Kamis, 28 Desember 2017

Bronchial Pneumonia Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment

Bronchial Pneumonia Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment

Image source: http://pediaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Difference-Between-Pneumonia-and-Pleurisy-infographic.png

What is Bronchopneumonia/ Bronchial Pneumonia? 

Pneumonia is a class of lung toxicities. It transpires when a virus, bacteria, or fungi causes irritation and contagion in the alveoli (minute air sacs) in the lung. Bronchial pneumonia, or lobular pneumonia, is a sort of pneumonia that likewise causes soreness in the bronchi. These are the air passageways that pave way for air to move into our body.

The science behind it:

In this ailment, there is an intrusion of neutrophils into the air route in reaction to the occurrence of a large number of bacteria. The provocative reaction leads to the stuffing of the passage of a fluid. This procedure, by which airways are substituted for fluid, is named consolidation. With austere coarse infection, the inflammation can cause the damage or reformation of the air sacs.

Causes:

The reasons of bronchial pneumonia are identical as those of pneumonia that only distresses the lungs. It is a transmissible illness; consequently, the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another via fluids in the mouth and nose is the most common way of spread. Furthermore yet, pneumonia can be contracted in hospitals, where it is habitually much more austere, from contact to compounds and contaminants and similarly ancillary to other respiratory ailments. In numerous circumstances nonetheless, similar microbes are accountable for triggering the cold and the flu is what succumb to pneumonia in the long run. The same is correct for pneumonia in kids, which can frequently result following an upper respirational infection.

Symptoms:

1. Fever, Cough and Breathing Difficulty: 

Bronchial pneumonia is concomitant with a low-grade temperature generally about 100 degrees F. The high temperature is typically supplemented by shudders or perspirations. Pursue medical care punctually if the fever escalates to 102 degrees or more.

2. Chest Pain and Fatigue: 

Piercing chest pain mostly occurs during a mouthful of air and can be existed with or without commotion. Chest uneasiness hinders deep breathing effort, and marks of oxygen deficiency may be witnessed in acute cases; for instance, lips and nails might have a bluish color.

3. Secondary Symptoms:

Casual symptoms that might befall with this disease include the following: headaches, biliousness, and retching, in addition to gastroenteritis.

What are the risk factors?

1. Time of life:

The kids who are 2 or younger, as well as the individuals who are 65 or elder, have a greater threat for evolving bronchopneumonia and technical hitches from the disorder.

2. Environmental:

People who work in, or regularly visit, hospital or hospice services have an advanced menace for acquiring bronchopneumonia.

3. The standard of living: 

Smoking, pitiable nourishment, and a past of hefty alcohol use can upsurge your possibility for bronchial pneumonia.

4. Medical conditions:

Some medical circumstances can intensify your chances for developing this type of pneumonia. These include asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS having an enfeebled immune system owing to chemotherapy or the usage of immunosuppressive drugs etc.

Treatment:

1. Oxygen:

People cured at home for minor cases of bronchial pneumonia dont need supplemental oxygen; but if you are hospitalized, you may call for oxygen through nasal points or masks. Some requisite motorized ventilation and aid breathing with the support of a synthetic respirator, which powers air into the lungs.

2. An incentive spirometer:

It uses an artificial device to reassure deep breathing and out the breath, supports slackening the phlegm in the lungs. Regular breathing and coughing help you relax and cough up oozes by pitter-patter on the chest, then deep breathing and coughing vehemently.

3. Antibiotics:

Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria most regularly causes bronchial pneumonia upsetting people not hospitalized or those with a destabilized immune system. Bacterial pneumonia reacts to antibiotic treatment, given through ingestion if pneumonia is minor enough to be cured at home; and injections are given if a person necessities hospitalization.

BMW Company Strategic Analysis

BMW Company Strategic Analysis

Image source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/bmwredefiningpremiumbrand-121023000415-phpapp02/95/bmw-a-strategy-built-on-premium-brands-38-638.jpg?cb=1350950764

BMW faced competitive rivalry in the United Kingdom most especially from Mercedes who are their biggest rivals. Mercedes have the second largest market share of cars in the United Kingdom, hence making them a strong competitor against BMW who are the first in market share in the United Kingdom. BMW has had to introduce more brands of cars in the United Kingdom market in a bid to being able to deal with their biggest rivals Mercedes who are a strong in terms of production and quality of the cars that they bring into the United Kingdom market.

Threat of New Entrants
BMW faces a threat with the introduction of new entrants into the car manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom. This has been evident with the recent introduction of Ford into the market which has taken over some of the market share that was previously owned by BMW due to the quality and affordability of the cars that they bring into the United Kingdom. Other car manufacturing companies have also started bringing cars into the United Kingdom market which is a very big threat to BMW which is one of the biggest car manufacturing companies in the United Kingdom.

Threat of Substitute
Offering BMW is faced with a threat because there was the availability of public transport in the United Kingdom which was an alternative for buyers of car. Most people in the United Kingdom will often opt to use public transport means because it is cheap and affordable which has had a drastic effect on the sales of BMW which is the leading car manufacturing company in the United Kingdom. Some of the people in the suburbs in the United Kingdom opt to walk to work or school rather than buy cars which they consider being expensive which has had a huge impact on the reduction of sales for BMW.

Buyers' bargaining power
When car buyers in the United Kingdom are not happy with the quality of cars that BMW brings into the market they will choose not to buy the cars which make them have bargaining power over BMW. BMW has to make sure that the cars that are being sold in the United Kingdom are of the best quality and standards so as to be able to decrease the bargaining power of the buyer. BMW has had to deal with cases where the customer is not satisfied with the customer service offered, and this will make the customer not to come back next time, he/she has to buy a new car which in turn has a drastic effect on the profit margins of BMW (Quam, 2012).

Suppliers' bargaining power
BMW has a lot of suppliers who supply them with accessories such as aluminum, steel, plastic and cables. There being many suppliers who would like to supply them with these accessories then BMW will have the upper hand in negotiating for prices of these accessories. This will then have a positive impact on the profit margins that will be faced to the reduction in the cost of production of the cars. Most of the suppliers of these accessories do not have a choice because BMW has an option of having to buy the accessories from other suppliers of the same accessories.

Value Chain Analysis
Value chain analysis is a process that is used by corporate companies by which they understand the systematic factors and conditions that are necessary in a bid to achieving the biggest market share. In this case, BMW has used the value chain analysis in a bid to achieving a bigger markets share in the United Kingdom through understanding the systematic factors and conditions.

The use of information systems by BMW has promoted the value of the cars that are manufactured and brought into the United Kingdom. BMW has also introduced a system that enables customers to have their cars serviced at least twice a year free of charge. This is all in a bid to acquiring a bigger market share in the United Kingdom. In addition to that, BMW has also used the technological advancements in a bid to improving customer interactions which has in turn helped in capturing a bigger market share in the United Kingdom.

This has helped BMW so much in that most of the car buyers' today check to see how much and where to find the cars through the internet before actually going out of their way and buying the new cars. E-business solution also allows BMW to be able to advertise their branches / suppliers and where they are found across the United Kingdom in a bid to telling their customers that in case they encounter any kind of problem, they should contact the specific branches / suppliers so as to be able to get the help that they may need.

BMW is also using the Application Service Provider solution which enables the headquarters of BMW company to be able to contact and share electronic information with other specific branches / suppliers in a bid to saving time and energy. It would have been a time consuming task if one is to travel from the headquarters to the specific branches / suppliers just to be able to pass information.

The directors of the company in the headquarters of the company can be able to pass / convey a message to the suppliers who are in the field in a bid to solving the queries that are brought forward by the customers. If a customer raises a query with regard to the cars that are being sold by the suppliers, then the supplier will be able to pass the information to the headquarters and thereby the information will be solved effectively and quickly. On the other hand, BMW has introduced a program that enables its employees to be trained with regards to new programs that are introduced into the market which is a major factor that has helped it to be able to capture a bigger market share in the United Kingdom.

Competitive Strategy Analysis When it comes to competitive strategy, BMW uses the Porter's generic strategy in a bid to being able to capture a bigger market share in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom BMW uses cost leadership for it as a company to be able to capture a bigger market share, as opposed to its biggest rivals Mercedes and Toyota.

BMW has taken advantage of the scales by which the economy of the United Kingdom run and have reduced the cost of its products significantly so as to be able to capture a bigger market share. BMW has taken the leadership in cost as opposed to its major rivals Mercedes and Toyota. By reducing the prices of the motor vehicles that are being sold in the United Kingdom, most of the car buyers in the United Kingdom have opted to buy cars from BMW which are cheaper and more luxurious, as opposed to those that are offered by their rivals.

However, the use of cost leadership has had a drastic effect on the profit margins of BMW considering the amount of money that is used to produce the cars and the amount of money they bring in. This has reduced the profit margins significantly in the United Kingdom market. For BMW to be able to increase their profit margins they must be able to integrate their cost leadership strategy in that the cars that will be sold in the United Kingdom will have to be increased a little bit in price so as to be able to cater for the cost of production and in turn increase the profit margins.,

BMW is a major leading car manufacturing company from Germany and controls a bigger market in the United Kingdom than any other car manufactures in the world. The capturing of the biggest share in the United Kingdom has been affectinged by some factors which include politics. In the political factor, the government has made legislations that have affected the cost of production. Other factors have been economical which include the fall in the value of the Dollar as compared to that of the Euro. In addition to that, some of factors have been social which include clients tending to go for eco-friendly and energy saving cars. Other factors are environmental which include people in the United Kingdom opting to buy cars rather than going with the public transportation. Other factors have been legal which include the subjection of automotives to pollution control measures.

Rabu, 27 Desember 2017

Benefits of Using Salesforce CRM for Cement Companies

Benefits of Using Salesforce CRM for Cement Companies

Image source: https://www.centile.com/images/stories/screenshots/myistracRM/myistraCRM.png

Salesforce CRM has come up as an admirable game changer for thousands of businesses worldwide earning them high ROI graphs and a leading edge over their competitors. Owing to its undeniable perks over automation of sales process many businesses have switched to the cloud solutions among which one of the greatest industries is the finance industry. Another industry that claims a great support for the Salesforce automation software is the Cement Industry.

Serving such a huge market demand Cement Industry has been employed with large sales teams and sales representatives along with a wide network of dealers and retailers who work under sweat-inspiring pressure conditions to earn a good market share for their concerned Cement companies. Here is where the need of capable Salesforce Consulting Services arrives, which can help the Cement companies to track the sales management and the lead management process with a more effective and optimized way.

Here we throw light upon the perks promised by Salesforce CRM for Cement Companies and present our readers with a brief Case Study of the results of using Salesforce automation Software by a leading Cement Manufacturer-

:

1)    Better Lead Management:

One of the biggest issues faced by the Cement companies is with the management of leads generated due to their conventional working procedures, which lack quick access to leads and access to the lead data, etc. A capable Salesforce Implementation Partner can help you with it by promising the following benefits-

Remote access to the lead data
Instant notification alerts from mobile supported Salesforce system for effective lead tracking
Transparency in the sales procedure by balanced distribution of sales territories and leads among the sales team

2)    Effective Management of Sales Network:

Every Cement manufacturing company is connected with a large network of dealers and retailers, which needs to be served in good faith by the sales team of the company so as to get a competitive edge over the competitors. Here you need to hire a Salesforce Implementation Partner who can help you manage this large sales network appropriately by employing an optimized Salesforce solution for your Cement Company. Some perks a capable Salesforce Consultants claim in this area-

Automated dealer, retailer network management through Salesforce CRM
Real-time inventory and order management and alerts in the concerned area

3)    Reliable Sales Forecasting:

Many Cement companies still following the conventional working procedures fail to formulate accurate statistics and sales estimates for analysis and thus fail to create effective business strategies based on reports and analytics. Serving as a quintessential feature of Salesforce automation software a Salesforce Consultant can help you with accurate sales analytics and reports over Salesforce dashboard.

A well-chosen Salesforce Consulting Company can help you here with the following perks-
Automatically generated sales reports based on sales data
Automated sales estimate based on sales data from previous months
Analysis of productive sales territories
Explicit analysis of the performance of sales team based on territories, sales representatives and month

Based on the proper use of these reports and other analytics your business development team could create productive business strategies to gain higher ROI graphs for your Cement company.

Brief Case Study of A Leading Cement Manufacturer of India, Which Serves About 40,000 Customers Daily

Problem : The company faced the issue of poor lead management and drop in expected sales graphs due to its poor dealer network management owing to its conventional working procedure.

Solution: The Cement company was served with optimized Salesforce services and the automation software was integrated over the existing procedure.

Result: With the help of the Salesforce CRM implementation the sales process of the leading Cement manufacturer was optimized with perks like effective lead generation, productive lead management, better sales network and the company was able to track the sales with effective business development strategies. Thus, the company gained eminent ROI graphs within 6 months of Salesforce implementation. With this, the company today is a chief Cement manufacturing unit in India.

The case study proves the great potential of business growth by using Salesforce CRM for Cement Industries, so if you crave to get peerless Salesforce solutions from an authorized Salesforce Implementation Partner in India or Overseas.

A DIYer's Way to Fix a Brick Driveway

A DIYer's Way to Fix a Brick Driveway

Image source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/6a/e3/fa6ae37d32e52061626b070eda249730.jpg

Brick driveways are quite common for American homes, as brick pavers are among the most affordable landscaping materials, which, in addition to that, looks really classy and provides different options when it comes to the size, the color of pavers and the installation pattern. But, as pretty much any kind of driveway surface, brick pavers get damaged after a while due to the high traffic. They may crack and chip, requiring a repair or replacement.

Theres the way to prevent such damage or at least prolong the life of the brick paved surface. In order to do that, masonry contractors recommend sealing brick driveways, patios or walkways immediately after their installation. The sealer will ensure that the bricks on your driveway look as good as new for a long time, as well as protect them from the wear and tear caused by the influence of the weather conditions. As the sealer coat doesnt last the lifetime, its necessary to reapply it every few years to keep the surface, paved with bricks, constantly protected.

Unfortunately, sealer, applied onto the brick pavers, isnt able to prevent the mechanical damage. In other words, the cracks and chips which appear if, for instance, something is dropped on the brick pavers, are inevitable. Obviously, such damage is quite selective and far from being crucial, as its totally possible to pull a few cracked bricks out of a paved driveway and replace them with the new ones.

This simple guideline will help you do conduct a solid repair and secure the new pavers in place without ruining the surrounding pavers.

Steps to fix a damaged brick driveway

Clean the area

The first thing you want to do after collecting the tools and materials listed below is cleaning the driveway, at least around the damaged area to make sure that the mortar sticks to the neighboring pavers and the quality of the installation, as well as the durability of your repair, isnt undermined by the grime, dust, and debris accumulated on the driveway.

Thus, take a broom and thoroughly sweep the driveway to get rid of the dust and debris. Be quite particular about the mortar seams around the pavers. This is also a good chance to remove the oil stains on your driveway that have been bothering you for a while. Rub them off using the mixture of room temperature water and white vinegar. If theres some dirt or grime left on the pavers after you swept them, get rid of it using a wet soft-bristled brush.

Once thats done, wash your brick driveway using a garden hose, so that the water under the strong pressure removes the rest of the dirt and dust and leaves the surface crispy clean.

Make sure that the driveway is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps.

Examine the damage

While your driveway is drying, find the damaged bricks, mark them with chalk not to miss any and inspect them to figure out whether youre able to repair them or they have to be replaced. Masonry contractors note that even if the brick paver has a few cracks on its surface or its corner is chipped, you might be able just to turn in upside down and reinstall with the pretty side facing up. But, youll have to extract the pavers to know that for sure.

Remove the damaged brick

Using a hammer and a chisel, break down the mortar around the damaged brick until youre able to pull it out of its place. Assess the damage and, if the brick appears to be quite crumbly or if the entire paver is covered in a web of cracks, toss it away, as you wont be able to reuse it. If you may turn the damaged side inwards, save the brick for later.

Dont forget to remove the mortar crumbles and clean the holes in your driveway left after the brick extraction.

Prepare the mortar and match the replacement brick to the rest of the driveway

Sometimes its quite difficult to find the brick pavers, which would match the ones that are installed on your driveway just due to the discoloration that happens to the brick after a long-term exposure to the sun and precipitations.

Thus, if you dont want your patchwork to be too obvious, you might have to treat the replacement brick to match its color to the rest of the driveway. If the new pavers turn out to be a few shades darker than you need, brush them with milk/yogurt and let them dry to lighten their surface. If theyre too light or dont look as weathered as the rest of the driveway, make them look so by brushing some dirt or ash into its surface.

When thats finished, prepare the mortar mix following the instruction on its package.

Install replacement pavers

Grab some mortar mix with a trowel and apply approximately a 3/4-inch layer of it onto the hole the brick will go into. Then, take the replacement brick, spray its sides (apart from the top one) with some water, spread a thin layer of mortar on them and press the brick down in place so that it is level with the surrounding pavers.

Remove the excess mortar around the freshly installed brick, clean the seam to make it crisp and youre done. Additionally, you may apply a layer of sealer onto the repaired areas to prevent the premature weathering.

Tools and materials required for the project:

Replacement brick pavers
Mortar
Pointing trowel
Chisel
Drill
Hammer
Paintbrush
Soft-bristled brush
Broom
Bucket
Garden hose
Water
White vinegar
Sealant for brick pavers

13 Ways You Can Repurpose Household Items

13 Ways You Can Repurpose Household Items

Image source: http://diyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Can-Storage-Containers.jpg

In past decades, it was common to fix what that got broken or no longer worked. Today, our society has made a habit of quickly replacing products at the slightest sign of a defect or scratch, which has significantly increased the amount of waste that accumulates each year. Most purchased items are thrown away within six months. To reduce the amount of waste generated and care for the planet, there are a few alternate uses for common home items.

1. Plastic Straw
Colorful drinking straws can be used to prevent too much water from coming into contact with the flower stems in a vase. Use straws either in bright colors or those that blend in with the stems to extend the lifespan of your flowers and allow them to thrive.

2. Mouse Pads
Mouse pads can be used in more ways than what they were originally intended for. They can also be cut into fun designs and coaster shapes. The material is durable and will prevent moisture from coming into contact with the surface of a coffee table. The pad is also an insulator of heat and will prevent hot cups or mugs from damaging your tables. There is a number of different color mousepads, which can also make it easy to create decorative trivets to use in the kitchen.

3. Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are a household item that is extremely versatile and can be used in a number of ways. They were originally patented in 1845 and continue to be used for their ability to bind different items. Use rubber bands on glassware if you have children around, because their little fingers will need a better grip. At childrens parties, use different color rubber bands to mark each individual childs glass. In the summertime or spring, you can wrap them around hangers to prevent light shirts or blouses from slipping off.

4. Bread Box
Although bread boxes were commonly used in the '80s and '90s, they are now somewhat outdated, but a new purpose is all it needs to make them cool again. Upcycle your bread box by turning it into a charging station for smartphones and tablets. Drill holes in the back where the cords can fit through and insert an MDF board as the divider. Label each slit to make it easy to find each charger.

5. Toilet Paper Roll
Instead of tossing out old toilet paper rolls, use it to suck up dust and dirt in windows and doors by placing it over the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner.

6. Plastic Bottles
Ever been a student away on college or moved to a new home? Cutlery may be hard to find in all that mess. Make your own forks, spoons and knives out of old plastic bottles that are lying around the house. You can bend the plastic and create smooth edges by using a lighter.

7. Lotion and Shampoo Bottles
A common inconvenience in the home is having your phone lie on the floor as it charges next to an outlet. Use a lotion or shampoo bottle that will fit your device, decorate it as you wish and cut a hole at the top you will use to hang that charging station.

8. Old Trays
Create a vintage setting in your home by displaying old food trays on the walls, which will give your kitchen or dining room that antique and eclectic look everyone who visits will be jealous of.

9. Cheese Graters
You can create a work of art out of old graters by nailing the kitchen tool to a wood plank and turning it upside down to use as light sconces or lampshades. The innovative product will look unique in your home and stand out in the kitchen or dining room.

10. Old Frames
Take out the matting and glass in old frames to use the product as a necklace or earring holder. Install hooks on the frame to hold necklaces and old lace or thread where earrings can be secured.

11. Old Chairs
Instead of tossing out old chairs that are no longer used, transform the standard household item into a flowerpot holder after adding a fresh coat of paint.

12. Changing Tables
Parents sometimes have a difficult time separating from all their kids essentials like toys, strollers and the like. Create a decorative wine cart out of the old changing table that is no longer used in nurseries, but which will stay with you for a long time to come.

13. Outdated Computers
With the right safety equipment and tools, you can transform outdated computers into fish tanks. Remove the CRT, make a plexiglass tank and add a large hole at the top of the monitor as an access panel. Use aquarium sealant used after removing the wires, fill the tank and watch your screen saver come alive.

Upcycling home items will allow you to reuse household products that can contribute to the functionality of decor of your home. The items may be considered junk, but you can transform them into one-of-a-kind treasures. Think about how you can create something new out of old valuables and prevent more products from being sent to the junk yard.

7 No-Fail Party Topics

7 No-Fail Party Topics

Image source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/96/b5/fd/96b5fd7ba7007f604c4afab7d1a94b34--gender-party-gender-reveal-parties.jpg

Whether you organize a little home-warming or a huge black tie event, gangster parties have been, are, and will always be popular among guests. This is a perfect opportunity to dress up for your guests and feel extravagant. For you, as a host, gangsters left a wide range of menu and beverage options as well as entertainment opportunities. 

The process of party organization is always exciting and hectic. If you decided to throw a party, then topic is one of the most crucial things to consider. There are millions of parties that have been thrown in the history of mankind, but the most successful ones had their them and idea behind.

A lot of people ask themselves why bother creating a topic if everything anyway comes down to drinks, food, and dance. The truth is it does come to these three elements, yet the theme will make each of them memorable. With the help of a topic you can make people remember and talk about your event for a long time in the future. Specific menu and entertainment options will open to you once the topic is decided upon.

There are hundreds of party topics that are used by event planners every day, however only a few of them are always a guarantee of success. Below you can find 10 topics that will suit any kind and scope of party that you are about to organize.

#1 Gangsters

Photo by Steph and Mike McDowell

Whether you organize a little home-warming or a huge black tie event, gangster parties have been, are, and will always be popular among guests. This is a perfect opportunity to dress up for your guests and feel extravagant. For you, as a host, gangsters left a wide range of menu and beverage options as well as entertainment opportunities. 

#2 Arabian Night

Photo by The Big Booth Photography

This theme sets the tone and type of traditions that will be present. Unique elements, such as shisha or belly dancers, will add to the spirit of the evening while Turkish sweet dessert buffet will be etched in the memory of your guests.

#3 Disney World

Photo by John Allen

Everyone likes fairytales, so why not let people become their childhood heroes for a night? Disney World parties are best for proms or young people, who enjoy costumes and interplay. Dont forget about decorations that are obligatory for a perfect Disney world!

#4 Wild-Wild West

Photo by TotalEvent

This theme will never lose its power! The beneficial side of Wild-Wild West party is freedom of costumes for your guests and a possibility to eat plain though tasty food created by an ingenious catering chef.

#5 French

Photo by Spencer and Kylie

French charm with sparkling wine and soulful food will not leave your guests indifferent. For small parties you can hire a chef for some culinary workshops, while for big parties some background music or entertainers will be of great addition. 

#6 Ancient Greece

Photo by Berlin Blues Explosion

Ancient Greece parties are all about wine and togas. This can be a perfect theme for a wine tasting ceremony or plain-air parties taking place near the sea or in hot climates. Dont forget to invite little Cupids that would serve love and sweets to your guests!

#7 90s

Photo by Chelsea Boyd

While the 90s themselves have just been here, people continue making fun of the fashion trends conquering our hearts at that time. So give your guests a little moment of nostalgia with paper clips and funny haircuts. Dont forget about the music choose the DJ who knows all the hits of the 90s to literally travel back in time.

Selasa, 26 Desember 2017

7 Energy Saving Tips for the Commercial Kitchen

7 Energy Saving Tips for the Commercial Kitchen

Image source: http://cdn.rainbowintl.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-0-lg/public/rb-waterconservationinfographic.jpg?itok=Hrls1GVK

Working hard is an efficient way of guaranteeing success, but working smart is the surest way of saving money. The commercial kitchen is one of the major energy consumers in a restaurant. Food preparation represents approximately 30% of a restaurants annual budget. Commercial kitchen equipment such as the refrigeration units, meat processing equipment, food processing equipment, commercial kitchen range, vent and exhaust hoods, water heaters, heating and air conditioning are the main energy guzzlers. These costs are necessary and increasing annually at a rate of 6-8%, but with the right measures, can be minimized and save a lot of money. Below are some of the energy saving tips that you can undertake and increase efficiency in your kitchen while saving a staggering amount of money and protect you from inflation.

Use of energy efficient equipment

The number of energy efficient commercial kitchen equipment is increasing. Your kitchen should be equipped with this high-efficiency equipment to cut down on costs and conserve energy. A typical restaurant can save up to $15000 annually by installing the energy saving appliances.

Audit and Monitor

Regularly get an assessment of your restaurant kitchen equipment. Record the energy consumption of the kitchen and set reasonable targets for reduction. Monitor the electricity, gas and water consumption separately to measure usage and look for areas that can be improved to maximize conservation. For large, power consuming appliances, you can install individual meters to monitor. If you notice changes in the amount of energy usage, it could mean that the equipment requires maintenance. These steps will help you monitor the efficiency of each aspect of the restaurant.

Maintain your equipment

Besides using the right commercial kitchen equipment, maintenance is critical for the safety reasons and for the efficient running of kitchen equipment. Ranging from kitchen equipments, food packaging machines, and other equipment, the best way to handle them is scheduled maintenance. Clean the equipment regularly, install new air filters whenever necessary and check gaskets and seals regularly to maintain energy efficiency as well as to ensure the longevity of the equipment. Most equipment comes with their service manual with recommended maintenance and cleaning schedules.

Conserve hot water

Conserving hot water will help lower two of your utility bills: the heating bill and the water bill. Use of cold water whenever possible will reduce the heating bill. Dish racks use the same amount of water to wash even when not fully loaded, thus is it advisable to always fill it up while washing. Do not thaw food under running water. Instead, put the food in the refrigerator to thaw. Insulate hot water pipes and regularly check the water temperature to ensure everything is working efficiently. If you notice water leaks, have it repaired immediately since even the smallest of leakages can lead to a huge water bill.

Air conditioning

Many may take it for granted because it is invisible, but air in your commercial kitchen impacts a lot on the efficiency of the kitchen equipment. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning accounts for up to 28% of a modern restaurants energy expenses. With energy efficient solutions, you can save thousands of dollars annually. You should invest in an energy efficient air conditioning unit and ventilation hoods, as well as a programmable thermostat, to turn off the air conditioner when it is not needed. Ensure the ventilation hoods are always properly cleaned. Grease and dirt can build up in the unit and cause it to require more energy to work.

Reduce appliances' operating hours

Eliminate idle time for all appliances and conserve energy. Only use what you need when you need it. Only turn on heating and cooking equipment a few minutes before you begin using it. 10-20 minutes should be enough for the equipment to preheat. Invest in appliances that have sleep-mode capability. While in sleep-mode the appliance consumes less power, but it can still be turned on quickly when needed. Lights, hoods, signs, ranges and fans should all be turned off when not in use.

Rearrange your kitchen

Separate your cooling equipment from your heating and cooking equipment. Cooling equipment will use more energy around hot appliances, so grouping the heating appliances together will save energy. The heating equipment should also be as close as possible to ventilation units.

Cast-Iron-Oven-to-Tableware

Image source: http://casseroles-bakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/71V7gWQ5seL._SL1500_.jpg Because cast-iron skillets can lengthen an st...