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HR Must Identify Critical Roles to Reduce Talent Gaps in Succession Planning, Says McLean & Company

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HR leaders must guide organizations in separating role criticality from individual performance to ensure operational continuity and long-term success, according to new research from McLean & Company. The HR research and advisory firm reports that organizations often struggle to distinguish roles that are truly critical to business continuity and strategic success from roles that feel essential because of the high-performing individuals who occupy them. While top talent is invaluable, critical role identification must be based on the strategic importance of the position itself, rather than the person in it, to ensure long-term stability and effective workforce planning.

TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company has released its latest research, Guide to Identifying Critical Roles, which emphasizes the importance of a structured, objective approach to determining which roles are essential to an organization’s success by informing talent initiatives like succession planning. The new guide underscores that critical roles are not always the most visible or senior positions – rather, they are the roles that could significantly disrupt operations or derail strategic initiatives if left vacant.

The firm’s research findings indicate that organizations that lack a standardized process for identifying critical roles risk making reactive, assumption-based talent decisions that fail to support long-term workforce planning and succession strategies. McLean & Company’s newly published guide provides HR professionals with the tools and frameworks needed to navigate role criticality discussions with key players, develop objective evaluation criteria, and proactively address potential talent gaps.

“Many organizations struggle with critical role identification because they confuse high-performing individuals with critical roles,” says Karen Mann, senior vice president, HR Research, Learning Solutions & Advisory Services, at McLean & Company. “By separating the role from the person, HR leaders can ensure a data-driven approach to succession planning and workforce forecasting, improving organizational resilience and reducing the risks of talent shortages.”

McLean & Company’s research highlights that while 68% of HR professionals recognize workforce planning (WFP) as highly important, only 25% report high effectiveness in executing these strategies. Similarly, just 16% of HR respondents rate their organization’s succession planning efforts as highly effective. The Guide to Identifying Critical Roles helps close this gap by equipping HR teams with a replicable, objective approach to assessing and prioritizing roles for talent development and succession planning.

A Structured Approach to Critical Role Identification
Guide to Identifying Critical Roles offers HR leaders a step-by-step framework to support critical role identification and ensure that talent strategies align with broader business objectives. Key elements of the approach include:

Defining organizational criticality by establishing clear criteria that reflect business needs.Navigating key player conversations to mitigate bias and ensure a fair, inclusive decision-making process.Weighing role criteria appropriately to distinguish between strategic value, operational continuity, revenue generation, and other organizational priorities.Monitoring and adjusting role classifications as business needs evolve.

The Business Impact of HR Identifying Critical Roles
Effectively identifying critical roles is a critical aspect of strong workforce planning, helping organizations minimize disruptions, improve agility, and enhance succession strategies. McLean & Company advises that a clear understanding of which roles are essential ensures seamless transitions to reduce the risk of operational slowdowns when key positions become vacant. With a proactive approach, businesses can anticipate shifts in talent needs, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness in a changing workforce landscape.

Aligning talent management with broader business objectives strengthens strategic decision-making, ensuring that high-impact roles are prioritized. Additionally, focusing on internal talent pipelines reduces reliance on external hiring, mitigating risks and costs associated with recruitment. McLean & Company reports that organizations that successfully identify and plan for critical roles gain a competitive edge, ensuring that key positions remain filled with top talent to drive long-term success.

Navigating Pushback and Ensuring Objectivity
McLean & Company cautions that critical role classification can be a sensitive topic that may prompt resistance from employees and leaders who equate “critical” with “most valuable.” The guide provides strategies for framing these conversations effectively, including the use of alternative terminology such as “high-impact roles” or “priority roles” to avoid misperceptions.

Additionally, the guide emphasizes that weighting role criteria differently – rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach – enables organizations to tailor decisions to their unique strategic needs.

Access the Full Guide 
HR professionals can access the Guide to Identifying Critical Roles and explore related resources, including templates and tools, by visiting McLean & Company’s website or contacting Communications Manager Katie Tame at ktame@infotech.com.

McLean & Company workshops offer an easy way to accelerate HR projects. To learn more about the Design a High-Value Succession Planning Program workshop, please visit the workshop page.

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on HR priorities and trends in 2025HR’s role in social media, the future of work, and more can contact Communications Manager Katie Tame at ktame@infotech.com.     

About McLean & Company
McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today’s needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm’s member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact ktame@infotech.com.

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Ampace Spotlights AI-Ready Battery Solutions for Gigascale Infrastructure at DCW Washington 2026

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ampace, a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, is participating in Data Center World 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Booth 206), where active visitor engagement reflected growing industry focus on how power infrastructure must evolve for the AI era.

This year, Ampace is showcasing how battery systems are becoming an increasingly important enabler of gigascale AI infrastructure. From cell-level technologies to system-level deployment, spanning applications from commercial and industrial energy storage to UPS systems, Ampace is presenting solutions designed to help data centers manage rising power volatility, improve resilience, and scale more efficiently.

At the center of the showcase is the PU Series, Ampace’s AI-ready battery platform engineered for the increasingly dynamic conditions of modern compute environments. As AI clusters drive 100kW+ rack densities, millisecond-level load spikes, and frequent workload transitions, conventional backup systems are being asked to do far more than emergency support. Ampace’s PU Series is designed to absorb rapid fluctuations, maintain stable output, and support uninterrupted operation under highly variable AI workloads.

A key highlight of Ampace’s presence this week will be its featured TECH TALK session with Eaton on April 22, from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM (Room 209ABC), titled Powering Gigascale AI: How Advanced Batteries Stabilize Extreme Training Loads.

The session will bring together shared industry perspectives from Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Manager at Ampace, and Jon Hymel, Product Manager at Eaton, two professionals working closely with hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, and mission-critical customers navigating the next wave of AI infrastructure growth.

Together, the speakers will explore how established UPS architectures and advanced lithium battery systems are increasingly working in tandem to meet the operational realities of AI data centers. The discussion will examine how battery technologies can support real-time load balancing, improve reliability, and help operators prepare for the transition from megawatt-scale campuses to gigawatt-scale compute ecosystems.

Their joint appearance reflects a growing alignment across the power infrastructure ecosystem: scalable AI requires not only more electricity, but smarter coordination between UPS systems, energy storage, and facility operations. As data centers evolve, battery-enabled continuity is becoming a shared priority across technology providers, operators, and infrastructure partners.

Built for demanding AI applications, Ampace’s platform is engineered to respond rapidly during ramp-up and ramp-down events, while maintaining stable operation under continuous partial-load cycling. Its semi-solid cell technology further enhances intrinsic safety by reducing leakage risk and lowering thermal runaway gas generation, while cabinet-level validation under UL 9540A standards reinforces readiness for mission-critical deployments.

At Ampace’s booth, visitors have been exploring how advanced battery systems can help reduce infrastructure oversizing, relieve pressure on grid connections, and improve continuity in facilities originally designed for steady-state demand. The strong response reflects a broader market shift: batteries are no longer viewed only as standby assets, but as active components of modern AI power architecture.

Visit Booth 206 to meet the Ampace team, experience the PU Series on site, and join in-depth discussions on how advanced battery solutions are helping build a more resilient, scalable, and efficient AI infrastructure. On-site specialists are available throughout the show for live demonstrations, technical briefings, and media inquiries.

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TÜV Rheinland Opens Advanced Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana

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Empowering automotive industry capabilities through precision testing, international compliance, and innovative solutions for next-generation mobility.

MANESAR, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services, today announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Automotive Component Testing Laboratory (ACT Lab) in Manesar, Haryana. The ACT Lab will support manufacturers in meeting evolving regulatory requirements, adopting emerging technologies, and accelerating time-to-market.

As the world’s third-largest mobility market, India is developing rapidly, and demand for trustworthy, globally recognized testing services continues to rise. TÜV Rheinland’s ACT Lab supports the development of safer and high-performance automotive products.

Strategically located in Manesar, the facility is well-positioned to unlock growth opportunities within India’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, while advancing next-generation transport solutions.

Technological Excellence and Advanced Capabilities

The ACT Lab is equipped with advanced testing systems from leading international manufacturers, ensuring precision, reliability, and global acceptance of results.

Its capabilities include structural testing, corrosion and durability assessments, and environmental simulation under extreme conditions. The facility also offers fatigue and lifecycle testing for critical automotive components, alongside comprehensive material analysis for metals and polymers, delivering deep insights into performance under real-world conditions.

By providing end-to-end testing, inspection, and certification solutions under one roof, the lab distinguishes itself through its ability to replicate operational environments, meet global and OEM standards, and deliver highly reliable, traceable results.

Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trust

Commenting on the inauguration, Dr. Matthias Schubert, Executive Vice President Mobility at TÜV Rheinland Group, said: “Our investment in the Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar reflects TÜV Rheinland’s long-term strategic commitment to India as a key growth market. As the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation, this facility enables us to support manufacturers with advanced testing capabilities that not only ensure compliance but also drive innovation, safety, and global competitiveness.”

Highlighting the broader strategic intent, Thomas Quernheim, Senior Vice President Mobility, TÜV Rheinland Group, said, “India represents one of the most dynamic opportunities within our global mobility portfolio. This investment reflects our vision to build resilient, future-oriented capabilities that not only respond to market evolution but also shape the standards of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”

Rajendra Kisanrao Bandal, Vice President, Mobility at TÜV Rheinland India, added: “This facility goes beyond a conventional testing laboratory – it is a platform for collaboration and innovation. Combining global expertise with local insight, it enables manufacturers to enhance quality, reliability, and performance, while strengthening India’s position in the global mobility landscape.”

About TÜV Rheinland:

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of testing and inspection services worldwide. For over 150 years, the company has helped make the world a safer place. Today, more than 28,000 employees test, inspect and certify products, plants and processes, while also providing training for people in a wide range of professions. Operating from 500 locations in more than 50 countries, TÜV Rheinland helps safeguard key areas of business and everyday life. Headquartered in Cologne and generating annual revenue of close to €3 billion, the company plays a key role in quality assurance worldwide. TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2006, demonstrating its commitment to anti-corruption and sustainability.

Website: Click here

Media Contact:

Samrat Sinha
Communications & PR
TÜV Rheinland
Email: Samrat.Sinha@ind.tuv.com

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EZVIZ joins the United Nations Global Compact, starting a new chapter of its unwavering journey to long-term sustainability and further expanding its contribution to key environmental issues

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HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZVIZ, an advocate for greener smart homes, is proud to announce its participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on this Earth Day. As a smart home pioneer joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, EZVIZ will align its award-winning EZVIZ Green initiative with the UNGC’s Ten Principles, making a transformative impact through responsible business in environmental protection.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to adopt ten universal principles in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 25,000 participants across 167 countries, the UNGC is keeping the earth green and clean with its growing influence.

Though new to the initiative, EZVIZ has been implementing SDGs in its development, operations and management, including establishing an ESG committee directed by the Board. On April 10, the company published its 2025 ESG report under its commitment “Our Planet. Our Actions” for transparency and awareness. Over the past year, EZVIZ has received international recognition like the European Green Awards, the SEAL Sustainability Business Awards, and the Indigo Design Award with the “Design for Social Change” honor.

To safeguard a green planet, EZVIZ has addressed land degradation, global warming, plastic recycling, community empowerment and more. Partnering with Treedom, EZVIZ has planted 4,190 trees with local farmers, reducing approximately 738.2 tons of CO2. Together with Plastic Bank, EZVIZ has prevented over 1,000,000 plastic bottles from polluting vulnerable environments. The partnerships are reinforced by internally recycling plastics and minimizing waste. In 2025, EZVIZ incorporated over 30 tons of recycled materials into its RE7 Edge robot vacuum’s design and reduced CO2 emissions by 73.1 tons through greener packaging.

“Becoming part of the UNGC is a significant milestone for us. It means our efforts in building a better planet, have been recognized globally,” said Jingwen Cao, EZVIZ Board Secretary and Director of the ESG Committee. “This participation provides us the confidence to further expand our environmental protection, as well as to set stricter boundaries to avoid sacrificing the environment for commercial gain.”

With green in its brand gene, the company has also developed green technology with a low carbon footprint. The AOV low-energy consumption tech, and the ColorFULL low-light night vision mode help reduce energy consumption and light pollution resulted from 24/7 home security. Firstly embedding self-patented wild animal detection in outdoor cameras, EZVIZ continues to implement responsible AI to balance human safety and wildlife protection, according to Sophie Zhang, EZVIZ Global Brand Director.

“We believe in the power of technology and always strive to benefit not only our users, but also everyone and every life,” said Zhang. “Alongside other industry leaders in the UNGC, EZVIZ is motivated to contribute to a better future for generations to come.”

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