TRI LogoTransportation Resources, Inc.
TRI RESOURCE NEWS
July 2009 
In This Issue
Technology Resources
On Stage, Access 2007
Kindle, For iTouch
Life at 50,000 Feet
 
Technology Resources
Technology Resources aren't important to everyone.  Some companies manage just fine using pen and paper.  The use of white boards would amaze many. Some could not survive without post-it notes.  
 
For those of you that can operate like this, that's great. For all the others, technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing,  It is an  integral component in servicing your customer, managing your costs or controlling your operation.

Transportation Resources has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet web- based programs, hosting and co-location services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email cooperation, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services.   Interested in taking a forward step with  technology?   Looking to take advantage of the latest advances?  Just want to take advantage of your new computer? 
 
Small or large, simple or complex, give us a call to discuss where you want to go.  The first consultation is always without charge.
 
Call us at 978-422-7770 or email rmj@trif.com to discuss your opportunities.  
Greetings! 

First time readers, welcome! Returning readers, welcome back!   We do not want to waste your time. Artilcles will contain generally less than 250 words.  Please have a look and give us your feedback. 
 
Now, On Stage, Access 2007
 

Kicking and screaming we have been since the introduction of Microsoft Access 2007.  They changed everything - except the fact that it is a great database front-end.  Microsoft changed the interface imagining that it would be more intuitive.  Ok, they missed the boat.  But once you get over the annoying trauma of spending 30 minutes finding a button because it is "intuitively" placed in some obscure place or not showing at all, the program has some great features. Here is the top 10 list:

  1. The interface has tabbed documents making it easy to flip from one form to a report, back to the form over to a query and back again. It adds another dimension. 
  2. Create PDF images of any report, form or query with the click of a button.
  3. Memo and text fields can be formatted as rich-text.  Bold, italic, underline, color font and font size can all be edited with a text field.  Awesome!
  4. Totals.  On a datasheet view, clicking "Totals" will allow you to see sum, count or average at the foot of any column.  This is HUGE.
  5. The new date picker is a calendar and appears next to every date field allowing you to choose dates with the click of a mouse.
  6. Alternating colors on reports or datasheets makes viewing information very pleasing to the eye.
  7. Filter or sort by clicking the column header of a datasheet. Awesome for filtering dates like last week or last month.
  8. Imports and exports can be saved and repeated
  9. List items in list boxes or combo boxes can be edited on the fly.
  10. We haven't begun to use this one, but just consider this new feature.  Create a fill-in-the blank form, send it out in HTML format in an email and collect the filled in results back into the database.  WOW!

So expect our call soon.  We will be looking to upgrade and incorporate many of these features in your software very soon

 

Kindle?  Why buy one.
 
If you own an Apple iTouch or an apple iPhone, you can download Kindle software for free.  It doesn't matter if you own a Kindle or not.  
Books still cost around $10.00.  It really is worthwhile.  Kindle owners recognize that one of the issues is you must read in a reasonably well lit room.  Normally that is fine, but sometimes, it is just more convenient to read in a low lit or dark room. Sometimes you want to read in the car while waiting for karate class to get over with.  The iTouch is backlit and doesn't require any ambient light. 
 
Don't worry if you have both the Kindle and an iTouch, Amazon manages your devices and the books you are reading. It recognizes which device you are using and offers to bring you to the last page you were reading - on any device.
 
Another feature of using the iTouch - you can listen to soundtracks while reading.  This is a great option for ellipse machine or treadmill users.  Believe me;  it makes that tediously agonizing time go by just a bit faster.
Try it out and report back.  
 
Life at 50,000 Feet
 
Dr. Sarah Reif-Hekking of True Focus Coaching (http://www.truefocuscoaching.com/) suggested I read Getting Things Done by David Allen. If you are looking for some good tips on doing just that, I recommend this book as well.
 
I needed something to help me better juggle everything I always have in play and, at the same time, keep my eye on the goals I have not just for tomorrow or next week, but a month, year, 5 years and even 10 years from now.
 
The analogy that caught my eye was one David Allen made well into his discussion on making action choices. He suggests your choices should be guided by viewing from high above - from the sky. He puts it this way; at 50,000 feet lie life issues, at 40,000 feet are your 5 to 10 years goals, at 30,000 feet your 1-2 year goals come into focus,  at 20,000 feet lie your Areas of Responsibilities, (home, health, family, finance,etc.), at 10,000 feet are current projects and when you are on the runway - actions now.
 
Whether you look up to the sky or down to the ground, your view of actions now with your projects, responsibilities and long term goals will help you travel a more direct route to your dreams. Good luck.
If any of the information here is of interest to you, please drop us a note.  If you would like to see specific information on technology issues that affect you and your business, please drop us a note.
  
Sincerely,

Robert McKay Jones
Transportation Resources, Inc.  
50 Leominster Road, Suite #13 Sterling, Massachusetts 01564
rmj@trif.com