Tag: monitoring

ABLIC launches the S-19193 Series of automotive battery monitoring protection ICs

ABLIC (President: Seiji Tanaka, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “ABLIC”), a group company of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., today launched the S-19193 Series of automotive 3 to 6-cell battery monitoring protection ICs.

BMS (Battery Management Systems) for EVs and e-Bikes, etc. require functional safety (*1) compliant with ISO26262 (*2), which is a standard for functional safety in road vehicles.

The acceptance criteria for functional safety are (1) fail-safe (the ability to return to a safe state in the event of a failure or malfunction), (2) fail-operational (the ability to continue operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction), and (3) fail-degraded (the ability to continue operation with decreased functionality). In the past, the conventional method of achieving (1) fail-safe functional safety was to use a microcontroller (MCU) together with a high performance IC called an “analog front-end” (AFE) to monitor automotive battery overcharge and over discharge conditions.

Under the conventional (1) fail-safe methodology, the safety of a driver is ensured by “returning to a safe state”, i.e. stopping the vehicle in the event of an actual failure or malfunction, and there was no requirement for continued monitoring of batteries after the vehicle had safely stopped.

However, with the evolution of automated driving technologies, it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of cases where the system, rather than the driver, handles any problems that occur, so the (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded methodologies, which allow for continued operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction, are becoming increasingly important.

The S-19193 Series automotive 3 to 6 cell battery monitoring protection ICs launched today are products developed in ISO26262 compliant processes and are equipped with functions for monitoring automotive battery overcharge and overdischarge.

Utilizing the S-19193 Series makes it possible to continue battery monitoring as a secondary system even in the event the conventional monitoring system (primary) fails, and to achieve a safer BMS that is both (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded compliant.

There are also examples with AFE and MCU internal monitoring functions configured as primary and secondary, but these are mainly for failure and fault detection through mutual monitoring and are insufficient for backup of functionality. In addition, internal redundancy also poses a risk of “joint failure”, where loss of functionality occurs simultaneous to the occurrence of a failure, however with the S-19193 Series, the secondary monitoring can be made completely independent from the primary monitoring to also mitigate the risk of joint failures occurring.

The S-19193 Series also makes it possible to configure a stand-alone operation secondary monitoring circuit which does not require MCU control, which can also contribute to a reduction in the number of design processes.

A Safety Manual is also available for download to support BMS functional safety design using the S-19193 Series. The product is also compliant with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) established by the U.S. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and is also planned to be made compliant with AEC(*)-Q100 Grade1 (*Automotive Electronics Council) quality standards for automotive IC.

Going forward, ABLIC will continue to strive to contribute to our customers’ success with high-quality products developed with the utmost consideration for safety and based on our many years of technological capability and knowhow.

(*1) Functional safety: The incorporation of functional innovations to maintain an acceptable level of safety
(Reference: https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/products/automotive/asil/)

(*2) ISO26262:
An international standard for functional safety of automotive electronic control systems which was officially established in November 2011. It standardizes development processes aimed at achieving “functional safety” by calculating the risk of failure in automotive electronic control systems and devising measures to lower those risks and integrate those risk reduction measures into systems as functionality in advance. The standard covers the entire vehicle development life cycle from initial vehicle conceptualization to development, production, maintenance, and disposal of systems, ECU, embedded software, and devices.
ABLIC has received “ISO 26262” development process certification from a third-party certification organization in Germany.
(Reference: https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/news/2024/01/10/iso26262/)

 

Major Features

1.Continued automotive battery monitoring functionality in the event of a failure when used as a secondary monitoring IC
The S-19193 Series is capable of maintaining continuous monitoring of battery overcharge and overdischarge through stand-alone operation which does not require microcontroller control. This makes it possible for battery monitoring to be maintained even in the event of a failure of the main monitoring system (primary), to achieve a fail-operational BMS.
In addition, the S-19193 Series is functional safety standard product developed in ISO26262 compliant processes which achieves ASIL-B(D) classification under expected use cases. This product enables to the achievement of safer BMS by configuring this IC as a secondary monitoring circuit while continuing to use existing circuits at the primary monitoring circuit.

2.Enable stand-alone monitoring and failure detection through self-testing with a simple structure
The product is equipped with a self-test function which makes it possible to detect internal IC failures by simply inputting an external start signal. This makes it possible to use the self-test function to allow the system to detect monitoring function failures even in the event monitoring functionality is lost due to overcharge or over discharge resulting from the random failures that can occur when ICs are used over long periods.

3.Cascade function makes it possible to configure simply monitoring circuits with a small number of components
The S-19193 Series is equipped with a cascade function. In addition to direction connection, the S-19193 Series also supports connection with adjacent S-19193 Series products through a photocoupler, making it possible to construct safe monitoring circuits even in high-voltage BMS with a large number of serially-connected batteries.

Major Specifications
•Overcharge detection voltage: 2.50V to 4.50V ±20mV
•Overdischarge detection voltage: 1.00V to 3.00V ±80mV
•Current consumption during operation: 20μ max.
•Max. rating: 28V
•Operating temperature: -40℃ to +125℃
•Package: HTSSOP-16
•Functional safety compliant (*3)
•AEC-Q100 compliant
•PPAP support available
(*3) Functional safety compliant： https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/products/automotive/asil/fusa-compliance/?rf=asil

Application Examples
• Automotive devices
• Battery monitoring in EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, e-Bikes, etc.
• Industrial equipment
• Battery monitoring in capacitors, electric forklifts, etc.

The Role of Technology in Modernizing Senior Skilled Care

Technology is impacting almost every aspect of life, including senior care. Therefore, people with aging parents or loved ones should understand the role of technology in senior care and how they can use it to improve the quality of life for seniors.

With the high number of elderly citizens and longer life expectancy, caregivers can use technology to ensure seniors are healthy and independent. Seniors can use technology for entertainment, security, education, medical care, and more, depending on the unique needs of the seniors. This article will discuss the role of technology in senior care and how it can improve the golden years.

Access to Medical Support and Care

Health providers and caregivers use technology to diagnose and treat seniors in medical facilities. But technology goes beyond the walls of the hospitals. They can also use smartwatches that help monitor heart rate, pulse rate, temperature, and calories burned. Some smartwatches have fall detectors that alert caregivers or emergency teams for quick emergency response.

Telemedicine is another groundbreaking technology that improves access to healthcare for seniors. Seniors can consult a medical specialist remotely using tech devices such as mobile apps and video calls. This reduces the need to visit medical facilities regularly for examination and treatment.

Seniors who need skilled nursing services can use their smartphones to research and find the best providers, ask questions, schedule appointments, and consult senior care experts. Therefore, technology has improved access to medical care and support for seniors.

Communication and Social Connection

Seniors want to stay connected with their peers, friends, family, and community. However, as they age, they might be unable to visit their friends or attend social events as often as they did when they were younger.

Modern technology provides innovative devices and tools, such as smartphones and tablets, which seniors can use to contact their friends and stay connected. They can also watch community events in the comfort of their apartment, which fosters a sense of belonging.

Social media and messaging apps installed on mobile devices can help seniors access the latest news and activities that affect their quality of life. So, older people do not feel isolated or lonely because they engage in community events through social media, telephone calls, video calls, and messaging apps.

Monitoring Seniors to Ensure Safety

Seniors want to live independently but require monitoring to lower the chances of accidents and injuries. Caregivers and family members can use devices such as smartphones and GPS devices to know where the senior is at every moment and save them from potential hazards.

Senior living communities invest in security cameras, access control devices, alarm systems, and smoke detectors to prevent accidents or criminal activities that could affect senior care and well-being.

Some install smart sensors in different locations to detect abnormalities or hazards as the seniors walk around, thus ensuring safety while maintaining independence. Fall detection technology and emergency buttons can also alert caregivers when seniors need assistance.

Support and Training for Caregivers

Caregivers might encounter challenges when handling unique cases at home or in assisted living. They can use mobile devices to research how to handle the situation or contact experienced caregivers for guidance.

Caregivers can install educational apps and join relevant forums to learn from peers and experts. Continuous learning and support ensure caregivers are informed about the latest senior care trends to avoid making mistakes.

Technology is a game changer in protecting seniors’ health and ensuring they are safe and comfortable. So, caregivers and families with seniors should integrate technology to reap the benefits of the latest technologies. They must also research and consult other caregivers to stay updated and offer the best senior care

Shure’s Digital Wireless In Ear Monitoring System Has Arrived: Introducing Axient Digital PSM

Today, Shure announced Axient Digital PSM, its first digital wireless in ear monitoring solution that exceeds the needs of today’s top-tier touring acts and large-scale productions.

Axient Digital PSM has been meticulously designed and developed to meet the rigorous demands of touring professionals and rental houses, ensuring high-performance RF and spectral efficiency that caters to the rapidly evolving wireless landscape. This new digital in ear monitoring system is Shure’s first Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) enabled product line, empowering audio professionals to adapt to a wide variety of environments.1 With its forward-looking design, Axient Digital PSM represents a long-term investment for tours, venues, and other applications, elevating flexibility and scalability to unprecedented levels.

“For nearly a century, Shure has pioneered innovative solutions that help solve our customers’ problems while moving the industry forward. Now, Axient Digital PSM offers a revolutionary digital radio with WMAS capabilities, remote management for engineers, and a pristine audio experience for performers,” said Nick Wood, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “To unlock new possibilities and applications, Shure is dedicated to advocating for spectrum efficiency and WMAS regulations worldwide. Axient Digital PSM takes advantage of this opportunity, giving users more resources to optimise performance and make the best possible use of spectrum, now and in the future.”

“I am a keyboardist, Music Director, and touring musician, and I would absolutely urge everybody to get on the Shure IEM system. You can count on it being clear allowing you to hear finest of details. The performance environment and audiences change, even the way we play may change but the one constant has been the Axient Digital PSM in ear monitor system.” – Roland Hamilton, Professional Musician.

Key Features and Benefits

Superior RF Performance and Audio Quality
Axient Digital PSM enables engineers to say ‘yes’ to more complex and creative productions because they’ll have access to more on-air channels of in ear monitoring. With a next-generation digital radio and sophisticated headphone amplifier design, performers will enjoy the highest audio quality with no compromises to signal reliability and less than 2.9ms latency for the most immersive audio experience.

Powered by Shure WMAS, Axient Digital PSM features a multi-channel wideband mode that significantly increases spectral efficiency. With multi-channel wideband mode, users can free up radios for improved RF performance or channel count scalability.

Developed by Shure, Spatial Diversity employs two transmit diversity antennas, each sending an identical signal on the same frequency, providing RF engineers with a new, easier option for supporting separate zones and optimizing coverage for stadiums, indoor venues, and broadcast studios. When Spatial Diversity transmitters engage with True Digital Diversity bodypack receivers, Axient Digital PSM combines four discrete signal paths per channel to deliver advanced protection against multipath interference and RF noise.

Axient Digital PSM transmitters support both analog and digital input formats, including AES3, Dante, and AES67, which enables monitor engineers to easily connect to modern consoles. Standard AES256 encryption is available for secure transmission.

“I tested Axient Digital PSM with my musicians, and they said it was fantastic. The signal sounds clearer and cleaner. My two favorite features from Shure’s new system are Spatial Diversity and ShowLink, as they do the work for you: it syncs immediately, ensures a robust RF, and allows me to do everything from side stage, avoiding hiding behind my guitarist or musicians. It’s one less thing that we engineers need to worry about.” – Kyle, Professional Monitor Engineer.

Axient Digital PSM 4-ch Wideband supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz

Flexibility and Scalability
Axient Digital PSM features two single rack space transmitter options: ADTQ Quad Transmitter and ADTD Dual Transmitter. Both offer four flexible and powerful transmission modes.

  • Multi-channel Wideband (available regionally according to WMAS regulations), supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz in the US and 40 channels per 8 MHz in Europe. This exceeds FCC’s requirement for WMAS to have a mode of operation in which it can operate with at least three audio channels per MHz.
  • Narrowband provides access to more RF output power per channel and maintains spectral efficiency at 17 channels per 6 MHz.
  • Analog FM allows for high-quality audio with ultra-low latency.
  • Axient Digital Standard (Point-to-Point Mode) will let users send long-distance audio to any Axient Digital microphone receiver. It will be available through a post -launch firmware update.

With Axient Digital PSM, engineers and rental houses can address their needs today while being prepared for the future.

Command and Control
Axient Digital PSM is supported by Shure’s Wireless Workbench® and ShowLink® ecosystem. For the first time, monitor engineers can enjoy comprehensive remote management of every bodypack receiver on stage, with visibility to key parameters and the ability to make adjustments if necessary.

  • With ShowLink, real-time control enables continuous monitoring of all bodypack receivers, including channel quality, battery life, volume position, headphone connect status, and more. Remote management helps audio professionals know when it’s time to swap batteries, when to intervene if channel quality is compromised, resolve volume control issues for the artist, and troubleshoot faster.
  • With Wireless Workbench and the AD600 Spectrum Manager, engineers can address technical issues, monitor RF spectrum, and maintain backup frequencies, ensuring smooth performances from start to finish.

Axient Digital PSM wireless in ear monitor system will be available early 2025. For more information please visit: www.shure.com/adpsm

Tips on Using Real-Time SEO Metrics to Drive Strategic Growth

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving landscape that requires businesses to stay agile and proactive. To stay competitive, companies need to track SEO metrics in real time and adapt their strategies accordingly. Real-time SEO metrics give you the advantage of monitoring performance minute by minute, allowing you to make quick, data-driven decisions. With search engines like Google continuously updating their algorithms, having real-time insights into your website’s performance is key to driving sustained growth. This post will explore how to effectively leverage real-time SEO metrics for strategic growth.

Choosing the Right Tools for Real-Time SEO Monitoring

Selecting the appropriate tool for real-time SEO monitoring is a foundational step in leveraging SEO metrics effectively. While many platforms offer a variety of features, it’s important to find one that aligns with your specific needs. Some users explore alternatives to SE Ranking on Serpple, finding that they offer real-time metrics tracking with a user-friendly interface. Regardless of the tool you opt for, ensure it provides real-time data updates and analytics that support your business growth strategy. Access to accurate and timely data allows you to make quick adjustments and seize new opportunities as they arise.

Monitoring Keyword Performance Regularly

Keywords are the foundation of SEO. By monitoring your keyword performance in real-time, you can identify trends, opportunities, and potential issues before they significantly impact your rankings. Daily or even hourly tracking allows you to see which keywords are driving the most traffic and conversions, and which ones may need adjustments. For instance, if you notice a drop in rankings for a specific keyword, you can immediately tweak your content or update your on-page SEO elements to regain momentum. Regular keyword performance monitoring ensures that you stay on top of market changes and can swiftly adjust your SEO strategy as needed to maintain growth.

Analyzing User Engagement Metrics

While keyword rankings are a fundamental aspect of SEO, they do not tell the whole story. User engagement metrics such as click-through rates (CTR), bounce rates, and average session duration offer deeper insights into how well your content resonates with visitors. Real-time tracking of these engagement metrics helps you detect any sudden drops or spikes in user behavior, which may signal content or user experience issues. For instance, if you notice a high bounce rate, it could indicate that users are not finding your content relevant or engaging enough. 

Keeping Tabs on Competitor Movements

Staying ahead of your competition is essential in the fast-paced world of SEO. Real-time metrics allow you to keep a close eye on your competitors’ SEO strategies. By tracking their keyword rankings, content updates, and backlink profiles in real-time, you can identify opportunities to outrank them. For example, if a competitor’s content starts to gain traction for a particular keyword, you can respond by enhancing your content to maintain or improve your ranking. This competitive monitoring enables you to make quick, data-driven adjustments, giving you a strategic advantage. The ability to track competitor movements in real time helps you stay agile and ensure your SEO efforts remain relevant.

Evaluating the Impact of SEO Changes

Implementing changes to your SEO strategy is only part of the equation; you also need to evaluate how effective those changes are. Real-time metrics give you immediate feedback on the results of your SEO efforts. Whether you’re updating meta descriptions, optimizing for new keywords, or improving site speed, real-time metrics help you see the results instantly. For instance, if you publish a new blog post targeting a high-volume keyword, real-time data will show how quickly it climbs in the rankings and how much traffic it generates. If the results are not as expected, you can promptly make adjustments. This fast feedback loop ensures that your SEO strategy remains aligned with your growth objectives.

Leveraging Backlink Metrics

Backlinks are an essential part of any SEO strategy, contributing to your site’s authority and visibility. Monitoring your backlink profile in real-time allows you to track new and lost backlinks, as well as their quality. When you gain a high-quality backlink from a reputable site, you want to know immediately so that you can capitalize on it by building more content around the linked page. Conversely, if you lose a backlink, especially from a high-authority source, you can quickly take action to regain it or replace it with another. Monitoring backlinks in real-time ensures that your link-building strategy remains strong, helping you boost your site’s authority and organic search rankings.

Identifying Technical SEO Issues

Technical SEO issues such as slow page load times, broken links, or improper indexing can significantly impact your site’s performance. Real-time metrics help you identify and resolve these technical issues as soon as they occur. For example, if you notice a sudden drop in organic traffic, real-time data can help you trace the issue, whether it’s a technical glitch or an indexing problem. Addressing these issues promptly keeps your site optimized for search engines and ensures a smooth user experience, both of which are critical for long-term growth. Keeping your technical SEO in check ensures that your site is not penalized by search engines for issues that can be quickly fixed.

Using SEO Data to Inform Content Strategy

Real-time SEO metrics provide valuable insights into what types of content are performing well and where there are opportunities for improvement. By continuously monitoring the performance of your content, you can identify which pieces resonate most with your audience and drive the highest engagement. If certain types of content, such as how-to guides or in-depth articles, generate more traffic, you can use that data to shape your future content strategy. Real-time metrics also help you identify content gaps where your competitors may be outperforming you. Adjusting your content strategy based on real-time data will help you stay relevant, engage your audience, and increase organic traffic.

Using real-time SEO metrics offers significant advantages for businesses aiming to drive strategic growth. Whether it’s tracking keyword performance, monitoring user engagement, staying ahead of competitors, or quickly identifying technical issues, real-time data allows you to make more informed and timely decisions. By effectively leveraging these metrics, you can refine your SEO strategy and respond to changes in the digital landscape, ultimately driving more traffic, improving search rankings, and achieving sustained growth for your business.

API Monitoring: The Unsung Hero of the Digital Economy

While APIs have become the lifeblood of modern applications, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability is often overlooked. This is where API monitoring comes into play. It’s the unsung hero that guarantees the smooth operation of your digital ecosystem.

The Critical Role of API Monitoring

Imagine your business as a high-performance car. The engine is powerful, but without a dashboard to monitor its vitals, you’re driving blind. API monitoring is that dashboard for your digital operations. It provides real-time visibility into the performance, availability, and overall health of your APIs.

By closely tracking API metrics, businesses can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach prevents service disruptions, maintains customer satisfaction, and safeguards revenue.

Key Benefits of API Monitoring

  • Improved Performance: By pinpointing performance bottlenecks, API monitoring helps optimize response times and enhance user experience.
  • Increased Reliability: Proactive identification and resolution of issues minimize downtime and service disruptions.
  • Enhanced Security: Anomaly detection can uncover suspicious activities, protecting your APIs and sensitive data.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Comprehensive performance metrics inform strategic decisions about API optimization and scaling.

The API Monitoring Landscape

The API monitoring market is rapidly expanding as businesses recognize the critical role it plays in digital success. While specific data points may vary, the overall trend is clear: API monitoring is a growing necessity.

  • Market Growth: Similar to the API management market, API monitoring is experiencing substantial growth driven by the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems.
  • Key Features: Robust API monitoring solutions offer a wide range of features, including performance metrics, error tracking, security alerts, and integration with other monitoring tools.

Conclusion: A Cornerstone of Digital Success

API monitoring is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative. By investing in a comprehensive API monitoring solution, businesses can ensure the reliability, performance, and security of their digital operations. It’s the foundation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth in the digital age.

Building a Zero Trust Architecture: Key Considerations

Cybersecurity has become a major concern for businesses of all sizes. With the rise of sophisticated attacks, you’ve probably heard the term “Zero Trust” being thrown around. It’s not just a trend in the industry. It’s a shift in how we think about protecting our systems and data. The traditional approach, which assumed everything inside the network was safe, is no longer effective. In today’s world, threats can come from anywhere. So, instead of blindly trusting what’s inside, Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”

This article explores key considerations when building a Zero Trust architecture and how it can help protect your business in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

1. Understanding the Need for Zero Trust

In today’s threat environment, cyberattacks have become more complex. Organizations can no longer rely on the old method of building a strong perimeter and assuming everything inside is safe. The rise of insider threats and more advanced attack methods demand a more thorough approach.

One reason Zero Trust has gained so much attention is that attackers are increasingly targeting key identity systems. Common attacks on Active Directory (AD), for example, are on the rise. AD holds essential identity information, making it a high-value target for cybercriminals. Attackers often exploit weaknesses in privileged access management to breach systems. Once inside, they move laterally across the network, often gaining full control of the environment. This makes securing Active Directory critical when considering Zero Trust.

By implementing a Zero Trust model, businesses can better protect their identity systems, such as AD, by ensuring that every action, whether it’s a login or access to a resource, is verified continuously.

2. Identity and Access Management (IAM) at the Core

At the heart of any Zero Trust architecture is Identity and Access Management (IAM). IAM ensures that only the right people, devices, and applications can access your systems, and it does so by verifying them continuously, not just once. In the past, a user would log in and, once inside, be trusted until they logged out. Zero Trust changes that by constantly checking if the user should still be granted access.

One critical element of IAM is multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to verify their identity through more than one method, such as a password and a mobile app confirmation. Relying on passwords alone is risky, as passwords can be stolen, guessed, or reused across multiple accounts.

Zero Trust takes identity management a step further by ensuring that users only have access to what they need, nothing more. This limits the scope of potential damage in the event of a breach.

3. Microsegmentation: Controlling Access to Network Resources

Microsegmentation is another key principle in a Zero Trust environment. In simple terms, it means breaking your network into smaller, more secure segments. This way, even if an attacker gains access to one part of your network, they can’t easily move to another part. Each segment acts like a locked room that the attacker would need additional verification to enter.

This approach helps limit lateral movement, a common tactic used by cybercriminals once they’ve breached a network. By limiting what users and devices can access, you make it much harder for attackers to navigate and compromise other parts of your environment.

Microsegmentation also works hand-in-hand with the idea of least-privilege access. Users and systems should only be granted access to the resources they absolutely need to do their job and nothing more. By applying this concept, you reduce the chances of attackers gaining access to critical resources even if they breach a less important part of the network.

4. Monitoring and Logging Everything

In a Zero Trust architecture, monitoring and logging play a critical role. Continuous monitoring allows organizations to track every request, transaction, and action happening on the network. This ensures that nothing goes unnoticed, and any suspicious behavior can be caught and responded to quickly.

Logging is equally important. By keeping detailed logs of all network activity, security teams can trace the steps of an attacker and better understand how they gained access and what they did once inside. This information is invaluable for both preventing future attacks and improving your current security measures.

Advanced monitoring tools can also help by sending real-time alerts when something unusual happens. For example, if a user suddenly tries to access a part of the network they’ve never accessed before, a security team can be notified immediately and take action to verify whether it’s legitimate.

5. Enforcing Least Privilege Access

“Least privilege” is a core principle of Zero Trust. This means that users and systems should only have the access they need to perform their tasks and nothing more. If a user needs temporary access to a resource, they should be given it for the time required and then have that access revoked.

By limiting the scope of access, even if an attacker gains control of an account, they can’t use it to access critical systems or sensitive data. Regularly reviewing access permissions is important to ensure that users aren’t sitting on permissions they no longer need.

Admins are especially important to monitor. Admin accounts often have access to sensitive data and system controls, making them prime targets for attackers. Ensuring that admin privileges are tightly controlled helps minimize the risks of a breach.

6. Protecting the Network Edge

In today’s remote work world, the network edge has expanded beyond the physical office. Employees are accessing company resources from home, cafes, and various other locations. With this in mind, Zero Trust needs to protect not just the internal network but also the devices and users accessing the network from the outside.

This means verifying users and devices every time they connect, no matter where they are. Whether it’s a cloud service, a remote worker, or an external partner, Zero Trust ensures that access is always verified, regardless of the location or device being used.

7. The Role of Automation in Zero Trust

Automation can play a significant role in enforcing a Zero Trust architecture by handling the heavy lifting of continuous verification. In a Zero Trust environment, every action, login attempt, and data access request requires validation. With hundreds or even thousands of users making requests every minute, managing these processes manually is not just inefficient—it’s practically impossible. This is where automation steps in to streamline the workload.

Automation tools can be programmed to enforce security policies consistently, ensuring that no exceptions or mistakes slip through the cracks. For instance, they can instantly revoke access for users exhibiting unusual behavior, preventing potential threats from escalating. Additionally, automated systems can monitor for known attack patterns, like credential stuffing or lateral movement, and block such actions before they cause damage.

Building a Zero Trust architecture may seem like a big task, but it’s one of the best ways to protect your organization in today’s threat landscape. By focusing on identity verification, limiting access, and constantly monitoring activity, you can secure your network without relying on outdated assumptions of trust.

As cyberattacks continue to evolve, so should your approach to security. Zero Trust offers a modern, proactive way to defend against attackers, making it an essential strategy for businesses looking to protect their data and systems effectively.

Fenergo and Deloitte join forces to deliver greater efficiency through client lifecycle management automation

Fenergo, the leading provider of digital solutions for Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring (TM) and Client Lifecycle Management (CLM), and Deloitte Ireland, have announced an agreement to deliver Fenergo’s AI-powered CLM solutions to financial institutions across EMEA.

The alliance combines Fenergo’s best-in-class technology with Deloitte’s technology-enabled business transformation expertise to create a Centre of Excellence for CLM

The alliance responds to increasing demand for optimised digital client onboarding and the need to drive efficiency across KYC and AML operations. Fenergo’s research has found that slow and inefficient onboarding processes have caused nearly half (48%) of global financial institutions to lose clients. To address this challenge, Fenergo and Deloitte Ireland will deploy AI-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) CLM, which will digitalise client onboarding and lifecycle management journeys, and in turn accelerate the time it takes to generate revenue while enabling firms to better identify and mitigate risk.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Deloitte Ireland to deliver our AI-powered CLM solutions to financial institutions and corporates across EMEA,” said Matt Edwards, Global VP of Partnerships and Alliances, Fenergo. “With the unrelenting evolution of global regulation and the need for firms to simultaneously drive growth, the demand for our CLM solutions has risen exponentially and expanded beyond financial services. With the addition of AI, the transformative power of CLM is even more accessible and rapid. Our alliance agreement with Deloitte will enable us to accelerate implementation while helping firms build a more sustainable and compliant future, while delivering a step change in customer experience.”

“Transforming organisations by using AI is something we’re committed to in Deloitte. Our collaboration with Fenergo and the launch of our Centre of Excellence illustrates our focus on providing innovative technology solutions to our clients that drive competitiveness and efficiency,” said Graham Healy, Consulting Partner, Deloitte Ireland. “We believe our mutual clients will also benefit from our broader expertise across financial advisory, business change and target operating model services.”

Financial institutions will also benefit from Fenergo’s unrivalled Perpetual KYC capabilities which streamline and automate periodic KYC review cycles by continuously monitoring client profiles for risk using real-time data. Firms can also leverage Fenergo to more effectively manage ESG requirements in response to growing demand for sustainable and socially responsible investing.

TP-Link UK launches Matter-certified smart plug with energy monitoring

TP-Link, a leading provider of reliable smart home devices, has today announced the UK launch of its Matter-compatible, energy-monitoring smart plug, the Tapo P110M. This smart plug is compatible with all certified smart home platforms, such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

Harmonising the smart home

Tapo is one of the first brands to obtain the Matter 1.0 certification and the root certificate issued by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). With the introduction of Tapo P110M, TP-Link is promoting the practical application of the Matter protocol, enabling users to adopt, and benefit from, a more seamless smart home experience. Users simply need to scan the provided QR code on their smartphones and the Tapo P110M will be automatically configured to their home network for complete integration, right out of the box.

Tapo supports various flexible controls, including remote, voice and local.  Now, with the Matter protocol, all Matter-certified devices in a user’s local area network (LAN) are accessible through the Tapo app even if their home goes offline.

Intelligent and energy-efficient

Tapo P110M’s standout feature is its energy monitoring ability. This smart plug provides detailed insight into appliance power usage via clear data visualisation on the Tapo app, meaning users can track exactly how much energy a connected appliance uses and apply this data to calculate energy bills. For any power-hungry ‘vampire’ devices, Tapo P110M can schedule usage for off-peak hours, conserving electricity.

For complete control of smart home technologies, users can also schedule an advanced Auto-Off Timer, which automatically shuts off connected devices if the Tapo Matter plug remains on for a specified duration. Further smart features, such as away mode, and smart actions like setting sleep times and ‘arrive home’ times, are also supported in the Tapo app.

Into the Matter-verse

With the addition of Tapo P110M, TP-Link is reinforcing its dedication to improving the user experience with further upcoming Matter-certified launches later this year including smart bulbs and smart switches.

To find out more about TP-Link’s Matter compatibility, click here.

How to Choose Price Tracking & Monitoring Software for Your Needs?

Price tracking & monitoring software can be a lifesaver for businesses that want to keep tabs on their competition. Not only does this software allow you to see how your prices compare to those of your competitors, but it also helps you track price changes over time so that you can adjust your prices as needed. 

However, choosing the right price tracking & monitoring software can be difficult, especially given the number of options available. We’ve prepared a list of factors you should consider when doing it and would like to provide you with tips for narrowing down your options.

What Is Price & Monitoring Software?

Price & monitoring software is a type of software that gives business owners the ability to track and monitor the prices of their products or services. This type of software is typically used by businesses that sell products or services online, as it can help them to keep track of their competitors’ pricing and adjust their own prices accordingly.

There are many different price monitoring software programs available on the market, and each one offers different features and capabilities. Some of the most popular features include price alerts, price history tracking, and price comparison tools. Businesses can use these features to help them make more informed pricing decisions and stay competitive in the marketplace.

What Are The Benefits of Price Tracking & Monitoring Software?

Price tracking and monitoring software like Priceva can offer many benefits to businesses. For example, it:

  • Allows businesses to stay competitive by monitoring price changes and comparing prices with competitors;
  • Can help businesses save money by adjusting prices as needed in response to market changes;
  • Makes it easy to track price changes in the long run so that you can make pricing decisions correctly;
  • Can help businesses to identify opportunities for price discounts and promotions.

 

If you feel like you need a price tracking & monitoring tool we will help to choose the best one.

How to Choose the Best Price Tracking & Monitoring Software?

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing price tracking & monitoring software for your business needs. This includes:

  • The type of business you have. For example, if you have an online business, then you will need software that can track prices on the internet.
  • The size of your business. If you’re running a small business, you may not need all the features offered by larger software programs. However, if you have a large business, you will likely need many features and capabilities.
  • Your budget. Choose a more basic program if you have a limited budget and a more comprehensive one if you’re not limited by money.
  • What features you need. There are such features as price alerts, price comparison tools, and price history tracking. You should choose the software that offers the features that are important for your business.
  • Ease of use. Otherwise, you may struggle to get the most out of the program.

After you have considered all these factors you can start to narrow down your options and choose the best price tracking & monitoring software for your needs.

How to Narrow Down Your Options?

It can be difficult as there are many different options but we’ve prepared some tips that will help you to narrow them down.

 

Tip #1. Start by doing some research and reading online reviews. This will help you get an idea of what is available and what other people are saying about products.

 

Tip #2. Think about what features are most important to you and your business. This will help you focus on products that offer the features you need.

 

Tip #3. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues. If someone you know has used price tracking & monitoring software before, they may be able to recommend a good product.

 

Tip #4. Take advantage of free trials when available. This will allow you to try out a product before making a purchase.

 

Tip #5. Get in touch with customer support to get more information about a particular product. They will be able to answer any questions you have and give you more information about the product.

To Sum Up

Making a decision about which price tracking & monitoring software to use for your business can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering the factors above and taking advantage of resources like online reviews and free trials, you can make the process a lot easier. And once you’ve found the right product for your needs, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits it offers.