Month: May 2024

Emirates joins IATA’s Turbulence Aware Platform

Emirates has joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Turbulence Aware Platform. It will also be the first airline to integrate the IATA platform within the latest version of Lido mPilot, the mobile navigation solution from Lufthansa Systems.

Bringing these platforms together offers a wealth of data, combined with new technologies that make up-to-the-minute, highly accurate turbulence information and forecasts available for pilots, equipping them with the means to plot the best paths around affected areas for enhanced safety, efficient navigation, and optimisation of flight plans.

In conjunction with the IATA Turbulence Aware Platform, the airline has equipped more than 140 aircraft with the required onboard software to automatically share turbulence reports with all airlines contributing data to the platform. All new aircraft joining the Emirates fleet over the course of the next few years, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9, 777-8 and B787, will be enabled to participate in the programme.

Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Flight Operations Emirates Airline said: “Actively participating in IATA’s Turbulence Aware platform and equipping our pilots with a complement of the latest industry technologies such as the mobile navigation solution Lido mPilot from Lufthansa Systems are part of our commitment to ensure operational safety, efficiency, and customer comfort on every flight. We’re also proud to contribute data around turbulence through our Middle East network and extensive links across Africa, Asia, Australia, and other regions. It will help build sophisticated industry knowledge to effectively manage turbulence and evolving weather patterns with even more precision. This is only the beginning, and we are progressing with plans to integrate more cutting-edge technologies to elevate the flying experience even further, so our customers can enjoy smoother journeys.”

“Mitigating the adverse effects of turbulence is an industry wide challenge and obtaining accurate and live data is key in this endeavour. The cooperation between IATA Turbulence Aware, Emirates and Lufthansa Systems will further improve the quality and quantity of real time data made available to the industry, allowing for smoother and safer air travel for all,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services.

“IATA Turbulence Aware data enhances the value of Lido mPilot by providing pilots with real-time, accurate and comprehensive information on turbulence, enabling them to make informed decisions and navigate more efficiently. By integrating this data into Lido mPilot, Emirates Airline can increase safety, reduce fuel consumption and minimize passenger discomfort, ultimately improving their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction,” said Andreas Medlhammer, Product Owner Pilot Charting Apps at Lufthansa Systems.

IATA’s Turbulence Aware is a global, real-time detailed and objective information resource for pilots and aviation professionals to manage and mitigate the impact of turbulence on operations. Turbulence is the main cause of passenger and crew injuries and leads to higher fuel usage. The platform pools anonymized turbulence data from thousands of flights operated around the world. The information generated from this data enables pilots and dispatchers to choose optimal flight paths, avoiding turbulence and flying at peak levels and altitudes to maximize fuel efficiency, ultimately reducing carbon emissions. Till date, Turbulence Aware ensured a safer flight for over 700 million passengers, a number that will continue to rise as new airlines join the program.

Lido mPilot is an all-in-one mobile navigational charting application from Lufthansa Systems and has been configured based on Emirates’ specific operational requirements. Lido mPilot provides pilots with easy access to terminal charts, a dynamically generated enroute map, and an Airport Moving Map (AMM).  Its data-driven, interactive maps, and the latest weather features relevant to each flight being operated ensure enhanced situational awareness and the most pertinent information for pilots.

Cork Carnival of Science which will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a STEM playground from 8th-9th June

There’s only one week to go until Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, pops up at Fitzgerald Park from 8th – 9th June.  Don’t miss out on this STEMTASTIC FREE family science fun weekend!

Supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by Cork City Council’s Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks Experience,  the hugely impressive and high quality 2 day STEM engagement event will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a science super park for one weekend only!

Curious kids and fun-loving families are  invited to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science, which will delve into climate and the natural world from a scientific point of view.

Almost 25,000 people attend each year and this year’s budding scientists are invited to unlock nature’s secrets and explore more than 45 different STEM based activities.  There will be 26 live seated science shows in Circus Top and Stretch Tents, demonstrations throughout the scenic park, walkabout scientific performers, the animal roadshow, interactive stands, an active zone, microscopic wonders, lego mania, remote controlled robots, DNA investigations,  and discoveries big and small along the way – all for free.

Topping the bill are, of course, the live science shows performed by stars of the science education and entertainment realm. These seated shows  draw large crowds and offer regular performances throughout the day.  This year’s headliners include Airforce’ by Simply Science physicists Dr. Stephen Davitt and Phil Smyth from RTÉ’s Home School Hub, ‘The Crazy Weather Show’ by Science 2 Life’s wonderfully dramatic Scientific Sue, ‘Now that’s what I call Science’ by W5 from Belfast ‘Its Only Water’ by Science Made Simple,  ‘Airheads’ by Thunder Bolts & Lightning and ‘The Circus Science Show’ by Inspirational Science.

New activities on the programme for 2024 include ‘Bee-ology’ a circus-science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts.  There’s also ‘OurKidsCode’ offering parents of primary school aged children  taster coding club workshops which they hope will inspire a network of coding clubs around the country.   UCC will be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials. Also new on Discovery Drive will be the Curiosity Cube where kids can join the team from Merck and investigate the life cycle of a t-shirt in a fun and hands-on way.

Also new is the activity from INSIGHT  which presents “Discover the Enchanted Bog-‘ and brings an ancient discovery in an Irish bog to life through  Science and Creative Writing.

‘Saérlaith’ is the name given to  skeleton was found deep in a bog in Roscommon by turfcutters in 2005 and carbon dated to the 7th century (14 hundred years ago). Join INSIGHT at Discovery Drive between 11am and 5pm as Saérlaith tells stories about her bog and all its enchantments. Learn about miraculous mosses and their carbon capture, snigger with the snipe as you discover how these birds make their extraordinary sounds, get curious with CO2 as you watch it being taken up by sphagnum moss and help Saérlaith put her shattered cloak back together as we restore the bog! Practical Workshops led by Professor Jools Gilson & sound artist Benjamin Burns happen twice a day following the enchanted bog tent activities. The timings for these are 12.00 – 12.45 Letters to Saérlaith: Creative Writing & Movement [Ages 6 – 12] and 14.30 – 15.00 Sounds for Saérlaith: Sound Workshop [Ages 5 – 10]. Note that places are limited and are assigned on a first come first served – max. 10 per workshop. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

This year’s theme will put nature under the microscope with a number of activities. The Irish Tree Network will take you on a remarkable journey through the world of plants where you will learn about plants as sources of oxygen, food, fuel and medicine, habitats, mitigators in climate change and importance in health and wellbeing.  The Marine Institute will bring their Explorers Education Programme which aims to encourage greater understanding of the marine world and encourage more young people to become ocean champions in Ireland. Cork’s very own Lifetime Lab will be on hand to demonstrate the use of microscopes to get up and close with mini beasties from our rivers and the Animal Roadshow will bring along their petting zoo featuring lizards, snakes, spiders, owls, frogs and more.

Large scale favourites making a welcome return include the Stardome Giant Inflatable Planetarium from Blackrock Castle Observatory and the  40ft walkthrough inflatable model of the human digestive system from APC Microbiome Ireland, while the Active Zone will feature a host of ‘science of sport’ activities facilitated by Transport for Ireland, Cork City Sports Partnership, IRFU and FAI.

Guiding you on your scientific adventure will be themed routes including ‘Exploration Avenue’, ‘Innovation Way’ and ‘Discovery Drive’ which will map out where rows of workshops and interactive experiences are located within the park. Here hands-on workshops will offer the chance to try out a broad variety of science-based tasks.

Families wishing to make a day of it will delight in the opportunity to bring a leave no trace picnic or choose from the 12 food trucks  located near the Rose Garden section of the park, which will have plenty of picnic tables and space to lay a picnic blanket. All the food operators are Cork based with the lineup including: Bo burgers and steaks, Bad Boys BBQ, Dinky Donuts, Sultan Delight, Munchies, Bubble Waffle House, O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company, Glanmire Ices, Keith’s Cones, Pizza base, Candy Rock Lane, The Crepe Man. On Sunday at 12.30 a Youth Orchestra will perform near the picnic area, adding some extra ambiance.

Accessibility is a key focus to ensure enjoyment for all, and in consultation with the Deaf Community in Cork, provision will again be made by Cork Carnival of Science to ensure sign language interpretation is available at live show performances and for ad hoc requests. They will also have a designated quiet zone in the area near the Sky Garden (where the reflective silver spheres are) which might be useful for young children or those with noise sensitivities.

Make sure to scan the QR Code for the festival brochure on arrival, this includes a colourful map of Fitzgerald’s Park with all the festival attractions laid out alongside the key what, where and when details of shows, workshops, and demonstrations to check out throughout the weekend.

Disengaged employees and poor leader communications key challenges for Irish organisations

Disengaged employees and poor leader communications are among the top challenges facing Irish businesses in 2024, a new report from Springboard Communications has found.

The leading Irish communications agency’s Internal Communications in Ireland Report 2024, supported by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, also found the number one most important metric for C-level executives is improved employee engagement. The full report is available to download at springboardcommunications.ie/2024ICreport.

Speaking on the Report, Susie Horgan, Founder and Managing Director of Springboard Communications said: “From working with national and global clients across sectors, we have seen first-hand the challenges facing organisations — from recruitment and retention to navigating dispersed teams. Your employees are a primary stakeholder, and post-pandemic, there has been a growing recognition of how critical they are to maintaining and enhancing your reputation both internally and externally.

“Our research backs this up with employee engagement and talent attraction and retention coming out as having the most impact for the C-suite. As we know, this can be increasingly difficult in a hybrid working world, with respondents flagging the dilution of company culture as a top five challenge. As a result, we are also seeing a 26% increase in interactive employee events, including conferences and town-halls – highlighting the desire for connection between colleagues. Effective internal communication is the crucial first step, so it is heartening to see its recognition as a business-critical function. 50% say their team sizes have increased since 2022 while 35% say budgets have also been increased.”

Improving communications from leaders is the number one challenge facing internal communicators in 2024, with over half citing it as a top concern. Commenting on this, Sandy Boundy, Director of Strategy and Insight at Springboard Communications, added: “People leaders are increasingly influential in a hybrid culture as they are the ones directly reaching the wider workforce. Effective communication from leaders is essential as they bridge the gap between the organisation and the broader employee base, ensuring vital information is conveyed accurately. Without the proper tools, resources, and training, leaders can hinder employee engagement and, at worst, contribute to a negative workplace culture.”

Elsewhere, the Report highlights that AI is a key trend along with sustainability communications. While over 60% of internal communications professionals are incorporating AI into their roles, half of organisations lack formal AI policies or guidelines. Susie Horgan added: “Businesses are exposing themselves to significant reputational danger. Failure to have transparent policies in place heightens exposure to risk and the likelihood of outdated information being shared.”

The Report was launched at a Springboard-hosted industry event with insights from leading communications experts including Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland; Catherine Dennehy, Senior Internal Communications Manager, Meta; and Sarah Ryan, Director of Communications, daa and PRII National Council Member. The Harnessing the Power of People-Centred Internal Communications event at the Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin (30 May), tackled trends and challenges in communications, from reputation management to recruitment and retention.

Top Essential Tools for Improving Driver Safety and Compliance

In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring driver safety and compliance has become more crucial than ever. With the rise of technology, various tools are now available to help enhance safety and ensure that drivers adhere to regulations. 

These tools not only protect drivers but also improve overall efficiency and reduce costs for businesses. Let’s explore some essential tools that can significantly improve driver safety and compliance.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a game-changer in the automotive industry. These systems encompass a range of technologies designed to aid drivers and enhance safety. 

Key components include Lane Departure Warning Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic Emergency Braking. ADAS helps prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards and, in some cases, taking corrective actions. 

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have revolutionised the way driver hours are monitored. These devices automatically record driving time, making it easier to comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. 

ELDs help reduce fatigue-related accidents by ensuring drivers take the necessary rest breaks. Moreover, by maintaining accurate records, you can avoid hefty fines and improve your fleet’s compliance with legal requirements.

Dash Cameras

Dash cameras have become indispensable tools for improving driver safety. Available in various types, such as front-facing and dual-facing cameras, they provide real-time video footage of driving events. 

Dash cameras promote safer driving behaviour by keeping drivers accountable. In the event of an accident, the recorded footage serves as valuable evidence for investigations and insurance claims, helping to resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

Telematics Systems

Telematics systems offer comprehensive solutions for tracking and monitoring driver behaviour. These systems provide real-time data on vehicle location, speed, and driving patterns. 

By implementing an automobile tracking system, you can optimise routes, enhance fuel efficiency, and monitor compliance with speed limits and other safety regulations. Telematics systems play a vital role in improving operational efficiency while ensuring driver safety.

Fleet Management Software

Fleet management software is a must-have for any business managing a fleet of vehicles. This software offers a range of features, including route planning, maintenance scheduling, and driver performance tracking. 

By using fleet management software, you can ensure that your vehicles are well-maintained and that drivers adhere to scheduled maintenance checks. This not only enhances safety but also reduces the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.

Mobile Applications for Drivers

Mobile applications have made it easier for drivers to stay connected and informed. Various apps assist drivers with navigation, providing real-time traffic updates and optimised routes. 

Other apps facilitate pre-trip inspections and reporting, ensuring that vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road. 

Mobile apps also enable seamless communication between drivers and fleet managers, promoting adherence to safety protocols and improving overall efficiency.

Compliance Management Tools

Managing regulatory compliance can be a daunting task, but compliance management tools simplify the process. These tools assist with record-keeping, reporting, auditing, and risk assessment. 

By integrating these essential tools into your operations, you can significantly enhance driver safety and compliance. 

New markets for decommissioned machinery: which industries benefit as transmissions in electric vehicles become redundant

The change in mobility and the associated reorganisation of car manufacturers’ production facilities is therefore in full swing. Entire vehicle components are being eliminated or fundamentally redesigned. For example, less complex gearboxes are being installed in electric cars. Other industries can also benefit from the modernisation of car manufacturing. This is because they are still installing gearboxes and the like and can purchase the production machines that have been decommissioned by the car manufacturers at favourable prices.

Anyone who has recently purchased a vehicle with an internal combustion engine might think that more gears are fundamentally better. Indeed, the development of transmissions has made impressive progress in recent years. Automatic and dual-clutch transmissions have been continually improved to achieve optimal performance. Some of the latest models even feature up to twelve gears. However, as the switch to electric vehicles increases, the requirements for vehicle production are fundamentally changing. In electric vehicles, traditional engines and transmissions, as we know them, are becoming increasingly obsolete. A modern internal combustion engine with a transmission consists of around 1,400 individual parts. In comparison, the drive system of an electric vehicle consists of only about 200 components.

The transmissions of electric vehicles are far less complex than those in internal combustion engines. Many electric vehicles use a so-called single-speed reduction gearbox, which does not require gear shifting. This fixed gear ratio reduces the high rotational speed of the electric motor to a lower speed suitable for the wheels, enabling driveable speeds. However, there are also electric vehicles, particularly those with higher performance, that feature a two-stage gearbox.

Growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe

Many of the machines and tools traditionally used in automotive manufacturing are no longer needed. Manufacturers and suppliers are therefore in a phase of reorientation, where they are retrofitting or even partially closing their production facilities to meet new market demands. How far the conversion of production facilities has progressed is difficult to say. A recognised indicator is the proportion of electric vehicles sold.

In 2023, the European market for battery electric vehicles (BEV) experienced a strong upswing: sales of over 1.5 million vehicles represent an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. Electric cars thus established themselves as the third most popular drive type in Europe, after vehicles with petrol and hybrid engines, and overtook diesel vehicles for the first time.

Despite growing interest in more environmentally friendly options, petrol and hybrid vehicles remain the popular choice, closely followed by. This indicates that the transformation of production is in full swing. “We also notice this at Surplex,” says Dejan Dučić, Project Manager at Surplex. “In recent months, we have been conducting more and more auctions for and from the automotive industry. And this affects a variety of areas: from robots from a Czech automotive plant to insolvent suppliers and the current partial closure of the engine and transmission works of the German car manufacturer.”

New markets for decommissioned machines from the automotive industry

And who should buy these used machines when most car manufacturers no longer have a use for them? “Even though car manufacturers no longer have a use for these specialised machines, there are numerous other industries that can greatly benefit from the shift in production,“ explains Dučić. “Just because complex gearboxes will no longer be used in cars in the future, it doesn’t mean they are no longer needed. There are still a multitude of other applications.“

The gear grinding machine from REISHAUER was recently part of an auction. It comes from the partial closure of the engine plant of a German car manufacturer in Slovakia. (© Surplex).

For example, gearboxes play a crucial role in energy technology. In wind turbines, special gearboxes are used to efficiently convert the rotation of the turbine into electrical energy. The situation is similar with hydropower. The gearboxes have one thing in common: they must be manufactured with extreme precision to ensure they function reliably and lastingly.

Machines originally used for manufacturing gearboxes in the automotive industry can also find new applications in aerospace and engineering. They can be used to produce complex and precise components for automation and manufacturing plants. The ability of these machines to perform precise and repeatable operations makes them particularly valuable for producing parts used in industrial machinery and robotics.

“With the transformation in the automotive industry, many car manufacturers and suppliers are choosing to sell their high-quality machines through platforms like Surplex,“ explains Dučić. “This provides companies from other sectors with an affordable opportunity to acquire first-rate manufacturing equipment.“

Tech Review – JMBricklayer Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman 40001

The latest project from JMBricklayer – The Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman 40001 has been our latest build from the company and this time again proves a more challenging task. Like any other build from the company you will need to set aside some time to get done and commit yourself to it, that for me is difficult due to the workload on tech reviews I have to cover however I like a challenge and again accepted this one.

Done over two days again followed the steps provided in the book that is very detailed with instructions and got stuck in this has some LED lights built in too giving the ship a nice green glow in the dark and looks really well also what is nice on this is the sails and the finished product looks really well so if you are into ships and the likes this is one for you to check out and give yourself a challenge.

Features

  • 【VIVID GREEN LED LIGHTING】 Equipped with 9 green LED beads, simply connect the power source to turn on the lights, infusing the model with a peculiar and enchanting green radiance, and creating an immersive mysterious atmosphere. But it’s not just about the lighting – our pirate ship’s side stickers also incorporate a glow-in-the-dark design, adding to the effect. In the darkness, it glows in harmony with the ghost ship’s lights, creating a truly astonishing visual spectacle.
  • 👻【CAPTIVATING GHOST SHIP EXPERIENCE】Relive legendary tales, explore the enigmatic pirate seas, and embark on an adventure inspired by the Flying Dutchman ghost ship. Enjoying an unparalleled creative and building experience as you recreate this ghost ship that can never dock. This pirate ship toy building set offers modeling enthusiasts and pirate aficionados an extraordinary assembly and display experience.
  • 👻【THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION】Whether it’s a birthday, a special event, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or any other holiday, our model ship makes the ideal gift choice. Surprise your loved ones or prepare something special for the kids. Our pirate ship model building kits boast exquisite design and unique lighting effects that will leave a lasting impression. Suitable for boys, girls, and adults ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and above.
  • 👻【ONE-OF-A-KIND MODEL SHIP COLLECTIBLE】The JMBricklayer’s original pirate ship brick set is unlike anything else out there, making it a prized possession for collectors. Display it with pride in your home or office, showcasing your taste and uniqueness, drawing all eyes to this fantastic brickwork. This whimsical creation also serves as an extraordinary decoration, adding intrigue and mystique to any environment – truly the star of your home decor or office decor.
  • 👻【INFINITELY CREATIVE BUILDING TOYS】JMBricklayer ghost ship promises endless fun, allowing you and your family to handcraft this grandiose brick ship and create beautiful memories. Beyond the excitement of the modeling process, model kit fosters problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative thinking. Suitable for older children and adults, it’s a versatile source of enjoyment and growth.

See more JMBricklayer reviews

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Video Review

Revolut and Aer Lingus reveal Irish holidaymakers’ most-booked destinations

Revolut, the global financial app with more than 40 million customers worldwide, has together with Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus unveiled the most sought-after destinations booked by Irish holidaymakers for Summer 2024 (July and August).

In January, Revolut formally announced that Aer Lingus had adopted Revolut Pay, providing a one-click checkout for its customers. It was Revolut’s first foray into the airline industry, with the global financial app looking to move further into the travel space after becoming Ireland’s first financial institution to offer eSIMs to its more than 2.7 million customers back in March.

Popular sunny destinations Spain, Portugal, France, and the Canary Islands all featured in the top 10 destinations for holidaymakers, while longer haul trips to US cities New York, Chicago, Boston, and Orlando were all booked prevalently by Revolut customers. For city breaks, Paris has proved particularly popular with Irish jetsetters — with many using their Revolut account to book flights to Charles De Gaulle, likely to experience this summer’s Olympic Games in the French capital.

Adjusted for user growth, there was a more than 22% rise (YoY increase) in the amount of Aer Lingus flights booked through Revolut Pay or with a Revolut card in Q1 2024 versus Q1 2023 — the most popular quarter of the year for booking travel, according to the airline.

Following the airline’s commitment to providing a secure and seamless one-click checkout, on average, it now takes an Aer Lingus customer less than 10 seconds to pay for a flight with Revolut Pay.

Alex Codina, General Manager — Merchant Acquiring, said: “It’s been brilliant to see how Revolut Pay’s simplified checkout experience has helped so many more Aer Lingus customers book their dream destination, in what we expect to be a record-breaking travel season for Revolut users. Wherever our customers are jetting off this summer, our range of useful travel features, such as currency exchange, airport lounges, travel insurance, and eSIMs, will help people to spend like a local and travel in style, avoiding costly bank charges or unexpected data roaming fees — and it all starts by booking flights with Revolut Pay.”

Since its soft launch in late November 2023, Aer Lingus reported a 277% increase in Revolut Pay transactions when comparing both December 2023 and January 2024 (MoM increase).

Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, added: “At Aer Lingus, we know that our customers love to seek out new destinations, as well as visiting firm favourites like Spain and Portugal. For summer 2024, we’re offering Aer Lingus customers a wide range of choice as we operate the largest ever North American network, including the commencement of new services from Dublin to Minneapolis St. Paul and Denver, as well as an expanded European leisure network. We’re also hugely excited to be launching an exciting new route to Las Vegas later this year, giving holidaymakers an incredible new winter travel destination to consider. Aer Lingus is proud to have become the first airline in the world to offer Revolut Pay as a payment option, which offers customers a seamless one-click check-out experience.”

 

PayPal launches its most advanced solution for small and medium-sized enterprises in Ireland

PayPal today announced the launch of PayPal Complete Payments for small and medium enterprises in Ireland. The solution – which has been rolled out across the UK, Canada and more than 20 European markets – enables enterprises in Ireland to accept a range of payments including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards, and alternative payment methods from around the world.

Forrester and PayPal research found that 63 per cent of online shoppers would not purchase from a brand if it had a poor checkout experience – with 43 per cent of customers likely to buy if the checkout offers their preferred payment type.

Businesses across Ireland face a variety of challenges every day, from finding new customers and managing cashflow to driving sales. Expanding the choice of payment methods for shoppers can help turn potential customers into actual customers and help increase sales. A Censuswide survey of enterprises revealed that diverse payment options that cater to customer preferences (27%), fast and reliable processing to minimise transaction delays (26%) and dispute resolution services (25%)—are crucial factors that enable business growth.

“We’re bringing our latest innovation to Ireland with PayPal Complete Payments, that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to offer their customers the same level of service and user experience as large enterprises,” said Jonas Breding, General Manager, Northern Europe, PayPal. “With PayPal Complete Payments businesses are seeing on average 4.2 per cent lift in credit and debit card acceptance for neighbouring markets like the UK. This demonstrates we are delivering greater value for our customers by boosting customer conversions and helping drive revenue.”   

PayPal has integrations with several ecommerce platforms – including BigCommerce and WooCommerce – which make it easier for their customers to quickly take advantage of this new solution.

This new solution enables eligible enterprises to allow their customers to securely store their payment methods in the PayPal vault for future purchases. This provides a seamless shopping experience for consumers, and helps Irish enterprises drive conversions and repeat buyers.

Businesses can sync order and tracking information with a new feature–Package Tracking. For businesses, sharing tracking data with PayPal can mean fewer customer disputes, and a streamlined resolution process that eliminates manual responses, which can reduce costs. Transactions with tracking details often see 80 per cent lower “item not received” dispute claims.

To help keep small businesses secure in an environment where fraud is on the rise, PayPal Complete Payments will continue to offer Fraud Protection, Chargeback Protection and Seller Protection on eligible transactions.

This solution is available at competitive rates for accepting credit cards and other payment methods online. Small businesses can now choose between flat-rate pricing and flexible pricing, which helps them get paid the full amount up-front and gives them a transparent view into processing costs.

Gaggenau introduces its latest innovation, the Essential Induction Cooktop

Gaggenau, the luxury brand for professional grade home appliances, introduces its latest innovation, the Essential Induction cooktop. Seamlessly integrated into the kitchen’s worktop, it represents the epitome of freedom, flexibility, and cutting-edge design for culinary enthusiasts.

The new induction cooktop is distilled to its essentials: the LED ‘dot’, the worktop surface, and the performance knob. These elements are all that are visible. The result is a clear countertop that provides unmatched convenience and aesthetic appeal, transforming the cooking experience into a true architectural masterpiece.

The Essential Induction cooktop is designed to integrate exclusively with Dekton stone countertops. These ultra-compact, stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces are available in 60 finishes, designs and colours to complement any kitchen design. Gaggenau’s distinctive front-mounted performance knobs assist users throughout the cooking process. The dot, a smart centre light within the cooking zone, shows the user where to place the cookware, warns of residual heat and vanishes when not in use, transforming the cooktop island into a versatile area suitable for preparation, serving, dining, working and socialising.

To ensure efficient cooking, Gaggenau has developed removable magnetic surface protectors for your existing cookware. These protectors not only mitigate any noise of the pan moving across the stone surface and safeguard the worktop but also ensure the conductivity of the induction modules, guaranteeing optimal cooking performance. The Essential Induction cooktop offers the full Gaggenau capabilities: keep warm and boost functions and an illuminated performance knob in stainless steel or black.

Combining the Gaggenau ceiling extractors provides a harmonious kitchen environment, especially for open-plan designs.

The dot, a smart centre light within the cooking zone, shows the user where to place the cookware, warns of residual heat and vanishes when not in use.

“It’s about eliminating the boundaries between preparation and living. It offers the ultimate freedom in kitchen planning, which is a revolutionary concept for designers and planners,” said Sven Baacke, Gaggenau’s Head of Design.

“Our longstanding commitment to innovation has often changed the dynamic of cooking. From the first integrated, eye-level appliances, to downdraft ventilation and pioneering steam cooking for the private kitchens, our technological advances have always created genuine human benefits. Today we champion The Essential Induction cooktop, an innovation that will not only change the way people cook but also how they choose to interact and socialise in the modern, open plan kitchen.”

Dr Peter Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau

The Essential Induction cooktop is a result of Gaggenau’s dedication to timeless design, craftsmanship and innovation. This addition to their renowned collection of luxury appliances is set to revolutionise the kitchen landscape, empowering users to explore their culinary passions without compromise.