need to have displayed is also important. Some PNDs display a number of instructions and a range of information, while more uncluttered interfaces display only the next instruction.

Points of interest (POIs) as listed on the device are also important – especially for sales people. Some devices categorise POIs too broadly, such as bundling everything under “shopping”, while others

have several levels of categorisation, making it easier to find specific kinds of shops and restaurants.

Advise your customers to buy a stand-alone navigation device rather than using their phones. PNDs can be left in the car, and will not drain battery while on the road.

Ensure your customers also purchase a PND with a mounting unit for safe storage and use. These generally come with a plastic suction cup on the back, which then attaches to the windscreen. The mounts also allow for charging while on the road.

Other useful tools

Mousepads A mousepad is a useful and convenient tool for those who use a mouse every day. It provides the mouse with a better surface to move over, preventing jitters. Modern mousepads are typically made of lesser-density rubber composites with fabric bonded to the upper surface. However, many other types of material have been used, including fabric, plastics, recycled rubber tyres, silicone rubber, leather, glass, cork, wood, aluminium, stone and stainless steel. For your


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customers on the go, advise a flexible mousepad that can be rolled up or carried in a laptop bag. Ideally, they should include a padded wrist rest, to improve ergonomics support.

StylusesA stylus is a hard, pointed tool used as a method of input on touchscreen-enabled devices, such as tablet PCs, to accurately navigate menus. Upsell styluses to those who work on-the-go in dirty environments, such as construction sites or warehouses, as it helps to prevent the device’s screen from getting dirty. Styluses are also used by courier companies so their customers can sign electronic delivery forms.

Many smartphones have a built-in stylus which tucks in behind the back cover. Some styluses may extend and contract into small, pen-like cylinders.

Styluses can be passive (or capacitive) which means that they act just like a finger when touching a screen. There is no electronic communication between a passive stylus and a device.

An active stylus includes electronic components that communicate with the touchscreen controller on a device. Active pens are typically used for note taking, on-screen drawing/painting and electronic document annotation.

Covers and casesDespite the fact that smartphones and tablets are getting tougher all the time, with improved resistance to water, breakages and shock, it is still a good idea for your customers to put a case or cover on their device. This is especially true if the customer is on the go, in dirty

or dangerous environments where drops and spills are more likely to happen.

When choosing a case for a tablet or smartphone, advise your customers to always look for a good quality one. These will inevitably cost more, but they will have a long (or even lifetime) guarantee.

High-quality cases are made of special, highly durable material such as polycarbonate, vinyl and neoprene.

A high-quality cover will also have extremely precise cut-outs for the capacitive and hard buttons on phones and tablets. Cheaper cases may miss a port, have stiff button covers or interfere with the camera flash. Advise your clients to decide whether or not wireless charging and docking will be part of their use case.

Features are also important. Tablet cases often offer a landscape stand function, or multiple positions, or 360-degree hinges. This improves usability as it makes it easier to view and type.

Covers for smartphones sometimes have kickstands that pop out the back.

When selling customers cases for their devices, finding out how clumsy they are is key. If they are prone to dropping things, or if they have a job that involves a lot of dirt, moisture or movement, they will need some serious protection. If they are not that likely to damage the phone but just want to protect it from nicks and scratches, less protection is necessary. Just remind them that there is a clear trade-off between the level of protection provided and the bulk and weight added.

Rugged cases are the ideal for your accident-prone customers. They are bulky and heavy, and include things like air pockets and reinforced corners

to dramatically reduce the risk of damage. Rugged cases cover every angle, including the buttons and the touchscreen, which can make buttons harder to press and reduce touchscreen sensitivity.

Tough cases are less bulky but offer a high level of protection. They are generally made of a layer of hard polycarbonate with an inner layer of something softer, like silicone, to absorb shock.

Slim or basic cases don’t cover the design or shape of the phone much, and don’t add much bulk. They are purely there to protect against dings and scratches, and will boost the phone’s chances of surviving a fall. Soft, slim cases are made of TPU, which is durable and slightly malleable, so it’s easy to fit and it offers some shock protection.

Hard, slim cases can be tough to fit and they won’t provide much protection against drop damage.

Folio cases are ones which flip open like a wallet. They’re a good choice for customers who keep their devices in a bag. They offer basic all-round protection, although are not necessarily the answer to drops. They are made of leather or polyurethane. Folio cases are handy for clients on the go, as they generally support the automatic sleep/wake function, meaning that the device comes to life automatically when your customer opens the cover. Because of this, the type of closure is very important. Recommend elastic, tab or stud closures over magnetic ones. The latter may be stylish, but are not as strong.

Screen protectorsThese are thin, clear layers of plastic which help to protect a device’s glass touchscreen. Many devices come with screen protectors on. They can help reduce the chance of scratches or cracks appearing on the touchscreen, but they inevitably impact the aesthetic and sometimes usability as well.

For customers on the go, recommend screen protectors that are tailor made for the device. Suggest they purchase

the protectors immediately, as existing imperfections on the screen will increase the chance of bubbles.

Sell screen protectors in multiples so your clients can discard one when it is scratched and replace it. It is generally a good idea to

sell anti-glare screen protectors, as they cut viewing angles for privacy

and reduce glare. n


h o w t o s e l l

The office that’s not

There is an increasing amount of discussion about agile working in the modern world. While most firms are only starting on the journey to agile working (just letting your staff work from home one day a week

does not make a firm agile) others are creating a truly mobile working environment both inside and outside the office.

Now a new trend is emerging that could be seen as the next logical step for firms looking for an agile, mobile and 21st-century workforce. Co-working occurs when disparate businesses and organisations share the same collaborative and open working space.

The idea was originally led by start-ups, entrepreneurs and freelance workers who were attracted by the opportunity to rent a single desk or group of desks in a shared space. It is the ultimate in a non-corporate, collaborative work space.

Now a new ecosystem is emerging that encourages innovation, accesses disruptive energy and offers larger corporates a direct link to the “sharing economy”.

Pushing the boundariesThis type of shared space is appealing to the younger generation, dubbed the millennials. Co-working offers them the opportunity to mingle with potential future clients. This is a new phenomenon for many in the market, and it has the potential to offer tangible and practical benefits.

Indeed, another benefit of co-working is that if it takes hold and firms needs to scale up quickly, it is likely they will go into such a space.

According to Harvard Business Review, by 2025 around 40% of US work space will be contracted with staff working in a project-based environment. This context, which is pushing the boundaries of all businesses’ future real estate needs, is signalling the way forward for companies around the world.

The trend that was pioneered by start-ups is now increasingly being embraced by a growing number of businesses, large and small.

Collaborative environmentsIn 2015, co-working specialist provider WeWork opened the UK’s largest shared space in London with the capacity to house 3 000 members. Similar solutions are already being opened in other cities around the globe.

In Amsterdam, for example, companies such as Philips and IBM are utilising co-working space to encourage innovation alongside start-ups. Co-working business

NUMA, which opened France’s first co-working space in 2008 and an entrepreneurial hub in 2011, is now working with 30 large companies and helping to accelerate a number of start-ups.

The trend is centred on creating space which supports collaboration, openness, knowledge sharing, innovation and the user experience.

Demand for co-working space has been driven by the growth of creative and tech industries as well as the changing nature of work. Mobile technologies and personal devices have made working remotely from a variety of locations much easier.

While this has fuelled the growth in home working, companies and their employees increasingly see the value of being part of a collaborative environment, something which is at the core of co-working.

The results of the latest Global Co-working Survey reveal that 61% of co-working space providers are planning to expand their operations and almost 80% expect the number of members to increase in 2016.

The four co-working modelsFour core models of co-working that are now emerging can be applied to organisations looking to exploit its benefits:

An internal innovation hub is typically

Co-working is the latest office trend


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created exclusively for employees within a company’s own office, providing flexible, creative space to suit a variety of work settings.

Internal co-working spaces are set up by organisations seeking to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing, encourage innovative thinking and inspire a cultural shift.

This model also enables companies to signal to the new generation of employees that they are open to more flexible forms of working.

Another option for companies seeking flexibility and ease of implementation is to purchase memberships in external co-working spaces. This allows companies to offer a variety of locations to their employees and accommodate any temporary increases in workforce. External memberships also provide a range of work settings and help companies to tap into new networks and keep a pulse on market developments without any costly modifications to their existing real estate and potential disruption to the wider company culture.

Organisations that wish to experiment with collaborative space can work alongside a specialist provider to create a dedicated or ring-fenced external co-working area.

This model results in minimal disruption to the existing space and allows companies to test co-working with specific areas of the business before introducing more widespread change. It provides all the benefits of internal and external innovation and is associated with a lower risk of disruption.

In the fourth model companies create internal co-working space open to entrepreneurs and start-ups, often for free. Start-ups are usually selected via an application or interview process, but in return are provided with mentoring services. Building relationships in this way can help mature companies secure access to break-through technology or ideas at an early stage, while maintaining control over the space.

Barriers to co-workingPerhaps the greatest barrier to co-working is related to security.

For companies dealing with high volumes of confidential data, sharing space with external organisations or easing the rules for using personal devices can be potentially challenging.

Cyber-security is a growing strategic challenge for organisations; effective

co-working solutions need to help mitigate cyber-security concerns.

Premises security can be another potential challenge. While co-working spaces are perhaps safer environments to leave equipment unattended than your typical coffee shop, companies still risk a loss of equipment.

Effective policy frameworks and procedures can help mitigate risks, while solutions such as internal collaboration space or innovation hubs substantially reduce external risks.

Privacy is another frequently cited barrier to co-working. Many companies fear a loss of intellectual property, ideas or other sensitive information. This concern can be amplified further by the prospect of potentially sharing space with competitors.

Some element of private space or procedures around sensitive information sharing can help with risk mitigation. However, inevitably organisations will need to adapt existing processes to manage potential privacy risks associated with opening up their organisation to external co-working environments.

Some organisations introduce co-working but selectively – just for certain individuals, groups of individuals or departments. But allowing selected groups to work in a more flexible setting, which is different to the rest of the organisation, may breed division or resentment among staff.

Organisations can also miss out on the opportunity to translate the benefits of co-working across wider areas of the business. While it may not be practical to extend co-working across the whole company, this needs to be carefully managed to avoid any

risk of cultural clash.Motivation can be a further barrier to the

successful implementation of co-working. Companies need to be clear about their objectives and about what creates the most value for them. Co-working that is imposed from the top down without due consideration of the user or employee experience is unlikely to yield the benefits most companies are seeking.

By tailoring workplace solutions companies can limit their exposure to some of these barriers and achieve seamless integration of co-working into the established real estate strategy.

Creating value from co-workingOrganisations that aspire to innovate cannot ignore co-working. Competition for talent is intensifying and the workplace is a critical tool to support recruitment and retention. Organisations need to embrace the new reality of employees’ expectations and technology-enabled ways of working and adapt their workplace strategies accordingly.

An innovative design, focused on flexibility and interaction in a well-connected location can boost employee engagement and attract talent. In this context, co-working can help companies appeal to different generations by providing a choice of different work settings.

This is not simply about creating another place to work. The experience itself is paramount to making co-working a success, and should ultimately aim to satisfy an organisation’s wider business objectives. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWWW.THELAWYER.COM


f u r n i t u r e

Focus and the art of mind wanderingThe little tricks our brains use to be effective at work

Have a quick look around if you are reading this article at your desk or in your office. You are in a specific situation, an artificial environment, which was

created for you to complete your tasks.

The thing is, no matter how thoughtfully your office was designed, it most likely doesn’t correspond to the natural environment of your brain – because a brain is not made for the typical office. Actually the brain isn’t “made” for any environment at all; rather, it adjusts to its surrounding automatically. It learns and optimises its thinking paths, depending on how we use it. The thinking performance of the brain can therefore be improved, if you consider how we use it.

Brain-friendly thinking Anyone who regularly works in an office will probably have recognised that their brain can be a troublemaker sometimes. It doesn’t focus; it is easily distracted; it gets involved in things it shouldn’t; and it needs a break all the time. But that’s normal. The brain is not a thinking machine. We can’t work on a problem permanently because we need breaks to think effectively. The brain works in rhythms to be able to do its best thinking.

Activation Before a brain can process information it has to absorb it. During the process of absorption the brain is very communicative, as it aims to gather as much information as possible. Sending e-mails, getting on the phone with colleagues, presenting in meetings and discussions – the more ways we exchange information regarding one specific task, the better. For our brain information isn’t static but instead it changes depending on how it is used.

Focus The activating warm-up time is followed by a phase of focus. Letting the brain do its work and freeing it of any external distractions is crucial in this phase. Your brain’s capacity is limited and even subconscious thoughts and processes need resources, which will be pulled from other processes. E-mail alerts, conversations in the background and music are disturbing this phase of concentration. The only way our brain is able to focus is to actively switch all these factors off.

RegenerationWhy is it that professional athletes are higher performers than amateurs? Not necessarily because they train more, but because they use breaks more effectively. You can only improve if breaks are used for regeneration. The same applies to the brain. It can’t permanently perform; it needs distraction and rejuvenation. Just like high-performance athletes uses their breaks in smart ways, high-performance thinkers use breaks to improve their brain’s performance.

After an hour’s work, the brain deserves a few minutes’ rest. Longer relaxation phases are, however, are also very important, especially in the evenings before we go to sleep. During sleep the brain creates a stimuli-free room to process and save the information that it collected during the day.

Free yourself from the thought that breaks are a waste of time.

The brain subconsciously continues to think about the task at hand, and comes up with new thoughts and ideas when you give it a break.

Talk first – work laterAt the beginning of a workday a stimulating environment is activating. Read your e-mails and other correspondence before you commence your work day. Doing so helps the brain to automatically collect the information and use it more effectively afterwards.

Set the finish lineEvery phase of deep focus should be limited to a certain timeframe. Always set yourself a specific timeframe or a deadline for focused work. It can be minutes or a few hours. Pace yourself according to the energy you have.


p e o p l e m a n a g e m e n t

New technologies allow neuroscientists to deeply explore what is arguably our most vital and energy-hungry organ—the human brain—and how it affects our behavior. An ongoing journey of discovery, new findings offer insights that can have a direct impact on work performance and satisfaction, and maybe even help us Think Better.

Light it up! The average human brain uses the equivalent of 20 watts of power—enough to power a lightbulb.

Unlike other organs, the brain is delicate, with a consistency like soft butter.

BRAIN BASICS

20%

2%

CALORIC INTAKE

BODY WEIGHT

KEEP IT IN MIND AT WORK

50%

BRAIN 101

The brain is 60% “gray matter” made up of neurons, and 40% “white matter” made up of dendrites and axons, which create the network by which neurons communicate with each other.

40%60%

WHITE MATTERGRAY MATTER

“NEW STUDY: SPECT IS BEST FOR BRAIN INJURY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT,” AMEN CLINICS

Messages travel between neurons at different speeds: some seem like they’re walking (one and a half feet per second), while others are fighter-jet fast (400 feet per second).

400 FEET / SECOND

“YOU: RAISING YOUR CHILD,” MICHAEL F. ROIZEN AND MEHMET C. OZ

The brain comprises merely 2% of the body’s weight but consumes more than 20% of the daily caloric intake of energy—more than any other organ in the human body.

“THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND FOODS IN PREVENTING NEUROLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE DISORDERS,” PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

If you stretched out the blood vessels in your brain from end to end, you could wrap them around the earth 4 times—approximately 100,000 miles.

100,000 MILES

“10 FASCINATING BRAIN FACTS,” IDEA

Brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100,000 neurons and one billion connections.

1 billion CONNECTIONS

“12 PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CREATING A BRAIN HEALTHY LIFE,” AMEN CLINICS

Research shows that multitasking increases your error rate by 50%.

“BRAIN RULES,” JOHN MEDINA

“BRAIN-LIKE CHIP MAY SOLVE COMPUTERS’ BIG PROBLEM: ENERGY,” DISCOVER MAGAZINE


At the beginning of the day you have the most self-control and attention because the brain is the most rested and the prefrontal cortex is the most active. Start the day with focus work; as the day goes on, focusing gets harder.

“CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS IN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT,” CHRONOPHYSIOLOGY AND THERAPY

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS IMPACT PERFORMANCE

A study found that those who worked from a treadmill desk were 34.9% more likely to answer a comprehension question correctly compared to those who sat in a chair.

“THE DELAYED EFFECT OF TREADMILL DESK USAGE ON RECALL AND ATTENTION,” COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR

MOVEMENT ENGAGES THE BRAIN

Meditation can change the structure of your brain and has been found to increase the amount of gray matter in the insula, which impacts self-awareness, perception and cognitive functioning. Benefits? It can increase compassion, memory and creativity, and decrease depression and anxiety.

“THE EMOTIONAL LIFE OF YOUR BRAIN: HOW ITS UNIQUE PATTERNS AFFECT THE WAY YOU THINK, FEEL, AND LIVE—AND HOW YOU CAN CHANGE THEM,” RICHARD J. DAVIDSON AND SHARON BEGLEY

TRY A NEW PATH TO PRODUCTIVITY

© 2015 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used herein are the property of Steelcase INC. or their respective owners.

Brain-friendly environment The brain doesn’t work statically like a computer, but in dynamic rhythms that adjust to the task at hand.

The more you use it, the better it will work – especially if you accelerate your thinking with these tricks:

AttentionThe natural enemy of focus is multi-tasking. Not only do you need too many resources and make too many mistakes when you switch tasks all the time, but the more we do it the worse we become at paying attention to tasks. Use to-do-lists and strike things of the list as soon as you’ve done them. This will activate the brain’s reward system and will motivate it for the next task.

RoutinesThis may sound boring and dull, but routines are a sophisticated way for your brain to optimise thinking paths so that they work almost automatically and therefore with less energy (which is what distinguishes an intelligent from an average brain). Try to develop routines for repeating tasks. This will save time and energy, which you will then be able to apply to more complex thinking.

SpaceWe need necessary resources to be high performers. That also applies to the office. At best, the workplace allows employees to choose between different spaces so they can pick their environment based on the task at hand. Choose unusual places for unusual tasks. Take your laptop for a walk or do your thinking in the cafeteria.

Motivation The best way to be motivated is to know where to go. If you know when a task is done you can conclude it. Work with check-lists and mark the progress you make. Small acknowledgements like this are enough to activate the reward system in the brain. n

Mental pit stopMicro breaks of a few seconds are often sufficient to keep the brain working. A glance outside is enough. The brain uses this short distraction to stop automated thought processes and restart them with new energy – just like a mental pit stop.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTBY HENNING BECK, NEUROBIOLOGIST




BRAIN BASICS

20%

2%

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BODY WEIGHT


50%

BRAIN 101


40%60%




400 FEET / SECOND





100,000 MILES






















BRAIN BASICS

20%

2%

CALORIC INTAKE

BODY WEIGHT


50%

BRAIN 101


40%60%




400 FEET / SECOND





100,000 MILES






















BRAIN BASICS

20%

2%

CALORIC INTAKE

BODY WEIGHT


50%

BRAIN 101


40%60%




400 FEET / SECOND





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w w w . m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e . c o . z a 29m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWWW.MAKEANDTAKES.COM

School holidays are just around the corner. Entertain your kids during long car trips with these cool craft ideas:

Index cardsThis is a simple way to bring new life to colouring with squiggle drawings. Add a line, circle, or loop to a white index card and let the kids come up with what it might become. Be sure to have crayons nearby as you let them create a new picture from these squiggles.

Sticky notes These small pads of sticky-backed paper are the perfect way to have fun in the car. Kids can make letters, shapes and designs with the sticky notes on the window. You can even bring a tray of sorts to have the kids create images with the paper on their laps. With these reusable notes, kids can make one image and then take it all down to create a new image.

Square coloured paperSometimes a simple pad of paper will keep kids entertained. Suggest they make paper airplanes and they fly them back and forth to each other. You can also give them a set of origami instructions to go with it, or even create origami frames so the kids can draw pictures on the inside.

Clear tapeAllow your kids to colour a little tape with black marker or pen and make a moustache; or tape long strips across the whole back seat from window to window; or give them a small open box to cover with tape.

Paper clipsThis is another super simple object that kids love to play with. They can make chains and necklaces, or open them up to make more structures. Kids can have hours of fun stringing paper clips from one side of the car to the other.

Pipe cleaner creationsChildren can play with pipe cleaners forever, making shapes, loops, chains, letters, words or small people. You can bring buttons or beads to add to them as well.

Homemade sticker story booksCreate small sticker storybook starters out of index cards cut in half and stapled together.

Give each child a set of stickers that they can add on one side of the paper and write a story on the other side of the paper, creating a little story book. They can colour in it as well.

Crafts on the goEntertain your kids in the car with these everyday stationery items


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Yarn or embroidery floss

There are so many things kids can do with a ball of yarn. Encourage your kids to make friendship bracelets out of finger knitting. This helps to teach them to braid. Cutting three strips and hold them together by tying a knot at the top.

Yarn apples are fun to make with yarn. You will need:• Yarn in the colour of apples – red,

green or yellow• Pipe cleaners in brown and green• A piece of cardboard – 5cm x 13cm

Use the piece of cardboard to create something around which to wind the yarn. If you want a smaller apple, use a piece of cardboard that is 5cm thick. For a bigger apple, it can be 7cm thick.

Take your yarn colour of choice and

start wrapping it around your cardboard. You can go around between 80 and 100 times, to create a fat ball of yarn. The more you wrap, the thicker and tighter the apple looks. When you’re done winding just cut your string off, letting it hang in place. It will get tucked away later.

Cut a brown piece of pipe cleaner in half and slip one through the wound yarn. This is where the bent in half card board piece comes in handy. If your cardboard is bent, it’s easier to slip the pipe cleaner through. Then twist up the end together, forming a stem for the top of the apple.

You now put the other cut half brown pipe cleaner through again and twist it up on the opposite end of the yarn, creating the round apple and looking like the little bottom end of an apple. Twist it up, then cut off the pipe cleaner with scissors fairly close to the yarn and bend that end of wire in.

You can be done here, or add a little leaf to the apple if you prefer. Using a 5cm piece of green pipe cleaner, slip it under the top brown stem. Then bend in each half to look like two little leaves. n

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akeandtakes.com/little-apple-yarn-favors

Sustainable development makes good business sense. We don’t just talk about it; we make it part of the way we work every day

Our long-standing working relationship with WWF, through our sponsorship and support (since 2001) of the WWF-Mondi Wetlands Programme (WWF-MWP) and direct participation in its activities, is testament to our commitment to addressing sustainability challenges.

The programme celebrates its 25 year anniversary in 2016 and has catalysed wetlands conservation in South Africa through effective partnerships with government, non-government organisations and companies. As a result, we have improved wetland management on our forestry land while removing commercial trees from riparian zones and wetlands. The WWF-MWP is now part of our global partnership with WWF.

Our unrelenting drive to deliver the best in everything we do, from managing our forests to producing high-quality pulp and paper products for our customers, has enabled us to make products that are household names today.

Mondi Group’s consistent and focused long-term strategy has positioned us as a leading international packaging and paper group, with a strong platform for growth.

With this backing, it is little wonder that Mondi Rotatrim has become a market leader among office paper brands over the past 30 years.

We are looking forward to the next 30 years!

Mondi Rotatrim, produced by the Mondi Group, one of the world’s leading office paper providers, is celebrating more than 30 years in the South African market.

A distinguished leader among office paper brands, Mondi Rotatrim is known as a superior multi-functional office paper that runs smoothly through photocopiers, laser – and inkjet printers.

Mondi Rotatrim is produced at the Merebank mill in Durban and supplied country-wide and into Africa. Our brand carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Chain-Of-Custody certification, an independent international accreditation

providing assurance to customers that Mondi Rotatrim is produced from responsibly managed forests.

Made from Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp, Mondi Rotatrim is the only locally-manufactured paper with a 160CIE rating for superior whiteness. It is a product that delivers better quality and improved office and environmental performance.

At the heart of the production process is our 6m wide Voith Paper Machine – one of the most technologically advanced in the southern hemisphere – which enables optimum process control and analysis.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology,

Paper Machine 31 produces high quality uncoated wood-free grades with copy paper forming the bulk of production. This production line is supported by modern converting equipment.

To support our high-quality and well invested operations, the right skills are essential. We maintain a consistently high level of training in our operations and in 2015 four of our papermakers successfully completed their international Pulp and Paper Craftsman qualification in Europe, becoming the first on the African continent to hold this internationally-recognised qualification in papermaking.

Mondi Rotatrim celebrates 30 years of office paper excellence

Mondi Group: Mondi is an international packaging and paper group, employing around 25 000 people across more than 30 countries. Our key operations are located in central Europe, Russia, North America and South Africa. In 2015, Mondi had revenues of €6,8-billion and a return on capital employed of 20,5%.

Visit www.mondigroup.com for more information.

1970s Mondi Rotatrim registered

1980s Moved away from guillotine cutting to precision rotary cutting

1990s Changed from acid-based to alkaline-based formulation, setting the benchmark for a new environmentally-friendly production process

2000s ISO accreditation achieved in Environment, Quality and Safety

Paper Machine 31 was commissioned at a cost of R1,53-billion, delivering consistently excellent quality

Brand new Cut Size 5 line was installed at a cost of R177-million

Multi-fuel boiler installed at a cost of R470-million

Continued investment ensures our top quality products will be sustained in the future.


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Jabatha sets the standard at this year’s FM Expo

Jabatha Paper and Stationery CC | Tel: +27 (011) 334 6464 | Fax: +27 (011) 334 6443 | E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.jabatha.co.za

Jabatha - FM Expo Ad.indd 1 2016-06-27 06:24:48 PM

The Facilities Management Expo 2016A report-back on the FM Expo 2016

The 2016 edition of the Facilities Management Expo was held from 01 to 02 June at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg.

A range of facilities management service providers attended the Expo, engaging with industry leaders and showcasing their latest products, services and innovations.

My Office was also in attendance, along with stationery industry stalwarts such as Bidvest Waltons, Jabatha, Tidy Files, Rexel and AZ Trading.

Many vendors reported positive interaction with visitors.





What to do with old smartphonesDon’t bin your old mobile devices just yet

If you, like many people, have upgraded your smartphone recently and now have a number of past-their-best devices gathering dust somewhere at your home or office, don’t despair.

There are a number of things you can do with outdated devices that are better than just leaving them in the back of a cupboard.

Use it as a dedicated device This will very much depend on the age of your smartphone, but considering the range of apps available for them, it’s easy to dedicate one to a specific task.

The main apps on any phone will give you enough to work with. For starters, you could use your old phone as a music/podcast player, a dedicated e-reader or as a smart alarm clock.

Go one step further by turning your phone into a smart remote for your PC or home theatre computer. Since it’s no longer needed to find phone signal or receive notifications, the old smartphone won’t drain as quickly, and it will give your main phone a bit of breathing space.

Another good use for an old

smartphone is to give it to your children to use. They can then play games on it or use to stay in contact when on outings.

Sell it This is a lucrative option but one that is by no means guaranteed to work out. The older your device is, the less chance someone is going to buy it. Do your research first and compare it to similar devices before you put it up for sale.

Unless it’s a new device and hasn’t been touched, you can’t expect to get full value for it.

Trade it in Some cell phone providers and manufacturers offer a trade-in facility for

their phones. You take your old device to them, and get store credit or a small payment in return.

Give it to charityThis is the more philanthropic approach. A number of charities recycle or refurbish old phones for re-use.

The other method, if the device you’re handing in is in good condition, is to have it resold in a charity shop. If you decide to go down this route, make sure you mention any flaws or issues with the device.

Recycle itThis is probably the most popular disposal method for smartphones, and many manufacturers have their own recycling initiatives. Check the maker’s site first (as well as those who aren’t the makers of your phone) before you do anything, to see whether or not they operate these initiatives in your country.

Most mobile phones contain precious metals and plastics that can be recycled to save both energy and resources. Some parts of a smartphone can even be reused in other devices, decreasing the need to manufacture new parts. This helps save a number of raw materials, and allows consumers to dispose of their electronic waste responsibly. n

There are a number of online platforms in South Africa that allow consumers to buy or sell used goods. Examples of such platforms include:• Gumtree – www.gumtree.co.za • BidorBuy - www.bidorbuy.co.za • OLX – www.olx.co.za • JunkMail – www.junkmail.co.za

Remember to always meet prospective buyers in a public area. Only accept cash, or make sure the full amount is paid once the goods have exchanged hands.

e c o n e w s


Although companies spend many years building up their network defences for PCs, most have spent little time securing the network

for smartphones. These days there are a great deal more mobile devices than PCs’ and the sheer volume of them changes the way security needs to be approached.

At the same time, most users are unaware of mobile security threats. In fact, research by Symantec has shown that 57% of adults were unaware that security solutions existed for mobile devices.

The size of today’s user base and the amount of personal information that’s easily attainable on every device is attractive to hackers.

The advent of bring your own device, or BYOD, has turned this personal security threat into a corporate one as well.

Mobile devices, which are capable of going inside and outside of the network, can automatically connect to the corporate system and access sensitive data – and then connect to dozens of other networks outside of the enterprise, all the while bypassing the types of security measures built for PCs.

Malware isn’t just a PC problem Cybercriminals have taken to hiding malicious code inside mobile apps that are downloaded from app marketplaces. They can use malware to steal device information, track users, reconfigure the device, send content or carry out

traditional malware functions. Symantec’s own research has found that the number of mobile threats that track users increased from 15% to 30% in 2013, effectively doubling since 2012. An indication that this type of data is of more commercial value to cybercriminals.

Most malicious code for mobile devices currently consists of Trojans that pose as legitimate applications. Mobile malware seems almost exclusively focused on the Android platform, and remote access Trojan (RAT) toolkits have started to appear for Android. This is likely tied to the widespread adoption of the Android platform.

A secure mobile networkTo ensure that your network is secure for BYOD, you need a combination of the right security, management and controls in place.

Here are seven tips to integrate into your mobile security policy:1. Add security measures to your

wireless network – having a password or a security key helps keep unauthorised smartphones from accessing your wireless connection. Utilise encryption technology to protect the information transmitted through your network.

2. Pin or password protect it – employees who use mobile devices for business may carry sensitive company information on their phones. If the phone falls into the wrong hands, a pin or passcode is the first line of defence. Encourage users to create a strong password and program it to lock within five minutes.

3. Examine app permissions – while apps have to ask for access to many

features on your device, many users don’t examine these permissions carefully. Malicious app developers find it simple to persuade users that they should grant unnecessary permissions.

4. Regulate apps accessed on the network – if an application has a weakness, the app is easier to hack and it poses a threat to an organisation’s security. Protect your company by developing a policy item to determine which apps can be downloaded or accessed via the corporate network.

5. Lose it, lock it, wipe it – download an app on mobile devices that allows employees to lock and wipe a phone in the case of theft or loss. Keep out prying eyes by remotely locking a device. If your phone is gone for good, wipe your data. This includes information such as contacts, text messages, photos, e-mails, browser history and user accounts (like Facebook, Twitter and Google).

6. Update, update, update – make sure that employees get into the habit of updating apps as soon as they are prompted to. Software updates can include fixes to new vulnerabilities and exploited security gaps.

7. Don’t let mobile security be your blind spot – with so much personal data on our devices and mobile malware on the rise, smartphones now require the same amount of attention that was previously given to PC protection. n

GOLD SPONSORS: SILVER SPONSORS:

Keeping shop-sa members abreast of criminal and fraudulent activity in the stationery and office products industry. To sponsor the Crime Alert page contact (011) 781 0088.

REPORT CRIME TO [email protected]

Renew your Crime Alert sponsorship today! Call Wendy Dancer on (011) 781 0088 to book your logo placement on the Crime Alert page as an industry leader in transparency, information sharing and anti-crime business ethics.

Securing the mobile workforce

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSOLANGE DESCHATRES FOR WWW.SYMANTEC.COM


c r i m e a l e r t

m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 38

p r o d u c t s h o w c a s e

Tel: 011 688 6000

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.antalis.co.za

IMAGE COLORACTION

Image Coloraction is a range of tinted multifunctional papers and boards produced from elemental chlorine free pulp made from responsibly managed wood forest. Image colour action is Forest Stewardship Council® certified 70% mix source. Image Coloraction can be used to colour code paper systems and add maximum impact for reports, a variety of creative applications such as leaflets, business documents, colourful invitations and tickets and eye catching presentations. It is available in 6 Pale colours, 2 Mid and 5 Bold as well as the Neon Rainbow Pack in A4. It is suitable for Litho and desktop printing.

Tel: 011 467 0227

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.techexpress.co.za

Tel: 011 467 0227

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.techexpress.co.za

LX DESK MOUNT LCD MONITOR ARM

Durable polished aluminum construction! Tested to perform 10 times the expected life-cycle of other competitive brands at roughly half the price.Sleek and streamlined, the LX frees up space and allows positioning of your display for greater productivity. Reposition your LCD with just a touch. Up. Down. Forward. Back. The LX provides unparalleled range of motionSleek and streamlined, the LX frees up space and allows positioning of your display for greater productivity. Reposition your LCD with just a touch. Up. Down. Forward. Back.

THE FIRST AND ONLY GEN 5 INTEL PRO WIDI CERTIFIED WIRELESS DISPLAY RECEIVER AVAILABLE TODAY.

Specially designated for business environment, ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition enables users with compatible mobile devices to wirelessly display any content on the TV or projector within a few seconds. In seconds, you can share whatever is on your mobile device (presentations, documents, spreadsheets, videos, websites, apps, photos, etc.) with everyone else in the room. And ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition supports all the key manageability and security features that IT departments need.

MY OFFICE PRODUCT SHOWCASE

To showcase your products here, call Wendy Dancer on 011 781 0088 for pricing and availability.

V o l 1 0 0 - J u n e 2 0 1 6

To book advertising or advertorial space around any of the above features, please contact Wendy Dancer on [email protected] or call 011 781 0088.

How to book your space

For just R25.00 ex VAT, add your company logo to your contact details in the Buyers’ Guide and we’ll put your logo on our Web site for FREE.

1.

2.For just R3 000 ex VAT per month*, we will run your quarter-page advert in the back of the magazine.

Low on budget? Does your Web site need a boost?

92mm

130mm

Take advantage of the new advertising slots in My Office magazine!

*Please note this offer is only available on a 3- or 6-month contract.

m a r k e t p l a c e


AADDING MACHINE, POINT OF SALE AND MACHINE ROLLSPaperGeni

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

ADHESIVES, GLUES AND SPRAYSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd. - Correction Fluid,

Glue sticks & Super Glue

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave

Freedom Stationery - Marlin

ART, CRAFT, GRAPHIC AND DRAWING MATERIALSCTP Stationery - A4 coloured poster boards


Max Frank - Uni, Artline

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Oil pastels and

watercolour paint

BBAGS AND CASESD.O.S - iStay

Flip File - Business cases.

Freedom Stationery - Space Case and Marlin

Kolok - Kenton, Port

Topmark - School Bags, Laptop Bags, Pencil

Cases, Sports Bags, Luggage

BATTERIESKolok - Duracell

Nikki Distributors - Duracell Batteries

Nikki Distributors - Energizer Batteries

BIN RANGEKrost Office Products

BINDING ACCESSORIESAZ Trading - Plastic Comb, Wire, Thermal &

Covers

CTP Donau - Donau files and slide binders,

A4 poster board

Kolok - Geha binding combs and covers

Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding

Machines

Press Products - wire, combs, coil, covers

Rexel Office Products - Rexel and GBC

BINDING MACHINESAZ Trading - DSB, Neorel

D.O.S - Prima, DSB, Leitz

Kolok - Geha binding machines

Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding

Machines

Press Products - Bindquip

Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel

ranges

BOARDSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Velleda

School Whiteboards

CTP Stationery - Flip Chart Pads


Hortors Stationery - Legal Notices i.e. Basic

Conditions & OSH Act and Leave and Absence

Chart

Kolok - Geha interactive boards

Max Frank - Artline Flipchart Markers, Artline,

Maxi whiteboard markers


Parrot Products - Full range of boards and

accessories. Custom boards printed to your

specification

Rexel Office Products - NOBO whiteboards,

pinboards, easels and accessories. Quartet

magnetic white/cork boards

BOOK COVERSCTP Stationery - Poly Prop Donau heavy duty

covers

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper

Freedom Stationery

Gordon’s Productions - contact paper

woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic

cover back to school clear and coloured self

adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever arch).

Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and pre-cut

polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - brown paper

rolls, poly rolls, gift-wrap

RBE - Papersmart

BOOKS AND PADSBSC Stationery - Treeline

CTP Stationery - Impala and premier books

and pads

Freedom Stationery - Manufacturers

Hortors Stationery - Legal registers

Palm Stationery Manufacturers

Power Stationery - Powerstar

RBE - NCR Business Books

Rexel Office Products - Colourhide notebooks

BOXES AND CARTONSCTP Stationery - Archiving Systems

Rexel Office Products

Specialised Filing Systems - Archive and

Off-Site

Tidy Files - Acid free archiving products

CCALCULATORSKolok - HP

Nikki Distributors - Truly calculators



Rexel Office Products - IBICO

CALENDARSCTP Stationery - Diaries assorted sizes

CALLIGRAPHYMax Frank - Artline

CANTEENKolok - Tea, Coffee, milk etc, Sunbeam

(appliances)

CARBON PAPER AND FILMSRBE - NCR Business Books

CARTRIDGESDis Cartridges - Stockists of generic/original

cartridges

CD’S, DVD’S AND DISKETTESKolok - Verbatim, Kenton

CLIP BOARDSCTP Stationery - DONAU brand

Parrot Products - Masonite and whiteboard

40

SOURCE PRODUCTS HERE

CombBind 100 WireBind W20 ThermaBind T400CombBind 110 CombBind C200MultiBind 230Comb & WireCombBind C210 CombBind C250 Pro www.rexelsa.co.za

Binding doesn’t getany simpler!

Working for you

CLIPS, FASTENERS AND PINSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Grip Binders - Essentials, Stephens, Penguin

Tidy Files - Filing solution

COLOURING BOOKSEmpire Toy & Stationery - Empire books



COMPUTER ACCESSORIESKolok - Verbatim, Kenton, Port

Krost Office Products

Pyrotec - Tower Inkjet-laser labels, business

cards and photo paper

COMPUTER CLEANINGKolok - ComputerCare, Multipro

Pyrotec - Tower computer cleaning range

COMPUTER CONSUMABLESCTP Stationery - Full range of DONAU files

KMP - for computer consumables

Kolok - Penguin (Ribbons, Toners, Inkjets), Till

and fax rolls

Redfern Print Services - Redfern inkjet/laser/

copier labels and a full range of stationery labels

COMPUTER HARDWAREKolok - Blazer UPS systems, Geha (Interactive

white boards)

CORPORATE STATIONERY & GIFTINGStar Stationers and Printers

CRAYONS AND CHALKSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Chalks and

Crayons


DDESK SETS AND ACCESSORIESBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Desk Set Solo

Delux



Rexel Office Products - Rexel Eco Range

DIARIES, PLANNERS AND ORGANISERS

CTP Stationery - CTP Brand

Hortors Stationery - Legal diaries

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners,

refills and T-card kits, Quartet Monthly/

Weekly planner

South African Diaries - For all your diary

needs

DICTATION - TRANSCRIPTION

Olympus Audio S.A - Digital Voice Recorders,

Transcription Kits and Accessories.

Powerhouse Dictation for Philips - Dictation,

transcription, meeting recording, mini-tapes,

foot pedals, accessories

DRAUGHTING AND DRAWING OFFICE SUPPLIES

CTP Stationery - A4 Poster Boards

EEMBOSSERS AND ENGRAVING

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Ideal

& Trodat Embossers (pocket, desk and

electronic), Trotec

ENVELOPES AND MAILING

BSC Stationery - Leo Envelopes

CTP Stationery - Commercial envelopes

Global Envelopes - CelloWrapped, peel+seal,

Self-Seal, FullGum and Printed

Grafton/Star

KZN Envelopes - Manufactures of Printed and

Plain Envelopes

Merpak Envelopes - Complete range of quality

envelopes

RBE - Papersmart

ERASERS & ERASING / CORRECTION FLUIDS

BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Tippex tape,

bottle and Pen


Max Frank - Uni

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Tape/Erasers

Pentel S.A (PTY) LTD - Hi-Polymer and Ain

eraser, correction tape and pens


FFAX ROLL MANUFACTURERSRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

FILES AND FILINGAfrican Filing Systems - Top retrieval filing

and arching products

BSC Stationery - Treeline, Mobifile

CTP Stationery - Full range of quality DONAU

brand

Flip File - Executive display files, expanding

files, Document folders, dividers

Freedom Stationery - Edo / Unifile

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Lever arch,

Ringbinder files, Manilla flat folders

Grafton/Star

Kolok - Geha (Binding machines)

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - leaver arch,

ring binder files, manilla flat folders.

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Display book Vivid,

document file, clip file and presentation file

Rexel Office Products - Prima and Rexel

ranges

Specialised Filing Systems - Top Retrieval,

Archive and Off-Site

Tidy Files - Filing solutions

FILES MECHANISMSPress Products - Lever arch, Ring binders

FOLDERSCTP Stationery - DONAU Brand


Palm Stationery Manufacturers - View files,

polypropylene & board folders

Tidy Files - Specialised

FORMS - LEGAL AND MISCELLANEOUSHortors Stationery - complete range of custom,

company, miscellaneous, magisterial, etc.

FURNITURE - OFFICE & SCHOLASTICKrost Office Products - accessories

New Era Office cc - Specialising in all office

furniture desks, chairs, credenzas, boardroom

tables, etc

Reboni Furniture Group - Manufacturing and

distribution of educational and office furniture

Specialised Filing Systems - Cabinets,

Shelving and Hi-Density

41

b u y e r s ’ g u i d e S e e p a g e 4 6 f o r c o n t a c t d e t a i l s

CombBind 100 WireBind W20 ThermaBind T400CombBind 110 CombBind C200MultiBind 230Comb & WireCombBind C210 CombBind C250 Pro www.rexelsa.co.za

Binding doesn’t getany simpler!

Working for you

GGUILLOTINES AND TRIMMERSAZ Trading - DSB, Kobra

Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL

Shredders & Guillotines – SA Distributors

Press Products - BindQuip

Rexel Office Products - SmartCut and

ClassicCut

IINDEX TABBING AND DIVIDERSCTP Stationery - DONAU Brand board and P.P

Flip File - Index Tabs, Flip tabs


Grip Binders


Rexel Office Products - Rexel, Mylar and

Prima board

INKSKMP - for computer consumables.

Max Frank - Shachihata, Artline

Rexel Office Products - Numbering machine

ink

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat,

Noris fastdry, security, numbering, franking.

Laundry.

JJANITORIALKolok - Goldenmarc (Cleaning products),

Brooms, Mops and equipment.

LLABELSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Pyrotec - Tower stationery, inkjet-laser labels

Redfern Print Services - Redfern Inkjet/laser/

copier labels and a full range of stationery labels

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

Specialised Filing Systems - Filing


LABELLING MACHINESKemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of

Brother P-Touch Labelling System

LAMINATING MACHINESAZ Trading - DSB, Speedlam, Lamiace

D.O.S - Tofo, DSB, Leitz

Kolok - GEHA and Galaxy

Parrot Products - Parrot A4 and A3

Laminators

Press Products - GMP

Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges

LAMINATING POUCHES AND MATERIALSAZ Trading - A0 to ID card size

Kolok - GEHA, Penguin laminating pouches

and rolls

Parrot Products

Press Products - GMP

Rexel Office Products - GBC

LEGAL STATIONERYHortors Stationery - All legal registers, forms,

diaries etc

LETTER TRAYSKrost Office Products

MMAILING TUBES

CTP Stationery

MARKERSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Permanent

Markers, Highlighters, whiteboard


Interstat Agencies - Edding

Max Frank - Artline , Maxi, Uni

Parrot Products - White board, permanent

and OHP markers. Wide range of

highlighters

Penflex - White board, flipchart, permanent

markers, highlighters

Pentel (Pty) Ltd. - Maxiflo, white board

marker and paint marker


MATHEMATICAL GEOMETRY SETS & ACCESSORIESFreedom Stationery - Marlin



MINUTE AND GUARD BOOKSHortors Stationery - Company registers,

minute books and other legal registers

NNUMBERING MACHINESRexel Office Products

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Reiner

Dater/Numberer (manual/electronic), Trodat

OOFFICE ERGONOMICSRexel Office Products - Kensington

copyholders, risers, footrests, Rexel range of

electric staplers and punches which reduces

chances of RSI (repetitive strain injury)

OVERHEAD PROJECTION AND ACCESSORIESKolok - Penguin Transparencies

Max Frank - Artline

Parrot Products - Data Projectors, OHPs,

screens and rear projection film

Penflex - Penflex Overhead projector pens

Rexel Office Products - NOBO

42


Fusion 1000L Fusion 1100L Fusion 3000L Fusion 3100L Fusion 5000L Fusion 5100L

Excellence AcceleratedGet it right first time, in less time.

www.rexelsa.co.za

Working for you

PPACKAGINGMerpak Envelopes - Postsafe packaging range

PAPER AND BOARDCTP Stationery - DONAU A4 poster boards

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper

Freedom Stationery

Grafton/Star

Kolok - Geha (paper media), EPSON, HP,

CANON,

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Cubes and

board

Paper World Handmade Paper, Embossed

Paper, Specialty Papers, Scented Paper Board,

Paper Products


RBE - Papersmart

Rexel Office Products - Prima Paper & Board

PAPER FOLDING MACHINESMaynards Office Technology - IDEAL


PENCILSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Evolution

Graphite, BIC Matic Clutch ,Velocity Clutch,

Atlantis Clutch, BU4 Clutch

Freedom Stationery - Marlin / Edo

Max Frank - Uni


Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Hotshot, Mechanical

Pencil, Techniclick Pencil.


Rexel Office Products - Rexel HB & Derwent

Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Tradition, Wopex,

Technical, Clutch Pencils and lead

PENCIL LEADSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Criterium 0.5mm

leads


Max Frank - Uni

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Ain lead, standard lead

- various grades

PENCIL SHARPENERSFreedom Stationery



PENSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clic, Crystal,

Orange and Prismo

Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo

Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni


Penflex - Penflex ballpoints and rollerballs

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Superb Ballpoint,

Energel Pen


Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Ball point, Fineliner,

Gel and Pigment liner pens

PEN CARBON BOOKSFreedom Stationery - Marlin


RBE - NCR Business Books

PERSONAL STATIONERYCTP Stationery - Home office and personal

filing system, diaries

Grafton/Star

PLANNING BOARDS AND ACCESSORIESParrot Products - Range of year planners,

term planners, maps and in/out boards.

custom printed boards designed to

specification.

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners

POINT OF SALE PRINTER ROLLSRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

PRINTINGKolok - Epson, Lexmark (Hardware), HP

Printers, Oki (Hardware) Pantum, Samsung

Olivetti Imports - Distributors of

Multifunctional Printers / Copiers

Star Stationers and Printers

Unicopy & Stationers CC - for all your printing

& stationery requirements

PRINTER CONSUMABLESKMP - For computer consumables.

Kolok - Epson (inkjet, large format etc),

Lexmark, HP, Brother (Toners and Inks), Oki

(Toners, inks and Ribbons), Tally Genicom

(Ribbons), Seikosha (Ribbons), Panasonic

(Toners and Ribbons), Kyocera (Toners),

Printronix (Ribbons), IBM (Ribbons), Ricoh

(Toners), Fujitsu (Ribbons), Pantum (Toners)

Royce Imaging Industries - Remanufacturers

and suppliers of inkjet and laser cartridges

Technical Systems Engineering - Suppliers

of quality compatible cartridges and bulk

inks for Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP and

Samsung

PUNCHES AND PERFORATORSFreedom Stationery - Marlin


Parrot Products - Parrot range of punches


Rexel Office Products - Rexel

RRUBBER STAMPSMax Frank - Schachihata X Stampers

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co. - Trodat

RUBBER STAMP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENTRubber Stamp & Engraving Co - AZ Liquid

polymer, TROTEC laser engraver, flash

system

RULERSFreedom Stationery - Marlin



Penflex - PENFLEX rulers

43


Fusion 1000L Fusion 1100L Fusion 3000L Fusion 3100L Fusion 5000L Fusion 5100L

Excellence AcceleratedGet it right first time, in less time.

www.rexelsa.co.za

Working for you

SSCHOLASTIC SUPPLIESBSC Stationery Sales - Treeline

CTP Stationery

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly

Flip File - Flip File display books A5, A4, A2, A3

Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo

Gordon’s Productions - contact paper

woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic

cover back to school clear and coloured

self adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever

arch). Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and

pre-cut polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products

Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni


Parrot Products - chalk boards/slates


Pyrotec - Tower Adhesive Book Cover 45cm

x 2m

SCISSORS AND CUTTERSFreedom Stationery - Marlin



Rexel Office Products

SCRAPBOOKINGRexel Office Products - Trimmers and

guillotines

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Making

memories, Clearsnap, Marvy, Ranger, Bazzill,

Carl

SHREDDERS AND ACCESSORIESAZ Trading - DSB, Kobra, Roto, Repairs to all

makes

D.O.S - Kobra

Kolok - GEHA entry level and high-end

shredders

Nikki Distributors - Nikki shredders

Parrot Products - Parrot range of value

shredders

Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL


SLATESFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Parrot Products - Whiteboard and chalk

board

STAMPS, STAMP PADS AND INKSKemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of

Brother Stampcreator PRO

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat,

pre-inked stamps, stamp and fingerprint

pads

STAPLING MACHINES AND STAPLESFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Interstat Agencies - Genmes


Parrot Products - Parrot range of staplers

Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

STATIONERY SUNDRIES - SCHOLASTICCTP Stationery - DONAU Scissors and cutting

knives

Freedom Stationery - Marlin, Edo and Unifile



STENCILSFreedom Stationery

STORAGE SYSTEMSCTP Stationery - Archiving Systems -

Suspension Files

Kolok - Verbatim (hard drives, USB sticks

etc), HP, Sandisk

Rexel Office Products - Storage boxes

Specialised Filing Systems - Filing


TTAPESFreedom Stationery


TELECOMMUNICATIONSNikki Distributors - Siemens office phones

TELEX ROLLS AND TELETEX PAPERRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

THERMAL ROLLSRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

TONERS AND CARTRIDGESKMP - Computer consumables

Kolok - Penguin (Inkjets and Laser toners),

Epson, Lexmark, HP, Canon, Pantum (toners),

OKI, Samsung

TOP RETRIEVAL FILINGOptiplan a div of Waltons - Paper based top

retrieval filing systems

Specialised Filing Systems - Total Solution

and more

Tidy Files - Complete onsite and offsite filing

solutions

TOYS, HOBBIES AND GAMESFreedom Stationery

Pyrotec - Toby Tower Stickers and Activities

TRANSFER LETTERING AND SIGNSParrot Products - Vinyl lettering

TRANSPARENCIESKolok - Penguin transparencies for inkjet and

laser OEM, Penguin and HP Transparencies

Rexel Office Products - NOBO range

44


Auto+ 60X Auto+ 80X Auto+ 200X Auto+ 300X | 300M Auto+ 500X | 500M Auto+ 750X | 750MAuto+ 100X | 100M*Max saving when using an Auto+ 500X compared to

a traditional feed shredder in a similar price level.

Spend 98% less time shredding*

UPGRADE TO AUTOFEED

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

45


• The Buyers’ Guide is an affordable way to highlight your brands while simultaneously

introducing up-and-coming stockists to the trade.

• The Buyers’ Guide is a valuable sourcing tool to market your business and the brands

that you carry.

• To book space, contact Wendy on [email protected] or (011) 781 0088.

DID YOU KNOW?

Auto+ 60X Auto+ 80X Auto+ 200X Auto+ 300X | 300M Auto+ 500X | 500M Auto+ 750X | 750MAuto+ 100X | 100M*Max saving when using an Auto+ 500X compared to

a traditional feed shredder in a similar price level.

Spend 98% less time shredding*

UPGRADE TO AUTOFEED

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

CONTACT DETAILS HEREAfrican Filing Systems( 011 614 9445 www.africanfiling.co.za

7 086 540 6892 [email protected]

AZ Trading( 086 111 4407 www.aztradingcc.co.za


BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd( 011 474 0181 PO BOX 43144, Industria, 2042

7 011 474 6068 16 Maraisburg Road, Industria, 2042

BSC Stationery Sales( 011 086 2900 Box 278, Brakpan, 1540


CTP Stationery( 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042


Dis Cartridges

( 011 609 3437/9 PO Box 75881, Gardenview 2047


D.O.S (Denton Office Solutions)( 086 000 7468 [email protected]

7 086 237 4614 www.dosptyltd.biz

Empire Toy & Stationery( 011 614 2243 Box 261524, Excom, 2023


Flip File( 021 638 3105 Box 2190, Clareinch, 7740


Freedom Stationery - Johannesburg( 011 314 0953/4 Box 6459, Halfway House, 1685


Freedom Stationery - Cape Town( 021 557 9152/3 36-38 Silverstone Rd Killarney Gardens


Freedom Stationery KZN (Head Office)( 032 459 2820 Box 478, Mandini, 4490


Freedom Stationery - East London( 043 731 2422 Box 14111 West Bank 5218


Global Envelopes( 031 465 5544 [email protected]

7 031 465 5634 www.envelopes.co.za

Gordon’s Productions( 031 705 8713 Suite 69, PvtBag X4, Kloof, 3640


Grafton/Star Paper Products( 011 262 0777 Box 550, Bergvlei, 2012


Hortors Stationery( 011 620 4800 Box 1020, Johannesburg, 2000


Ink Spot Suppliers( 011 854 3013


Interstat Agencies - Durban( 031 569 6550 Box 201707, Durban North, 4016


Interstat Agencies - Cape Town( 021 551 9555 Box 36696, Chempet, 7442


Interstat Agencies - Port Elizabeth( 041 453 2558 Box 27693, Greenacres, 6057


Kemtek Imaging Systems( 011 624 8000 Box 86173, City Deep, 2049


Kemtek Imaging Systems - Cape( 021 521 9600 Box 181, Cape Town, 8000


Kemtek Imaging Systems - KZN( 031 700 9363 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608


Kemtek Imaging Systems - PE( 041 582 5222 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608


Kemtek Imaging Systems - PTA( 012 804 1410 PO Box 816, Silverton, 0127


KMP( 021 709 0190 Box 183, Steenberg, 7947


Kolok - Head Office

( 011 248 0300 Box 4151, Johannesburg, 2000


Kolok - Cape Town

( 021 597 2700 Box 6385, Roggebaai, 8012


Kolok - Durban

( 031 570 4900 Box 4206, Riverhorse Valley East, 4017


Kolok Polokwane

( 015 298 8795 Box 862, Ladanna, 0704


Kolok - Port Elizabeth

( 041 406 9900 Box 3163, North End, 6056


Kolok - Namibia

( 00264 (61)370500 Box 40797, Ausspannplatz, Namibia

7 00264 (61)370525 [email protected]

Kolok - Nelspruit

( 013 758 2233 Box 4338, White River, 1240


Kolok - Bloemfontein

( 051 433 1876 PvtBag X01, Brandhof, Bloemfontein


Kolok - Botswana

( 00267 393 2669 PvtBag B0226, Bontleng, Gaborone


Krost Office Products( 011 626 2067 Box 75401, Gardenview, 2047


KZN ENVELOPES( 031 465 3992 P O Box 41259, Rossburgh, 4072


Max Frank( 011 921 1811 Box 200, Isando, 1600


Maynards - Olympus Audio S.A / Olivetti Distributors

( 0860 00 1922 [email protected]

www.maynards.co.za

Merpak Envelopes( 011 719 7700 [email protected]

7 011 885 3174 www.merpak.co.za

Nikki - Cape Town( 0860 006731 [email protected]

7 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za

Nikki - Durban( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Nikki - Johannesburg( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Nikki - Pretoria( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Optiplan a division of Waltons( 011 620 4000 Pencil Park, Croxley Close, Herriotdale


Palm Stationery( 031 507 7051 [email protected]

7 031 507 7053 www.palmstat.co.za

Paper World( 012 250 1477/8 [email protected].

7 012 250 0322 www.paperworldsa.com

Parrot Products( 011 607 7600 [email protected]

7 011 615 2502 www.parrotproducts.biz

Penflex( 021 521 2400 Box 36964, Chempet, 7442

7 021 521 2402/3 [email protected]

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd( 011 474 1427/8 Box 202, Crown Mines, 2025

7 011 474 5563 www.pentel.co.za

Powerhouse Dictation( 011 887 1056 [email protected]

7 086 555 3833 www.speech.co.za

Power Stationery( 032 533 4003 Box 1305, Verulam, 4340


Press Products( 011 493 6332 [email protected]

7 011 499 1019 www.pressproducts.co.za

Pyrotec( 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948


RBE Stationery Manufacturers (Pty) Limited( 011 793 7321 [email protected]

7 011 793 7348 www.rbe.co.za

Reboni Furniture Group( 086 173 2664 www.reboni.co.za


Redfern Print Services - Cape Town( 021 552 9680 Box 403, Milnerton, 7435


Redfern Print Services - Durban( 031 205 9598 [email protected]

7 031 205 7092 www.redfern.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Johannesburg( 011 837 4119 Box 1445, Crown Mines, 2025


Rexel Office Products( 011 226 3300 www.rexelsa.co.za


Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.( 021 799 5770 15 Hillstar Avenue, Wetton, 7780


Royce Imaging Industries( 011 792 9530 www.royceimaging.co.za


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Head Office( 011 262 1400 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Cape Town( 021 448 7008 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Durban( 083 377 4109 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


South African Diaries( 021 442 2340 Box 4862, Cape Town, 8000


Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd( 011 579 1600 www.staedtler.co.za


Specialised Filing Systems( 011 477 0640 www.specfiling.co.za

7 011 477 3528

Star Stationers and Printers( 031 569 1061 [email protected]

7 031 569 1094 www.starstat.co.za

Technical Systems Engineering( 011 708 2304 Box 1532, Northriding, 2162


Tidy Files( 011 943 4210 www.tidyfiles.co.za

Topmark( 011 837 8045 [email protected]

7 011 837 7442

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Cape Town( 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

7 021 787 9791

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Johannesburg( 011 611 1820 59 Lepus Rd, Crown Mines, 2025


Tower (Division of Pyrotec) Durban( 031 701 0192 Box 594, Pinetown, 3600


Unicopy & Stationers CC ( 031 201 8415 122 Che Guevara Road, Glenwood, 4001


Versafile( 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042


Win this!winner

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Websitewww.towerproducts.co.za

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Tower My Office Photo Paper advert 23 FEB 2016.indd 1 2016/02/23 10:08 AM

The winner of the Tower hamper in our May issue is Ronel van Rooyen of Bloemfontein

Congratulations!


The real stuffNot marketing fluff

Hilton Cock, business development manager at TechExpress

t h e r e a l s t u f f

What’s the highlight of your working career?Moving from technical into sales and marketing

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?A barrier to entry into the industry – a minimum qualification or certificate

What do you like best about the office products industry?There are real value-add products to make the office more efficient and comfortable

What’s your greatest personal achievement?Being the best husband and dad, and a friend to my kids

Describe yourself in three wordsHonest, humble and humorous

Where did you grow up?Cape Town

What was your first CD?My first vinyl was Deep Purple’s Paranoid. My first CD was probably Billy Joel

What’s your favourite gadget?Anything electronic

What’s your favourite movie?Caddyshack

What’s your favourite meal?Steak, egg and chips

Do you have a hobby?Photography

What music did you listen to in the car this morning?Joe Bonamassa

Do you have any pets?Two dogs and a cat

What was your first car?A 1961 Mini 850 station wagon (miniature passion wagon)

47m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n ew w w . m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e . c o . z a

Send us your funniest caption for the photograph below and you stand a chance to win a Rexel Laminator GBC Fusion 1100 A4 valued at R2 000. Send your Punchline and contact details to [email protected] with Punchline in the subject line

WinThe Rexel Laminator is 33% faster than competitor machines, taking just 45 seconds to laminate a standard A4 pouch or 80 pouches per hour, with an additional cold setting for heat sensitive documents. Other features include:• Automatic switch off after 30 minutes of inactivity.• Exit tray keeps pouches straight as they come

through the heated rollers for a perfect, warp-free finish

• Incorporates SureFlow™ Technology that reduces jamming significantly for stress-free laminating and maximum productivity

• Laminates up to A4 size including ID cards, notices and certificates

• Modern, compact design is easy to move around and suits most office and home environments

• Single touch button interface: simple to use, no previous experience required

• Three heat settings • Accepts 2 x 75 micron (150 in total) pouches, 2 x

100 micron (200 in total) and 2 x 125 micron (250 in total).

Caption this!

WINME

WINNING CAPTION MAY ISSUEWinning Caption: “Now that’s what I call a cup of whatchamacallit coffee!” – Mervyn Chatz, Johannesburg

p u n c h l i n e

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

For the BRIGHT at heart!

For theT

at heart!

Rexel PUNCHLine

Matching staplers available

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Documents

Vol 100 issue 06 2016