Business

The future of work:Management platform meets the needs

Integrated employee experience features set a new bar for advanced workforce management solutions designed for global enterprises WorkForce Software has a Suite of enterprise SaaS-based workforce management solutions with a fully integrated set of employee experience (EX) capabilities, designed to facilitate meaningful, in-the-moment interactions between managers and deskless employees. Critical capabilities delivered in the newest release include two-way communications and real-time workforce data, which managers can use to engage staff, capture feedback, and act on employee sentiment. Harnessing these digital interactions through the WorkForce Suite can drive more effective employee engagement, provide for a safer, more compliant work environment, and boost employee retention for greater organisational resiliency and agility. “In our work with some of the largest global employers, we can see that focusing on improvements to employee experience are being prioritised even more highly than before the pandemic,” said Mike Morini, CEO of WorkForce Software. “A tightening labor market, lower barriers to job change, and an increasingly diverse and digitally native employee population with higher expectations creates a demand for employers to re-imagine their workforce management technology and include solutions aimed at improving the employee experience.” Today, there are 2.7 billion deskless workers in the global workforce—many of whom indicate a disconnect due to a growing technology gap, which makes it difficult for employers to communicate with employees and keep their workforce engaged at scale. A recent survey conducted by WorkForce Software revealed a significant disparity in how employers and employees perceive the digital and technological support provided to meet workplace needs. According to the report, employers felt they had provided adequate job training, employee recognition, and scheduling flexibility, among other criteria, but many employees surveyed disagreed. This disconnect further exacerbates the struggle many organisations face to retain talented employees. Companies can no longer afford to consider solutions primarily […]

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Pioneering technology to help NASA land the next person on the moon

A project led by The University of Western Australia in partnership with Fugro Australia and supported by the Australian Space Agency will expand optical communication technology to support international space exploration missions such as NASA’s artemis program. The Australian optical communications support for NASA Artemis and beyond project, funded by $199,634 via the Australian Space Agency’s Demonstrator program, will seek to establish a new optical communications ground station in Western Australia to enable more precise and clearer communication between Earth and the Moon. Dr Sascha Schediwy from the UWA node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), who has previously pioneered advanced atmopheric stabilisation technology for free-space optical communication, will play a lead role in the project. Dr Schediwy, leader of the ICRAR Astrophotoncs Group and member of the UWA International Space Centre, said that free-space optical communication would have huge benefits for space exploration. “During the Apollo era, all communication between Earth and the astronauts in space relied on radio communication, which given the large distance between Earth and the Moon, led to low data rates and poor transmitted live video quality,” Dr Schediwy said. “Optical communication on the other hand has been shown to support data rates hundreds of times greater than radio communications, enabling 4K live footage of the next crewed Moon-landing – it’s the communication technology of the future.” Associate Professor Danail Obreschkow, head of UWA’s International Space Centre, said the project would harness the expertise and resources of the newly established Centre. “The International Space Centre launched earlier this year includes more than 12 research nodes, 150 researchers and 20 PhD students who are working on advancements for optical communications and space exploration,” Professor Obreschkow said. “The scientists are also working on research to improve our daily lives such as communication technologies, new […]

New podcast for progressive Australian manufacturers

Newcastle-based manufacturing growth specialist Graeme Fitzgerald recently launched a new podcast aimed at progressive Australian manufacturers who want to be more profitable, more sustainable and drive future growth. The ‘Manufacturing Mastery’ podcast includes special guest speakers and will cover a wide range of industry-relevant topics. The content is intended to offer valuable insights and practical, real-world advice that manufacturers can apply to their business. Topics covered will include how to embed a planning framework into your business, marketing in Australian manufacturing, new approaches to innovation, the importance of culture, how to lead change, and navigating the new normal. “Manufacturing Mastery is my way of doing what I can to help create a forum where we educate and support manufacturers by sharing knowledge, experiences and lessons learnt in a format that’s in snack-sized bites for a busy world”, said Graeme. “The podcast offers a unique opportunity to hear, firsthand, from practitioners what’s happening in all other areas of manufacturing and to listen to new ideas that may apply to their business, including emerging technologies – all from an Australian perspective”. The idea behind the podcast is to challenge thinking. Some listeners may not agree with everything that’s said – but that’s the intention. It’s designed to disrupt the status quo and create a forum for discussion. The first series of Manufacturing Mastery is anticipated to be released fortnightly and will run for eight to ten episodes. Episodes will be available on the Graeme Fitzgerald website as well as via your favourite podcast channels. To listen to the latest episodes, including ‘The Pursuit of Excellence’ with John Costly and ‘Marketing and Australian Manufacturing’ with Jacqui Daley, visit https://www.graemefitzgerald.com.au/

Rio Tinto to deploy world’s first fully autonomous water trucks at Gudai-Darri

Rio Tinto will deploy the world’s first fully autonomous water trucks at its $2.6 billion Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The new vehicles, primarily used for dust suppression on site, will enhance productivity by enabling mine operations to digitally track water consumption and reduce waste. Developed through a successful collaboration with leading equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar, three water trucks will join Gudai-Darri’s fleet of Caterpillar heavy mobile equipment including autonomous haul trucks and production drills. The vehicle’s intelligent on-board system detects dry and dusty conditions on site, triggering the application of water to roads to keep them in good condition. The refilling process is also completely automated with the water trucks recognising when it is time to refill, prompting them to self-drive to the water stand, park and top-up before returning to the field. They boast a 160,000-litre tank capacity, a 33 per cent increase on Rio Tinto’s largest water truck which has a tank capacity of 120,000-litres. Once deployed, the water trucks will be integrated into Rio Tinto’s existing Autonomous Haulage System which has been shown to significantly improve safety by reducing the risks associated with operators working around heavy machinery. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said “We have worked closely with Caterpillar to safely and successfully deploy the world’s first fully autonomous water truck. Water spraying is a vital part of mining operations and this new technology will improve productivity and reduce water usage across our operations. “The continued expansion of our autonomous fleet helps improve safety and continues Rio Tinto’s efforts to adopt world-leading technology to enhance our operations and realise our vision of making Gudai-Darri one of the world’s most technologically advanced mines.” Caterpillar Resource Industries Group President Denise Johnson added “We are pleased to work with Rio Tinto to […]

Trisco ramps up shelf stable output with state-of-the-art retort

Leading Australian food manufacturer Trisco Foods has planned a major push into Australia’s local thermal processing market with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art steam rotational retort machine. The four basket retort machine produces a range of shelf stable foods for consumer and industrial use. Trisco Foods CEO Mike Tristram said the one-of-a-kind retort machine greatly increased the capability of the Brisbane-based, family-owned food manufacturing business. “The state-of-the-art machine will allow Trisco to ramp up production of our popular Precise range of products for the aged care sector,” Mr Tristram said. “This investment will also empower us to aggressively pursue a range of new contract manufacturing opportunities. “The retort is capable of producing a wide variety of shelf stable, low acid foods and we are eager to grasp new opportunities for contracts in this space. “The one-of-a-kind retort machine will increase production efficiency by reducing heating time while also increasing quality. “It’s all about our commitment to creating unique and innovative food solutions in Australia and across the globe.” The Steam and Water Spray Overpressure Retort with Thermal Process Programmable Logic Controller is designed for thermal processing with many kinds of containers including aluminium retortable pouches and plastic containers. With directed steam injection, continuous water spray from top and sides guarantees homogeneous heat distribution in the vessel during both sterilizing and cooling. It is envisaged that this technology will enhance and expand Trisco Foods’ existing product range and open up new opportunities in both the local and export markets.

Rio Tinto and ARENA to study using hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in alumina refining

Rio Tinto has partnered with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to study whether hydrogen can replace natural gas in alumina refineries to reduce emissions. Rio Tinto will conduct a $1.2 million feasibility study, equally funded with ARENA through a $580,000 grant, into using clean hydrogen to replace natural gas in the calcination process of refining at the Yarwun aumina refinery in Gladstone. The study program includes work to be done at Rio Tinto’s Bundoora Technical Development Centre in Melbourne, where Rio Tinto’s in-house development capability has now been extended to hydrogen. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said “If we can replace fossil fuels with clean hydrogen in the refining process for alumina, this will reduce emissions in the energy and emissions intensive refining stage of the aluminium supply chain. Exploring these new clean energy technologies and methods is a crucial step towards producing green aluminium. “This study will investigate a potential technology that can contribute to the decarbonisation of the Australian alumina industry. If successful, the technical and commercial lessons from Rio Tinto’s study could lead to the implementation of hydrogen calcination technology, not only in Australia, but also internationally.” Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations acting managing director Daniel van der Westhuizen said “We see the ARENA and Rio Tinto-funded study as a step towards reducing refinery emissions and one that has the potential to play an important part in Rio Tinto’s commitment to decarbonisation. “We’re investing in work that needs to be done, not only to decarbonise one of our sites, but also to help provide a lower-emissions pathway for Rio Tinto and the global aluminium industry. “We recognise we are on a long road towards reducing emissions across our operations and there is clearly more work to be done. But projects such as this are an important part […]

Fleet Space Technologies awarded Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant

The Australian Space Agency has announced Adelaide nanosatellite manufacturer for the Internet of Things (IoT) Fleet Space Technologies as one of two recipients in round two of the Federal government’s Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grant. This will ensure Fleet Space can continue to be a growing contributor to Australia’s thriving space sector, and play a key role in NASA’s Moon to Mars project, while cementing Australia’s ability to compete in the international space economy. The $386,770 received through the grant will enable Fleet Space to improve the capabilities of its agnostic hybrid satellite low-powered wide area network (LPWAN), as well as expanding on its already deployed solutions for partners SA Power Networks (SAPN) and OZ Minerals, including collaborating to miniaturise and ruggedise sensors in the network. Together, the partners will pursue commercial supply chain opportunities, illustrating a terrestrial application of space technology that can be extended to Moon and Mars activities. The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter says “these grants will support the two local businesses to develop their work and tap into national and international space supply chains, helping grow skills and capabilities in the Australian space industry. “We are helping Australian companies be part of NASA’s plan to return to the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars, at the same time as strengthening our own space manufacturing base.” The success of this grant establishes Fleet Space as a major player in the Australian space sector, significantly growing its development of cutting-edge technologies and increasing international supply chain capabilities, as well as creating new Australian jobs as part of the government’s $150 million Moon to Mars initiative. Fleet Space CEO Flavia Tata Nardini says “winning this grant means our team can expedite and improve our manufacturing processes on devices specifically designed for […]

Footy club canteens to be safer with $30,000 in grants from ESV

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is offering Victorian grassroots football and netball clubs grants of up to $1,000 to upgrade old and potentially dangerous gas and electrical equipment in their canteens. ESV, in partnership with AFL Victoria, has handed out more than $90,000 over the past three years through its Safer Canteens grants program, helping 100 Victorian football/netball club canteens buy appliances that are safer and more efficient. Safer Canteens promotes broader energy safety and supports local, regional and suburban community sport – particularly following the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) during 2020. Grant applications open today. ESV Commissioner and Chair, Marnie Williams, said $30,000 was available through this year’s program with more than 30 clubs expected to receive a grant. An additional $1,000 Safer Canteen grant will be awarded through the Canteen Hero program, where ESV recognises the contribution of canteen volunteers, often the unsung heroes of footy clubs. Ms Williams also announced that ESV had this year become the sole sponsor of the Victorian Blind Football League, contributing $15,000 to support community sport and inclusion for the visually impaired. “After the disappointment of last year’s footy season being cancelled, it’s great to see our suburban, regional and rural athletes kicking and handballing again,” Ms Williams said. “ESV is proud to stand by community football and build on our long-standing partnership with AFL Victoria while also promoting awareness on important energy safety issues. “Safer Canteens also helps us ensure the safety of canteen volunteers and the community by helping them purchase safe new appliances. “We are so proud to get behind the Victorian Blind Football League, helping support this fantastic avenue for the visually impaired community to get out, have fun and enjoy some team camaraderie.” Head of AFL Victoria, Brad Scott, applauded ESV’s commitment to supporting inclusion and grassroots […]

Kemppi Australia’s Art of Welding Competition is on again

Kemppi Australia has launched its Art of Welding Competition for 2021. The competition showcases “welding art” which can take the form of a welded sculpture, pattern design, a motif or an object. The welding process involved to create the art piece can be manual or use more advanced techniques such as robotics, lasers or friction welding. Last year, the company launched its inaugural competition and was overwhelmed by the excellent response from both professional artists and amateurs alike. “It’s amazing to see the artistic flair that is well and truly alive not just among metal artists but also welders, apprentices, teachers and hobbyists,” said Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia. This year, the competition also features a dedicated amateur category. Entrants can win from a pool of four great prizes that include Kemppi welding equipment, helmets and clothing. The competition will run until Thursday 30th September and is open to anyone in Australia and New Zealand over the age of 18. For more information on how to enter visit the Kemppi Australia Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages or message Kemppi Australia’s social media pages directly. Alternatively, email skettos@skettos.com.au for a copy of the competition flyer.

Big Oil, Gas and Coal running out of places to hide

Three global fossil fuel giants have just suffered embarrassing rebukes over their inadequate action on climate change. Collectively, the developments show how courts, and frustrated investors, are increasingly willing to force companies to reduce their carbon dioxide pollution quickly. A Dutch court ordered Royal Dutch Shell to slash its greenhouse emissions, and 61% of Chevron shareholders backed a resolution to force that company to do the same. And in an upset at Exxon Mobil, an activist hedge fund won two seats on the company’s board. The string of wins was followed in Australia on Thursday by a court ruling that the federal environment minister, when deciding whether or not to approve a new coal mine, owes a duty of care to young people to avoid causing them personal injury from climate change. The court rulings are particularly significant. Courts have often been reluctant to interfere in what is viewed as an issue best left to policymakers. These recent judgements, and others, suggest courts are more prepared to scrutinise emissions reduction by businesses and – in the case of the Dutch court – order them to do more. Court warns of ‘irreversible consequences’ In a world-first ruling, a Hague court ordered oil and gas giant Shell to reduce CO₂ emissions by 45% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels. The court noted Shell had no emissions-reduction targets to 2030, and its policies to 2050 were “rather intangible, undefined and non-binding”. The case was brought by climate activist and human rights groups. The court found climate change due to CO₂ emissions “has serious and irreversible consequences” and threatened the human “right to life”. It also found Shell was responsible for so-called “Scope 3” emissions generated by its customers and suppliers. The Chevron upset involved an investor revolt. Some 61% of shareholders supported a resolution calling for Chevron to substantially reduce Scope 3 […]

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