When Amazon was launched, it began as a online bookstore. Outside the span of economic opportunity was the chance of enhancing the buyer experience by widening the customers’ choice. Creating the world’s first online bookstore was recognizing that, in 1995, you couldn’t walk into any bookstore in the world and be able to review or purchase the millions of books in circulation. Even from the beginning, Amazon was focused on creating the best customer experience with a deliberate focus on convenience and the vision of pioneering other technological advancements as the end of the 21st century approached. A bulk of document can be handle by any courier company because most of them have document services.

I believe it’s fair to say that Jeff Bezos and many others, including myself, believed the 21st century would include the convenience of flying cars, the convenience of getting your annual checkup without having to visit the doctor’s office, or being able to order a ride to anywhere in your city all at the press of a button. In 1995, all of these technological advances were just storylines of The Jetsons and other science fiction. Innovation has now made all but one of those storylines a reality – but I’m sure Elon Musk is working on getting us those flying cars.

Amazon has pioneered a number of technological innovations through their now-extensive product lines. From its conception, the company was focused on making every book available for purchase online, but their focus has now evolved into “selling everything to everyone.” Over the last 16 years they have come closer and closer to that goal. Their product lines include:

• Amazon Fresh (currently in beta), where they sell fresh produce.
• Amazon Prime, which provides video and music content instantly to customers via their smart devices.
• Amazon Fashion, which launched last fall.
• Amazon Fulfillment.
• Amazon Marketplace, which provides customers with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs while utilizing the company’s logistics and distribution infrastructure.
• Amazon Kindle, which I believe was the predecessor of all other tablet devices.
• Amazon Web Services, which was a business born out of Amazon’s necessity to create a sustainable infrastructure for their online operations. They did it so efficiently that they had extra capacity to support the infrastructure of other companies, some of which could be considered their competitors.

Their latest and possibly most ambitious endeavor, Amazon Prime Air, will revolutionize ecommerce as well as logistics and distribution. Amazon Prime Air extends the products that the company can sell. With a vision of leading innovation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) delivery, Amazon Prime Air will enhance all of their other product lines by allowing their customers to get the goods they order much faster, effectively enhancing the Amazon customer experience. Skeptics (including myself) have wondered how big is the customer base that would use such a service and why would anyone ask for a drone to come anywhere near their house. Drones definitely get a bad rap, and rightfully so, but most of those concerns are out of place within the APA discussion as these UAVs will not have missiles or cameras attached to them. So the real question is, does this product line and technology have a customer base or serve any real need outside of its “coolness” factor? Well, let’s take a look at what the data says:

Amazon has been working on UAV technology for some time but it wasn’t until November of last year that the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) announced a plan to create a standard for the commercial use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). It is obvious that Amazon has to go on a public relations blitz to inject the acronym “U.A.V.” into the public discourse in the place of “drone” in regards to APA as it will enhance the public’s perception once they launch the platform. And according to the FAA’s UAS commercial integration plan, they have plenty of time.

Here is the FAA UAS integration timeline. It is broken into 3 phases:

The first phase, Accommodation, extends into 2015. During this time, I believe Amazon will work to attain the Certificate of Airworthiness (COA). The second phase, Integration, extends into 2020, and in this phase I believe Amazon will mostly focus on beta testing in select markets. The third and final phase, Evolution, extends past 2021; Amazon would have not only developed a UAV ready to interact with the public but also a UAS that incorporates the various aspects of storage, fulfillment and distribution. At this point, they can expect that there will be many competitors who would also utilize UAVs as a form of logistics such as Fedex, UPS, other online retailers, and big box stores such as Walmart and Target. So Amazon’s main focus at this point should be creating a UAV/UAS that will be the safest and most reliable, and not only meet FAA standards but exceed them with the goal of Amazon Prime Air becoming synonymous with UAV delivery. The FAA has made it clear that it is not a matter of if but when, and if Amazon follows through with its plan, it could pioneer a completely new form of delivery.

Google Trends

The day after Amazon Prime Air was announced on the show 60 Minutes happened to be the largest consumer holiday of the year, “Cyber Monday.” It was also the first time that Cyber Monday surpassed Black Friday in sales. Utilizing the Google Trends tool I was able to gauge consumer interest. Google Trends is a research tool that allows users to gain insight on Google search data by comparing search phrases. In this graph “Cyber Monday” was at 100pts with “Amazon Prime Air” and “Amazon drone” representing 75 and 74 points respectively. So for every 4 people that searched for Cyber Monday deals, 3 searched for Amazon Prime Air. I believe it is fair to say that for every 4 people who made a purchase on Cyber Monday, 3 would have been a customer of Amazon Prime Air!

The data shows that there is some consumer interest, but whether this is a true reflection of real opportunity is to be confirmed. Regardless, a showing of 3 out of 4 consumers definitely leans towards further investigation. The opportunity and economics of this new business line must be examined. Amazon Prime Air’s current prototype has a max payload of 5 lbs or less, which qualifies 86% of their shipments as eligible for Amazon Prime Air. According to resources, their free shipping policy on select orders cost the company about $6 billion just last year and with FedEx and UPS (their shipping partners) increasing the rate by 4.5% they can anticipate that this cost will go up and continue to increase over time. The data available on the Amazon Prime Air R&D budget is not publicly available so I had to get creative and also make a few assumptions. I deduced the opportunity cost by multiplying 86% of their daily shipping count which at its peak represents 13.5MM by the lowest ‘one-day shipping’ rate which is the closest service to Amazon Prime Air and then the highest ‘one day shipping rate’ and captured an amount totaling $52-103 billion. I then took this a step further, considering Amazon’s customer-centric philosophy and their current business model of low margins. Even at a 2% margin they would still net $1-2 billion dollars. The opportunity is large enough that Amazon will either be a huge customer of UAV delivery or a huge provider of UAV delivery.

So far I’ve covered the vision, strategy, and the why (albeit briefly), and now for the execution of the most innovative product of the 21st century – so innovative that the government is still trying to determine the regulations.

Amazon Prime Air is the name of Amazon’s unmanned aircraft system. The system will be developed by framing every possible user story with the consideration of their customers, the public, their employees at the fulfillment centers, the deployment, the UAV hub and most importantly, the unmanned aircraft vehicle.

At their current capacity of 96 fulfillment centers around the world, they do not meet the 10-mile distance requirement for the UAV prototypes, so as part of their strategy they would need to continue the development of fulfillment centers as part of the unmanned aircraft system.

UAV MVP

Amazon’s primary focus should be creating a safe UAV, so discussing and developing user stories with the engineering team will be prioritized by safety, security, and reliability. They should also focus on defining and exploring specs utilizing current FAA requirements such as sense and avoid, control and communications and the others as detailed.

The current roadmap details the definition and exploration to meet FAA requirements within the next two months, exploring SAA technologies such as electro-optic, infrared, and radar, with the second phase focusing on building and testing of the UAV through the rest of the year. The last phase, focusing on developing the rest of the Amazon Prime Air system, will extend into 2015 calendar year.

Launching Amazon Prime Air will not be an easy task, as can be expected for such an ambitious endeavor, but I believe even with this brief analysis of the project, Amazon could lead in the innovation of UAV delivery. Visit bondscouriers.com.au for more courier services.

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There was a time when a college degree wasn’t necessary at all. Fifty years ago, when public schools were churning out students to become factory workers a person could get a good job relatively easily straight out of high school. Once the factories began closing, it became more urgent for a person to obtain a college degree to get a decent job. This was the major consensus when I was growing up, in the late 80’s and early 90’s. So, I went to college and got my degree. However, as we ponder the future, we must ask ourselves, “Is it still as important as it once was to get a college degree?” In a world where many of the wealthiest people in our society are comprised of college dropouts it seems like a legitimate question. Early childhood education courses Sydney could be the answer to educate more the young one’s.

The “Yes” Argument

I don’t regret getting my degree. It has allowed me job security in a tumultuous time. Although I don’t get paid a great deal (I’m a teacher), it has been a steady and reliable income. But more than that, I loved college. I met so many great people, and I learned a lot of stuff. It’s very motivating when you’re paying for an education to get all you can out of it. I could have easily been happy as a lifetime student if only I could have supported myself.

As a college graduate, you open up many more options for yourself. Whether you learned anything or not, that little piece of paper affords you a lot of respect in some circles. Theoretically, anyway, you should have at least a base level of knowledge about your subject no matter how much you partied in school. Walking into a job interview with a college degree on your side is definitely an advantage, all other things being equal among your competition. But the world is a different place than it used to be.

The “No” Argument

Put simply, college costs a LOT of money. I’ve been out of school for 10 years and I’m still paying off student loans, and I didn’t even go to grad school. At some point you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it when you figure in the cost. College tuition rises every year. Although, I think many colleges will soon begin to see less applicants simply because a large portion of Americans find it harder and harder to afford college.

The other fact is that we live in an age of so much information availability that everything that was once held in secrecy by college professors is now readily available to anyone. Sure, we have to weed through it all to get what we need, but Google is here to stay. No longer do you have to shell out hundreds of dollars for outdated textbooks. We just pull up the search box and get the most up-to-date information for FREE. We no longer need to wake up before the sun to sit through a 7:00 in the morning lecture. We just pull one up on YouTube at our convenience.

So many ultra-successful people have been getting to the top without degrees that it’s making the rest of us question the necessity of that piece of paper. And we all know that for most jobs, having a degree really doesn’t give you much more knowledge about a job than someone without a degree. Most of the specific knowledge you need for a job comes through on-the-job training anyway. So, yes or no?

The “Maybe” Argument

Well, I think this one depends on what career you are wanting to go into. A college degree certainly gives you basic knowledge to build upon. More and more jobs are being created in the information technology fields all the time. At the rapid pace at which our technologies change today it is easy to see how, in the 4 years it takes to get a degree, everything can change drastically. Essentially everything you learn in year one is outdated by the time you walk across the stage at graduation. This wasn’t always the case, but it applies very often in today’s rapidly changing world.

We have gotten to the point where we are changing things quicker than we can keep pace. Most jobs in the future don’t even exist right now. We’re having to create roles as we go, as things change and make them necessary. People no longer retire from the same career that they began in most cases. It’s much more common today to go through several career paths throughout your life. We don’t have time to get a new degree every time we change careers.

Perhaps it’s time to redesign our degree programs to be much shorter and more customizable. Let the rest of our knowledge be gained on- the- job and on- the- go. Although I don’t advocate skipping college altogether, I do think we live in a world where people are much more used to individualization. Information is not as sacred as it used to be. It’s only a matter of time before the current college structure out lives its usefulness, or has it already?

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“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao-tzu, Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC). One of our most beloved silhouettes, the Classic Tall black Ugg boots is an icon of casual style.

Now we know that the first step should definitely begin with rugged foot protection. If you’re hiking or hunting, need balance and support, or if you work in construction or for the police or the military, investing in the right foot wear is a critical decision. But, choosing the boots that will not only fit your feet, but will fit your lifestyle too, is not as easy as it sounds. When you get to the showroom or look on-line at all the options in a boot warehouse, the selections of brands, styles and types of construction are nothing less than overwhelming.

Finding Your Way

To help you find your way through the maze of the work boot world, there are questions that will help in the decision making process. Do you need a safety toe boot or a plain toe boot? Does your work warrant waterproof boots? How about slip and oil resistant boots? Will you be working in cold conditions and need insulated boots for warmth? The idea is to try to match the boots as closely as possible to your work, occupation or your outdoor activity levels. The closer the match, the better the lifestyle fit – not just the fit for your foot size.

Boot styles vary considerably and each style is designed with specific real-life problems in mind. For instance, Magnum boots are good for stability and agility on patrol. LaCrosse boots are great for uneven terrain and tracking big game. Did you know that Belleville and Caterpillar military boots are military approved and loved for their durability? If you’re looking for top-notch construction and a slip resistant outsole, Bates boots are the way to go.

Rocky boots combine strong, waterproof construction with insulation and a stable platform. And Danner boots are tough footgear with a reputation for long lasting protection with rough use. These are just a few examples of boot brands that are built for unique kinds of wear and tear. Doing the research in advance, will help you select the best all around fit for your personal lifestyle.

How Are the Boots Made?

Do you want a lightweight, easy walking boot? Look for boots made of a nylon mesh and leather combination. They’re good in warmer climates, flexible, and easy on the feet. Full-grain leather boots are extremely durable and the boot of choice to deal with the roughest terrain. They are in the class of water resistant boots and the seams are usually coated with silicone to repel moisture. Manufacturers also use other methods of waterproofing boots. Waterproof liners are built into many work boots and can also do a great job of keeping you dry.

Be sure to check the tread on the bottom of the boots you are considering because the more pronounced the tread, the more traction you’ll get. This is important for most hikers and hunters, to be aware of.

Caring for Your Boots for Longer Wear

The first rule in boot maintenance is to keep them clean. Brush your boots regularly to remove soil and mud that can accelerate deterioration. You can use plain old water and a boot cleaner on the outside, but don’t try regular household soaps or detergents. Don’t over oil your boots either and if they get soaked, here’s a tip: Pack them loosely with newspaper and allow them to dry in a warm place.

Making the Wisest Choice

Since most ordinary folks walk about 8,000 to 12,000 steps a day in normal conditions and in less challenging environments, it’s vital that if you hike for miles in uneven terrain, work in a heavy industry or perform maneuvers that require balance and agility, you must have boots designed with your specifics in mind.

Buying sturdy, reliable boots is one of the most important investments you can make for your comfort, your well being, your safety and your health. Be sure to look carefully at all the options and try to match closely how those boots will fit into your lifestyle for play or for work. Then, be sure to care for your boots on a regular basis for continued service and extended wear. With the right boots and proper care, you can now begin your journey of a thousand steps with confidence. You are protected for the duration.

The Quantico Boot Company in Quantico, Virginia specializes in premium footwear for today’s hardest working professionals in industry, construction, police and the military. For complete product listings read the descriptions and learn more.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dorothy_Dutch/570184

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