e-matica and Seeq announce partnership to deliver Advanced Analytics Solutions
Partnership will provide acceleration of digital transformation in Italy e-matica, a systems integrator and applications development firm and a Select Partner for OSIsoft® and Seeq®, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, will partner to deliver advanced analytics solutions to their customers. The partnership will accelerate digital transformation by harnessing diagnostic and predictive analytics to enable greater operational efficiency and deeper insights across organizations. Seeq software applications, Seeq Workbench and Seeq Organizer, enable manufacturing organizations to rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and distribute insights to improve production outcomes. Seeq is designed to run on-premise, on Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services cloud platforms, or in mixed on-premise and on-cloud deployments. e-matica has provided innovation and process improvement to their clients for over 20 years in industries like power generation, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and others. Combined with Seeq’s advanced analytics solution, the partnership is a natural fit that will benefit e-matica customers as they strive to get more value from their operations data. “The decision to enter into a partnership with Seeq is in line with our growth strategy aimed at offering innovative solutions to help our customers improve their operations. Our customers work with data from different sources and have the need to analyze them effectively and efficiently—time is a key factor! Seeq makes it possible to find insights and share critical information quickly,” says Luca Spingardi, e-matica Business Development Executive. This sentiment is shared by Ernesto Bove, CEO, and Giuseppe di Bartolo, Sales Director, who have deployed many systems based on the use of historicized data for important Italian customers. “Thought leaders like e-matica, with local customer and vertical market expertise, are critical to the success of Seeq,” adds Will Knight, Head of Partner Sales for Seeq. “Our customers rely upon them to deliver advanced analytics solutions that provide insight and drive results.”
Selecting a Storage, Logistics or Manufacturing Solution for your facility
Selecting the right storage system can be a complicated process. Not only are there different options for every unique application, but regulations and compliance codes are changing every year. Your best resource is the Storage Manufacturer’s Association – visit mhi.org/sma to learn more Click here to view video.
Sensera Systems launches PTZ500 Panoramic Jobsite Camera
Sensera Systems, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive, real-time jobsite monitoring solutions today announced the release of its new PTZ500 Solar and AC-Powered camera models. Sensera PTZ500 site cameras offer Sensera’s essential and advanced features while enabling customers additional flexibility to round out their jobsite solution. The Sensera PTZ500 camera was designed as a flexible site monitoring solution for progress documentation, productivity, and safety applications on jobsites. Ideal for large-scale sites requiring a wide coverage area and fine detail, this powerful camera provides professional-grade time-lapse video, ultra-high-resolution panoramas, and live video streaming with interactive pan-tilt-zoom. The PTZ500 is Sensera’s most advanced camera model, yet still provides breakthrough price points for a solar/wireless PTZ system. It offers simple setup while delivering fully automated panoramas, daily automatic and on-demand time-lapse, as well as edge recording to capture safety and security events. The wide optical zoom and pan-tilt ranges provide coverage for the largest projects while capturing detailed as-built imagery. The unit supports live video streaming, as well as standard SiteCloud camera features like public URL, LiveView, and more. Features & Benefits Ultra-high resolution, wide angle panoramas On-demand pan-tilt-zoom to view fine detail on the largest job sites in real-time Automated scheduled panoramas Integrated modem for cellular/LTE or WiFi connectivity Compact solar, lightweight, easy to move/reposition Sensera site cameras are powered by Sensera’s SiteCloud® platform which provides easy-to-use software for viewing, monitoring, and sharing real-time site data, detecting actionable insights, and simplifying work-flow. SiteCloud is tightly integrated with Sensera’s complete line of jobsite cameras, SitePOV™ mobile app, and SiteCloud-AERIAL™ drone photography services to support improved productivity, quality, safety, and automated documentation from one simple web interface. SiteCloud service includes WiFi and 4G LTE connectivity making it a true end-to-end solution. Integrations with Autodesk® BIM 360, Procore®, and PlanGrid simplify and automate workflow across the enterprise. “One of our goals has been to continue to drive down costs and create more convenient options for the deployment of jobsite cameras to provide 100% site coverage. By listening to our customers, our product team developed the PTZ500 model to be our most flexible and powerful camera system yet. The automated panorama capability is amazing and will be a great fit for wide projects, tall urban buildings, and larger sites. The PTZ500 is an important step in continuing to deliver on our mission of providing General Contractors and Owners powerful tools for improving productivity, quality, safety and site security,” said David Gaw, Founder and CEO, Sensera Systems.
New midrange, Industrial Toshiba Printers accelerate and simplify labeling
Printers combine Speed, Accuracy & Intuitive functionality to optimize labeling needs for logistics operations Toshiba America Business Solutions simplifies labeling applications with the unveiling of its next-generation BA400 midrange, industrial thermal barcode printers. Toshiba’s new printers combine speed (up to eight label inches-per-second) and high-print quality (up to 300 dots-per-inch labels) to support professionals in manufacturing, distribution, retail and healthcare. The streamlined and durable chassis – available in both metal and rugged plastic models – allows for easy installation within even the most space-sensitive environments. The design and simple operation enable consistent and continuous labeling output for mid-volume applications. The BA400 printers incorporate intuitive elements for ease-of-use and low maintenance. A top-loading design provides user-friendly media and ribbon replacement. Parts lifecycle alerts and simple printhead and platen replacement increase uptime for logistics professionals. The Toshiba printers also integrate the latest in USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet and Near-Field Communication (NFC) connectivity. NFC connectivity enables BA400 printers to pair with other NFC embedded devices such as smartphones, handhelds and mobile computers. Compatibility with Zebra ZPL®, Sato and Toshiba program languages allows easy emulation and seamless integration within existing warehouse and retail settings. “We introduced our latest thermal barcode printers to simplify organizations’ labeling applications,” said Toshiba America Business Solutions Chief Marketing Executive Bill Melo. “Toshiba’s intuitive functionality and next-generation technology accomplish this objective by empowering logistics professionals to operate more efficiently and effectively.” Toshiba’s BA400 printers have a starting list price of $1,195 and are now available for purchase via authorized Toshiba resellers. To learn more about Toshiba thermal barcode printers or to locate an authorized Toshiba reseller in your area, visit www.business.toshiba.com. A one-year return to depot warranty is standard with Toshiba’s BA400 and all other Toshiba printers.
Koch Engineered Solutions to offer Powerhouse Analytics capabilities with addition of EFT analytics
KES will expand its solutions offerings, strengthen its industry expertise, and broaden its global presence through EFT’s analytics platforms Koch Engineered Solutions (KES), a unit of Koch Industries, Inc. focused on developing and delivering innovative technical and service solutions for industrial value chains, today announced it is adding advanced analytics and energy management solutions to its wide-ranging and growing product portfolio. EFT Analytics (EFT), a leading provider of predictive analytics, process optimization, and energy management solutions, will join the KES family of companies, broadening KES’s global presence and allowing it to deliver more unique value to customers across various industries. “KES is always striving to offer actionable solutions to our customers, and the addition of EFT allows us to bring a whole new set of data-focused capabilities to the table,” said Dave Dotson, president of KES. “By combining EFT’s analytics platforms with KES’s deep domain expertise and knowledge in advanced engineering capabilities and equipment, we’re creating truly world-class solutions for our industrial customers. We’re able to help them use their data to be more efficient, more compliant, and ultimately, more profitable.” EFT provides operations experts in the field with actionable insights via complex analysis to make work more effective and meaningful. The company brings its innovative CORTEX advanced analytics and Energy Manager platforms, which are proven solutions used across a variety of industries from refining, to pulp and paper, to the steel industry and beyond. Customers are now poised to gain greater value than ever before with EFT’s data analytics expertise integrated into KES’s full-service solutions. “KES has a long history of creating innovative hardware, design, and process solutions for its customers across a wide range of industries,” said Brent Youngers, president of EFT. “When we layer on EFT’s advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities, we can offer those customers the next evolution of service by operationalizing their data and putting the power of real-time actionable analysis into the hands of subject matter experts and operators.” The addition of EFT to KES builds upon a successful partnership history between the two companies. In January 2019, EFT began working with KES subsidiary John Zink Hamworthy Combustion on Smart Combustion technology. As part of that partnership, the companies are focusing on the commercialization of a Smart Combustion solution – Ember – for customers in industrial value chains. Ember will allow facilities to optimize control of their combustion systems, improving production efficiency, asset health, and environmental performance.
Honeywell helps Apparel Logistics Group triple daily output from its e-commerce distribution center
Honeywell has signed an agreement with retail supply chain services provider The Apparel Logistics Group to help the company expand the e-commerce order output at its distribution center in Dallas. Under the agreement, Honeywell Intelligrated will deliver automated material handling solutions to The Apparel Logistics Group, a leading provider of third-party logistics and order fulfillment services for apparel, footwear and accessories. Honeywell Intelligrated’s technology and technical support services will help the logistics provider expand its e-commerce parcel shipping capability, increase productivity at the shipping dock, ensure order accuracy and expand its value-added services capacity, which includes returned merchandise management and product customization. These material handling solutions and services will enable The Apparel Logistics Group to more than triple its daily e-commerce order output. “The third-party logistics (3PL) sector is experiencing unprecedented growth as more retailers require cost-effective order management, reverse logistics and product customization services,” said Pieter Krynauw, president, Honeywell Intelligrated. “In turn, 3PLs need to deploy automation solutions to help them ensure quality control, reduce risks associated with labor availability and deliver on their service-level agreements.” Located in Dallas to support fast shipping throughout the U.S., the 240,000-square-foot facility features an array of dedicated automation solutions including a high-volume sortation system and more than five miles of controlled conveyors. “To keep pace with growing consumer expectations, both traditional retailers and online-only e-tailers need to outsource their order fulfillment, returned merchandise management and product customization. In addition, available warehouse space in North America is at an all-time low,” said Aric Schwab, Senior Vice President, The Apparel Logistics Group. “With these new facility enhancements, we’re able to offer our customers increased volume, faster shipping and more value-added services.” Honeywell Intelligrated will install new material handling solutions to more efficiently move products through nutat The Apparel Logistics Group’s distribution center, which provides retailers with a one-day turnaround on e-commerce orders. In addition, Honeywell Intelligrated will implement and support the facility’s warehouse control system, which operates the production activities and equipment. This provides The Apparel Logistics Group with direct support from Honeywell Intelligrated’s world-class technical services center and 24/7 access to maintenance technicians to maximize facility uptime. Large retail brands and online-only retailers in the U.S. and Canada turn to The Apparel Logistics Group for warehousing, multi-channel order fulfillment and Foreign Trade Zone services to deliver products to distribution centers, stores or directly to individual consumers’ homes.nuts Honeywell Intelligrated is a leading provider of automation solutions for distribution and fulfillment applications with decades of experience helping 3PLs achieve maximum productivity and efficiency by transitioning from manual to automated processes. The Apparel Logistics Group provides multi-channel fulfillment and supply-chain services to clients in the apparel, footwear and accessories industry. The company is a business unit of The Apparel Limited (TAL), a global manufacturer of woven and knit apparel producing more than 50 million garments annually. Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS) provides products, software and connected solutions that improve productivity, workplace safety and asset performance for our customers across the globe. We deliver on this promise through industry-leading mobile devices, software, cloud technology and automation solutions, the broadest range of personal protective equipment and gas detection technology, and custom-engineered sensors, switches and controls.
Smartrac launches new NFC PRO Series
Smartrac Technology Group, a global provider in RFID technology and IoT solutions, has launched the new PRO series of its market leading portfolio of NFC tags and inlays. The company’s NFC tag CIRCUS PRO, equipped with NXP’s NTAG® 424 DNA IC, will be the first member of the new product series optimized for highly secure product authentication. By embedding Smartrac’s new CIRCUS PRO – or any other future PRO inlays or tags – into physical products, customers such as brand owners and branded product manufacturers can turn their products into secure digital platforms, delivering unmatched value during the product lifetime from point of manufacture, through the supply chain, distribution channels, point of sales, customer usage phase, to reselling and recycling. Key applications enabled by secure product authentication are counterfeit and diversion protection as well as exclusive content and rewards for consumer engagement and customer loyalty programs. Protection against “the most sophisticated counterfeiting attempts” “As the number of connected objects is expected to reach a record 40 billion by 2022, organizations of all sizes are seeking not just feature-rich, connectivity solutions but ones that can securely protect their brand, their products, and their customers,” said Philippe Dubois, Vice President and General Manager of IoT Security, Smart Mobility and Retail at NXP. “Our NTAG 424 DNA sets the bar when it comes to delivering such trusted experiences and Smartrac’s CIRCUS PRO takes full advantage of its cutting-edge security and privacy features to deliver an all new generation of NFC tags that can fight even the most sophisticated of counterfeiting attempts.” NFC PRO series: secure authentication with tailored security and layers Smartrac’s new CIRCUS PRO inlays and tags with NXP’s NTAG 424 DNA IC’s work with all NFC-enabled devices and support real-time tag and message authentication based on AES-128 encryption on attack-resistant certified silicon. The Secure Unique NFC (SUN) authentication feature enables authentic, integrity protected and confidential data exchanges between tags and servers. This high-end security IC option offers enhanced privacy features and a sensitive on-chip data storage, protected by a sophisticated three-pass mutual authentication scheme. Future PRO features and options will also include different security layers, allowing customers to enable secure product authentication for a wide range of needs and applications. Offering a variety of different NFC product designs, form factors and IC options for individual customer demands, Smartrac will soon introduce further PRO versions of its popular NFC inlays and tags such as BULLSEYE and MIDAS. Fighting counterfeiting and boosting digital consumer engagement Moreover, the NFC-based secure product authentication can be achieved through a choice of verification services, in order to comply with the greatest possible array of individual customer requirements. As the secret keys cannot be copied or tampered, physical product authenticity can be proven in a highly reliable manner once the PRO inlays and tags are irremovable embedded into or attached to the physical product. Smartrac’s new PRO series will also allow to fully leverage the company’s IoT solutions portfolio, enabling customers not only to minimize product counterfeiting through secure authentication, but also to deliver exclusive digital content to consumers for enhanced customer loyalty and satisfaction. “Today’s introduction of the new CIRCUS PRO NFC tag with NXP’s NTAG 424 DNA IC is a milestone for us in two respects: As the forerunner of our innovative PRO series, the new tag enables our customers to effectively fight counterfeiting with a variety of highly secure functionalities, and at the same time provides consumers with exclusive, instant digital content through existing devices and channels. Moreover, CIRCUS PRO NFC tag based on NXP’s superior IC is another confirmation of our proven, long-time partnership with NXP that will reshape the RFID market,” says Hal Hikita, SVP Product Market Development at Smartrac. Regarding its physical and performance characteristics, the new CIRCUS PRO falls within the highly successful product line that features CIRCUS DURA, CIRCUS FLEX, CIRCUS ON-METAL and CIRCUS TAMPER LOOP NFC inlays and tags, which all combine small size, cost-effectiveness and superior performance. For regular and demanding physical environments Smartrac’s CIRCUS PRO NFC inlays and tags with NTAG 424 DNA will become available in large quantities in Q3 2019 as wet inlays, as well as the new CIRCUS PRO FLEX wet inlays, which come with an additional “glop top” protective layer for the IC and antenna connection area for enhanced durability in challenging environments.
iDock connect brings your docks to the future
iDock Connect uses Cloud-based analytics linked to a variety of sensors on equipment from the brands of Systems. These sensors track your dock activity as soon as the vehicle arrives, giving you real-time data on restraint, door, leveler, and forklift usage. Coinciding with the sensors you select are easily accessible reports you can tailor to your needs on your iDock Connect account. iDock Connect allows material handling professionals to leverage their loading dock as an asset like never before. From your dashboard with iDock Connect, you can quickly review the current status of all your loading docks, which docks are available, what the current or most recent activity has been, and how all of the docks have recently been performing. With iDock Connect you can also receive email and/or text message alerts of loading dock events, such as maintenance past due, after-hours activity, doors left open, truck arrival/departure, and many more. Analyze your dock activity during a selected period of time and compare it to a previous period. This allows you to monitor changes in loading efficiency, compare each dock performance, and analyze when your docks are most utilized.en performing. With iDock Connect you can also receive email and/or text message alerts of loading dock events, such as maintenance past due, after-hours activity, doors left open, truck arrival/departure, and many more.
Scarcity of Attention: The most significant Marketing Challenge of our time
Manufacturers at a marketing crossroads discover the power of a simplified message, repeated relentlessly The most significant marketing challenge of our time is the scarcity of attention from potential customers. Bombarded relentlessly from all directions with too much information, a deluge of products and services, and too many unsubstantiated claims, potential customers have tuned out, dropped out and become all but unreachable. Now resistant to communication, they can’t even process 5% of what is thrown at them daily, maybe even less. Unfortunately, this barrier is crippling the efforts of manufacturers to grow and expand. Many may not even survive as a result. “Scarcity of attention is the defining business challenge of our time,” says Jamie Mustard, a messaging, design, and communications expert for industrial firms. “Today, it is the attention of others that is the most valuable commodity in the digital age. In this environment, a company’s very survival depends on cutting through the sea of white noise.” If there is one telling example of the symptoms of this scarcity of attention, it is the anxiety and frustration over not being seen or heard that can permeate throughout an organization from ownership, through the C-level execs, sales team and even down to the average worker. “Most manufacturers that design a great product continue to believe in the idea that ‘if you build it, they will come,’ says Mustard. “But like the movie it comes from, that is a ‘field of dreams’ from a marketing perspective. “So, owners and top execs are often just left wondering why the product isn’t garnering the attention it deserves and the product is not selling,” “If I could just get the attention of our potential customer for just 10 minutes, we could be extremely successful,” says John Neuens, CEO of BCA Industries, a company that specializes in industrial shredders and recycling equipment. “What I need from a sales perspective is a ‘dilution solution.’” Fortunately, all is not lost in the fight to break through the noise and be heard. The solution for standing out and being remembered is radically simple, even if seems a bit counterintuitive. To thrive in business today it is imperative to grab the attention of the prospect in an instant with a message that addresses a direct and immediate need like a sledgehammer, explains Mustard in his book, the Iconist, the Art and Science of Standing Out. The message must also be utterly and brutally simple, yet big and bold enough to hit the prospect between the eyes and lodge in their mind instantly. “You have an instant to grab a prospect’s attention or you will likely lose them forever,” explains Mustard. “The message must affect them before they even have a chance to process it. If not, they are already moving on to the next website and another company.” Unfortunately, manufacturers often lose the battle because the message is overly complicated, unfocused and delivered with little or no repetition. In some ways, this can be attributed to the engineering mindset that many owners and top executives have in the manufacturing sector. Having personally overseen or even participated in the development of the product, it can be difficult to commit to a single, concise message. “As engineers that developed the product, the inclination is to promote all twenty-five features of the product,” says Mustard. “It often goes against the grain to strip down the message to the one bold statement that should be the lead of every interaction with potential customers.” To stand out, capture attention, and imprint it in the mind, the message must also include oversized, bold images or phrases that can be instantly understood. Finally, the message must address an emotional concern or even an immediate pain point. “I compare it to a road sign,” explains Mustard. “You have to have a road sign that explains the benefit to the customer, and if that road sign corresponds to the need of the customer, they will get off at your exit.” The next step is to repeat the message relentlessly like a drum, a never-ending mantra, at every contact point with the customer. Only then, will the message cut through the scarcity of attention and become an identifiable, even defining message for the company. “There is a snowball effect when you deliver a clear, bold message repeatedly,” says Jeff Elliott, CEO of industrial marketing firm, Power PR that for 29 years has written and facilitated placement of editorial features in industrial and commercial trade magazines. The challenge, however, is defining success as it relates to repetition. “Often manufacturers get a message out a few times and then wonder why, with the ‘repetition,’ the phones are not ringing off the hook. That is because true repetition is a matter of volume. It is not 5 messages delivered, but rather 80, or better yet, 800. It’s relentless and repetitive over time.” As for media channels, tried-and-true industrial trade publications remain one of the best tools for reaching targeted industrial audiences. When objective third parties are quoted, this type of feature article coverage can be one of the most powerful, credible forms of marketing today. It is only this type of “real” content that causes a buying decision. As trade magazines continue to greatly expand their online content, that influence is only increasing. For the generation that searches for much of its information online, these articles can get more “eyes” on them than ever before, often appearing at the top of organic search engine rankings. “Trade magazines are considered an authority and it is very powerful when they publish an article that in some way mentions a product or service or tells the story of an application that solved a serious problem,” says Elliott, noting that a well-executed volume-based campaign should be able to generate 55-80 feature articles about a company in a year. “Sadly, there are not enough industrial content creators that focus solely on repetition of message in the world’s leading trade magazines,” adds Elliott. “On top of that,
Johnson Controls and Foxconn Industrial Internet create global strategic partnership
Foxconn and Johnson Controls has announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding forming a global technology strategic partnership. Johnson Controls and Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii) will collaborate to transform building data analytics through artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance smart building and smart-city technologies and achieve comfort, security and sustainability goals. Johnsons Controls will become the preferred provider of building management products and solutions at Foxconn’s planned manufacturing facilities in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin and potentially extend to Foxconn’s global footprint. The buildings will incorporate smart, safe, and sustainable technologies provided by Johnson Controls and enhanced by Fii’s industrial AI and Smart manufacturing technologies. “We look forward to this collaboration with Johnson Controls, a global leader in building technology, to apply their expertise to leverage our expertise in Artificial Intelligence to further advance into the next generation of smart technology solutions,” said Brand Cheng, Fii CEO. “This partnership represents an incredible opportunity for both companies. For Johnson Controls it is recognition by the world’s leading electronics manufacturer that we have the right products and solutions to make buildings smart, safe and sustainable, not just in Southeastern Wisconsin, but around the world,” said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. The smart buildings and cities of the future will rely on buildings with a highly predictive network of integrated data analytics and artificial intelligence applications, combining building data with external data such as utility pricing, energy storage use, social media tracking and weather data to help consumers manage their home environment, home security, lighting and a host of other in-home functions.
Implementing Access Control within a Triangle of Trust
“Honeywell Pro-Watch® solved our biggest problem: how to transition and replace our legacy security software that was no longer supported and given end-of-life status without compromising service.” — Jeffrey Reed, Global Security Application Engineering Manager, PepsiCo Facing the sudden end-of-life of their legacy access control software, here’s how a global packaged goods leader used internal security audits and Honeywell Pro-Watch® Software superior flexibility and scalability to re-gain it at more than 300 locations. The Need “We were really put in a bind when our legacy access control software provider suddenly announced end-of-life for the product we were using,” said Jeffrey Reed, PepsiCo’s seasoned Global Security Application Engineering Manager. “Their decision put a hurt on us.” Reed and his team support more than 300 locations that include Pepsi®, Frito-Lay®, Quaker Oats® and other well-known brands, as well as the more than 100,000 people serving those brands. These are largely warehouse facilities, with products that have a shelf life, making security especially critical. Because support for the existing product was being discontinued, Reed and his team had to move quickly and efficiently. “It was an obscene deadline,” he said. “When they abandoned the product, they basically abandoned us.” Even though promises were made offering a migration path to a new product, Reed contacted his integrators and began another internal audit of locations — audits he had been conducting on an ongoing basis since September 11, 2001, to create standardization. That audit and extensive review process suggested Honeywell’s Pro-Watch® Access Control Software as the standard and basis of the support Reed needed. The Solution Reed and his team tapped into his key integrators for recommendations. Meetings and presentations were held, and studies were conducted. It was an exhaustive, time-intensive process that led directly to the Pro-Watch® Software. “I want to do business with people who want to do business with us,” Reed declared. “At evaluation events it became very clear who those people were. You see, it’s not just about the software. I mean, it has to be scalable and flexible. In our extensive review process, we found that Pro-Watch had what we were looking for in terms of features: custom reporting capabilities and out-of-box customization of badging. Additionally, the web-based workstation made deployment so easy. Beyond these features, it’s really all about the support AFTER you implement that is the real tell. And that was how we knew we made the right choice.” Linda Birnbaum, Honeywell’s National Account Manager, pointed out, “We helped secure information and coordination with Structure Works and PepsiCo’s other integrators involved in the process of selection with Jeff. Support is Honeywell’s real business.” Reed adds, “In any migration, there are a lot of moving parts, and lots can go wrong. That’s why there is an enormous amount of responsibility between the vendor, manufacturer and end user. And truth be told, we haven’t had a significant failure in three years of migration to Pro-Watch, which could not be said for the previous software.” The Benefits “Access in control software has become something of a commodity,” Reed explained. “You really need a proper evaluation in order to differentiate between them. All things considered, the difference will always boil down to service and support. We didn’t want to continue to ‘rip and replace.’” Honeywell’s Pro-Watch software was selected because it helps companies like PepsiCo meet the most stringent compliance requirements, reduces total cost of ownership, and provides superior flexibility and scalability. Importantly, Honeywell supports their base by putting integrators through an extended, rigorous certification process. “We’re able to leverage existing installed hardware as the system expanded,” added Michael Villano of Structure Works, a New York-based systems integrator, and one of the three Platinum Honeywell integrators which now support PepsiCo. “Scalability is key, here, for what PepsiCo was doing in their facilities.” Pro-Watch software also allows the company to provide remote security management for badging, reporting, and alarm and event monitoring. In addition, Pro-Watch allows for multiple readers. “I like the hardware that these card readers attach to,” said Karen Hudgins, Reed’s partner Global Security Application Engineer at PepsiCo who worked in partnership in bringing Pro-Watch online. “Plus, it’s Windows based. How good is that!” A major feature of Pro-Watch that was attractive to the PepsiCo security team was its expandability with functionality they can call up as needed, such as Logical Device Exceptions. “Access privileges are really based on the roles within an organization of an individual,” Birnbaum explained. “One of the unique features of Pro-Watch that makes it so attractive to our clients is Logical Device Exceptions.” With the Logical Device Exceptions functionality, the software enables the administrator to grant, revoke, or delete card access to Logical Devices (any input device such as a card reader or output device like a door), which are tied to individuals. This saves time because the security officer can search for a logical device anywhere in any location, generate a listing of people associated with that device, and adjust privileges by selecting and clicking. Reed, as the writer and manager of the security engineering standards at PepsiCo, has made his operation the center of excellence for security. That said, he will tell you, “No software can predict events. You really need people to react quickly, efficiently.” That’s why the biggest problem that Pro-Watch solved for PepsiCo was service. As Reed notes, “Service is always the issue. I want to know that the product can be installed and is installed. And that it works and will continue to work and not be declared suddenly end-of-life. Our integrators, Honeywell and our internal team created a ‘triangle of trust’ and were all integral to the successful implementation of Pro-Watch.” Explore https://www.honeywellintegrated.com/products/integrated-security/sms/ for more information on the Pro-Watch® product in your facility. To request a demo, click “Request a Demo” and fill out the form, or call 1.800.323-4576.
Paul Quinn launches Nexterus Supply Chain Management Office for the Midwest Region
With over 25 years of operations and supply chain management experience in enterprise and mid-sized manufacturing companies, Paul Quinn has launched a Nexterus office in the Chicago metropolitan area. Quinn witnessed the critical importance of supply chain management from his days as a Naval officer on the USS Mount Hood (AE-29), an ammunition and supply ship. “Supply chain management is crucial to mission success in the military,” says Quinn. “It wasn’t just about getting ammunition to the ships in the fleet. It was also about getting food, repair parts and critical necessities to the soldiers and sailors. The challenges are no different in business.” Quinn began exploring business ownership opportunities after working in senior leadership roles in all facets of factory/warehouse operations & supply chain management for well-known enterprises and mid-sized companies. He was drawn to Nexterus because of its business model and advanced technology. The focus is on small and mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. Nexterus provides these businesses with access to advanced technology solutions, including a proprietary transportation management system (TMS) and Llamasoft’s supply chain optimization software tools. “Nexterus has four differentiating advantages over other companies,” says Quinn. Expertise – Nexterus has over 70 years of supply chain industry experience and views itself as the champion of small to mid-sized companies. In this role, the company researches best practices of the world’s most efficient supply chains and brings those solutions to the SME marketplace in scalable and affordable applications. Supply Chain & Logistics Technology – Fusion Center TMS is a multi-modal solution that requires no software implementation, no capital investment, no license fees, and no separate ongoing costs or fees. It is easy to use, provides quick quoting and tendering of shipments, and has automated track & trace capabilities. Nexterus has expertise in developing TMS code and is constantly on the cutting edge of introducing enhancements and upgrades for its customers. In addition, Nexterus has supply chain engineers on staff to leverage Llamasoft’s optimization software tools on our clients’ behalf. Customer Service – With Nexterus, you get the best of both worlds – technology and a first-class customer care team. The average tenure on the Nexterus customer care team is 16 years. The customer care team is available 24/7, 365. The team is able to support and serve any mode of transportation (LTL, FTL, Air & Sea Import/Export, Rail, Intermodal)- Nexterus has several customs brokers on staff and maintains numerous licenses and certificates in the supply chain space. Supply Chain Advisory Services – Include supply network optimization (factories and warehouses, how large should they be? Where should they be?); inventory analysis and optimization; temporary or flex warehousing; warehouse layout/modification; packaging optimization and demand planning/forecasting. “On-time delivery and cost-savings are both crucial to our clients. Supply chain management and optimization are not sexy parts of business, but they are highly critical. When I meet with customers, I speak their language. I understand their pain points. I know what keeps them up at night. I can solve critical issues with proven technology. I provide solutions,” said Quinn. “Paul Quinn is a tremendous asset to the Nexterus team,” says Ryan Polakoff, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nexterus. “Paul’s successful career, incredible work ethic, and executive experience make him a tremendous leader representing the Nexterus brand.”