JANUARY 2 0 2 1
NEWS
Cybercriminals are Targeting Manufacturing Companies
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Powder Coating Market to Exceed USD 17 Bn by 2025: Global Market Insights, Inc.
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Xinhua Silk Road: Shaangu Group to break new ground with gold medal won
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EDITOR‘S NOTE
Although the construction industry appears to be looking more robust in the face of the COVID-19 threat than the hospitality and travel industries, it has not entirely avoided the downfall of the economy. Businesses and organizations refuse to invest in modernized and new facilities with the economy at a slowdown, resulting in ending the industry’s decade-long expansion last spring, and by the looks of it, the construction industry will not recover until well into 2021. While the economy did slow down, if not shut down, in mid-March in hopes of limiting the spread of the virus, many expected that after the initial steep drop in economic activity, there would be an almost equal rise in recovery. This expectation is due to the fact that May and June payroll reports revealed an additional 7.5 million net new jobs for the economy after chopping off 22 million in March and April. Almost 50 million individuals also applied for unemployment insurance benefits since mid-March and five million small businesses received over $500 billion in loans through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) of the Small Business Administration. Forecasters hoped that both circumstances were enough to boost the economy.
2021 Global Construction Forecast However, in mid-June, the economic growth stalled due to the spike in COVID-19 cases across many states, pausing and even reverting their reopening plans. Making matters worse, such new slowdown and potential reversal of the economic recovery come just when the supplemental federal employment insurance payments and required expenditure of the PPP loans are approaching expiration. With this, it is extremely doubtful that the economy will support self-sustaining growth anytime soon. Still, economic conditions have constantly been instable since the beginning of the pandemic, and it appears that this volatility will continue for quite some time. There are upside risks and downside risks, though, that can both improve and delay the economic recovery.
* For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Rohan Suares Address: LG Electronics Gulf, P.O Box 61445, Dubai, U.A.E, Tel. # +971 52 710 0999, Email: rohan.suares@lge.com
CON TENTS
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Co Ban Kiat: Celebrating 100 Years of Providing World Class Hardware Solutions
A Smart Helmet to Detect Covid-19 Infection
22 2021 Global Construction Forecast
42 Cybercriminals are Targeting Manufacturing Companies
46 Powder Coating Market to Exceed USD 17 Bn by 2025: Global Market Insights, Inc.
50 Xinhua Silk Road: Shaangu Group to break new ground with gold medal won
58 Air Dryers Vs. Paper Towels: What’s the Difference?
66 The Covid-19 Survival of Engineering Companies Lies in Digitalization
70 The Future Of Engineering And Its Impact On The Industry
74 Data and Digitization Report UAE Market
82 Sharaf DG Energy challenges warehouses and factories to reduce emissions
F E AT U R E S T O RY
Co Ban Kiat: Celebrating 100 Years of Providing World Class Hardware Solutions
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o Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. has remained steadfast in sharing its genius innovations and technological solutions to multitudes of people in need, effectively entrenching itself as one of the largest purveyors of hardware, tools, small appliances, and machinery in the Philippines. As CBK Hardware nears its century-long existence, it is worth noting that before prospering into the hardware giant it is today, the brand began on a humble journey. Like any trailblazing business in any industry, the journey to a position of global leadership is not without its peaks and valleys.
The Rich History of CBK Hardware Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. was founded in 1920 in the heart of Binondo, Manila’s own Chinatown, due to the business acquisition efforts of the Cobankiat family patriarch. After the Wholesale buy and sell hardware business was fully acquired by the family in 1924, the business prospered for another 15 years. From its peak performance, the brand entered its first valley in the form of the devastating World War II. Fortunately, the family and their business bounced back in 1945 and re-established their headquarters in Binondo 4 years later.
the birth of Hardware Workshop stores inside SM Supermalls. Johnny Cobankiat’s other notable accomplishments include the inauguration of Coby’s Design Center as a means to answer the increasing demand of high-end architectural hardware products and the accretion and introduction of Ace Hardware USA in the country on 1997, with CBK Hardware Inc. as one of its suppliers.
In 1952, CBK Hardware was incorporated and from that day on an endless market expansion effort was made. The business began dealing in and distributing traditional hardware, a wide array of appliances, and any tool that promoted ease of life.
In 2003, the company continued to be the leading supplier in all major retail hardware stores such as Wilcon Depot, All Home, D.I.Y Hardware, Citi Hardware, and MC Home Depot, to name a few. Mayapa Wood Products and Interior Solutions, Chubbsafes, and Lincoln Electric have also recently added to its growing world-class brand portfolio. Needless to say, these procurements will not be CBK Hardware’s last set of acquisitions.
Business prospered further and in 1990, Johnny Cobankiat introduced the retail concept for hardware products in the country which led to
CBK Hardware Inc. acquired Mayapa Wood Products and Interior Solutions in 2013, joining the ever-extending family and business network.
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It is proud to be the most innovative manufacturer of quality wood products and interior solutions in the Philippines today. In its vision to provide word-class hardware solutions, CBK Hardware added global brands including Chubbsafes and Lincoln Electric. Truly, CBK chooses only the best brand and quality products to serve. Needless to say, these procurements will not be CBK Hardware’s last set of acquisitions. 2015 marked the start of CBK’s corporate social responsibility efforts. In their vision to give back to the Filipino community and engage in ethically-oriented practices, Co Ban Kiat Hardware began undertaking efforts of philanthropy, activism, and charity. Supported by their employees and partners, numerous non-government organizations and foundations received monetary aid, product donations, and services from the company.
As of yet, CBK Hardware has gone nowhere else but upward in its journey to supply the country with world-class, life-improving technological and hardware solutions. And what are these world-class, lifeimproving technological and hardware solutions?
CBK Hardware Today: Projects and Industries These are the countless hardware and home improvement products and services CBK Hardware utilizes to realize market leadership in every market segment. CBK Hardware has dipped its toes in different business units to cater to multiple industries, such as building materials, hardware, wholesale and retail, oil and gas, HVACR, electrical, power generation, construction, mining, machinery, equipment, utilities, telecommunications, automotives, and 9
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manufacturing, to name a few. Out of all of these areas of expertise, the retail, construction, industrial, and ecommerce sectors are Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc.’s fortes. For wholesale and retail business segment, CBK Hardware supplies to over 2000 partner wholesale and retail stores nationwide, which includes D.I.Y stores, roadshops, depots, and much more for 68 brands and over 6,000 SKUs. For industrial, the brand has both ensconced strong distribution channels in innumerable business sectors and boasts an expansive list of automotive, hospitality, service, and other industry clientele who all trust in 12
the brand to supply them with superb improvement solutions. In the area of construction, the brand has been one of if not the most trusted partners of hardware suppliers of distinguished real estate developers and construction companies nationwide. Lastly, CBK Hardware Inc. has been looking to the future in the area of ecommerce, priding itself to be the first hardware distributor to aggressively offer products online through websites, partner ecommerce platforms, and social media accounts. Truly, CBK Hardware Inc. has come a long way and, fortunately for them, there is still a long, long way to go.
Together in Excellence: Brand Portfolio CBK Hardware Inc.’s product portfolio has lengthened and evolved over the years since its establishment in 1920. Currently, the brand is one of the country’s leading suppliers of the top-of-the-line hardware and home improvement materials to a long list of brands. CBK Hardware Inc. is constantly putting its nose on the grindstone and burning the midnight oil, invigorated by its vision to be the largest network supplier of the biggest brands in the world in the hardware industry. Its employees are the backbone of the company as they endlessly source the best products to supply its customers. With 68 trusted global brands of building materials, electrical,
houseware, power equipment, outdoor, plumbing, hand and power tools, CBK Hardware Inc. has been steadily paving the way to a brighter future for the Philippines and the world. They have served over 1,500 industrial and commercial organizations with over 6,000 hardware products to choose from. They have satisfied over 1,600 roadshop customers, partnered with over 600 home building specialty stores nationwide. CBK Hardware has distributed items that have aided in erecting over 50 premium 5-star hotels, residential condominiums, and secure office buildings. In their 100 years, CBK Hardware Inc. has accumulated an extensive list of global brands. They have been distributing brands such as Baldwin, Chubbsafes, DeWalt Power Tools, Dormakaba, Facom, Fairbanks Scales, 13
F E AT U R E S T O RY
Lincoln Electric, Nilfisk Professional Cleaning Equipment, Pelican, Proto, Ridgid, Shop-Vac Vacuums, Stanley Hand Tools, Toho, Viper Cleaning Equipment, Westinghouse, Yale Locks, and more. These brands are all being smoothly distributed to customers who want to get more bang for their buck when it comes to home and facility improvement, safety and security, D.I.Y projects, energy conservation, cleaning and disinfection, and the like. Supplied and shared out by CBK Hardware Inc., these brands are truly together in excellence.
Corporate Social Responsibility Efforts Business in the hardware industry is not the only way the brand is helping the world become a better place. CBK Hardware Inc.
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is also partaking in multiple advocacies, philanthropic endeavors, humanitarianism, and charity work, because those in the company are wholeheartedly committed to contributing towards the growth of society and the environment. Hundreds if not thousands of people from different walks of life have benefited from CBK Hardware Inc.’s initiatives, from the intensive CSR programs to the hardware donations for the improvement of living facilities. Stomachs have also been fed in the conducted feeding programs. The goodwill of CBK Hardware Inc., was also gifted to the neglected children and elders residing at different charitable institutions. Another CSR campaign entitled Pailaw ni Juanita was also dedicated to Mrs. Juanita Co, the company’s shining beacon of hope who
shared her blessings by giving out large amounts of flashlights by teaming up with different NGOs known for their advocacies in livelihood, peace, order, and education. Through a fruitful partnership with ABSCBN’s Mission Possible, CBK Hardware Inc. has also provided state-of-the-art hardware solutions to a near endless quantity of customers as well as the neediest. This showcase of livelihood was able to transform the lives of 5 case studies in little ways by donating quality power and hand tools that have helped increase income generation. CBK Hardware is also an active supporter of Brigada Eskwela, a school preparation program for the upcoming academic year by donating hardware materials and engaging their employees in constructing, painting, and cleaning the different areas of each selected educational institution.
Environmental conservation is also an area in which CBK Hardware Inc. volunteers. Recently, those in the company have implemented many clean-up drives such as the one in the coastline of the Las PiñasParañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) in partnership with Haribon Foundation last August 11. #WithCBKweCanHELP Donation Drive has also been created In response to the increasing number of individuals who are in dire need of help due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation drive’s proceeds have been donated to children and elderly in chosen institutions. Other drives include the 100 Donation Drive which is a 10-month long CSR project that aims to help 100 organizations.
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To the Next 100 Years With all of these financial and tool donation drives, feeding programs, partnerships with humanitarian organizations, and other forms of noble CSR efforts, CBK Hardware Inc. is building the community and fostering an environment of togetherness. While their tools and appliances certainly do help in improving the home situation, charity and philanthropic endeavors such as these are what can improve the overall life situation of both the givers and the receivers. As the company enters a new century, there will be even more local and global brands to acquire and form a partnership with, more ways to help out and give back to the community that deserves the utmost care, more homes and buildings to improve using the many tools and appliances the brand has in its disposal, and more individuals to help in any way. In the same way the brand was ever-present in the last century, so too will CBK Hardware Inc. be present, proactive, and professional in the next. With endless brands to befriend, CSR efforts to initiate, facilities to improve and establish, and people to help, CBK Hardware will always lend a helping hand.
Where to Buy? For 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is the most trusted distributor of home improvement and hardware items in the Philippines. Let’s shop wisely. #StayAtHome and order online at your convenience. Visit us in the following sites and enjoy deals, discounts, and more! Website: https://www.cbkhardware. com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ cbkhardware/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ cbkhardware Join our Fast Growing Viber Community http://%20https//bit. ly/3ebeCXU
Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.
Ground Floor, Cobankiat Building II, 231 Juan Luna St. Binondo Manila, Philippines. Phone +632 8243-1931 Phone +632 8243-5263 Phone +632 8894-6561 Email info@cobankiat.com.ph ; ind@cobankiat.com.ph
Coby's Designer Center
Unit 467 level 4 Shangri-La Plaza Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong City, Philippines Phone +632 86364895
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About CBK Hardware For almost a hundred years, a family’s surname has become synonymous to the country’s biggest hardware supply company. Co Ban Kiat Hardware Incorporated, of the Cobankiat family has a regular client network of more than 1,500 industrial organizations; 1,600 traditional community hardware stores, and 584 home building specialty chain of stores across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades.
While the Filipinos continue to rebuild their lives post war, CBK Hardware sees the opportunity to introduce the retail concept once unheard for in hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware brought the first DIY business in the Asia. A do it on yourself concept that created Cobankiat hardware in the Philippines. The Hardware Workshop Store is the fruit if this endeavor. CBK Hardware further cemented its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’ Design Center in Edsa Shangi La in 1996, a specialty store that caters to discriminating taste of modern Filipinos. In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader, set another milestone for the company when he brings a franchise of Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines, and signs up CBK Hardware as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering quality world class products nearer to families of Filipino overseas workers in the countryside. A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to be the largest network supplier of the biggest global brands in the hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolve to source the best products to supply its customers anytime and every time.
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he construction industry seemed to be doing rather well amidst the threat of COVID-19 compared to most other service sectors like travel and hospitality that rely greatly on face-to-face interaction. However, the industry wasn’t able to entirely avoid the economy-wide drop. Because of the economy being in the slowdown, if not shutdown, mode, businesses and organizations are discouraged to invest in new and modernized facilities. This, in turn, ended the construction industry’s decade-long expansion, and apparently, this sector will remain in the downside throughout the year and well into 2021.
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The American Institute of Architects recently revealed in its mid-year Consensus Construction Forecast update that spending on non-residential facilities will drop by over 8% this year and another 5% next year. The commercial building sector, including hotels, office, retail, and other commercial structures, is expected to be the most affected, with spending estimated to fall by almost 12% this year and an additional 8% next year. Meanwhile, the industrial sector, which includes the manufacturing production and its related distribution facilities, is expected to witness a decline of 5% for 2020 and 3% for 2021. While institutional buildings like education, health care, religious, and amusement and recreation will emerge stronger than the non-residential side, spending on such facilities will still fall by almost 5% this year and 2% next year.
Upside Risks that can Improve the Economy Although the current economic conditions have constantly been in a state of flux since the dawn of the pandemic, there is a set of upside risks that can improve the economy more than that of what we expect.
Potential Additional Stimulus Extending unemployment insurance and small business loans under the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) will help stabilize economic conditions and avert a further drop in the economy. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to boosting the economy if state and local governments could extend their support and offer an infrastructure program.
Strengthening Housing Market Growth in the housing sector can be attributed to growth in residential building permits, increases in purchase mortgage applications, gains in homebuilder confidence, and firming in the existing homes sales market. As the housing sector grows, so does the broader construction industry.
Possible Early Vaccine While the COVID-19 vaccine’s availability is expected around mid-2021, a vaccine in the early 2021 will tremendously boost the economic expansion should current research succeed to create one. 26
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COVID-19 vaccine’s availability is expected around mid-2021, a vaccine in the early 2021 will tremendously boost the economic expansion should current research succeed to create one.
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There will be a significant need for post-pandemic designs in the majority of existing buildings.
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Stronger International Growth While the international economy is unlikely to do substantially better than the US economy this year and next, the Chinese and Indian economy is expected to grow and even outperform the US in the following years. Both countries will offer export opportunities for many US companies.
Facility Retrofits When the economy opens again, there will be a significant need for post-pandemic designs in the majority of existing buildings. This will automatically create a surge in building retrofits that will greatly benefit the construction and design industries. Downside Risks that will Delay the Economic Recovery There are, however, still a set of downside risks that could further postpone the rebound of the economy.
Resurgence of Pandemic Concerns Although there are signs that the pandemic is starting to wane, infection rates begin to rise again by mid-June, particularly in the states that had previously performed well in the early threat of COVID-19. Because of this, many of these states are starting to pause, if not entirely revert, their reopening plans. This, in turn, will further delay the growth in economy. 38
New Business Models
Running a profitable business in an economic environment post-pandemic can be discouraging even for those areas where businesses are reopening successfully. After all, a restaurant or airline that is only allowed to operate at most 50% of its capacity will evidently struggle to become profitable, especially when such constraints are in place for a longer time.
Household and Business Financial Pressures While most renters and homeowners are still capable of making their monthly rent and mortgage payments, this will unlikely continue in the absence of further government support. The longer the economy suffers, more and more households and business will not have the financial ability to weather this downturn.
Emerging Trade Tensions There is a high possibility of governments enforcing tariffs to protect their domestic industries as countries start vying for the shrinking opportunities in trade. Unfortunately, this will likely become a trade war soon if not averted. - End 39
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Cybercriminals are Targeting Manufacturing Companies
he COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive spike in cybercrime with industrial and consumer manufacturing companies on the front line, and micro, small and medium enterprises particularly vulnerable to attacks, Houlin Zhao, the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), warned. Zhao’s remarks came in a keynote address that preceded a panel discussion around the topic of ‘Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the future of manufacturing’, which included representatives from GE, United Airlines, Good Harbor Security, and Dublin City University (DCU). “If we want to safeguard the future of engineering, construction, energy, HVAC and manufacturing companies, businesses of all sizes need to rally around good cybersecurity practices,” Zhao said. “We at the ITU believe that, in addition to regulations, voluntary standards are an important tool to support reliable and predictable management of risk.” COVID-19 has highlighted the fundamental importance of digital technologies and services to economies and societies everywhere. New technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence 42 Robotics, the Internet of (AI),
Things (IoT), and many others, have the power to transform the industrial and manufacturing landscape on an unprecedented scale, Zhao said. Zhao also categorically rejected conspiracy theories that COVID-19 is transmitted via 5G networks, which he said would be critical to the next wave of manufacturing innovation and acceleration towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Let me be clear, viruses cannot travel on radio waves and mobile networks,” he said. “These claims have no scientific basis whatsoever and ITU condemns the attacks on infrastructure vital to address the pandemic and keep our economies and societies working,” he said.
Now is the time to invest in cybersecurity Emilian Papadopoulos, President of Good Harbor Security, stressed that the crisis had hit companies hard and
imposed financial constraints that meant investments in cybersecurity are not necessarily a top priority, even though the risk of an attack had risen exponentially during the pandemic. However, he said Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) should make a strong case for investment despite the current climate. “The attackers are still coming at us. They didn’t stay at home and stop working. And the coronavirus has just taught us that Black Swan events happen. So now is not a time to be constraining the purse strings for the CISO, we need to actually invest more in security right now,” he said. Deneen DeFiore, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of United Airlines, also warned companies against compromising on cybersecurity, saying that there was no question that cybercriminals were taking advantage of the crisis and that industry data showed threat activity had increased by as much as
1,000%. “It’s not the time to cut the budget. It’s actually the time to double down and make sure that you are closing the gaps. That doesn’t mean investing millions of dollars, but there are lots of things you can do to get back to basics and shore up those vulnerabilities and heighten your posture a little bit,” she said.
Towards global standards Justin John, Executive Technology Director of GE, stressed the importance of strengthening standards governing cybersecurity and fourth industrial revolution technologies so that more companies complied with them. “There’s a number of standards that are out there, but they lack regulatory teeth. They lay out a really good plan of how you should comply, but there’s nothing that’s enforceable about them,” he said. Ray Walshe, Dublin City University (DCU) and Technology Standards Leader – EC, WEF, UN, agreed on the importance of developing international standards due to the proliferation of new technologies coupled with the complexity of global supply chains. “The whole ecosystem that we’re living in has changed. Emerging technologies are highly embedded in the industrial and consumer manufacturing companies now,” he said. “Standards give you that interoperability when you have people who are geographically dispersed and you’re trading across international boundaries. Standards are the glue that holds all these ecosystems
together, so I can’t emphasise enough how important that standardisation process is.” DeFiore cited the aviation industry as an example of a sector where global standards had been successfully introduced and said this could be applied across others industries. “You’re only as secure as the entire ecosystem and in aerospace and defence that’s huge,” she said. “Our assets are big, they’re mobile and they cross international boundaries. So, for us, cybersecurity is paramount, as is having standards that are enforceable and normalised across the standards bodies, as well as regulators, and are easily implemented by operators. That’s something that we’re working on in the aviation industry but should be applied across many other industries as well.”
Multi-stakeholder collaboration is vital John stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat the threat posed by cybercriminals. He cited a US example of a cybersecurity partnership between government, academia, national labs, and industry that had helped stay a step ahead of fastmoving hackers. He said national labs and academia are constantly conducting groundbreaking research into AI machine learning techniques in cybersecurity. Industries then deploy the technology in the market while governments can shed light on the attacks that are taking place at a national level. “You combine all these together
and you can keep pace with what the hackers are doing. And the goal of the government is to get that technology to the customers because they want to raise the level of cybersecurity across the globe. It’s really a win-win for everyone on the defence side of cybersecurity.” Walshe said collaboration was key for standardisation and that it should happen on an international level in order to facilitate global trade. He said a joint technical committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is developing standards for cybersecurity which would be adopted by the European Union. “As soon as that happens, then all national bodies who are members of the EU will adopt that as a national standard, which is then used as a mechanism for regulation, certification, and legislating for cybersecurity issues. So, the best way to do it, which allows for international trade, is through international standardisation,” he said. Papadopoulos said the most effective role for government is to focus on managing systemic risk by looking at critical nodes across digital supply chains to identify vulnerabilities in infrastructure that many small companies and entire industries depend on. “Government has a role to look at that systemic risk and say it’s not any one company’s job to fix that,” he said. “But if it goes wrong the nation suffers, the international community suffers, and therefore it is government’s role to go and look at those problems.” 43
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Powder Coating Market to Exceed USD 17 Bn by 2025: Global Market Insights, Inc. Latin America powder coatings market demand is projected to cross 250 kilo tons by 2025 on account of strong growth in furniture industry in Mexico, as numerous companies have shifted certain segments of their production operations in the country. Global powder coating market is poised to witness significant growth from 2019 to 2025 owing to environment-friendly properties, cost effectiveness, high quality, swift paint applicability, and easy usability over conventional paints. These coats are solventfree and have minimal volatile compounds emissions compared to liquid paints. It provides a long-lasting and durable finish for metal products & parts and also exhibits superior gloss retention. Factors such as high corrosion resistance, easy recycling and reduced processing time will also influence product demand Various 46
technical advantages over liquid
paintings coupled with low VOCs emissions will support the powder coating market value over the forecast timeframe. Ability to produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid form without sagging or running will support the application scope across various industries. Faster curing time and wide range of specialty effects have proliferated the product scope across numerous applications including door handles, rims, and under hood components in light of superior finish and texture. Thermoplastic resin powder coating market demand is anticipated to witness CAGR over 6.5% owing to key benefits including better chemical resistance, thicker coating, and low toxicity. It also offers a good amount of resistance to disparity amongst the environmental forces and does not require any cross-linking or curing to achieve these properties. Thermoplastic resins owing to eco-friendly properties, easy recyclability and low toxic nature finds application in several
industries including construction, automotive, outdoor furniture, oil & gas, and aerospace & defense. Powder coats in the appliances are generally used in refrigerator doors, shelves, washing machines, dryers, freezers, water heaters, vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, garbage disposals, dishwashers, etc. Appliances require a durable finish and dynamic colors to protect against the damages owing to the everyday use. The color of the appliance has now become one of the most important factors that influence the purchasing decisions among consumer. As a result, appliances manufacturer to launch products in stylish colors, finishes, and texture combinations. Decorative color and coating styles incorporated ensures low abrasion, better chipping and high chemical resistance. Strong demand for metallic substrate coats to protect steel, copper and aluminum surfaces form corrosion due to chemicals and moisture fueling powder coating market revenue. Easy applicability on metallic substrate compared to the non-metallic substrate will also support product application scope. The metallic surfaces can be electrically grounded and coated via an Electrostatic Spray Deposition (ESD) process. This process enables uniformity over the substrate material which makes the products more appealing to the eye. Easy availability of wide range of colors, thicknesses, finishes, and textures is anticipated to fuel product sales. Latin America powder coatings market led by Brazil and Mexico is projected to exceed 250 kilo tons by 2025. Mexico is expected to witness strong growth in furniture industry, as numerous companies have shifted certain segments of their production operations in the country. The country offers superior logistical solutions while shipping products to target markets such as U.S & Canada and suffer low overhead cost as compared to other overseas destinations. Key powder coating market players include BASF, Axalta Coating System, AkzoNobel N.V., Asian Paints and Jotun. Manufacturers are continuously focusing on enhancing their visibility by uploading their catalogs on the
website and retailing their products through online portals. Also, key manufacturers are hiring industry specialists and investing in capacity expansion to gain a competitive edge. The manufacturers try to establish direct partnerships with end users to ensure the continuous retail of their products. They also incorporate strategies, such as expanding product portfolio and establishing long term supply chain agreements, to enhance profit margin and gain competitive edge in the market.
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Xinhua Silk Road: Shaangu Group to break new ground with gold medal won
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t the recent 2019 World Manufacturing Convention, Shaanxi Blower (Group) Co., Ltd. (Shaangu Group) won gold prize of innovative products in green energy saving for its blast furnace power recovery turbine (BPRT), which again proves the company’s technical innovation power. Back in 2016, the very technology won the “Double Top Ten” awards of international energy saving technologies sponsored by the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) and the Gold Product Award at the Czech Brno International Machinery Industry Expo.
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According to Li Hongan, chairman of the group, BPRT’s innovative threemachine coaxial technology has increased the power recovered by more than 8 percent compared to the blast furnace top gas pressure recovery turbine units (TRT units), and the recovered power accounts for 50 percent of the original drive power, raising the power generation per ton of iron to 50kWh/t, which shows remarkable energy saving and environmental protection effects. At present, the BPRT technology and products have been widely used in metallurgy, coal chemical industry and other fields, and has been exported to India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries. Based in Xi’an, capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi province, Shaangu Group is a systematic solution provider and service provider specialized in distributed energy. Its energy-saving and environmental-friendly products and systematic solutions and services cover the fields of petroleum, chemical industry, air separation, metallurgical industry, environmental protection, pharmaceutical, power generation, etc. Six of its research achievements have won China’s State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, and more than 200 science and technology awards recognized by the Chinese government. By the end of 2018, the group has obtained 275 patents. In recent years, the group has actively participated in Belt and Road construction and paced up overseas expansion. It owns now 12 overseas subsidiaries and service organizations including Shaangu Europe R&D Center, in Germany, and Shaangu EKOL, in Czech Republic, and has established overseas service networks in more than 40 countries and regions including Russia, Indonesia, India, Turkey, the United States, Germany, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam. The group’s TRT units have acquired a high market share in the Indian market, and its large axial compressor units have served the needs of a leading refining enterprise in Kazakhstan. 51
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A Smart Helmet to Detect Covid-19 Infection * World Security unveiled a new Smart Helmet that is designed to make contactless detection of people potentially infected with COVID-19 while ensuring the highest levels of safety and security * World Security is the first security services provider in the UAE to adopt and use the revolutionary headgear which is packed with high-precision sensors, processors and transmission systems
World Security, the innovative security solutions provider of DP World, UAE Region has unveiled a new Smart Helmet that is designed to make contactless detection of people potentially infected with COVID-19, and help ease the movement of traffic in areas where it operates, while ensuring the highest levels of safety and security. World Security is the first security services provider in the UAE to adopt and use the revolutionary headgear, which is a product of decades of innovation and research and is positioned to be the first choice for epidemic prevention activities. Made of advanced tough, yet lightweight materials, it is packed with high-precision sensors, processors and transmission systems. The KC N901 Smart Helmet’s top five powerful functions are: Efficient contactless temperature recording, rapid screening for both indoors and outdoors, rapid screening of vehicles and passengers, and rapid face recognition and identity verification, using thermal imaging that enables the invisible visible.
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Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “With the reopening of the economy, we have now entered a new phase where monitoring public places for potential infection has become imperative. By introducing this technology at a time when the fight against the pandemic is in full swing, World Security has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the community secure. As the frontline economic growth engine, DP World, UAE Region and its businesses are strictly adhering to the COVID-19 containment programme requirements, and we’re constantly working towards introducing such new and effective measures to ensure business continuity.� A key to the security requirements of DP World and many other crown jewel economic assets in Dubai, World Security has been providing security solutions for over two decades in the region. The global pandemic was a never-before tackled, new challenge encountered by this established company and required unprecedented solutions.
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Air Dryers Vs. Paper Towels: What’s the Difference?
W
ashing of hands is important especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper handwashing not only reduces the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it can prevent the spread of other viral illnesses such as cold and flu. According to Unicef, respiratory viruses like coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or throat. Most often, this happens through your hands. Hands are also one of the most common ways that the virus spreads from one person to the next. During a global pandemic, one of the cheapest, easiest, and most important ways to prevent the spread of a virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. However, we do not address what happens after handwashing. Convenience rooms or toilets are primarily used for every human’s egestion activities. Today, as long as they are kept appropriately clean, they are some of the favorite places in a building. One area of priority in a toilet is the process of hand drying after toilet use. Hand drying is generally done by the use of a paper towel or air dryers. However, there is a persistent debate on which hand drying method is best. This has given rise to queries such as, “are hand dryers cleaner than paper towels?” and vice versa. Here, we examine the debate and what makes the difference between these two methods of hand drying.
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Why Hand Hygiene Is Important A lot of diseases and germs are transmittable by hand contact. After the preventative measure of hand washing, hand drying is next in order. Hand drying is important because any left-over bacteria on the hands after washing can be removed. These are other considerations that make hand drying an important act: • Hand Washing May Be Done Wrongly: It is common knowledge that washing the hands with soap is the most effective hand hygiene habit. However, there is no quality control system to confirm proper handwashing in a toilet. Hand drying is then the last resort to save most people. • Germs Can Easily Be Passed Through Wet Skin: Germs tend to remain on improperly washed hands. The hand in a wet state can quickly transfer just about any form of germ to other surfaces. Germ survival is less likely on dry skin. The use of air dryers and paper towels are the main methods of hand drying. As mentioned, there has been a constant comparison on which of the two is the best. Let’s examine them.
Hygiene Paper towels are the clear winner in this comparison. Paper towels are one-use. All you need to do is wipe your hands with it and then dump them in the bin. This accounts for effective hand drying and less contamination within the space of the toilet. Jet air dryers blow fast air to the point that it might cause germs to fly through the toilet space. This puts other and future toilet users at risk of contamination. Warm hand dryers, with the warm environment they create, are believed to aid bacteria growth. 59
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Also, it might require more discipline to use a hand dryer. Toilet users sometimes have to wait for up to a minute for the air dryer to dry their hands thoroughly. If many people are waiting in line to use the air dryer, some might forgo it completely. This increases the likelihood of having incompletely dried hands when leaving the toilet, increasing their risk of contracting and spreading germs.
The Cost Difference Both air dryers and paper towels serve the fundamental purpose of maintaining healthy habits. From a medical point of view, cost shouldn’t be a factor of consideration. Still, cost drives most business decisions. So, it must be considered. A paper towel dispenser has a very insignificant initial cost, but its running cost racks up your expenses pretty quickly. On the other hand, air dryers are known for their higher initial cost of purchase and significantly lower running costs. The running cost of paper towel dispenser comes from the cost of buying paper towels while that of an air dryer comes from energy costs. You can lower both operating costs by buying less expensive paper towels and buying more energy-efficient air dryers. In this comparison, the air dryer wins. This is because paper towels still cost so much more over the years, and their use is hardly controllable.
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Environmental Friendliness The carbon footprint of both hand drying methods must also be weighed to know which one performs better. Paper towels can be examined based on the material they are made of and how they are disposed of after use. Paper towels are made of a new paper from trees or recycled waste papers. Trees are used to produce paper towels, which has a considerable effect on the environment. Although paper towels can be made with recycled paper, they end up in landfills or are composted because they cannot be recycled.
Notably, paper towels do not use electricity. However, they have a long chain of production and disposal that negatively impacts the environment. Air dryers, on the other hand, have a high environmental impact when in use. About 20 to 80 grams of CO2 equivalents are produced whenever they are used. However, there are more energy-efficient options, like jet air dryers. Most of them come with tags that detail their energy efficiency. Air dryers win in this comparison rank.
Modern and Low Maintenance Option Air dryers are a more advanced option compared to paper towels. They typically look trendy, parched against the wall as though they are interior decoration items. This is one of the reasons many organizations invest in them. Also, air dryers are a low maintenance option. They do not require a trash can or ever get exhausted. Paper towel trash cans need to be cleaned out and the dispenser refilled often. Using paper towels might amount to an increase in toilet staff responsibilities. Air dryers, on the other hand, afford easier toilet cleaning and less concern on how users will get their hands cleaned.
Final Thoughts The debate between air dryers and paper towels is most unlikely to end soon. This is partly because it is a debate being used to fuel the marketing of either product. The priority in hand drying is to ensure that maximum hand hygiene is achieved. Paper towels are the winners when it comes to hand hygiene. However, air dryers trump paper towels in terms of cost, environmental friendliness, and a more modern outlook. Many businesses may opt for an air dryer without much consideration. However, it is a worthy consideration that companies who want to maintain a very hygienic environment go for paper towels. The prioritization of hygiene over costs can be an excellent way to boost company image.
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The Covid-19 Survival of Engineering Companies Lies in Digitalization
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he impact of the Coronavirus has been a shock reverberating across every aspect of our lives and in every business. In the engineering sector, the current global pandemic is forcing the hands of industrial, construction, manufacturing, energy, and HVAC to prepare for a post-COVID-19 world. As many countries are beginning to relax, or look at relaxing, measures imposed as a result of the crisis, engineering firms need to be ready to rapidly evolve to address a very different world and a possible recession. The future of engineering and contracting services is a moving target, and institutions must streamline their operations and be able to cost-effectively bring the
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right products to the right customers. It is important that engineering and tech companies are able to adapt in order to ensure a smooth reopening of financial markets and the economy, whether that be digital or physical.
Being agile won’t just save us, it will sustain us To succeed in a market that keeps changing, you need to be able to move quickly and be agile, composing new products and services faster. Even with restrictions relaxing in many countries, the expectation is that many employees will continue to work from home and that face-to-face interactions will continue to be limited. The
value of enabling an agile engineering workforce through digitalization has increased even more. Simply put, new solutions are needed across many industrial sectors, and the push for digital remains a top priority. There are also millions unable to work who are receiving support from governments backed by banks and financial institutions by implementing measures like payment holidays and delayed interest payments. This is where the ability to be agile and flexible, and work in a dynamic environment is vital. Investing in digitalization and putting it at the center of the engineering strategy provides a competitive edge and longevity. To build the best experience, tech companies
need to start changing with the market, instead of hoping the market will stop changing.
Enter composable banking for engineering firms Today, even the simplest banking service involves a complex orchestration of core systems, transaction processing, decisionmaking, reporting, analytics, authentication, security and more. Monolithic platforms make it harder to incorporate the latest capabilities and tools, and the opportunity for financial institutions today is to replace any component whenever needed without embracing new technical risk. Composable banking is a new approach to building banks and lending businesses that treats change as a constant. It is about having the control to use fit-for-purpose technologies to compose precisely the right design and delivery of financial services infrastructure.
With fintechs coming in and attracting industrial customers with digital offerings, it becomes increasingly important for the established ones, like the big banks, to work on retaining their engineering customers by digitising, and fast. To serve an agile market, financial institutions need to compose new products and features faster than everyone else to predict demand and to better serve existing customers like renewables, contractors, oil & gas, construction, water treatment and telecoms.
COVID-19 has had a transformative effect across societies, economics and offices. As market dynamics keep on changing, engineering, energy, industrial and technology have a chance to make a positive impact on their customers.
Composable banking offers innovative solutions for organisations to create their own architecture for new products and services faster. It helps financial institutions create modern customer experiences to compete in the digital era — and constantly evolve them to respond to change.
In the long-term, companies can choose to embrace the new world based on rapid evolution and modern ways of working, or continue on the old paths which will see them unable to adapt when needed most.
Embracing the fintech era for engineering companies
There is one thing in common for organisations, regardless of how far they have come with digitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that you can no longer manage your business the same way as before.
For many businesses, adopting new and agile ways of operating based on composable banking will help guide their path and prepare them for the very different time that lies ahead of us. 67
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The Future Of Engineering And Its Impact On The Industry There is no doubt that Genetic Engineering, which is the basis of modern Molecular Biotechnology, will be the most interesting scientific field of the next century. Because the initial achievements to date promise a lot. Although they evoke mixed feelings of excitement, anxiety and confusion in the world, as seen recently with the possible modernization of human cloning or genetic control of longevity, and many others. The opportunities are only likely to grow across all areas, especially the Asian and Middle Eastern markets where new concepts are forever evolving. In this instance, people wanting to move into this line of work should look at educating themselves in all areas of advancements and give yourself the opportunity to complete your goals.
Change is coming Due to the advance of digitization, the range of job profiles demanded by employers is increasingly wide and jobs are constantly appearing that until a few years ago were unthinkable that they existed. This makes the gap between job demand and the reality of the labor market widening.
The engineering sector is particularly affected for this reason, it is one of the sectors that generates the most vacancies and it is very difficult to fill them, according to an analysis of trends in the labor market carried out by the human resources company Randstad. The market needs expert professionals in all emerging branches of engineering. Any company must have a multidisciplinary profile, with great versatility and analytical capacity, strategic vision, proactivity and adaptation to change, since they are the characteristics most sought after by companies. Especially after the COVID-19 crisis, it’s vital that companies are providing adequate risk assessments for all workers - or could humanity be replaced by more digital aspects? Some of the areas and profiles most in demand in the short and medium term are: • Electrical engineering: Due to the growth of society, the need to meet various requirements in the fields of engineering related to the generation and use of energy,
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Robotics in more areas?
the design of electromechanical elements and the automation of systems is generated. • Smart cities: The population is increasingly concentrated in cities, which are experiencing a rapid evolution towards aspects of intelligent management of resources, efficient urban planning, sustainable mobility and other elements that make up a Smart City. This panorama requires the specialized work of engineers with knowledge in Open Data, artificial intelligence and systems and application development capable of creating technologies for these objectives. • Biomedicine and biotechnology: Although engineers already had a presence in the medical and health areas, it is one of the newer professions at an academic level. • Industrial organization: It is one of the least technical profiles of engineering in the industrial field, but it is one of the most demanded by companies and, also, one of the most successful among students despite being relatively new. • Industrial design: Design is applied in all aspects of society. Its objective, however, is not only aesthetic, but also seeks to make all the products it creates more useful, comfortable and efficient. Design is a distinctive element in the very competitive market in which we find ourselves.
The main challenge of building robotics continues to be the integration of robotics from the controlled environment of a factory to a changing environment such as construction activities. The potential of the robot is its ability to carry out work beyond mere manual operation, but also beyond industrial repetition and its direct control by digital data. Robots are becoming more autonomous and can perform more functions and tasks, reducing the waiting time for them to be used in construction. At first, the supervision of professionals and their interaction with robots in construction will be essential. Robots’ difficulty in navigating complex environments will initially require significant human intervention. However, the trend is for less skilled workers to be replaced by robots, while higher skilled workers will collaborate with the latter. The speed and precision of a robot can dramatically increase productivity on a construction site. The challenge is undoubtedly the ability to program it to perform the right tasks efficiently. In addition to the benefit in the field of productivity, the accident rate of workers will also be reduced, as robots carry out part of the jobs that involve more occupational risks. Robotics can completely transform construction as we understand it today. The impact of technology in construction can influence not only work processes, but also architecture, engineering and creativity in the design of new environments. The great challenge is that robots do not replace human capacity and that they help improve architecture, aesthetics, productivity, design, safety and quality of life for construction professionals.
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Data and Digitization Report UAE Market
Executive summary
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As data volumes continue to grow and become more disparate by the day, the time is now for organizations to implement ways to efficiently leverage this critical data. In July 2019, Alteryx surveyed 500 United Arab Emirates (UAE) businesses to understand how data and analytics are driving their businesses to thrive in this data-led world. The new Alteryx-commissioned research uncovers the benefits and impact of data analytics in digitization projects across six of the most digitally advanced countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and AsiaPacific (APAC).
This report summarizes the key findings of the research and uses the information gathered to provide a snapshot into how companies across the UAE are progressing in their analytic journey. It explores the current thinking into the value of data, the primary data challenges, the culture of data and analytics and the key technology enablers to demonstrate how a smart approach to data guides the way to successful digitization.
Commenting on the findings of the research, Alan Jacobson, chief data and analytics officer at Alteryx said: “The business case for data has truly been acknowledged. While many are still balancing data inefficiencies with the challenge of a shortage of skilled data workers, this latest research from Alteryx underscores that investing in data and analytics alone won’t deliver real business-altering results. Whether performing precision marketing to improve sales or analysing data from various departments across an organization, the world of business is quickly becoming the world of analytics. A smart approach to data and a data literate culture will guide the way for successful digitalization.”
Abboud Ghanem, Senior Director – Middle East and Africa at Alteryx, added: “There is no doubt that data is key in driving business success in the minds of businesses across the UAE. Every data worker, regardless of technical acumen, wants to be able to easily find and understand what information is at their disposal; have the flexibility to prep, blend, enhance and analyse data from more sources; and easily operationalise analytic models through a collaborative and governed platform. At Alteryx, we will continue to make the Alteryx Platform easier to use for all data workers, while extending its ability to handle more sophisticated data science outcomes for trained data statisticians in order to create an analytics-centric culture across most every industry and functional areas of business.”
Data is permeating every part of business and is key to success • With over three quarters of survey respondents (79%) agreeing that data is a critical corporate asset for driving the business forward it’s clear that businesses are taking advantage of what seems to be insurmountable data sources across industries and internal functions. • When it comes to where businesses are in their analytical journey, almost two thirds (62%) of UAE businesses class themselves in the advanced stages of their analytic journeys. • For those businesses leveraging data for insights over two fifths (41%) report the major business benefit as increased productivity, followed by over one third (36%) citing they gained better insight into customers, and over one third (34%) stating the ability to make savings and efficiencies for my department or organisation.
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• Businesses are also seeing soft benefits increase. Over three quarters (79%) agreed that using data analytics has helped break down internal silos. Respondents cited improved employee satisfaction (41%) as a benefit of using data. Overall two in five (40%) said that analytics improved work-life balance and are able to better balance their lives after embracing data in their role.
Businesses can’t win in analytics without the human element • With digital skills classed as a major priority for businesses, over four in five (83%) agree that everything they are investing in data and analytics is useless without people who understand it. • Proving that businesses simply cannot proceed to tackle the technical challenges existing in a data-driven industry without the right workforce, more than two fifths (41%) reported that it was easier to access the talent needed to manage analytics than last year, while almost one in three (32%) have a team of dedicated data scientists for all their analytics work. • Only one in five businesses reported that a talent shortage prevented them from becoming a data-driven business. • Those who are leveraging data report several key factors that they still need to overcome in order to be more efficient. When allocating time to performing impactful data analyses, one in three (33%) cite data quality as a big challenge to building a data pipeline for the business, followed by almost one third (30%) stating a lack of strong data governance is a major contributing factor to wasted time that could have been spent assembling insights.
A culture of data and analytics is needed to transform data into actionable insights • When it comes to the building blocks for their digital transformation initiatives, over four in five (81%) agree that empowering people is the key to digital transformation. • Stressing that empowering employees to affect business-change with data will enable them to succeed in their digital transformation initiatives, over one third (35%) state a culture of data and analytics will be the biggest game changer for analytics success while two fifths (40%) state they need more focus on employee skills and talent to drive transformation. • Businesses are starting to build this culture to derive value out of their data, as almost one third (30%) have a clear enablement strategy based around community, training, and tools that drives our data analytics usage and over one quarter (29%) hold regular data workshops to inspire data workers to generate insights as part of our data analytics strategy.
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• In an increasingly data-driven world, over two thirds (70%) of respondents agree that data is so valuable that it’s become a new currency, and the same number agree data progression is also key to career progression.
Technology can be an enabler or constraint to data analytics success • Proving data will always be at the forefront and one of the most important drivers of success and true digital disruption, businesses across the UAE reported the top three technology enablers having the greatest impact on their business today as data and analytics (42%), artificial intelligence/machine learning (36%) and blockchain (33%). • When asked their top technology priorities to continually modernize their analytic journey, UAE businesses digital transformation enablers (47%), getting more value out of our data resources (47%), and further investment in data platforms and services (46%) in order to accelerate timeto-insight and break barriers. • Technology can also be a constraint to a data-driven business. When asked which key technology enablers they are prioritizing investment in within the next five years to support a variety of initiative for data analytics success almost one third cited data and analytics (32%), just ahead of blockchain (28%), and artificial intelligence/machine learning (27%). • UAE businesses anticipate the biggest technology game-changers for data analytics success within the next five years to include: self-service analytics (31%), augmented data discovery (27%) and explainable AI (27%).
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Sharaf DG Energy challenges warehouses and factories to reduce emissions Sharaf DG Energy advises companies to look to their warehouses as the first step to becoming more sustainable
Sharaf DG Energy, one of the leading solar energy solution providers in the UAE vows to tackle the issue of climate change head on, stating that the starting point should be within warehouses and factories across the region. Manufacturing represents 54% of the world’s energy consumption and is responsible for 20% of global emissions – increase in efficiency can help to conserve energy and contribute to global CO2 reductions. Rising environmental issues and growing economic uncertainty means manufacturers must rework their current practices to ensure more is done to reduce harmful emissions and waste disposal that has a negative impact on the planet. The logistics industry is becoming increasingly aware of its ecological impacts meaning warehouses and factories are the perfect starting place for companies to implement sustainable solutions. A combination of extensive unused rooftop space, the need for generating clean and reliable energy and the possibility of generating additional income makes warehouse ideal for solar. The concept behind green logistics is to create measurable reductions in CO2 emissions due to daily operations from logistics and warehousing activities. To optimize operations, it is essential to create strategies that will lower costs and conserve energy. 82
“As the climate emergency accelerates, factories and warehouses must adapt and create new strategies with sustainability at the core of their business” says Vice President of Sharaf DG Energy, Sanjay Dabur. “There is an opportunity to turn the negative into positive and use the current environmental climate as an opportunity to look internally – Middle East manufacturers should implement the necessary changes towards becoming more sustainable – streamline processes and begin to see this as an opportunity as apposed to a threat”. “Installing solar panels on a warehouse is financially beneficial as well as a great way to utilise empty roof space” says Mr. Dabur. “The key advantage of using solar panels is that a warehouse can become more self-reliant by producing its own energy which can amount to significant savings over time”. Sharaf DG Energy believes the companies that will successfully navigate the current environmental issues are those that embrace sustainable solutions across their factories and supply chains – improving operations whilst increasing sustainability means higher productivity and smoother processes that will in turn benefit all areas of the company. By making the switch to solar, Dubai warehouses could benefit from extensive annual savings, security from producing their own clean energy that isn’t dependant on stability of the energy market, along with the biggest advantage being less pollution of the planet. Sharaf DG Energy was founded in 2014 as a progressive and forward-thinking enterprise – bringing together global experience and local knowledge to create sustainable energy solutions. Sharaf DG Energy hails from the wider Sharaf Group comprising of 47 companies with presence in 40 countries across MENA, Africa, India & Asia. The Sharaf Group continues to dominate sectors including Shipping & logistics, Industrial, real estate, travel & tourism, IT and financial & retail since its establishment in 1975. 83
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