INNOVATIONS FOR BUSINESS
Mobile Ordering Apps Trend
Cybersecurity Checklist for a Safer 2022 Cybersecurity will continue to be a significant concern in 2022 as threats and ransomware reports have had a sharp upturn over the last two years. There are myriad items to consider in the quest for cybersecurity hygiene, but here’s a few to contemplate: Instill a business-first security mindset. I believe that security is an enabler to making companies go faster. A business-first mentality enables stakeholders to lead the digital transformation and adopt a modern workplace without compromising security or business continuity. It’s about arming CISOs with everything that’s needed to drive action on the ground. Secure the cloud. Many companies assume cloud security for their data falls under the responsibility of their Cloud Service Provider (CSP), but that’s not always the case. Businesses leveraging cloud services who experience a breach still must manage the reputation and financial fallout, whether it was their “fault” or not. Cloud Customers should implement both technical (like data encryption) and administrative controls (policy and procedures) based upon the type of cloud architecture in use. Know the business’s talent and security gaps. Security deficiencies are costing businesses billions of dollars in losses. Businesses lacking staff or training put themselves at a higher risk and should determine when a trusted MSSP, like Avertium, could assist with skills or cycles gaps. Employee training. Eighty-eight percent of data breach incidents are caused by employee mistakes. A report by Infosec indicates that about 97% of the people in the world cannot identify a phishing email, while 1 in 25 people click such emails, thus falling prey to cyberattacks. These mistakes can take manpower and deep pockets to get out of. —Paul Caiazzo, CISO, SVP of Corporate Communications with Avertium (avertium.com), a leading Managed Security Service Provider that serves as a trusted advisor as well as providing products and services to protect companies large and small from ransomware, threats, various malware attacks and malicious behavior that cyber criminals employ
APR. 2022
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Mobile apps are rapidly taking over as the preferred way for consumers to place an order with local businesses. More than 66% of consumers stated they prefer using digital wallets and apps with brands they like. Local businesses in Arizona such as coffee shops and restaurants had to adapt quickly to catch up with the trend of mobile payments. Copper Creek Cookies is an example of a local Arizona business that is part of the mobile ordering apps trend. This femaleowned cookie brand wanted to provide a superior customer experience for its Tucson-based business. Copper Creek Cookies owners Joyce Schulte and Tami Peek decided to launch an app to stay connected with their customers digitally. They also wanted to make it easier to customize orders. After launching a “Starbucks”-like app with convenient ordering and loyalty rewards tracking, Copper Creek Cookies now suggests its customers download the app (pictured) and place orders on their phone to capture the full potential of the brand. Customers can easily re-order from their previous purchases and are suggested with matching items to make their experience more personalized. Deliveries can be requested in the branded app due to the mobile app provider Orda’s partnership with DoorDash.
Driving the trend is the fact that it is now affordable and accessible for businesses to launch an app using a mobile ordering app builder like Orda. The way it works is businesses use a simple drag-and-drop builder to design their app. They choose their menu and color scheme and branding. The whole process takes around five minutes. Businesses can customize their unique app with a marketplace of third party integrations and features, such as DoorDash and Instagram. The latest case study of 10 local shops that have joined this trend is available at getorda.com/blog/ posts/10-coffee-shop-mobile-apps. —Christine Davis, vice president of Orda (getorda.com)
High-Tech ‘Smart Fitness Studio’ Enters Phoenix Area On March 3, a new “smart fitness studio” opened at 4626 N. 16th Street in Phoenix that relies on artificial intelligence and robotics instead of dumbbells, treadmills, etc. The exercise machines adjust a person’s workout to his/her strengths and weaknesses in real time, thereby helping people get the most out of their workout and avoid injury. Additionally, the proprietary “Exerbotics” machines make the workouts harder as a person gets stronger, so there is no plateau period. The plan is to open another location within the year in the old town Scottsdale/Arcadia (Phoenix) area. The Exercise Coach’s personalized programs are optimized for efficiency, requiring only two 20-minute workouts per week. The Exercise Coach’s robotic exercise technology is combined with the guidance of certified coaches to provide a comprehensive workout, regardless of initial fitness level. The studios blend personalized strength and interval cardio training in each session. When people join an Exercise Coach fitness studio, they receive a unique code. In the first
The Exercise Coach is the No. 1 fastest-growing personal training franchise in America, according to Entrepreneur Magazine.
session, they do a range of motion and a strength test to determine a baseline. That information is imported into a computer. Each client’s customized workouts are curated based on this important information. The equipment targets “type II muscles” — those that tend to weaken as people age. This equipment uses electromagnetic technology, instead of weights. Exerbotics equipment featured at Exercise Coach locations are *Crossfire: (A stretching machine for hamstrings — in some locations), leg press, chest/row, Nucleus: (an abdominal and lower back machine) and shoulder press/pull down. The Exercise Coach was founded in 2000 and began franchising in 2011. The Exercise Coach established an exclusive relationship with the Exerbotics technology company in 2014. The franchise has more than 140 U.S. locations and more than 35 locations in Japan. —Julie and Timo Moeller, owners of The Exercise Coach (exercisecoach.com) Photo courtesy of Orda (top right)
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