Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.
Enhancing Workforce Health and Safety Monitoring with FogHorn Edge AI and Streaming Video Analytics
Businesses can enforce workplace health and safety standards by using edge computing and AI to monitor compliance of health and safety measures
FogHorn, a leading developer of edge AI software for industrial and commercial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced the availability of their Lightning™ Health & Safety Solutions to improve the safety of workplaces and help mitigate the spread of contagious illnesses, as businesses and institutions across the globe get back to work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lightning Solutions, a new product line from FogHorn, are out-of-the-box packages of FogHorn’s award-winning Lightning Edge AI platform, preconfigured with use-case specific machine learning models and visualization dashboards. Out-of-the-box solutions allow organizations to rapidly deploy edge intelligence and AI and immediately derive insights to common problems.
The risk to organizations expands beyond the immediacy of COVID-19. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that businesses pay almost $1 billion per week in direct workers' compensation costs, which doesn’t include indirect costs, such as lost productivity, implementation of corrective measures or training replacement employees. With this hefty associated cost, organizations are seeking ways to proactively monitor their workforce for signs of illness and ensure safety and health standards are being followed.
Currently, health and safety monitoring has been a largely manual task and technology solutions address only specific use cases, such as temperature monitoring. But, the challenge for organizations to ensure workplace safety and reduce health risks requires an enterprise-wide solution that automates monitoring through video and other sensors and spans multiple use cases.
The FogHorn Lightning Health & Safety Solution suite includes a range of out-of-the-box solutions that can be used individually or together to create a comprehensive system. An enterprise edition of the solutions is also available that can include further customizations, data science and integrations with customer’s existing IT systems, video management software, and access control systems.
Solutions include:
● Health Monitoring: elevated temperature detection, cough detection, hand washing monitoring, social distancing monitoring, and mask / facial covering detection
● Safety Monitoring: personal protective equipment, including hard hats, footwear, eyewear, vests, and boots
● Hazard Detection: custom solution engagements are also available including crane and falling debris warnings, leak detection and spill hazards
Monitor On-Site Health and Safety Conditions with Streaming Video, Audio Analytics
Leveraging streaming video analytics and sensor fusion, Lightning Health & Safety Solutions automates monitoring, derives real-time insights and generates alerts when policy violations occur, or unsafe health conditions are detected. Audio streams and video and thermal cameras collect information and send data to the Lightning solutions. Lightning publishes real-time SMS or email alerts of any compliance violations and those insights are also shown on a dashboard that can be deployed at building entry points, employee break rooms, near production lines and in management consoles that safety and compliance staff can access using any web browser. Organizations can select the solutions they need today and add others in the future seamlessly.
Businesses such as distribution centers and food processing and educational and government institutions, must all ensure that staff and visitors are following appropriate guidelines, such as wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands properly. To date, monitoring has not been available or is conducted by supervisors or staff observing adherence to practices and through posted reminders. To scale these practices, organizations can use IoT sensor data that can alert them if someone is not in compliance or serve as a reminder to reinforce best practices.
For industrial organizations, ensuring safety also includes ensuring use of protective gear, such as safety goggles, reflective vests, hard hats and more. The Lightning Health & Safety Solutions can also be customized to detect potential environmental safety hazards, such as falling objects and trip hazards. By automating the monitoring process, organizations can scale detection of PPE for long term increases in worker safety and compliance.
Availability
The Lightning Health & Safety Solutions are available now. To learn more about the solutions, pricing and customization opportunities, register for the upcoming webinar here or visit foghorn.io/tbd.
About FogHorn
FogHorn is a leading developer of edge AI software for industrial and commercial IoT application solutions. FogHorn’s software platform brings the power of advanced analytics and machine learning to the on-premises edge environment enabling a new class of applications for advanced monitoring and diagnostics, machine performance optimization, proactive maintenance and operational intelligence use cases. FogHorn’s technology is ideally suited for OEMs, systems integrators and end customers in manufacturing, power and water, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, transportation, healthcare, retail, as well as smart grid, smart city, smart building and connected vehicle applications.
FogHorn and Lightning are trademarks of FogHorn Systems. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
With a free signup, businesses gain access to over 1,000 vetted partners across 4,000+ locations, helping users to access container availability and pricing insights on 10,000+ routes at no cost.
This exposure helps businesses access real-time trusted information and insights to help make informed operating decisions and trusted container transactions, thereby gaining more control over the negotiation process.
Survey: Trust and transparency, cornerstones of resilience for container logistics
Container xChange conducted a survey in January 2025, with participation from 800 representatives of container trading businesses from around the globe. The results revealed that 78% of container trading companies are facing challenges in establishing trusted partnerships due to ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
“My first purchase of containers was a fraud, and I lost $11000 in one transaction when I started my journey in container trading. We believe that the biggest challenge in this industry is trust. xChange helps us establish trusted relationships without having the risk of fraud, that gives the buyer a real sense of security.” shared Denise chavez, Container Chiq, a shipping container supplier based in California, United States, in a fireside session conducted in December 2024 by Container xChange.
Additionally, 81% of respondents confirm that they are focusing on two key operational strategies this year: finding trustworthy partners to face these geopolitical uncertainties and enhancing transparencyin container pricing and availability data.
These strategies are crucial as businesses grapple with pressing challenges in 2025, including:
Tariff wars.: The implications of tariffs (and resulting counter tariffs) continue to create uncertainty in international trade.
Ongoing trade and military conflicts: These conflicts exacerbate the difficulties in forming reliable partnerships.
Chokepoints at critical locations: Issues at key transit points such as the Panama Canal and the Red Sea, often influenced by climate conditions and geopolitical tensions, further complicate logistics, thereby creating a need for diversions and alternate routes.
This survey presents the urgency for solutions that promote transparency and foster trust in the container trading market. Container xChange's initiative to launch a free One-Way leasing network directly addresses these challenges by providing businesses with access to a vast network of vetted partners and real-time data on container availability and pricing.
“We're on xChange daily. When we see better offers or new partners, we accept them immediately online instead of searching through random chat groups.” said Gulnur Maksutova from Railship Global (UK).
“The current global geopolitical landscape has introduced significant complexities for container trading and leasing businesses. In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in interest towards new sourcing locations and alternative trade routes, resulting in heightened activity on our platform. By offering free access to our platform, we’re addressing the industry’s biggest challenge—building trust and connecting with reliable partners. This initiative democratizes access to key tools and insights, empowering businesses to face uncertainties with transparency, efficiency, and confidence, a vital step in advancing our mission to simplify global trade logistics," shared Christian Roeloffs, co-founder and CEO of Container xChange.
This initiative aims to improve transparency and accessibility in the shipper-owned container (SOC) leasing market. SOC containers provide businesses with greater flexibility and control over their logistics, especially in a volatile market like now. “With our free access initiative, we’re enabling companies to adopt SOC leasing strategies with ease, backed by real-time data and a trusted partner network.” shared Roeloffs.
“With this effort, our objective is to create trust in a market that is inherently risky. ” added Roeloffs.
●Market Price Visibility: Access transparent price ranges for one-way leasing to make informed decisions.
●Global Partner Network: Connect with over 1,700 vetted suppliers across 2,500 locations based on routes and business needs.
"Whenever we explore a new route, xChange connects us with multiple suppliers instantly. It saves us days of effort," shared Teresa Tang from Dele International Logistics (China).
Container xChange is a leading neutral online marketplace for container trading, leasing, and management. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, xChange connects over 1,700 trusted partners across 2,500 locations worldwide, simplifying logistics for businesses in the shipping and container industry. With innovative tools that enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust, xChange empowers companies to optimize costs, reduce risks, and access real-time insights on container availability and pricing.
NORD’s specialized solutions for the poultry and meat processing industry are highly reliable, cost-effective, and built to withstand harsh wash-down environments.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will once again be exhibiting at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the world’s largest annual poultry and meat processing industry event. This year’s convention will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA January 28-30, 2025. NORD offers a modular product system with over 20,000,000 standard options, enabling configuration of solutions that precisely meet application requirements without the need for costly custom components. Their poultry and meat processing solutions include hygienic, smooth surface gear motors, versatile electronic motors, intelligent variable frequency drives, drop-in ready overhead conveyor drives, and more.
Visit IPPE Booth B38075 to discuss these solutions and more with NORD experts:
Smooth Surface Gear Units and Motors
NORD utilizes a high-strength, lightweight, aluminum alloy for their smooth surface gear units and motors. The material offers high cooling capacity for thermal conductivity and innate corrosion resistance for additional surface protection. Smooth surface UNICASE™ gear units are highly durable and fully enclose all gear components and bearing points within the housing for a smooth, hygienic surface that is easy to clean and stands up to harsh wash-down environments. Available gear units include NORDBLOC.1® helical inline gear units, NORDBLOC.1® helical bevel 93.1 series gear units, UNIVERSAL SMI worm gear units, and the DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor. NORD smooth surface motors can be combined with any of their gear units and offer additional protection options such as potted terminal boxes, condensation drain holes, and moisture resistant varnish-dipped windings to keep moisture and unwanted debris from entering the unit.
Overhead Conveyor Drives
Overhead conveyor drives feature high quality components, heavy-duty construction, and an output mounting flange and shaft designed with industry-standard footprints for easy drop-in replacement. They are engineered with a standard VL3 spread bearing design with oil safe dry cavity that enables high overhung loads and thrust loads to be efficiently absorbed, extending bearing life and reducing maintenance. The internal gearing is further protected with an optimized oil leakage protection system with QUADRILIP™ seals and an oil sight glass or optional oil proximity sensor. H1 low- and high-temperature food-grade lubricants are also available to withstand the harsh, hygienic environments commonly found in food processing applications.
Screw Conveyor Package
NORD’s Screw Conveyor Package is a compact, cost-effective drive solution available for UNICASE parallel 1/3shaft gear units and UNICASE helical bevel gear units. Closely stepped ratios combined with a direct motor or NEMA C-face input adapter eliminate the need for top motor mounts, pulleys, belts, or guards, effectively minimizing backstock parts and enabling easier system maintenance. This design results in increased reliability, durability, and superior drive performance with greater direct torque transfer. The package additionally includes a QUADRILIP sealing system, a standard CEMA flange and shaft assembly, as well as versatile mounting options with multiple bolt patterns.
IE5+ Synchronous Motors
IE5+ synchronous motors feature permanent magnet technology, enabling constant torque and high efficiency over a wide speed range, even at partial loads and low speeds. The non-ventilated variant (TENV) offers a compact, hygienic design with smooth surfaces for high corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. When supplied as part of a complete gear unit, IP69K rating is available for further protection against moisture and chemicals. Thanks to their constant high efficiency, IE5+ synchronous motors lower operating and maintenance costs and reduce the number of system variants.
DuoDrive Integrated Gear Unit and Motor
DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor combines the high efficiency of IE5+ synchronous motors with a single-stage helical gear unit in one compact, smooth surface housing optimized for easy installation and space utilization. Full Plug-and-Play capabilities enable fast commissioning and minimum downtime when servicing or replacing units. Their high system efficiency of up to 92% results in a significant reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a fast Return on Investment (ROI). They additionally feature high power density, quiet operation, and are available with IP69K ingress protection.
NORDAC ON/ON+
NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives are engineered to meet the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology. They feature a version compatible with IE3 asynchronous motors (NORDAC ON) as well a version optimized for use with IE5+ synchronous motors (NORDAC ON+). The product series is characterized by an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, full pluggability for fast commissioning, and dynamic PLC functionality for drive-related functions, making it a compact, cost-effective solution for IIoT environments.
Learn more about NORD’s poultry and meat processing solutions featured at IPPE by visiting digital-trade-fair.nord.com/en-us/ippe.
ACTON, Massachusetts – September 3, 2024 – New Horizon Soft, LLC, a global leader in AI-powered supply chain planning software, announced today the release of a new version of its Buyers Workbench procurement planning software. The latest version includes the ability to optimally schedule inbound deliveries, taking into account distribution center (DC) receiving capacity, thus minimizing receiving bottlenecks and lowering inbound logistics costs. A research paper describing the innovative methodology and its deployment at an iconic $10B+ U.S. quick-service restaurant chain was recently published in the peer-reviewed academic journal, the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems.
Supply chain organizations typically plan purchase orders without regard to DC receiving capacity. This leads to bottlenecks on some days and underutilized staff on others. New Horizon’s methodology, called Master Purchasing Receipt Scheduling (MPRS), uses a novel algorithm to automatically and optimally schedule deliveries. The algorithm plans deliveries at the time of purchase order creation and results in a steady volume of deliveries and lower planning and logistics costs. While first deployed at a restaurant chain, the methodology is applicable to any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or foodservice company operating high-velocity DCs.
“With the increasing prevalence of high-velocity DCs, scheduling inbound deliveries can no longer be an afterthought,” said Chao-Ming Ying, Co-founder and CTO of New Horizon. “We developed the new MPRS functionality to address what had been a blind spot in many supply chains. Our customers are now taking advantage of this capability to streamline inbound logistics, increase receiving capacity utilization, and lower distribution costs.”
Supporting Resources
• Research article with case study published in the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems
• PDF version of article on New Horizon’s website
• New Horizon blog providing overview of restaurant chain deployment
• New Horizon Buyers Workbench web page
About New Horizon Soft, LLC
New Horizon’s supply chain planning software harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enable manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to improve forecast accuracy and service levels while minimizing inventory and costs. We help planners make better decisions with cloud-based applications that are easier to use, easier to configure, easier to implement, and lower cost to operate. New Horizon is headquartered outside of Boston and has customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.
New Horizon — The AI Planning Suite™. Learn more at NewHorizon.ai or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Relations
Mike Liebson
New Horizon Soft, LLC
marketing@newhorizon.ai
+1 857-242-0783
ADDISON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unlimited Service Group, a group of local foodservice equipment repair providers, today announced the launch of USG Connect, an innovative new repair and maintenance management platform designed to streamline and simplify the repair and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.
USG Connect provides commercial kitchens with a one-stop solution for hassle-free and scalable equipment service. The exclusive platform offers a user-friendly digital experience that allows restaurants, hospitals, hotels and more, to consolidate and manage their service requests into a single maintenance management system. No matter the size of the organization, USG Connect brings the power of 35+ trusted local service brands with more than 125 locations into a consistent service experience for our customers, ensuring seamless and effective management of all foodservice equipment service requests in one, easy-to-use online platform.
The platform empowers operators to effortlessly schedule and monitor foodservice equipment repairs and maintenance. Users can submit work orders for multiple locations at any time, free of charge, through USG Connect. The tool offers 24/7/365 access to detailed, real-time updates, allowing operators to stay informed about the status of their service requests. With robust, strategic insights, customers can understand exactly what is happening with their foodservice equipment, enabling smarter decisions that save time and money.
“Our team is excited to launch USG Connect, our latest innovation. We believe service is best done in your hometown and USG Connect allows restaurant owners and other commercial kitchen operators to manage their service needs across all our unique local brands,” said Kristen Nowak, President of Field Service of Unlimited Service Group. “Our goal with USG Connect is to transform the way commercial kitchens manage their equipment installations, repairs and maintenance. It’s more than just a service platform, it’s a commitment to operational excellence.”
USG Connect is powered by Unlimited Service Group, a community of over 35 local service companies with over 1,600 manufacturer-trained technicians across North America. For more information about USG Connect or to see if your company qualifies for the platform, visit www.unlimitedservice.com/usg-connect.
About Unlimited Service Group
Unlimited Service Group is a community of over 35 commercial foodservice equipment installation, repair and maintenance providers that believes service is done best in your hometown by local technicians and team members providing expert service with differentiated parts access and local stock. Unlimited Service Group looks to support its team members, customers and manufacturers by bringing the leading hometown brands into the group to facilitate best practice sharing, and to unite the group in areas that create real value for all. Wherever there is a problem with commercial foodservice or HVAC equipment, Unlimited Service Group is there to help.
For more information, visit https://www.unlimitedservice.com/.
Contacts
Adam Gasper
adam.gasper@finnpartners.com
(989) 928-4462
August 28, 2024 (Fort Wayne, IN) – Princeton TMX, a leading multi-modal transportation management system (TMS) provider, today announced a strategic partnership with OpenTug, a marine logistics platform dedicated to enhancing freight efficiency on inland and coastal waterways by streamlining booking, quoting and tracking. Integrating OpenTug’s marine logistics capabilities into the Princeton TMX system lets shippers easily book and manage terminal, barge and vessel capacity within the platform.
Princeton TMX’s multi-modal TMS automates complex transactions by simplifying the entire transportation planning and execution process, providing shippers with better rates, better lanes and lower risk. Seamless integration with OpenTug’s digital tool, BargeOS, allows shippers to compare quotes, book capacity and track shipments for barge shipments the same way as over-the-road, rail and intermodal transport. This not only streamlines the transportation management processes but unlocks additional opportunities for operational and financial improvement by enabling shippers to manage their entire transportation operations in a single system.
“Today’s supply chains are complex and businesses need to ship across multiple modes to reduce costs, manage risk and reduce their environmental impact,” said Mark McEntire, CEO, Princeton TMX. “Partnering with OpenTug allows us to provide comprehensive barge management capabilities—something lacking in most TMS offerings on the market—to our customers. This integration helps facilitate intermodal transport by letting shippers manage truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), rail and barge seamlessly on one platform.”
OpenTug blends traditional automatic identification systems (AIS) location information with GPS devices deployed onto barges to provide situationally aware mapping to enable accurate ETAs, unparalleled data and quick decision-making. OpenTug also provides a marketplace that gives shippers access to thousands of barges, tugs and terminals across more than 25,000 miles of marine highways, and its software enables operators to automate pricing, routing, booking and tracking.
“Tug and barge transportation offers shippers an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to transport goods,” said Jason Aristides, CEO, OpenTug. “While transportation technology has made significant strides in recent years, there is still an opportunity to better connect current systems with barge operations. By integrating our platform with Princeton TMX, we aim to bridge this gap and empower shippers to utilize the nation’s great marine highway system, creating a more effective, resilient and sustainable supply chain.”
Learn how Princeton TMX can simplify your transportation operations and reduce your freight costs at https://www.princetontmx.com.
About Princeton TMX
Princeton TMX is a leading multi-modal transportation management system (TMS) provider. The company’s cloud-based system automates and optimizes transportation planning and execution, streamlining the supply chain, reducing freight costs, and improving overall performance. Backed by a team of logistics experts, Princeton TMX helps automate complex transactions by simplifying the entire transportation planning and execution process—providing better rates, better lanes and lower risk.
About OpenTug
OpenTug is a marine logistics platform dedicated to enhancing freight efficiency on inland and coastal waterways by streamlining booking, quoting and tracking. Founded in 2019, the company offers cloud-based solutions, including OpenTug BargeOS and LinerOS. These services offer a comprehensive suite for cargo and barge management, including rapid quote generation, seamless booking, and real-time tracking, enabling operators to efficiently handle more cargo and enhance service quality with exceptional agility. Additionally, the OpenTug Marketplace simplifies finding operators, marine assets, transportation services and terminals, making it easy for both experienced and new shippers to move cargo on the waterways. To learn more about how OpenTug delivers the visibility and connectivity needed to fully utilize inland and coastal shipping, visit opentug.com.
Contact:
Stephen Dye
stephen@outlookmarketingsrv.com