Tag: Auto

How Food and Beverage Companies Are Taking Advantage of Risk Management Software

Posted by on Nov.22, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Food and beverage is probably one of the most widespread industries with countless companies manufacturing and supplying a variety of products across the globe. The competition in the market is fierce. Globalization, escalating costs, supply-chain management, ever-changing consumer demand, and change in regulatory requirements make it a lot harder for companies to survive in the food and beverage industry. In order to compete in the increasingly pressurized consumer-driven market, companies need to develop new ways to stay ahead of the competition. Because of these factors, companies are taking advantage of risk management software to help deal with any risk that may hamper the foundation of a successful business.

As business processes become increasingly complex with more employees based out of multiple locations and engaged in culmination of a single process, the focus of companies is shifting toward incorporating risk management systems. This helps in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the product value chain. In most situations, companies face losing out on capital because of miscommunication in the way processes are carried out in the system. Manual systems require a great deal of inefficient paper management and labor intensive processes that may seem cost effective but in the long run turn out to be disastrous. Eventually, there is severe non-conformity in executing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a visible loss of data. Other impacts that hit the company can be higher administrative costs, decreased productivity, and ineffective utilization of capital.

Risk management systems are built on the principle of collaboration. Employees are provided with a unified platform for sharing ideas and documents, keeping everyone on the same page. This presents companies with the most fundamental advantage of provisioning employees with accurate versions of SOPs while lowering administrative and overhead costs. An online web-based system is easily accessible by authorized users across the globe. This enables any company to maintain integrity of documentation without compromising its security and letting out valuable secrets to competitors.

As the trends in business evolve, the emphasis on compliance is increasing. Many companies face increasing frequency of inspections and regulatory warnings as per the U.S. government’s policies. The FDA ensures that any food and beverage company is complying with the rules and regulations so that they are manufacturing products that are safe to use by consumers. Any non-conformance can lead to re-manufacturing, negative company reputation, and even a shutdown call by the FDA to the company’s manufacturing plant. To avoid facing any of these situations, risk management software is used by the companies to monitor all workflows and see that procedures are carried out accurately with safety measures. Any deviance from the workflow can result in customer complaints, CAPA, and audit.

With technology shifting toward proper quality management systems, many companies want to analyze various aspects of the business. This helps in studying the various business areas and translating the strengths and weaknesses of the business. Ultimately, a thorough analysis helps companies to reduce the business cycle and boost productivity. Risk management software is all about helping companies develop a streamlined model for making decisions. Using an effective risk management system, a company can lower manufacturing costs, accelerate the product development lifecycle, and avoid product stalls and recalls.


How Bearings Make the Food and Beverage Industry More Hygienic

Posted by on Nov.15, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

It is common knowledge that water and metals are not normally a good combination, but when this happens corrosion will occur. Eventually the resulting reactions transform the iron into a mixture of water and iron oxides which can seriously damage the metal, leaving it extremely unstable. When rust occurs on machinery and in bearings used in the food and beverage industry it can be particularly harmful as not only can it damage equipment but it can also contaminate the food being prepared. There are tight guidelines on health, safety and hygiene in the food and beverage industry and if rust has compromised the effectiveness and safety of bearings in the machinery then this could injure people working in factories as it could cause major faults with the machinery. Also, if problems such as rust actually contaminate the food and drinks being produced then this could be hazardous to consumers if ingested and it could mean that the manufacturers face serious legal problems.

High standards of hygiene are vital in the food and drinks industry which means that bearings must be able to stand up to regular cleaning with water and chemicals which may contain acids and alkalis which can cause corrosion in metal over time. The bearing industry is continually creating new ways to combat the effects of water and chemicals on metals to ensure machines run as efficiently as possible without compromising the hygiene of the machinery and the factory. For example, one food and drinks company was losing around 307,000 Euros a year due to water breaching the bearings on a pumping system. Once the water had infiltrated the bearings, sugar crystals built up on the bearings causing even more damage. NSK Molded-Oil bearings were used to replace the existing bearings which helped to increase the manufacturer’s production capacity as the machines were far more reliable thanks to the NSK bearings. The NSK Molded-Oil bearings were manufactured specifically to withstand corrosive environments so they provide an ideal solution for machinery in the food and beverage industry.

Another bearing manufacturer which specialises in bearings suitable for this industry is SKF which produces bearings that meet the requirements outlined by ISO 22000 food safety standard. For example, their innovative bearing manufacturing has produced dry lubrication systems for bottle conveyors which greatly reduces water usage, minimises corrosion and increases hygiene levels. SKF produce Food Line Y-bearing units which are maintenance free and are specifically designed for, “the wet, humid, contaminating environments of the food and beverage processing industry.” These bearings are typically used on a variety of machines in the industry including conveyors, brush washers, sorters, wash down areas and much more.

To ensure your food and drink manufacturing plant runs as smoothly as possible invest in professional bearings which are built specifically for machines in your industry. Always purchase your bearings from an authorised bearing supplier so you know that the bearings you choose are safe and right for the job.


Favourite 8 Restaurants in the Golden Triangle, Algarve

Posted by on Nov.10, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

The Golden Triangle refers to the popular area that runs from Quinta do Lago, Quarteira to Almancil (the three points). Many of the areas have been developed into luxury resorts complete with championship golf courses. Some of the top resorts in Europe (Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Dunas Douradas Beach Club) are in the Golden Triangle. To cater for the discerning tourists there is an abundance of restaurants. Below are our favourites.

Florian Restaurant

Located near the entrance to Quinta do Lago at ‘Vale Verde’, Florian Restaurante has built up quite a reputation. The restaurant is cosy with a ‘olde worlde’ feel. In the summer there is a large outdoor terrace for alfresco dining. The menu is International with a large selection of fresh fish and meat dishes. The lobster bisque and fillet steak are recommended.

Casa do Campo

Casa do Campo is located in a beautiful Algarvean farmhouse just outside Almancil. In the summer dine by candle light under the 100 year old fig tree. The menu is extensive with a large selection of Algarvean and International Cuisine. The rack of lamb or the daily fish special is a must.

Fuzio’s

Located just outside Almancil on the way to Vale do Lobo, Fuzio’s offers a mixture of Italian and International Cuisine. The service is excellent and there are two outdoor terraces for summer dining. The pasta and seafood dishes are a specialty and you cannot leave without trying the homemade desserts.

Restaurant Vincent

Beautiful cuisine by the renowned chef Vincent Nas (formally of Ermitage) on Estrada de Fonte Santa, Almancil. This fine dining restaurant is located in an old farmhouse and with plenty of outdoor seating. Fois-gras and seafood are a specialty. Finish your meal with a selection of cheeses from the mouthwatering cheeseboard.

Thai Garden

The Thai Garden is located within the lush grounds of the Michelin star restaurant, Sao Gabriel. The chefs are Thai and the food is authentic. This restaurant is very busy during the summer months so we would strongly recommend booking in advance.

Memories of China

Located in the popular Vale do Lobo resort (beside the Tennis Academy) is this authentic Chinese restaurant by the world famous chef Ken Lo. As well as writing over 30 cookbooks, Ken Lo has a flagship restaurant in London. The terrace overlooking the tennis courts is open during the summer.

Izzy’s

Fabulous traditional restaurant with stunning sea views. Izzy’s is located in Vale do Lobo on Ancao beach, also known to locals as Julia’s beach. Chicken piri piri is a specialty. Sunday is the most popular day to dine in Izzy’s where you can enjoy live chill-out music whilst watching the sun go down.

The Albatroz

Located in the new 5 star resort of Dunas Douradas Beach Club, this restaurant offers fine dining at affordable prices. Known for it’s sea food it also offers a good selection of vegetarian and meat options. The kid’s menu is extensive and reasonably priced.


The Top Five Restaurants in Belgravia – London’s Foodie Paradise

Posted by on Nov.09, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Belgravia and its famous cousin Mayfair are home to some of the glitziest, the most glamorous and – most importantly – the best quality restaurants in the whole of London. Belgravia alone boasts nine Michelin stars - an incredible feat for a relatively small corner of London. So whether you’re there for the food or the star-spotting opportunities, restaurants in Belgravia should be at the top of your list of glamorous London destinations.

There are enough restaurants in Belgravia to keep even the most ardent foodie occupied for days, but to get you started I’ve compiled a list of my top five restaurants in Belgravia – there’s everything from cutting-edge oriental eateries to traditional British bistros, so take your pick and start experiencing some of the best dining experiences that London has to offer.

Roussillon This excellent restaurant, specialising in French cuisine, describes itself as “possibly the area’s best kept secret”. This is no empty boast, as the restaurant has garnered glowing reviews from a multitude of respected foodie publications. Nestled discreetly on St Barnabus Street, off Pimlico Road, it offers a welcomingly quiet getaway from the vibrant bustle of Belgravia. Roussillon also holds the distinction of being one of the restaurants in Belgravia to possess a Michelin star.

La Poule au Pot Just round the corner from Roussillon is La Poule au Pot, which Harden’s guide has named “best for romance” in London on numerous occasions. From the moment you enter, flanked by potted plants and shrubbery, it’s clear that La Poule au Pot is very much a timeless recreation of France-gone-by. Generous portions, honest and fine cuisine, and a delightfully cluttered interior complete the romantic atmosphere. Make this your first destination if you’re embarking on your tour of restaurants in Belgravia with a special someone.

Hunan A short stroll down Pimlico Road takes us to Hunan, which offers spicy oriental cooking for the most adventurous connoisseur. Leave your preconceptions at the door, because Hunan is so cutting edge it doesn’t even offer a menu. Give the waiter a few pointers – how spicy you like your food, what ingredients you can’t or won’t eat – and the kitchen staff will create course after course of tapas-style serving plates tailored to your tastes.

Since being founded in 1982, Hunan has risen to the position where it can reasonably be considered the best of the Chinese restaurants in Belgravia, if not the world.

Boisdale Closer to home, Boisdale cooks up hearty food made from only the finest Scottish produce. From its bright red exterior to the blues, jazz and soul music that can be heard emanating from within, it’s clear that Boisdale stands out from other restaurants in Belgravia. Boisdale isn’t for you if you want to eat your food without distraction, because its vivacious atmosphere, nightly live music and busy events calendar make it the perfect restaurant for those who believe dining should be social and enjoyable.

The Orange A recent addition to the family of restaurants in Belgravia, The Orange makes its home in the former Orange Brewery. Affectionately restored to rustic perfection, The Orange serves up comforting food that is nonetheless at the top of its class. Incorporating a hotel, the Orange makes for the perfect base to bed down, eat one of the best breakfasts in London and head out for the day to explore the foodie paradise served up by restaurants in Belgravia.


Review of 4 of the Best Restaurants in Vancouver

Posted by on Nov.01, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Vancouver is amongst the more unique urban centers located in Canada, and eating out in some of their fine restaurants is no different. In this article we will show you what we believe are some of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Regardless of the type of dining you’ll be seeking, you are certain to locate it in this amazing part of the world. Vancouver is really a top notch fine dining choice. It’s usually smart to step out of your comfort zone a little because the variety of the best restaurants in Vancouver can take your breath away if you are willing to experiment even just a little.

Vancouver resides in the southwest corner of the country. It is a  seaside metropolis within the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada. While touring this unique urban center there are numerous activities to do, and a lot of people end up deluged with what is available and overlook the greatest dining experiences of Vancouver. This article will outline a few of our favorite best restaurants in Vancouver making your dining enjoyment even more wonderful.

The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant sometimes referred to as the “Vancouver Rotating Restaurant” located at: 555 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B4N6

Features: Fine continental cuisine located 553 feet (167m) above the street offering an optimal look at Vancouver, the coast mountain range as well as the Pacific ocean. Glass windows precisely tilted for optimum observation of the city, ocean and mountains. The restaurant completes one revolution every single Hour, so make sure you take you time!

Review: The meal was remarkable! Even though, I’m sure the beverages ended up being somewhat pricey. Other than that, the meals were not overly expensive. I had the steak, and my wife ate the steak. Her steak was tender and succulent, and my chicken breast wasn’t dried out, and simply delectable! We tried the lobster tail appys salad as well as the mushroom soup, which were both delightful! I know some reviews complain about the price and the service but we found both excellent. We enjoyed the atmosphere, it turned out warm and soothing, and you cannot put a price-tag on the views! I can certainly declare, no one will be sorry for dining here.

East is East Restaurant Vancouver. located at 3243 W. Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K2H5

Review: East is East Restaurant has a fantastic and cozy ambiance from the moment you first walk in. The environment produced an incredible comfortable atmosphere. From a recommendation we tried the feast menu similar to Tapas which included small samples of just about all the things on the food list for just over 20 bucks, simply an awesome package. For the 2 of us, we had Ten unique plates plus the dinner included as well 2 kinds of brown rice, roti, greens, soup etcetera. The meal was delicious and the various meats had been cooked to perfection. I was stuffed at the end of it, and did not have space for their dessert!

LIFT Bar Grill View 333 Menchions Mews Vancouver, BC V6G 3H5

The Lift Bar Grill  in Vancouver is a wonderful dining experience.  Fantastic menu selections and their meals are superb. My swordfish was cooked to perfection. My partners feshly shucked oysters were definitely rich in taste plus the seafood/pasta combination was excellent. The service was impeccable and why I rate them as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. A warm and enticing restaurant for sure.

Cardero’s Restaurant Vancouver 1583 Coal Harbour Quay Vancouver, BC V6G3E7

Cardero’s has been an institution amongst diners in Vancouver for decades, and constantly tends to make an excellent Vancouver restaurant adventure. With new management, service levels have improved and today complements those of their other eating venue called The Sandbar. Their food selection is straightforward and concentrates on BC-grown food from the ocean. Cardero’s patio area is sometimes chaotic on sunny days but still tends to make a pleasurable, dining undertaking. All of their seafood dishes are worthwhile, their Coal harbour location is to die for.


5 Best Latin Restaurants in New York

Posted by on Oct.23, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

New York is full of amazing restaurants and has a thriving Latino culture. As you can imagine it was no easy task compiling a list of must-eat Latin restaurants. In order to narrow it down, some guidelines were established. Each restaurant was nominated by a panel of locals. Restaurants were then evaluated based on authenticity, quality of food, and accessibility to anyone regardless of budget. After much labor, it is a pleasure to present this fantastic list. A beber y a tragar, que el mundo se va a acabar!

Flor De Mayo

484 Amsterdam Avenue (Upper West Side)

(212) 787-3388

This somewhat divey favorite is one of the few remaining Chino-Latino restaurants in New York. The interesting brand of cuisine was birthed when Chinese that immigrated to countries like Peru and Cuba fled conditions in South America and came to New York. History aside, the restaurant’s pollo à la brasa, a Peruvian rotisserie chicken, could go head to head with any Latino offering in the city. The savory, flavor-packed bird won’t set you back too far either. Be sure to try a glass of the red sangria.

El Parador Café

325 East 34th St # 1 (Midtown East)

(212) 679-6812

Originally opened in 1959, this sleeper of a Mexican restaurant serves some of the best contemporary Mexican to be found in New York. Diners can enjoy a variety of exceptional dishes including a braised shredded flank steak, mole pablano, paella or for the less adventurous quesadillas and enchiladas while sipping on El Parador’s strong but tasty margaritas.

Victor’s Cafe

236 West 52nd St # 1 (Midtown)

(212) 586-7714

Another oldie but goodie, Victor’s Cafe has been serving Cuban food to New Yorkers since 1963. This theatre district favorite maintains an upbeat environment with live salsa music without falling into the trap of most of the area’s restaurants which sacrifice food quality for atmosphere. Delicious offerings include lechon asado, ropa vieja, roast suckling pig in sour orange, olive oil, garlic and herbs, and florida red snapper. If you’re drinking, you can’t go wrong with their mojito.

Pio Pio

Several locations, visit http://www.piopio.com

(212) 665-3000 ‎

You may think it odd to include two restaurants which specialize in rotisserie chicken on one list. But Pio Pio presents their signature rotisserie birds in a unique and equally delicious way. Enthusiasts pack their several locations for crispy and moist chicken that’s been marinated in a mixture of cumin, garlic, and Peruvaan beer that is served with an addictive spicy green sauce made from cilantro, lime and huacatay, an Andean mint. Don’t forget to have a pisco cocktail.

Sofrito

400 East 57th Street (Midtown East)

(212) 754-5999

This Puerto Rican eatery could almost be mistaken for a nightclub. When you first walk in you’ll likely notice the trendy backlit bar and the pulse of hip-hop music before you spot the tables. Don’t misunderstand though, Sofrito serves up authentic dishes that make just as much of a statement. Large portions of mofongo al pilon, whole fried red snapper with coconut rice, empanadas, and Cazuela de marisco, a delicious seafood stew, keep diners content even if they think it’s too loud. If you’re still perturbed by the volume, their pina coladas make it difficult for anyone to not have a good time.