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

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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Automation, the Industrial DevOps Platform and leader in AI for Industrial Code, reveals the hidden costs of relying on outdated tools in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.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exposes that manufacturers lose an average of 45 hours every month to debugging tasks, largely due to reliance on outdated tools like Excel for managing critical industrial code in 47% of organizations.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of inefficient processes and tools on productivity.92% of organizations invest in upskilling, yet the persistence of outdated practices like using Excel for code management undermines these efforts.Employees prioritize work-life balance and access to modern technology, indicating a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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TiTE x IHT 2026: The Definitive Hub for Taiwan’s Hardware Manufacturing Excellence

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TAICHUNG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When sourcing from Taiwan, location is the ultimate strategic advantage. Don’t be misled by smaller, general trade shows held in city centers like Taipei. To truly connect with the source, you must go where the products are born. TiTE x IHT (Oct 20-22, 2026) in Taichung is the undisputed largest and most vital hardware industrial expo on the island. Hosted directly in the heart of Taiwan’s precision manufacturing cluster, this event features 1,000+ booths and 500+ top-tier manufacturers, offering a scale and industrial depth that no other exhibition can replicate.

Why Global Buyers Choose the Taichung Source Over Urban Trade Shows:

The Revolutionary “Exhibition as Factory” Model: Taichung is the global epicenter for hardware, home to 70% of Taiwan’s industry output. Our unique location enables the “30-Minute Sourcing Circle.” This allows you to verify high-end samples on the show floor in the morning and audit world-class production lines by the afternoon. By eliminating the travel gap between the booth and the factory, we reduce traditional procurement cycles from weeks to hours, providing unmatched transparency for R&D, capacity assessment, and quality control.ESG & CBAM Compliance for Western Markets: As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and global ESG mandates reshape trade, our exhibitors are already ahead of the curve. Discover CBAM-ready solutions and green manufacturing processes specifically designed to meet the strict sustainability requirements of the European and American markets. We provide more than just tools; we provide carbon-footprint-managed resilience for your brand.AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing: Address global labor shortages and rising costs with Taiwan’s latest innovations. The 2026 expo focuses on “AI Empowerment,” showcasing collaborative robotics, automated digital inspection, and data-driven supply chain management. These technologies ensure lead-time stability and high-precision consistency for premium global brand owners.Direct Sourcing & Global Matchmaking: Skip the middlemen and trading agencies. Our “Global Buyer Day” offers exclusive, pre-arranged matchmaking with the actual OEMs/ODMs. This is the primary decision-making platform for major distributors seeking resilient, direct-to-factory partnerships that guarantee the best pricing and priority production slots.

Experience the synergy of smart manufacturing and global trade. Stop at the source—where the world’s hardware is actually built. Secure your competitive edge in the true heart of the industry.

【TiTE x IHT】

Date: October 20-22, 2026Venue: TICEC, Taichung, TaiwanRegister Now: https://accu.ps/g8MZ1SHousing Subsidy: https://forms.gle/34VHVxSrEw7g8GxDAOfficial Website: https://www.hardwareexpotw.com

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SOURCE TiTE x IHT

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KIST Accelerates U.S. Expansion of Quantum Deep-Tech Startups Through SelectUSA 2026

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SEOUL, South Korea, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) President Oh Sang-rok announced that it will participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of a Korean delegation, together with quantum technology startups supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the Deeptech Project (DIPS).

The initiative, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), is part of the government’s “Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups” (DIPS) initiative, which aims to nurture globally competitive deep-tech ventures.

KIST, which serves as the lead institution for the quantum technology sector under the program, said it will oversee the global commercialization efforts of participating firms. In particular, the “Global Bridge Program,” jointly developed with the U.S. Embassy in Korea in September 2025, is an official program designed to generate tangible overseas expansion outcomes by linking investment attraction with local market entry through diplomatic channels.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest investment promotion event in the US, connecting international startups with venture capital firms, corporate investors and state-level economic development agencies.

It serves as an execution-oriented platform that extends to investment, corporate establishment, site selection, and tax incentives, and is considered a key entry gateway for deep-tech companies, including those in quantum technology.

KIST said participation in the summit is particularly significant for deep-tech sectors such as quantum technology, where access to the US innovation ecosystem is seen as key to growth.

The program is conducted in two stages. From April 30 to May 1, companies took part in a spin-off program hosted by the State of Maryland, which included visits to research institutions and tours of the regional quantum technology ecosystem.

During this period, the delegation also conducted localized activities with the Maryland state government and its economic development agencies, focusing on investment attraction, corporate collaboration, and joint R&D. In addition, on May 5, the delegation held discussions with U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary William Kimmitt on potential areas of cooperation.

The delegation will also meet officials from Fairfax County Government to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.

The main summit, currently ongoing from May 3 to May 6, features exhibitions, pitching sessions and meetings with US state representatives, with participating firms expected to engage in discussions on investment and market entry.

The delegation is structured to encompass the entire quantum industry rather than a single technology domain.

The Korean delegation comprises five startups, alongside Kyung Hee University Department of Future Science & Technology Commercialization Policy and Entrepreneurship, with approximately 20 participants forming an integrated ecosystem that combines research institutes, academia, and startups, enabling a full-cycle support system from technology validation to commercialization and global expansion.

One of the firms, OptiQ-Labs, was selected for an official pitching session on May 4, where it presented its laser-based optical modules designed for ion-trap quantum computing systems.

This highly competitive program selects only around 100 companies from more than 20,000 applicants worldwide. If selected as the winner of the pitching session, the company will receive follow-up meetings with U.S. state governments and economic development agencies, access to global investor networks, support for local entity establishment, and connections to site selection and tax incentive programs.

Other participating companies include QUAD, which develops single-photon detection technology; SLEEX, focused on underwater sensing; Elixir (StatUp AI), which works on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for healthcare; and SQK (QMEDIC), specializing in physics-based imaging solutions.

KIST Project Director, Kang Sunjoon, said, “This program represents a critical milestone for Korean quantum startups to directly connect with global investors and industry ecosystems. Via the DIPS program, we are actively promoting the global commercialization of quantum technologies.”

Through its participation in SelectUSA, KIST has established a package-type global expansion model that integrates technology validation, investment attraction, and U.S. market entry.

The summit serves as a turning point for South Korea’s quantum sector, enabling startups to move into the next phase of validation, investment, and overseas expansion.

For more information, visit https://eng.kist.re.kr/.

About KIST 

KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in South Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research.

About Participating Quantum Startups

QUAD, led by Chief Executive Officer, Oh Byung-doo, develops quantum sensing technologies based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), offering high sensitivity and precision with applications spanning quantum communication, quantum computing, semiconductor inspection, and defense.

SLEEX is developing an advanced perception technology that combines quantum LiDAR and electric field sensing to overcome limitations of existing underwater sensors, particularly by eliminating blind zones within the 0–2 meter range, with strong potential in autonomous navigation, maritime security, and defense, with Lee Jeho at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.  (https://www.thesleex.com)

Elixir, headed by Chief Executive Officer Jang Jung-kwon, develops a drug discovery and biomarker analysis platform based on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, targeting the precision medicine market through the integration of bioinformatics and quantum machine learning. (statupai.com)

SQK develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints, addressing the hallucination issues of conventional AI by ensuring physical consistency in CT and MRI reconstruction. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Kim Yoon-hak, SQK is improving reliability and reducing the need for re-scans in clinical settings. (www.sqkcloud.com)

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SOURCE The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

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Former Visa Asia Pacific Executive David Tay Joins YeahPay as Global Vice President

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SINGAPORE, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YeahPay, the international payment brand under YEAHKA (9923.HK), has appointed David Tay, a former senior executive at Visa Asia Pacific, as Global Vice President, tasking him with overseeing the strategic direction and product ecosystem development of YEAHKA’s overseas payment business. The appointment comes as global digital trade enters a new phase defined by ecosystem integration, with payment infrastructure undergoing a generational shift in acceleration.

David Tay, a Singaporean national, is a rising leader in the payments industry. During his career at Visa, David played a key role in driving business growth across multiple Southeast Asian markets, demonstrating early promise in commercial insight and innovation. He subsequently moved into Visa’s Innovation division, where he rose to serve as Head of Innovation, leading Visa Pacific’s product innovation and new business.

In that capacity, David led the commercialization of cutting-edge payment paradigms including Visa Flex Credential and Pay by Palm. He was also involved in the evaluation and governance of strategic partners across the region, accumulating deep expertise in collaborating with banks, fintechs, and large-scale enterprise merchants.

David’s track record spans the full go-to-market lifecycle, from concept to pilot to scale, as well as deep capabilities in cross-institutional partnerships and ecosystem development. His appointment comes at an inflection point for YEAHKA’s international expansion. According to YEAHKA’s 2025 annual report, its overseas business delivered full-year Gross Payment Volume (GPV) surpassing RMB 5 billion, representing a 323.3% year-on-year surge from RMB 1.1 billion in 2024.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/former-visa-asia-pacific-executive-david-tay-joins-yeahpay-as-global-vice-president-302763652.html

SOURCE Yeahka

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