TotalEnergies Deploys Software for Personnel Logistics

TotalEnergies, one of the world’s leading global integrated energy companies, has selected IBS Software to transform its personnel logistics and tracking operations in Iraq through its affiliate TotalEnergies Exploration Production Ratawi Hub (TEPRH). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in digitising and automating workforce transport, Personnel on Board (POB) control and accommodation, ensuring enhanced safety and seamless travel experiences for TotalEnergies employees.

This partnership will see TotalEnergies deploy IBS Software‘s iLogistics Cloud solution, designed to streamline and optimise personnel logistics, material logistics, and safety through its e-mustering solution. IBS Software’s platform provides the automation of transport scheduling, check-ins, and tracking of personnel on site. This will not only boost operational efficiency for TotalEnergies Iraq operations but will also contribute to safer and more reliable workforce mobilisation.

To ensure safety, iLogistics will provide TotalEnergies with dynamic risk assessments and safe journey management fuelled by real-time data. What’s more, the iLogistics Accommodation Management module will offer the energy company a state-of-the-art platform for managing personnel arrivals, departures, and accommodations at work sites.

This partnership provides TotalEnergies with the iLogistics Check-In App which simplifies the logistics process by providing a tablet-based smart check-in system for logistics dispatchers. At airports, camps, and oilfield locations, travellers will be able to check in seamlessly and touchlessly by scanning iLogistics Go QR codes, RFID, or smart badges. The app also supports offline capability, making it ideal for remote worksite personnel management and oilfield installations where network connectivity may be limited.

Hani Al Kassous & Pierre Soury, TEPRH Logistics Managers, commented on the partnership: “At TotalEnergies, we are committed to innovation and operational excellence in every aspect of our business. Our collaboration with IBS Software will allow us to enhance the safety and efficiency of our personnel logistics in Iraq, ensuring that our workforce can operate smoothly and safely in even the most challenging environments.”

“This partnership with TotalEnergies is a testament to the value and capability of our iLogistics platform in transforming logistics operations,” said Tarek Muradi, Regional Director at IBS Software. “Our solution will empower TotalEnergies to achieve seamless, efficient, and safe personnel logistics, supporting their operations in Iraq and potentially expanding to other key geographies.”

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Fulfilment Service gets Robots to Boost Warehouse Efficiency

THG Fulfil, THG Ingenuity’s fulfilment and courier management service, has enhanced its warehouse automation capabilities with the addition of a fleet of Geek+ Goods-To-Person robots at its Omega facility in Warrington, UK.

The addition of Geek+ to its repertoire will enable THG Fulfil to improve warehouse performance, enabling faster delivery times and higher customer retention as artificial intelligence and automation technologies drive significant advancements in warehouse efficiency. The expansion enables THG Fulfil to support palletised items of any size through its automation solutions, pushing 95% of all units sold through a form of automation within its fulfilment journey.

The investment in Warrington adds to THG Fulfil’s existing automation capabilities at its 780,000 sqf ft ICON facility in Manchester. As a result of the speed at which it can now pick and dispatch orders, THG Fulfil upgraded 4.2 million standard delivery orders to next-day delivery in 2023, at no extra cost to customers, helping to drive a 4% rise in customer retention rates. THG Fulfil’s average delivery time has also been reduced to just 1.45 days in the UK, significantly better than the industry standard of 3-5 days.

Now approximately 50% of total customer orders globally are handled by automated systems. Real-time data analytics have also played a pivotal role in THG Fulfil’s operational strategy, enabling the identification that 27% of UK consumers shop online between 10 PM and midnight. This insight has led to the extension of cut-off time for Next Day Delivery orders to 1 AM. THG Fulfil is the only online brand or retailer in the UK providing such a late cut-off for next-day deliveries

Tom Killeen, COO, THG Ingenuity commented: “THG Fulfil’s investment in AI and automation is not just about improving efficiency; it’s also about redefining what’s possible in e-commerce logistics. In a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, the demand for hyper-efficient and reliable operations is more important than ever. THG Fulfil is poised to disrupt and redefine the future of warehousing and logistics, by understanding the needs of the end consumer and delivering high-quality, laboursaving services to clients and setting new standards in the industry.”

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New LiDAR Sensors more Powerful, Compact and Robust

Sensor supplier SICK has expanded its high performance multiScan and picoScan LiDAR ranges to make them even more powerful, compact and robust. With a variety of industry specific software applications that run on-device, SICK aim to take LiDAR sensor technology to new levels of performance, reliability and flexibility.

The modular multiScan 100 3D product family and compact picoScan 150 LiDAR sensors are customisable to suit a wide range of applications, with bespoke parameters, operation and integration. From robotic guidance and outdoor automation to SLAM, SICK’s sensor range is enhanced with new products and capabilities, including improved light performance and accuracy.

Select your variant: Configure your solution

SICK’s flexible 2D and 3D LiDAR product range and families are based on a common user environment and programming development platform. Fast data streaming, 2D and 3D object detection with field evaluation enhance the quality, security and usability of both the multiScan and picoScan. This enables companies to develop dynamic sensing profiles and scale their LiDAR capabilities, leveraging the data generated and customizing sensors to their specific applications and requirements.

Superior performance and robustness

SICK’s expertise in the field of 3D and 2D LiDAR technology enhances the robustness of both product ranges, improving accuracy, and providing ambient light immunity up to 100 klx (making them suitable for all lighting conditions). The picoScan and multiScan devices have a ruggedized design, with an anticorrosive coating, venting element and vibration resistance, making them resistant to shock, vibration and interference. Suitable for use in rough ambient conditions (such as fog, rain and bright sunlight) and harsh environments, both ranges have a selection of connectivity options and accessories designed for outdoor use.

The picoScan and multiScan products also have a contamination indication and the predictive maintenance system means sensors can notify the operator before the system is influenced.

Based on time of flight (ToF) technology, SICK’s high value multiScan range delivers high quality 3D with simultaneous multiple measurements individually configured for precise detection and localisation. The multiScan 3D LiDAR range’s unique combination of high-density horizontal layers and 3D point cloud offers outstanding measurement performance and advantage in real conditions, including wide-area environment perception on large machines and outstanding measurement accuracy for access protection in stationary applications. Capable of reliably detecting drop-off edges and obstacles ahead, the range is ideal for anti-collision and environmental perception to support autonomous driving for outdoor automation.

With no blind zone and superior detection of small objects at a distance, the multiScan 100 is a product family of 3D LiDAR devices with 3D object detection and contamination indication on board. The multiScan 136 builds on the capabilities of the multiScan 100 platform by providing 16 LiDAR layers, including two HD layers, 65° coverage at 360° and 30 m range all round. Meanwhile, the multiScan 165 has the highest detection capability in foggy, rainy and dusty conditions. It offers the same 16 LiDAR layers, but with a narrower coverage angle and range of up to 60 m, and the upcoming multiScan 165S will provide PLb and outdoor safety.

Small in size, big in range and performance

The next evolutionary step from the popular SICK TIM sensor, with higher data streaming speeds and more precise localisation, the picoScan 150 compact 2D LiDAR sensor is one of SICK’s highest angular LiDAR devices, with a rotary resolution of 0.05 degrees. The increased light suppression performance helps outdoor performance reach unprecedented levels. The multiScan family has a wide range of accessories, including mounting kits, connection boxes, gateways and reflectors. The picoscan 150 comes in three variants – Core, Prime and Pro, with a working range from 0.05 m up to 120m. Each model has a different specification to allow easy selection of a device for a specific application.

Easy to integrate into various environments, with a range of software interface options, the picoScan 150 is one compact sensor for multiple applications and it ticks all the boxes in terms of range, resolution, accuracy, field of vision, scan rate, power consumption and connectivity. Its high robustness is perfect for harsh and challenging applications, such as mobile platforms, outdoor automation, mobile robots, building security, interactive 3D studios, logistics automation and security protection.

Nathaniel Hofmann, SICK UK Market Product Manager – Machine Vision and Measurement Systems, says, “These are two great product families with new features and capabilities that expand the capabilities and possibilities of LiDAR sensor technology. We are continually growing and enhancing our LiDAR sensor range, based on a commonality of user environment that ensures products are easy to use, customisable, robust and consistent.

“We are winning high-profile projects because of the new light immunity and resolution capabilities of the picoScan and multiScan ranges, across a huge range of applications and industries; from robotics to interactive art installations, intelligent infrastructure to outdoor automation. Our modular, customisable sensors fit almost all applications, with the exceptional reliability and performance you expect from SICK.”

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Surge Pricing on Shipping Dampens Profits of Logistics Firms

Surge pricing on shipping this Black Friday could dampen the profits of thousands of warehousing and logistics firms across the UK. New figures reveal that almost a third of firms in the supply chain sector (32%) saw their carrier costs jump in November last year compared to the previous month.

In the latest report from order fulfilment software provider, Mintsoft, a quarter reported that these costs grew by nearly 25% during Black Friday Week – from an average of £3.50 to £4.37 per item. Carriers typically apply a peak season surcharge between mid-November and early January to manage the high demand over Black Friday, Christmas and the January sales. But with many consumers expecting free or low-cost shipping on purchases, retailers and fulfilment companies need to minimise these costs, otherwise they’ll have no choice but to absorb the price hike and take the hit on their margins.

Beth Chapman, Managing Director at cross-border delivery service, Starlinks Global, explains more:
“The bad behaviour of profiteering from some carriers that goes on during the peak season is frustrating. Retailers are struggling with price pressures and we should be working together to grow volume in a sustainable way. Not hiking prices as soon as it turns October 1st.”

Her comments were echoed by Ruhksar Ahmed, Director of third-party logistics provider, Green Fulfilment: “Retailers should be able to rely on their fulfilment partners and carriers to ensure they don’t face huge price increases during peak season. In anticipation of our client’s increased order volumes, we negotiate with our carrier partners to minimise price increases and guarantee service levels during the busiest e-commerce period.”

Higher shipping costs are not the only pressure facing supply chain firms, according to the research.
Just over 90% take on temporary staff to help them manage seasonal demand but nearly a fifth (18%) say that they struggle to fill these positions.

Data from Mintsoft suggests that firms using its software processed 1.2 million orders last Black Friday, and saw a 35% jump in orders dispatched.

Now its experts predict that order volumes could jump by 14% this year – following a 17% rise in 2023 – and firms may see an increase in orders processed this year too. Being able to process them quickly and accurately is a top concern for operators.

Around a third experienced stock management problems last year, and 58% experienced a stockout. Despite this, around 17% only start preparing for Black Friday less than three months before the event.
Claire Carter, Managing Director of ERP at The Access Group, the parent company of Mintsoft, said:
“Although peak season surcharges are nothing new, they certainly add to the cost pressures already impacting small and mid-sized firms. We’d urge firms to review the contracts they have with all of their carriers and strengthen their partnerships with them to ensure they’re getting the best deal, as well as timely collections and deliveries to meet consumer’s expectations.”

She added: “As our retailers and fulfilment partners know, the more technology they have and the automation it offers go a long way to plugging labour gaps, ensuring speed is met with accuracy, and offsetting higher costs, including shipping. Without the right combination of software and data intelligence, identifying the opportunities for peak efficiency can be difficult – it’s never too early to prepare your tech-stack for busy periods.”

Dave Pickburn, CEO of Stream, a logistics software provider, added: “Increased order volumes are always welcome, but surges, like those during peak season, bring significant challenges for retailers and 3PL providers, especially when those orders may increase by as much as 35% during peak season. Having the right software in place to automate as many functions as possible, means that businesses can handle those surges without adversely affecting the operation. Let the software deal with as many of those repetitive, mundane tasks such as order processing, inventory management, invoicing and dispatch. Retailers and 3PL providers can then deal with the exceptions and outliers, to deliver a seamless experience for their customers.”

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Large Solar Panel Installation at London Logistics Centre

SEGRO has completed its largest solar panel installation in London at SEGRO Logistics Centre Faggs Road, which is located a few minutes from Heathrow Airport. The project is in partnership with its customer, GEODIS, a leading worldwide provider of customised transportation, warehousing, global logistics and supply chain solutions.

SEGRO has been working closely with GEODIS, which occupies a 96,562 sq ft unit in Hounslow, to install 1,750 PV panels on its roof, with installed capacity 700 kWp. The energy produced by this solar array is equivalent to powering 75 homes and saves as much carbon annually as planting 5,445 trees.

The project aligns with the ‘Responsible SEGRO’ commitment to champion low-carbon growth and requirements of the Heathrow supply chain, where businesses are expected to demonstrate low-carbon building practices to support the airport’s sustainability goals.

As part of the initiative, SEGRO was able to secure a ‘Power Purchase Agreement’ that enables the customer to benefit from cheaper electricity.

Chris Packwood, Managing Director at GEODIS, said: “We are delighted with the evolution of our facility, to now harness the power of the sun. This further strengthens the GEODIS commitment to sustainability, by having confidence in the origin of our power supply and the associated REGO certificates.”

Gareth Baker, Director, Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “It is fantastic to deliver this exciting project, providing both environmental and cost benefits to GEODIS. This project is a prime example of how we can collaborate with our customers to drive sustainable growth. Not only does it significantly reduce carbon emissions by generating renewable energy on-site, but it also helps GEODIS to reduce its operational costs in the long run.”

The installation is linked to GEODIS’ recent lease renewal and as part of the agreement, SEGRO installed six electric vehicle charging stations, furthering the sustainability credentials of the development.

SEGRO Logistics Centre Faggs Road is located within minutes of Heathrow Airport. As well as being in a prime position with easy access to the A30, the development is well connected with the M25 within 6 miles to the west, giving swift access to the UK’s motorway network.

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Dry ice Dewar for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

CSafe, a global provider of end-to-end cold chain shipping solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, launches the CGT Ultra D – a multi-use, dry ice dewar built to meet the evolving needs of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). It maintains temperatures below -70C for an industry-leading 37+ days.

Patrick Schafer, CEO of CSafe, commented, “CSafe is committed to supporting the secure and sustainable transport of cell & gene therapies. As emerging ATMPs mature and scale, CGT organizations will need a partner to support them along their commercialization journey. CSafe has the global footprint, proven quality and industry expertise to help ramp up the distribution of life-saving therapies.”

The launch of the CGT Ultra D and CGT Cryo S marks a significant milestone in completing CSafe’s comprehensive suite of dewars, part of its CGT portfolio. These have been designed for performance to ensure coverage of a full spectrum of temperature ranges and the efficacy of cell & gene therapies. The dewars come equipped with TracSafe RLT data loggers, which provide real-time GPS location and conditional data via CSafe Connect, CSafe’s cloud-based portal.

Emilio Frattaruolo, Vice President of Cell & Gene Therapies at CSafe, comments: “We’re excited to unveil the CGT Ultra D and preview the CGT Cryo S at Meeting on the Mesa next week. The launch of these products complete CSafe’s portfolio of dewars, offering customers market-leading thermal performance and real-time data logging capabilities.”

Earlier this year, CSafe launched the CGT Cryo M, a liquid nitrogen, multi-use dewar, which is available in 4 and 10 liters, and maintains temperatures below -150C for over 10 days. The product was unveiled at LogiPharma EU, in Lyon, France.

For a wider range of sizes, CSafe’s dry ice CGT Ultra parcel shipper is available in payload sizes ranging from 2 to 56 liters and can sustain temperatures below -70C for 96 and 120 hours, respectively. CSafe’s full CGT product range is qualified against rigorous ISTA 7D testing standards and achieves industry-leading performance.

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Shared Service Office in Georgia to Enhance Global Operations

Girteka Group, a provider of temperature-controlled road transportation, has moved its Girteka Business Services based in Tbilisi, Georgia, to a new office. This move strengthens the company’s global operations, attract talents and supports its growth across Europe by delivering essential services from a new strategic hub.

Georgia’s growing reputation for skilled talent and its strategic position make it an ideal location for development of established in 2022 Girteka Business Services. The local workforce will play a vital role in supporting the needs of European customers and ensuring the continued reliable delivery of services.

“Our expansion in Georgia reflects our efforts to build a coherent, cross-border one Girteka team. With the development of digital solutions, this new office will further enhance our ability to deliver high-quality service to customers across Europe, regardless of location,” says Jeroen Eijsink, CEO of Girteka Group.

The new office, located on Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, occupies 1,800 square meters and will accommodate 230 employees. The design emphasizes employee well-being with modern facilities and amenities to create a supportive workspace, fostering both productivity and growth.

“Girteka Business Services office in Tbilisi is designed to enhance our one team culture and drive excellence. With modern facilities, digital solutions allowing work across borders, and support consistent collaboration and efficiency, this office will foster unity and high performance across our international operations,” says Tamar Seturi, General Manager of Girteka Business Services.

The new GBS office will handle critical functions including IT support and development, customer care, transport planning, financial, and people and culture expertise. These services are integral to maintaining the high standards of reliability and service that our customers expect.

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Plastic Modular Belt Increases Multi-directional Movement

Conveyor specialist Habasit launched the HabasitLINK M2483 Sphere Top 1” plastic modular belt to offer the courier express and parcel (CEP) market new possibilities in multi-directional movement of goods on conveyors. It allows facilities to move goods across conveyor belts in all directions, including differently to a belt’s conveying path, in a controlled manner.

The launch came at a time when volumes in logistics, parcel- and unit-handling facilities continued to grow and provide facilities with a new conveying solution that offers greater automation and reduces labour requirements.

The HabasitLINK M2483 Sphere Top 1” plastic modular belt is a compelling solution for the controlled, multi-directional movement of goods on conveyor belts, even if different from the belt’s conveying direction. It also facilitates the rotary movement of goods, further increasing directional movement possibilities. The belt is particularly suitable for logistics and parcel handling applications where goods are accelerated, sorted, diverted, merged, turned, accumulated, or re-spaced – whether small or large, packed or unpacked.

Controlled multi-directional movement of goods

“The new sphere top belt provides facility managers with increased flexibility at a time where the CEP industry is under increased pressure to process more parcels than ever,” explained Anders Nilsson, portfolio manager at Habasit. “By using different combinations of fabric belts, speeds, and directions, the load can be held in place, moved forwards, backwards, sideways, or diagonally, or even rotated as needed.

“Furthermore, the rotating sphere balls can target almost any angle allowed by the conveying system, making it easier to handle packed goods during automated add-on applications like printing, scanning, or rejection after inspection,” concluded Nilsson.

HabasitLINK M2483 Sphere Top 1” plastic modular belt’s design has been optimized to have a long service lifetime, reducing total cost of ownership. For example, it has steel rod floaters that stop dust and grease build up around the spheres, so their pivoting action is unhindered and their functionality is secured. Habasit offers R&D engineering support to its customers, including in-system designs, and provides detailed engineering guidelines with solutions for common applications. www.habasit.com

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KION opens Centre of Excellence for Automated Solutions

The KION Group has opened the KION Automation Centre Antwerp in Belgium, a Centre of Excellence facility for automated solutions in EMEA. It is the first of its kind and now the primary hub for research and development, testing and customized production of automated solutions in EMEA. Employees from the KION brands will now work and collaborate on automation projects and individual customer requirements.

“Automation is the future for our industry, so I’m very excited about the new facility,” says Ching Pong Quek, member of the Executive Board and Chief Technology Officer of KION GROUP AG. “By bringing various capacities under one roof, we can now respond to market needs and deliver automation projects faster, more innovatively and cost-effectively. The teams design the right automation solutions for our customers and support our regional sales teams.” The new building allows new solutions to be tested and optimized on site and requirements to be addressed individually and quickly. “The Centre of Excellence will enable intensive collaboration across businesses with the aim of serving our customers even better”, says Quek.

Approximately 400 employees with diverse professional backgrounds and 40 nationalities are working at the KION Automation Centre Antwerp. The 11,800-square meter building is well equipped for collaborative work, with a flexible office concept encouraging creative thinking, learning, testing, and training. The building is located near the port of Antwerp in an industrial area that is set to grow and develop further in the coming years.

Cross-departmental collaboration an important success factor at new site

The employees who used to work in the two rented locations in Antwerp and Zwijndrecht have now moved into the new automation centre. It shortens distances and promotes cross-departmental team collaboration. One of the teams is KION subsidiary, automation and software specialist Dematic, which has vacated its previous offices and moved less than 100 meters away to the new building. The team provides centralized services on automated solutions for customers across Europe.

In addition to Dematic, other operating units of the KION Group are also based in the new building. One of them is KION Industrial Trucks and Services (ITS) EMEA, where a team handles customer projects from planning to delivery, including training sessions conducted in the office and test floors. They also focus on the testing and development of custom hardware and software solutions, as well as the production of customized solutions, particularly for industrial vehicles.

Robotic system development will play a major role in the new Centre of Excellence for Automation. The mission of the team is to deliver intelligent, driverless and interoperable robotic products, solutions and services that are easy to deploy, operate, maintain and support throughout their lifecycle in brownfield applications.

Building design focuses on solutions that support sustainability

The KION Automation Centre Antwerp features modern standards of sustainable design, such as advanced insulation, solar panels and a green roof. The goal is to achieve BREEAM sustainable building certification, which is based on a holistic approach to achieving environmental, social and governance (ESG), health and net-zero goals. From energy to ecology, a BREEAM assessment uses recognized performance measures against established benchmarks to evaluate a building’s specification, design, construction and use.

In addition, the KION Group is working closely with the European agency Encon to obtain a WELL Gold certificate from the US-based international WELL Building Institute. The WELL Building Standard is an evidence-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring building characteristics that affect the health and well-being of occupants.

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Logistics Software Webinar

Selecting the right logistics software is crucial for optimising supply chain operations, but the process goes beyond just issuing an RFI or RFP. Watch our logistics software webinar, entitled ‘Logistics Software: Beyond the RFI & the RFP. Achieve Supply Chain Excellence’, where industry experts will guide you through mastering the logistics software selection and procurement process.

Requesting quotes, proposals and further information from vendors of ERP, TMS, WMS, SCM, SCE and other supply chain software solutions, is just the beginning of thte process. Are you planning to buy new logistics software in the next 12 months?

In this logistics software Webinar you’ll learn how to:

  • Define clear requirements for effective RFI and RFP processes.
  • Evaluate and compare solutions beyond surface-level features.
  • Engage stakeholders for alignment and buy-in.
  • Avoid common pitfalls in software selection.

Logistics Software Webinar

Editor Peter MacLeod is joined by Gary Rosier-Taylor, VP of Fleet Sales for Descartes, and Phil Turton of Viewpoint Analysis (pictured below), an independent technology expert on evaluating and purchasing the right IT systems for your logistics operations. He argues that software and IT procurement is broken right now, with the vendor selection process taking too long. Buyers should spend time on their short list and streamline everything. Avoid getting what you asked for, rather than what you need. Try selling to the salesperson and using a ‘rapid RFP’. Score vendors appropriately after every interaction. Do you trust them to deliver?

What sort of additional knowledge does a buyer need to extract from a vendor to trim the shortlist?

  • Whether you’re in transport and distribution management or IT procurement, this logistics software webinar will equip you with the strategies to make informed decisions. Watch now

Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use its modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community.

Viewpoint Analysis are Technology Matchmakers – helping business leaders find and select enterprise technology, and IT vendors to be found. There are thousands of software vendors in the enterprise arena. As a business with a technology need, how do you know what’s available and which solution is right for you? Viewpoint takes business leaders from problem to vendor selection with our Technology Reference Guides, Technology Innovation Series, Matchmaker Service, and Rapid RFI and RFPs.

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