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2024.05.14 16:39 frjacobs Top 10 Benefits of Investing in Romania

Romania is becoming a popular choice for investors interested in investing in Romania due to its strategic location in Europe, which provides easy access to various markets such as the EU, CIS, and Middle East. The country offers a strong landscape for potential investment opportunities in Romania.
Romania has a positive business environment, ranking 55th globally on the Ease of Doing Business index. In addition, it offers investment incentives such as tax breaks and grants to attract “investitori in Romania”. The country’s significant infrastructure investments further enhance its attractiveness as a logistical hub, making it a strategic choice for foreign investors seeking growth and innovation in a stable democratic setting.
Get in touch with us and we will assist you in making your goals a reality. You can reach us at +32 478 331 799 and ask for Freddy Jacobs. Alternatively, you can also connect with us on Linkedin.

An Overview of Investment Opportunities in Romania

The investment landscape of Romania is influenced by various important factors that make it a desirable location for foreign investors. One significant aspect is that non-residents are allowed to buy and sell apartments, while the purchase of land is limited to non-EU citizens, unless done through Romanian companies. This promotes a relatively open real estate market with a consistent increase in residential property prices. Furthermore, Romania’s strategic location in Europe, membership in the EU, and proximity to major markets such as Central Asia and the Near East add to its attractiveness. Additionally, the country offers abundant opportunities in industries such as IT, automotive, and energy, supported by a skilled and cost-efficient workforce.
Potential Investment Sectors and Opportunities in Romania:
Romania is a hub for IT innovation and digital services due to its competitive costs and abundant talent in the field of IT and telecommunications.
Romania is well-positioned for investments in both renewable and conventional energy due to its status as the top EU country in terms of energy independence.
Real Estate: Although there are limitations on the sale of land to individuals who are not citizens of the European Union, the expanding real estate industry, particularly in Bucharest, offers promising chances for investment.

Romania’s Government Policies and Economic Indicators:

The government of Romania offers equal treatment to both domestic and foreign investors, without any discrimination based on their source of capital. This, along with a relatively low level of public debt and a favorable growth rate, establishes Romania as a secure and attractive location for investment.
The government’s emphasis on fostering a favorable climate for investment is apparent through its implementation of cautious financial strategies and dedication to digitalization.
Romania’s potential as an attractive destination for foreign investment is reinforced by a combination of factors, including its skilled labor force and vast reserves of natural resources.

Advantages of Investing in Romania

There are numerous advantages of investing in Romania that not only contribute to the growth of the investor, but also contribute to the economic development of the country as a whole. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Tax Incentives and Citizenship Route: Entrepreneurs can take advantage of advantageous tax rates for small businesses and have the opportunity to obtain Romanian citizenship in four to eight years. With permanent residence permits, there is no need for annual renewals, and family members are also eligible for long-term residence permits.
2. Role of Foreign Investments in Economic Growth and Job Creation: In Romania, foreign investments play a significant part in driving economic growth. This, in turn, leads to the creation of jobs, which helps to decrease unemployment rates and boost local economies.
3. Advancements in Technology and the Market:
The productivity within the Romanian market is boosted by the incorporation of advanced technology and progressive methods.
Romanian companies can expand their reach to global markets, resulting in a boost in sales and a larger market share.
The country’s efficiency and service delivery are strengthened by enhancements in infrastructure, including transportation systems and utilities.
4. The Competitive Market Environment:
The influx of foreign entities leads to heightened market competition, leading to improved product quality, reduced prices, and enhanced services for consumers.
Local employees are equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge through education and training opportunities offered by foreign investors.
Romania’s position as a desirable investment location is reinforced by a combination of factors, which provide clear advantages to international investors and also contribute to the country’s social and economic progress.

Difficulties and Factors to Consider for Investors in Romania

There are various challenges and factors to consider when making investments in Romania that investors should be mindful of.
Some examples of these are:
The economy and government of Romania have a close relationship, as the government has a notable presence in the economy through state-owned enterprises. This can have an impact on market dynamics. Furthermore, there have been challenges in effectively planning and investing due to the management instability in these enterprises since 2014.
Investors frequently face obstacles from government regulations and bureaucracy, including excessive paperwork, an unstable legislative system, and corruption, all of which can hinder business activities. Additionally, constant changes to legislation without input from the private sector only add to the uncertainty.
Businesses face challenges with infrastructure and workforce in Romania. The inadequate infrastructure can increase costs and hinder productivity, while the scarcity of labor, especially in the northern and western regions, makes it difficult to attract and retain employees. Environmental concerns, such as insufficient waste management methods and problems with air quality and preservation of natural areas, also create complexities for potential investments.
Conducting comprehensive due diligence and gaining a deep understanding of the local context are crucial factors for individuals considering investment opportunities in Romania.

How to Invest in Romania

To those foreign investors considering Romania as their next business location, it is crucial to comprehend the necessary actions to establish a presence. Below is a simplified guide:
1. Acquiring a Residency Permit:
Individuals who are not permanent residents have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit that is valid for one year by making an investment in a company based in Romania. This investment will open doors for the possibility of conducting long-term business activities.
2. Investment Priorities in Romania:
The General Inspectorate for Immigration has a tendency towards favoring investments in the real estate and technology industries, revealing promising and lucrative areas for international investors.
3. Extension of Stay Permit:
The Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments assesses the effect of the investment in order to renew the residence permit and maintain the ongoing business operations.
Section 4: Exceptions
Individuals from the United States, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland are granted exemptions from specific stipulations, including minimum investment requirements, quotas for job creation, and proofs of financial stability, which facilitates a more seamless entry process.
5. Documentation:
Important papers consist of evidence of company ownership or shares, proof of legal accommodation, documentation of financial stability, proof of social health insurance, a medical certificate, and a receipt for the residence permit fee.
The process of investing in Romania is made easier through this comprehensive guide, which also showcases the government’s favorable attitude towards foreign investments. This promotes a wide variety of global business opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Reasons for Investing in Romania?

With its skilled labor force, abundant natural resources, advantageous geographic position for efficient transportation, and position as a major market in Central and Eastern Europe, Romania offers a strong argument for investment. These combined elements make Romania an increasingly attractive choice for investors.

What are the primary foreign investors in Romania?

Germany is the top foreign investor in Romania, followed by Austria with a 10.7% stake, France with 9.7%, Italy with 7.8%, the United States with 6.7%, and the Netherlands with 5.3%. These nations have acknowledged the potential and prospects in Romania and have made considerable investments in different sectors of its economy.

Which Industry is the Most Lucrative in Romania?

Romania is known for its highly profitable IT and software industry. This success can be attributed to the country’s education system, which prioritizes technical expertise. In fact, Romania ranks 6th globally for having the highest number of certified IT professionals per person. The profitability of this sector is a clear indication of Romania’s strong pool of technical talent and favorable business climate.

Factors Considered by Investors When Evaluating a Country for Investment

When evaluating a nation for possible investment prospects, investors commonly examine its economic and fiscal foundations. Essential factors that are frequently examined include the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), levels of inflation, and readings of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These measures offer valuable information on the country’s economic well-being and reliability, assisting investors in making well-informed choices.

Get in touch with us to make your goals a reality – we are here to assist you. Contact Freddy Jacobs at +32 478 331 799, or connect with us on Linkedin.

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We currently have a weird situation. We are using audiocodes with our teams direct routing. I have created a setup where we have an auto attendant (with a phone number assigned) and then user selects option 1 or 2 and it goes inside another auto attendant (with no phone number assigned to the resource account). From the second auto attendant, user dials 2 and it makes the call to an external number.
The problem i am facing is when the external number is called, it is ringing for the user and the user can answer the call just fine. However, this user sees an incorrect number. I do not really understand where this incorrect number is coming from. It is part of our number range from the numbers provider but is not assigned to either the calling user or the user who is calling. Even in the logs, it does not show this incorrect number either in the refer option or in the second invite. I am really baffled by this.
The same thing does not happen if i make the call from the auto attendant directly to the external number. It is only happening in the above scenario i mentioned.
Anyone has any idea what could be wrong in my setup or what I could check here?
FYI: Even if i assign the phone number to the resource account for the second auto attendant, it stil does not make a difference and the incorrect number is displayed.

submitted by bhs49 to MicrosoftTeams [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 16:06 DrBrown8 PayPal Direct Deposit

I have a PayPal account which has direct deposit. Can I use the checking and routing numbers PayPal provides so the money I earned from Mercari goes into my PayPal account?

submitted by DrBrown8 to Mercari [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 15:41 lambchopsuey "The 'five S's' of giving a good experience"

This analysis also comes from Cults and Nonconventional Religious Groups: A Collection of Outstanding Dissertations and Monographs, "Shakubuku: A Study of the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Movement in America, 1960-1975", David A. Snow, 1993, pp. 175-177 - it's a section within the analysis here about how the SGI's "discussion meetings" were carefully planned and choreographed sales pitch performances aimed at convincing any "guests" to convert. I thought this part about the carefully structured "experiences" deserved its own post:

In addition to the general supportive role, members are provided with instructions regarding the more specific role activity. That is, they are coached as to how to give explanations of what NSA [former name of SGI-USA] is all about, to lead songs, and to give testimonies. Regarding the latter, for example, members are reminded to respond to the emcee's request for experiences with great alacrity and enthusiasm by thrusting their hands in the air in a vigorous manner and yelling out "hi."

Actually, it's "Hai!", which means "Yes/Okay/I'll do it" in Japanese.

And if called upon, they are reminded to attend to the five major points or the "five S's" of giving a good experience.

That "coaching" is done before the live performance at the "discussion meeting", of course, not reminded within that performance context. That would break the illusion, as you can imagine.

The first point is Shakubuku. Remember, the guests have absolutely no understanding of this practice or any NSA terminology. Always talk to the guests and not to the members. The sole purpose of an experience is to make the guests curious enough to join ... Don't use Buddhist terms and names the guests won't understand...
Point number two is story. Make sure an experience is just that - something which happened to you and which you either changed into a benefit or changed an aspect of your life-condition through chanting. Basically , an experience should be structured as
(a) I had a problem or I was satisfied [sic] with my life and

That's obviously a typo; it should be either "I wasn't satisfied with my life" or "I was dissatisfied with my life", as confirmed by part (b):

(b) then I chanted, solved the problem or changed that aspect of my life which I wasn't satisfied with...
Make sure that you stress that chanting was the ingredient which changed those aspects of your life. Otherwise, the guests won't be able to connect just how chanting and a person's problems relate.
The third point to keep in mind is simplicity. Make each point of the story simple and to the point. Don't clutter the issue with unnecessary details. Try to be as brief as possible.
The fourth point is that of a seeking mind. What this means is that the person giving an experience should try to find out what type of experience the leader wants to have conveyed to the guests that will most benefit them.

Clearly, this is all about crafting the most persuasive sales pitch, not about honestly and authentically communicating anything real.

We're not saying that there is a "one" type of experience that is sought, but experiences have to be geared to the guests at the meeting. A middle-aged person is definitely going to have hard time relating to the change in values of a college student... The point is, make sure you are perceptive enough to give the type of experience which the guests at the meeting can relate to best.

Keeping in mind that no one knows for certain WHO these "guests" will be - this sort of "adjustment" in the details has to be made on the fly, which demonstrates the inauthenticity of the "experience" performance. But the culties are supposed to make it appear "authentic":

The final point is one of the most important - sincerity ... Even if your experience isn't that spectacular or full of content, the guests can relate to a person' [sic] sincere way of giving the experience...

The "5 S's" section is footnoted as coming from:

"The Five S's of Giving a Good Experience," World Tribune (September 11, 1974). Also, see the NSA Quarterly (Winter, 1975), p. 13; and the World Tribune (October 25, 1974).

It was obviously a structured thing that was explicitly taught (indoctrinated).

These five pointers on how to construct and give a "good" experience are mentioned repeatedly in the movement's literature and by its leaders. Furthermore, members can learn how to construct testimonies in accordance with these instructions by simply watching and listening to other members, and especially core converts, when giving their respective experiences.

You can probably surmise that after a while, these "experiences" will all start to show the same standardized structure; this will be accepted within the cult (because that's the goal), but the guests won't realize just how structured it is - and the focus on making it as manipulative as possible.

Indeed, rank-and-file members and new converts are often told to watch and listen to how so-and-so gives an experience.

That's true - I remember that.

It should thus come as no surprise that the testimonies given at these meetings, or wherever, are usually structured in accordance with the above pointers or instructions. And when they are not, the violators are usually pulled aside after the meeting and provided with corrective suggestions. At the end of several meetings, for example, I overheard the district chief reprimanding and re-instructing members regarding the unsuitable testimonies they had given earlier in the evening. This sanctioning and corrective work occurs not only when unsatisfactory testimonies are given but whenever meeting or movement-related roles are performed in an unsatisfactory manner and whenever members visibly engage in conduct that is inappropriate from the standpoint of NSA. During the San Diego Convention weekend, for example, I observed on several occasions members who were being brought back into line for engaging in unbecoming conduct, such as smoking grass on the bus while en route to the convention. That members who conduct themselves and perform their roles in an unsuitable and unconvincing manner are frequently pulled aside and provided with corrective guidance thus suggests a third consideration pointing to the highly orchestrated and theatrical character of discussion meetings in particular and of NSA in general.

Everyone must be "on" at all times; they must at all times display the SGI-defined image that SGI believes will impress the public and be most appealing to draw in potential new members.
While these specific "five S's" aren't around any more, there are still guidelines for how to give an "experience":

How do I write an experience for SGI budhist meeting?
State the difficulty you faced.
State how long you have been struggling with it, and how it affected you.
State what you did to resolve it, and how much you chanted.
State the resolution, and what that means to you.
Keep it to under 3.5 minutes.
Before you give your experience, read it to someone who cares about you, someone you know, and ask for an honest opinion on how your delivery is. from 7 years ago

REHEARSE it, in other words. These "experiences" are NOT spontaneous!

submitted by lambchopsuey to sgiwhistleblowers [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 15:02 Sharptrooper Intended Difficulty vs Volatile Difficulty (and bugs)

Greetings, Helldivers.
Today I want to talk about difficulty - not the number you set at the bottom of the mission selection screen, but how actually difficult beating a mission IS. I'm going to argue that whenever a 'campaign' becomes frustrated, it is due to extreme RNG rolls and bugs.
First, a list of the elements and issues I want to highlight:

Ragdolls

Touching an enemy's corpse after it's death is a recipe for disaster. Dead tanks can randomly damage you, dead shriekers can crush you, dead Bile Titans can outright kill you on their own if you try to climb over them. Enemies can clip through them just fine, but these corpses can be so dangerous that they can essentially close off a route on their own. Dying to a ragdoll and having your geasamples stuck under it can stall a helldiver for a considerable amount of time.

Terrain

On some planets, the enemies have zero qualms about glitching their way up mountains like they're playing Skyrim. A tank on a plain field is a regular enemy; a tank on top of a mountain is a deadly threat with no easily accessible weak-spot and high ground advantage. Bugs are known to clip their way up hills to get to you, and don't get me started on gatling devastators blasting you from inside destroyed dropships or the rock they clipped into, becoming invulnerable on top of that. THere's even a particular bot map where enemies will walk over a 20ft wall as they make their way to attack the extraction point. Bugs like this can absolutely swing a fight and break the helldivers' momentum.

Vision

Enemies are mostly unhindered by long distances, smoke, and fog. Helldivers are absolutely not. This is most felt against automatons, who abuse the hell out of low visibility by perfectly tracking helldivers through foliage, fire tornadoes, ambient mist, and distances long enough that they should look like 4 pixels to them. This makes planets with those elements disproportionately hard.

Inconsistent Damage

Hunter, o hunter, how I hate you. The damage your leaps do might as well be a die roll. You're not the only culprit, though - automaton rockets seem to enjoy alternating between 1-shotting the helldivers or dealing a miniscule amount of damage. I'm aware that there is supposed to be 'directional armor' hitboxes and that the bugs are probably 'headshotting' the helldivers, but such systems need to be VERY tight and consistent, which is not the case. Fair or not, unpredictable damage leads to frustration, and frustration... is bad.

Hazards

It cannot be said often enough, but fire tornadoes are an actual hate crime. They can disrupt the helldivers' ability to complete objectives for entire minutes, camping their dropped gear or completely walling off entire routes. The ultimate version of this is in civilian escort missions, where not only they can completely prevent you from progressing the objective but helldivers get a requisition penalties for the deaths of civilians that run into pillar of fire.
I already mentioned this but, some planets are so foggy that that in of itself is a hazard. An honorable mention goes to meteor showers which clear objectives on their own; it's amusing and I'm sure most people smirk at it, but technically that makes things easier than they should be with no input from the player.

Army Composition Seeds

You load up your Recoiless Rifle and your Railcannon Strike, but suddenly the bots throw two hundred tin men with chainsaws at you. Later, you call down a Machine Gun only to be completely overwhelmed by Chargers and Bile Titans.
Enemy compositions are a big part of the game, and they are NOT created equally. There are enemies in this game that are simply far more dangerous than their peers, and campaigns abundant with their presence are much harder.
This COULD be mitigated by having a VAGUE description of the expected 'weight class' of enemies, call it a satellite scan or something. Knowing that you'll be facing more (or less) of certain enemies without having to go in blind on the first mission of a campaign would save some frustration.

Stacked Hostile Secondary Objectives

Much like army compositions, secondary objectives are NOT made equal and an enemy artillery near the extract or a jammer near the main objective will be FAR more disruptive than the shrieker nest on the far end of the map.
Now, full disclosure, I actually like when they get in the way a bit. There's something very 'action movie'-like about entering extract and realizing you're about to get shelled and having to deal with that ASAP. THAT SAID, I still think it's a matter worth looking into. To get the most jarring example, Airship Factories can single-handedly end a mission if not dealt with and sometimes they spawn in extremely difficult-to-assault places, near objectives and whatnot, while sometimes they're isolated and begging to die. SOME disruption is great, EXTREME disruption or ZERO disruption is frustrating/not interesting. I figure this wouldn't require much beyond a bit of manually pruning certain bad spawn places.
CONCLUSION:
'Just turn down difficulty' is not a valid argument when so much grievance can be caused by bugs and issues with hitboxes and mechanics alone. These elements I mentioned can cause difficulty spikes that the player did not sign up for and absolutely can induce frustration. I would really love AH to give these elements a close look sooner rather than later, because nowadays when things go to shit on my mission it almost always involve one of those elements.

submitted by Sharptrooper to Helldivers [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 15:02 Superchecker Bus trip cancellations

www.translink.ca/alerts
Trip cancellations on a number of routes this morning, including: 49, 351, 352, 601, 608

submitted by Superchecker to Translink [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 14:54 Triggenometry Suggestions for dealing with bot accounts

I've streamed on Twitch on and off again over the last several years and I recently got back into it after finishing grad school and have found my experience to be plagued by bot accounts.
Since this wasn't something that I haven't previously had to deal with in any significant capacity, I never put much thought into various protections for bot accounts outside of a spam filter with my chatbot that catches hyperlinks.
I've been working on some additional things for my chatbot (I use StreamElements chatbot specifically) but I had some questions about some of the creator settings on the Twitch Creator Dashboard that I thought might be helpful.
In particular, I was looking at enabling email and phone verification for chatters. I know that requiring verification on both would be the safest route but I have concerns that this may limit my organic growth. I remember a while back there was a big kerfuffle over Discord requiring a phone number for verification and I wasn't sure if there were similar attitudes on Twitch.
So I guess my big question is, how typical is it to use these settings requiring full verification? And if you don't require full verification, what settings seem to work for you if you select 'some chatters must have a verified email/phone number'?
I greatly appreciate any help and suggestions in advance!

submitted by Triggenometry to Twitch [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 14:01 Zappingsbrew A post talking about 400 words

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palm, pan, panel, panic, pant, paper, paragraph, parent, park, parking, part, participant, participate, participation, particle, particular, particularly, partly, partner, partnership, party, pass, passage, passenger, passion, past, patch, path, patient, pattern, pause, pay, payment, PC, peace, peak, peer, pen, penalty, people, pepper, per, perceive, percentage, perception, perfect, perfectly, perform, performance, perhaps, period, permanent, permission, permit, person, personal, personality, personally, personnel, perspective, persuade, pet, phase, phenomenon, philosophy, phone, photo, photographer, phrase, physical, physically, physician, piano, pick, picture, pie, piece, pile, pilot, pine, pink, pipe, pitch, place, plan, plane, planet, planning, plant, plastic, plate, platform, play, player, please, pleasure, plenty, plot, plus, PM, pocket, poem, poet, poetry, point, police, policy, political, politically, politician, politics, poll, pollution, pool, poor, pop, popular, population, porch, port, portion, portrait, portray, pose, position, positive, possess, possession, possibility, possible, possibly, post, pot, potato, potential, potentially, pound, pour, poverty, powder, power, powerful, practical, practice, prayer, preach, precisely, predict, prediction, prefer, preference, pregnancy, pregnant, preparation, prepare, prescription, presence, present, presentation, preserve, president, presidential, press, pressure, pretend, pretty, prevent, previous, previously, price, pride, priest, primarily, primary, prime, principal, principle, print, prior, priority, prison, prisoner, privacy, private, probably, problem, procedure, proceed, process, processing, processor, proclaim, produce, producer, product, production, profession, professional, professor, profile, profit, program, progress, progressive, project, prominent, promise, promote, prompt, proof, proper, properly, property, proportion, proposal, propose, prosecutor, prospect, protect, protection, protein, protest, 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relatively, relax, release, relevant, relief, religion, religious, rely, remain, remaining, remarkable, remember, remind, remote, remove, repeat, repeatedly, replace, replacement, reply, report, reporter, represent, representation, representative, Republican, reputation, request, require, requirement, research, researcher, resemble, reservation, resident, residential, resign, resist, resistance, resolution, resolve, resort, resource, respect, respond, response, responsibility, responsible, rest, restaurant, restore, restriction, result, retain, retire, retirement, return, reveal, revenue, review, revolution, rhythm, rice, rich, rid, ride, rifle, right, ring, rise, risk, river, road, rock, role, roll, romantic, roof, room, root, rope, rose, rough, roughly, round, route, routine, row, rub, rubber, rude, ruin, rule, run, running, rural, rush, Russian, sacred, sad, safe, safety, sake, salad, salary, sale, sales, salt, same, sample, sanction, sand, satellite, satisfaction, satisfied, satisfy, sauce, save, saving, say, scale, scandal, scare, scatter, scenario, scene, schedule, scheme, scholar, scholarship, school, science, scientific, scientist, scope, score, scream, screen, script, sea, search, season, seat, second, secondary, secret, secretary, section, sector, secure, security, see, seed, seek, seem, segment, seize, select, selection, self, sell, Senate, senator, send, senior, sense, sensitive, sentence, separate, sequence, series, serious, seriously, servant, serve, service, session, set, setting, settle, settlement, seven, several, severe, sex, sexual, shade, shadow, shake, shall, shallow, shape, share, sharp, she, sheet, shelf, shell, shelter, shift, shine, ship, shirt, shock, shoe, shoot, shooting, shop, shopping, short, shortly, shot, should, shoulder, shout, show, shower, shrug, shut, shy, sibling, sick, side, sigh, sight, sign, signal, significant, significantly, silence, silent, silver, similar, similarly, simple, simply, sin, since, sing, singer, single, sink, sir, sister, sit, site, situation, six, size, ski, skill, skin, skirt, sky, slave, sleep, slice, slide, slight, slightly, slip, slow, slowly, small, smart, smell, smile, smoke, smooth, snap, snow, so, so-called, soccer, social, society, soft, software, soil, solar, soldier, sole, solid, solution, solve, some, somebody, somehow, someone, something, sometimes, somewhat, somewhere, son, song, soon, sophisticated, sorry, sort, soul, sound, soup, source, south, southern, Soviet, space, Spanish, speak, speaker, special, specialist, species, specific, specifically, specify, speech, speed, spend, spending, spin, spirit, spiritual, split, spoil, sponsor, sport, spot, spray, spread, spring, square, squeeze, stability, stable, staff, stage, stain, stair, stake, stand, standard, standing, star, stare, start, state, statement, station, statistical, status, stay, steady, steal, steel, steep, stem, step, stick, still, stimulate, stimulus, stir, stock, stomach, stone, stop, storage, store, storm, story, straight, strange, stranger, strategic, strategy, stream, street, strength, strengthen, stress, stretch, strike, string, strip, stroke, strong, strongly, structural, structure, struggle, student, studio, study, stuff, stupid, style, subject, submit, subsequent, substance, substantial, substitute, succeed, success, successful, successfully, such, sudden, suddenly, sue, suffer, sufficient, sugar, suggest, suggestion, suicide, suit, summer, summit, sun, super, supply, support, supporter, suppose, supposed, Supreme, sure, surely, surface, surgery, surprise, surprised, surprising, surprisingly, surround, survey, survival, survive, survivor, suspect, sustain, swear, sweep, sweet, swim, swing, switch, symbol, symptom, system, table, tactic, tail, take, tale, talent, talk, tall, tank, tap, tape, target, task, taste, tax, taxi, tea, teach, teacher, teaching, team, tear, technical, technique, technology, teen, teenager, telephone, telescope, television, tell, temperature, temporary, ten, tend, tendency, tennis, tension, tent, term, terms, terrible, territory, terror, terrorist, test, testimony, testing, text, than, thank, thanks, that, the, theater, their, them, theme, themselves, then, theory, therapy, there, therefore, these, they, thick, thin, thing, think, thinking, third, thirty, this, those, though, thought, thousand, threat, threaten, three, throat, through, throughout, throw, thus, ticket, tie, tight, time, tiny, tip, tire, tissue, title, to, tobacco, today, toe, together, toilet, token, tolerate, tomato, tomorrow, tone, tongue, tonight, too, tool, tooth, top, topic, toss, total, totally, touch, tough, tour, tourist, tournament, toward, towards, tower, town, toy, trace, track, trade, tradition, traditional, traffic, tragedy, trail, train, training, transfer, transform, transformation, transition, translate, translation, transmission, transmit, transport, transportation, travel, treat, treatment, treaty, tree, tremendous, trend, trial, tribe, trick, trip, troop, trouble, truck, true, truly, trust, truth, try, tube, tunnel, turn, TV, twelve, twenty, twice, twin, two, type, typical, typically, ugly, ultimate, ultimately, unable, uncle, undergo, understand, understanding, unfortunately, uniform, union, unique, unit, United, universal, universe, university, unknown, unless, unlike, until, unusual, up, upon, upper, urban, urge, us, use, used, useful, user, usual, usually, utility, utilize, vacation, valley, valuable, value, variable, variation, variety, various, vary, vast, vegetable, vehicle, venture, version, versus, very, vessel, veteran, via, victim, victory, video, view, viewer, village, violate, violation, violence, violent, virtually, virtue, virus, visibility, visible, vision, visit, visitor, visual, vital, voice, volume, voluntary, volunteer, vote, voter, voting, wage, wait, wake, walk, wall, wander, want, war, warm, warn, warning, wash, waste, watch, water, wave, way, we, weak, weakness, wealth, wealthy, weapon, wear, weather, web, website, wedding, week, weekend, weekly, weigh, weight, welcome, welfare, well, west, western, wet, what, whatever, wheel, when, whenever, where, whereas, whether, which, while, whisper, white, who, whole, whom, whose, why, wide, widely, widespread, wife, wild, wildlife, will, willing, win, wind, window, wine, wing, winner, winter, wipe, wire, wisdom, wise, wish, with, withdraw, within, without, witness, woman, wonder, wonderful, wood, wooden, word, work, worker, working, workout, workplace, works, workshop, world, worried, worry, worth, would, wound, wrap, write, writer, writing, wrong, yard, yeah, year, yell, yellow, yes, yesterday, yet, yield, you, young, your, yours, yourself, youth, zone.

submitted by Zappingsbrew to u/Zappingsbrew [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 13:56 schamppu +242 is released (hopefully) fixing the rest of pedometer and networking issues

Hello!
I've pushed out one more update to fix some weird edge cases people have been having with the new pedometer and networking. There are also couple of QoL updates: the in-game login should now support more password managers (including 1password) and the bank, shop and crafting input fields now use number keyboard to make typing in numbers easier.
As always, if you still have some issues, please report them on Reddit, Portal or Discord.
Some players that gained a lot of progress due to the steps bug will also have their characters rolled back to the pre-update state to make the leaderboards accurate once more.
Full changelog is here:

Added

Added buff and action data structures to the game
Made a devtool to add and edit actions

Fixed

Fixed player seeing popups in the main menu
With random networking errors, no longer the game throws you into main menu
Made all in-game navigation work through the same router provider
Made the Android and iOS HTTP client have the same retries and timeouts, as Android had none previously
Gave the networking timeout slightly more time to timeout
Made loading steps in any other route than the game itself impossible
Made the Android pedometer update its pedometer value when you foreground it, and not send the notification until actually first pedometer cycle happens
Made bank, shop and crafting input fields use number keyboard
A small correction so there would not be lost steps while trying to multiload steps
Made the logging events actually visible on Android to the backend
Minor pedometer adjustments to fix a rare issue
Improved how focusing works in the authentication screen
Forcing focus if authentication goes inactive
Fixed password manager & autofill in the login screen

submitted by schamppu to WalkScape [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 13:53 Soninetz Voicespin Demo: AI Contact Center Solutions

Looking to experience the power of cutting-edge voice technology? Say hello to Voicespin Demo! Dive into a world where seamless communication meets unparalleled convenience. Witness firsthand the contrast between ordinary and extraordinary with Voicespin's innovative solutions. Elevate your business operations with advanced voice capabilities that set you apart from the competition. Ready to revolutionize how you connect with customers? Explore the endless possibilities with Voicespin Demo today.
Useful Links:

Key Takeaways

Implement AI Contact Center Solutions: Consider integrating AI technologies into your contact center for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Utilize VoiceSpin Messaging and Auto Dialer: Take advantage of VoiceSpin's messaging and auto dialer features to streamline communication processes.
Leverage Reporting and Analytics: Use the insights from reporting and analytics tools to make data-driven decisions and enhance operational performance.
Enhance Sales and Customer Experience: Utilize VoiceSpin solutions to boost sales effectiveness and elevate customer experience through personalized interactions.
Rely on VoiceSpin for Trusted Solutions: Trust VoiceSpin's reliable solutions to meet your contact center needs and enhance overall performance.

Exploring AI Contact Center Solutions

AI Integration

Voicespin's demo showcases how AI enhances contact center operations, streamlining processes for agents and customers alike. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Voicespin ensures efficient and effective customer interactions.

Advanced Features

Within Voicespin's contact center solutions, advanced AI features are seamlessly integrated to optimize performance. These features include natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and predictive analytics, enabling proactive customer engagement.
https://preview.redd.it/n0rf8iburd0d1.png?width=614&format=png&auto=webp&s=588ed1b50119720d7abb6c076d7711ad570010cf
Boost productivity and delight your agents with VoiceSpin's advanced tools! 🚀 Sign up for your FREE trial now!

Benefits of AI Implementation

Implementing AI in contact centers offers a myriad of benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency through automated processes and improved response times. AI-driven solutions lead to higher customer satisfaction by providing personalized experiences and quick issue resolutions.

Unveiling VoiceSpin Messaging and Auto Dialer

Messaging Capabilities

VoiceSpin's messaging feature offers a robust platform for outbound calls. It enables businesses to reach out to customers effectively, enhancing communication channels. With this tool, companies can streamline their messaging processes, ensuring timely and personalized interactions.
The divvy invite function allows users to segment their contact lists efficiently. By categorizing recipients based on specific criteria, such as demographics or preferences, businesses can tailor their messages for maximum impact. This targeted approach enhances customer engagement and boosts response rates significantly.

Auto Dialer Advantages

VoiceSpin's auto dialer is a game-changer for organizations looking to optimize their sales processes. By automating the dialing process, agents can focus on engaging with prospects rather than manually dialing numbers. This automation not only saves time but also increases agent productivity by reducing idle time between calls.
One key benefit of VoiceSpin's auto dialer is its ability to handle a high volume of calls systematically. This feature ensures that agents are connected with leads promptly, maximizing the chances of conversions. Moreover, the auto dialer provides detailed analytics and insights into call performance, allowing businesses to refine their strategies for better results.

Insights into Reporting and Analytics

Monitoring Performance

Voicespin's analytics tools provide real-time data on leads and prospects, enabling supervisors to track agent performance efficiently. The platform offers detailed insights into call metrics and customer interactions.
The reporting features in Voicespin allow managers to assess the effectiveness of their teams in converting ratings and reviews into successful outcomes. By analyzing average rating trends, supervisors can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted training programs.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

With Voicespin's integration with Jira and other CRM systems, users can streamline workflows and enhance productivity. The platform's analytics capabilities help in identifying bottlenecks in processes, leading to quicker issue resolution and improved customer service.
Voicespin's focus on providing comprehensive reports empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions that positively impact their bottom line. By leveraging insights from Chrome releases and user feedback, businesses can adapt their strategies to meet evolving customer needs effectively.
Useful Links:

Measuring Customer Satisfaction

The ability to measure rating changes over time allows companies to gauge customer satisfaction levels accurately. Voicespin's reporting tools offer a detailed breakdown of Chrome usage across different regions and highlight popular features among users from various countries.

Boosting Sales and Customer Experience

Enhancing Sales Conversions

Voicespin's customer support tools streamline interactions, leading to increased sales conversions. By providing custom integrations tailored to specific customer needs, sales teams can effectively address inquiries and close deals promptly.
Voicespin's focus on enhancing the customer experience ensures that every interaction is personalized, catering to individual customer needs. This personalized approach significantly impacts advertising effectiveness, as satisfied customers are more likely to recommend the product or service to others.

Improving Customer Satisfaction

Through its emphasis on human input in customer interactions, Voicespin creates authentic connections that resonate with users. This human touch elevates the overall user experience, fostering trust and loyalty among customers.
Voicespin's seamless integration with websites enables a frictionless experience for users, reducing barriers to purchase decisions. The platform's intuitive design and competitive pricing further enhance the overall user satisfaction, driving repeat visits and purchases.

Trust in VoiceSpin Solutions

Client Testimonials

Client testimonials play a crucial role in showcasing the real-world impact of VoiceSpin's solutions. Hearing directly from satisfied customers reinforces the reliability and effectiveness of the services provided. These testimonials provide insights into how VoiceSpin has successfully addressed various challenges faced by businesses, leading to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Success Stories

Success stories shared by VoiceSpin's clients offer concrete examples of how the solutions have positively transformed their operations. These stories highlight specific benefits such as increased productivity, streamlined communication processes, and enhanced customer interactions. By sharing these success stories, VoiceSpin demonstrates its ability to deliver tangible results that align with the needs and goals of its clients.

Key Factors for Trust

Several key factors contribute to building trust in VoiceSpin's products and services. These include a history of delivering reliable solutions, a team of experienced professionals dedicated to client success, ongoing support and maintenance services, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. By consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations, VoiceSpin has established itself as a trusted provider of contact center solutions.

Summary

In exploring AI Contact Center Solutions, you've uncovered VoiceSpin's innovative Messaging and Auto Dialer features, offering insights into Reporting and Analytics that can significantly boost your sales and enhance customer experience. Trust in VoiceSpin Solutions to revolutionize how you manage customer interactions and drive business growth.
Make sure to schedule your VoiceSpin demo today to experience firsthand the power of AI-driven contact center solutions in transforming your customer communication strategies. Elevate your sales, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional customer service with VoiceSpin's cutting-edge technology.
Transform your customer interactions with VoiceSpin's innovative solutions! Start your FREE trial today! 💼

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of VoiceSpin Messaging and Auto Dialer?

VoiceSpin Messaging and Auto Dialer offers seamless communication with customers through automated messaging and efficient dialing capabilities to enhance customer engagement and productivity.

How can VoiceSpin Solutions benefit my business operations?

VoiceSpin Solutions can streamline your contact center operations by providing AI-powered tools for enhanced customer interactions, improved reporting and analytics, increased sales, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Is VoiceSpin known for its reliability in the industry?

Yes, VoiceSpin is a trusted name in the industry known for its reliable solutions that help businesses optimize their contact center operations, improve efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer service experiences.

Can VoiceSpin Solutions adapt to different business sizes?

VoiceSpin Solutions are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, offering scalable options that can be customized to meet the specific needs of small, medium, or large enterprises without compromising on performance.

How does VoiceSpin contribute to boosting sales and enhancing customer experience?

VoiceSpin's advanced features such as intelligent call routing, predictive dialing, and personalized messaging help businesses increase sales conversion rates, improve lead management, and deliver personalized customer experiences that drive loyalty.
Useful Links:

submitted by Soninetz to NutraVestaProVen [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 13:33 Davebut68 John Deere Skidsteer for sale.

One owner John Deere model number: 7775 diesel skidsteer. Machine has around 3500 hours but the diesel engine that was replaced new from John Deere dealership under warranty only has approximately 1000 hours. Doesn’t need any major repairs only someone who has the basic knowledge on how to get it running after no use for 2+ years. Stored away and kept out of weather. It has been sitting for 2 & 1/2 years but ran Exellent when last used. Bought new machine & was going to keep it for a back up but plan on purchasing another new machine. Machine is a 2000 or 2001 but is a very dependable and powerful machine. Other than the Warrenty engine replaced by my dealership I’ve had no major problems with this machine. Never abused owner operator. Looking to get $11.500 but if you help me getting it running I’m willing to negotiate. It should only take some minor repairs like a battery and some maintenance and possible troubleshooting like fuses, relays etc. & nothing major. Has a factory low profile bucket with removable tooth bar, (Two Bolts & 5 minutes to remove & install.) Has a brand new seat. Photos available on request.
Call and ask for Dave. (781)985-0428 Weymouth Massachuttes, 20 minutes south of Boston off of Route 3 south which is off of Route 93.

submitted by Davebut68 to skidsteers [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 13:28 ReportsStack Aerospace Wiring Harness Market Size, Industry Trends & Growth Analysis from 2024 to 2030

In 2023, the global aerospace wiring harness market reached a valuation exceeding USD 2 billion, with projections indicating a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.5% throughout the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This market's expansion is underpinned by various factors that steer its upward trajectory. Advancements in aircraft design and technology, marked by the integration of sophisticated electronic systems and avionics, are driving the demand for high-performance wiring harnesses capable of accommodating complex electrical architectures. Additionally, the surging global air passenger traffic, alongside rising aircraft deliveries to meet escalating demands for air travel, underscores the necessity for dependable and lightweight wiring solutions to bolster aircraft efficiency and safety.
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=158391
Market Trends:
· Lightweight Materials: Aircraft manufacturers and operators are increasingly prioritizing fuel efficiency and performance. To achieve these goals, there's a growing emphasis on the use of lightweight materials in aerospace wiring harnesses. Materials like aluminum alloys, composite materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers), and high-strength plastics offer the dual advantage of reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity and reliability. By employing lightweight materials, aircraft can improve fuel efficiency, extend range, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
· Miniaturization: As aircraft systems become more advanced and space within the aircraft cabin becomes increasingly limited, there's a trend towards the miniaturization of components, including wiring harnesses. Miniaturized wiring harnesses occupy less space, allowing for more efficient utilization of available space within the aircraft. Additionally, smaller harnesses contribute to weight reduction, which is critical for achieving fuel savings and optimizing aircraft performance. Despite their smaller size, miniaturized wiring harnesses are engineered to maintain robustness, reliability, and performance under demanding operating conditions.
· High-Speed Data Transmission: The rise of connected aircraft and the growing demand for high-speed data transmission have necessitated the development of advanced wiring harnesses capable of supporting rapid data transfer rates. Fiber optic cables and advanced copper wiring technologies, such as twisted pair and coaxial cables, are being increasingly utilized to meet the bandwidth requirements of modern avionics systems. These high-speed data transmission capabilities enable seamless communication between onboard systems, ground control, and satellite networks, facilitating enhanced situational awareness, real-time data exchange, and operational efficiency.
· Modular and Flexible Designs: In response to evolving aircraft configurations, technologies, and operational requirements, there's a shift towards modular and flexible wiring harness designs. These designs allow for greater adaptability and scalability, enabling easier integration with new systems, components, and upgrades. Modular wiring harnesses are composed of interchangeable modules or segments, facilitating simplified installation, maintenance, and repair procedures. Additionally, flexible harnesses can accommodate changes in routing, bends, and angles, ensuring optimal fitment within the aircraft structure while minimizing installation time and complexity.
· Integration of Smart Technologies: The integration of smart technologies into wiring harnesses is transforming traditional electrical systems into intelligent, interconnected networks. Embedded sensors, microcontrollers, and diagnostic algorithms enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of electrical performance. These smart features provide proactive fault detection, predictive maintenance alerts, and enhanced system reliability, contributing to improved safety, efficiency, and operational readiness. By leveraging data-driven insights, operators can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime, maintenance costs, and operational disruptions.
Market Opportunities:
The aerospace wiring harness market presents a myriad of opportunities driven by several factors. The ongoing advancements in aircraft technology, including the emergence of electric propulsion systems and autonomous flight capabilities, create demand for innovative wiring solutions capable of supporting these cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency in the aviation sector opens avenues for the development of lightweight and eco-friendly wiring harness materials and designs. Furthermore, the expanding commercial aerospace sector, particularly in emerging markets, offers opportunities for market penetration and expansion. Moreover, the growing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and urban air mobility (UAM) platforms necessitates specialized wiring harnesses tailored to the unique requirements of these applications.
According to the recent report published by RC Market Analytics, the Global Aerospace Wiring Harness Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. This latest industry research study analyzes the aerospace wiring harness market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants. The report offers a holistic view of the aerospace wiring harness industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.
Browse the Full Report Discretion @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/aerospace-wiring-harness-market/
Geographically, the aerospace wiring harness market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The aerospace wiring harness market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Aerospace wiring harness market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2020 to 2023 along with forecast for the period from 2024 - 2030.The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.
The Aerospace Wiring Harness Market Segmentation:

By Product Type:

Wing
Fuselage
Interior
Engine

By Application:

Commercial Aircraft
Business Jets
Helicopters
Military Aircraft

By Region:

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa

Several prominent companies in the global aerospace wiring harness market include Yazaki Corporation, GKN Aerospace Services Limited, Glenair Inc., TE Connectivity Ltd., and KSaria Corporation. These firms are actively pursuing market opportunities through expansion, investment, service diversification, and collaborative ventures. By expanding into new regions and engaging in strategic acquisitions, players aim to enhance their competitive edge and leverage synergies for growth.
To know more about this study, request a free sample report @ https://www.researchcorridor.com/request-sample/?id=158391
Key Questions Answered by Aerospace Wiring Harness Market Report:

Product popularity and adoption based on various country-level dynamics
Regional presence and product development for leading market participants
Market forecasts and trend analysis based on ongoing investments and economic growth in key countries
Competitive landscape based on revenue, product offerings, years of presence, number of employees and market concentration, among others
Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Pestle Analysis, Porter’s Five Force model, Value Chain Analysis pertaining to Aerospace Wiring Harness market
Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional and country-level markets from 2020-2030

About Us:RC Market Analytics is a global market research firm. Our insightful analysis is focused on developed and emerging markets. We identify trends and forecast markets with a view to aid businesses identify market opportunities to optimize strategies. Our expert’s team of analysts’ provides enterprises with strategic insights. RC Market Analytics works to help enterprises grow through strategic insights and actionable solutions. Feel free to contact us for any report customization at sales@researchcorridor.com.
Media Contact:
Company Name: RC Market Analytics Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Vijendra Singh Email: sales@researchcorridor.com Visit us: https://www.researchcorridor.com/

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2024.05.14 13:18 Soninetz Voicespin Pricing & Features Comparison

When it comes to finding the right pricing plan available for your voice communication needs, navigating through the options can be overwhelming overall. Voicespin Pricing offers a straightforward solution that balances affordability with quality features. Say goodbye to hidden fees and complex structures - Voicespin Pricing stands out for its transparency and simplicity. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, Voicespin Pricing provides competitive rates without compromising on service quality. Make the smart choice for your communication budget with Voicespin Pricing.
Useful Links:

Key Takeaways

Understand the factors that influence Voicespin pricing, such as usage volume and additional features.
Explore the diverse features and benefits offered by Voicespin to determine the value it can bring to your business.
Compare Voicespin with alternative communication solutions to assess its cost-effectiveness and unique advantages.
Align your business needs with the costs associated with Voicespin plans to optimize your investment.
Choose the right Voicespin plan based on your specific requirements and budget constraints.
By evaluating Voicespin pricing, features, and alternatives thoroughly, you can make an informed decision that best suits your communication needs.

Understanding Voicespin Pricing

Basic Plan: Starting Small but Strong

1. Basic Call Center Features

The Basic plan provides essential call center functionalities necessary for small call centers to operate efficiently. These features include:

Business phone service
International DID numbers
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Call recording
Reporting and analytics
Text messaging
Basic integrations

2. Best for Small Call Centers

Priced at $36 per user, the Basic plan is ideal for small call centers looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising essential features. Whether you're a startup or a small business scaling up your operations, this plan offers the fundamental tools to manage your call center effectively.
https://preview.redd.it/7z0crzxqld0d1.png?width=677&format=png&auto=webp&s=e4099dfc6155d8b2bad98be7031382b8daf6b887

Advanced Plan: Elevating Your Call Center Experience

1. Enhanced Sales Features

The Advanced plan builds upon the Basic plan by offering additional features tailored to enhance sales and customer interactions. These include:

AI auto dialer
Local caller ID
Inbound call queues
Queue callback
Bulk SMS messaging
Premium integrations

2. Best for Contact Centers

Priced at $77 per user, the Advanced plan is designed for contact centers that require more advanced functionalities to streamline their operations and improve customer engagement. With features like AI-powered auto dialer and advanced integrations, this plan empowers contact centers to deliver exceptional service.

Enterprise Plan: Tailored Solutions for Large Call Centers

1. Customized Package

The Enterprise plan offers a fully customizable package tailored to the specific needs of large call centers. Features include everything from the Advanced plan, plus:

Advanced analytics
Workflow automation
Custom development
Custom integrations
API developer support
Custom onboarding

2. Best for Large Call Centers

With pricing based on demand, the Enterprise plan is the most popular choice for large call centers seeking comprehensive solutions tailored to their unique requirements. Whether you require advanced analytics, custom integrations, or API support, this plan offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your organization's evolving needs.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a VoiceSpin pricing plan for your call center, consider factors such as the size of your operation, your budget, and the specific features and functionalities you require. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, VoiceSpin offers a range of plans designed to cater to your needs and help you achieve your business objectives.
By understanding the features and pricing of each plan, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your call center's goals and objectives. Whether you opt for the Basic plan to start small or the Enterprise plan for customized solutions, VoiceSpin provides the tools and support you need to succeed in today's competitive call center landscape.
Useful Links:

Exploring Voicespin Features and Benefits

Features

Voicespin offers a range of features designed to streamline communication for users. These include interactive voice response (IVR) systems, call recording, real-time analytics, and seamless integration with CRM platforms.

Benefits

Businesses utilizing Voicespin can enjoy several benefits, such as improved customer service through personalized IVR menus and call routing. The call recording feature ensures quality control and compliance with industry regulations.

Communication Efficiency

Comparing Voicespin with Alternatives

Cost Comparison

Voicespin stands out in the market due to its competitive pricing, offering affordable plans for various business sizes. Compared to other solutions, Voicespin provides cost-effective options without compromising quality.

Features Analysis

When compared to its competitors, Voicespin offers a wide range of features at a fraction of the cost. Its flexible pricing structure allows businesses to customize their plans based on their specific needs.

Customer Satisfaction

According to years of customer reviews, Voicespin consistently receives positive feedback for its pricing transparency and value for money. Customers appreciate the cost-effectiveness of Voicespin compared to other alternatives.

Aligning Costs with Business Needs

Assessing Needs

Before selecting a Voicespin plan, businesses must carefully assess their needs. Consider factors like call volume, features required, and scalability.

Importance of Alignment

It is crucial to align costs with the specific requirements of the business. This ensures that you are not overpaying for unnecessary features or underestimating your needs.

Optimizing Costs

To optimize costs while maximizing benefits, start by choosing a plan that closely matches your needs. Regularly review usage data to identify areas where adjustments can be made.

Summary

You now have a comprehensive understanding of Voicespin pricing, features, benefits, and how it stacks up against its alternatives. By aligning costs with your business needs and choosing the right plan, you can optimize communication efficiency while staying within budget. Don't forget to consider factors like scalability, customer support, and integration capabilities when making your decision.
Make sure to analyze your requirements carefully and leverage the information provided to make an informed choice that will benefit your business in the long run. Voicespin offers a range of options tailored to different needs, so take advantage of this flexibility to enhance your communication strategies effectively. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on optimizing your business tools.
Boost productivity and delight your agents with VoiceSpin's advanced tools! 🚀 Sign up for your FREE trial now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine Voicespin pricing?

Voicespin pricing is determined based on factors such as the selected plan features, usage volume, and additional services required. The pricing structure is designed to offer flexibility and scalability to cater to varying business needs effectively.

How does Voicespin's pricing align with business requirements?

Voicespin offers a range of pricing plans that can be tailored to match specific business needs. By choosing the right plan, businesses can optimize costs while ensuring they have access to the necessary features and support required for their operations.

Are there any hidden costs associated with Voicespin pricing?

Voicespin follows a transparent pricing policy, ensuring that there are no hidden costs for users. The pricing details provided are comprehensive, enabling businesses to make informed decisions without unexpected charges impacting their budget.

Can businesses switch between Voicespin plans easily?

Businesses using Voicespin can easily switch between plans based on their evolving requirements. This flexibility allows companies to scale their communication needs up or down as needed, ensuring they always have the most suitable plan in place.

How does Voicespin compare with alternative solutions in terms of pricing?

When compared with alternative solutions, Voicespin offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality or features. Businesses can benefit from cost-effective communication solutions while enjoying robust features and reliable support from Voicespin.
Useful Links:

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2024.05.14 13:13 LivelyZoey QFX5120-48YM Virtual Chassis woes

Hey all,
I'm not too familiar with the way Virtual Chassis works so forgive me if I'm asking something stupid here, but I'm trying to set up a VC between two 5120-48YM but I'm running into issues. I'm setting the following commands:

set virtual-chassis preprovisioned
set virtual-chassis member 0 serial-number 123 role routing-engine
set virtual-chassis member 1 serial-number 456 role line-card
request virtual-chassis vc-port set pic-slot 0 port 55

But all I'm getting is the following thrown at me:

error: command is not valid on the qfx5120-48ym-8c

I'm sure I'm missing something obvious but I can't seem to figure out what exactly.
Both switches are running 20.4R1 as received from factory, do I just need a later version?
Many thanks!

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2024.05.14 13:01 A_N_F_18 Daily Airline Brief: US airlines take Biden to court, Life is good for Emirates, Network changes in Canada, and Azul reports a solid Q1 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)

News

👨‍⚖️ Court date: The airline trade group Airlines for America, and 6 airlines, sued the Biden administration over their attempt to implement rules cracking down on hidden fees. They are claiming it will confuse passengers. Meanwhile, Southwest didn't join the suit because it says the new rules won’t impact them.

🤑 In the green: Emirates posted a whopping 14.2% profit margin in the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year resulting in a profit of $4.7 billion. They will end the fiscal year with their highest ever cash balance of $12.8 billion, up 11% from last year. With that, employees will be getting a bonus equal to 20 weeks of pay.

🗺️ Network changes: Air Transat cut its flight from Montreal to London Gatwick, along with 7 other routes, for the upcoming winter season - yet another smaller airline struggling to make winter transatlantic flying work. Meanwhile, WestJet upgraded their Calgary - Tokyo flight from seasonal to year-round.

Good start: Azul posted a 4.5% increase in operating revenue and a 37.4% increase in EBITDA YoY in Q1. While the airline expects business to slow in the 2nd quarter, upcoming E2 deliveries should help fuel revenue growth and reduce costs.

🎧 Things I’m listening to

This week's episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge podcast breaks down what Spirit Airlines’ Q1 numbers mean for the future direction of the carrier and then dives into the Japanese airline market.

This week's episode of AvTalk (flightradar24’s weekly podcast) breaks down all the latest with Spirit Aerosystems.

Thanks for making it to the end! If you liked what you read, please do me 3 small favors:

1️⃣ Give this post an upvote
2️⃣ Drop a comment with your thoughts on today's news or a story I missed
3️⃣ Share with a friend (or 2 🤪)
If you have any thoughts or comments on the newsletter I’ll see you tomorrow at 7AM ! ✌️

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2024.05.14 12:40 Specialist_Bake6514 Vapiano P3: Italian Food Made in Germany

The kitchen is on fire. Welcome to the final part of the Vapiano story where the tables are turning. In the first two episodes we followed Mark Korzilius' journey from setbacks to founding Vapiano, a groundbreaking restaurant concept, highlighting its fresh ingredients, dynamic atmosphere, and data-driven operations that drove rapid success. While achieving initial profitability and garnering attention from industry giants like McDonald's, Vapiano's global expansion has led to stellar revenue growth. However, it has also resulted in the emergence of numerous side projects (or distractions), operational challenges, increased costs, significant investments, and a notable accumulation of debt. This underscores the prioritization of top-line growth over profitable growth. We will continue on this thread and see how the story ends, but I would encourage you to read part one and two for better context. Vapiano P1: Italian Food Made in Germany (substack.com). Let's dig in.
Before Going Public
We are now in 2015 and the year is a disaster for Vapiano's PR department. Employee time stamps are being manipulated, endless overtime for employees and high turnover in managerial roles are reported; mice in the kitchen and even rotten food allegedly found.
The company is confronted with allegations of exceeding working hours among trainees in an article published by Welt am Sonntag, while the same outlet accuses Vapiano of manipulating punch times. The auditing firm PwC is commissioned to investigate the allegations and finds that there is no systematic approach but rather misconduct by individual employees, a mistake that’s being corrected. Internal however, investigations into stamp times are carried out regularly now and beyond its obvious reputational impact, this sucks up valuable management time and attention.
In the summer of 2015 CEO, co-founder and investor Gregor Gerlach, who has been running the group since 2011 is stepping down and Jochen Halfmann is taking over. A new Vapiano People Program with an App is being developed with the aim to better interact with customers that will incorporate innovate features such as mobile pay. The German website sees a launch of new magazine to further promote the brand and there is now a full inhouse blogger and Instagram team being installed. In October the company buys seven restaurants from original co-founder, former co-investor and ex-president previously responsible for internation expansion Kent Hahne (2x Bonn, 3x Cologne, 1x Koblenz and one in Cologne that’s under construction). This package of Vapiano restaurants is very successful and generates net sales of more than 20 million euros in 2014. Hahne opened his first Vapiano restaurant in Cologne in August 2006 and in 2015 with his company apeiron AG, Hahne operates six L'Osteria franchise restaurants, a direct Vapiano competitor, and two self-owned restaurants GinYuu.
Then in November of 2015, the next public relations bomb goes off with allegations regarding the company's quality standards. The company immediately investigates the issue through internal and external specialists but finds no evidence of any quality issues. Nevertheless, knowing that the group is now being closely watched, the company’s already in place hygiene standards are being reinforced. Additional audits and inspections are performed nationally. Further, all Vapianos worldwide are being audited twice by the partners SGS Institut Fresenius and SAI Global. Auditing software is purchased to simplify the implementation of the audits and the resulting measures. Apart from the external examinations, there is a food sampling plan in place being performed continuously. Again, all of this sucks up costs, management time and attention. With all these tumultuous developments the company’s growth engine is undeterred. Revenue grows by a whopping 50 million euros to 202 million euros, an increase of 33%. Impressive. While average spent per customer increases in all countries, the number of customers per day in Germany decreases by 3.3% partially due to the negative press towards the end of the year. Five own, four JV and 19 new franchise restaurants are added that year to the group, the total number of own managed restaurants grows to 51, there are 31 JVs and 84 franchises which bringing the total to 166 Vapiano restaurants. Global restaurant sales are now above 400 million euros.
But while revenue grows by an astronomical 50 million euros, operating profits, alarmingly, shrink again. Gross margins are staying perfectly healthy above 75% but operating costs keep growing disproportionately fast. The Company’s outstanding debt jumps by almost 30 million, close to 85 million euros by the end of the year. With operating profits at 9.5 million euros, alarm bells should be going off right now.
In Q4 of 2015, new CEO Jochen Halfmann introduces Strategy 2020. The new strategy includes five essential points. One, profitable growth in the newly defined core markets of Germany and Austria as well as in the UK, Netherlands, France and USA. Two, operational excellence through strict “best practice” management. Three, further development and digitalization of the concept considering guest feedback. Four, greater focus on long-term employee retention and five, building a modern and sustainable IT landscape. Sound’s good on paper but let’s see how things pan out.
Vapiano's investments (capital expenditures) that year are primarily directed towards new restaurant openings, renovations of existing establishments, and share acquisitions in other Vapiano restaurants from franchisees or JV partners. A significant portion of funds is allocated to the digitalization of the guest experience, including the development of a new app scheduled for market release in 2016 and the implementation of a time recording system across all group restaurants. The world's first standalone Vapiano restaurant with a delivery service that year is built in Fürth, Germany. The company keeps expanding its presence in both inner-city locations and international markets, such as Shanghai, China.
To finance all of this, the group has its own operating cash flow which comes in at 18 million while capital expenditures are 26 million euros plus 14 million for acquisitions. The funding gab is filled with 26 million euros of new debt and a seven-million-euro equity raise. At that end of the year and after the equity raise Gregor Gerlach (through his AP Leipzig GmbH & Co. KG entity) holds 30.1%, Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander through their Exchange Bio GmbH hold 25.5% and the Tchibo heirs, Herz through their Mayfair Beteiligungsfonds II GmbH & Co. KG hold 44,4%.
But for the first time the restaurant’s concept that was so successful to date is being questioned. Some customers are starting to mislike the operational flow of the concept itself. If you want pasta, you must queue for pasta. If you want pizza you stand in a different queue. A small side salad, yet another queue. "You spend more time carrying trays than an actress in Berlin-Mitte. The audience in the pasta limbo can only consist of people who have worked for an insurance company for a long time and, like Stockholm syndrome, they can no longer get away from the industrial canteen feeling," writes TV host Beisenherz provocatively. While overly harsh in his assessment he's not entirely wrong judging by customers venting their frustrations in forums and social media channels. It isn’t uncommon for those who ordered pizza to have already finished eating while there is little movement in the pasta queue. Long term that doesn't go down well, QSRs competitors like L’Osteria are handling this process differently, with much success.
https://preview.redd.it/6cas01oked0d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=2da6e0b4bc0e07dbee558de412feb414cd598d4a

Tipping Point

Where are now in the year 2016 and things start to deteriorate visibility. Perhaps not for the leman’s eye but any business minded observer can see that there are problems under the hood. Yes, revenue grows yet another whopping 50 million to almost 250 million euros but half of that growth, comes from acquisitions of restaurants that the group didn’t already own 100%, which is now being fully consolidated within the group’s accounts. Here is a concrete example. In the past, Vapiano SE, the group’s top holding company held an indirect 50% stake in a French subgroup via the subsidiary VAP Restaurants SA, based in Luxembourg, and included this as an associated company in the Vapiano SE consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Due to the acquisition of additional shares in September of 2016, Vapiano SE's indirect share in the French subgroup increased to 75%. This means that Vapiano SE takes control of the French subgroup, which is therefore included in the group’s financial statements as part of the full consolidation. The revenue from the acquired subsidiary now recorded in the consolidated income statement amounts to 12.8 million euros. While that’s great for the top line, the loss of the fully consolidated entity equates to 0.2 million euros. Yes, you are buying revenue, but there are losses attached to them, not profits. A similar case is the Swedish entity that runs eight restaurants with revenue of 11.5 million euros but has losses of 235 thousand euros. So much for Strategy 2020 and “profitable” growth.
That year the group’s operating profits are absolutely tanking, halving to 3.5 million euros. Operating profits are now a mere 1,4% of revenue. Remember original founder Mark Korzilius who talked about operating margins of 25% to 28% at the restaurant level? Yes, there are overhead costs for the organization that sits above the chain of restaurants, but operating margins that low indicates a course correction is needed. What’s telling is that in the annual report, in the management discussion section, the company starts talking about EBITDA as a proxy measure of profitability, rather than operating profit or net income. This wasn’t the case in the years before. Is this window dressing for an upcoming IPO? EBITDA is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. How can you measure profitability of a restaurant chain that absolutely and unequivocally needs capital investment to maintain its restaurant operations, the very source of cash generation, by simply excluding this maintenance charge (depreciation in the income statement)? Vapiano’s own annual report talks about the fact that existing restaurants must be rejuvenated from time to time and that new interior designs have to be implemented every few years. These things wear and tear, they go out of style, kitchen equipment breaks and needs replacement. This business absolutely needs maintenance capital expenditure, why anyone talks of profits before these maintenance costs is beyond me. Fun fact: in the previous annual report EBITDA is mentioned seven times, mostly around restaurant acquisitions and financing, not however as a profit indication for the group. In the new annual report, EBITDA is mentioned 28 times. Maybe it’s just me but belated Charlie Munger liked to call EBITDA: bullsh*t earnings. When in doubt I stick with Charlie. Interestingly, EBITDA for Vapiano keeps growing while operating and net profits keep falling.
Operating cashflow for the group that year is about 21 million euros, but capital expenditure is 30 million and acquisitions for subsidiaries another 20 million. To finance these expenditures another 28 million euros of debt and 16 million of equity is raised. Net debt rises above 130 million euro. The operating cashflow of the group before any capital expenditures is 21 million euros. I am not sure free cash flow would be significantly positive after maintenance capex is paid out; it’s not broken out so we can’t be sure. Granted, I am not on the ground during this time, and I am not in the board room, I am simply reading what’s in front of me, but to me this is starting to look like a distressed situation. Regardless, the following year the company goes public.

IPO

Where are now in the year 2017 and its Vapiano’s first year as public company. The company’s annual report reads the following “Sales revenue, like-for-like growth (LfL) and the earnings figures EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are used as the most important financial performance indicators for controlling operational business activities.” The very same report however also says: “The majority of the group's investments regularly go towards opening new restaurant locations and modernizing existing restaurants. The latter are differentiated into regular replacement investments that occur during ongoing operations (Maintenance CAPEX) and fundamental investments in the renovation of a restaurant (Remodeling CAPEX). On average, a restaurant remodeling takes place nine years after opening.” It says it right there in their own report; every nine years a remodeling is taking place. Remodeling and updating is not cost free, so why exclude depreciation charges which reflect capital expenditures? I understand that perhaps you would want to strip out one-off opening costs, that’s fine and fair, but don’t go overboard.
The number of restaurants increases by 26 (previous year: 13) to a total of 205. The increase consists of 27 new openings and one closure. Group revenue grows to an astonishing 325 million euros but here comes the shocker, operating profits turn negative to 25 million. Fine, strip out foreign exchange losses of 3 million, IPO costs of 5.8 million and new opening costs of 6.1 million and you still have 10 million euros of operational losses. All the while the debt load of almost 130 million hasn’t materially changed, so those operating losses are before a six-million-euro interest payment. 184 million euros are raised through the IPO of which 85 million go to the company. This money is earmarked for further expansion as the group has ambitions to almost double the footprint to 330 restaurants by the end of 2020. The company is currently not profitable on an operating basis, and still wants to expand aggressively? I don’t get it. The remaining 100 million euros of the IPO money raised is distributed to co-founder Gregor Gerlach and Wella heirs Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander. The family office of the former Tchibo owners Günter and Daniela Herz with a 44% stake, don’t sell a single share. After the IPO, 32% of all the company’s shares are now in free float.
One year later, in 2018, things get even worse. Revenue grows to 371 million, but operating losses mount to 85 million euros, that’s before interest expenses of 9 million. Even the beloved EBITDA figure turns negative, meaning the operating business before any expansionary or even maintenance capital expenditures is loss making. All regions are experiencing significant deterioration in their earnings profiles. Like for like sales are down 1% across the board. That’s revenue, not profitability. The question naturally arises: is the Group approaching its natural saturation point here or this operational by nature? The operating cash flow is now 9 million while financing cost are close to 7 million. That leaves 2 million for maintenance capital for 74 own restaurants and 76 joint ventures ones. Describing this as financially tight, would be an understatement.
Things are not looking good at this point. Yet the company still grows restaurants by 26 new sites. 64 million euros are spent on acquisitions, new openings, and maintenance costs, financed through a 20 million-euro equity raise and 72 million of new debt. The Company now has net debt outstanding of over 160 million euros. After the equity raise and by the end of the year 2018, Mayfair owns 47.4%, VAP Leipzig, Gregor Gerlach’s entity owns 18.9% and the Sander couple own 15.5% of the company. Yes, the Sanders and Gerlach may have taken 100 million euros off the table, but they still have substantial skin in the game. Plus, Mayfair hasn’t sold a single share and instead injects more money into the company through the equity round. The stock has now fallen from its IPO price of 23 euros per share to under 6 euros by the end of 2018. Something must be done here. And indeed, there is pivot in strategy and a hard push for change. At last, the management team abandons its aggressive growth plan and curtails new openings significantly. Additionally, the team wants to run a thorough analysis of weak locations to then either discontinue or sell sites. In Europe, the operating focus will be put on corporate restaurants and joint ventures in major cities to ensure the ideal size and location to match the respective demographic target group. Outside of Europe, the franchising business is being expanded and at the same time a consolidation of the existing corporate and joint venture markets is being sought. All future investments will be reviewed to achieve higher rates of returns on new openings. Investments are also being made in the renovation of older restaurants. The goal in the future is to also open smaller formats, like Mini-Vapianos (less than 400 square meters) or Freestander at prominent transportation hubs outside city centers (currently in Fürth and Toulouse) to cater to individual location requirements, and to enter new partnerships. I am not sure why management hasn’t stopped all expansion altogether, bringing the ship in order first, getting profitable, clean up, all hands-on deck before considering any further expansions whatsoever. But again, it’s easy to comment from the sidelines; maybe they saw white spaces that would be covered by competing concepts if they weren’t moving fast and aggressively enough. Although pushing internationally means competing with local players such as Jamie's Italian, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Nando's and many more which brings in its own dynamic.
Management also aims to enhance guest satisfaction. This involves refining operational processes, reorganizing the support center, and refocusing on the core offering: providing fresh and high-quality Italian food at affordable prices for a broad audience. The group also aims to reduce waiting times, especially during lunch, while also improving the evening atmosphere. There is even what I would call an evolution, away from Vapiano’s original concept, reorientating the customer journey. The ordering flow is being changed, offering guests synchronized preparations of all dishes while eliminating wait times at the cooking stations. The open show kitchen remains, staying true to original mantra of freshness and transparency but now guests can choose their preferred method of ordering through a mobile app, using a digital order point (kiosk), or by personally placing an order with a waiter. Guests can still freely choose their table and are then informed about the complete preparation of their order through a pager or their smartphone. This is a substantial deviation from the original concept, but a needed one. The group is also exploring and implementing the expansion of take-away and home delivery services but only at suitable locations, not universally across new openings. I am not sure why home delivery is even a priority here; it adds operational complexity. It’s better to clean up shop first and get back to the basics before adding new complexities. To be fair management does try to simplify. There are 49 different permanent dishes on the menu and additional 10 seasonal ones. Customers can choose from eleven different types of pasta. There is simply too much choice, and it makes orders complicated. The company announced to slim the menu down to its most popular and typical Vapiano dishes. There’s no need for an Asian salad at an Italian restaurant. "We have to go back to the roots, i.e. classic, honest Italian cuisine" says COO Everke. Regardless, in November of 2018, the supervisory board pulls the plug on CEO Jochen Halfmann and replaces him with Cornelius Everke. Everke himself has just become COO five months ago. Since 2017 he was responsible for international expansion. From 2011 to 2017 that role was filled by Mario Bauer – put a pin in that name, he’ll play a key role in the groups fate later. Then nine months later, in the middle of 2019, Cornelius Everke quits. He essentially concludes that his skillset and experience in the areas of internation expansion is no longer needed in the foreseeable future. To put it differently: Vapiano has moved from a growth story and has become a restructuring case, and other skills are required for that job. In June of 2019 Everke says the following “(we’ve) made a bit of a mistake when it came to foreign expansion”. No sh#t. Vapiano postpones the presentation of the 2018 annual financial statements three times in the spring of 2019, citing negotiations over an urgently needed loan of 30 million euros. It’s not until the end of May that a binding loan commitment comes through from the financing banks and major shareholders.
We are now in August of 2019 and the corona pandemic is just around the corner. Supervisory board chief Vanessa Hall takes over as interim-CEO and things are unravelling. Visitor numbers are declining; originally, it was planned to sell the US business but halfway through the year the buyer cannot come up with the money. But not all restaurants are performing poorly. The group's poor figures contrast starkly as an example with the experiences of the Swiss-German franchisee, who runs six restaurants. The Sodano family in Switzerland pays Vapiano a royalty of 6% of sales for the use of the brand. Enrico Sodano explains in an interview that they operate largely autonomously from the licensor. If an “accident” were to occur, he could immediately replace the Vapiano sign with Sodano, he says. The family concluded the rents and contracts with employees and suppliers independently. The Sodano family have six locations in Bern, Basel and Zurich, around one million guests every year and 350 employees. Things are going well on the ground. The delivery service they’ve built is offering them a second income stream. Expansion into Winterthur, St. Gallen and Lucerne are being planned; small locations with 150 to 250 square meters and an attached delivery service. Originally, Vapiano restaurants used to be huge but for such a large restaurant to be profitable, 800 to 1,000 guests per day are needed. That’s possible in medium-sized cities, but not in smaller towns which is why the Vapiano group now also supports smaller formats. Back to our corporate drama. The 2019 annual report would be the last report the group files. By the end 2019 the outstanding debt of the company is at an astronomical 450 million euros. Revenue has grown by another 7%, produced by four net new openings through two JVs and two franchise restaurants but operating losses come in at 317 million euros. That sound like an absolute shocker at first but depreciation and amortization charges are 345 million, so that operating cash flow is actually positive but unfortunately capital expenditures and interest payments are so large that they are eating up all of the company’s operating cash flow. Then in the beginning of 2020 Corona hits with full force and the world shuts down. As a result of the measures to prevent further spreading of the virus, the group is forced to cease all global business operations (except in Sweden). While all these shutdowns are happening, the group is the middle of negotiating with its lending banks and main shareholders. There are additional financing needs for restructuring measures, even without a pandemic happening in the background. The situation is so dire that the company starts pleading to the German government to roll out the package of financial help more quickly. Unfortunately, it’s to no end. The rapid closure of restaurants and the resulting lack of operating cash inflows in conjunction with the additional financing requirements, lead to the company’s final knockout punch. In April of 2020, the Vapiano group officially files for insolvency proceedings. The end of an era.

New Beginnings

Because of the pandemic, the majority of the group's subsidiaries in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, and China also file for insolvency or seek liquidation. The US business never gets sold in the end and is wound down. In the summer of 2020, significant group divestments occur, including the sale of 75% shares in the group's French subsidiaries, shares in franchisor companies, Australian subsidiaries, German subsidiaries, associated companies, self-managed restaurants in Germany, and insolvency-related sales in the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Sweden. The buyer of the Vapiano brand and one of these bundles of Vapiano restaurants is company named Love & Food Restaurant Holding, a consortium led by Mario C. Bauer – a name I told you to remember. Bauer was a former Vapiano board member and led the national and international expansion, opening 200 sites in 33 countries from 2011 to 2017 until he was succeeded by Cornelius Everke. Bauer didn’t feel comfortable with the IPO at the time but clearly has a lot of managerial and entrepreneurial talent.
The buyer consortium is an absolute A-Team comprised of European QSR top league hitters, including the founder of the Pret A Manger chain Sinclair Beecham; Henry McGovern, the founder and Ex-CEO of the giant international restaurant and foodservice operator AmRest; the Van der Valk Family that runs hotels and Vapiano restaurants in the Netherlands, and co-founder and ex-CEO Gregor Gerlach. The acquisition value is 15 million euros and entails 30 Vapiano restaurants in Germany, albeit that’s just the purchase price which comes on top of any capital investment needed to refresh and return the sites to its former glory. Nevertheless, just as a thought experiment, if you can get each site to 2 million euros of revenue and 400,000 euros in operating profit on average, which wouldn’t be an overly aggressively assumption given the company’s history, you’ve got yourself a package that can deliver restaurant-level operating profits of 12 million euros or more. It’s not disclosed how much capex was needed to refresh the operations, just that fact that the overall investment plus purchase price was a middle double-digit million-euro figure. Stil, it probably was a decent purchase. The same consortium buys Vapiano’s French business for 25 million euros just two weeks prior. After the transaction concludes, the master franchise is given to Delf Neumann and his Gastro & Soul GmbH. Neumann is an experienced operator, and he is ambitious to revitalise the brand with new services and products. For example, instead of pizza, the restaurants will be serving pinsa - a flatbread made from sourdough, wheat and rice flour, topped similarly to a pizza. It targets a more health-oriented customer base looking for a less calory heavy option. The menu overall is expanded by including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
https://preview.redd.it/kpt7ea6red0d1.png?width=1242&format=png&auto=webp&s=c9930ced85ee364e9df414547cae06b47a03fc19
Today Neumann’s Gastro & Soul GmbH operates 18 Vapianos on its own account and has 29 franchise sites, amongst other brands. By the year 2021, Vapiano operates 191 restaurants in 34 countries. This is around 50 fewer sites than before the bankruptcy. The number of branches is particularly thinned out in Germany – from 80 to 55. Nevertheless, Vapiano's home country remains by far the largest market, followed by France with 35 restaurants and Austria with 15 locations. “We have shrunk ourselves to health,” says Bauer in the aftermath and there is no further shrinking planned. Quite the opposite, the smell of expansion is in the air again – pun intended. Not as aggressively as before and with a new menu and ordering process.
Overall, the team around Bauer is filled with industry experts with knowledge and networks gained over decades who have a great track record, a long-term view, and the staying power to let Vapiano breath and finds its way back to success. The pressure of being a public company with all the associated quarterly, half-year and yearly disincentives have been removed. The menu is changed and extended with new types of pasta and sauces with significantly more vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Guests can order with restaurant staff, at terminals or on their phones and there are barcodes attached to the tables identify the respective seat. The food is brought to your table, all at the same time if you are in a group, no more annoyances with waiting in line. There is a plan for smaller, 350 square meter locations, with half the number of guests and significantly fewer staff and less set-up costs required to make the economics work. Locations that capitalize on remote work and increased demand for local lunch options, higher population density with shorter delivery routes and therefore cost-effective in house delivery services are targeted. And Bauer is testing the concept of ghost kitchens, which operate without a dining room or service staff, focusing solely on preparing food for delivery services, which for obvious reasons have a very different operational set up and footprint. Original founder Mark Korzilius however is not entirely convinced. He is not a fan of the pinsa for instance and he considers Vapiano's pizza as its cash cow, flagship product and believes that the core Vapiano proposition of Pizza, Pasta, Bar that has given the company its original success is being diluted. He instead admires the competitor L'Osteria, saying they’ve done a better job by focusing on Italian classics, especially the impressively large pizzas that sticks out beyond the plate is leaving every customer in awe. The guys who run L’Osteria are the same guys who have built Vapiano with him in the first place. Bauer on the other hand, like a true business leader, remains undeterred, stating that he is frequently asked whether Vapiano's restart was bold or foolish. He believes in entrepreneurship, franchising, in his experienced fellow partners and importantly the Vapiano concept. By the year 2024 you can find over 140 Vapiano branded restaurant in 27 countries across the globe, including locations far away from its birthplace like Australia, USA, Columbia, Chile, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. And why not? Italian food is, and will remain to be, incredibly popular. Vapiano offers fresh and tasty food at affordable prices in a good atmosphere. This combination of attributes should attract a lot of customers. It certainly has in the past.
For more stories: WIP Thomas Weitzendoerfer Substack

submitted by Specialist_Bake6514 to unpackbusinesses [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 12:40 EquivalentFinance106 [REVIEW] BV Jodie in Black and BV Pouch in pink from Leo, Jing Factory

*DISCLAIMER* I AM A NEWBIE
Imagine me as a newbie astronaut, stepping into the world of reps for the very first time. I’m untrained, like a fresh recruit, and everything is new and exciting, like exploring an alien planet. This is my first reps purchase; my maiden voyage into the galaxy of fashion. I’m over the moon with my purchase! It’s like finding a hidden treasure in the vast cosmos. But hey, I’m still learning to navigate this starry expanse, so please be gentle with me, like the soft glow of the moon in the night sky.

Disclosure - No incentives were offered, but Leo did ask if I could pen down a review if I was satisfied. And guess what? I’m super satisfied!

Seller - Leo. I discovered him after diving deep into the sea of reviews, he was also on a trusted sellers list. I contacted a bunch of sellers, comparing prices, shipping, factories, you name it. I read review after review, like a detective on a mission. But honestly, I am super happy I took the leap of faith
Contact Info - WhatsApp :+86 19120637469 and WeChat: LEO_7868

Price – 173 usd for the Mini Jodie, 154 usd for the pouch

Shipping - 50 USD (This cost covers the shipping of 2 bags without boxes, but with dustbags, all very carefully packed). The parcel arrived at my location via DHL

Timeline -
April 24th - I reached out to Leo, on Whatsapp. “Hello, do you have these two bags?” I asked. He responded with the price, and like Indiana Jones, I took the leap of faith mentioned above and sent the funds for my order through PP Friends & Family.
April 25th - PSP pictures received. I gave the GL to the Jodie, but the color of the pouch was not the right one. Fear not, Leo contacted the factory and returned on April 27th with the right pouch. I gave the GL to the pouch too.
April 27th - Leo,sends me a picture of the box.
May 7th - The tracking number arrived, like a secret code in a spy movie. Leo reassured me he would choose a safe route for my package to avoid any customs shenanigans, like a skilled navigator avoiding stormy seas. The journey of my package began, setting sail from Germany.
May 13th - The items arrived, like long-awaited gifts on Christmas morning. To be honest, I hoped that my package would arrive earlier, but we had holidays where I live due to Orthodox Easter. Everything moves at a snail’s pace during holidays over here, like a sloth on a lazy Sunday!

Pictures
· [Factory photos]: I don’t have them, I never browsed his album for these; I Was on a mission to buy these two)
· [PSPs]( https://imgur.com/a/QXt82lC )
· [Your Photos]( https://imgur.com/a/r5VFvE4 )

Quality - These bags are hitting a high note with a 9,5/10! They’re like a symphony in leather, every stitch hitting the right beat, no off-key notes here. The leather is woven to perfection, just like the intricate lattice on the top of a freshly baked apple pie. But please bear in mind; my eye is not trained, as already stated! :-D The zipper on the Jodie? It’s smoother than a jazz solo. Logos are stamped with the precision of a master craftsman, like a sculptor chiseling a masterpiece. The leather on both? It’s as soft and deep as a soulful ballad. Delicious and SOFT! There’s a tiny hint of fufu, but hey, it’s like a catchy chorus that fades out (no points deducted for this, it’s it’s like a temporary tattoo, it’ll go away).
Accuracy – Since love is the scale, I give them both a solid 5. They’re like well-trained show horses. These are bags born and bred in captivity and they’re mirror images of the authentics, measurements matching the Bottega website like a well-tailored suit.
Rep Satisfaction Rating - 10/10, I’m so smitten I’d probably get another color in both these bags, like a kid in a candy store.
Seller Satisfaction Rating - 10/10. This was my first rodeo with any seller, and all of you made it feel like a magic carpet ride. Leo was a saint, handling my questions and my customs phobia like a seasoned therapist. The service was as prompt as a waiter in a five-star restaurant, and the prices were a steal. I even got a Bottega keychain as a gift, just because, which was the cherry on top of a perfect sundae.
CPR [Cost Performance Ratio] - It’s looking like a perfect 10/10. I didn’t have to rob a bank for two bags that are going to be my go-to party pals.
The Wrap Up -
I’ll be strutting these bags around town without a second thought, like a rockstar on a world tour. 🎸

submitted by EquivalentFinance106 to RepladiesDesigner [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 12:29 blvckdivmondco ERC20 VEGAS - Contracts & Bodies (VEGAS BLOCKHAIN)

A general synopsis about the internal infrastructure of the VEGAS BLOCKCHAIN that binds V.EQUALS, ERC20 VEGAS, THE PRIMARY GOVERNING BODY AND BIRTHED US SECURITY NUMBERS with UNIFORMAL COMMERCIAL CODE, the US FEDERAL RESERVE and AMUN-RA GOLD TRANSACTIONS.
In an example you live upon a deedless territory. This is an 1871 USOA based geographical setup running through ERC20 Corporate Governance commercial bureaucratic flows and previously created bureaucracy. Mixing these concepts together.
ERC20 VEGAS - Why and how does this work with fiat and gold contracts for citizens within traditional and deedless governments, also known as corporate governments.
The VEGAS BLOCKCHAIN uses multiple routes to the person, or body. All US citizens are defined with a birthed security number. Due to the aid of UK code, within the District of Columbia, and the UK’s support for US Federal Reserve deedless territories offer different forms of symbolic delivery. One of the most famous routes for bureaucratic processing is the US Dollar which is backed by gold and Amun-Ra, an Egyptian library held within Roman Catholicism.
This process funnels through human bodies as all citizens live on US land, even if specific land deeds are absent. These States or territories, even if structured differently, allow humans to be documented in order to meet database validation requirements for said person. The provided Justice Center issues laws, acts and statutes upon persons, or documented persons, a corporate route of processing to access libraries to provided ID’s for ERC20 VEGAS.
Roman Catholicism’s library gives ERC20 VEGAS the ability to process US Dollar contracts through the body, of individuals who live upon this land, due to and quote no permit blockchain use and its enforcement by the documenters of said bodies.
This paper flow gives all citizens, deedless or not, the ability to use V.EQUALS with UCC in any scenario - at any given moment. This internal bureaucracies white paper expels from the human body due to birth certificates being signed by land representatives and electronic signature acts.
Since all births upon the land are registered ERC20 VEGAS executed no permit processes, that follow all Great State guidelines, Instantaneously giving purchasers the civil right to use corrected paperwork that’s been completed, and or updated, in good faith within the court of law.
The master root contract, and its agreements, are issued through US Justice Systems allowing bodies, electronic signatures and blockchains to meet at the same place within the court of law.

submitted by blvckdivmondco to vegasblockchain [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 12:18 Aswinth_Raj Exploring the CH9102 USB to Serial Converter: Design and Troubleshooting

The CH9102 stands out as a robust USB to serial UART converter, engineered by WCH (Nanjing QinHeng Corp), widely adopted in USB-to-serial adapter cables and development boards. This article delves into its design aspects and offers troubleshooting insights for smoother integration into projects.
CHH9120
Troubleshooting Tips:

Verify Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure they are properly made between the CH9102 and other components of the circuit.
Check Signal Voltage Compatibility: Ensure that the voltage levels of the signals (TX, RX, etc.) are compatible with the devices you are connecting to.
Test Serial Settings: Align serial settings, such as baud rate, between your computer and the device you are communicating with to ensure compatibility.
Conduct Loopback Test: Perform a loopback test by connecting the TX and RX pins of the CH9102. Send data from your computer, and if it is received correctly, it indicates that the CH9102 is functioning properly.
Address Computer Recognition Issues: Install correct drivers for the CH9102 chip on your computer. Check for hardware connection problems in the Device Manager, ensuring the chip is recognized without any error messages.

Design Considerations:

Strategic USB Port Placement: Place the USB port near the CH9102 IC on the PCB layout to minimize signal interference and optimize data transfer.
Direct Routing of Data Lines: Route data lines directly to reduce signal degradation and improve overall signal integrity.
Minimal Via Count: Minimize the number of vias in data lines to avoid signal loss and maintain signal integrity.
Inclusion of Filter Capacitors: Incorporate filter capacitors to stabilize voltage and reduce noise, enhancing the performance of the CH9102 and surrounding components.
Comprehensive Component Arrangement: Arrange components strategically to optimize space utilization and ensure efficient heat dissipation, contributing to the stability and reliability of the overall system.

Applications:
The CH9102 finds versatile applications in microcontroller programming, industrial control systems, DIY electronics projects, and legacy device support. Its adaptability extends to USB to RS485, RS232, and TTL serial port conversions, making it indispensable across various domains.
Alternatives to CH9102 include CP2102, CP2104, CH340, MA112AS16, FT230x, PL2303HX, CH341, CH343, MCP2200, CP2110, and FT232.
As a cornerstone in USB connectivity solutions, the CH9102 offers reliability and efficiency. Understanding its design intricacies and troubleshooting methods ensures optimal performance in diverse project scenarios, making it a preferred choice for engineers and enthusiasts alike. For detailed technical specifications and mechanical drawings, refer to the CH9102 datasheet available here.

submitted by Aswinth_Raj to components101 [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 11:44 odmegroup Breaking Records: ODM Schools Dominate CBSE 2024 with State Topper and Exceptional Results

Bhubaneswar, Odisha - In a resounding testament to academic excellence, ODM Educational Group proudly unveils the exceptional performance of its students in the CBSE Class X & XII examinations. Of particular note is the outstanding achievement of ODMian Ronit Kumar Rout, who has emerged as the State Topper, capturing the attention of educators and observers alike. Across the spectrum of ODM schools, students have showcased remarkable talent and dedication, underscoring the institution's commitment to nurturing academic prowess. This remarkable feat not only reflects individual brilliance but also underscores ODM's enduring legacy of excellence in education.
In the Class XII results of ODM Public School, academic excellence takes center stage with a remarkable showcase of achievements. The Science stream witnessed Ronit Kumar Rout clinching the top spot with an impressive 99.2%, securing the title of STATE TOPPER. His exceptional performance is complemented by Swayamshree Gahan's stellar 98.6% and Divyaanshu Behera's commendable 97.4%. In the Commerce stream, Siddhi Bansal leads with an impressive 96.6%, followed closely by Ashish Agarwal with 95.8% and Aaradhy Singh with 95.2%.
https://preview.redd.it/19ikbr4y4d0d1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d439f81bf8fb53b918447fc47a951755c24b543
Continuing the saga of excellence, ODM Public School sets new benchmarks in the Class X results. Ayush Pattanayak and Ankit Samantaray, the Joint School Toppers, illuminate the path to success with their remarkable achievement of 99%. The school's robust performance is further underscored by an impressive average of 82.5%, with a significant number of students achieving remarkable scores.
"I am profoundly honored to witness the extraordinary achievements of our students in the CBSE Class X & XII examinations," expresses Dr. Satyabrata Minaketan, Chairman of ODM Educational Group. "Their relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with the unwavering dedication of our esteemed faculty, has resulted in this remarkable triumph. This remarkable milestone not only reflects our commitment to academic excellence but also underscores our collective journey towards shaping future leaders. Heartfelt congratulations to all stakeholders on this momentous occasion."
In the Class XII results of ODM Global School, students have displayed exemplary academic prowess across various streams. Aditya Kar leads in the Science stream with an outstanding score of 97.8%, while Debasish Panda follows closely with 97.4%. Furthermore, the school celebrates the achievements of eight students scoring above 95% and 29 students securing more than 90%. In the Class X results of ODM Global School, Mohammad Saif Raza emerged as the School Topper, showcasing exceptional academic performance with an impressive score of 95.8%. These results underscore ODM Global School's commitment to fostering excellence and nurturing talent among its students.
https://preview.redd.it/r6fq4wpz4d0d1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38ff1a10fbc7e3cc30966de05575c62dc82cb09c
Mr. Swoyan Satyendu, COO of ODM Educational Group, reflects on the outstanding performance of ODM students in the CBSE examinations. "The results stand as a testament to the holistic education and nurturing environment provided by ODM," he remarks. "We celebrate not just academic excellence but also the character and values instilled in our students. These achievements reaffirm our commitment to fostering all-round development and preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world."
Continuing the celebration of academic excellence, ODM International School - Angul proudly presents the achievements of its students in both Class XII and X. Satyam Singh Dadwal leads the Humanities stream with an impressive 93.8%, while Pritam Kumar Behera emerges as the School Topper in Science with a notable 89.8%. Nupur Purohit excels in Commerce, securing the top spot with 81.8%. In the Class X results, Naman Saraf commands attention with an outstanding score of 97.8%, securing the top position.
https://preview.redd.it/jvy24rw05d0d1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15ce8ce68a7bacb33247760764c992e46a851da5
Concluding with pride and optimism, the remarkable achievements of students at ODM Educational Group in the CBSE Class X & XII examinations stand as a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence. These results not only showcase individual brilliance but also highlight the collective efforts of the dedicated faculty and supportive community. As this milestone is celebrated, ODM Educational Group looks forward to empowering more young minds, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future together.

submitted by odmegroup to u/odmegroup [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 11:31 dunxd Adding a extra properties to Intune devices

I want to be able to track warranty details in Intune, specifically the warranty id and the warranty expiry date. This would allow me to create a report showing devices where the warranty is due to expire in the next year, and thus estimate the number of devices we would be looking to replace in that timeframe for budgetary purposes. I'd rather do this in Intune to keep all the details in one place rather than maintaining the data manually in a spreadsheet.
One option is Extension Attributes, but those seem limited to strings, so searching or filtering on dates becomes awkward, plus the attributes don't describe themselves (i.e ExtensionAttribute1, ExtensionAttribute2 etc. rather than meaningful names like Warranty_id, Warranty_expiry).
Another option is Directory Extensions which looks like a better option as it supports dataType and custom names. However I don't think these will easily show up in Intune or Entra's interface for filtering or entering the data, so would need handling through PowerShell which is going to be harder for my colleagues to adopt, plus having to develop something. So before I go down that route, I wondered if anyone had any other suggestions.

submitted by dunxd to Intune [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 11:06 greydorothy A brief discussion of violence in Fire Emblem

Intro

It’s not much of a stretch to say that violence is the primary form of interaction in video games. With a handful of exceptions, most video games involve guys whacking other guys, with varying degrees of brutality. Even chill games fall into this - Stardew Valley has sections with combat in them! Considering the pervasiveness of violence in video games, there has been a ton of amateur and academic commentary on the topic. However, while this is a well-established school of thought, I haven’t seen people try to apply this to Fire Emblem specifically.
So, let’s do that now! In this post, I’ll be exploring how violence in Fire Emblem is implemented - what limitations are placed on violence, how it warps wider game and narrative design, and what it implicitly says and does not say. I hope this post doesn’t come off as too early-2010s “makes you think”-y, but I do think there are multiple interesting things worth talking about here!
Despite the length of this post, "a brief discussion" is an appropriate title, as we won't be able to go into depth on everything. After all, video games are holistic works, so the attitude towards violence is relevant to every aspect of their design. However, I have managed to wrangle some of these threads into the following structure: first a discussion on the fundamental mode of interaction in Fire Emblem, then how stories are constructed with regards to violence, and ending with the aesthetics of violence and how they relate to characters. Also, as FE is a huge series, be aware that I am gonna be making some broad statements which may not apply to each individual plot point of every game. I actually planned to write 3 case studies around Thracia 776, Fates, and Three Houses (which have the most interesting attitudes to violence in the series IMO) which point out these deviations, but this post is way too long and full of tangents already. If people are interested, I’ll make a followup to this post which goes into them in more detail. Also also, because of the nature of this post, I’ll actually give a useful TL;DR for once:
TL;DR: Nintendo games must be fun mechanically, and they can’t be too uncomfortable narratively. If you try to provide a counterpoint by saying “oh this Kirby final boss is super dark it eats 100 morbillion galaxies”, you do not deserve rights. IntSys has to keep to this as a 2nd party publisher, but they also have to deal with the fact that their games are at least nominally about ‘war’ (or at least they put their toes into that particular thematic pool). This conflict between making a fun video game for children/teens and the wider framing of the narrative leads to interesting narrative and aesthetic tensions. ~~also fun is cringe, misery is based~~

“Do you like hurting other people?” (or The Fundamental Mode of Interaction)

~~OK LISTEN I KNOW I LITERALLY JUST SAID THAT I DIDN’T WANT TO COME ACROSS AS A EARLY 2010s “VIOLENCE IN VIDYA BAD :O????” PERSON BUT I SWEAR I’M GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS~~
The best place to start when talking about violence in video games is to think about the primary form of interaction in said game. In the case of Fire Emblem, this is in the in-chapter gameplay. Sure, in objective terms the player moves arbitrary objects across a 2D grid which perform subtraction on arbitrary objects controlled by the computer, but this is always framed as controlling a squad of soldiers to engage in (typically lethal) combat with enemies (who are normally also soldiers). When you’re not doing this in-chapter gameplay, you are preparing for the next chapter of combat. This involves surveying the area of combat, preparing weapon loadouts, etc, however more recent entries also include light life-sim-esque elements. To summarize, Fire Emblem’s interactivity involves ordering violence as well as the preparations to order said violence.
For players, this strategic thinking is extremely fun and is the primary draw of the series! You have all these tier lists of who’s better at killing, discussion of the maps where you do the killing, complaints about the length of gameplay sections where you don’t do killing, etc. This is by design, as while I don’t know the core brand tenets of Nintendo, I imagine the Reggie quote “If it isn’t fun, why bother?” is carved into a solid gold statue of Mario in the office lobby. This then is enforced on all associated studios, including IntSys and so Fire Emblem. While I would disagree with that Reggie quote (especially the bit where he says “If it’s not a battle, where’s the fun?” which is a wild statement to make about an entire medium), this approach to making games is ultimately fine, and so IntSys tailored the strategic gameplay to be satisfying to your dopamine receptors. You could analyse what the normalisation of violence even in ‘just for fun’ games says about wider gaming culture, but I won’t get into that here. In any case, let’s dig into a few specifics of FE’s interactivity.
One thing that’s interesting with regard to strategy games is the detached perspective of the player. You order units and observe the resulting violence, but it’s not tactile, you don’t directly swing the sword or shoot the bow or cast the spell like with action games. This adds a layer of separation between the player and what fundamentally happens, at least within the framing that the game provides. It’s not like Call of Duty, where your relationship to the violence is very visceral, where you view everything down the barrel of a gun. OK, I probably shouldn’t use a series that I have very little personal experience with (I only listen to the supplementary lore material, so let’s talk about Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While you’re not directly in the driver’s seat, John Sekiro reacts to your every input with extreme responsiveness, so overcoming the game’s challenges i.e. stabbing people is incredibly visceral and satisfying. While this violence is fantastical in nature, there is sufficient blood and explicit sword-action to clearly say “oh yeah you are violently killing all of those bozos with a katana”. Coming back to FE, not only are you far more detached from the violence, it is presented in an extremely cartoony manner… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, we’ll get to the aesthetics later. Point is, Fire Emblem gives the viewpoint of a stoic commander, who Does What Needs To Be Done™, and not the viewpoint of an actual soldier who has to do the actual killing.
Now let’s view the player’s perspective on violence from a different angle. Fire Emblem intends for its combat to be relatively relaxed on the player side of things - the turn-based nature allows the player to calmly think through all of their moves, and you typically have perfect information on the enemies. The only exceptions to this are Fog of WaSame Turn Reinforcements, which are rare and typically unpopular amongst the fanbase. This leans into ‘combat as sport’, where (going back to the Reggie quote) you have a fun time picking apart a puzzle with the tools you have, and we all collectively enjoy this! This is a valid way of designing strategy games, and I like what IntSys has done. However, it’s not the only way of making these games - for example, in Total War you have to juggle all your battalions in real time whilst the enemy is bearing down on you, and the XCOM games always have Fog of War and limited information on the enemies, with you never knowing what kind of awful new monster is going to suddenly charge at you. Don’t get me wrong, neither of these follow ‘combat as war’, the principle that violence should properly mimic the stress, tension and unfairness of actual conflict. Hell, neither of them are particularly mature either - Total War is the strategy game equivalent of smashing action figures together, and XCOM emulates a pulp sci-fi alien invasion story. However, the additional pressures these games have make them hew slightly closer to actual conflict, putting you more in that mindset in a way that the clean fun Fire Emblem doesn’t really do. Again, I want to say FE’s approach to violence in in-map gameplay is fine, but when all three of these franchises have an explicit narrative framing of ‘warfare’, it does make Fire Emblem’s narrative a little more… stretched.
Finally, I want to briefly mention the maps. To steal from a brilliant Jacob Geller video, these are Worlds Designed For Violence. At least outside of the Kaga games, the maps you fight on are primarily designed around how the player interacts with them, i.e. fights on them. While I imagine the narrative designers and artists at IntSys are involved throughout the map design process, the gameplay flow probably takes precedence most of the time. Maps are not designed to resemble realistic places that you have to fight through, they are instead designed primarily to provide fun gameplay experiences before being dressed up by the artists to look realistic/fit the specific story beat. This is a more consistently entertaining approach to map design - heaven knows we have a lot of Kaga castle assault maps which are as fun as actually assaulting an entrenched position IRL - but this lack of friction could potentially take the bite out of the intended vibe, neuter any commentary on violence throughout the story.
You may have noticed that we’ve only talked about the “in-map” gameplay for now, when there’s an entire second half of these games, i.e. all the gameplay between the maps. Don’t worry, we’ll get to all of that, but this may fit better in:

Something something “ludonarrative” something something (or Narrative Implications)

(To clarify, here I’m going to talk about the wider plots and narrative structure as opposed to characterisation, as that fits more into the aesthetics of the series)
It’s not bold to say that the narratives of games have to warp around the core gameplay structure. Especially in AAA video game production, the narrative designers usually have to take a back seat to the systems and level designers, at least outside of the initial rough outline they provide in the original game pitch. In this case, the job of the writer is to form vaguely coherent connective tissue between individual levels, setpieces and expensive pre-rendered cutscenes. This must be a very difficult job, and is probably the reason why most video game stories are the way they are. I am not privy to IntSys internal meetings, but I imagine they abide by this paradigm, trying to give a reason for why you fight 20 battles which roughly align with plot beats that were decided years ago.
Put another way, the writers of Fire Emblem must contrive a reason why the characters fight a vast number of violent battles in a strategic manner. This has a pretty easy solution - war! We have found something it’s good for, as whenever the gameplay designers decide that an extra map is required, the writers can just insert “oh no there’s a blockade of enemy soldiers in the way, guess you gotta kill them all”. This is the case for almost all the games and is a fair enough narrative choice, as it’s frankly one of the few scenarios where you could reasonably contrive so many battles, but it’s worth examining this in a bit more detail.
Even in the framing of warfare, there are still a lot of skirmishes, which sometimes the narrative or tone fails to support - or at least, their presence means that violence isn’t taken that seriously. Let’s take an example from early in Awakening: Emmeryn sends the Shepherds to negotiate an alliance with Regna Ferox. On the way, they are ambushed by Risen on the Northroad (1), have to fight the border guards who think Chrom is a bandit I think??? (2), and then after arriving they need to take part in Regna Ferox’s ritual combat to secure their alliance (3). These beats aren’t necessarily bad, and I actually think Awakening uses these opportunities quite well: the Risen are established as a constant threat to the world (except not really in the main story but that’s a whole other thing), “Marth'' gets more development, we set up Regna Ferox as fighty people who like to fight, and while the middle encounter is very tenuous it does set up a funny joke in Cynthia’s paralogue. However, I want to communicate that if the map/encounter designers need X maps between plot points A and B - in this case, needing low-stakes trials in the tutorial period - then there’s gonna be a fair bit of narrative filler. That is to say, there must be multiple combat encounters that kinda just happen, which makes violence a lot more casual in the narrative. See also the myriad examples of “oh shit random bandits attack!”, used to have a lower stakes map, with bandits appearing and vanishing as needed. This works fine enough in the context of ‘combat as sport’, allowing your favourite scrunglo to build up a triple-digit body count, but this casual attitude circumvents potentially interesting ideas with regards violence. Taking the example further, banditry and its causes are never seriously explored, as bandits are just treated as a filler enemy (except in Based As Hell Thracia 776).
Another narrative consequence of needing so many fights is that… you need to fight. That is to say, any anti-war sentiment or appeal to diplomacy in the series is fundamentally undercut by a) strategic combat being a core appeal of the series and b) narrative beats needing to be structured around fighting enemies. It’s a struggle to have moments of diplomacy and reconciliation when you had a fight within 3 minutes of said moment, lest some people start screaming that things are getting boring. This also makes any appeals to pacifism kinda moot. Xander’s quote about “war bad” in Conquest is utter bullshit, as a huge part of the marketing around that route focuses on the coolness of the tactical combat and its challenge. Eirika and Ephraim can never be equal, because Ephraim’s “fighting is fucken awesome” is encouraged by the gameplay, and Eirika can NEVER save 11037 because we need a final boss and no-one else fits the bill.
Speaking of, in video games it’s best practice to have a big bad guy you fight at the end of the story, the toughest mechanical challenge coinciding with the narrative climax. In Fire Emblem, you have one grand final battle which decides the fate of the war and/or world, before cutting to a brief wrap-up and then credits. This is an attempt to make these games satisfying, which is fine, but this is at odds with an anti-war message (which FE often gestures towards) - that is, actual wars tend to be deeply unsatisfying in a narrative sense! Oftentimes, after a decisive battle, things just kinda keep going for a little while afterwards with casualties continuing to pile up until peace terms are agreed. In the few cases where there is a final battle, it’s more of a formality as the decisive moment occurred months ago. See World War 1 and… World War 2 for examples of each, not to mention a whole host of war-related books and films. The problem with doing this in a video game is that it would require having multiple one-sided fights past the most climatic fight, which would be unfun, and we return to that fucking Reggie quote again. While video games can effectively explore this anti-war narrative space - This War of Mine is a fantastic example - it just doesn’t gel with the fun games that IntSys wants to make. I bring this up in the context of FE because Fire Emblem has such an aesthetic focus on warfare compared to other video games, so it sticks out even further. Even in FE6/FE9 where the war is effectively over in the final few maps, the enemies still remain extremely challenging, because if they didn’t things would be boring.
A few minor things that didn’t fit in above before we wrap up this section. First of all, in making an action packed story, Fire Emblem neglects an important aspect of army life in warfare - the “hurrying up and waiting”. In the majority of cases, the breaks between fights is under 10 minutes, it’s just glossed over. Fire Emblem Three Houses is the exception to this, but there it’s more framed as school life. Some people may say “what’s the point in having large amounts of timewasting where nothing happens in my game about war” and to that I would say fuck you, I want to play Jarhead Emblem. Next, Fire Emblem involves fighting people AND monsters, but these targets are typically given equal narrative weight, outside of maybe a funny line of dialogue about someone being afraid of monsters. In 99% of cases, enemy soldiers you fight have no more humanity than literal monsters. The death of any of your beloved soldiers is a tragedy with big sad death quotes, the death of those poor fuckers is quite literally a statistic which is proudly used to rank how well your guys have done at the end of the game. Finally, the limited scope of the violence the series can show limits the potential impact of scenes. In some cases, this is good as the implication is enough, e.g. the ‘Monica’ scene in Sacred Stones is wonderfully grim and would be weakened by anything explicit. However, a number of other scenes are neutered by the limitations on violence. This fundamentally relates to the aesthetics of the series:

insert prozd tweet/skit here (or Aesthetics, Tone, and Characters)

I’ve been talking a lot about ‘the violence committed’, and this might have seemed a bit weird to you. It’s a true statement, but because the violence is mostly cartoony and abstracted - bad guys disappear into nothingness, there’s no blood, etc - it’s hard to think of it in that way. It’s basically impossible to place Fire Emblem in the same artistic sphere as, say, All Quiet on the Western Front. This aesthetic sense was partially tech-limited in the early NES and SNES games, which was grandfathered into the more graphically complex titles, but it’s also related to how the aesthetics unavoidably warp the tone of the work. IntSys needs their games to be relatively lighthearted and unconcerned with the consequences of its violence, as one of the core appeals of these games is the charming cast of characters. As you would expect, it would be a lot harder to appreciate your goofy blorbos and their lighthearted chats about nothing if you could see the brutal consequences of their triple digit body counts. If violence was more realistic, there would be a lot less “ooh I like training and/or this one hyperspecific food” or “I like peace, but I guess violence may be possibly needed sometimes” and there would have to be a lot more trauma and dourness. There are also age rating concerns, as you can’t exactly sell Come And See Emblem to pre-teens. And once more, to clarify: Fire Emblem as it exists now is fine! I like the lighthearted tone of this series, and I like the characters that reside within it. However, a few problems do arise from IntSys’s approach to violence, as occasionally they brush up against darker ideas but (due to similar reasons to the above) they can never commit to them, which neuters their potential impact. This is especially troublesome with regards to characterisation, as the little dudes are a core appeal, so if something is off that could cause problems. In a sense, at points we have severe aesthetic tension.
A fairly useful case study to see how this affects characterisation is with Mozu in Fire Emblem Fates. Mozu is a charming character, a genial country bumpkin with a bit of an edge at times, who has fond memories of her hometown. This lines up with the lighthearted tone of her recruitment paralogue, where (checks notes) her entire village gets massacred by inhuman monsters, with her mother literally being murdered right in front of her, and she joins up with Corrin’s party because there is literally nothing left of her old life. I understand that people who experience extreme trauma do still manage to live meaningful lives, and that IntSys wouldn’t want to have a character who is a barely functional traumatised mess for 90% of the campaign. However, this doesn’t explain the sheer dissonance between the relatively normal and well-adjusted Mozu who quietly remembers her lost loved ones, and the fact that her village got My Lai’d a handful of weeks ago in the game’s timeline. IMO this would work a lot better if there were a few survivors (instead of literally everyone else dying), with Mozu actively choosing to leave her old life to help others instead of being forced to leave by circumstance. This reduction in scope would mitigate the dissonance between the character and what actually happens to her. This is by far the most extreme example in the series, however I’m sure you can think of others. My issue here is not with having ‘normal’ characters, or with them suffering tragedies, my issue is the dissonance between the two when viewing the scope of said tragedies. This is just one way the series wants to get into darker territory, then swiftly backing off instead of delving into the consequences.
This aesthetic restriction also affects the potential impact of dramatic scenes in the main story, limiting what the focus of these scenes can actually be. This little bit will involve heavy spoilers for Genealogy of the Holy War and Spec Ops: The Line (I KNOW THESE GAMES ARE VERY DIFFERENT WITH VERY DIFFERENT INTENDED DEMOGRAPHICS IN VERY DIFFERENT CULTURAL CONTEXTS, SHUT UP). Both have a very important narrative moment around their midpoints, involving fire magic/white phosphorus respectively. In each game, the deaths that occur are utterly horrific when you think about them. In FE4 the focus is on the drama of the plot twist and effects on the characters, with the actual effects of the violence being left to implication. We don’t know if this was the original intent of Kaga and the team, or if this was enforced by various tech- and publisher-related restrictions, but in either case we do not see anything explicit. In any case, in Spec Ops: The Line, the horror and graphic nature of the violence is completely inescapable, and therefore forms the core of the turning point of the story. The specifics of the violence itself are crucial - the game does not work if you don’t see the consequences of the white phosphorus - and it leads beautifully to the complete descent of its endgame. You may be saying “of course you couldn’t show that violence in FE, it’s a kids game” which is true, and in any case the scene in Genealogy is very good, even without showing the violence. I imagine if we get a remake in the year 202X we wouldn’t see anything explicit anyway, partially due to the publisher but also because the scene doesn’t necessarily need it. The point I am trying to make is that the aesthetics form a limitation on what Fire Emblem can explore, narrative space that the series fundamentally cannot reach.
One more thing, and this isn’t really about the games themselves but the impressions leading into them, and how the aesthetics can affect that. Do you guys remember when the intro cutscene of Three Houses was released a few weeks before release? I do, and I also remember the collective shock of the community when seeing the early previews. It was so drastically different to everything that had come before, and consequently was really intriguing - you can see a lot of speculation in the above comments. To clarify, I don’t want to pretend that 3H is some kind of super mature ultra gritty war story, or that blood = good game, but that beginning cutscene gave one hell of a first impression. Even though the game isn’t that much darker than any other FE game, the sheer unexpectedness put people off-kilter in a kinda awesome way. Does the game actually deliver? YMMV, but I think this (and some of the later cutscenes, such as the mid-game Dimitri one) work quite well. Sometimes, a little injection of harsher violence can go a long way.

Conclusion

Frankly I don’t really have a conclusion, sorry. As you can see, there are so many disparate strands, I can’t possibly make one grand thesis statement. Maybe the inherent contradictions of having warfare in a family friendly video game weakens the potential end result? I guess, but I don’t want to imply that what we have now is bad, as it is pretty good tbh. So, uhh…
…
OK, if I had to say something, it’s more about the process of making this. Having to try and think about how violence intersects with a video game you like takes you in a number of different directions. Ultimately, this process was really fulfilling for me, and I would recommend that you do the same (for FE or anything else)! Trying to analyse something you enjoy from a perspective not usually applied is pretty neat. If you guys have any thoughts (on the points above or your own), I’d be very interested to hear them!
Also, if people are interested, I’ll try to make a few case studies. I would focus on Thracia 776, Fates, and Three Houses, as (when thinking on this topic) I found that these games were consistently the most intriguing, with the most interesting relationships to violence. This would probably take a while though, as I am gonna be very busy in June, and I probably won’t have time this month either.

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