Tag: #trends

Could 2025 be the year of technological reinvention? Four key trends Irish organisations need to be aware of

All organizations are looking for the same thing right now: to harness the potential of AI to innovate, overcome challenges and remain competitive in the market.
Throughout 2024, we have witnessed the generalization and massification of GenAI and endless debates about how useful it really is. Looking ahead, we are preparing for a scenario of radical change that will test the ability of companies to build a technological ecosystem, where there is a convergence between innovation and responsibility.
In 2025, the era of experimentation will be replaced by reinvention – it is time to effectively implement (and also discard) much of what has been tested in organizations in proofs of concept, pilot projects, or use cases. This change will significantly impact the business, with the introduction of innovation, implementation of new functionalities, or rethinking of processes. In this sense, I have identified below  four major trends that will impact organizations in 2025:
  1. An AI Pivot
GenAI has dominated debates about technology and Artificial Intelligence. It is expected that 2025 will represent the beginning of a turning point, where “hyper-experimentation” gives way to the reinvention phase. Shortage of developers, high costs, poorly defined strategies and poor coordination between different teams, IT and the overall business goals are some of the factors that have limited the success  of implementing GenAI in companies.
Faced with this challenge, and according to IDC predictions, up to 30% of organizations will reconsider their investments in GenAI if the solutions created are not positively impacting the business. Companies must opt for a less complex approach and move forward in a progressive and step by step fashion, in order to manage decision makers’ expectations.
 
  1. Artificial Intelligence Agents
The evolution of AI Agents represents a paradigm shift that redefines the limits of traditional Artificial Intelligence. With a high degree of autonomy, these agents are capable of carrying out predefined tasks independently, revolutionizing multiple areas. From decision-making without human intervention, through software development, and process optimization, this technology offers highly efficient solutions, generating a significant impact on organizational productivity.
It is estimated that, by 2028, 15% of corporate decisions will be made by these agents. More than a virtual tool that complements human actions, Artificial Intelligence agents are an opportunity to rethink the role of technology, prioritizing the balance between responsible integration and the protection of human needs.
More than having just a chatbot replying to some questions or doing some actions, AI agents will be talking between them, orchestrating actions and proving a task-oriented process where actions will be done by agents and supervised by humans.
  1. Data-as-a-Product
Data-as-a-Product (DaaP) remains one of the biggest challenges for organizations in the coming years. If we consider data as strategic assets, and look at it as a product, we are making our companies more efficient and business-oriented. To achieve this, businesses must create not only a robust governance system, but also AI platforms that generate assertive insights capable of guaranteeing ethical compliance, while promoting transparency and responsibility.
There are more advantages than disadvantages in treating data as a product – this model provides innovation and creativity, enabling teams to develop solutions with a previously available date, which increases the efficiency and productivity of organizations.
In short, components of a Data Product are Data Content: Raw and processed data Metadata: Documentation, lineage, and quality metrics and APIs/ Interfaces: For seamless access and integration.
Built to be discoverable, reliable, and usable by all teams across the organization.
  1. Data and Document Governance
Could 2025 finally be the year when the topic of Data Governance assumes a pivotal role within organisations? I believe so. With the emergence of Generative AI and the growing ability to directly query documentation, the scope of data governance is expanding into a broader concept of “document governance”. This evolution highlights the increasing necessity of establishing robust governance over who queries, what they query, in which documents, and with what permissions. Such measures are essential to ensure comprehensive control and security in this rapidly evolving landscape.
This subject goes beyond being a purely IT-driven initiative; it represents a vital connection between technology and business. For Data and Document Governance to be effective, it demands close collaboration between technical experts and business leaders. This ensures that data management strategies are not only technically sound but also aligned with the organisation’s broader goals. By uniting these areas, organisations can safeguard critical information, streamline operations, and support well-informed decision-making, an integrated effort that highlights its essential role in achieving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge.
According to IDC, by 2028 it is expected that the amount invested in AI, worldwide, will exceed €700Bn. An impressive indicator, without a doubt. 2025 will be a critical year in this process,  the year of effective implementation of GenAI and (yet another!) technological reinvention. Enhancing responsible innovation, raising awareness about the conscious use of technology, investing in the robustness of the “governance” of Artificial Intelligence and the potential of AI Agents are strategies that will transform the future of companies in Ireland and globally.
By: Ricardo Batista, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Noesis

2024 AI, gaming & metaverse trends and more

Cloudflare, Inc. the leading connectivity cloud company, published its fifth annual Year in Review, exploring global Internet insights and security trends during 2024, accompanied by a deeper dive on the most popular Internet services.

The Internet is the cornerstone of global connection, providing access to the critical information and services that power our daily lives. This dependency on the Internet has made it the backbone of today’s society – from helping first responders save lives, allowing communities to connect with elected officials and register to vote or supporting global digital economies. Cloudflare’s 2024 Year in Review underscores how every year, as more people and devices connect to the Internet, global traffic surges (up 17% YoY), generating new trends that showcase our global reliance on its capabilities.

“We rely on the Internet almost constantly, yet many still see it merely as a collection of web pages. But the Internet is everywhere, woven throughout almost all of the daily activities of modern life – how we interact and connect on social media, use our smart refrigerators and vacuums, travel from one place to another through rideshare apps, connect to our banks and more,” said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder at Cloudflare. “All of these interactions we often take for granted, behind the scenes, are connected to the Internet in one way or another, with a huge percentage running through Cloudflare’s network every second of every day. And as one of the largest in the world, Cloudflare’s global network has an unmatched comprehensive view into usage, and overall quality and connectivity across the web.”

With its Year in Review report, Cloudflare aims to share key data insights about the changing Internet landscape to help keep the online world more informed, resilient and secure. Some of the biggest highlights of 2024 include:

  • Most popular internet service: Google came in first for the third year in a row, followed by Facebook (#2), Apple (#3) and TikTok (#4) – unchanged from 2023. However, WhatsApp broke into the top ten most popular services globally for the first time.
  • Most popular generative AI service: Codeium, Claude and CoPilot were new entrants to the top ten most popular generative AI services (#3, #5 and  #7 respectively), while OpenAI held onto the number one position for the second year in a row.
  • Most popular gaming services: Gaming consumers drove Steam into the top five most popular services for the first time, while Minecraft entered the top ten this year. Meanwhile, Roblox ranked #1 for the fourth year in a row.
  • Most targeted industry: Globally, the Gaming and Gambling industry became the top target for threat actors, overtaking the Finance sector, which was the most targeted category in 2023. Notably, threats increased largely in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl in the United States.
  • Internet outages observed: Over half of all global Internet outages were a result of government directed shutdowns – often in response to protests, civil unrest or even to prevent cheating during exams – impacting countries like Mozambique, Iraq, Syria, Bangladesh, Senegal, Pakistan and others.
  • Malicious traffic: The Internet has not become significantly more dangerous over the past year, with about 6.5% of all global traffic mitigated as potentially malicious – only a slight increase from 2023.
  • Most aggressive AI bots: AI bots and crawlers have been in the news for voraciously consuming content. But while Bytespider (ByteDance) and ClaudeBot (Anthropic) were the most active, both of their overall traffic gradually declined over the course of the year.

“Cloudflare Radar was launched in 2020 when we witnessed the drastic impact the pandemic had on the way we interact with the Internet, and the importance for those insights to be accessible to anyone,” said David Belson, Head of Data Insight at Cloudflare. “Our Year in Review is a part of Radar’s commitment to democratise Cloudflare’s data, offering a window into Internet trends and patterns for anyone to explore at their fingertips.”

This data comes from Cloudflare Radar, a free tool that lets anyone view global trends and insights across the Internet. Radar is powered by data from Cloudflare’s global network (one of the world’s largest, spanning 330+ cities in 120+ countries), and aggregated and anonymised data from Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 public DNS Resolver, widely used as a fast and private way to browse the Internet.

Gaming Trends To Watch Out For In 2025

The gaming industry has seen a remarkable transformation over the last decade, with technological advancements reshaping how players interact with their favorite games. As we move into 2025, the evolution of gaming is set to continue, driven by innovative trends that will revolutionize both the gaming experience and the way players earn and spend. From the rise of crypto gaming to the integration of AI and cloud gaming, here are the key gaming trends to keep an eye on as we move into the future.

1. Crypto Gaming

One of the most exciting trends emerging in gaming is the integration of cryptocurrency. With the growth of blockchain technology, crypto gaming is fast becoming one of the most disruptive forces in the gaming industry. In 2025, we are likely to see even more widespread adoption of crypto-based gaming platforms, which offer players the chance to earn digital currency while they play.

At the heart of crypto gaming is the concept of play-to-earn (P2E) games. Unlike traditional gaming models where players spend money to buy in-game items or access premium content, P2E games allow players to earn rewards in the form of cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as they progress through the game. This provides an exciting opportunity for players to turn their passion for gaming into a source of income. Games like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox have already paved the way, and by 2025, we can expect even more titles to adopt this innovative model.

In addition to play-to-earn games, crypto casinos are also gaining traction. These platforms allow players to gamble using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Crypto casinos offer several advantages over traditional online casinos, including faster transactions, enhanced privacy, and lower transaction fees. Additionally, most crypto casinos also offer players huge game libraries and lucrative bonuses, as mentioned by casino expert and author Artemis Wells. 

Since cryptocurrencies are decentralized, these casinos can operate without the need for intermediaries, providing a more seamless and efficient gambling experience. The integration of blockchain also ensures that transactions are secure and transparent, giving players greater confidence in the fairness of the games.

2. Cloud Gaming and Streaming Services

Cloud gaming has already begun to make waves, with platforms like Google Stadia, Microsoft xCloud, and Nvidia GeForce Now allowing players to stream games without the need for expensive hardware. By 2025, cloud gaming will have fully matured, making it accessible to a wider audience and enhancing the gaming experience.

With cloud gaming, the need for powerful consoles or gaming PCs will diminish. As long as players have access to a stable internet connection, they will be able to play high-quality games on any device, including smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. The ability to stream games seamlessly across devices will make gaming more accessible than ever before. It will also open up the market to a broader range of gamers who may not have the financial resources to invest in high-end hardware.

In 2025, we will also see more game developers embracing subscription-based streaming services. Services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have already demonstrated the potential of this model, and in the coming years, we can expect to see more platforms offering access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. This will give players the ability to access a diverse range of games without committing to the purchase of individual titles.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Gaming

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been a topic of discussion for several years, but in 2025, we’re likely to see a massive leap forward in their adoption in the gaming industry. VR and AR have the potential to take gaming to new heights by offering more immersive and interactive experiences.

VR gaming, in particular, has seen significant growth with devices like the Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR, and by 2025, these devices will become more affordable, more advanced, and more comfortable to use. With improved graphics, enhanced motion tracking, and reduced latency, VR gaming will become more lifelike and immersive. This will open up new genres of gaming, including first-person exploration, interactive storytelling, and even social multiplayer experiences where players can interact with each other in real time.

4. AI-Powered Gaming

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been gradually influencing gaming, but by 2025, its role in game design and gameplay will become even more significant. AI will be used to create more intelligent non-player characters (NPCs) that can respond to player actions in more realistic and dynamic ways. Instead of following preset patterns, NPCs will adapt to the player’s decisions, creating a more personalized and challenging experience.

In addition to NPCs, AI will also play a key role in procedural content generation. AI algorithms will allow developers to create dynamic, ever-changing worlds where no two playthroughs are the same. This will make games more replayable and allow for greater creativity in game design. For example, open-world games could feature constantly evolving environments based on player behavior, ensuring that the game world never feels static or predictable.

Sustainability Trends in Irish Businesses

Irish businesses are increasing their focus on sustainability according to the latest EY Ireland’s State of Sustainability report, as an increased understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a desire to create a more sustainable business approach becomes embedded across the economy.

At a time of growing scrutiny around transparency and authenticity of sustainability credentials, business leaders are also reporting a rise in concern around accusations of greenwashing, as well as increased prioritisation of sustainable practices by investors in the capital markets, directly linking ESG performance with financial opportunity.

The report, which surveyed 200 senior sustainability decision-makers across the public and private sector in Ireland, reveals that 81% of respondents report a heightened focus on sustainability over the past year, a 19% increase from the last survey in 2022. This is the largest percentage increase noted in the study, indicating that Irish businesses are now making a significant commitment to sustainability. The findings suggest progress is being made by Irish businesses when it comes to sustainability, as 74% of respondents rate their efforts on sustainability as ‘established or better’, a rise from 61% in 2022, and 15% consider their efforts ‘industry leading’, doubling from 7% in 2022. However, 35% of respondents feel their organisation is not doing enough, a notable rise from 17% in 2022, showing that there is still more to do.

Meanwhile, awareness of the negative impact and reputational risks of misleading sustainability claims is growing as 35% of respondents indicate that fear of greenwashing influences their communication strategies, a significant increase from 13% in 2022.

Key sustainability motivations

Increased stakeholder interest, regulations, and perceived bottom-line benefits are key motivating factors driving sustainability in organisations. Almost two thirds (65%) of businesses reported wider stakeholder enquiries about sustainability impact, up from 49% in 2022. More than half (58%) believe demonstrating a greater commitment to sustainability is necessary for them to get access to capital and 36% of businesses are looking to improve their position on sustainability by merging with or acquiring another company. Interestingly, almost a third (30%) indicated they are increasingly assessing the sustainability status of target companies when considering a merger or acquisition.

Derarca Dennis, EY Ireland Partner and Sustainability Services Lead says: “It’s very encouraging to see a shift amongst Irish businesses towards a better understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a real desire to create a more sustainable business approach across all sectors. The findings show the link between sustainability and profitability is increasingly influencing the corporate strategies of Irish organisations, including how they approach mergers and acquisitions. As companies embrace this agenda, it’s vital they engage with all stakeholders to create a more resilient and sustainable business.”

Regulatory concerns

Negotiating a path through complex new and existing EU regulations is the leading sustainability-related concern for organisations with the EU Emissions Trading System cited as a cause for concern by almost two-thirds (65%). That is followed by supply chain due diligence (62%), likely driven by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). More than half (54%) of respondents were concerned about the EU Deforestation Regulation, which has far-reaching implications for what can and cannot be produced or sold within the EU, and plastic packaging-related measures were cited by 46%, relating to the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The regulation which is of the least concern is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), cited by just 15%. This is likely because many organisations believe they are prepared to meet CSRD and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) reporting obligations. 52% said they are either very prepared or have established reporting practices in place, while just 10% said their organisations are not prepared at all.

Supply chain responsibility

Sustainability regulations such as CSRD and CSDDD are designed to make organisations more sustainable by making them responsible not only for their own impacts but also for those of their supply chains, so it is not surprising to see that 62% of respondents cite supply chain due diligence as their biggest sustainability-related concern.

Levels of engagement with supply chain suppliers on ESG reporting by organisation varies. 26% have not engaged with their supply chain on ESG reporting at all to date, while 19% of businesses have had initial conversations and 17% have had advanced discussions about the importance of collaboration.

Encouragingly half (50%) of all organisations have technology solutions in place to gather data from their supply chains for compliance purposes while 32% have systems to gather information in order to assess the ESG performance of their supply chains.

Derarca Dennis says: “Given the growing demands of regulators, investors and consumers for sustainable supply chains, organisations that have not yet started engaging and collaborating with their supply chains run the risk of being left behind. We need to continue to see more organisations having advanced discussions with suppliers and putting sustainability reporting systems in place. Technology will have a critical role to play in supply chain engagement. Vast amounts of data from disparate sources will need to be collected, curated, analysed, and put into a form that meets regulatory standards. There is a huge opportunity for companies that want to get sustainable procurement right.”

Top 7 Digital Payment Trends in 2024

Digital payments have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we transact. As technology continues to advance, so too does the landscape of digital payments. These trends are driven by factors such as increased smartphone adoption, growing consumer demand for convenience, and advancements in payment technologies.

In this article, we explore what digital payment trends are and highlight seven digital payment trends of 2024. 

What Are Digital Payment Trends?

In the past decade, the financial landscape has undergone dramatic changes, and nowhere is this more evident than in the digital payments sector. 

The rise of e-commerce, the global shift toward mobile-first solutions, and the advent of cutting-edge technologies have all transformed how consumers and businesses conduct financial transactions. 

Digital payment trends reflect the innovative processes and technologies that drive these changes, shaping the way money is moved, managed, and stored.

Some impacts of digital payment trends have included:

 

  • Financial inclusion through providing financial access to populations that have historically been underserved by traditional banking systems. 
  • Acting as new revenue streams for businesses by integrating financial services into their platforms. Whether it’s through subscription models, integrated marketplaces, or fintech partnerships, companies are capitalizing on the convenience of in-app payments.
  • Increased security and fraud prevention since these technologies are helping to reduce fraud, protect consumer data, and ensure that financial transactions are safe and reliable.
  • Increased competition for traditional financial systems which is pushing banks to rethink their role in the financial ecosystem, forcing them to innovate or risk becoming obsolete.

Top Digital Payment Trends of the Year

2024 has seen a further rise in digital payment, especially the uptake of tools and applications that make payment easier for individuals and businesses. 

Here are the top 7 digital payment trends of 2024.

Blockchain Payments

Blockchain technology is transforming the digital payments landscape in 2024, offering enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency. Its decentralized nature eliminates intermediaries, allowing peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions without the need for banks or payment processors. Each transaction is recorded on an immutable ledger, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring data integrity.

Cross-border payments are a key area where blockchain shines. Traditional international transfers are slow and costly, but blockchain enables instant, low-cost payments by bypassing intermediaries using solutions such as stablecoins—digital assets pegged to stable currencies like the US dollar, which can be easily stored and transferred using a DeFi wallet.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payments, which allow users to simply tap their card, phone, or wearable device to a terminal, have become increasingly popular due to their speed and ease of use. In 2024, they continue to revolutionize the way we pay for goods and services.

Some contactless payment technologies include NFC-enabled cards and smartphones that enable secure communication with a payment terminal, allowing users to complete transactions in seconds.

Another notable contactless payment trend in 2024 is the rise of wearable payment devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and rings. These devices offer an even more convenient and hands-free way to pay, particularly appealing to tech-savvy consumers who seek quick, seamless transactions on the go.

Biometric Authentication

With security concerns growing in tandem with the rise of digital payments, biometric authentication has emerged as a game-changing technology in the payment space. 

By using unique physical attributes like fingerprints, facial recognition, or even iris scans, biometric authentication offers a highly secure method for verifying identities and authorizing payments.

In 2024, many smartphones and digital wallets already incorporate biometric authentication features, with fingerprint and facial recognition being the most common. Consumers can now unlock their wallets, authorize payments, and verify transactions through a simple scan, offering both security and convenience.

QR Code Payments

QR codes have been around for years, but their use in digital payments has exploded, particularly in markets like Asia. In 2024, QR code payments have become a global trend, enabling quick, simple, and secure transactions.

To make a QR code payment, a merchant generates a unique code that encodes payment details. The consumer scans the QR code with their mobile device, which redirects them to a secure payment platform. This process is both convenient and adaptable, working for in-store purchases, e-commerce transactions, and even peer-to-peer payments.

QR code payments have seen rapid adoption in countries like China and India, where smartphone penetration is high but banking infrastructure may be less developed. 

Platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay have led the charge in China, with millions of users adopting QR codes for everything from small retail purchases to larger business transactions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is transforming the payments industry, enhancing everything from fraud detection to personalized payment experiences. AI is a critical player in optimizing and securing digital payment systems in 2024.

AI-powered algorithms are revolutionizing fraud detection by analyzing transaction patterns in real-time to detect anomalies. This proactive approach helps prevent fraudulent activity before it occurs, safeguarding both consumers and businesses. Machine learning models become more effective with each transaction, learning from data to improve their ability to spot suspicious activity.

AI is also being used to offer more personalized payment experiences. For example, AI can analyze a user’s spending habits and offer tailored recommendations, such as which card to use for rewards or when to make purchases to maximize savings. By understanding user behavior, AI enhances convenience and creates a more seamless payment journey.

Lastly, AI-driven automation is streamlining back-end operations for financial institutions and businesses alike. Processes such as payment reconciliation, customer service, and transaction processing are being optimized through AI, reducing costs and improving service delivery.

Open Banking

Open banking is a trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years by granting third-party providers access to consumer banking data through application programming interfaces (APIs).

Open banking allows consumers to authorize third-party applications to access their financial information, such as transaction history and account details. This empowers consumers to use financial apps that provide budgeting tools, personalized payment services, or investment advice tailored to their needs. The control over how data is shared leads to better financial management.

This digital payment trend has also paved the way for more direct payment methods. Instead of relying on intermediaries like card networks, open banking enables consumers to make payments directly from their bank accounts. This reduces transaction fees and offers a more seamless payment experience for both consumers and businesses. By opening up access to consumer data, banks and fintech companies can collaborate to create more innovative financial products and services.

Embedded Payments

Embedded payments represent one of the most transformative shifts in the payments landscape. 

By embedding payment functionality directly into apps, websites, and platforms, businesses are creating frictionless experiences where payments occur almost invisibly.

Embedded payments allow users to complete transactions without being redirected to a third-party payment gateway. Instead, payments are processed seamlessly within the platform. For example, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft enable users to pay for their rides without ever leaving the app, with payment happening automatically in the background. By removing steps in the payment process, businesses can lower cart abandonment rates and increase customer satisfaction.

Wrapping Up

Digital payments are evolving at an unprecedented rate, and the trends of 2024 reflect the fast-paced innovation in this space. 

From the widespread adoption of digital wallets and contactless payments to the security enhancements provided by biometric authentication, these trends are reshaping the way consumers and businesses handle transactions.

As we move forward, digital payments will only become more integrated into our everyday lives, leading us toward a truly cashless and frictionless financial future.

 

MedTech moulding trends to watch

MedTech is a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing sector. Unsurprisingly, industry analysts are always keen to pinpoint the newest transformational medical and life science technologies that are expected to shape future treatment pathways. 

Regional Medical Director of the Global Sumitomo (SHI) Demag team Andrew Sargisson shares his industry insight and global predictions for the medical market, touching upon how these latest trends are influencing investments in medical injection moulding facilities worldwide. 

Thermoplastic and LSR moulding continues to be used extensively to manufacture a huge variety of everyday medical applications. The range is broad and can include implantable components, test tubes, petri dishes, PCR tubes, pipette tips and other labware, as well as medical monitoring devices, drug delivery components and surgical equipment.

In 2023, the global medical injection moulding market size was estimated at USD 22.54 billion. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. Much of this growth is being driven by advances in self diagnostics, the home healthcare sector, improved healthcare infrastructures in emerging economies, and an aging population, which WHO predicts will double by 2050.

The medical market, particularly diagnostics, was strongly influenced by the Coronavirus pandemic. As anticipated, there has been a natural levelling-off for pandemic-related consumables.

More recently, there is a stronger leaning in the medical market towards larger strategic and more complex projects, such as drug delivery devices and pen style injectors. This is predominantly due to the global growth in diabetes care, where demand for advanced glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices is propelling innovation. Testament to demand, credible industry reports forecast that the diabetes device market will surpass USD 68.2 billion by 2032, almost triple its 2022 value. 

With regard to machinery, there is a strong move towards “copy & paste” systems and processes in both Europe and North America. The global medical team at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, led by business development director Anatol Sattel, are also noting more requests for remote system access to historical machine data. This is predominantly to assist with troubleshooting and monitoring validated process settings.

To support these efforts, the company’s R&D team continues to develop an IoT dashboard to facilitate data analysis and visualisation, transfer and storage of know-how, as well as maintenance planning and prediction. Within this assistance system, additional autonomous and interconnected functions are being conceived to provide valuable insight into the machine performance and different production variables.  

The development of process optimisation systems, integrating material and knowledge with simulation tools is probably the most exciting development on the horizon, claims Sargisson. Such systems will enable processors to observe advanced settings and capture deeper processing insights. 

The company’s ultimate vision is an intelligent machine that can independently make predictions about part quality, machine wear and failures and deliver optimisations online. Enabling greater process consistency and allowing for real-time machine maintenance to be adjusted accordingly. 

To support these advances and in order to meet the explicit quality management and validation ISO 13485 standards for medical devices,  Sumitomo (SHI) Demag introduced new machine user parameters, digital quality control and KPI analytics into its IntElect S medical production package. One of these advanced Med-Spec demo cells is now located in Limerick, Ireland. This will enable customers to perform validations, run tool trials and use the facility to provide valuable process optimisation training to technicians.

Also observed during the pandemic, larger scale adoption of home healthcare and smart diagnostic devices, continues to accelerate at pace. 

With significant access to start-up finding, telehealth is the boom-market to watch. It is current exhibiting a CAGR of 19.7% between now and 2030. Online video and audio consultations with physicians and medical consultants are increasingly being used to deliver quality healthcare while simultaneously reducing heavy work and cost burdens. The telehealth segment is split between services and products. Items such as wearable patient monitoring and telecommunication devices accounts for around one third of the market.

For medical moulders already producing vital monitoring devices, including oxygen, weight, glucose and ECG devices, as well as infusion pumps and cannulas etc. and already meeting the exacting healthcare standards, the transition to homecare device production should be relatively seamless.  

High profile acquisitions of diagnostics companies, IPO listings, strategic partnerships, and the rise of virtual care platforms provide further assurance that the diagnostics market is on the cusp of another huge growth curve. This all indicates that there are clearly exciting opportunities ahead for moulders operating in the high tech medical device and diagnostics product development and production space.    

In 2024, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will host its inaugural productivity roadshow. With four stopovers planned for July in the UK and Ireland, including Limerick, customers will be invited to explore all the latest trends, productivity and profit-enhancing technologies. Including medical. Watch this space!

Gaming Trends: What should we be able to see throughout the industry in 2024 and beyond?

With technology continuing to have an impact on the way players game and the sessions that they are able to experience, there should not be any surprise that the industry is still looking to create new ways in which this form of entertainment is enjoyed.

Various technologies have been created over the years that have each managed to enhance any gaming session that generations of gamers have enjoyed, but developers know that it is an unforgiving industry as demands continue to be made.

Among those is the desire for immersive and realistic experiences. For many enthusiasts, there would be nothing better than to feel as though they are part of the title that is being played. While there have been advancements and strides made to make this happen, it is yet to be made available fully.

However, that should start to change in the near future, especially if technology continues to do its thing and create new ways in which we game and enhance any session that we enjoy to new heights.

What trends can we expect to see in 2024 and beyond?

Gaming technology continues to develop at an incredible rate; however, gamers know there are already technologies they can take advantage of and expect improvements over the course of a year or longer.

Mobile gaming has experienced tremendous growth over recent decades since smartphones and tablets came onto the scene, giving gamers access to apps or web browsers on mobile phones to download or access and enjoy their favorite titles while on the go with an internet connection.

5G internet continues to be advanced and further developed, meaning players will get better gaming sessions when connected to the internet. This should result in better experiences when playing mobile internet games, whether that be in the form of downloaded titles or the iGaming options that have been provided by a platform with an expert opinion on the sites that are available.

 

Elsewhere, we should expect to see drastic changes be made to the realism demands that gamers continue to have. This includes reality technologies, including virtual and augmented. These have been spoken about for years, and we should be getting even closer to being able to experience these more so in the years to come. These technologies promise the potential of taking the gaming industry to its newest heights and giving gamers something they have craved.

Cross-platform gaming should also continue to emerge and become more developed throughout the industry in the near future. There have been big games to already contain this feature, but with players likely to demand it as a standardized function in the future, game developers are likely to incorporate it within their newest releases to ensure they satisfy consumer demands.

Verdict

There is certainly a lot to look forward to in 2024 and beyond for gaming enthusiasts. Technology has long been a driving force for the industry, and it always will be. Most of these technologies are already available, but the years to come should allow them to finally realize and reach their potential, thus benefiting gamers all over the world.

Gamma visualises Census data to show sustainability trends across Ireland

Gamma, a leading location intelligence technology company in Ireland, has visualised Census data to show sustainability trends across Ireland.  

Overall, the 2022 Census showed that the proportion of homes with oil-fired central heating is lower than in 2011, now standing at 39%. However, this fluctuates greatly depending on the location, with the highest rate of oil-fired central heating found in Monaghan (75%) and Cavan (69%). At the other end of the spectrum, just 4% of households in Dublin City rely on oil-fired central heating. 

The county-to-county variation in the use of natural gas is even more noticeable as only 1% of households in Donegal and Wexford, and 2% of households in Longford, Kerry and Leitrim use natural gas for their central heating. Meanwhile, more than 60% of households in Dublin are reliant on same.  

Solid fuels (such as coal, peat and wood) are less popular across the country as a whole but in Offaly, 35% of households use solid fuel for their home heating. This was largely dominated by peat and turf (27%). When it comes to having a renewable energy source, just over a quarter (25.8%) of households in Ireland have one, with more than half of those using wood or biomass.   

Solar water heating panels were revealed to be the most prevalent form, with 5.2% of properties having same. Meanwhile, 3.9% of households have a heat pump (either air or ground source) and 1.9% households have solar electric panels installed.  

Looking at the take-up of renewable energy in individual towns, Craughwell in Galway and Dunshaughlin in Meath have the highest proportion of households with solar electric panels, with almost one in four houses (23%) in those towns having solar electric panels.  

According to newly released data from the SEAI, the towns (with over 500 population) that have the most solar potential are all in the Southeast of the country, with the Wexford towns of Tagoat, Rosslare Harbour, Bridgetown, Rosslare and Fethard making up the top five. When cross-referenced with the Census data, only Rosslare Harbour (9.5% with solar electric) and Rosslare (2.3%) exceed the national average of 1.9% of households with solar electric panels. 

Richard Cantwell, Lead Consultant for Gamma Location Labs, said: “The Census figures suggest that the rate at which we, as a nation, are moving towards more sustainable living and carbon neutrality is slow. Of course, there are other factors likely to be impacting this, including the affordability of and accessibility to renewable energy systems and resources. 

“However, on a more positive note, it’s clear from the SEAI data that there is great potential in certain areas. For instance, with solar electric panels, there is a lot of room for expansion in those areas best poised to take advantage of solar energy in Ireland. 

“It is also promising to see that we are improving from an environmental perspective and – perhaps due to the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic which also brought about widespread remote working – people appear to be more conscious than before of their energy consumption, behaviours and choices.” 

On the topic of working from home, the 2022 Census revealed a big increase in the proportion of workers who now work mainly or entirely from home, with this total more than doubling from 4.8% in 2016 to 11.3% in 2022. Almost a third (32%) of all workers said they work from home at times.  

Among those who do still commute to work, school or college, proportionately fewer people are now travelling by private car or motorcycle – 58% in 2022 compared to 61% in 2011. Students aged 13 to 18 are the only subgroup not to have reduced reliance on private vehicles as 43% of this group are travelling by private vehicle (the same proportion as in 2016 and 2% higher than in 2011). 

Considering all commutes to work, school or college, the average car driver is now accompanied by slightly more passengers than before, meaning there are 1.55 people travelling per car on the road – compared to 1.45 people per car in 2011.  

Richard Cantwell commented: “As with home upgrades, the data indicates that people are making small changes to their daily lives which will benefit the environment. However, as is the case with both individuals and businesses, more action and supports are required to ensure that we are moving towards our Climate Action Plan 2023 targets and becoming more sustainable.” 

Michael Hanratty, CEO of BERWOW, and an expert on home energy and retrofit, “The approach needs to be twofold. Firstly, consumers need to know and understand the BER rating of their home and be able to easily access information on the energy retrofit options for their properties, including the cost-saving and environmental benefits. Our free online tool BERWOW, can support this insight.   

“Secondly, companies can now use multiple new data sources to build sustainability and net zero carbon into their business strategies, thereby improving their offerings and services for customers. With collective education and action involving both individuals and organisations, we can all become more aware of climate change and how to reduce its increasing impact on daily lives around the world.”   

How Has The Office Workspace Changed In The Past 20 Years?

The office workspace has gone through its fair share of changes over the past two decades. Technological advances, new trends in workplace design, and shifts in employers’ and employees’ attitudes have all had a major influence on how work is performed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look back at some of the biggest developments that have affected what the modern workspace looks like today – from open-plan offices to flexible workspaces for remote staff. With an understanding of how the office environment has evolved over time, companies can better anticipate where their own workspaces might be headed next!

Hot desking trends

Hot desking trends have been on the rise in recent years, as employers look to make better use of their office space while also promoting collaboration and flexibility among employees. Through hot desking, each employee is assigned a desk that they can occupy for any given day or week. By doing this, companies are able to reduce their need for additional desks or furniture for overflow staff. This trend has been particularly popular among startups and smaller companies with fluctuating staffing levels. Also, when choosing hot desking solutions, it’s important to consider the culture of your organization and ensure that everyone is on board with this arrangement. It’s also important to provide adequate storage solutions for each employee, so they can keep their workspace organized and clutter-free.

A Look at Pre-Pandemic Office Trends 

In a world before COVID-19, office environments were already experiencing changes in trends. Open floor plans, remote work options, and flexible schedules were becoming more common. The rise of technology allowed for more efficient communication and collaboration, leading to increased productivity and creativity. However, with the pandemic, these trends have been accelerated and expanded. Working from home has become a necessity for millions of employees, and companies have had to adapt to provide adequate resources and support. As we continue to navigate this new normal, it’s interesting to reflect on how quickly and drastically office trends can change in response to external circumstances. 

How the Requirements of Working from Home Impacts Design 

Ever since remote work became a norm, the importance of designing homes that accommodate a work set-up has become even more essential. From setting up a comfortable and functional workspace to organizing office equipment, designing a home that can accommodate the demands of remote work has become a top priority. The impact is not just limited to physical layouts but also extends to aspects such as lighting, sound, and even color palettes. With a focus on ergonomics and maximizing productivity, designers are incorporating smart solutions and multi-functional furniture to help individuals create productive home office environments. As the trend of remote work continues to grow, it’s become increasingly important for modern design to keep this shift in mind when creating living spaces.

The Advantages of a Flexible Workspace 

Flexibility is key. And this includes your workspace. More and more companies are turning to open floor plans as a way to provide employees with a more flexible work environment. The advantages are clear: an open floor plan encourages collaboration and communication. It allows employees to work more closely with colleagues, which can lead to increased productivity and better problem-solving. Plus, the lack of walls and partitions creates a more light-filled and enjoyable work environment. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your company’s productivity and enhance employee satisfaction, consider ditching the cubicles and embracing a more flexible workspace with an open floor plan.

Incorporating decorative indoor fountains can further enhance the atmosphere, providing a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes focus and reduces stress. Additionally, flexible workspaces can support a variety of work styles, from quiet corners for deep concentration to collaborative zones for team brainstorming, ensuring that all employees have the ideal setting to thrive.

Creativity in the Workplace  

Creativity is a high priority for many workplaces, as innovation fuels growth and pushes boundaries. To promote creativity, several offices are adopting standing desks and breakout spaces. These improvements encourage employees to move around and approach tasks from different perspectives. Standing desks allow for more movement throughout the day, preventing physical fatigue and keeping the body engaged. Breakout spaces encourage collaboration and socialization, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and teamwork. These changes may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on an employee’s well-being and productivity. By investing in creative-focused environments, businesses can help their teams thrive and achieve success.

 

The modern office is constantly evolving in order to stay ahead of the curve. By considering trends from both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras, employers can gain valuable insight into how best to design their office space for maximum productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Through a combination of hot desking solutions, open floor plans, breakout spaces, and flexible schedules, companies can create an environment that encourages productivity and innovation. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, employers are better equipped to design a workspace that promotes creativity and collaboration among their employees.