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2012年12月19日 星期三

Preventative healthcare in 2030

Over the last few months I have been immersed in the year 2030. Specifically, asking what some of today's brands might be doing, how they might have evolved and how they could be successful in a sustainable future without losing what makes them unique.

Our team at Dragon Rouge was made up of sustainability experts, strategists and designers - exploring six very different brands. Through Brand Futures , we brought to life how easyJet, Argos,Our technology gives rtls systems developers the ability. Morrisons, Rio Tinto, Primark and Bupa could adapt to the challenges ahead, building on three core elements. The starting point for each concept was the brand, what is the brand promise and essence? We then wove in foresight, what can we expect over the coming decades? And insight, what do consumers and customers desire and need, and what barriers do we need to overcome?

For some brands, sustainability seems out of reach and ultimately out of character – like it doesn't really fit, not comfortably anyway. We wanted to show that all kinds of brands can evolve to meet consumer and customer needs in a different, sustainable future and that this can be done without every brand becoming an ill fitting, eco-version of itself. .

To design a credible brand experience and purpose we needed to establish a set of assumptions about what 2030 would be like. A set of eight principles for 2030 emerged from our foresight work, from climate curbing to creating a lasting legacy.

One of the principles focuses on the role of brands in health. On top form predicts that in 2030, brands will be instrumental in keeping society healthy:

The steadily increasing prevalence and cost of lifestyle diseases and mental health illnesses during the 20-teens overwhelmed public healthcare provision and the ability of society to cope. Brands took the opportunity to play a positive role in society by developing healthy products and services and connecting communities and individuals to promote mental and physical well-being. Today, brands are a fundamental part of maintaining high quality of life and reducing the burden on public healthcare.

The Bupa concept challenged us to think about how a brand that is known today for helping people to find health through a broad range of healthcare services, could successfully make a business out of pro-actively advancing the health and well-being of society, which ultimately would lessen people's reliance on the very services it provides.

It didn't take long to work out that the most beneficial service Bupa could provide in future would be keeping people as far from healthcare as possible, reducing the need for visits to the doctor to an absolute minimum. In essence, Bupa could become the global preventive healthcare specialist.

By 2030, Bupa should be known for keeping you one step ahead of healthcare. Its OpenHealth platform keeps you informed of your health status in real-time via a tracker implant and passes on direct, personalised feedback in response to your health status. A low immune system, for example, will trigger suggestions for immunity boosting meals and vitamins.China plastic moulds manufacturers directory. Location tracking warns of bugs in your area you might want to avoid, and if you're managing your weight, OpenHealth can keep you up to speed on practical ways you can integrate exercise into day to day activity.Our technology gives rtls systems developers the ability. All with the intent of keeping you far from the doctor's waiting room. And entrenched in the belief that preventative healthcare should be available to all, much of Bupa's OpenHealth platform is freely accessible globally, until the point of access to healthcare and direct, personalised feedback.

Ultimately the brand foresight and insight approach looks for a win-win-win solution. A win for business and brand – in this case Bupa broadens its reach to the general public, building its reputation as a leading and trusted specialist, and paying customers buy into being and staying healthy, rather than treatment. Through foresight that wholly embraces sustainability challenges, environment and society gain a win – in this case a less intensive per capita healthcare provision (public and private) and more active lifestyles.Manufactures flexible plastic and synthetic rubber hose tubing, And a win for people whose health and wellbeing has been enhanced through the growth and success of a brand that embraced their real need to lead a healthy life, not rely on a reactive healthcare service.

Shell engineers used the full capabilities and advantages of HART Communication to facilitate device configuration, loop testing, startup checks, valve tuning, safety device SIL (Safety Integrity Level) ratings, and real-time centralized device status and diagnostics. The result was a safe and efficient start-up, continued safe and reliable plant operation, real-time daily instrument troubleshooting, and both preventable and predictive ongoing maintenance.

The existing Shell Scotford facilities were already using HART technology successfully but were using only a portion of the full capabilities of the technology. To leverage the full intelligence of their HART-enabled devices, the Shell team decided to broaden the application of HART Communication beyond the use of handheld device configuration.

“Our decision to broaden our application of HART technology beyond the use of handheld device configuration saved us time and money in all phases of this project,” says Andy Bahniuk, Shell Instrumentation Technologist. “With all the HART data available in one centralized control room, staff in operations, maintenance and instrumentation had ready access to this valuable information which ensured total confidence for both the operators and engineers that all devices were functioning properly.”

The Shell team used HART Communication and standard HART methods on the devices for loop function testing and process variable simulation with all testing centralized from one location. In some cases, where a device could not be tested without process present, such as a vortex or ultrasonic flowmeter, testing with device methods provided a perfect substitute. This ensured total confidence for both the operator and engineer that all field devices functioned properly. The procedure confirmed that all critical parameters were loaded successfully, saved 30% of the time normally required, and eliminated the potential for human error.

During control narrative and safety cause-and-effect testing, loop test methods were also used to simulate various process values and to walk through different process scenarios. This testing saved considerable time before the final phase of commissioning and start-up. Some of the critical and complex safety narratives involved more than 15 inputs as well as multiple outputs. Using HART Communication and simulating all these inputs from the control room enabled Shell to test and complete with confidence gaining more than 50% overall time saving during this phase.We are pleased to offer the following list of professional mold maker and casters.

The value and versatility of HART technology during commissioning and start-up activities proved even more critical while trying to achieve a steady-state process condition. HART Communication was used for tuning the smart DVC positioners for optimal process control and valve response time. It also allowed Shell to use the DVC6000 methods to fine tune the positioner to match the controller as well as perform valve calibrations in half the time.

Smart valve positioners also provide the ability to read the digital feedback of the valve position value without any additional hardware. With the information received from the positioner on the control valve, they are able to pass the digital feedback value using the HART fourth variable (QV) through the FDM gateway. This value is used on graphics to show the actual valve position feedback. This has eliminated the need for any external hardware in addition to the valve positioner, saving approximately $2,000 per valve.

2011年12月28日 星期三

The Growth of Mobile Money

Mobile payments, also referred to as m-commerce or mobile money, offers merchants an opportunity to accept a new method of payment. The Center for Retail Research released some interesting findings recently that clearly showed a rapid growth in the amount of customers making mobile payments. There are some estimates that mobile money will account for over 119 billion dollars of transactions in retail by the year 2015.

It is projected that 1 out of every 10 holiday shoppers will buy a present through a mobile transaction this season. This trend is likely to continue its upward growth as new technology emerges, customers become more acclimated to m-commerce and become more confident in the security of mobile money. In 2013, mobile money is expected to become more mainstream as mobile devices and m-commerce services become more affordable.

Some economic experts have projected that m-commerce will reach upwards of a trillion dollars by 2020. Merchants may want to think about implementing ways to accept mobile money in order to capitalize on this booming trend. The steady move away from using cash has been happening at a rapid pace as credit and debit cards become easier, safer and more convenient to use. Small business owners who still do not accept plastic are virtually non-existent, and in a world that is more swipe happy than ever, the last remaining few will not succeed without accepting credit cards.

Top m-commerce merchants include E-bay and Amazon, but that does not mean a small business owner cannot cash in on this growth trend. There are countless benefits for a small business accepting mobile payments. Accepting mobile money increases profits, expands the customer base and creates new business opportunities.

If your small business does not accept mobile payments, now may be a good time to start. Traditionally, merchants who accepted credit card transactions would have to go through a merchant services provider or a credit card processing company. They would also have to lease expensive swipe machines, terminals and enter into long-term contracts. With the advent of mobile device applications like Intuit’s GoPayment and Square, merchants can simply attach a small card reader to their mobile device and pay a per transaction fee each time a card is swiped.

There are also countless choices for merchants that would rather have a merchant services account. Some applications do require a mobile merchant account; primarily, this would a cheaper option for small businesses expecting a greater rate of mobile money than small businesses using m-commerce sporadically.

There are two basic methods for physically accepting a mobile payment. The first way allows for a credit or debit card to be swiped through a small reader attached to a mobile device and the second way calls for the credit card number to be entered into the application and then a stylus is used to capture the card owner’s signature.

M-commerce will continue its growing trend as it is accepted by merchants and consumers alike. In today’s competitive business industry, a small business may need to accept mobile payments in order to survive.

2011年3月14日 星期一

FNB United Corp. Announces Fourth Quarter Results; Reports $29.6 Million Net Loss

FNB United Corp. (Nasdaq:FNBN), the holding company for CommunityONE Bank, N.A., and its

wholly owned subsidiary, Dover Mortgage Company, today reported financial results for the

fourth quarter of 2010. During the quarter, FNB United reported a net operating loss of $29.6

million, due largely to its recognition of provisions for loan losses of $22.4 million in the

quarter. Adjusting for dividends payable to the U.S. Treasury on the preferred stock issued

in the Capital Purchase Program, the fourth quarter 2010 loss attributable to common

shareholders was $30.4 million, or $2.67 per diluted share. During the fourth quarter of

2009, FNB United recognized a provision for loan losses of $24.7 million and incurred a net

loss of $28.9 million, or $2.53 per diluted share.

"We continue to expend considerable effort toward the management of non-performing assets,"

said R. Larry Campbell, Interim President and CEO. "Since the end of 2009 we have seen non-

performing assets increase to $393.7 million at December 31, 2010. Because of these levels,

we have been aggressively making provisions for loan loss reserves as well as charging off

loans deemed to be uncollectible. Our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans held

for investment is now 5.84% compared to 3.16% a year ago. We expect these levels to begin

declining over the coming months as the economy improves and we aggressively work out of

these credits." Mr. Campbell continued, "During this time we have also maintained high levels

of liquidity. This has allowed us to manage our other borrowed money to lower levels."

During 2010, FNB United recognized provisions for loan losses totaling $115.2 million. The

company also recognized net gains of $10.6 million from the sale of investment securities. As

a result, FNB United reported a net operating loss of $112.9 million for the year ended

December 31, 2010. Adjusting for dividends payable to the U.S. Treasury on the preferred

stock issued in the Capital Purchase Program, the resulting 2010 loss attributable to common

shareholders was $116.2 million, or $10.17 per diluted share.

In 2009, FNB United recognized provisions for loan losses totaling $61.7 million, charged off

goodwill of $52.4 million, established a valuation reserve of $22.3 million for deferred tax

assets, and recorded a $5.0 million Other Than Temporary Impairment (OTTI) write-down on a

specific investment security. As a result, FNB United reported a net operating loss of $101.7

million, while losses attributable to common shareholders, taking into account preferred

dividends, were $104.6 million, or $9.16 per diluted share.

Regulatory Actions

CommunityONE Bank consented to the issuance of a Consent Order by the Office of the

Comptroller of the Currency on July 22, 2010, which mandates specific actions by the Bank to

address certain findings from the OCC's examination and the Bank's current financial

condition. The Consent Order contains various requirements, including a capital directive,

more controls on future extensions of credit, and the Bank's development of various programs

and procedures to improve its asset quality. The capital directive requires the Bank to

achieve and maintain minimum regulatory capital levels in excess of the statutory minimums to

be well-capitalized. In connection with the Consent Order, the Bank has developed a three-

year strategic plan that establishes specific objectives, as outlined in the Consent Order,

and is awaiting OCC approval of the plan.

In addition, on October 21, 2010, FNB United Corp. entered into a written agreement with the

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Pursuant to the agreement, FNB United's board of directors

agreed to take appropriate steps to utilize fully FNB United's financial and managerial

resources to serve as a source of strength to CommunityONE Bank, including causing the Bank

to comply with the Consent Order issued by the OCC.

Campbell stated, "We have submitted a strategic capital plan that is designed to restore the

capital levels at both the holding company and the bank. Further, FNB United is actively

working with financial advisors, third party advisors and a team of management consultants to

achieve this objective. We are regularly communicating with the OCC and Federal Reserve Bank

on the plans and actions being taken to comply with capital ratios in the agreements."

Asset Quality and Provision for Loan Losses

Nonperforming loans increased during the fourth quarter to $329.9 million, or 25.30% of total

loans, at December 31, 2010 compared to $174.4 million, or 11.16 % of total loans, at

December 31, 2009. Construction and development loans were 41.82% of nonperforming loans at

December 31, 2010. Nonperforming loans were $291.9 million at the end of the preceding

quarter.

Provisions for loan losses were $22.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010,

compared to $24.7 million in the same period in 2009, with total net charge-offs of $12.3

million in the fourth quarter of 2010 versus $17.5 million for the same period a year ago.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, provision for loan losses totaled $115.2 million

compared to $61.7 million for the prior-year period, with 2010 net charges-offs of $88.5

million, increasing from $47.0 million for 2009. FNB United's real estate owned and

repossessed loan collateral was $63.8 million at December 31, 2010, compared to $48.9 million

at September 30, 2010, and $35.2 million at December 31, 2009.

Nonperforming assets were $393.7 million, or 20.5% of total assets at December 31, 2010,

compared to $340.9 million, or 17.0% at the end of the preceding quarter, and $209.7 million,

or 10.0% a year ago. Nonperforming assets include all nonaccrual loans, all loans over 90

days delinquent and still accruing, other real estate owned, and other repossessed loan

collateral. The total allowance for loan losses was $76.2 million at December 31, 2010, equal

to 5.84% of loans held for investment, compared to 4.66% at September 30, 2010 and 3.16% at

December 31, 2009.

Loans that were delinquent 30-89 days totaled $78.1 million, or 5.99% of total loans at

December 31, 2010, compared to $121.3 million, or 8.54% of total loans at September 30, 2010,

and $40.1 million, or 2.57% of total loans at December 31, 2009. The Bank had loans 90 days

or more past due and still accruing, totaling $4.8 million at December 31, 2010, $997,000 at

September 30, 2010 and $6.9 million at December 31, 2009.

During the past year, the Bank has increased staff and engaged third-party contractors in its

special assets division to manage impaired loans and real estate owned, all of whom are

experienced in loan restorations and resolutions and well equipped to resolve credit problems

through forbearance, restructuring and modification agreements as well as note sales. FNB

United believes adding resources in this way will help stabilize the increase in

nonperforming assets and provide additional options for resolution.