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25 Feb
Vietnam promotes the export of processed agro-forestry-fisheries products-DataVTech

Vietnam promotes export of processed agro-forestry-fisheries products

The project aims at improving the quality and value of agro-exports to meet the regulations of importers.

Around 60% of Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fisheries exports are expected to be processed, significantly contributing to its total growth of 6%-8% annually by 2030, according to the latest plan approved by the Prime Minister.

The project, aiming to promote the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products by 2030, sets an export value of around US$60-62 billion, including US$25 billion from major farm produce, US$17 billion from forestry products, and US$15 billion from seafood.

Vietnam's agro-exports strive to earn around US$60-62 billion by 2030. Photo - VGP

Vietnam’s agro-exports strive to earn around US$60-62 billion by 2030. Photo – VGP

Among agricultural exports, about 40% of the products will be national brands and 70% will have traceable origins.

The plan will also improve the quality and value of agricultural exports to meet the regulations of importers, as well as assisting Vietnamese exporters in protecting intellectual property rights,  safeguarding their positions, and brands in the international market.

Positive signs 

In January, export growth increased by 27.1% compared to the same period of last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Wood and wooden products achieved good results in terms of value last month despite Covid-19. Photo - Nguyen Thuy

Wood and wooden products achieved good results in terms of value last month despite Covid-19. Photo – Nguyen Thuy

Despite many difficulties caused by Covid-19, most of the main commodity groups such as seafood, wood, and wooden products achieved good results in terms of value last month.

Regarding seafood, the global demand for shrimp is likely to rise, especially in the context of complicated developments relating to the pandemic. Shrimp exports are expected to gain robust growth and reach more than US$4 billion in revenue in 2021 providing that Vietnamese enterprises take full advantage of free trade agreements, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

To promote the export of agricultural products, the MARD in coordination with localities has promoted the issuance of codes for farming areas, associated with geographical indications, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said. The ministry also has planned to change the way of doing business, consumption, and export of key products.

The ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, relevant agencies, and enterprises to improve market forecasts and promptly inform localities and enterprises so that they could adopt appropriate production and business plans.

Source: Phi Nhat

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24 Feb
Local pharma industry benefits from EU connection

Local pharma sector to benefit from EU connection

Despite lower-than-expected growth, Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market performed better than other global markets in the past 12 months. Magdalena Krakowiak, chairwoman of the International Quality Medicines’ Generic and Biosimilar Sector Committee (IQMED) at the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, writes about 2020 results and future prospects thanks to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

In 2020, Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market grew around 4 percent compared to the previous year. The growth was, however, lower than predicted. But bearing in mind the pandemic, it was still a great result compared to other world markets. While the EU, the United States, and other countries have struggled to find a coherent response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam’s government took strict measures to stop it effectively.

The industry faced two different types of challenges – reduced procedures due to patients refraining from visiting hospitals as well as logistical challenges due to the reduced flow of goods and workforce. These circumstances supported a digital revolution in the pharmaceutical industry, shifting educational programs for healthcare professionals from offline to online. Foreign experts continued to provide education for Vietnamese healthcare professionals. Most importantly, pharmaceutical businesses could maintain production stability. Companies put in place comprehensive business continuity and risk management plans to avoid a shortage of drugs and deal with the negative global impact on the supply chain.

Despite the unpredictability of the pandemic, the pharmaceutical market in Vietnam is expected to continue growing significantly in terms of both capacity and value. In addition, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has unlocked more opportunities, both for overseas as well as domestic companies.

With the EVFTA in effect, approximately half of EU pharmaceutical imports are now duty-free, with the rest exempted after seven years. Foreign pharmaceutical companies are allowed to establish foreign-invested enterprises to sell pharmaceuticals imported by them to distributors or wholesalers, build their own warehouses, provide information to healthcare practitioners, and do clinical studies and testing.

There are also changes in terms of intellectual property rights brought by the EVFTA. The regulatory data protection has been established for pharmaceutical products for five years and patent protection is extended up to two years (if the approval process takes more than 24 months). The existing clinical trial requirements on ethnicity have been withdrawn due to their lack of compliance with international standards.

Probably the most important benefit of the EVFTA is the controlling mechanism against the protectionism of local governments. As much as we understand the government’s rationale behind the aim of increasing the share of locally-produced pharmaceuticals to 80 percent, one has to remember that Vietnam’s pharma industry still relies on imports, as domestic output can only meet around half of the total demand.

Therefore, our industry still needs more incentives for further investment in Vietnam as well as a stable legal framework.

Foreign pharmaceutical companies bring innovative and traditional medicines in improved application forms – such as pre-filled syringes and sublingual tablets – and other high-quality generics to Vietnam.

This results in the availability of improved additional treatment options for Vietnamese patients and doctors, which leads to additional benefits for healthcare budgets as well as direct and indirect pharmaceutical spending.

Magdalena Krakowiak, chairwoman of the International Quality Medicines’ Generic and Biosimilar Sector Committee (IQMED) at the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

The IQMED Generic and Biosimilar Sector Committee were established in 2016. With the aim of pooling viewpoints and superior practices towards providing solutions for an affordable, high-quality and sustainable supply source for branded generic drugs in Vietnam, the committee has created a platform where issues and solutions can be discussed among like-minded business professionals in the industry. At IQMED, we welcome several legal changes made recently by the Ministry of Health. The situation leading to thousands of pending market authorizations has been temporarily solved after addressing the issue at the top authorities’ level. However, further analysis and potential streamlining of the drug registration policy in Vietnam are required, particularly in avoiding creating new barriers to import.

We see further potential to maximize benefits arising from the EVFTA for all participating countries in three main areas.

Firstly, all EU member states need to be treated equally in the regulations of Vietnam. Secondly, the registration process of medicinal products within the Vietnamese market should be strictly aligned with international standards. And thirdly, to increase patient safety as well as create a sustainable framework for operations, international codes of ethics and business integrity must be applied.

These changes will support Vietnam to become even more sustainable and a desired investment destination for foreign firms with benefits for a flourishing domestic market.

Source: VIR

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24 Feb
promising-figures-offering-confidence-for-pharma-future-in-Vietnam-DataVTech-banner

Promising figures offering confidence for pharma future

Vietnamese pharmaceutical giants rushed to new business lines in 2020 to create new motivation for growth amid the ongoing pandemic complications, with some changes bringing about better results.

Clearly, in a happy mood, Vu Thi Thuan, chairwoman of the country’s second-largest publicly-traded drugmaker Traphaco JSC, is looking towards a bright future in 2021 on the back of good performance last year.

Traphaco, which boasts three big shareholders in State Capital Investment Corporation (35.67 percent), Magbi Fund Ltd. (24.99 percent), and Super Delta Pte., Ltd. (15.12 percent), will organize a conference in the next few days to review 2020 operations and discuss the targets for this year.

“The pharmaceutical market has been affected by COVID-19. However, we made encouraging results thanks to having the right strategy,” Thuan told VIR.

promising-figures-offering-confidence-for-pharma-future-in-Vietnam

New tactics

Last year marked a hard 12 months for businesses, and Vietnamese-run pharma firms were not an exception, although the impacts on them have turned out to be less serious than in other sectors.

Faults in the global ingredient supply chain and lower purchasing power have prompted Vietnamese drugmakers to make changes to business plans to shelter from the storm and maintain growth.

Nguyen Vu Cuong, an analyst at brokerage and investment advisory firm FPT Securities, told VIR, “Some players in the pharma industry obtained improvements in operations in the last months of last year, while some others saw no growth, but no falls either. Improvements are mainly attributed to effective cuts in intermediary costs and the launch of new products and strategies.”

For instance, while focusing on the over-the-counter (OTC) market Traphaco also started to venture into the $3-billion beverage market last summer with a new product – herbal tea Traphaco Boganic, which was included in its revenue structure in the third quarter.

Le Trung Thanh, former general director of Pepsi Vietnam, said that in the local lucrative beverage market, players tend to create specific and unique products to gain an advantage. The market has many kinds of drinks, but not so many healthy ones.

“Healthy products are very popular in the US, the EU, Japan, and South Korea,” Thanh noted. “This is a courageous move from Traphaco because obviously drugs and beverages are not the same things.”

A new bold step into the beverage market illustrates the challenge Traphaco has to attain new successes amid growing competition. Despite being a leading brand in the local pharma industry, making up nearly 50 percent of the market share of liver-tonic products, for example, the group has not achieved better growth as it did in the past, despite having taken a number of major decisions.

Encouraging results came when Traphaco reported total revenues of over VND1.3 trillion ($56.52 million) and after-tax profit of VND141 billion ($6.13 million) in the first nine months of 2020, up 12 and 31 percent on the year, respectively – a strong performance in comparison with a fall of about 10 percent among other listed drugmakers.

Elsewhere, Hau Giang Pharmaceutical JSC (DHG), the biggest domestic publicly-traded drugmaker, has trended towards the ethical drugs channel (ETC), or the hospital channel, and increased capacity for exports. The company has restructured its product portfolio towards focusing on investment in high-quality drugs meeting JAPAN-GMP and PICS-GMP standards.

DHG decided to pour $40 million in a GMP factory in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, with the target to put it into operation in 2023. Also last year, DHG got the JAPAN-GMP certificate for its two assemblies. Drugs meeting JAPAN-GMP, PIC/S-GMP, EU-GMP, CGMP-USA certificates are among the prioritized drug tenders for the hospital channel.

With the move, DHG showed off its ambition to conquer the strict Japanese market and some ASEAN member countries where subsidiaries of Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings have a presence. Taisho, one of the five biggest pharmaceuticals in Japan, is a major foreign shareholder of DHG, with a take of 50.78 percent.

Imexpharm Pharmaceutical JSC, Vietnam’s fourth-biggest pharma firm, has a similar focus on the ETC segment. The drugmaker has made investments to gain an EU-GMP certificate for its factories to gain advantages in drug tenders. During the past year, it also restructured its product portfolio, concentrating on EU-GMP drugs.

Notably, Imexpharm gained market authorization from Spain for its Cephalexin 500mg capsules produced at its EU-GMP factory located in the southern province of Binh Duong.

To serve the future strategy, a resolution from Imexpharm’s board of directors was issued on January 5 approving a loan of $8 million from the Asian Development Bank. At present, Imexpharm’s foreign ownership limit currently remains set at 49 percent, with Balestrand Ltd. (5.92 percent), and KWE Beteiligungen AG (14.26 percent) as foreign shareholders.

Like Traphaco, Imexpharm, and DHG, OPC Pharmaceutical JSC – one of the biggest domestic pharma firms – and others had to make adjustments in their business strategy during the last year. OPC also suffered from interruptions in the global ingredient supply chain, although it has growing areas to supply for itself.

At present, Vietnam’s pharmaceutical production relies much on imported ingredients which make up 80-90 percent of local demands, with which China and India account for over 80 percent.

OPC focuses on expanding functional food by investing in product assembly while increasing the production of alcohol-related products and others to satisfy growing demands due to the pandemic. Moreover, the company continued to strengthen the ETC channel as well as develop in the OTC market.

As noted in documents from OPC’s annual general shareholder meeting last June, some new businesses were added, including functional food, cosmetics, import and export of pharmaceuticals and ingredients, and automobile cargo transportation business.

Good performance

With year-end reviews and financial statements imminent, results for these pharma firms are just around the corner. According to a source from TRA, the group is estimated to see an on-year increase of 11 percent in revenues by the end-2020. Its profit is also estimated to rise at the same rate, reaching VND200 billion ($8.7 million).

While reporting a fall in the ETC market, Traphaco gained a 17 percent on-year improvement in OTC.

“We aim to have consolidated revenue ascended by 9 percent in 2021, with the OTC to be the key channel, and ETC to rise 10 percent,” Thuan told VIR.

With the change in business strategy, DHG’s net revenues just slightly fell by 2.8 percent on-year in the first three quarters of 2020, while after-tax profit rose 24 percent, fulfilling the annual targets. It is said to meet the 2020 targets.

Having been reporting better performance after the mid-year peak of COVID-19 in Vietnam, Imexpharm saw net revenues and profit rise 0.8 and 17.8 percent in the first 11 months, respectively. Its ETC revenues jumped 40 percent on-year, while OTC is on the road to recovery despite negative growth of 10 percent.

Market watchers attributed Imexpharm’s higher profit growth to better performance of cost-saving, with selling and management expenses cutting by 8.6 and 5.4 percent, respectively. With this momentum, Imexpharm is one of the giant’s forecasts to report growth in its results.

According to Fitch Solutions, revenues of Vietnam’s pharma industry were estimated at $6.5 billion in 2019. The Drug Administration of Vietnam forecast promising double-digit growth for the industry over the next five years, with the total value to reach $7.7 billion in 2021 and a likely rise to $16.1 billion in 2026.

In the wake of growth potential, multinational corporations are expanding towards and within the local market – a trend that should be further intensified on the back of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. This will create more pressure on the domestic players, urging them to make new changes to stand firm and spur growth.

Source: Bich Thuy

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21 Jan
Industrial_Invest_in_Vietnam_Data_V_Tech_ERP

Vietnam’s Industrial Zones – 3 Locations for Your Business

Industrial Zones (IZs) in Vietnam are popular destinations for foreign investors. But what are they? IZs are locations earmarked by Vietnam’s government for the industrial production of goods and services.

Investors often locate in an IZ because IZs often have regionally competitive facilities, infrastructure, and logistics. Foreign-invested companies are also able to tap into resources provided by the IZ as well as cost savings and financial incentives.
Nevertheless, IZs differ significantly according to location, structure, incentives, and so on. Investors choosing to set up in an IZ should evaluate IZs closely in order to find a location that best suits their needs. Investors should consider several factors when making a choice about where or if an establishment in an IZ makes sense for a given investment.

Learning more about IZs is increasingly important.

With investors moving factories to Vietnam, the domestic property market has experienced a boom – with prices steadily rising. Ready-to-build factories were in the highest demand, which recorded more than an 85 percent occupancy rate. Binh Duong and Dong Nai in the southeast are the markets with the highest demand, given their access to transport infrastructure.

Here, we highlight and compare three industrial zones in the north, central and southern parts of the country which foreign investors can begin examining. This introduction can provide you and your team a good basis to begin assessing your next investment destination.

Thanh Long airport - Dong Nai - Vietnam - Popular Destination for Foreign Investors

Northern spotlight – Dinh Vu Industrial Zone

Hosting over 420 investment projects – representing a cumulative value in excess of US$10 billion – Dinh Vu Industrial Zone (DVIZ) is a well-established option for expansion to northern Vietnam.
In addition to successfully hosting industry champions such as Chevron and Tamada, the completion of Lach Huyen Deep seaport – capable of docking ships up to 100,000 TUE – places DVIZ in direct proximity of northern Vietnam’s largest point of sea-based egress.

Dinh Vu specializes in petrochemicals and heavy industry. Investors in the park include Petrolimex, Petro Vietnam, Nakashima, and Bridgestone, among others.

Resources for investors

Investors in DVIZ benefit from access to utilities and regulatory assistance that ensure operations function at full capacity. For firms seeking quick alternative sources of production, the ability to procure ready-made factories, and tap into Hai Phong’s highly skilled labor pools, ensure operations can be started and staffed in a timely manner. Exporters benefit from close proximity to Cat Bi International Airport, the newly constructed Highway 5, and proximity to the Chinese border.

Cost savings instruments

For companies interested in leveraging Vietnam’s cost competitiveness to its full potential, unconditional tax holidays present direct cost savings opportunities that can be factored into costs immediately. Within Dihn Vu, all investors are entitled to a four-year tax holiday on Corporate Income Tax, followed by nine years at 50 percent of the going CIT. Furthermore, enterprises exporting 100 percent of their goods to international markets qualify for a 100 percent exemption for import and export duties as well as a free VAT on certain purchases.

 

Central SEZ spotlight – Hoa Khan Industrial Zone (HKIZ)

The Hoa Khan Industrial Zone (HKIZ) in central Vietnam offers investors access to a variety of Vietnam’s largest cities, as well as international export destinations via the North-South Railway at Da Nang Station, access to Han River Port, and proximity to highways 1A and 1B.
HKIZ specializes in mechanical assembly and electronics manufacturing, and hosts companies like Seto Vietnam and Truong Giang Electric. HKIZ also houses a number of companies in the petrochemicals, garments, and agriculture industries.

Resources for investors

Within the industrial zone, investors benefit from infrastructure and facilities structured to meet the needs of Vietnam’s growing industries, such as garments and electronics. This includes access to water, electricity, as well as banking services. HKIZ also benefits from a steady pool of talent from Da Nang, the Central region’s business hub.

Cost-saving Instruments

In addition to up to five years of corporate income tax holidays, foreign investors are able to exempt all fixed assets and other materials essential to the upkeep of machinery needed for the production of goods within the zone. These advantages have not gone unnoticed to investors. With substantial growth in recent years, HKIZ is home to over 48 investment projects from the likes of Mabuchi Motor, Truong Giang Electric, and Seto.

Southern SEZ spotlight – VSIP

Located in Binh Duong province’s Thuan An district, the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) is a good opportunity for those looking to establish themselves in the heart of Vietnam’s economic core.

Specializing in mechanical, electric, and medical equipment, the park has been a massive success in recent years – attracting 238 individual projects with a total value of US$2.6 billion.

Resources for investors

The park successfully integrates industrial, commercial, and residential facilities in a manner that meets the needs of a variety of investors. Within the park, investors benefit from access to an onsite customs office, ready-built factories, as well as an educated workforce sourced from the Vietnam-Singapore Vocational College. These services are complemented by close proximity to the north-south railway, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat international airport, and multiple points of sea-based transport, including Saigon Port.

Cost savings instruments

To further incentivize investment, a series of tax incentives are also offered to investors within VSIP. For the first two years, investors have waived the requirement to pay any CIT. Following this two-year period, CIT is required, but at a discounted rate.

Comparison of Industrial Zones in Vietnam
KER Industrial specialization Related logistics connections Tax incentives
Dinh Vu Industrial Zone Northern
  • Heavy Industry
  • Petrochemicals
  • Road: Highway 5
  • Airport: Cat Bi international
  • Port: Hai Phong port
  • 4-year CIT holiday
  • 9-year CIT reduction
  • Import duty exemption for select goods
Hao Khanh Industrial Zone Central
  • Electronics
  • Garments
  • Agriculture processing
  • Airport: Da Nang international
  • Port: Tien Sa and Han river
  • Rail: North-South railway
  • 2-year CIT holiday
  • 3-year CIT reduction
  • Import duty exemption for select goods
Vietnam Singapore Industrial Zone Southern
  • Electronics
  • Food processing
  • Construction materials
  • Mechanics
  • Airport: Access to Tan Son Nhat international
  • Port: Sai Gon port
  • Rail: North-South railway
  • 2-year CIT holiday
  • 4-year CIT reduction

[email protected] Briefing Ltd.

Source: Vietnam briefing

Data V Tech is proud to be one of the leading ERP vendors in the Asia Pacific. We focus on solutions customizable for each industry. Furthermore, we have implemented Epicor ERP for a number of manufacturers, such as in heavy industry, petrochemicals, electronics, construction materials, and mechanics) in Vietnam and China. For direct consultation, please feel free to contact us.

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12 Nov
Phần mềm Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec) 8.3

Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec) 8.3 Release [Summary]

We are pleased to announce that Epicor® Advanced MES (Mattec) is now even more powerful and easier to use than ever before. In this release summary, you will get a high-level overview of the new features available within Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec) version 8.3.

Advanced MES (Mattec) Enhancements

There are many new product capabilities and enhancements in the 8.3 release of Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec). These include:

  • New Epicor ERP 10/Advanced MES Production Data Integration with Epicor ERP 10.2.500
  • Enhancements
    • Real-Time Scheduling
    • Human Machine Interface (HMI)
    • Real-Time Display (RTD) enhancements
    • Plant Floor Display
    • System Configuration
  • New data storage methods for production machines and equipment
  • Machine integration for the Next Generation Machine Interface Units (MIU) for non-touchscreen and the new touch screen MIU
  • New Language Translations and Updates

Advanced MES (Mattec) 8.3 Customer Release Summary

New ERP10/Advanced MES (Mattec) Production Data Integration in 10.2.500

There was a production data integration already introduced in ERP10 that leveraged existing integration frameworks in ERP10 and Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec). ERP is the system of record for most data in that integration. Data was being exchanged via .csv files.

Production Jobs and data relevant to what is to be produced is transferred to Advanced  MES from ERP and data about what was produced is transferred back to ERP from  Advanced MES.

A new integration has been developed that provides a more modern and flexible integration that can be made to adapt to customers’ specific manufacturing operations. The integration uses open data protocols and RESTful APIs. ERP remains the system of record for most data. This integration is a modern foundation on which the integration can continue to grow and add value through a seamless operation between ERP and Advanced MES.

Real-Time Scheduling Improvements

  • Display the assigned shifts for each machine
  • Remove running jobs from scheduled and unscheduled jobs lists
  • Perform a job change on calendar machines automatically
  • Present PM job duration in job schedule
  • New dialog to show assigned shift for machines

HMI Improvements

  • HMI cell list enhancement – Numerical sort order
  • Slovak language translation
  • French translation update HMI and core product

Real-Time Display (RTD) Improvements

  • Down Time Code is now available in addition to Down Time Description
  • Additional Filter on RTD and Web RTD for SQC Samples

Plant Floor Display (PFD) Improvements

  • Configuration of decimal places for data display in the PFD Writer

CF-MIU Improvements

  • CC100 Plc Addition to supported PLCs
  • Digital Input card installation improvements

Data Storage Improvements

  • Material Consumption data being captured by Maguire blenders
  • Storage of Hourly Production Data in addition to by Job and Shift

System Configuration Improvements

  • Enhanced system configuration for CFMIU MIU configuration to show assigned machines
  • Add Plant/Company editor to SystemConfiguration in support of ERP/Mattec MES data integration
  • Add NG Long Cycle machine local aux inputs to MIU cross-reference list

Platform Support Changes

  • Dropping support of SQL Server versions before SQL Server 2012
  • Drops support of Windows Server OS 2008 and 2008 R2

Both are reaching or have reached the end of support from Microsoft.

 

Source: Epicor Software Inc.

 

For further information about Epicor Advanced MES 8.3, Epicor ERP, and the integration between the two system, please contact us here.

 

 

 

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04 Sep
ways ERP improves compliance

5 simple ways an ERP system improves compliance for your company

Maybe you’re wondering how an ERP improves compliance? Perhaps you’re scratching your head and trying to figure out what an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system has to do with accounting compliance. The truth is quite a lot. This is because an ERP increases the visibility, security, and traceability of your data.

Although an ERP can’t guarantee compliance, it is an invaluable asset for any company trying to consistently achieve compliance. Accounting standards are regularly updated to include new compliance regulations. Recently, increasingly prevalent billing structures like subscription billing or complex lease management mean compliance has become more complex. As a result, it can become harder and harder to ensure you’re ticking all the right boxes.

That’s where an ERP comes in. Reduce the time your team needs to spend on tasks that can easily be automated and manage all the moving parts that end up impacting compliance. In addition, you will also increase efficiency across your company’s numerous processes.

Here are just some of the ways an ERP improves compliance:  

1. Gives your company visibility and transparency

Compliance depends heavily on the ability to visibly and transparently manage business processes. One of the biggest struggles companies face is accurate revenue reporting and recognition. The increase in complex billing structures has only added to the complications of accurate and transparent reporting.

Traditionally, this type of data might be tracked in a complicated network of spreadsheets, often reliant on a small specialized team to put in long hours of manual and boring data entry. We know manual data entry can be riddled with errors due to its monotonous nature. Not only is this labor-intensive, but it can be overwhelming to extract the data needed. All of this can easily be managed within an ERP system.

2. An ERP improves compliance by reducing errors in your data

Automating repetitive tasks with an ERP system not only reduces errors but frees up your team. Giving your team the time to triple-check all compliance requirements. It’s hard to prove compliance when there are errors in data tracking and management. Manual data entry can also lead to the sorts of mistakes that can cause issues down the line.

An industry-specific ERP changes all that. It gives you the tools to streamline processes and set up universal standards for how records are saved and stored. As a result, you have more control over your data and can retain historicals, all within a single system. Therefore cutting down on the opportunity for error and making your data more reliable.

data-v-tech-2-ways-erp-improves-compliance-in-your-company-epicor-viet-nam

3. Better handles complex billing cycles

As touched on briefly above, an ERP will simplify even the most complex billing cycles. If you’re managing a recurring billing model, it’s possible to find an ERP system with built-in tools to make compliance easier. Automating your processes and streamlining your data will give you fast and effective access to reports.

4. Makes your data audit-friendly

Centralized and easily accessible reports streamline your end-of-period process and audits and help you get the right answers at the right time. An ERP allows you to perform audits quickly and efficiently without having to scramble to find the relevant data. This makes your accounting team’s life easier during pressurized times of the year (like tax season). It also gives them peace of mind when they can rely on the consistency and accuracy of the data they’re using. There’s nothing worse than having to spend valuable time and energy re-entering data that could have been automated.

5. Consistent reporting across multiple companies in your ERP improves compliance

The bigger your company gets, and the more properties you manage, the more complicated compliance gets. An ERP will introduce consistency to your reports across multiple entities or companies. As a result, it facilitates your compliance with more accessible data across all entities. Investing in an ERP that is built to scale as your company grows will be essential for fast-growing companies as it will enable you to keep track of data and remain compliant as you expand.

Finally, an industry-specific ERP improves compliance by knowing your industry better than you do

A company with a system built for your industry has probably worked with hundreds of companies with similar needs to you. When it comes to compliance there are going to be a number of commonalities between companies, and even more so, between those in the same industry. Investing the little extra needed to ensure your tools are built to handle the demands of your industry and ensure that your accounts are all in order, will save you time and money in the future.

Often, we see companies who’ve tried to use complicated workarounds with systems that haven’t been proven to work in their industry. Do your research and find an ERP that knows your industry or has add-ons specific to your industry. That way it will be built to tackle the complexities of the processes you need to make visible and transparent.

Source: Binary Stream

Data V Tech is proud to be one of the leading ERP vendors in the Asia Pacific. We have implemented Epicor ERP for many enterprises and organizations in Vietnam and China. If you want to learn more about how an ERP system can help with compliance, please feel free to contact us.

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02 Sep
Definitive guide to Cloud ERP

The Definitive Guide to Cloud ERP

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been around for decades, but only in recent years have cloud ERP systems been in the spotlight. In the past, ERP software was most often deployed on-premise. However, nearly 60% of large enterprises with ERP solutions up for replacement are projected to switch from traditional on-premise to cloud ERP deployments by 2020.

What Is Cloud ERP?

A cloud ERP solution hosts software and data on a remote third-party server. Companies generally pay a subscription fee to access the software through the internet. Vendors are responsible for software maintenance and updates. The data service provider manages the hardware and ensures data security and backup.

Companies are adopting new technologies at a faster pace than ever. The market for cloud ERP solutions is rapidly growing and promises flexibility, scalability, and agility. But how do they deliver on these promises?

Whether you’re considering a cloud ERP solution or actively in the market for one, you’ll want to do your homework and research the different deployment options.

To help you with this process, we’ve put together this in-depth guide on the types of ERP deployment, the issues you should consider when deciding between cloud or on-premise ERP solutions, and profiles of the top cloud ERP vendors. We’ve also included insights from industry experts, as well as definitions for the many technical terms people use when talking about cloud ERP software.

Types of Deployment

The three main types of ERP deployment are cloud, on-premise, and hybrid.

1. Cloud ERP

Cloud ERP solutions are typically hosted in a multi-tenant public cloud. Let’s define each of these terms:

  • Public cloud: Data is stored in a remote third-party data center that’s responsible for the maintenance, backup, and security of the hardware and data.
  • Multi-tenant: The vendor offers a single version of the software to multiple companies simultaneously and is responsible for maintenance and updates.

In addition, cloud ERP software may be specifically designed for the cloud or migrated to it.

  • Cloud-native: Software is built and optimized for the cloud.
  • Cloud-based: Software is migrated from legacy on-premise software to the cloud. If you’re selecting an ERP system that’s cloud-based, make sure the software’s underlying architecture has been optimized for the cloud; otherwise, it may be slower and less responsive.

Lastly, a less common type of deployment is hosted ERP, which is similar to cloud ERP in that the vendor maintains and updates the software. The difference is that cloud ERP software is web-enabled and accessed via the internet, but a hosted ERP solution is accessed through a virtual private network (VPN) or a physical client workstation/terminal.

2. On-premise ERP

On-premise ERP software is installed and customized on the company’s own hardware and servers. The company typically pays a one-time license fee and is responsible for maintenance, security, and backup of the software and data.

An on-premise ERP solution may also be hosted on a single-tenant private cloud.

  • Private cloud: Data is stored on the company’s intranet or hosted behind a firewall by a data center. The company is responsible for the maintenance, backup, and security of the hardware and data. If the hardware fails, the company needs to pay for replacements.
  • Single-tenant: Companies have dedicated access to their data and software, which can be integrated with other applications or services on the same cloud provider.

3. Hybrid ERP

Hybrid ERP solutions combine cloud and on-premise solutions, often from multiple vendors. This is becoming more common as many companies integrate newer cloud ERP software into their legacy on-premise system.

77% of enterprises have at least one application or a portion of their enterprise computing infrastructure in the cloud.

On-Premise vs Cloud ERP

When it comes to choosing between on-premise and cloud ERP solutions, there are many issues to consider. In the following sections, we’ll compare:

Implementation

  • Costs
  • Usability
  • Security
  • Upgrades

Here’s a broad overview of the ideal customers and benefits for each type of deployment.

Definitive-Guide-to-Cloud-ERP-Data-V_Tech-Epicor_ERP

Cloud ERP Implementation

Implementing an on-premise system is an extensive process. It typically consists of seven stages:

  • Research
  • Installation
  • Migration
  • Testing
  • Training
  • Deployment
  • Support

Cloud implementation can save time, money, and stress compared to on-premise implementation because it:

  • Doesn’t require the purchase and installation of hardware, data servers, and software
  • Doesn’t require significant customization
  • Needs fewer internal IT, data security and implementation staff
  • Integrates more easily with existing ERP systems and other applications
  • Still, the most difficult aspect of implementation is managing change for employees within the company, which is an issue no matter which deployment you choose.

Cloud ERP Pricing

On-premise ERP solutions have large up-front costs, including:

  • Software license ownership
  • Implementation team
  • Software customization
  • Hardware and software installation
  • Data security, backup, and storage
  • Support staff

In total, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can expect to pay between $75,000 and $750,000 for an on-premise ERP solution. Costs for large businesses range from $1 million to $10 million.

On the other hand, cloud ERP solutions don’t involve owning and installing hardware and software. Instead, they generally use a software-as-a-service (SaaS) licensing and delivery model, in which:

  • The company pays a subscription fee that includes software access and updates, as well as data security, backup, and storage
  • The subscription fee is paid monthly or annually based on the number of users and level of features
  • The company only pays for what it needs and can scale usage easily if required
  • The vendor maintains and updates a standardized version of the ERP software, which usually doesn’t offer much customization

Overall, you’ll pay approximately $4,000 per month for a cloud ERP solution with 20 users.

Cloud ERP systems can cost 50% less than on-premise ERP systems for a 100-employee company over a four-year period.

Critics often note that while cloud deployments are cheaper at first, the monthly payments add up to a higher total cost of ownership in the long run. This is only true, however, if companies don’t need to upgrade their software.

We’ll discuss upgrades later in more detail, but be aware that as new technologies are incorporated into ERP systems, companies will need to upgrade more often to remain competitive.

Cloud software can be updated and integrated more easily than on-premise software, which may require expensive reimplementation or customization.

Another cost-friendly alternative is open-source ERP software, which is publicly available and free to install and customize. It’s commonly implemented on-premise, however, and many vendors only provide cloud deployments with a SaaS subscription.

Cloud ERP Usability

Most cloud solutions are designed with the user in mind, so they typically have intuitive interfaces and are accessible from mobile devices.

” A great capability of the cloud is its ability to deliver real-time data to users across multiple locations. Now people in disparate locations will communicate and collaborate using real-time data, and remote workers or employees in the field can stay connected to the most up-to-date insights.

Companies using mobile cloud ERP software also report improvements in data accuracy, and modern technology can minimize or eliminate mistakes by reducing the need for redundant data entry.”

Ray Rebello, Director of Product Marketing, Acumatica.

Many on-premise solutions were designed years ago, so interfaces may not feel as user-friendly. One benefit, however, is that on-premise deployments can be accessed even without an internet connection.

 

Cloud ERP Security

Some companies worry about security with a public cloud, but most cloud ERP vendors rely on reputable data service providers, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM.

These providers offer 24/7 monitoring, and security breaches are rare. For companies with little to no IT or data security staff, using a public cloud may be safer and less stressful.

In addition, companies with their own data servers are increasingly concerned about ransomware attacks, which use malicious software to block companies from accessing their data. The attackers demand a ransom to restore access, and even if the company pays, the data may still remain blocked.

Public clouds offer data backup, so ransomware attacks become less catastrophic.

49% of organizations are planning to migrate disaster recovery to the cloud in the next one to three years.

A private, single-tenant cloud offers even more privacy, control, and customization than a public cloud. Although it’s not offered by many vendors, for companies that face strict data security regulations — in the health care and financial industries, for example — it may be the only option.

Cloud ERP Upgrades

One of the biggest mistakes companies make during implementation is not planning for future growth and scale.

On-premise ERP solutions typically have numerous customizations that make upgrading not only time-consuming and costly but also may require the company to shut down its ERP system and reimplement the entire solution. It’s unsurprising that many companies with on-premise ERP systems never upgrade.

On the other hand, because cloud ERP solutions are typically standardized, upgrades can be delivered seamlessly, automatically, and routinely.

” The last few years have seen more advances in technology than the previous two decades combined.

Incumbents must evolve. New entrants must rapidly scale. And all need to become intelligent enterprises that connect business processes with advanced technologies and software solutions for incredible customer outcomes.”

Richard Strattner Jr., Global Head of Product Marketing, S/4HANA, SAP

Cloud ERP solutions are also well-positioned to take advantage of and integrate new technology and services. In particular, vendors are turning toward artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver next-generation insights.

AI can be used to analyze shop floor data and guide warehouse selection, as well as configure-to-order and engineer-to-order processes. Wearables and data collection devices that communicate using IoT can transmit data that are used to improve overall equipment effectiveness, reduce equipment breakdown, and increase asset utilization.

How to Choose an ERP Deployment

Now that we’ve covered the implementation, costs, usability, security, and upgrades of cloud and on-premise ERP solutions, we’d like to highlight specific situations in which you might choose one over the other. There are benefits to both deployments, and your final decision will depend on the unique needs of your company.

Choose a cloud ERP system if you…

  • Can’t afford a huge initial investment
  • Need to deploy quickly
  • Don’t require much customization
  • Have little to no IT staff
  • Want to integrate the ERP solution with other services or software now or in the future
  • Have multiple locations that need to use the system simultaneously
  • Are comfortable outsourcing data security, backup, and storage
  • Prefer a web-based interface and better mobile access

” You often hear about the financial and IT advantages of cloud versus on-premise based ERP, but the real, big advantages of cloud ERP are business benefits.

Companies with true cloud ERP are able to innovate more rapidly, out-service the competition, and connect easily with customers, suppliers, and employees. The business and strategic benefits dwarf the others.”

Tom Brennan, Chief Marketing Officer, Rootstock

Choose an on-premise ERP system if you…

  • Maintain a large data center and IT staff
  • Require extensive customization
  • Have business processes, such as incumbent manufacturing execution systems and advanced planning and scheduling, that require a lot of bandwidth
  • Need access even during internet downtime
  • Want to retain control over the software and data
  • Are prohibited from storing data in a public cloud by industry regulations

Choose a hybrid ERP system if you…

  • Have an on-premise solution but want best-of-breed cloud solutions
  • Need to access data from your on-premise solution through a mobile or web-based cloud platform
  • Want to transition from an on-premise solution to a cloud solution more easily at a later date

Top Cloud ERP Vendors

The following vendors offer popular cloud ERP solutions.

Acumatica

Acumatica serves customers in the manufacturing, accounting, distribution, retail, and commerce industries.

Its Distribution Management module helps companies track inventory, improve customer service, manage quotes and orders, and more. Its Project Accounting module offers built-in accounting tools that manage timesheets, budgets, and project inventory. Both functions integrate with various modules, including customer relationship management (CRM), manufacturing, and financials, for visibility across an organization.

Acumatica has multiple deployment methods, including public cloud SaaS, private cloud hosting, and on-premise.

Epicor

Epicor - all about cloud ERPEpicor is built for organizations of all sizes – although it mainly targets mid-sized companies – involved in manufacturing.

The software offers features and functionality to handle accounting and finance, project management, CRM, inventory, pre-production materials planning, manufacturing execution, human capital, supply chain management, global business management, and more.

Customers can purchase modules individually or the entire suite. The software can be installed on-premise or in the cloud.

Infor ERP

Infor is designed to help distribution and manufacturing companies run core business operations. Its solution is primarily intended for SMBs but can scale to cater to the needs of larger organizations.

Modules include accounting, human resources, sourcing, project management, CRM, and supply chain. The Workforce Planning feature helps manufacturers and distributors optimize their headcount to meet scheduling criteria. The Advanced Planning & Scheduling features allow users to immediately determine if they have the workforce, machines, tools, and materials needed to manufacture a product.

The solution supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployments.

IQMS

IQMS helps large discrete and batch-process manufacturers monitor and track manufacturing and business data and activities throughout the supply chain.

Modules include business intelligence (BI), product planning and scheduling, supply chain management, warehouse and shipping management, and CRM. Its Inventory module allows users to facilitate lean manufacturing processes by creating individual inventory master records for different locations.

IQMS offers flexible licensing models and can be deployed in private or public clouds, as well as on-premise.

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics AX helps SMBs and large enterprises streamline the administrative and manufacturing processes of their business.

It supports build-to-forecast, made-to-order, and engineer-to-order supply chain models across both batch and discrete-process manufacturing processes. Its capabilities also include warehouse management, production management, product lifecycle management, materials requirement planning, business intelligence, and asset management.

The software can be installed on-premise or hosted in the cloud.

Oracle Netsuite

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-based, integrated suite of applications from which a company manages financials, orders, production, warehouse, fulfillment, procurement, and human capital. The seven integrated modules aim to streamline business processes while contributing scalable functionality as a company grows.

Drawing from a common database, the ERP modules integrate with NetSuite’s other applications, like CRM, inventory, order management, and e-commerce to accelerate closings, ensure compliance, and provide real-time analysis.

Oracle NetSuite can be deployed in the cloud and integrated with legacy systems using a two-tier ERP system.

QAD

QAD Enterprise Applications supports global manufacturers in the automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, high-technology, industrial and life-sciences sectors.

Its modules include manufacturing, financials, customer management, demand and supply chain management, and analytics. The solution is FDA “qualified” and auditable for life-sciences customers and offers a suite of process maps that helps automotive customers meet critical industry standards, such as the Materials Management Operational Guideline/Logistics Evaluation.

The software can be deployed on-premise, through the cloud, or with a hybrid implementation.

Ramco

Ramco targets over 40 industry verticals such as manufacturing, energy, government, and real estate. Its solution may be too robust for small businesses.

It has modules in finance and accounting, supply chain management, production, quality assurance, project management, and human resources. The supply chain management module includes a supplier portal so a company’s vendors can access and act on up-to-date information. The production module is tailored to both discrete and process manufacturing.

Ramco can be deployed in public and private clouds, as well as on-premise.

SAP

Business One is SAP’s ERP software for SMBs in the consumer products, industrial machinery and components, professional services, retail information, and wholesale distribution sectors.

Its modules include financials, purchasing, inventory, sales, project management, operations, and CRM. The purchasing and inventory control module manages the complete order-to-pay cycle, including receipts, invoices, returns, and payments to optimize purchasing practices and control costs.

The solution can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. Pricing is based on the number of users.

Source: Andrew Ly

Cloud Epicor, Enterprise resource planning - ERP Read more...
18 Aug
Must-have in-demand IT skills

These in-demand skills are must-haves for IT departments

These in-demand skills are must-haves for IT departments

To determine the top IT skills this year, we analyzed the following:

  • Highest-paying job roles
  • Highest-paying certifications
  • Most challenging hiring areas
  • Top tech investment areas

With skills gaps plaguing the industry, these 10 skills are must-haves for all IT departments. It’s no coincidence that these skills make up a large percentage of the IT skills gap across the industry. Decision-makers are struggling to fill these job roles. The positions also pay well because of a lack of qualified professionals.

If you’re looking to make an IT skills investment or start a new career path this year, these are the areas to consider.

Cloud skills are in high demand and cloud salaries are the highest in IT. But the main reason cloud is No. 1 is because it intersects with every other skill on this list.

Cloud has quite simply changed the game. Cloud is the ultimate enabler, opening new channels of revenue by leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Other topics like data analytics, networking, project management, and cybersecurity—all have been greatly influenced by cloud adoption, which continues to soar. The public cloud services market is expected to grow 17.3% this year.1

This kind of growth has made it more difficult for IT decision-makers to fill cloud job vacancies. There’s a cloud skills shortage due in part to the skills needed to ensure seamless orchestration across multiple functions. There just aren’t enough experts to fill all vacancies.

But if you are one of the lucky ones to be cloud-certified, the salaries are quite beneficial. Three of the five top-paying IT certifications are cloud-based, with Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect ranking first this year.

Recommended training

Cloud Computing Training Courses

An analysis of worldwide identity and access management by the International Data Corporation (IDC) revealed that 55% of consumers would switch platforms/providers due to the threat of a data breach, and 78% would switch if a breach impacted them directly.2

There is too much at stake when it comes to your data. That’s why security is the top concern for a majority of organizations. Cyberattacks are escalating in frequency and sophistication. As a result, companies are scrambling to hire cyber professionals, and they’re not always succeeding.

For the fourth straight year, IT security is the most challenging hiring area for decision-makers.3 There aren’t enough of them to fill open positions. And more are needed due to specialization. There is no longer cybersecurity jack-of-all-trades.

But if you do have the skills, you will be compensated handsomely. Cyber-certified professionals make nine percent more than the average IT professional in North America.

“As the amount, frequency, and creativity of cybersecurity breaches grow, so does the shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the appropriate skills to defend the enterprise, government, and military networks,” said Brad Puckett, Global Knowledge global portfolio director of cybersecurity. “This global shortage of cybersecurity professionals has created an in-demand market for anyone who wants to rise to the challenge and build career-advancing skill sets.”

Recommended training

Cybersecurity Training Courses

Developer jobs are expected to grow continuously in the near-term. Application developer employment is forecast to grow 31% and software developer jobs are forecast to grow 24% by 2026.4 Overall, that’s more than 550,000 new developer jobs.

Developers are responsible for web, social and mobile applications. And as more and more people conduct business on their phones, the skills to build and manage apps are increasing in criticality.

According to the Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report, application development and programming jobs are associated with an average salary of $118,276 in North America—eight percent above average. Top programming languages like SQL, C#, Python, and JavaScript are also some of the most mentioned skills amongst over one million job listings, analyzed by IDC.5

Recommended training

Application Development Training Courses

The market for software-defined networks (SDN) is growing quickly, due to the flexibility and adaptability they provide. For those with an updated networking skill set, there certainly are opportunities for advancement and higher pay.

Cisco is the market leader in networking and wireless, and Cisco’s Routing and Switching certifications are some of the most popular throughout IT. This year, CCNP Routing and Switching rank among the top 15 highest-paying certifications at nearly $107,000 a year. CompTIA Network+ also has a similarly high average salary for 2019.

IDC expects the SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) market to grow exponentially going forward. The SD-WAN market reached $833 million in 2017 and will balloon to $4.5 billion by 2022.6 With this level of growth, networking skills are a safe and smart bet for IT professionals.

Recommended training

Networking and Wireless Training Courses

Analytics and data management are growing skill needs as organizations are striving to be more data-driven. This culture of information allows for better insight into patterns and trends. Thus, critical business decisions are made with data as the driving force. IT professionals with these skills are tasked with helping organizations solve problems and make more informed evaluations.

But it’s been a double-edged sword as organizations have struggled to manage the wealth of new data. By 2025, IDC estimates the world will create and replicate 163 zettabytes (ZB) of data, 10 times the number that was created in 2016.7 This new data is constantly accumulating, creating a host of storage and security risks that must be addressed. IT professionals are needed desperately to manage data growth. It’s a top challenge for decision-makers, and it’s exacerbated by the fact that they can’t find enough qualified individuals with this specific skill set.

Recommended training

Analytics and Data Management Training Courses

There is increasing pressure on organizations to align departments. This has become a more complex assignment given emerging technologies. IT, for example, maybe evolving at a different pace than other departments. Systems and enterprise architecture professionals are needed to ensure legacy programs and procedures align with modern practices. It’s a highly complex role that requires a lot of planning and coordination with different departments.

According to CompTIA, only 34% of firms currently build IT architecture strategies beyond 12 months because it’s difficult to predict IT environment changes.8 Though without architectural planning, investments likely won’t be prioritized correctly and long-term goals will be impinged by possibly outdated frameworks.

It’s no surprise that enterprise architects are compensated well. It’s the second highest-paying IT functional area. Business architecture certifications (e.g., TOGAF) have a highest-associated global salary.

Recommended training

Enterprise Architecture Training Courses

As skills gaps rise—they’re up nearly 50% in four years—project planning is more vital than ever. There are a lot of roadblocks preventing projects from being completed on time and within budget. It’s a project manager’s job to create, communicate, and execute a project strategy. Like it or not, IT is judged on the success or failure of projects.

Project managers ensure projects are highly visible to stakeholders. They must be able to communicate with leadership the skill needs and risks associated with a given project. It’s a delicate balance, as critical skills aren’t always readily available. IDC believes that by 2020, 90% of all organizations will have adjusted project plans, delayed product/service releases, incurred costs, or lost revenue because of a lack of IT skills, with losses worldwide totaling $390 billion annually.5 A good project manager keeps their focus on the big picture even as disrupters emerge and cause havoc within a department.

Project Management Professional (PMP®) is one of the most important professional certifications. It’s currently the second highest-paying certification in the U.S. ($135,798). Another project management certification, Certified ScrumMaster®, is No. 3 on the list ($135,441).

Recommended training

Project Management Training Courses

Fifty-five percent of IT professionals say workloads are higher year over year.3 With so much to do, the scramble is on to develop programs that automate the more time-consuming, menial duties. Enter artificial intelligence, which frees up employees to focus on more consequential responsibilities. It’s no surprise that AI and machine learning are key investment areas for 2019.

Cloud migration has amplified the need for automation. With a majority of organizations shifting to the cloud, manual migration tasks have been automated to save time. IDC examined the advancements in cloud migration programs, tools, and services, especially from cloud service provider AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Each provider has expanded its portfolio with AI-enabled automation and machine learning.

From IDC: “For businesses planning their move to the cloud, many of the manual, time-consuming tasks associated with migration have been automated and reduced from days to minutes. Automation reduces the arduous tasks of manual configuration, extensive customization, and in many cases, integration.”9

Of the 12,200-plus professionals we surveyed for our 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report, five percent were in a service desk or tech support. This particular skill set is in-demand due to the growing amount of hardware and software that organizations are utilizing and distributing.

There’s now more of a need to bring help desk professionals in-house so they can get hands-on and diagnose issues more easily. Tech support professionals are more likely to be remote, though it’s critical that they possess strong soft skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. Technical support is the fourth most in-demand tech skill.5

While both positions can be outsourced, companies are looking to bring these positions in-house to ensure a consistent message and experience.

Virtualization remains a useful way to reduce IT expenses and increase IT agility. It can also help accelerate the transformation to cloud computing.

Virtualization is a key concern for companies of all sizes—this year it is the No. 6 tech interest area worldwide. Decision-makers are still investing heavily in the concept, and staff is seeking out these skills. Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA-V) is the 12th highest-paying certification of 2019, while VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.7] remains one of our most popular training courses.

The market for virtual machine software increased by 2.9% in 2017. IDC forecasts it to increase at an average pace of 4.6% from 2017 to 2022.10

Recommended training

Virtualization Training Courses

Though not technically IT skills, enhancing your soft skills can benefit all professionals. Improved soft skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal communication can help enhance your tech skill set and break down departmental silos.

“Soft skills are of great value in their own right,” says Eric Bloom, an adjunct analyst with IDC’s IT Executive Programs (IEP). “When they are tied to specific job types, they provide the dual benefit of enhancing employee effectiveness and promotability while enhancing employee performance by increasing each person’s ability to work effectively with others.”11

  1. Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud Revenue to Grow 17.3 Percent in 2019, Sept. 2018
  2. IDC, Market Analysis Perspective: Worldwide Identity and Access Management, 2018 — The State of Identity, Doc #US44260118, Sept. 2018
  3. Global Knowledge 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report
  4. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
  5. IDC, 2019 IT Training Buyer Survey Spotlight: Impact of Skills Gap and the Need for Strategic IT Skills Development, Doc #US44842319, March 2019
  6. SD-WAN Infrastructure Market Poised to Reach $4.5 Billion in 2022, According to IDC, Doc #prUS44203118, Aug 2018
  7. IDC, Data Management: Success with a Method to the Madness, Doc # US44415618, Nov. 2018
  8. CompTIA, Planning a Modern IT Architecture
  9. IDC, Cloud Success: Migrate with a Plan to Mature, Doc #US44883619, March 2019
  10. IDC, Worldwide Virtual Machine Software Forecast, 2019–2022, Doc #US43407818, March 2019
  11. IDC, Maximizing Technical Skill Effectiveness Through Soft Skills Training, Doc # US43212717, Nov. 2017

Source: Globalknowledge.com

Data V Tech Solutions Company is proud to be a leading ERP consulting firm that facilitates the personal development of each team member and helps them gain necessary IT skills. Join us and grow yourself!

IT jobs/careers Read more...
15 Jul
14 marketing skills that can help you get hired this year

Marketing skills that can help you get hired this year

Here are the must-have skills you need in 2020 in response to the rapid expansion of digital marketing. Keep yourself updated and stay on top in your career.

1. Content Marketing

Content marketing with Data V TechA quick search on Facebook you will possibly find numerous groups for content writers. Bill Gates once said: “Content is king”, and it is happing right now, that we need many writers, especially high-quality ones. Whichever tools a company is using, it will need more customer-oriented content.

So start writing blogs and join various Facebook content writer groups as well as communities for the passionate about writing. Furthermore, there are several books on content writing that can help you capture audiences and gain more readership. Get yourself a position in the pool, or at least, get yourself informed about where and how to get the right writer.

 

2. Content Management System (CMS)

Content management system CMS with Data V TechContent management system is like a virtual business where you can easily learn on your own how to do the job. WordPress, Wix, and Drupal are some common CMS examples. They differentiate themselves somehow from each other. However, if you understand how a system functions, you can learn to manage all.

 

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Most businesses are using CRM software to organize and manage interactions between the company and its customers. The software creates a real-time database bridging sales, marketing, and customer service. Popular CRM software includes Salesforce, Oracle, and, particularly in manufacturing, Epicor.

 

Epicor customer relationship management CRM

 

4. Mobile Marketing

mobile marketing - must have marketing skills in 2020It is anticipated that about 75% of all mobile users would have smartphones by the end of 2025, and the global size of the mobile marketing market is expected to continuously grow from 2020 to 2027. Mobile marketing refers to various channels on not only smartphones but also tablets, such as email, SMS and MMS, social media, websites, and apps. Thus, knowledge of mobile marketing would increase the value of your CV and support you significantly when you have to do the job.

 

5. Email Marketing

marketing resumeCompanies still need to increase, retain, and delight email subscribers. It is the fact that email marketing has never lost its value in terms of ROI. By June 2020 there have bill 3.9 billion of email users, which is projected to continue rising to 4.3 billion in 2023. Furthermore, every $1 on email marketing leads to an average return of $42.

Getting yourself familiar with various email marketing automation tools, such as Sendiblue, MailChimp, and Mailjet is one of the very first steps to master this channel. 

 

6. Video Production and Editing

Video Production and Editing - Must have marketing skills in 2020

 

Video is one of the critical parts of the future, as Mark Zuckerburg once said in 2018. Indeed, it is true in 2020. There were 63% of businesses using video as a marketing tool in 2019 and 81% in 2020. Thus, it would be a huge advantage if you master some video production and editing technique and understand how to utilize videos effectively on various channels. Either can you start with Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, or you can produce some short clips online, such as on Powtoon.

 

7. Paid Social Media Advertising

It is always attractive if you have experience in paid social media advertising, and even better if you know how to get the most out of your ads budget. The repetitive ads on social media channels, which now allow you to customize the demographic reach in order to focus on your target audiences, is particularly very popular in branding. This skill is also something you can invest easily for your own future if you are really into social media. Moreover, remember to check out the most popular channel in your destination before you pay.

marketing skills

 

8. Data Science

As many marketing channels have been automated, enormous data are available to many companies. Thus, they usually need someone to interpret the data and help them adjust their strategies, action plans, improve the product, or look for a new one. If you have a passion for data analysis and can do the job, there is a high possibility that businesses are searching for you!

 

9. Consumer Insights

Many companies require need consumer insights – “the study of how people make decisions about what they buy, want, need, or act in regards to a product, service, or company“. Here are some tips to practice this knowhow:

  • Decide your research topic, and make sure you know how to receive the data.
  • Manage your resources to collect data as well as analyze it within the given timeframe.
  • Identify the data collection method.
  • Analyze the data while identifying whom and what might be affected and what to do in response to the possible impacts.

 

To sum up, here are the must-have marketing skills in 2020:

  1. Content marketing
  2. Content management system (CMS)
  3. Customer relationship management (CRM)
  4. Mobile marketing
  5. Email marketing
  6. Video production and editing
  7. Social media advertising
  8. Data analysis
  9. Consumer insights

Source: Data V Tech

 

 

Business innovations, Customer relationship management - CRM, Epicor 10 Read more...
12 Jul
17 In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

17 In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

Looking to change fields and get into tech, but don’t know what skills you need to launch your career? Maximize your marketability by pursuing tech skills in demand for the future!

Between 2016 and mid-2019, U.S. employers were only able to fill six of every 10 open tech positions, signaling a huge technology talent deficit in the U.S. Furthermore, over 50% of company learning & development leaders in a Udemy survey said technical skills were their top priority for training in 2020.

Of course, tech is a broad field, and there are a lot of interesting directions you can go in. In this article, we’ll look at the various areas of tech, how much demand exists for each skill, and where to go to start your learning journey.

Without further ado, here are 17 tech skills in demand in 2020—plus where to get the online technical training you need to become a pro.

AI is rapidly changing the landscape of work, making it an exciting time for programmers to look for something new. Hiring growth for AI specialists has grown 74% annually in the past 4 years. Because of its increasingly widespread adoption, AI specialists earned LinkedIn’s #1 emerging jobs spot.

There is a crossover with machine learning here (which you’ll learn about next!), but the key difference is that AI is a broader concept pertaining to machines designed to act intelligently like humans, whereas machine learning relies on devices making sense of a specific set of data.

In 2018, 31% of businesses said implementing AI was on their agenda for the next 12 months. Their top use cases are incorporating AI in data analysis and user experience.

Quick facts about AI as a tech career:

  • Average salary: $122,000 average across various AI careers
  • The amount of jobs requiring AI skills has multiplied by 4.5 since 2013
  • Artificial intelligence specialties can benefit a variety of tech careers, from software engineers to data scientists to product managers.

Where to learn it: Artificial Intelligence MicroMasters Program on edX

Must-have IT skills in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

This MicroMasters program encompasses 4 courses that explore distinct aspects and applications of AI. Understand the guiding concepts behind machine learning and AI, design your own artificial intelligence programs to solve real-world problems, learn about its application in physical robotics, and explore the world of animation and CGI.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Artificial Intelligence MicroMasters Program
  • Platform: edX
  • Instructed by: Ansaf Salleb-Aouissi, John W. Paisley, Matei Ciocarlie, Eitan Grinspun
  • Price: $896.40 USD for the entire program
  • Skill level: Advanced (Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Mathematics and have a basic understanding of statistics, college-level algebra, calculus, and comfort with programming languages.)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE?  

It’s a rigorous, graduate-level program of courses from an Ivy League university, representing 25% of Columbia’s coursework for a Master’s Degree in computer science.

Machine learning is one of the most innovative and exciting fields moving into the future, making it one of the most profitable skills you can learn. From Siri and Alexa to chatbots to predictive analysis to self-driving cars, there are a ton of uses for this futuristic tech.

Those who begin taking online courses in machine learning now will still be getting in relatively early, as demand is only increasing from here. According to McKinsey, 49% of companies are currently exploring or planning to use machine learning.

Machine learning can be applied to every industry, including healthcare, education, finance, etc. Translation? The possibilities are endless, and you can apply your machine learning skills to a role that suits your personality and interests.

Learn more about the difference between AI and machine learning and what to do if you want a career in machine learning in this interview with CTO Allan Leinwand.

Quick facts about machine learning as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Machine Learning on Coursera

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Broad intro to entire machine learning workflow, including neural networks, statistical pattern recognition, deep learning, unsupervised learning, anomaly detection, recommender systems, and more.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Machine Learning
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Andrew Ng (co-founder of Coursera)
  • Price: Free! (for the audit option, no graded items) or $79 (with certificate & graded assignments)
  • Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate (requires a basic understanding of linear algebra)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

It has a 4.9-star rating (out of over 125,000 ratings), was created by Stanford University, touches on the theories behind machine learning as well as its practical applications, and is taught by the cofounder of Coursera!

Two consistently in-demand tech jobs within Big Data include data science and data analytics. Revenue from Big Data applications and analytics is projected to grow from $5.3B in 2018 to $19.4B in 2026.

84% of enterprises have launched advanced analytics and Big Data initiatives to accelerate their decision-making and bring greater accuracy. This is part of why data science has earned a top spot on LinkedIn’s emerging jobs report all three years the report has been conducted.

Data analysis is the more entry-level skill, whereas data science gets more advanced, but the careers are still cousins. Industries needing data professionals span education, finance, health, software, and more.

Quick facts about data science and analytics careers:

Where to learn it: Big Data Specialization on Coursera

Must-have IT skills in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Drive better business decisions with an overview of how big data is organized, analyzed, and interpreted. Apply your insights to real-world problems and questions.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Big Data Specialization
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Ilkay Altintas, Amarnath Gupta and Mai Nguyen
  • Price: $49 per month with Coursera subscription
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

Taught by San Diego Supercomputer Center experts, involves hands-on activities, and you’ll get a comprehensive knowledge of the entire Big Data industry so you can go on to choose a specialization in data analytics, science, engineering, etc.

Data engineering is separate from data science, but the former is what enables the latter to exist. Data engineers build the infrastructure and tools that data scientists rely on to conduct their own work.

Since 2015, the hiring growth rate of this technology job has increased by nearly 35% across a wide variety of industries.

There’s no better time for U.S. citizens to enter the field, due to changes in immigration laws. “Following recent government policy changes in the H1-B Visa application process, demand for US citizen data engineers has increased drastically and shows no signs of easing,” writes Sam Brown.

Quick facts about data engineering as a tech career:

Where to learn it: An Introduction to Google Cloud Platform for Data Engineers on Udemy

Must-have IT skills in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

All the core services you’ll need to know for the Google Cloud Data Engineer test, the basics of how to use Google Cloud Platform

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: An Introduction to Google Cloud Platform for Data Engineers
  • Platform: Udemy
  • Instructed by: Mike West
  • Price: $99.99 (but Udemy often has sales, especially around holidays)
  • Skill level: Intermediate (you’ll need a basic understanding of cloud technologies and SQL)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

It’s the first course in a series geared at helping you get the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer Certificate.

Data visualization is a way to help people understand the significance of data by placing it in a visual context. For instance, by turning spreadsheets or reports into charts and graphs that can be easily understood.

Think of this career as a bridge between technical and non-technical roles. You’re taking the data collected by analysts and transforming it into a form anyone can understand.

Quick facts about data visualization as a tech career:

  • Average salary: $98,264 per year for data visualization engineers
  • It’s in demand because employers can make sense of large amounts of data to drive real business results. For example, it can help them predict sales volume, understand what factors influence human behavior, identify areas in the business that can be improved, identify trends, relationships, patterns, etc.
  • It’s a blend of science and art: raw information meeting visually appealing mediums.
  • Data visualization is the key to “bringing the power of Big Data to the mainstream.”

Where to learn it: Data Visualization for All on edX

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Learn how to design interactive charts and customized maps for your website using Google Sheets, Tableau, Highcharts, Carto, Leaflet, GitHub

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Data Visualization for All
  • Platform: edX
  • Instructed by: Jack Dougherty, Stacy Lam, David Tatem
  • Price: Free (add a verified certificate for $49)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

The course is taught by Trinity College faculty, and real-world examples are drawn from their students working with community organizations in Hartford, Connecticut.

For any company that collects customer information or deals with sensitive data of their own, keeping networks secure is paramount.

When data breaches do happen, they can be big, newsworthy, and costly for the company to recover from. The number of data breaches increased by 50% in 2019, and companies famously hacked in the past include Sony, LinkedIn, Chipotle, and others.

These situations underscore just how critical it is for companies to keep their network security up to par, and make cybersecurity one of the most-needed jobs and one of the technical skills in demand in 2020. Within just one year, company demand for security engineers has increased by 132%.

Unfortunately for those companies, right now there is a shortage of people trained in network security. Fortunately for you, that means there’s a gap in the market you can fill.

If you’re curious about filling that gap, read my ultimate guide to starting a career in cybersecurity.

Quick facts about cybersecurity as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Essentials of Cybersecurity on edX

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE PROGRAM COVERS: 

The fundamentals of networks, systems administration, how to mitigate vulnerabilities, how to perform digital forensic analysis, risk assessment, etc.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Program Name: Essentials of Cybersecurity
  • Platform: edX
  • Instructed by: University of Washington
  • Price: $396
  • Skill level: Intermediate (must have a STEM Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of work experience in a technical environment)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE?

It’s a professional certificate program made up of four courses. You’ll better understand the field of cybersecurity, what roles are available, and what cybersecurity career path is right for you.

Cloud computing jobs are on the rise because more and more companies are switching from the classical server infrastructure to cloud solutions. According to Gartner, the market for public cloud services is projected to grow by 17% in 2020 to a total of $266.4 billion.

Amazon Web Services is one of these cloud platforms, featuring content delivery, database storage, networking, and moreover 50 services in total. Since it is currently the biggest platform, we’ll highlight some specific facts about AWS in this section (and give an extra course recommendation for it!).

AWS specialists are usually engineers, cloud architects, or system administrators. IT professionals who are AWS-certified earn more than their non-certified counterparts. It’s one of the most profitable skills an IT employee can learn to level up their tech career, as AWS specialists earn an average of $113,000 (the highest of all certifications in the United States and Canada)

Quick facts about cloud computing as a tech career:

Where to learn general cloud computing: Cloud Computing Specialization on Coursera

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Clouds, Distributed Systems, Networking. Learn about and build distributed and networked systems for clouds and big data.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Cloud Computing Specialization
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Reza Farivar, Ankit Singla, Indranil Gupta, P. Brighten Godfrey, and Roy H. Campbell
  • Price: $49 per month with Coursera subscription
  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

Hands-on activities, taught by computer science professors

Where to learn Amazon Web Services: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fundamentals for System Administrators on Pluralsight

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fundamentals for System Administrators

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Core AWS skills and concepts needed to begin working with AWS and to achieve AWS certification.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fundamentals for System Administrators
  • Platform: Pluralsight
  • Instructed by: Elias Khnaser
  • Price: Free
  • Skill level: Intermediate (requires working knowledge of virtualization, networking essentials, and general systems administration)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

You’ll have a solid understanding of how various AWS services are architected and how you can use them.

Virtual reality and augmented reality—the collective term is extended reality, or XR—are trending to be useful for more than just entertainment in the future. Marketing, advertising, health care, and manufacturing are some industries that have already begun adopting XR technology.

According to Hired’s 2019 State of Software Engineers report, demand for AR and VR engineers surged by an incredible 1,400%. But a little under just one year prior (from Feb ‘18-Feb ‘19), job searches had actually decreased by 13.48% for these roles. This implies that while jobs in this area are skyrocketing, the number of job-hunting candidates hasn’t had time to keep up, presenting a good opportunity for those who want to train for this top tech skill now.

In the near future, AR is looking to outpace VR for growth and profitability. Reports predict that the global VR gaming market size will be worth $22.9 billion by the end of 2020, while AR will be worth a stunning $133 billion by 2022.

Quick facts about Extended Reality (XR) as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Extended Reality (XR) – Building AR | VR | MR Projects on Udemy

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Learn how to make VR and AR apps with 3D game development. You’ll gain a better understanding of the complex landscape of extended reality, build your own 3D world, and deploy your own applications.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Extended Reality (XR) – Building AR | VR | MR Projects on Udemy
  • Platform: Udemy
  • Instructed by: Packt Publishing
  • Price: $124.99 (although Udemy often has sales on)
  • Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate (Some prior familiarity with AR/VR frameworks will be useful but not mandatory.)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

It’s a relatively short course (5 hours of content) that will level up your game development skills.

In the broadest sense, the term IoT encompasses everything connected to the internet, but it is increasingly being used to define objects that “talk” to each other.

“Simply, the Internet of Things is made up of devices—from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables—connected together,” says Matthew Evans, the IoT program head at techUK.

Everything that’s connected to the internet can be hacked, which is why security is one top concern with these devices. California and the UK have both recently introduced legislation to make IoT devices safer and more secure. Cybersecurity professionals who specialize in IoT will likely be highly sought after for this reason.

Quick facts about IoT as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Internet of Things (IoT) on edX

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Design IoT solutions and networks, identify components required, understand how data management fits in, analyze security risks, and ultimately produce a fleshed-out idea that’s ready to prototype

COURSE FACTS:

WHY THIS COURSE? 

The MicroMasters program—taught by a range of professors, specialists, and lecturers from Curtin University—includes 6 self-paced IoT courses, live discussions, remote access to real laboratory equipment for practical sessions. The program is credit-eligible for Curtin University Master’s degrees.

While they’re in the same family, UI and UX are different. UI (user interface) specialists design interfaces for websites and apps to be visually appealing, flow well and be easy for users to navigate. UX (user experience) specialists do a lot of research and testing to consider every element of how the user will interact with the company and website, coordinating with developers and UI designers.

This type of career is perfect for those who want a creative-meets-analytical type of role (graphic design meets A/B testing and so on).

Ultimately, UI is better for those who want to focus on the visuals, layout, and general look and feel of a page or product. UX is better for those who want to use analysis and testing to help a business seamlessly meet their users’ needs.

Quick facts about UI/UX as a tech career:

Where to learn it: User Experience Design Fundamentals on Udemy

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

The critical elements of user experience–strategy, scope, structure, skeleton, and surface. Learn the basics (e.g. what UX design is and why it’s important), strategy/theory (e.g. use of color and typography), and implementation (e.g. how to create wireframes).

COURSE FACTS: 

  • Course Name: User Experience Design Fundamentals
  • Instructed by: Joe Natoli
  • Price: $94.99 (but Udemy often has sales, especially around holidays)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

It has a 4.3-star rating from over 7,000 ratings, with 67,405 students enrolled. The instructor has been helping Fortune 100, Fortune 500, and various government organizations with UX design for nearly three decades.

There are 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world today, and that number is continuing to grow every year. This means that companies who want to stay relevant don’t just need websites; they need apps. Having mobile development skills also comes with the perk that if you can build apps for others, you can build and sell your own as well–so it’s an ideal career path for aspiring entrepreneurs.

One interesting direction that mobile apps are headed in is augmented reality. Apps like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game engage with the real world, blending technology and reality.

If you want to start learning mobile development without committing to the Team Treehouse tech degree spotlighted below, check out these 21 mobile app development courses.

Quick facts about mobile development as a tech career:

  • Average salary: $96K+ (with starting salaries as high as $75K)

  • At the time of writing, there are over 49,000 mobile developer jobs posted on Glassdoor.

  • The global app economy is predicted to be worth $6.3 trillion by 2021, up from $1.3 trillion in 2016.

  • The future of mobile development goes beyond phones: wearable technologies, the Internet of Things, beacon technology, an increase in the use of VR/AR, and more.

Where to learn it: Team Treehouse’s Beginning iOS track

Must-have IT skills in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Swift is the language of iOS, created by Apple. You can use the language to build applications for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. Build your own apps or land a full-time job at a company that uses Swift.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Beginning iOS
  • Platform: Treehouse
  • Instructed by: Pasan Premaratne
  • Price: $25/month
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

Learn how to program from absolute scratch using Swift and learn many fundamental concepts that will get you started writing code immediately. (No prior programming experience is needed.)

Originally devised for the digital currency Bitcoin, blockchain has evolved. The tech community is now finding other potential uses for the technology, such as peer-to-peer payments, crowdfunding, file storage, identity management, digital voting, etc. Learn more about blockchain/cryptocurrency jobs in this article.

“With platforms like Ethereum taking the lead, more and more companies need developers who understand the blockchain, smart contracts, and can build decentralized applications,” writes Anna Belaya.

Some of the blockchain skills you should know to include networking, cryptography computing, database design, and programming languages ranging from Java, JavaScript, and C++ to Go, Solidity, and Python.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN AS A TECH CAREER:

Where to learn it: Blockchain Specialization on Coursera

Blockchain Specialization on Coursera

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Broad intro into what blockchain is, including how to design and program smart contracts and decentralized applications

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: Blockchain Specialization
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Bina Ramamurthy
  • Price: $49 per month with Coursera subscription
  • Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate (requires knowledge of at least one modern, high-level programming language)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

Includes hands-on activities and is taught by a computer science professor at University at Buffalo.

If you’re okay with a little uncertainty in your career (and you enjoy science fiction), quantum computing is a field to consider. “The industry has a ways to go,” writes Sophia Chen. “They have a timeline, sort of, give or take a few decades. And at the moment, their roadmap has at least one glaring pothole: a lack of trained people.”

However, this provides an opportunity for you to help move the needle forward. Jeremy O’Brien, physicist and professorial research fellow at the University of Bristol, says that quantum computers could outperform everyday computers in less than 10 years.

Quick facts about quantum computing as a tech career:

  • Average salary: $82,965
  • Current quantum computing roles include software engineers, researchers, experimental scientists, and programmers.
  • You can contribute to Qiskit Terra and Qiskit Aqua code and algorithms to start getting involved with quantum computing and get noticed by hiring managers.

Where to learn it: The Introduction to Quantum Computing on Coursera

The Introduction to Quantum Computing on Coursera

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Mathematical models of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and more.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course Name: The Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Сысоев Сергей Сергеевич
  • Price: $49 per month with Coursera subscription
  • Skill level: Intermediate (requires knowledge of complex numbers and linear algebra)
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

“We will build a simple working quantum computer with our bare hands, and we will consider some algorithms designed for bigger quantum computers which are not yet developed.”

As a robotics engineer, you can specialize in software or hardware roles, working on virtual or physical bots. Physical robotics can encompass medical equipment, exploration bots, animatronics for films or amusement parks, automated manufacturing equipment, and more.

Virtual bots can exist in software and online to help automate tasks like customer service, virtual assistance, etc. You’ll notice an overlap with AI in this space.

Quick facts about robotics as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Robotics Specialization on Coursera

Robotics Specialization on Coursera

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Learn how robots operate, adjust their movements across a variety of terrains, serve useful real-world functions in scenarios like disaster recovery and healthcare, and so on. For a course project, you’ll learn how to program a robot to move and fly.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course name: Robotics Specialization
  • Platform: Coursera
  • Instructed by: Jianbo Shi, Daniel Lee, Daniel E. Koditschek, Kostas Daniilidis, Vijay Kumar, CJ Taylor, Sid Deliwala
  • Price: $39/month with Coursera subscription
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

This specialization is comprised of 6 courses taught by a collection of professors from the School of Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

There’s no single job description of product management; roles will likely look different across different companies and product types (software, apps, physical products, etc).

One thing in common is that at its core, product management is about making a product the best it can be. That may entail considering market demand, conducting surveys and potential user tests, acting as a liaison between developers and designers assigned to the product, etc.

Especially if you’re working on a technical product, having the ability to understand and speak tech terminology will make you more successful.

Learn more about how to become a product manager here (a podcast episode with Sam Gimbel, who started out by studying neuroscience and became a product manager and later the co-founder of his own businesses).

Quick facts about product management as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Become a Product Manager | Learn the Skills & Get the Job on Udemy

Become a Product Manager | Learn the Skills & Get the Job on Udemy

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS:  

Learn all the skills involved in product management, from idea through execution. You’ll become familiar with the processes and tools involved in market research, prototyping, metric measuring, understanding core tech concepts, leading a team, and more.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course name: Become a Product Manager | Learn the Skills & Get the Job
  • Platform: Udemy
  • Instructed by: Cole Mercer, Evan Kimbrell
  • Price: $194.99 (but Udemy often has sales, especially around holidays)
  • Skill level: Beginner, but familiarity with basic business concepts is helpful
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

In addition to teaching the skills, the course dedicates time to the job-search process as well, giving tips on the resume, portfolio, interview, and what to look for in product management jobs. Over a thousand students who have taken this course now work as product managers.

Salesforce is one of the world’s top 10 software companies by annual revenue, so there are a lot of opportunities for work in this space. CRMs, or customer relationship management solutions, provide companies with efficient ways to manage their sales, marketing, and customer support.

Developers are able to build on existing Salesforce infrastructure to create applications and projects specific to the needs of their company.

#7 on LinkedIn’s emerging jobs report was a Sales Development Representative, which mixes a traditional sales role with Salesforce technology expertise. As it’s not a purely technical role, it can be a good place to start within the broader universe of Salesforce.

On the podcast, listen to Zac Otero talk about transitioning into tech as a self-taught Salesforce admin.

Quick facts about Salesforce as a tech career:

Where to learn it: Salesforce Development Training for Beginners on Udemy

In-Demand Technology Skills to Learn in 2020

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS: 

Programming in Apex (the language of Salesforce), creating a Salesforce developer’s account, and all the features you can implement.

COURSE FACTS:

  • Course name: Salesforce Development Training for Beginners on Udemy
  • Platform: Udemy
  • Instructed by: Deepika Khanna
  • Price: $199.99  (but Udemy often has sales, especially around holidays)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Enroll in the course here

WHY THIS COURSE? 

Assumes no prior Salesforce experience and provides real-world examples to illustrate the concepts you’re learning.

Having a foundation of programming language skills can open doors for you in a lot of different ways.

On Glassdoor’s list of top jobs for 2020, careers requiring coding skills are well-represented. Front-end engineer is their #1 best job, Java developer is #2, the software engineer is #7, etc. Full-stack engineering has seen 35% of hiring growth every year since 2015.

When it comes to specific skills, there are some notable trends:

Of course, the language that’s best for you to learn depends on your specific goals.

Courses to Learn 17 Programming Languages

  1. HTML and CSS: HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals on edX (Free — add verified certificate for $99)
  2. JavaScript: JavaScript Path on Pluralsight ($29/month with a Pluralsight membership)
  3. Python: Introduction to Python Programming on Udacity (free)
  4. Java: Introduction to Programming in Java on edX ($297)
  5. C#: C# Path on Pluralsight ($29/month with a Pluralsight membership)
  6. PHP: PHP Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning ($24.99)
  7. Go: Programming with Google Go Specialization on Coursera ($49/month with a Coursera membership)
  8. Scala: Introduction to Scala on Team Treehouse ($24/month with a Team Treehouse subscription)
  9. Ruby: Learn to Code with Ruby on Udemy ($199.99 but Udemy often has sales)
  10. Typescript: Introduction to TypeScript 2 on edX (Free — add verified certificate for $99)
  11. Kotlin: Kotlin Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning ($24.99)
  12. SQL: The Complete SQL Bootcamp on Udemy ($194.99 but often on sale)
  13. Swift: Swift Fundamentals on Pluralsight ($29/month with a Pluralsight membership)
  14. R: R Programming: Advanced Analytics In R For Data Science ($199.99 but often on sale)
  15. C: Introduction to Programming in C Specialization on Coursera ($49/month with a Coursera membership)
  16. C++: C++ Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning ($44.99)
  17. Objective-C: Foundations of Objective-C App Development on Coursera ($39/month with a Coursera membership)

Source: Laurence Bradford

Data V Tech Solutions Company is proud to be a leading ERP consulting firm that facilitates the personal development of each team member and helps them gain necessary IT skills.

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