Why is AWG demanded?As we know, DWDM technology enables transmission of dozens of wavelengths in a single fiber, which expands the capacity of optical fiber communication enormously. The first mux/demux modules for DWDM system are based on thin-file filters (TFFs), as shown in Fig.1 and Fig.2. Both are designed in serial structure. Different wavelengths travel different number of devices in the module and result in different power loss. The loss uniformity degrades with increment of port number. Meanwhile, the maximum loss at the last port is another limitation on the port number. Thus the TFF-based WDM modules are usually limited to be ≤16 channels.

However, a typical DWDM system needs to transmit 40 or 48 wavelengths in a single fiber. Multiplexer/demultiplexer with high port number is required. A serial structure will accumulate too much loss at the last ports. Thus a parallel structure is demanded, which can multiplex/demultiplex dozens of wavelengths at the same time. Arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is such a device.

Structure of AWGStructure of a typical AWG is shown in Fig.3. It consists of five parts: a transmitter waveguide, an input star coupler (FPR (free propagation region) in Fig.3), arrayed waveguides, an output star coupler and dozens of receiver waveguides. The lengths of the arrayed waveguides are in arithmetic progression. Given L0 as the length of the first waveguide, the length Li of the i-th waveguide is as follow.

The DWDM signals emit from the transmitter waveguide and are separated into the arrayed waveguides after free propagation in the input star coupler. The separation is colorless, which means that all the wavelengths are separated into the arrayed waveguides identically. The arrayed waveguides generate phase difference between the multiple optical beams. The phases of the multiple beams are in arithmetic progression, which is just like the traditional gratings. Thus the different wavelengths are dispersed and then focused at different positions in the output star coupler. The receiver waveguides are set at the focusing positions. Different wavelengths are received by different waveguides and thus parallel demultiplexing of DWDM signals are realized.

Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) are key components of DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Systems) networks that are rapidly developing. The AWG can obtain a large number of wavelengths and channel numbers, realize multiplexing and demultiplexing of tens to hundreds of wavelengths, and can flexibly form multifunctional devices and modules with other optical devices. High stability and excellent cost performance are also one of the reasons why AWG has become the technology of choice for DWDM.

HYC launched a 48-channel (Athermal Arrayed Waveguide Grating) AAWG, mainly for 400Gbps network applications. Based on the array waveguide grating technology, it does not require additional power supply or temperature control, and is a pure passive module. It has the characteristics of low loss, polarization-dependent loss, low crosstalk, and good stability in the operating temperature range of -40 °C to 85 °C.

Is having a website really necessary for a small business like a privately owned consultancy, or entrepreneurship or companies with very few employees?

Most businesses have their own website these days, including the top and popular ones, and more importantly the moderately successful ones. And each year, the number of small businesses and startups is going up, leading to tougher competition.

But strangely, the smaller or beginner-level businesses and start-ups have been somewhat slow in getting into the online scene, even though it is very easy to build professional websites these days, with the help of the numerous free-of-cost website CMS platforms available.

It was found through surveys that most of these business owners think that they don’t have the resources, skills or enough time to build and maintain a business website. Some are content with the kind of business they have through just word-of-mouth or other ways that don’t involve online marketing, while some others procrastinate the process of investing too much of their time and energy into making a website and maintaining it.

But the truth is, businesses that don’t have their official websites, get left far behind their contemporaries who have official websites for their business, because the web is a vast marketplace, and it must not be overlooked.

It takes time to establish a base online, and get viewed, recognized and talked about. If a website is made in the early stages itself, it will be of immense use to the business.

There are many advantages to having a professional website; and if you own a small business, you might need to consider these:

One – it is less expensive than the traditional advertising methods, and as said, websites also have a better and wider outreach.

Two – in today’s business scenario, there is no better way to connect with potential (and existing) customers than through an online portal.

Most consumers usually do online research to find out more about a product or service, and they don’t necessarily need to be given too much information, but just a few pages with minimalistic but useful information that can help them get to know and understand the product or services better.

With an official business website, customers have access to information related to the business or company or service any time, and at any place; this can also bring in customers from far off places, if applicable even faster and in larger numbers and that would definitely be an advantage.

If a business doesn’t have an official website, most consumers decide that it is not up-to-date with the market standards, and may have doubts about the quality of the related service of the product(s).

Three – There are many online blogs and websites that talk about other products and businesses and promote them, discuss them, etc. These are a great option to promote any business, but with its own official website, a business or brand can have control over the information shared with the public.
Having an official presence online means not having to depend on other sources to speak for you, and present your business information exactly in the way you want to.

So, it is advisable to have an official website, even for small businesses. And it is always better not to postpone doing this, as a website can be of immense help to a business even in beginning stages.

Financial Management: The Pulse of Business Operations
Financial management is often considered the lifeblood of an ERP system, meticulously overseeing all monetary transactions within an organization. This module is responsible for tracking capital inflow and outflow, encompassing a wide array of financial activities, including:

Expense tracking
General ledger maintenance
Balance sheet preparation
Bank reconciliation
Tax management
Payment processing
Moreover, it generates detailed financial reports tailored to the needs of different departments, providing critical insights for decision-making. According to a report by Panorama Consulting Solutions, ERP systems can reduce operational costs by 23% and administration costs by 22% on average, underscoring the financial module’s impact on cost efficiency.

Purchase Module: Streamlining Procurement
The purchase module is integral to an ERP system, seamlessly interfacing with inventory control and production planning. It automates and refines the procurement cycle, from requisition to payment, with key functions that include:

Supplier and subcontractor database management
Material requirements documentation
Purchase order (PO) authorization and processing
Indent management for multiple items within a single PO
Payment term recording and quotation validity checks
Quality inspection and excise formalities
This module ensures the timely availability of quality materials, crucial for uninterrupted production. It also facilitates supplier evaluation and billing, enhancing the efficiency of purchasing activities.

Inventory Management: Optimizing Stock Levels
Also known as the material management module, inventory management is pivotal in setting stock targets, standardizing replenishments, and achieving inventory objectives. It employs serial numbers to track items, ensuring precise item location within the organization. Its close integration with the purchase module allows for a synchronized approach to stock management.

CRM: Nurturing Customer and Supplier Relationships
The CRM module is dedicated to managing every aspect of customer and supplier interactions. It is a vital tool for maintaining relationships and is closely linked with sales and marketing modules. The CRM module captures and manages detailed records of interactions, streamlining processes and reducing the need for manual data entry.

HRMS: Managing the Workforce with Precision
The Human Resource Management System (HRMS) module, while capable of operating as a standalone application, is often included in ERP systems to manage workforce-related tasks effectively. It encompasses various HR functions, such as:

Time tracking and timesheets
Employee record-keeping
Job profile and skills matrix management
Performance reviews
Payroll processing
Integrated with the financial management module, HRMS facilitates the management of wages and allowances, linking employee-related expenses to the organization’s overall financial health.

The Evolution of ERP: Next-Gen Solutions
While the modules discussed represent the foundational elements of an ERP system, modern solutions are continually evolving. Next-gen ERP systems introduce advanced modules tailored to industry-specific best practices, promising to simplify complex business processes and deliver a substantial return on investment.

In conclusion, ERP systems are dynamic and multifaceted, with each module playing a critical role in the overall efficiency and success of an organization. As technology advances, these systems are becoming more sophisticated, offering even greater benefits to businesses willing to invest in their potential. For further insights into ERP systems and their impact on business operations, explore resources from Gartner and Panorama Consulting Solutions.

Objective-C was used primarily being used for developing OSX and iOS applications. However, Objective-C started becoming out-dated as it lacked many valuable features present in other modern programming languages. Due to such loopholes, Apple introduced Swift in 2014, as an alternative to Objective-C.

Swift became quickly popular amongst the developers because it is a powerful and feature-rich language. It is modern, fast and characterized by a higher level of security. More and more businesses are implementing Swift code, especially for their iOS app development needs. It is also used for developing apps on the Linux platform.

Why developers prefer Swift for iOS app development?

Whether you are a start-up or a small/medium/large-scale enterprise, you should know that Swift language has all the features needed to develop highly functional and custom iOS apps that provide a soothing user experience and high customer satisfaction. Swift includes the features of both C and Objective-C, but the built-in compatibility and constraints of C are not applicable to Swift. Here, we have outlined principal benefits that Swift offers to iOS developers.

Better readability and simplicity of syntax
Swift has a clean syntax which makes it much easier for the iOS developers to create a simple and intuitive code. It helps the developers to easily read, write and modify the code of an app. The number of lines required in the Swift code is comparatively lesser. So it reduces the time required to write the code and improves cost-efficiency.

Open-source
In the year 2015, Apple announced Swift to be an open-source platform. Since then, Swift app development has been used across various platforms as well as for backend infrastructure. Developers started providing suggestions and feedbacks to Apple for improving this platform which eventually made it more structured.

Speed
Like Objective-C, Swift is also based on C. However, Swift has a high speed and is much more efficient than Objective-C. With Swift, software developers and static system users can expect high-speed operations.

Easy maintenance
In C, developers need to maintain two code files-(.h) header file and (.m) implementation file, for improving the code’s build time and efficiency. The same is carried forward in Objective-C. However, this is not the case with Swift. Here, all the content in (.h) header file and (.m) implementation file is present in a single file- (.swift). So, there is no need to maintain two different files which makes its maintenance much easier.

Safe and secure
Objective-C had many drawbacks and the developers faced difficulties while designing the app. However, language construction and syntax in Swift have been successful in overcoming these drawbacks. When there is a bad code in Swift, a short feedback loop is created. It helps to fix the bugs easily and in time which reduces errors while making the apps stable and secure. Also, the syntax in Swift encourages the developers to write a clean and consistent code. It may feel strict at times, but it saves time and supports safety in the long run.

Final Wrap-up:

Swift offers many advantages over Objective-C. Swift brings a completely new host of features while it already adapts several useful components from Objective-C. It seems that this programming language is going to be the future of secure, high-performing, engaging and custom iOS app development. Probably, this is the reason why even Apple’s competitors are adopting Swift.

Are you looking for Swift app developers? Or want to develop an out-of-the-box iOS app for your business? We, at Biz4Solutions, have vast experience and knowledge required for building scalable and robust iOS apps. Our team works with the latest version of Swift to provide world-class apps while meeting the standards set by Apple.