Signs of the Times - June 2014 - (Page 16)

T e c h nology Upd at e on product prices." This April 2014 report said stock steel prices had declined in post-recession 2009, but gained again over the following two years. In a following paragraph, the IBISWorld report, which compared price-growth predictions for fencing, nails, elevators and machinery, said it expected steel prices to rise at an annualized rate of 2.2% over the next three years. It said steel buyers should expect higher prices for steel-based products through 2017. An April 8 Financial Times (FT) headline said, "Steel demand to slow as Chinese economy cools." Global steel demand will see slower growth this year because of slow growth in China, it said. Note the words demand and price and, thinking in economic theories, consider how the first action can affect the second. The FT said the World Steel Assn. (one of the world's largest industry associations) expected U.S. demand to rise 4% in 2014, which could certainly affect U.S. prices. Confused? Me too. I contacted IBISWorld's media coordinator of procurement research, Ashley McKay. I said, "Ashley, my research contradicts Sean's predictions, and I'd like some confirmation on his forecast of rising steel costs." Sean said, "The forecast period is from 2014 to 2017. We anticipate steel prices to increase over this period due to increases in industrialproduction activity - mining, manufacturing, electric and gas industries. In addition, the construction sector, particularly residential housing, is forecast to continue growing strongly, which will also drive demand and price growth for steel." He continued, "As far as fluctuating steel prices, our research doesn't deny that steel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Our report predicts that steel prices will return to steadier growth over the next three years based, in part, on the factors mentioned above." Good answer. However, I bur- rowed deeper, more than you probably want to read. For example, on January 21, Goldman Sachs, with a "The Sunset of the Iron Age" headline, also predicted lower metal prices. Its report considered sliding ore prices and a potential steel surplus, but accentuated a decline in the Chinese steel demand, which, it said, could ignite a downward [supply] trend from 2014 forward. Economics again: Less supply/ constant demand = higher prices. Further, the forecasts don't discuss possible world conflicts, such as Putin's actions against the Ukraine or Nevada cowboys against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. And, because both tanks and barbed wire are made from steel, any new - or renewed - national or international conflict would raise the demand for steel-made armaments, which, in turn, would increase demand and, accordingly, prices. So, should signmakers raise their prices? Ummm... n What Shops Need to Know About Windows XP By Dean Derhak Dean Derhak is a product director at SAi with 17 years' experience in RIP software, management, marketing, sales and engineering technologies. Here, Dean gives some easy, but effective, tips to make your website win more of today's customers. Reach Dean at deand@ThinkSAi.com I t's official. As of April 8th, 2014, Microsoft will no longer supports the Windows XP operating system (OS). This is important news for sign and print businesses that still run on Windows XP, because, although such computers presently run well, they could become ticking time bombs. Without Microsoft's security updates, your Windows XP system is vulnerable to any new virus, malware or adware that hackers might devise. For example, a new "ransomware" virus locks your computer and demands you pay hundreds of dollars within days, or, it warns, it will destroy your files. Anti-virus software won't protect your system because such damaging exploits can reach though your browser or email, to take advantage of the XP 16 SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 2014 operating system's vulnerabilities. Meaning, if you access the Internet or open e-mail on a Windows XP computer, you are vulnerable. Hackers know Microsoft won't protect you with security updates. Also, if you're running on Windows XP, it's likely installed on computer hardware that's more than eight years old. Upgrading your OS on old hardware is an unwise investment. Sooner than you expect, the old hardware will fail. According to a Backblaze (an online backup service) study, 20% of hard drives fail after four years. After eight years of constant use, you're playing Russian roulette every time you open, save or RIP a file. Hardware failures can cause you costly repairs and worse, downtime in your production. When it comes to business-critical software and computer hardware, the idea that "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" can cause you trouble. Now, before the storm arrives, is the time to back up your system and evaluate your current hardware situation. Upgrading to newer computer hardware and OS has tremendous business benefits. You'll gain better security, performance from your design and RIP software, and increased bottom-line productivity.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - June 2014

Signs of the Times - June 2014
Columns & Departments
Features
ST Update
Technology Update
What Shops Need to Know about Windows XP
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review: X-Rite’s ColorTRUE app
Technology Review: Color-Logic’s process metallic color system
New Products
Advertising index
Editorially speaking

Signs of the Times - June 2014