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October 2009 Grain & Feed
November 2009 Grain and F

News from Shaggy Dog Solutions, LLC

Grain and Feed Industry Edition

November 10, 2009 

In This Issue

GFIC Update

Scholarship Program

Technology

 

Quick Links

 

Honor our Deceased Veterans

 

More About Us

 

 

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Welcome to the November 2009 issue of Shaggy Dog Solutions' newsletter for the grain and feed industry.  As active members of the California Grain and Feed Association, we want to encourage your feedback, so click here and we will listen. 

 

 

GFIC Update

Your Conference Committee has assembled a dynamic group of panels and speakers for the 2010 Grain and Feed Industry Conference to be held at the Embassy Suites in Monterey, January 13 and 14.  Here are some highlights:

  •  Technology Panel  --  Hear about the best practices in Receiving and Batching; Grinding, Flaking and Pelleting; Liquid Applications and Loadout; and Lot/Drug Tracking.  Receive updates on System Design and Integration.  Take advantage of the opportunity to engage industry experts with your questions and comments.

  • Safety  --  This aspect of mill management is being addressed from two perspectives:  You will be privileged to hear from John Drebinger, a well known (and humorous) expert in safety.  You can get an insight into his background by going to www.drebinger.com.  Additionally, an expert from the world-famous Fike Corporation (www.fike.com) will present the explosive risks of grain dust, and the precautions that must be taken to keep your mill out of the headlines.

  • Production Efficiency  --  In today's economic climate. the difference between profit and loss can be your production efficiency.  Cargill is recognized as a leader in this arena. Their perspectives on optimal production processes will be shared.  The utilization of the Pennent product which is now available through Feed Management Systems will be addressed.  (More information will also be available during the table-top trade show from Shaggy Dog Solutions.)

 

 

John Gonsalves Scholarship Program

 

Shaggy Dog believes that we share in the responsibility to make this business attractive to our youth.  The California Grain and Feed Association has taken a leadership role through their continued support of the John Gonsalves Scholarship Fund.  Their stewardship has prompted our firm to make a comitment to donate 5% of the retail price of all Dell business class products purchased by CGFA members through Shaggy Dog to that scholarship fund.  Click here for details.  Help a future CGFA member!

 

 

Technology

 

One of the constant challenges facing all businesses is management of computer hardware.  In the final analysis it comes down to economics and risk of failure.

 

The failure factor can be mitigated through regular external  backups and life-cycle management.  The emphasis on "external backups" cannot be understated.  Whether you like it or not, your entire operation is at risk within your IT structure -- accounting, compliance, HR, scheduling....  It's all there.  Or worse, it's all not there!  If you are not making daily off-site back-ups, your risk is not adequately managed.  Shaggy Dog will discuss your options with you and assist you in establishing a protocol that best fits your organization. 

 

To further reduce your failure risk it is important to address hardware life-cycles.  This is the economic side of the equation.  Understanding this process and planning for it can make it a smooth process both from an operational perspective as well as an economic view.  Shaggy Dog will work with you and your IT department or consultant to help you establish the best schedule for your organization.  Virtually all of the Dell business class products that Shaggy Dog handles come with a three year next day on site warranty.  Taking advantage of this can result in a substantial reduction in your IT overhead while assuring you that you will always have the most reasonably up-to-date hardware available.

 

Contact Shaggy Dog to discuss your IT strategy.

 

Again,  "Newsletter" is not a very good name for a newsletter!  Click here to submit your suggestion.  You may make as many suggestions as you wish.  The person who submits the winning name will receive a fun and valuable gift pack.

 

Sincerely,

 


Tom Pasek, CEO
Shaggy Dog Solutions, LLC

 

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