While every software company has its share of “bugs” that present themselves, Alpine has found that over 85% of the issue tickets it receives on a monthly basis are caused by user error.  Over 10% of tickets are requests for additional services like reports, added routes, resequencing, etc… Only 5% of tickets fall into the category of a software “bug”.  However, in most cases, even these issues can not be reproduced and remain unaddressed.

This blog series addresses the top user errors and how to avoid them.  We figure if we spend some time addressing 85% of the issues, that will allow you to operate without interuption and free us up to continue developing powerful, usable software for your operation.

Tip#1-Log Off EVERY night

On the list of the main reasons why Visual RAMS-Pro may not be functioning correctly, this one would be #1.  In every computing system, whether you are using a local sofware solution or web-based, rebooting is viewed as best-practice and necessary to the health of any system.  Generally speaking, here are a  few reasons why:

1. Rebooting (or restarting) helps your system run more smoothly.
2. Rebooting helps resolve peripheral or hardware issues
3. A consistent reboot schedule keeps your machine more secure
4. A reboot can fix most urgent issues with background updates, patches, etc…
5. A reboot will refresh network settings and improve internet connectivity
6. A reboot will save the work you have been doing

For those who consistently use VRP and have not logged out on a given evening, you may have experienced one (or all) of the following issues:

1. A locked batch
2. A process that would not run (like the End of Period process)
3. An audit issue that you got when you ran the Audit Data Integrity process
4. VRP froze up and you had to log out/log in to continue
5. You could not archive user audit data for compliance and accountability.  This process can only be run if everyone is logged out.

User errors happen, we undertand that.  It is our goal to make sure that you and your team are trained well and made aware of how to  avoid making errors that slow down your work.

One simple thing you can do each night to avoid issues is save any work you have done in VRP and logoff, then log out of AlpineLive using the red button on your desktop. 

Stay tuned for more Tech Tips from Nick monthly.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Steve at (888) 852-7267, ext 110.

The post Alpine Tip #1: Avoid this ONE mistake appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

#1- Computer technology will be used in various way to aid in the waste management.  From Robotics at recycling facilities to the capturing of data from haulers at the service point, solutions evolve almost daily.   

#2- Composting initiatives will take place along with more recycling programs. One example is the conversion of “Green Waste” (discarded food and other biowaste) into biofuels and away from landfills. 

#3- We will see plastic waste made into a high-quality resin that will replace the current greenhouse gas-emitting prime resin that is used in the plastic industry.  Over the past few years the plastic industry has made great strides to turn ecological and economically efficient plastic waste into this resin that emits less greenhouse gas. 2020 should show more growth in this arena. 

#4- Researchers will look at ways that waste can be converted to energy (Waste to Energy). Currently there are already companies that have a process that turns food waste, biosolids, manure and other organics into activated carbon that can be sold to renewable natural gas companies.  

#5- Municipalities and the government will be more involved in waste recycling, creating regulations for collecting and processing waste. The mounting waste problem has caused governments to push for more recycling initiatives and will continue to promote these through tax benefits and financial incentives (positive) and through landfill taxes on waste in North America (negative).  The speed by which these regulations take hold will be on the shoulders of involved consumers and their involvement in the process. 

#6- Packaging will continue to change into recyclable forms.  Disposable items end up in the trash bin.  Trends include smaller cardboard boxes, lighter-weighted bottles, flexible plastic packaging, and other kinds of more recyclable versions of common everyday throw-away items. 

The above trends were quoted from an article, “Trends Transforming the Waste Management Industry in 2021” by Linchpin, October 10, 2021. 

Alpine Technology Corporation has been serving the Waste Industry for over 40 years with solutions that help our companies serve their customers with unexcelled service.  For more information call us at 1-888-852-7267 or email us at info@rams-pro.com.  

The post 6 Trends in the Waste Management Industry appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

Once such trend that is impacting the Waste industry is the concept of Smart Technology.  Many of us are already accustomed to the use of the term “smart” when speaking of our phones (i.e. “smart” phones).  If you recall, as mobile computing systems and hardware evolved in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s our Personal Digital Assistants began to be replaced with phones that were much more powerful, had more capacity, and integrated many of the technological pieces to make life easier for users.  The smart phone was born!  Since that time, the concept of smart technology has been applied to any device that has automation, interaction and control.  This can be your refrigerator, car or even your watch!

So, what does that mean for you as a business owner/operator?

More and more cities around the world are seeking to coordinate all their technological pieces into a unified, seamless unit.  When this can be done, these “smart cities” can collect data, streamline operations, and provide data that can help them make better decisions for their residents and businesses. This is the wave of the future.  With the internet, cloud technology and flexible applications smart cities now have the technological pieces to accomplish this.

You do not have to look internationally to find examples of such integration.  The city of San Jose, California currently has over 1 million residents and has at least 5 haulers servicing them.  The challenge for the City was to integrate with the various haulers’ technologies so the residents and businesses could have one point of contact to get service and streamline the customer experience.  The city developed a 311 service and website that fulfilled that purpose.  The haulers that could not integrate with the city 311 service could not provide service to their residents.  The open architecture of Alpine’s solutions allowed for this connectivity and is currently integrating with the City of San Jose’s 311 system.  Now, the hauler does not have to expend untold resources to respond to hundreds of customers a day about their bulky item pickups or cart deliveries/repairs, the 311 website automates the process.

If you are currently servicing municipalities (or would like to), this is a trend that directly impacts you.  If you do not have the technological capabilities to integrate with theses “smart” systems, then you could be in jeopardy of losing the contract to other haulers that possess that capability. The technology you invest in for your operations and trucks is absolutely critical to the future of your business.

As Alpine’s solutions have evolved, we have kept your future needs in mind.  The open architecture of Visual RAMS-Pro allows our users to seamlessly connect to applications easily. Currently Alpine is integrating with city billing systems, prospecting tools, online payment systems, scheduling applications, accounting platforms, scale systems and much more.  In addition to the integration potential of Alpine, it’s in-cab solution, Visual On-Route, leverages the power of mobile technology and allows our users to capture hundreds of data points from their routes to make intelligent decisions.

The post The Wave of the Near Future-Smart Tech appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

What are some of the technology uses that have been a benefit to companies during this chaotic time?

• Move to Paperless. Many times with paper comes human intervention and error.  There are many office tools currently available to minimize human intervention and streamline communication so customer needs are not overlooked.  Whether in the office or in the cab, more companies have adopted such technologies to process Work Orders, confirm service, digitize route lists, capture and process route charges, and much more.  These tools are worth their weight in gold! Studies have shown that the return on investment (ROI) of such solutions are sometimes as much as 300%.  Imagine making 300 times more than you spend?
• Leverage the Cloud. On premise solutions can be expensive.  Not only do you have to purchase the correct hardware you also have to keep on top of upgrades and a whole “farm” of servers.  This typically takes at least one seasoned individual in your company or an outsourced IT firm that will not be shy when it comes to charging you for their service.  The cloud is a technological phenomenon that allows you to access your solutions remotely and not have to worry about paying an IT firm to manage it…it comes bundled in your provider fees.  Also, the cost of licenses and upgrades is typically spread out over many companies and not simply on your shoulders. With Cloud solutions you are also taking advantage of advanced security protocols that your office may not be able to implement. Most applications these days offer both on-premise and cloud solutions, however, make sure to inquire about any loss of functionality that might exist between the two.  As everyone has already experienced in the pandemic, working from home can be as productive as working in the office.  Solutions like Zoom, MS Teams, Google Teams and more allow you to interact with, and manage, your staff almost seamlessly.  These applications are not going away in the future.
• Empower your Customers with On-Line Customer Portals. In the midst of the Pandemic, individuals are far more comfortable with e-commerce.  Whether it is ordering their groceries online to having meals delivered, the Pandemic has forced your customers to use online services more extensively.  With that, customers are also more prone to self-manage their services and pay online if a customer portal is available to them.  Again, most reputable applications provide this service. The benefits not only include accelerated receivables, but also less customer contact to bog down your Customer Service Representatives.
• Take Advantage of Efficiencies. Having a solution that integrates as many major aspects of your business as possible will allow you to streamline your business, minimize error, and take advantage of the efficiencies that come with such solutions.  You may now be able to have one person do the work of three and save on your payroll expenses.  With less error, you may be able to capture additional income or even cut expenses.  The greatest advantage, however, to an integrated solution is that you preserve the greatest resource available to you…your time.
• Set the Stage for Future Technological Advances. Historically many of the advances could be curtailed in a business on account of a technologically diverse employee base.  Some of your employees may be very comfortable with technology; others may not be so inclined.  Typically, changes are not undertaken unless the adoption rate is high.  The Pandemic has forced businesses to shore up ALL their employees’ technological skills and weed out those that will not adopt, or even will try to sabotage, technological advances.  This paradigm shift will set the stage for future successful technology implementations.

The pandemic has destroyed so many lives and will continue to do so until there is a treatment.  It is utterly impossible to look on the “bright side” of such a global devastation.  However, in the midst of the chaos, it has become clear that we have all had to grow in our technology skills.  Doing life and business a bit differently has hopefully opened our minds and transformed us into more willing adopters of new technologies.

Does your technology tool box allow you to operate productively and more efficiently?  If not, then begin the process of evaluating your processes and speak to professionals in the field.  Alpine Technology Corporation has been a leader in the Waste Industry for over 40 years providing powerful solutions, from the office to the truck to the cloud, that give you the tools to run your business successfully.  Visual RAMS-Pro is Alpine’s office solution, Visual On-Route is their in-cab computing solution, and AlpineLive is their Cloud solution.  If you have any questions, please contact Steve Fleming at sfleming@rams-pro.com or (719) 382-8214, ext. 110.

The post 5 Technology Advances That Can Help Your Business During the Pandemic appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

While normally I would wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, there are some decisions that are outside of their hands and need to be addressed by yours truly.  This blog post deals specifically with such a decision.

THE PROBLEM

If you are currently on Visual RAMS-Pro version 6 you are working on an application that is nearly 20 years old.  You may have updated VRP6 and on the last version of VRP6 called Ultimate. That was released over 7 years ago!  Though Version 6 is durable and could hypothetically last you for the next 30 years, there are external forces that make that impossible.  Version 6 was ideal for Windows XP/Server 2003 in a Client-Server environment but we have seen some strange anomalies when Version 6 is operating in a Client-Server environment and you are using Windows 10 operating system.  We have seen data corruption, slower than normal processing, the inability to run some processes, and unknown errors.  Microsoft sent out a warning to those who are moving to Windows 10 (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4034314/smbv1-is-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).   In short this Microsoft KB details Microsoft’s plans to uninstall/remove SMB V1 from Windows 10, in favor of SMB V2+.  The issue is that VRP Version 6 needs SMB V1 to communicate in Client/Server setup.

SOLUTION #1– Move away from Client-Server Architecture. Over the past few years we have been warning our customers that a client-server architecture is no longer recommended with VRP6, with the changes outlined above it will be increasingly impossible to support VRP6 at all.  Now that everyone is upgrading to Windows 10, the issues we have been encountering has been magnified.  If you remain on VRP6 and want to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10, you must move from a client-server architecture to a Remote Desktop (Terminal Services) architecture.  This move redirects all input (that would typically be done on a client’s machine) over the network onto the Terminal Server, where all the application execution occurs.  All data process occurs on the server rather than being sent across the network to be processed by the client machine. The images below give you an idea of the difference between the two models:

SOLUTION #2– Move to AlpineLive.  Alpine can host your VRP application (any version) in its AlpineLive environment where the RDP (Terminal Services) Architecture is deployed and supported. It’s hosted environment is in a secure, Tier 4 facility that ensures minimal, if any, down time, and no loss of data.  Studies have shown that utilizing such an affordable service far outweighs the cost and exposure you have hosting on your premise.

BOTTOM LINE– If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 O.S. and are currently operating Visual Rams-Pro version 6 in a Client-Server environment you will need to anticipate extensive problems like data corruption, slower processing times, and unusual errors.  Please contact our team at 1 (888) 852-7267 if you have any further questions or you have interest in moving to AlpineLive.  If you want to better understand the advantages of a RDP (Terminal Services) environment over a Client/Server environment CLICK HERE and you can read the article.

The post VRP Version 6 Client Server Users: BEWARE of Windows 10! appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

I almost would have rather she had been rude, disrespectful, or condescending; I could then focus my frustrations on an individual, not my resultant circumstance.  Then, my wife showed me a rerun of a Saturday Night Live skit where Jimmy Fallon plays Nick Burns, a computer support staff.  Unlike the endearing individual that could not help me at my credit card company, Nick Burns is very helpful but condescending and rude.

What Should You Expect?

The post Is Nice Enough? How to Judge Computer Support appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

Bishop’s family, when Jim was 15 years old, bought the land for $450 in 1969 and intended it to be used as a family project to build a cottage. As the cottage grew, the neighbors commented that the structure looked something like a castle; Jim decided that was the direction he would take. One stone at a time and 47 years later, he crafted an elaborate, complex, and magnificent castle.  It remains “one man’s massive-obsessive labor of medieval fantasy construction.” Through the years, his anti-government, non-conformist temperament landed him in the middle of various disputes with the government.  Also, Jim is not known for being quiet about his beliefs and occasionally has outbursts with more than one expletive and/or political rant.

While we have heard these rants before, this last trip Jim decided to take a break from his labor and walk us through some of his strategy for the front gate of the castle. He is passionate about the work that he continues to do and has a vision for what it is ultimately going to look like.  He uses resources he has obtained from all over the United States; from friends, family and donors.  He brings all his knowledge of welding, machinery, architecture and geology to his magnificent creation.  Finally, he has a resiliency and resolve that is unparalleled. This past year, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and was told he did not have much time to live.  A year later, after licking the cancer, he was back to building.  In fact, Jim said to me that he now has to quadruple his building efforts on account of the “year of cancer he had to sit on his ass”. Whatever you may think of Jim Bishop personally, one thing is true…he is a passionate architect that has accomplished a feat that borders on miraculous that people will enjoy for generations to come.

As we left the castle, less than a mile down the road we saw a sign that read, “12 miles to Beulah”.  To anyone else this sign may be insignificant; but to me it has great personal significance.  You see, a few miles from Jim Bishop lives another great architect, Michael Baker.  An equally brilliant architect that has spent nearly 40 years of his life building his own “castle”.  You may not measure its expanse by the number of stones he has laid, but you can measure it by the number of people whose lives have been changed by his creation. Mick Baker’s creation?  Visual RAMS-Pro (VRP).  It is no trivial thing to build a comprehensive software application for any developer.  But to build an application of the magnitude of VRP would take a lifetime for any experienced developer.  What is so different about VRP that makes it stand out far and above any other software applications like it in the Waste Industry? If you knew the architect, you would better understand the answer to this question.

• Michael (Mick) Baker is a first of all a studied listener and learner. Having a brief conversation with Mick is impossible because he first seeks to fully understand you before he will offer an opinion.  He started off in the aviation industry, designing navigation systems for aircraft.  The migration from aviation to waste management software was triggered when a friend of his in 1979, Doug John, who owned a waste hauling company in Roseburg, Oregon, needed a software solution to manage his routes and business.  Alpine Technology and the predecessor to VRP was born. Mick still listens to that friend to this day to learn of better ways technology can be leveraged to help his business.  VRP is an outgrowth of hundreds of thousands of opinions from those people who matter most…the ones that will use the software.
• Mick is a visionary architect. Like Jim Bishop, Mick realizes that each little piece of code created potentially impacts the whole.  If this is not considered, short term modifications could impact long-term stability or functionality.  Mick always begins with the end in mind.  When speaking with Mick about almost anything I am astounded how carefully he listens and can follow through any process to its logical conclusion. Even greater than that skill is his patience with those of us that might take a few minutes to “catch up.”
• He is resourceful. Jim Bishop gathers critical resources from around him, particularly from those who share his vision.  Likewise, Mick reaches out to a community of business operators in the Waste Industry for operational insight.  He reaches out to a community of technologist spanning all disciplines for future trends.  He reaches out to a vast village of developers speaking different “languages” for ways to do things more efficiently. Finally, Mick reaches out to the people who are closest to him for wisdom and feedback.
• He is sensible. Mick is not impressed with elaborate, complex, and “cool” features that no one will use but the marketing department.  His main concern is usability.  If the people who currently use VRP do not find a feature valuable and easy to assimilate into their work, then they will not use VRP…period.  That is “bad business” says Mick “our users are our greatest sales people”.
• He is a legacy builder. Typically when one places “legacy” with “software” in the same sentence it means old or outdated.  This is not the definition I am referring to here.  Mick understands that in order for Alpine and VRP to survive there must first be a firm software foundation (infrastructure) created that future generations of applications can build on. Then, he believes there must be good people in place that will own and carry that vision to the next generation of business users.  Who will take over Bishop’s Castle when Jim passes on?  Tragically, his vision will die with him.  This is not the case with VRP; a community of people who have caught Mick’s vision will carry the torch.

Do you now understand how insights into the architect of VRP can give you deeper insight into not only how VRP was created but its usefulness to any company that uses it?

This has truly been a tale of two architects.  I have spent time with both these brilliant men and feel privileged simply to have been in their presence.  Though Alpine Technology will not make the list of Top 10 places to visit in Colorado like Bishop’s Castle, its flagship software, VRP, will continue to be heralded as one of the great software applications to serve the global Waste Industry.

On a personal note, there have been few men in my life that have impacted me as Mick Baker has.  His quiet wisdom rooted in a love for Jesus Christ, his business acumen, his passion for practical software development, and his friendship have fueled in me a greater passion for God, life and for what I do. A humble servant in the eyes of many, but a great warrior in the eyes of God. Thank you, Mick, for the privilege of working side-by-side with you as you serve others.          

The post A Tale of Two Architects appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

For more than a week, hackers shut down the internal computer system at a Hollywood-area hospital for a ransom of almost $3.7 million, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles. The cyberattack forced the facility, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, to revert to paper registrations and medical records and send 911 patients to other area hospitals.

How did the story end? Did the FBI come to the Hospitals aid?  Were the cyber hackers apprehended and made to pay for the trouble they caused?  I ask myself, “something so clearly illegal and disruptive must have been anticipated and dealt with.”

The hospitals response?

“The malware locks systems by encrypting files and demanding ransom to obtain the decryption key. The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key,” Chief Executive Allen Stefanek said. “In the best interest of restoring normal operations, we did this.”

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware attacks will “wreak havoc on America’s critical infrastructure,” warns a report from the Institute for Critical Institute Technology (ICIT) , a nonprofit examining the cybersecurity of public and private infrastructure. “Ransomware is less about technological sophistication and more about exploitation of the human element,” says the report.

In most ransomware cases, hackers are looking to disrupt businesses and make easy money rather than re-sell the collected data to cybercriminals. “Reselling data can be highly profitable for cybercriminals, but requires expertise in both selling data, fraudulent activities and/or the ability to sell on the black market. All of these are risky and increase the likelihood of the attacker getting caught,” says Tripwire’s senior security research engineer, Travis Smith. “Now attackers can make hundreds to thousands of dollars per infection and get paid immediately, instead of going through other risky steps to make a profit.”

How do I protect my system from Ransomware?

To prevent a ransomware attack, experts say IT leaders should do the following:

1. Keep clear inventories of all of your digital assets and their locations, so cyber criminals do not attack a system you are unaware of.
2. Keep all software up to date, including operating systems and applications.
3. Back up all information every day, including information on employee devices, so you can restore encrypted data if attacked.
4. Back up all information to a secure, offsite location.
5. Segment your network: Don’t place all data on one file share accessed by everyone in the company.
6. Train staff on cyber security practices, emphasizing not opening attachments or links from unknown sources.
7. Develop a communication strategy to inform employees if a virus reaches the company network.

With the evolution and sophistication of cyberattacks, it is becoming more and more difficult for small and mid-sized companies to defend against the potential onslaught.  They just don’t have the IT resources in-house to lead the charge.  Alpine Technology Corporation understands this and, as a result, offers a solution that mitigates your exposure.  It is called AlpineLive.  Place your operations in the hands of professionals that understand the threats and can protect your data.  AlpineLive is hosted at state-of-the-art facilities and managed by IT professionals that do this for a living.  Downtime, loss of data, and business interruption are a thing of the past when you entrust one of your greatest assets, your IT infrastructure, with Alpine.  For more information, go to http://rams-pro.com/hosting-solutions.

Don’t allow the thing you have spent so many years building to be held ransom… take the next right step.

The post Is Your Business Being Held Ransom? appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

While walking the exhibitor floors at the Waste Expo in Las Vegas this year I noticed there was a marked increase in Routing/Billing Software Providers. They all seem to promise the same things.  They all boast of integrations, efficiencies and cutting edge technologies.  Many of them use a “user-friendly” web interface that looks so simple a child could use it.  It was at that time I thought of Houdini’s perceptive insight, “what the eyes see and the ears hear…the mind believes.”  If you begin with a healthy skepticism and the understanding that salesman are, by nature, going to show you exactly what they want you to see, then you are on the path to discover reality.

As you personally explore Waste Industry Software Providers, I hope this blog will give you some helpful tips to keep you from falling into the illusion trap.

1. Elephants do not disappear.  Just because the salesman says it will do it, does not mean that it will do what he says.  Instead of getting lost in the illusion the salesman is trying to perform, stick to what you know…your business needs.  Does the software enable you to do your business better.  Many of the web-based applications truly “look” and “feel” better, but are they able to perform all the functions of their software counterparts?  Are you then held captive to your internet connectivity and at risk of down time? When your customer service representatives are on the phone with three different customers, can they maneuver through the screens quickly and efficiently or does lag time in the bandwidth limit their ability to respond quickly and accurately?  Don’t fall for the illusion, understand the realities.
2. The Chinese Water Torture Chamber is less about the chamber and more about the distraction. Houdini was skilled in distraction; handcuffs, straitjacket, water chamber, blindfold and chains were all used to make this escape seem impossible.  After his death, many biographers have commented on how much of the struggle Houdini was seemingly under during his escapes was merely showmanship; the escape itself only took minutes. Just because many Software Providers claim to have all the “bells and whistles” conveniently bundled into one application, does not mean that they have a superior solution. For example, most Customer Routing/Billing Solutions also offer an in-cab solution that connects the office to the driver.  Time and time again I hear of how these Providers’ in-cab solutions fail.  They want you to believe you can use any tablet for their software, yet the rugged environment dictates a military grade tablet should be in use.  They want you to believe that basic GPS and OBDS information is all you need to manage your business, yet your business needs a solution that manages residential, commercial, drop-box and more.  Don’t be distracted with the exhaustive lists of offerings and integrations and simply look at the core applications…do they meet your needs?
3.   The Mirror Handcuff Challenge.  In 1904 the Daily Illustrated Mirror newspaper accepted Houdini’s challenge to bring forth their own handcuffs to challenge him to escape.  The Mirror had a special pair of handcuffs supposedly built by a blacksmith over a five-year period for this very challenge. Self admittedly, it was his greatest challenge; yet after an hour and 10 minutes, Houdini escaped. Were the handcuffs real or was it part of the illusion?  Your operational software is one of the most important assets you have to purchase.  Make sure you understand the company behind that software.
   1. How long have they been in business?
   2. How many owners have they had?  Do private investors direct the development and resources of the software team or do the actual needs of those they serve direct them?
   3. Do they have your best interest in mind or are they only concerned with their profitability?
   4.  Do they have a current history of updates and a plan for the next generation of software?

Like Harry Houdini, many Software Providers show you only what they want you to see in hopes you will buy the illusion.  I hope this blog gives you some helpful insights, a look behind the curtain, to assist you in your quest for what solutions fit your company.

Alpine Technology Corporation has been providing software for the Waste Industry for over 38 years.  Your needs drive our development schedule. Call us at 888.852.7267 if you want to have a no-pressure, open conversation about your software needs. If you prefer you can go online and view what our in-cab solution, Visual On-Route, offers your operation.

The post Routing Software and Houdini…You Decide appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..

In this fourth installment of Things You May Not Know About Visual RAMS-Pro we give you an important resource that will help you gauge your hauling operation.  However, while on the subject of Christopher Columbus, let’s debunk a few myths:

1) Columbus did not set out to prove the earth was round.  The ancient Greeks had already done so as early as sixth century B.C. (Pythagoras and Aristotle).

2) Columbus was likely NOT the first European to cross the Atlantic Ocean.  That distinction is generally given to the Norse Lief Eriksson who landed in present-day Newfoundland around 1000 A.D., almost five centuries before Columbus set sail.

3) Nina and Pinta were not the actual names of two of Columbus’ three ships, they were nicknames. While ships were traditionally named after saints, salty sailors tended to bestow less-than-sacred nicknames upon their vessels. Nina was the name of the owner of the vessel, Santa Clara.  The Pinta actually means “The Painted One” or “prostitute”.

4)  Columbus was stripped of his governorship and returned to Spain in chains in 1500 after the colonist complained to the monarchy about his mismanagement of the Hispaniola colony.

So, what does Visual RAMS-Pro offer that can help you chart a course to operational excellence?  Foxfire Custom Reports.  You need reports that are specific to your business and to your way of gauging success.  You need to be able to generate these reports any time you wish from any department.  VRP Foxfire reporting gives you that capability.  While most other software applications provide you with some canned reports, VRP goes the extra mile and not only gives you a host of operational and financial reports, but the ability to customize each of these to meet your business needs.  Don’t be lost at sea without your metrics to make it to the New World!  If you have any questions about how to use this powerful tool, give us a call at (888) 852-7267 or email support@rams-pro.com.

The post Top 5 Things About Visual RAMS-Pro That You May Not Know-Custom Reports appeared first on Alpine Technology Corp..