Monthly Archives: May 2022

Ask any two individuals to define a smart city, and youre likely to get two wildly different responses. For such a ubiquitous term, we seem to have a difficult time nailing down a clear definition, let alone the specifics that make up such an initiative.

Take these two definitions for example, both pulled from a November 2021 Smart Cities Dive article:

Despite a lack of clarity regarding the term, cities have spent billions of dollars in resources attempting to make their cities smart. In fact, according to Statista: Technology spending on smart city initiatives worldwide is forecast to more than double between 2018 and 2023, increasing from 81 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to 189.5 billion in 2023.

The collective, full-throttle approach to digital transformation (and all its perceived glory) has created a sort of tunnel vision, wherein the focus has been placed squarely on the technology, leaving out the most critical aspect the citizen.

By focusing smart city projects on citizens and local governments, residents stand to gain from efforts to create a better, smarter community with or without the aid of technology. Because after all, shouldnt every initiative, project and city be smart?

What makes a city smart?

Despite leading a software company thats served the public sector for over two decades, my personal definition of a smart city doesnt rely on technology. To me, a smart city is a city that makes its citizens lives better in a responsible manner.

Is technology often a part of that effort? Yes. But is it the whole definition? Certainly not.

In my view, smart cities and smart projects can be classified as technology-driven, technology-void, and anywhere in between.

When local governments narrow the scope of what is considered smart to only include those projects backed by technology, they fail to recognize how limited of a view that really is. And in fact, in my work, Ive encountered plenty of smart initiatives that werent so smart after all.

For instance, government officials using resources to visit and replicate other smart cities when some of their local communities still lacked reliable access to water. Or the now infamous Sidewalk Labs venture, a high-tech futuristic city proposed for Torontos waterfront.

What cities have learned is that just because another city has seen success with certain initiatives, does not make it a good fit for every community. Deciding between adapting from anothers success story or creating something entirely new requires a keen understanding of citizens needs and how theyre currently being met (or not).

So, how does a city become smart?

Without a doubt, technology has created an explosion of new capabilities providing governments and local citizens with the ability to engage and connect in ways that werent possible even five years ago. And while these new digital capabilities have created a path for cities to become smarter and faster, to really be successful and see improvement from smart projects, cities must understand a few things.

A truly smart initiative requires a city to address:

When the definition of smart is limited to specifically digitally enabled projects, it can be almost too easy to jump past the why and the what to get to the how. And weve seen these efforts fizzle out because, although the projects may be considered smart in a sense, they dont truly address citizen needs in a responsible and effective manner. With that, the key tenets for growing into a smart city are:

To effectively define the why and the what of a change, cities need to look inward -- at their processes, current programs and solutions as well as the technology -- asking questions about what is currently being done and why.

Its critical to start with data. Data-driven decisions bring clarity on the current state of a city and light the path to the future solution everyone is seeking. By defining these parameters and then evaluating citizen needs, leaders can determine how best to use resources and create value for the community. And in many cases, this sort of self-reflection can help identify and benchmark a citys efforts in comparison to other similar communities.

Often, after defining why a change is needed and what that change will be, finding the right technology can help to accelerate the how. Acting in a supporting role, instead of as the main focus, technology arms cities with the means to truly serve citizens.

Smart cities of the future

The public sector is seeing a rush of innovation as we strive to define and become our smartest selves. But like any period of great transformation, activity will ebb and flow, yielding to the most successful outcomes or solution sets.

In fact, weve already seen distinct progress and transition as smart city efforts begin to emphasize urban infrastructure efforts and the manner in which local governments can use their resources to make communities more livable. But as always, the focus of tomorrows efforts has yet to be discovered.

To truly be a smart city is to continually evolve, focusing efforts and resources on smart, responsible initiatives that make citizens' lives better and the community more engaged.

Rajiv Desai is the co-founder and CEO of 3Di where he oversees the companys strategic vision, operational management, and positioning in the marketplace.

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Is it really technology that makes a city smart? - GCN.com

Singapore, May 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Co2Zero has leveraged Alibaba Clouds technology to promote individual low-carbon actions through science and technology. Through the technical features of blockchain such as decentralization, tamper-proof, and traceability, Co2Zero supports the trusted record of the whole life cycle of the carbon footprint and the trusted circulation of all elements of carbon emissions.

In recent years we humans are profoundly aware thatclimate change is a security issue related to the survival and sustainable development ofthe whole ecosystem. According to the authoritative survey data of many international organizations, the carbon emissions of each person in human society are about 5-12 tons a year, and there are billions of people around the world, which is a huge data and carbon emission burden.

To cope with climate change,global high-tech firms pioneer inthe road of high-quality development and adhere to green, low-carbon and circular development.Under the cooperation from both sides,Alibaba Cloud provides technical support for Co2Zero's products, and assists Co2Zero through low-carbon behavior algorithms, carbon reduction methodologies, artificial intelligence, online calculation among other cloud-native technologies.

Co2Zero is further strengthening the advocacy of climate communication and individual participation, establishing and improving the mechanism of carbon neutrality for individuals, accelerating low-carbon awareness into practical action, vigorously promoting individual low-carbon habits, and advocating low carbon consumption, the green low-carbon life new trend of the whole society. According to a recent research report released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the carbon emissions generated by household consumption account for 53% of the total social carbon emissions, and the carbon emissions generated by cars account for more than 80% of the carbon emissions in the transport sector, which is a huge scene. Co2Zero has leveraged Alibaba Clouds technology and expertise in the field of low carbon, help individual carbon-neutral market, the first scenario chosen is the carbon reduction of new energy vehicles. In the scenario of new energy vehicles, how to scientifically and effectively track carbon emission reduction information, and carbon emission reduction conversion accounting to finally form an effective carbon emission reduction asset.

In the concept of encouraging individuals to participate in carbon neutrality, Co2Zero obtains different equity incentives through low-carbon behavior in daily life and new energy vehicle consumption scenarios through equity incentives. If each person saves 3-5 tons of carbon emissions and each car saves 3-5 tons of carbon emissions, multiplied by a large user base, this will drive the global carbon neutrality cause forward a big step.

Continued here:

Co2Zero is using cloud technology to drive individual low-carbon action through technology on a global scale. - GlobeNewswire

We have a critical opportunity to build consensus on how digital technologies can be used for the good of people and the planet, while addressing their risks, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the Security Council.

But collective action by Member States remains essential towards this goal.

She noted that social media has transformed human rights and humanitarian advocacy, making it possible to mobilize people around the world quickly and efficiently around issues requiring urgent action.

In maintaining peace and security, technical developments have improved the ability to detect crises, better pre-position humanitarian aid, and create data-driven peacebuilding tools, she said.

And in conflict prevention, new digital tools have strengthened peace-making and peacebuilding, providing better information and early warning data, Ms. DiCarlo added.

She pointed to the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) in Yemen, which uses mapping and satellite technology to enhance ceasefire monitoring and increases the UNs ability to understand, analyze and respond to crises that may have a digital dimension, andaddress digital risks.

Furthermore, new technology can support political processes, particularly in promoting inclusion.

In various peace negotiations, we have used artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted digital dialogues to reach out to thousands of interlocutors, to hear their views and priorities, she said.

This has been a particularly useful way to reach traditionally excluded groups, including women.

They can also improve the safety and security of peacekeepers and civilian staff on the ground.

The launch of the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping represents an essential step towards this goal, and towards more effective mandate implementation increasing early warning capacities, said the political chief.

These tools also help visualize information and convey data-rich analysis to inform Security Council decisions as illustrated by a recent virtual reality presentation on Colombia, highlighting the UNs work on the ground for ambassadors.

However, there are areas of concern, Ms. DiCarlo continued, citing estimates that the number of national and non-State-sponsored incidents of technology being used maliciously, has nearly quadrupled since 2015.

Of specific concern is activity targeting infrastructure that provides essential public services, such as health and humanitarian agencies, she said.

At the same time, lethal autonomous weapons raise questions regarding human accountability when force is used.

Echoing the Secretary-General, she called machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement, politically unacceptable, morally repugnant, and should be prohibited by international law.

Non-State actors are becoming increasingly adept at using low-cost and widely available digital technologies to pursue their agendas, warned the UN official, highlighting that terrorist groups such Al-Qaida are actively using social media platforms to recruit, plan and fundraise.

UN Photo/Manuel Elas

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefs the Security Council meeting on technology and security under maintenance of international peace and security.

From surveillance technologies that can target communities or individuals, to potentially discriminatory AI, she drew attention to the human rights implications of new tech.

We are also concerned about the increasing use of internet shutdowns, including in situations of active conflict, which deprive communities of their means of communication, work, and political participation, said Ms. DiCarlo, recalling Myanmar, in which these incidents have grown in number and duration since the military coup last year.

Moreover, she continued, social media can fuel polarization and violence by spreading disinformation, radicalization, racism, and misogyny heightening tensions and exacerbating conflict.

In Ethiopia, as the fighting escalated, there was an alarming rise in social media posts spreading inflammatory rhetoric, with some going as far as inciting ethnic violence, the senior UN official reminded the Council. We also know that disinformation can hinder the ability of our missions to implement their mandates, by exacerbating falsehoods and fuelling polarization.

While embracing the opportunities that new technology provides to advance peace, the risks must be mitigated and responsible use promoted by all.

Driven by the Plan of Action on Hate Speech and communication initiatives such as Verified, the UN is acting to allay these dangers by avoiding misperceptions and misunderstandings, Ms. DiCarlo told the meeting.

However, more must be done, she concluded, spotlighting the Global Digital Compact, which would outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all; the New Agenda for Peace, which takes a holistic view of global security and the proposed Code of Conduct for Integrity in Public Information.

Briefing virtually, Nanjala Nyabola, Director of Advox, the Digital Rights Project of the online community, Global Voices, highlighted the need for upholding and enforcing digital rights.

In the last two decades we have witnessed a dramatic expansion in the use of digital technology, she said, however it has unfortunately not been complimented by a similar investment in protecting ourselves from the harms that the expansion has caused.

The speed of technological progress has created problems that could have been prevented at an earlier stage, said Ms. Nyabola, calling for a broad moratorium on new surveillance technologies.

She turned the Councils attention to digital access policies and internet shutdowns, underscoring how they negatively impact cultural and economic minorities and pose obstacles to women's access.

Digital rights are human rights, she said, adding that users must be protected.

UNICEF/Hoang Le Vu

A student uses AVR technology at school in Lao Cai province, Viet Nam.

Dirk Druet, Adjunct Professor at McGill Universitys Centre for International Peace and Security Studies, highlighted sophisticated monitoring and language-translation technologies that can improve peacekeeping effectiveness and protection.

He urged the UN to take a more deliberate truth-telling role in conflict zones and reminded that peacekeeping operations must forge their own digital technology protocols beyond those of the States they support.

Finally, Mr. Druet maintained that for local constituencies, truth-telling is directly tied to trust-building, advocating for an increased capacity to monitor and engage the information landscape in conflict zones.

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More consensus needed over digital technology for 'people and the planet' - UN News

Building a business is an endeavor that takes time, effort and money. While hiring and maintaining a team of employees helps ensure that the organization is able to meet the needs of customers, leaders have to also ensure that the business is operating as effectively as possibleand technology is the perfect tool for the task.

However, determining what technology will work best for the business's needs is difficult when it can be an ongoing and costly investment. Below, 16 members of Newsweek Expert Forum offer advice on how entrepreneurs can leverage technological solutions in their businesses without breaking the bank.

Look for technology that improves inefficiencies and speeds up collaboration and communication. For example, I use Loom extensively in my business. It is cost-effective and enables users to record personalized videos to send to prospects and employees alike. I also use it to narrate feedback on documents and to create repeatable documentation of standard operating procedures for training. - Matt Domo, FifthVantage

Enlisting experts, preventing duplication and avoiding overengineering are ways that an entrepreneur can affordably leverage technology within their business. Collaborating with experts to implement and/or optimize your tech stack will eliminate costly mistakes. Ensure that your tech tools each serve unique purposes. Lastly, keep the ecosystem simple. Complication does not equal sophistication. - Sabina Pons, Growth Molecules

As more business operations migrate online, entrepreneurs would be wise to implement distributed cloud-based security products to safeguard company user metadata and the integrity of databases. By deploying public protocol or blockchain technology-stacked products, companies eliminate single points of failure in their cloud storage systems that historically have been subject to hacks and data breaches. - Anthem Blanchard, HeraSoft

Entrepreneurs now have access to apps that provide services at reduced costs to improve efficiency and overall workflow. Apps like Hootsuite can help an entrepreneur manage their social media presence in-house instead of hiring an outside agency. Entrepreneurs can find cheap help with almost any service necessary on Fiverr. Tech advancements make the entrepreneurial journey possible. - Cynthia Salarizadeh, House of Saka, Inc.

Understanding the business's needs is key in defining how technology can be leveraged. In many organizations, technology is often driving the business agendas, resulting in inefficiencies and strategies that are misaligned. Technology is an enabler, not a driver, and if leveraged appropriately and integrated into the needs of the business, the ROI can be significant. - Nita Kohli, Kohli Advisors

The right technology can be used to improve your processes and efficiency, but you really have to know what technology is the best for your business. Technology just adds to the noise if it doesn't benefit your business. Look for tools that allow you to automate and streamline your workflow. - Elliott Smith, The Ohana Addiction Treatment Center

When we started our company, we invested heavily into technology to automate our business processes. We assumed that we were setting up the infrastructure for 100 people instead of five. We also took the approach of failing fast and choosing not to believe that we have to stick with a particular technology that did not work for us. - Kevin Carr, Edera L3C (operates the National Coordination Center)

I think it's important to comparison shop for the technology you need now and in the foreseeable future. Do not overspend on functionality you don't need, but also keep the near-term needs of the future in mind so that you don't need to upgrade frequently. Consider software as a service offerings as flexible alternatives to purchasing. - Margie Kiesel, Avaneer Health

The readers of the present are the leaders of the future. Search the web for forums, blogs and articles with technology-based breakthroughs in your field. Most entrepreneurs rarely practice this even though it can play a critical role in their growth. Many of your business-related questions or issues already have tech-savvy solutions online that can save you time, money and peace of mind. - David Castain, David Castain & Associates

Talk to a trusted peer and grab their opinion before you buy. Sometimes a peer can provide a cheaper alternative or can share information about the money you will save by making the investment in the technology in question. Advice can many times be a cost-saving measure you don't want to forget. - Chris Tompkins, The Go! Agency

Introduce technology that provides in-depth insight into overall operations. Visibility is critical. With a better understanding of where your business is successful and where there are opportunities for growth, leaders can make informed decisions to optimize operations, maximize performance and improve outcomes. - Alistair Fulton, Semtech

Most companies are sitting on a mountain of data, and more and more employees have the skills to mine that data. Opening up access to your data with parameters to protect that data will allow employees across your company to discover valuable insights that others may have missed. You never know if someone knows just enough about data to uncover the next breakthrough for your business. - David Wright, Pattern

We started collaborating with other entrepreneurs in our area to form business relationships with companies in our niche that were more seasoned in technology. They taught us how to implement new ideas and how to create a solid plan of action. This was our saving grace without us having a lot of added expense in a new startup business. - Tammy Sons, Tn Nursery

When any entrepreneur is evaluating investing in a new technology, they need to look at what it currently does and if it can grow with them. Consider what your short- and long-term objectives are. What are the KPIs to evaluate success? Also, don't forget to train your staff to get the most out of your investment. This is an often skipped but essential step to optimize your technology investments. - Melissa Puls, Ivanti

Increase your radial intelligence. Ask for the insights of those at all levels who would interact directly with the technology you're considering. Listen to understand and listen for patterns. This wouldn't be a survey and it's not an online multiple-choice 360 assessment. Think of it as gardening. Before planting in a system, assess the work soil. Identify what the job of your technology is and needs to be. - Jay Steven Levin, WinThinking

Don't jump at the hot new innovation of the moment. Focus first on identifying how the technology will meet a legitimate business need. Then, consider using an on-demand or consumption-based model. - Umang Modi, TIAG, Inc.

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16 Smart Tips to Affordably Leverage Technology in Your Business - Newsweek

**Content Sponsored by: Vizzn**

10 years ago, a construction company was considered leading-edge if it used software for estimating, time keeping and job costing. Today, those solutions are just table stakes. The basic price of admission. Of course, those software products are still important, but they no longer represent a competitive advantage. Todays competitive advantage is found in technology solutions such as drones, robotics, automated machine controls, telematics, and leading-edge construction management software.

Here are some of todays innovative technology solutions that you have probably never heard of:

Dispatch and Scheduling Software: If you have sites that are accidentally running out of fuel or materials, its time to consider dispatch software. Or, if you have sites that are not optimized for the exact timing of equipment arrivals, equipment repairs and material deliveries, then dispatch software is again worth a look. Or, if it feels like everyone is running around every day fighting fires simply due to ongoing miscommunication, you will gain from this category of software.

Labor and equipment on a typical site runs upwards of $1,500/hour which simply means that poorly planned days are very expensive. A well-designed dispatch and scheduling software allows for proactive planning which stops errors before they happen. The leader in dispatch and scheduling software for heavy construction is Vizzn Inc.

Extra Billing Software: If you have ever missed an opportunity to bill for extra work because you either forgot to bill it or your field team missed it entirely, it might be time to start looking for an extra billing software. If you have ever tried to bill for extra work but the customer turned you down because your submission was untimely or poorly documented, this category of software will be an easy win.

A proper extra billing software empowers everyone in the company to easily document all site challenges and efficiently communicate those findings to the team members responsible for creating those extra billings. Vizzn Inc. provides the leading software of this type.

Quality Control Software: If you have ever been responsible for rework that was unfairly placed on your shoulders or have ever found yourself on the wrong side of a lawsuit that wrongfully challenged your product quality, consider quality control software. QC software handles your project from the bid to project close out by documenting the process through to the final product. Vizzn Inc. is again the leading software provider in quality control software for construction and is proven to be the best solution for helping contractors sleep better at night.

Complete the quick 20 question yes/no quiz below and find out how tech savvy your company is compared to its peers. By taking the quiz, you will receive an in-depth complementary report that breaks down your score into 10 additional subcategories and identifies leading technology solutions for you to consider. The subcategories are: Revenue Generation, Construction Management, Quality Control, Project Management, Tendering, Safety, Risk Management, Fleet Management, Communication Flow, and Document Management. Take the quiz today and begin your journey towards an indisputable competitive advantage!

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Construction Trends: How Well Are You Leveraging Technology? Take the Quiz and Find Out! - For Construction Pros

Digital solutions help Toyota incorporate sustainable fuel generation

AUSTIN, Texas, May 24, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global software and technology leader Emerson (NYSE: EMR) and Toyota Australia have collaborated to transform part of Toyota Australias operations into a commercial-grade hydrogen production, storage and refueling plant. The project, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), adopts Emersons automation expertise to provide the control system that helps Toyota Australia demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of manufacturing hydrogen fuels, including the use of renewable solar energy.

As low and zero-emission vehicles capture an ever-greater share of the market, countries around the globe need to expand access to renewable fuels like hydrogen. Sustainable hydrogen projects are challenging because they need to integrate many data sources into one balance-of-plant system, a process thats critical for a facilitys success. For the Toyota Australia Hydrogen Center, Emersons advanced DeltaV distributed control system gathers data from the plants complex equipment, making it easier to monitor production and storage of hydrogen gas and document and validate the sustainability of operations.

"By incorporating a digital automation foundation to eliminate data silos, Toyota Australia can not only significantly reduce costs, but also gain greater visibility into system performance, making it easier to maintain and report sustainability performance and increase productivity," said Mark Bulanda, executive president of Emersons Automation Solutions business. "The data foundation Toyota has built will make it faster and easier for like-minded companies to replicate success as hydrogen refueling networks continue to expand across the continent and the globe."

Emersons DeltaV systems control operations for optimal production efficiencies and help ensure safe operations. Edge control technology from Emersons PACSystems will further reduce cost and complexity of integrating third-party systems. Rosemount flame detectors will help keep personnel and operations safe. The Toyota Australia team took advantage of pre-existing configuration libraries to reduce setup time. In addition, Emersons technologies create a platform to add future remote operations and data analytics more easily and cost effectively.

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Additional resources:

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial and residential markets. Our Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Commercial & Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information visit Emerson.com.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move. In Australia, Toyota has been the best-selling automotive brand for 25 years, including the past 19 in a row.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220523005979/en/

Contacts

For EmersonDenise Clarke512.587.5879denise.clarke@fleishman.com

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Emerson Provides Advanced Automation Technology for Toyota Australias Hydrogen Production and Refueling Plant - Yahoo Finance

SAN ANTONIO, May 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rackspace Technology (NASDAQ: RXT), a leading end-to-end multicloud technology solutions company, today announced the launch of Rackspace Elastic Engineering for Government. The offering which aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technologys essential cloud characteristics of on-demand, broad access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service gives government cloud personnel the ability to access deep cloud expertise in a flexible way, without having to carefully craft a statement of work.

Government organizations and the entities that support them all have a specific purpose, a mission, a reason why they operate, said Alysia Ford, Senior Product Manager, Government Services at Rackspace Technology. The cloud is an amazing technology enabler for government, but among many questions about the cloud is the big question of who is going to do this work, followed by what, when, where and how. By making sure all the big questions are answered, Rackspace Government Services makes the cloud work for customers, so they can focus on their mission.

Rackspace Elastic Engineering for Government leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technologys definition of cloud computings five essential cloud characteristics as follows:

Rackspace Technology Government Solutions brings over 20 years of government security and compliance expertise meeting stringent government standards including FISMA, FedRAMP, DFARS, and many others. Rackspace Technology is the sole provider of a FedRAMP JAB-authorized managed security service with flexibility to support organization- or agency-specific controls at the federal, state, local, and educational levels.

For more information about Rackspace Technology government solutions click here.

Rackspace TechnologyRackspace Technology is a leading end-to-end multicloud technology services company. we can design, build and operate our customers cloud environments across all major technology platforms, irrespective of technology stack or deployment model. We partner with our customers at every stage of their cloud journey, enabling them to modernize applications, build new products and adopt innovative technologies.

Media Contact Natalie Silva Rackspace Technology Corporate Communicationspublicrelations@Rackspace.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/69e8790e-2fce-479a-add9-f99a5eb7bfd2

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Rackspace Technology Answers Government Cloud Professionals' Needs with Rackspace Elastic Engineering for Government - GlobeNewswire

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Trial and error, thats what many of the polling sites across Chatham County had to go through to get their precincts up and running early to start Election Day.

Some issues have been reported to us. We understand they are issues or polls being out or some varying degrees at Moses Jackson, W.W Law. the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum and the Temple of Glory, Mayor Van Johnson explained.

After speaking with several polling managers, many of the problems they encountered were technology-related and took place right at the start of the day when the polls first opened at 7 a.m.

We didnt have enough power cords to connect some of the machines, and then we had trouble with the express folds, and we had trouble with the counter. So we had it pretty rough for a while, said Shirley Stinson, polling manager at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum precinct.

While most of the polling managers WSAV spoke to reported minimal issues, were now hearing about a new problem that just happened to a member of Savannahs City Council.

Post 2 At-Large Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely said when she tried to cast her vote Tuesday, she was told by poll workers that she had already voted.

Now, shes searching for answers.

When I went to try and vote, unfortunately, I was told that I couldnt vote because I had already voted, and that was not the case. They said it was a glitch in the pad, in the voting pad, the processing pad, I assume, and just, I guess, the equipment itself, Blakely said.

All polling locations across Chatham County stayed open until 7 p.m.

Originally posted here:

Problems with polling technology reported in Chatham County - WSAV-TV

Made from FDA approved food-grade materials, SAVRpak generates an anti-mold and moisture control environment for produce to live a long life beyond harvest

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SAVRpak, a food technology innovation company recognized as aFast Company World Changing Ideaand one ofTIME Magazine's Best Inventions, today announced the launch of SAVRpak Drop-In,the first-ever moisture control technology that extends the shelf-life and freshness of produce up to three times. It creates the perfect atmosphere inside the package for a longer period by eradicating a number of causes of premature molding, wilting and spoilage of peel-less and packaged produce including berries, leafy greens, grapes, mini cucumbers and others. Successful trials have been completed with Divine Flavor, Ocati, RCG Fruits, and Agrovision.

SAVRpak logo

"We saw the most amazing results in our berry trials with SAVRpak," said RCG Fruits General Director, Fernando Garibay.

The SAVRpak Drop-In is a thermodynamic, biodegradable, chemical-free pouch that is placed in produce packaging before being sealed. Within minutes, SAVRpak's Atmospheric Control and Transmission (ACT) technology begins purifyingthe atmosphere within the package to slow the aging process by targeting conditions that affect shelf-life, such as excess moisture and condensation, as well as external contaminants like bacteria. As a result, this extends the marketable shelf-life of produce by up to three times - ultimately giving consumers a longer window to enjoy produce at home while reducing waste.

"We're excited to be able to address an area of food preservation that has been unachievable to date, and that's the ability to extend the life of peel-less produce like berries and leafy greens," said SAVRpak Co-CEO Grant Stafford. "Building on our success in the foodservice delivery realm, we have successfully transformed the basic technology to address a category that lacked a solution to keep food fresh for longer while reducing food waste a top culprit of greenhouse gas emissions."

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The SAVRpak Drop-In produce solution will first roll out in the U.S. and Latin America with berry suppliers that have undergone successful trials proving the technology's efficacy in extending the shelf-life of produce. Trials took place withDivine Flavorfor table grapes,RCG Fruitsfor blackberries, Agrovisionfor blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, Agrizar for mini-cucumbers and Ocati for goldenberries.A Colombian farm-to-restaurant tech company, has also successfully tested SAVRpak's thermodynamic technology with the intent to maintain freshness of the produce it ships to restaurants throughout Latin America.

"We saw the most amazing results through our berry trials with SAVRpak," said RCG Fruits General Director, Fernando Garibay. "Blackberries, in particular, are very delicate, and often experience postharvest reddening and other changes in visual appearance and taste which reduces marketability and results in waste. This is a challenge the industry has not been able to solve, but SAVRpak proved to keep our berries' beautiful color intact and kept them fresh for longer, maintaining the quality our customers count on."

In preliminary trials, SAVRpak has proven to extend the shelf-life of golden berries by 10+ days, blackberries 7+ days, raspberries 4-5+ days, and strawberries 4+ days. Similarly, in a 2021 lab test with University of California, Davis, romaine lettuce stored with SAVRpak had significantly less condensation and moisture in the bags, and had lower water soaking, decay, and wilting scores compared to control samples. UC Davis also found that SAVRpak decreased the bacteria found in lettuce across all storage protocols and evaluation days compared to control samples.

In addition to fresh produce, SAVRpak has been fighting food waste and preserving the freshness of hot foods with the launch of its flagship product in 2021. The same innovative technology first made its debut for takeout and delivery foods, like french fries, pizza and burgers, that too often get cold and soggy in route from restaurant to home. Restaurants across the U.S. and in 21 countries have turned to SAVRpak to integrate its solution to address the number one cause of bad delivery food. A recent partnership with the global leader in product distribution to the foodservice industry Sysco is expanding SAVRpak's footprint by bringing its technology to independent and regional restaurant chains nationwide.

Similar to produce, condensation is the culprit as to why food goes bad if it sits in a container for too long. SAVRpak eradicates moisture that forms in route from restaurant to home and preserves food, so it does not deteriorate during transit. Today, SAVRpak's shelf-life extending ability not only maintains food quality longer across takeout food and produce but has large implications for food waste reduction due to extended sell-by dates.

About SAVRpakSAVRpak is a leading food technology solution that aims to eliminate food's #1 enemy: condensation. SAVRpak's Peel and Stick pad and Drop-In pouch change the environment inside a food container, removing the moisture and creating an environment to preserve the freshness and 'intended' state of the food. Named a Fast Company World Changing Idea finalist in 2022 and a TIME Magazine Best Invention in 2021, SAVRpak can be found in 41 states, 21 countries, and in takeout from hundreds of restaurants around the United States. SAVRpak is 100% chemical free, food-safe, single-use, and made of degradable plant-material. Learn more atwww.savrpak.com.

Media contact: Nadia Jamshidi SAVRpak Nadia.Jamshidi@padillaco.com

Cision

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DUBLIN, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Digital Intelligence Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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This research service looks at the digital intelligence solutions market, identifying particular trends, best practices, and customer decision-making factors within two significant market verticals: law enforcement and banking and financial services.

This service includes a full market analysis, including market size and forecast for the market from 2020 to 2030, segmented by customer vertical and region. This research service also identifies key growth opportunities, covering the technology solutions and capabilities that will enable further market growth and spending on digital intelligence solutions, while looking at specific regional factors and influences that could affect how regional customers or different customer verticals seek to plan for, integrate, and update their digital intelligence solutions and security operations over time.

This study analyzes how the global COVID-19 pandemic will also affect short-term spending in the market, as well as long-term perspectives on how this period could lead to suppressed short-term demand, followed by a spike in growth as the pandemic's broader effects recede.

As the security industry continues to digitize and add new devices, endpoints, sensors, systems, and software platforms to their operations, the volume of data being collected and requiring analysis by security teams has only grown exponentially. In addition, the continued siloing of business operations systems, IT security, and physical security teams each utilizing their own separate data sets leaves significant gaps in situational awareness and vulnerabilities against the more robust cyber-physical threats that are vastly becoming risks to organizations.

By implementing and utilizing a true digital intelligence solution, organizations can break down the data silos throughout the business and broaden their situational awareness, investigative efficiency, and proactively defend their organizations from threats. While many security operations teams deal with a multitude of devices, sensors, technology systems, and different types of data aggregated across their sprawling systems, teams continue to lack a centralized platform that can help them integrate these multiple data sources and systems together in a meaningful and understandable way.

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Many of the siloed security teams have relied on their own management platforms to help them achieve this goal, such as IT security teams with SIEM systems or physical security teams using SOC platforms, but these siloed solutions do not integrate meaningfully to provide a more holistic picture of an organization's threat landscape and potential vulnerabilities.

Security operators need a centralized platform solution that can help them integrate all their multi-sourced data, conduct analysis in accordance with organizational policies and current risks, prioritize potential threats, and enable immediate or proactive remediation. Digital intelligence solutions finally answer the calls that security operations teams have had to break down the data silos between IT security, business operations, and physical security and offer a truly converged platform that can provide comprehensive intelligence based on contextual analysis, historical alerts, and predictive capabilities that understand the risks organizations may face.

The various growth opportunities discussed within this research service include a definition of how the security industry shifted from fragmented, siloed security solutions to an integrated security strategy leading to the growing industry for true digital intelligence solutions.

Growth opportunities are related to how digital intelligence solutions collate and aggregate their analysis functions, provide contextual analysis to alerts or potential risk factors, and enable more efficient or proactive responses to detected incidents.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperatives

Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow?

The Strategic Imperative

The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Digital Intelligence Industry

Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2. Growth Opportunity Analysis

Digital Intelligence Market Scope of Analysis

Digital Intelligence Market Segmentation

Key Competitors in the Digital Intelligence Market

Digital Intelligence Regional Segmentation

Key Growth Metrics

Evolution of Digital Intelligence Solutions in Security Operations

Importance of Digital Intelligence Solutions

Mapping of Digital Intelligence Solutions

Growth Drivers in the Digital Intelligence Market

Growth Restraints in the Digital Intelligence Market

Forecast Assumptions

Spending Forecast, Digital Intelligence Market

Spending Forecast by Vertical

Spending Forecast by Region

Spending Forecast Analysis

Spending Forecast Analysis by Region

Spending Forecast Analysis by Vertical

Competitive Environment

Regional Market Share

Regional Market Share Analysis

3. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Americas

4. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Europe

5. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Asia-Pacific

6. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Middle East & Africa

7. Growth Opportunity Universe, Digital Intelligence Market

Growth Opportunity 1: Improved Open-source Data Sets for National and International Intelligence, 2021

Growth Opportunity 2: Automating Intelligence Outputs for Operator Usage, 2021

Growth Opportunity 3: Data Validation and Transparency for Security Actions, 2021

Growth Opportunity 4: Context Solutions for Security Event Timelines, 2021

Growth Opportunity 5: Hybrid Solutions for Integrated Security Operations, 2021

8. Next Steps

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9aj7s1

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Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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Global Digital Intelligence Markets Analysis Report 2021: Law Enforcement and BFSI - Technology Solutions and Capabilities that will Enable Further...