Declutter Work Desk Strategies

Tips & Tricks for Network Rack Cabling Managers 1. Standardize Cable Management Practices Consistency is key. Set up a standard operating procedure for cable labeling, bundling, and routing to ensure your team follows the same process. This reduces troubleshooting time and enhances overall performance. 2. Utilize High-Quality Cabling Invest in premium cables and connectors. Cheap or poorly designed cables can cause signal interference or increase failure rates, costing more in downtime than upfront savings. Quality cabling ensures long-term reliability. 3. Optimize Rack Space Make sure your racks are optimized for both airflow and space efficiency. Overcrowded racks can cause overheating, which leads to equipment failure. Use horizontal and vertical cable management systems to prevent tangles and optimize airflow. 4. Document Everything Keep thorough documentation of cable layouts, patch panel connections, and equipment. Having this information available for your team can greatly reduce troubleshooting time and improve response times for system changes. 5. Keep an Eye on Emerging Technologies Stay updated on new cable standards (like Cat8 or fiber upgrades) and best practices. As more businesses adopt higher data speeds and bandwidth requirements, being proactive will help future-proof your infrastructure and impress clients. #CableManagement #NetworkInfrastructure #DataCenterSolutions #TechLeadership #ITManagement

How we shrank 30-40 hours of weekly manual work into just 2-3 hours 🤯 (Automation Tip Tuesday 👇) This home services company was struggling with their invoice reconciliation process. They received numerous vendor invoices via email (PDF format) and needed to manually match them against jobs in ServiceTitan. Their team was stretched thin, discrepancies and overpaying were daily occurrences, and one day, they had enough. We worked on a three-step automated solution: Step 1: Finding the PDFs Zapier monitors the inbox for invoices. When it detects an invoice with a PDF attachment, it proceeds to Step 2. Step 2: Parsing the Data Nanonets uses AI to extract data from the PDF. Step 3: Data Comparison The extracted data is compared with jobs in ServiceTitan. Any discrepancies are added to a spreadsheet for internal review. 30-40 hours of weekly manual verification time is now just 2-3 hours. With instant discrepancy flagging, their system allows for better vendor management, improved billing accuracy, and more time for the team to pursue higher-value tasks. Which manual task that can be automated is currently taking up too much valuable time? If you’re thinking of one, it’s time we spoke. Book a free call (link in the comments 👇) and let’s see what we can do for your workflow. -- Hi, I’m Nathan Weill, a business process automation expert. ⚡️ These tips I share every Tuesday are drawn from real-world projects we've worked on with our clients at Flow Digital. We help businesses unlock the power of automation with customized solutions so they can run better, faster and smarter — and we can help you too! #automationtiptuesday  #automation #workflow

Can you work in chaos? Sure. But will the output be the same? Definitely not. As an agency owner, every day brings a new challenge. The kind of work we do requires a highly active brain—creative ideas, constant brainstorming, and strategic thinking. It’s not routine; it’s a journey to grow the business 70% of the time, and 30% to keep it running. But let’s be real: this journey is far from easy. If the environment isn’t peaceful—mentally or physically—it becomes nearly impossible to perform at our best. Here’s what I’ve learned about the two types of peace we need to succeed: 1️⃣ Mind Peace A cluttered mind equals a cluttered output. To clear your mental space: - Start your day with a to-do list and set priorities. - Take short breaks between intense tasks to reset. - Practice mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes daily to declutter your thoughts. - Consider therapy. Sometimes, talking to a professional can help you manage stress, gain clarity, and improve focus. 2️⃣ Environmental Peace A messy space—physically or digitally—leads to messy productivity. Here’s what helps: - Keep your workspace clean and organized. - Declutter your digital life: organize files, clear your inbox, and streamline your workflow. - If home distractions are unavoidable, head to a cafe or coworking space for focused work. - Limit unnecessary noise or interruptions while working on creative tasks. Since I’ve started implementing these changes, my productivity has skyrocketed. Clean space, clear mind—it’s a game changer. If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, give this a try. Prioritizing both mind peace and environmental peace can unlock your best work yet. Let me know which of these resonates most with you! 😊

Your WFH Setup: From Survival Mode to Productivity Powerhouse 🚀 Remember those early WFH days? Kitchen tables, questionable chairs, maybe even an ironing board desk? (No judgement!) While we've adapted, truly thriving remotely requires investing in your setup. In COVID I learned quickly that your environment massively impacts your work and well-being. Here’s my breakdown of WFH essentials. Trust me, your body and brain (and colleagues!) will thank you: Ergonomic Chair: Your dining chair was built for meals, not marathons. Proper office chairs are designed for 8-10+ hours, offering crucial lumbar support and armrests. Investing here isn't a luxury; it's preventing future chiropractor bills! 😅 Standing Desk: Sitting all day? Standing all day? Both get tiring. An adjustable desk lets you switch it up! Alternating boosts circulation, energy levels, and focus, plus studies link it to reduced back pain. Keep moving! 🚶♀️↔️🧘♂️ Good Light: Dim lighting = eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness. Good lighting (a mix of indirect ambient + direct task light) is scientifically proven to enhance concentration and reduce fatigue. I got a proper office lamp. Brighten up your productivity! ✨💡 Multiple Screens: One screen is like trying to code with tunnel vision. Multiple monitors are proven productivity boosters. Research often cites gains of 20% or more by slashing window-switching time and keeping info visible. See more, do more! 🖥️🖥️ Laptop Stand: Hunching over your laptop = guaranteed neck ache. A simple stand elevates your screen to eye level (ergonomics 101!), promoting better posture and saving your neck and shoulders. Straighten up! 💪 Keyboard & Mouse: Laptop keyboards/trackpads are fine for quick emails, not coding deep dives. External peripherals allow for natural wrist/hand positioning, reducing strain (bye-bye RSI risk!) and boosting typing speed/comfort. Click happy! 🖱️⌨️ External Webcam: Ditch the grainy, awkward laptop cam angle! An external webcam offers superior quality and lets YOU control the frame. Look sharp, feel confident in meetings. 🎬 Good Mic/Headset: This one might be more for your colleagues, but PLEASE! 🙏 A decent mic or headset drastically improves audio clarity and cuts background noise. It transforms virtual meetings for everyone else. Be the audio hero your team needs! 🎤🎧 Google Logo (not for everyone 😄): Starting remotely during peak COVID felt surreal. So I needed a physical reminder that I'd actually switched jobs beyond just closing one laptop and opening another. Sometimes you need that little anchor! Might make sense for you to use a different logo ;) Investing in your WFH setup is investing in your health, focus, and overall effectiveness. What's the one WFH upgrade that made the biggest difference for you? Share below! 👇 #WFH #HomeOffice #RemoteWork #Ergonomics #Productivity #Tech #Google #SoftwareEngineering #WorkFromHomeSetup #HealthyHabits

Personal and professional development is seriously limited when mindfulness is missing. Mindfulness is not simply meditation; it's not zoning out; it's not passive and it's not only for relaxation. It IS about focusing on one thing at a time, being aware of what is happening around you and recognizing and accepting your thoughts and emotions. Here's a guide to start you off: 1️⃣ Start Your Day with Intentions: Before diving into tasks, take 2 minutes to set a clear intention for your workday—what you want to achieve and how you want to feel as you do it. 2️⃣ Use Task Transitions as Mindful Moments: Before switching between tasks or meetings, take a deep breath and consciously pause for a few seconds to reset your focus and energy. 3️⃣ Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications: Limit distractions by silencing non-essential notifications for set periods. This helps you stay present with the task at hand. 4️⃣ Practice 'Active Presence' in Meetings: Rather than thinking about what to say next, actively listen to others in meetings. Take a moment to reflect before responding. 5️⃣ Take Micro-Breaks for Clarity: Every hour, take a brief 1-minute pause. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, or observe your surroundings to recharge. 6️⃣ Create Mindful To-Do Lists: Prioritize 3 key tasks daily, and instead of focusing on the length of your list, concentrate on the quality of your engagement with each task. 7️⃣ Single-Task, Don’t Multitask: Whenever possible, dedicate your full attention to one task at a time. It improves quality, reduces stress, and boosts overall efficiency. 8️⃣ Notice Your Body Language: Pay attention to how you're sitting or standing throughout the day. Make small adjustments to release tension and stay relaxed, which can enhance focus and well-being. 9️⃣ Mindful Emailing: Pause before hitting send. Take a deep breath, review your message, and ask yourself: “Is this clear and concise?” This can reduce miscommunication and stress. 1️⃣0️⃣ End Your Day with Reflection: Spend 5 minutes reflecting on your day’s work—what went well, what could improve—and acknowledge your efforts, no matter how small. #mindfulness #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment

Don't fall victim to shiny tech syndrome. Invest in solutions addressing critical workflow challenges. Here's are three suggestions for how: 1) Document your team's three most significant operational bottlenecks with measurable data points. Resist the urge to solve theoretical problems—focus on documented friction that impacts performance daily. 2) Vendors may like me saying this (and, full disclosure, I work for one), but don't rely solely on vendor-supplied ROI projections. Construct evaluation criteria specifically calibrated to your team's unique pressure points and operational realities. 3) Develop a plan for integrating a potential new tool into your existing toolbox. Map intersection points with existing systems and cultivate internal advocates positioned to drive meaningful adoption across the enterprise or specific business area. #innovation #law #business #learning

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 I often hear leaders say, "We need to optimize our workflow with digital tools." But here's what usually happens: They buy a fancy new tool. Spend weeks setting it up. Train the team. And then... Nothing changes. Why? Because they didn't solve the real problem. Here's how to actually optimize your workflow: 1. Map out your current process What steps do you take? Where are the bottlenecks? What takes the most time? 2. Identify the root causes Is it a people problem? A process problem? Or a technology problem? 3. Set clear goals What does "optimized" look like? How will you measure success? 4. Choose the right tool Look for one that solves your specific problems Not just the one with the coolest features 5. Implement in phases Start small Get quick wins Build momentum 6. Measure and adjust Track your progress Be ready to change course if needed I've seen teams cut their workflow time in half using this approach. Without spending a fortune on new tech. The key? Focus on the problem, not the solution. What's holding your team back from peak efficiency?

🔋 The Role of Cable Management in Solar Energy Systems 🔋 Effective cable management is essential for safety, performance, and longevity in solar installations. Cable carriers—trays, ladders, conduits, and ties—keep cables organized, routed, and protected, ensuring seamless energy distribution between 🌞 solar panels, ⚡ inverters, charge controllers, and other components. Here’s a look at the main types of cable carriers and how they support solar systems in various environments: 📏 Cable Trays: Wire Mesh Trays 🟠: Lightweight and easy to install, these are ideal for setups that require high ventilation, helping keep cables cool and organized. Solid Bottom Trays 🟡: Made of metal panels, these provide robust protection from dust, pollutants, and harsh weather. Perforated Trays 🔵: With small ventilation holes, they offer solid protection and better airflow, enhancing cable cooling. 🪜 Cable Ladders: Featuring ladder-like crossbars, they’re excellent for heavier cable runs, providing strong support and ventilation, often used in large-scale solar projects. 🚧 Cable Conduits: PVC Conduits 🔹: Lightweight and cost-effective, ideal for protecting rooftop cables from weather. Metal Conduits 🔸: Offering top-level protection against mechanical damage and fire, critical for industrial or high-risk applications. 📐 Cable Ducts: Plastic Ducts 🟢: Perfect for indoor setups, helping organize cables on walls or ceilings for a clean installation. Metal Ducts 🔴: Suitable for outdoor and industrial use, delivering durable protection for cables in harsher environments. 🔗 Cable Ties: Plastic & Metal Ties: Essential for bundling and securing cables, and keeping installations neat and organized. 🛠️ Why It Matters: Effective cable management minimizes electrical hazards, reduces cable wear, and optimizes energy flow. Choosing the right carrier for each solar system section isn’t just about organization—it’s a foundation for building a resilient, efficient, and sustainable solar energy system. #SolarEnergy #CableManagement #RenewableEnergy #SolarPV #ElectricalEngineering #Sustainability #SolarIndustry

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐈 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮….. 👉🏻 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐘-𝐀𝐱𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨): Ensure the vertical axis always begins at zero to prevent misleading visual comparisons and give a true representation of your data. 👉🏻 𝐏𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 (𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐭𝐨-𝐋𝐨𝐰): Sort bars from highest to lowest so users instantly see what's most important, unless dealing with time-based data like months or years, where chronological order is key 👉🏻 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬: Replace generic titles like "Chart 1" with specific and descriptive titles that immediately tell the user what the visual is showing (e.g., "Monthly Sales Performance by Region"). 👉🏻 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩 (𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬): Use visual cues like colors, sizes, or annotations to draw attention to the most critical data points or trends in your report. 👉🏻 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬: If you use a specific color to represent a particular metric (like blue for revenue), maintain that color consistency across all visuals in your report to make interpretation faster. 👉🏻 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐲 (𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬): Configure how different visuals on your report interact with each other when a user applies a filter to prevent unexpected blank charts or confusing changes.  👉🏻 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞" 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲?): Quickly look at each visual. Can you immediately understand the main message within five seconds? If not, the visual likely needs simplification for better clarity. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤: https://lnkd.in/epTUjuhN 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://lnkd.in/enu8VbBE #Powerbi #poweruppowerbi

Clear communication of research findings is one of the most overlooked skills in UX and human factors work. It’s one thing to run a solid study or analyze meaningful data. It’s another to present that information in a way that your audience actually understands - and cares about. The truth is, most charts fall short. They either say too much, trying to squeeze in every detail, or they say too little and leave people wondering what they’re supposed to take away. In both cases, the message gets lost. And when you're working with stakeholders, product teams, or executives, that disconnect can mean missed opportunities or poor decisions. Drawing from some of the key ideas in Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, I’ve been focusing more on what it takes to make a chart actually work. It starts with thinking less like an analyst and more like a communicator. One small but powerful shift is in how we title our visuals. A label like “Sales by Month” doesn’t help much. But a title like “Sales Dropped Sharply After Q2 Campaign” points people directly to the story. That’s the difference between describing data and communicating an insight. Another important piece is designing visuals that prioritize clarity. Not every chart needs five colors or a complex legend. In fact, color works best when it’s used sparingly, to highlight what matters. Likewise, charts packed with gridlines, borders, and extra labels often feel more technical than informative. Simplifying them not only improves readability - it also sharpens the message. It also helps to think ahead to the question your visual is answering. Is it showing change? Comparison? A trend? Knowing that upfront lets you choose the right format, the right focus, and the right amount of detail. In the examples I’ve shared here, you’ll see some common before-and-after chart revisions that demonstrate these ideas in action. They’re simple changes, but they make a real difference. These techniques apply across many research workflows - from usability tests and survey reports to concept feedback and final presentations. If your chart needs a walkthrough to make sense, it’s probably not working as well as it could. These small adjustments are about helping people see what’s important and understand what it means - without needing a data dictionary or a deep dive.