Logistics Industry Continues to Evolve

In the warehouse and distribution sector, a quote from Ben Franklin resonates so true today: “When you are finished changing, you are finished.” It is imperative that you stay current with trends and projections in your industry or as Ben Franklin stated, you will be “finished” or left behind.

Logistics modeling, alternative delivery systems, and new methods of order picking are driving changes in the size, ceiling heights, and types of employees needed for the modern warehouse. These new trends will continue to influence the transportation and logistics of how consumers receive goods. The widening of the Panama Canal, investment into rail intermodals, and the development of industrial distribution centers for solely e-commerce purposes are additional developments the industrial real estate landscape is experiencing. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1QiyHNl
via IFTTT

NIST opens comment period on Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

The National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) will begin accepting comments and feedback starting on December 11 on its voluntary “Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.”

The Request for Information includes specific inquiries regarding how it is being used, best practices and how they are shared, the possible need for updating the Framework and thoughts on the long-term management of the Framework.

“The process to develop the Framework brought together both private and public sector organizations and resulted in a document that is being used by a wide variety of organizations,” said Adam Sedgewick, NIST senior information technology policy advisor. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1QiyHNj
via IFTTT

PNT ExCom Backs eLoran as a Step to Full GPS Backup System

The National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT ExCom) has recommended using enhanced Loran (eLoran) as a near-term alternative to GPS for essential timing data while it determines what capabilities are needed for a comprehensive GPS backup, officials told Congress this week.

In a December 8 letter, Department of Defense (DoD) Deputy Secretary Robert Work and Department of Transportation (DoT) Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez, cochairs of the PNT ExCom, outlined a two-step plan to put the backups in place. Established by a 2004 presidential directive, the PNT ExCom is the highest-level body charged with coordinating GPS-related matters across multiple federal agencies to ensure that the system addresses national priorities as well as military requirements. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1Y7rdvL
via IFTTT

Transportation bill will help, but not transform, Massachusetts

Local lawmakers and civic leaders said the $5 billion Massachusetts will receive from a new 5-year federal transportation bill provides the money and the funding stability necessary to complete vital transportation projects.

But those interviewed also noted that the bill was no panacea for crumbling transportation infrastructure and new transportation needs. Moreover, several were disappointed the bill does not resolve how to sustainably pay for infrastructure.

“I am pleased that this bill contains the predictable funding and the firm commitment needed from the federal government for states to move forward with critical infrastructure projects and strengthen our highway and transit programs,” U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said in a statement last week. “But we must also recognize that this is only a first step … Only with strong and continued investment can we fully address the challenge of our crumbling infrastructure.” For the full article click here

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1OWKHAU
via IFTTT

The Importance of Cyber Security and Avoiding Data Breaches

The New Year is coming, which means it’s time to reflect on how to improve. But a top priority for companies is often overlooked until it’s too late. What’s this priority? Cyber security.

From Sony and Ashley Madison, to the retail giant Target, cyber security breaches have been at the forefront of our minds. There’s a reason for this. We are living in a world where our customers’ and employees’ financial and personal data can be easily compromised and used for everything from bank card fraud to extortion. So, what have we learned from these recent cyber-attacks?

Who and What is at Risk

Nothing is off limits.
Any proprietary information, whether it seems secure or not, isn’t completely safe nowadays. Cyberattacks could come from anywhere in the world, on any industry. Hackers are targeting more suppliers of services like consultants and lawyers, but also going after smaller businesses that may not have as much security set up. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1RbKzB5
via IFTTT

$4.5 million awarded for homeland security protection across NY state

NEW YORK — $4.5 million in federal grants have been awarded to municipalities across New York State.

The goal of that funding is to strengthen anti-terrorism programs, enhance emergency preparedness and help the expansion of critical infrastructure protections, according to an announcement by Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and members of the state’s Congressional Delegation.

“We know all too well the threat posed by terrorism and recent events have only further demonstrated the need for our first responders to have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency situations,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration remains committed to ensuring these brave men and women are fully prepared to keep New Yorkers safe in every corner of the state.”

The $4.5 million comes from three grant programs: $2 million from the Tactical Team Grant, $2 million from the Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program and $500,000 from the Critical Infrastructure Grant Program. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1TCKyUi
via IFTTT

Editor’s Letter: Physical Infrastructure Protection is Vital for Keeping Utility Operations Functional

This issue of Utility Products brings you two informative feature articles that discuss ways to protect our utility infrastructure. “A Checklist Approach-Maintaining Backup Battery Systems” discusses how standby battery backup systems keep operations functional during a utility outage. The article addresses recommended battery tests and schedules, key indicators of battery failure, and conducting standard battery tests. And Dave Thomas’ article, “How to Address Cyber Security and NERC CIP 5” takes a look at how risk management challenges are rising as the number and severity of cyber attacks against critical infrastructure continue to increase. Thomas reviews what utilities must do to address this problem in line with North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC’s) latest Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.

Also in this issue are two feature articles that review mutual assistance planning. “Countrywide Cooperation,” by contributing editor Paul Hull, discusses how there probably is no single utility that can cope with catastrophes such as hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes and man-made attacks. Hull reviews how utilities work together to restore power-with the top priority going to those that can help the most people. And Brady Jenkins’ article, “Making Asset Management Easier for Everyone,” addresses which challenges North American power utilities face and how OMICRON’s flexible maintenance software, ADMO, helps them comply with reliability standards. For the full article click here 

from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1RbKzAZ
via IFTTT