1. SmartAmerica Challenge: Cyber-Physical Systems to be Focus of White House Workshop on December 12, 2013. What would be possible if multiple cyber-physical system test beds encompassing different industry segments were interconnected via an industrial internet to demonstrate functionality greater than each individual part? The SmartAmerica Project is bringing together organizations with cyber-physical systems (CPS) technology, programs and test beds to demonstrate the potential to improve safety, sustainability, efficiency, mobility, and overall quality of life. The purpose is to elevate awareness of the exciting opportunities possible through CPS and demonstrate what can be done today with cutting edge communication technology. For example, an interconnected test bed could demonstrate how a mobile communication system for first responders is connected directly to hospitals to alert them of potential incoming casualties.
2. Regulated industries — in particular, financial, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and insurance organizations — are under great pressure to leverage the power of social media to advance their business, yet fear of emerging regulatory guidelines and requirements, as well as legal risks, can be disruptive and potentially costly. Despite the fear and uncertainty, many organizations are taking the plunge and turning to social relationship platforms to implement compliance controls to meet requirements. Read this white paper to learn the five steps to social media compliance to help bring clarity and mitigate your risk.
3. CoRE Tech 2013 Sells Out!. We are hearing that CoRE Tech 2013 was an amazing event and a huge success. We have an interview for the ControlTrends community scheduled to post next week.
4. Energy Department Launches Alternative Fueling Station Locator App. November 7, 2013: As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to expand access to data and give consumers more transportation options that save money at the pump, the Energy Department today launched a new mobile app to help drivers find stations that provide alternative fuel for vehicles. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with support from the Energy Department, the Alternative Fueling Station Locator app provides information on more than 15,000 stations across the country. Users can search for stations that offer electricity, biodiesel (B20), natural gas (compressed and liquefied), ethanol (E85), hydrogen, and propane. After the user selects a fuel, the app maps the stations closest to his or her current location. The app also includes the stations’ addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. Using the app’s filters, drivers can also search for stations that meet certain parameters, such as whether the station is open to the public and what payment methods it accepts. Alternative fuel vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gases and harmful emissions than their conventional counterparts and reduce the United States’ dependence on imported oil.
5. Is the Social Business Gold Rush Over? Join OurSocialTimes on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT. Back in 2010, Stowe Boyd described a Social Business as “an organization designed consciously around sociality and social tools, as a response to a changed world and the emergence of the social web, including social media, social networks, and a long list of other advances”. This, and other insightful quotes, set the tone for a new way of thinking about how social media could benefit organisations. The implementation of more social – i.e. open, inclusive and collaborative – practices was set to improve internal efficiency and enhance the customer experience. McKinsey estimated that between $900 billion and $1.3 trillion in value could be unlocked through the use of social technologies and that they could enable organisations to increase workforce productivity by a massive 20-25%.
