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The Hidden Cost of Excel in Manufacturing: 45 Hours of Debugging Every Month, Finds Copia Automation

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2 years ago

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While 92% invest in upskilling, 47% still use spreadsheets for code management; Report calls for Industrial DevOps to address skills gap and meet employee needs.

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new report from Copia Automation, the Industrial DevOps Platform and leader in AI for Industrial Code, reveals the hidden costs of relying on outdated tools in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. The 1st Annual State of Industrial DevOps Workforce Report: People, Process, and the AI-Powered Future exposes that manufacturers lose an average of 45 hours every month to debugging tasks, largely due to reliance on outdated tools like Excel for managing critical industrial code in 47% of organizations.

While 92% invest in upskilling, 47% still use spreadsheets for code management.

Amidst a backdrop of potential shifts in trade policy and growing concerns over tariffs impacting the US, Canada, Mexico, China, and other nations, the report underscores the urgent need for manufacturing and distribution organizations to enhance efficiency and adaptability. Whether or not these tariffs proceed as planned, the likelihood of continued uncertainty in the foreseeable future is high. Organizations will need to hedge their bets to balance risk and plan for this uncertainty. With a potential resurgence in localized demand, similar to the pressures experienced during COVID, companies that invest in modernizing their operations will be best positioned to adapt and thrive.

Key survey findings reveal opportunities for improvement:

47% of manufacturers and distributors use Excel to manage industrial code, despite its limitations for version control and collaboration.Manufacturers and distributors spend an average of 45 hours per month debugging code, highlighting the significant impact of inefficient processes and tools on productivity.92% of organizations invest in upskilling, yet the persistence of outdated practices like using Excel for code management undermines these efforts.Employees prioritize work-life balance and access to modern technology, indicating a need for manufacturers and distributors to adopt tools that streamline workflows, drive collaboration, and enhance job satisfaction.Only 3% of industrial coders are classified as beginners, indicating a lack of new talent entering the field and – as 10,000 workers reach retirement age each day in the U.S. – a key opportunity to close the skills gap through mentorship opportunities and knowledge exchange before it’s too late.

Download the full report now!

The report’s findings expose the hidden costs of relying on outdated technology and processes. While 92% of manufacturers invest in training, these investments are often rendered ineffective by the continued use of tools like Excel, which contribute to errors, hinder collaboration, and ultimately impact the bottom line, along with employee experience and recruiting efforts. The data suggests that organizations can significantly benefit from adopting modern Industrial DevOps practices.

“The manufacturing and distribution landscape is facing a period of uncertainty, with tariffs and global trade dynamics creating both challenges and opportunities,” said Copia Founder and CEO Adam Gluck. “Our report’s findings underscore the critical need for these organizations to prioritize efficiency and adaptability. Regardless of the specific outcome of current trade discussions, building resilience to navigate uncertainty is paramount. By embracing Industrial DevOps principles and moving away from outdated and unsustainable tools, companies can streamline operations, reduce costly downtime, and empower their workforce to meet fluctuating demands. Investing in these areas now will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving global market.”

The 1st Annual State of Industrial DevOps Workforce Report provides a roadmap for manufacturers and distributors seeking to enhance their operational resilience. By prioritizing people, process, and technology, these organizations can gain more efficiency and agility to navigate uncertainty, meet evolving customer needs, and achieve sustainable growth in the face of uncertainty and change.

About the survey

The survey contains responses from 200 executives, including C-Suite (42%), SVPs/VPs/ Heads of Department/Directors (38%), and Managers (20%). Respondents primarily came from the hi-tech, electronics, and semiconductor (21%), automotive (19%), and retail (18%) industries. Company revenues were over $15B (30%), $1B to $15B (28%), and $300M to $999M (28%).

About Copia Automation

Copia Automation delivers an Industrial DevOps Platform that empowers enterprises – large, mid-sized, and small – to effectively manage their operational technology, achieving industrial automation success. Copia’s cloud-based Industrial DevOps Platform empowers companies with unparalleled visibility, governance, and control of automation code across multi-vendor devices. This provides a single source of truth, which enforces continuous quality control, increased uptime, automated backup, disaster recovery, and preemptive crisis management. With the recent addition of AI-powered features like Copia Copilot, Copia Automation continues to drive the future of industrial automation forward.

With its headquarters in New York City, Copia Automation is a member of the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer in Manufacturing.

For more information, visit www.copia.io.

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SOURCE Copia Automation

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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3 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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10 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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