Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest-standing technical partnerships in Formula 1™. digital backbone “With Siemens, we've got the digital backbone that lets us turn ideas into reality faster than ever,” said Christian Horner, CEO and team principal, of Oracle Red Bull Racing. "Their tools give our engineers the freedom to innovate, adapt, and stay agile, which in Formula 1 can be the difference between winning and losing. It's a partnership that continues to push us to new heights every season." Oracle Red Bull Racing Since then, the team has effectively managed logistical challenges, increased design complexity Since 2004, Oracle Red Bull Racing has built its engineering infrastructure on the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. Since then, the team has effectively managed logistical challenges, increased design complexity and the growing number of parts and the thousands of engineering changes per year, as well as improved manufacturing repeatability. Siemens Xcelerator Red Bull Technology uses Siemens Xcelerator and the world’s most comprehensive digital twin technology to thrive under the immense pressure of the Formula 1 racing season to design, iterate, and manufacture the cars and continue to drive the team’s success on the racetrack. “Working with Red Bull Racing from day one has been an incredible journey, both personally and professionally," said Ben Sheath, vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland, Siemens Digital Industries Software.  Siemens’ technology "I started as an engineer at Siemens, supporting their vision, and 20 years later, I’m proud to see how our collaboration has helped drive their success." “Watching Red Bull Racing become a powerhouse in Formula 1, knowing Siemens’ technology has been a key part of that, fills me with immense pride. It’s a partnership built on pushing boundaries, and I’m thrilled to have been part of it every step of the way.” measurable performance and data-driven targeting Siemens Xcelerator helps the team's technical leadership in engineering, manufacturing, and continuing success From reinventing how quickly engineering change can be executed and managed to adopt the latest product engineering technology that supports rapid part design, composite part development, and wire harness engineering, Siemens Xcelerator has enabled the team to digitally transform its processes. The team is continuously designing, manufacturing and even additively manufacturing parts both at its technical center and at the trackside in between races. When combined with the team’s focus on measurable performance and data-driven targeting of incremental improvements based on real-time actionable insights, Siemens Xcelerator helps the team's technical leadership in engineering, manufacturing, and continuing success on the track. Key Facts Siemens Digital Industries Software and Oracle Red Bull Racing technical partnership Oracle Red Bull Racing relies on Siemens’ comprehensive digital twin technology, enabled by the Siemens Xcelerator, to design, test, prove out, and manufacture championship-winning cars at the incredibly fast pace that Formula 1 demands. The team has seen a 300 percent improvement in part design cycle time using Siemens’ NX™ software for product engineering. The software’s complex shape modeling capabilities have also made design for aerodynamics throughput 1,000 percent quicker per iteration. With approximately 10,000 unique parts per car, the team uses Teamcenter® software to manage different, specific car configurations required by each track across the globe and has helped reduce sign-off times of design changes from weeks to hours. Oracle Red Bull Racing’s engineering team carries out thousands of design changes, all managed and released per racing season, with approximately 10,000 unique parts per car tracked, using Teamcenter. The team reduced design time from two weeks to two days using generative design capabilities in NX to create optimized designs for structural support and cooling components. Composite design and manufacture supported by Siemens’ Fibersim™ portfolio enables a 30 percent design-to-delivery improvement in time scales. The engineering team created a custom seat that supported each driver in the optimal position, reducing fatigue and improving control during races by using a combination of Simcenter™ software, NX, and Fibersim.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) held its Capital Market Event today showcasing outstanding financial performance and value creation. SI announced upgraded mid-term targets to achieve 6-9 percent comparable revenue growth and a target profit margin range of 16-20 percent over a 3-5-year cycle.  mid-term targets It will continue to focus on delivering strong profitable growth, margin expansion, and cash generation, with emphasis on value creation in key geographies and innovation across its portfolio and end markets.  The business, which combines the real and the digital worlds for sustainable infrastructure, announced it had outperformed the market, including outgrowing its direct competitors, and exceeded the commitments made during Siemens Capital Market Day in June 2021.  11 percent CAGR The business has been a strong contributor to supporting Siemens to meet and exceed ambitious sustainability SI exceeded its previous mid-term targets, achieving an 11 percent CAGR for revenue growth in the period fiscal 2020-2024. Its record 17.3 percent profit margin in fiscal 2024 was well above the targeted 11-16 percent profit margin over the cycle. During the past four years, SI has more than doubled its digital business revenue to €1.7 billion, exceeding the €1.5 billion target it had announced back in 2021, one year ahead of time. The business has also been a strong contributor to supporting Siemens to meet and exceed ambitious sustainability targets. global megatrends For fiscal 2025, SI is targeting a major advance towards its upgraded commitments, aiming for revenue growth of 6-9 percent and a profit margin range of 17-18 percent. The strong position it holds will enable the business to continue capitalizing on growth drivers resulting from global megatrends, including electrification, decarbonization, resource efficiency, data and AI, resilience, and people-centricity – all recognized as drivers of the digital and sustainability transitions.  decarbonization goals With a clear commitment to supporting customers’ decarbonization goals, SI helped them avoid 44 million tons of CO2 emissions in fiscal 2024 alone. “We set ambitious commitments and we delivered. Now, we’re raising the bar again with new targets to unlock the next level of value creation,” said Matthias Rebellius, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. Smart Infrastructure business “As a global technology pioneer in this rapidly evolving market, our Smart Infrastructure business is in a sweet spot, strategically positioned to capitalize on growth drivers." "We help customers across a broad range of industries and geographies to increase their efficiency so they can operate both profitably and sustainably and reach their financial targets in a competitive environment.” expansion, and cash generation Commenting on SI’s achievements, Siemens AG’s Chief Financial Officer Ralf P. Thomas said, “Over the past years, Smart Infrastructure impressively demonstrated how successful a well-prepared and consistently executed transformation can be." "The business operated exceptionally well across all metrics in a dynamically growing market. SI has been and will continue to be a key pillar of Siemens’ overall success. With the medium-term targets announced today, we are confident that SI will continue to drive strong revenue growth, margin expansion, and cash generation – not only for SI but also for Siemens as a whole.” Building on success to create value, expand digital portfolio  It will seek to maintain a resilient and versatile business mix by expanding its digital and service business For its next phase, SI will carry on investing in its broad-based global presence, implementing a local-for-local strategy and capacity expansion, while nurturing in-country talent in its stronghold markets such as the United States and India. These investments will deliver scalable results in established end markets, such as data centers, healthcare, and power utilities, to continue to grow faster than the market. It will seek to maintain a resilient and versatile business mix by expanding its digital and service business and concentrating on high-margin, data-driven products to increase recurring revenue. digital revenue The business will continue to expand its digital and service focus. Its digital revenue increase is not only attributed to software but also to remote and data-driven services – key drivers of profitability. Since 2021, it has successfully shifted its business mix towards more margin-accretive products and a higher share of standardized systems and solutions. Siemens Xcelerator portfolio SI is strengthening its technological leadership across Buildings, Electrification, and Electrical Products by integrating cutting-edge innovations into the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. Siemens Xcelerator, the company’s open digital business platform, combines SI’s offerings with the competencies of partners and developers for the benefit of customers. Building X, Electrification X, and Gridscale X SI will continue to expand its portfolio of repeatable and scalable products for cross-market implementation So far, the business has introduced three distinct umbrella portfolio categories to the platform: Building X, Electrification X, and Gridscale X​. All three have contributed to a revenue increase of above 20 percent in SI’s digital portfolio during the last year. SI will continue to expand its portfolio of repeatable and scalable products for cross-market implementation while focusing on high-growth markets such as data centers. data center business In fiscal 2024, SI exceeded its order intake expectations for data center business with a growth rate of around 60 percent, realizing more than €3.6 billion in orders, boosting revenue growth above 50 percent to more than €2 billion. The business enjoys longstanding relationships with all major tier-1 hyperscaler operators in the already booming data center business, fueled by the rise of AI. Its expertise, investments in scaling capacity to support customers, and constant, reliable delivery have persistently paid off. exponential demand SI’s addressable market continues to expand, growing 5-6 percent in the mid-term, and is forecast to reach more than €300 billion by 2029, from €185 billion in 2020. The business achieved above-market growth across all business areas, propelled by excellent execution of exponential demand for Electrification and Electrical Products.  Electrification business The Buildings business unit has the largest service business within Siemens and is pioneering in digital services The Electrification business is currently the market pioneer in medium voltage switchgear, Protection & Automation IEC, Grid Planning, and Meter Data Management. The Electrical Products business has jumped from fourth to second place in the market. The Buildings business unit has the largest service business within Siemens and is pioneering in digital services for smart buildings, with 140,000 connected building management systems.  Innovation and M&A Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of SI’s strategy. Its groundbreaking products that support the electrification of everything include the IoT-connected SENTRON ECPD, the world’s fastest electronic circuit protection device, which requires up to 90 percent less material, and the environmentally-friendly, F-gas-free blueGIS portfolio for medium voltage power supply, launched ahead of regulations in Europe. For building operators, examples include the Wireless Plug and Play Automation Bundle that works with Building X to reduce labor and energy costs, as well as Connect Box, which enables more efficient management of small and medium-sized buildings.  grid resilience and fire safety SI has bolstered its portfolio with strategic acquisitions, including C&S Electric in 2021 to address India's growing power needs, Brightly Software in 2022 to enhance digital building operations, and Trayer Engineering and Danfoss Fire Safety in 2024 to boost grid resilience and fire safety innovation. These investments highlight SI’s commitment to driving growth and innovation in fast-growing markets.

Siemens Mobility announced that the first Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains have received authorization for passenger operation in time for the scheduled timetable change on December 15, 2024, and are ready to inaugurate passenger service. Their approval marks another significant milestone for emission-free mobility in the Berlin-Brandenburg and Bavarian regions, where hydrogen-powered trains will be used for the first time. ultra-modern Mireo platform Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility, "We offer electric, battery, and hydrogen trains based on the ultra-modern Mireo platform and have completed the development of our innovative and environmentally friendly Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains right on schedule." "The first of these trains will now be entering passenger service and we are delighted to be a driving force behind the phasing out of diesel trains. This transition will reduce CO2 emissions and provide passengers in Germany with climate-friendly, powerful, and comfortable trains.”  Energy efficiency Locally produced hydrogen will be used in the trains’ fuel cells, and water vapor will be the only emitted by-product Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft will operate seven Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. These trains will save 1.1 million liters of diesel fuel per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 3,000 tons. Locally produced hydrogen will be used in the trains’ fuel cells, and water vapor will be the only emitted by-product. In addition, recovered braking energy will be used to further increase the trains’ energy efficiency. Mireo Plus H The Mireo Plus H, named “Freistaat Bayern”, will replace diesel trains at Bayrische Regiobahn (BRB) for two and a half years as of Monday, December 16, 2024. Test operations will begin in stages, starting with selected runs in the East Allgäu-Lechfeld network. Operations will later be expanded and the train will then also run on the Ammersee-Altmühltal network. The new Mireo Plus H provides an environmentally friendly, quiet, and efficient alternative to diesel propulsion, which is scheduled to be fully phased out in Bavaria’s regional rail system by 2040. Emission-free passenger transportation The Mireo Plus H combines innovation with sustainability. The train has a long operating range of up to 1,200 kilometers, is powered by an H2 traction system with a high drive power of 1.7 MW for accelerating up to 1.1 m/s2, and has a top speed of 160 km/h. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the Mireo Plus H sets new standards in emission-free passenger transportation. Siemens is especially pleased about this openness to new and innovative rail technology and that this climate-friendly and comfortable train will now be available to passengers in Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg. Battery trains in the East Brandenburg network The two-car trainset has a range of more than 120 kilometers on batteries alone In the state of Brandenburg, Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft is launching a large fleet of Mireo Plus B battery trains on its East Brandenburg network. The 31 battery trains will enter service in phases by the summer of 2025. The two-car trainset has a range of more than 120 kilometers on batteries alone.  Reduces fuel consumption Operation of the battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains will reduce the consumption of diesel fuel by around 4.4 million liters a year on the East Brandenburg network. The new trains will eliminate local CO2 emissions and, depending on the electricity mix, reduce broader regional emissions by around 11,500 tons per year. At the same time, the trains will significantly reduce particulate emissions. New railcar features The new railcars are equipped with three doors on each side to ease access for passengers in wheelchairs or strollers, also from lower station platforms. Each of the new trains will provide passengers with 127 seats and 12 spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. Passengers will also have free WiFi service, a dynamic passenger information system, and a specially designated family area. In addition, around 60 power sockets and USB charging ports are conveniently distributed throughout the train. New trains for the Danube-Isar network A generous number of luggage racks makes it convenient for passengers to stow their baggage In December 2020, Deutsche Bahn ordered 25 Desiro HC trains and six Mireo trains for service on the Danube-Isar network. The six Mireo trains were delivered in a 4-car configuration with 264 seats, including 14 seats in a first-class section, for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich via Regensburg. All trains are equipped with duplex sliding steps to ease access for passengers with reduced mobility from different platform heights. In addition, an on-board lift enables wheelchair users to board and alight at low station platforms. A generous number of luggage racks makes it convenient for passengers to stow their baggage.  Multi-purpose open areas Some of the 25 four-car Desiro HC trains have already been operating on the Danube-Isar network since August 2024. Positive customer feedback shows a high level of satisfaction with the new double-decker trains. The trains have multi-purpose open areas equipped with innovative supports for bicycles. High-frequency window glass specially developed to substantially improve mobile reception and free WiFi service ensure seamless communication. Up to three Desiro HC trains can run coupled between Munich and Landshut to provide great flexibility in meeting capacity needs.  New Mireo trains for the Regensburg-Danube Valley network In addition, 21 Mireo trains will inaugurate service for rail operator agilis on the Regensburg-Danube Valley network with the scheduled timetable change: They will run on RE line 50 (Nuremberg – Regensburg – Plattling) and RE line 51 (Neumarkt – Regensburg – Plattling). These trains will also be used for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich. The high-performance trains offer more seating capacity and modern equipment and features, including WiFi service and high-frequency window glass for optimal mobile reception. A total of 23 four-car Mireo trains will be delivered to rail operator Agilis.

Verizon Business wraps up the 2024 Innovation Sessions by returning to Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium on December 4. Hosted alongside event partner Ericsson, the Los Angeles Innovations Session will feature 5G-powered innovations that are changing the way enterprises and small and midsize businesses operate. Attendees will hear from industry pioneers and subject matter experts during fireside chats, panel discussions, and executive insights sessions. Executives from Fox Sports, Ticketmaster, FIFA, Google, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Ericsson, and Verizon Business will participate. Power of 5G “SoFi Stadium is the perfect venue to close out the 2024 Innovation Sessions tour. What makes SoFi Stadium the ideal place to talk innovation and the future is that Verizon had a pivotal role from the groundbreaking to the opening, ensuring the network infrastructure would be world-class while providing the framework for boundless innovation for years to come,” said Massimo Peselli, Chief Revenue Officer, Global Enterprise and Public Sector, Verizon Business. “By bringing IT and business pioneers from across industries together in this true innovation proving ground, we can have real conversations about the power of 5G, the current and future state of AI, and much more. There is power and excitement when you bring the best minds together, as it creates a renewed energy as to what’s possible today and that there is no idea too big for the future. That’s what Verizon Business’ Innovation Sessions are all about.” Digital transformation experts Among the companies presenting demos are Verizon Business, Ericsson, and Google Among the companies presenting demos are Verizon Business, Ericsson, and Google. Verizon Business will demo cyber risk programs, Sensor Insights, Verizon Business Assistant, a turnkey, AI-powered chatbot solution, 5G-connected devices, and the Proto hologram; Ericsson will demo 5G cloud gaming, neutral host private network, 5G robotics, live streaming over 5G, and network slicing; and Google will demo Android Work Profile, which enables users to securely toggle between work and professional usage on the same device, and Android Zero Touch, simplified device configuration that streamlines large-scale rollouts of corporate-owned Android devices. "We are delighted to partner with Verizon Business for their highly anticipated Innovation Session in Los Angeles. This thoughtfully curated event is designed to empower enterprise pioneers, small business owners, and digital transformation experts with invaluable insights and strategies to drive growth, innovation, and success,” said Sandra Cutrona, Vice President and Head of Business Development for Customer Unit Verizon, Ericsson North America. future of connectivity and business innovation Cutrona added: “As a proud partner, Ericsson is deeply committed to supporting Verizon Business in delivering advanced, commercially ready solutions tailored to the diverse needs of modern enterprises." "From our state-of-the-art neutral-host private networks to mission-critical connectivity solutions, we provide reliable, high-performance, and secure technologies that drive meaningful change and unlock new opportunities across industries, including coverage for high-performance stadiums that elevate the sports experience. Together, we are shaping the future of connectivity and business innovation.” The event will be held at SoFi Stadium, located at 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301, on December 4, 2024. Verizon’s Commitment to Los Angeles Network upgrades in Los Angeles include deploying new cell sites to extend coverage and capacity in local communities Verizon has recently made major upgrades to the network serving customers in Los Angeles, CA. These upgrades are part of a multi-year redesign of its network architecture to stay ahead of exponential data usage increases, upgrade the technology in the network, and pave the way for personalized customer experiences. Network upgrades in Los Angeles include deploying new cell sites to extend coverage and capacity in local communities. They also include adding more capacity on fiber optic cables to move more data through the network and adding bandwidth to the cellular network to accommodate new services like wireless internet service for homes and businesses. Verizon Innovative Learning Over the last decade, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity and inclusion within education for some of the most vulnerable populations across the country. The initiative has reached nearly eight million students across the U.S. In the Los Angeles - Long Beach metro area, over 54,000 students have been reached across the 39 schools participating in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, in which Verizon has partnered with nonprofit organizations to equip students in Title I institutions with free technology, internet access, and innovative STEM learning. Verizon’s responsible business plan Verizon aims to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training and support 1M small firms with aids Verizon offers free, personalized resources through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, designed to help small business owners grow their business, including online courses, 1:1 coaching and small business experts, virtual and in-person community events, and access to grant opportunities. Since its launch in September 2021, over 22,000 LA-based small businesses have registered and engaged with online courses like customer care, employee experience, cybersecurity, best practices for leveraging social media for growth, and many others. Through Verizon’s responsible business plan, Verizon aims to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training and support 1M small businesses with resources to thrive in the digital economy by 2030. Verizon’s myPlan With Verizon’s myPlan, customers can pay for only what they need. Everyone gets to customize their own plan, so each person or family member gets what they want and everyone can save. Pick the plan. Pick the perks. It’s that simple. This holiday season, new and existing customers can trade in their old smartphones from the top brands and get a new one—plus get a tablet and smartwatch on them. With Unlimited Ultimate. Service plan required for watch and tablet.  For Apple users: Get an iPhone 16 Pro when they trade in their old iPhone (any model or condition). They’ll also get an Apple Watch Series 10 and iPad 10th generation—all on them. For Android users: Upgrade the mobile device to the Samsung Galaxy S24+ or the Google Pixel 9 Pro when they trade in their old Samsung or Google Pixel phones. Plus, get a smartwatch and tablet on them. Verizon Home Internet plans Customers can get even more value when they combine myPlan with Verizon 5G Home Internet. 5G Home Internet offers broadband connectivity using Verizon’s 5G wireless network, providing fast internet that's ready for what comes next. With the 5G Home Internet, which starts at $35 per month with AutoPay and select 5G mobile plans, there are no long-term contracts, no data caps, or hidden fees. New customers who switch to select Verizon Home Internet plans this holiday season can choose between bundles for gaming or streaming. For gamers: The Xbox bundle includes accessories, making it a perfect gift for the gamer. For streamers: The streaming bundle includes the first full year of Netflix and Max perks (with ads) on them (then $10/mo after)—perfect for watching the favorite holiday movies and for at-home entertainment all year long.

Siemens and Eplan will make engineering and production processes for customers in machine and line building more efficient. Seamless data exchange between Siemens’ Teamcenter® X software, TIA-Selection Tool and the Eplan software Collaboration improves tool chain in machine engineering Machine builders can realize their projects in construction, operation and expansion faster and more efficiently Digital business platform This will be achieved by both companies significantly expanding data interoperability between their offerings. The automated interaction between Siemens’ Teamcenter X® software, TIA Portal, Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel makes engineering information available right on Eplan and vice-versa.  Customers will benefit from a more efficient tool chain for machine and line engineering Customers will benefit from a more efficient tool chain for machine and line engineering, making electrical engineering much faster and less prone to errors. This collaboration expands Siemens’ and Eplan’s partner ecosystems. The Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform creates a powerful ecosystem of partners that’s accelerating the digital and sustainable transformation of industry. Eplan customers are benefiting from the extended collaboration via the Eplan Partner Network. Sustainable transformation of industry "The partnership between Siemens and Eplan is a milestone in digital engineering. The optimized data exchange enables customers to realize their projects in construction, operation and expansion faster and more efficiently," said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries. Cedrik Neike adds, “With this collaboration we’re strengthening our Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem and are creating more value for our customers than each of us could individually." Eplan and Siemens partnership Eplan CEO - Sebastian Seitz, stated: "With this collaboration, Eplan and Siemens are bringing together their extensive experience in machine engineering to provide our joint customers with an end-to-end engineering tool chain. This makes engineering processes much faster and less prone to errors." The collaboration between the two companies was agreed on by Cedrik Neike and Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, owner and chairman of Friedhelm Loh Group, at the SPS trade show (Eplan is part of the Friedhelm Loh Group). The improved offerings will become successively available to customers beginning next year.

Aldercote, the renowned UK manufacturer of vehicle-mounted access platforms, has launched its first platform designed specifically for fully electric vehicles. The company, which supplies utility firms, including telecoms operator - Openreach and Irish energy provider - ESB, as well as dozens of UK local authorities, developed the new product for Norwegian distributor - Liftco AS. Aldercote’s first product The platform is Aldercote’s first product built entirely without stabilizers The platform is Aldercote’s first product built entirely without stabilizers. Instead, its design carefully routes the load path directly to strong points in the vehicle, resulting in a much lighter product than traditional platforms, without compromising safety standards. Aldercote Director, Marc Paish, said: "One of the challenges our customers face in transitioning to fully electric vehicles is that heavy batteries greatly reduce vehicle payloads." Demand for the new design Marc Paish added: "The design approach we’ve taken hands much of the payload back, which will be welcome news for fleet operators across a range of sectors. We expect to see increased demand for the new design as organizations continue the shift to electric vehicles over the coming years." The platforms produced for Liftco AS have been mounted on Ford Transit vans, providing a maximum operating height of 13.8 m, a maximum operating outreach of 8.4 m, and a safe working load of 230 kg. Rigor and innovation The platforms made for Liftco AS have been mounted on Ford Transit vans, a height of 13.8 m Gjermund Kristiansen, Director at Liftco AS, said: "We had clients who were ready to switch to fully electric vehicles, but were concerned at the prospect of a reduced payload and how this would affect their operating efficiency." Gjermund Kristiansen adds, "Aldercote’s focus on engineering rigor and innovation has delivered a practical solution that will enable my customers to meet their sustainability aims, while maintaining required productivity levels." Aldercote’s E-Drive system The new product also features Aldercote’s E-Drive system, which is easily adapted to both electric vehicles and engine-powered vehicles.  When fitted to conventional vehicles, E-drive platforms operate from a battery pack that is recharged while traveling, significantly cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to traditional power take-off systems. 

Even during the era of big business, most residential electrical service companies tend to be on the smaller end with less than 20% employing more than 100 workers. And, like most small businesses, electrical contractors probably assume that they don’t need public relations and that their advertising efforts are enough to sustain them. But this is a common misconception. PR isn’t a luxury reserved for million-dollar companies and can be used to help progressively scale your business in the long run. Lead generation companies If you’re like most electrical contractors, you are using the marketing and advertising advice that many other home service companies have taken over the years and have confined your advertising into avenues such as direct mail, lead generation companies, truck wraps and a reliance on third-party referral websites. That is one reason why adding PR to your marketing budget is a necessity While these are all good options, the problem is that your competition is also using the same marketing techniques you are using and are probably only reaching the same set of potential customers. That is one reason why adding PR to your marketing budget is a necessity if you want to rise above your peers in your market. Residential electrical services If you were to do a quick Google search for electrical contractors in your community, chances are you’d find page after page of similar options. And, if you aren’t on the first page of that list, you aren’t making much of an impact. But, with the right PR partner, you can build your company’s reputation and recognition so that it becomes synonymous with good residential electrical services. A public relations expert can help you develop campaigns that show you as a thought leader in your market while helping you secure earned media in your local news and trade publications. A public relations expert can help you develop campaigns that show you as a thought leader These methods increase your visibility. Strong visibility not only helps you reach a wider audience, it inadvertently helps you move up spots in Google rankings. The more mentions your company gets on social media, in the news and on other online platforms, the better Google ranks your website. what is Earned media So what is earned media? That’s media that isn’t paid for or owned by your company and includes media interviews, customer reviews and organic mentions on social media. And, it’s important because it is by far the most trusted form of publicity available. Studies have shown that more than 90% of consumer trust earned media over paid-for advertising. Consumers have become savvy to commercials and no longer uses ads as their main method of researching a potential service partner. But, it’s getting this earned media that can prove tricky for most electrical contractors. Most of you probably don’t know any journalists and you certainly don’t have time with your busy schedule to cultivate relationships with the media. Potential service partner A good PR expert can pitch your expertise and story ideas surrounding your company That’s where a PR agency can help. Many of them are former reporters or know the business well enough to have built relationships with many media outlets. A good PR expert can pitch your expertise and story ideas surrounding your company to media both locally and in trade publications. It’s also possible that you haven’t considered the need to consistently read and respond to your customers’ reviews online. This is important because studies have shown that more than 92% of consumers say they read online reviews before they purchase a product or hire a service provider. Social media game Since you do have a business to run, it may be difficult to carve out enough time to reply to these reviews – both the good and bad ones – in a way that is both effective and conciliatory. But, a PR partner does have the time and the experience to do this for you. But, a PR partner does have the time and the experience to do this for you Finally, PR helps you stay on top of your social media game. It’s not enough to simply have a company Facebook or LinkedIn page – you have to consistently post content and engage your followers. Coming up with something new to post is a challenge when you’re trying to schedule house calls, pay bills and hire quality electricians. Attracting new customers Once you have developed a PR strategy that helps you to promote your brand, increase your visibility and develop you and your company as the market leaders in your community, you’ll begin to notice that your brand is reaching a wider audience. And, it’s a proactive strategy that will help you influence the market in your favor. These positive messages help you grab the attention of your target audience and connect with them on a personal level. PR is about telling a good story to build relationships and it’s these relationships that will help you grow beyond that of your competitors. Heather Ripley is founder and CEO of Ripley PR, an elite, global public relations agency specializing in skilled trades, B2B tech and franchising. Ripley PR has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise PR Agency five years in a row and was named to Forbes’ America’s Best PR Agencies for 2021. She is the author of ‘NEXT LEVEL NOW: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for your Home Service Business.’

The promise of electric vehicles is closer to reality than ever before. New plans and investments at the federal level designate billions of dollars to move our country toward clean energy, including $2 million to help auto manufacturers retool facilities to increase EV production. Additionally, the Biden Administration has announced a goal to create 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Domestic EV marketplace The domestic EV marketplace has grown from 16,000 to more than 2 million vehicles in the last decade and is poised to expand at lightning speed over the next ten years. S&P Global mobility has predicted that by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) will make up 40% of the U.S. market share of new vehicles on the road. This dramatic increase in EVs will require a nationwide network of charging stations to meet the demand from the current 140,000 to over 1.1 million. Charging stations It is a necessity that regulators lay the groundwork now for a reliable and secure charging networkThe expansion of charging stations will undoubtedly give zero-emissions drivers more confidence in their ability to refuel more conveniently. Still, it’s critical that confidence in infrastructure security also be prioritized alongside this growth. If not adequately protected and monitored, charging stations could serve as access points for cybercriminals, potentially leading to personal data leaks, attacks on vehicle systems, and even widespread blackouts. As EVs continue to gain momentum as realistic alternatives to CO-2 emitting vehicles, it is a necessity that developers and regulators lay the groundwork now for a reliable and secure charging network for the long term. EV Charging Infrastructure and the electric grid The nation’s electric grid generates and delivers electricity essential to everyday life. It’s made up of power plants and other sources of generated electricity, complete with transmission and distribution lines and infrastructure that delivers essential power. Grid connection An important aspect to remember about EV charging stations is that they connect to their relative electric grid. Simply put, the infrastructure for charging stations is comprised of devices that wait for another device to connect and communicate. However, it lacks a third-party firewall or other devices that can act as protection. Unfortunately, this results in vulnerability and means new doors for cybercriminals to walk through. Cybersecurity risks If the grid became compromised by a large-scale attack, it could lead to destructive and widespread blackouts Even before EV charging stations are factored in, the electric grid faces substantial cybersecurity risks from criminals, terrorists, hackers, and foreign governments every day. If the grid became compromised by a large-scale attack, it could lead to destructive and widespread blackouts that would undoubtedly affect EV charging stations and other essential institutions such as banks, hospitals, and gas stations. With the expansion of EV charging stations, the risks only grow. Now is the time to address threats and strategize before disaster strikes. Risks of connectivity emerge The world we live in has reached a level of being almost entirely connected at all times – security systems, appliances, health monitors, industrial sensors, and now, our vehicles. While the connectivity of vehicles has been incredibly beneficial to consumers and the automotive industry alike, the growth in the internet of things (IoT) has opened countless doorways for cybersecurity threats. Software flaws One young information technology security specialist reported finding flaws within a third-party software that a handful of leading EV manufacturers use. It gave him access to more than 25 EVs in at least 13 countries. The man, who stumbled on the findings in 2022, said he could remotely control some EV functions, including starting vehicles, unlocking windows and doors, disabling security systems, and turning on stereo systems and flashing headlights. The IT specialist said he could also tell if a person was in the vehicle. In a separate and concerning situation, a single compromised password led to a foreign-fronted cyberattack on a U.S.-based pipeline in 2021. It halted the fuel supply process on the east coast and cost the company $4.4 million in ransom money. Cyberattacks Thousands of charging stations are already in danger of being targeted by cybercriminals The point is that even massive and powerful companies can fall victim to cyberattacks. Even though cybersecurity is a critical issue for EV manufacturers, their systems are still vulnerable to hackers. Thousands of charging stations are already in danger of being targeted by cybercriminals, and as the number of stations grows, so too will the risk. The higher the number of entry points, the more opportunities hackers will see. If they can break into and gain access to even the most sophisticated EVs, it could be catastrophic. Ensuring security and reliability through proactivity Because charging stations are connected to the country’s primary grid, the entire infrastructure must be armed with the most aggressive security measures. The risks associated with modernized electric vehicles are not something that traditional automotive safety regulations and security standards properly cover. The complicated and rapid evolution of EVs is putting them at a heightened threat. When charging stations are connected to the electrical grid, it is imperative to ensure strong cybersecurity measures are in place to remain dependable and effective.  Embedding cybersecurity technology We often see outside parties utilized to secure tech because of the frequent lack of necessary cyber protection The best way to ensure the electric grid's safety is to build cybersecurity technology directly into the charging stations. We often see outside parties utilized to secure tech because of the frequent lack of necessary cyber protection. Unfortunately, the promising growth EVs and their charging stations bring to our environment also contributes to technology’s vulnerabilities, which can cause key security measures to be overlooked. There’s no getting around it: EV charging stations are highly vulnerable to hackers. Awareness and solutions As the growth continues, there is an acute need for heightened awareness and solutions for the weaknesses associated with these charging stations. These solutions should consider everything from the charging points and devices to operators of the energy distribution networks and infrastructure providers. We must aim to implement advanced cybersecurity measures that will keep safe drivers and all the data that EVs contain.

Electricians play a pivotal role in preventing electrical fires by following safe practices during installations, repairs, and inspections. At a minimum, electricians should ensure all electrical wiring and components are installed according to current building codes and manufacturers' specifications. This includes using the right size wires for the amperage load, using approved materials, and properly securing all connections. During electrical inspections, electricians should identify and address any potential fire hazards. Electricians can also advise homeowners on electrical safety measures they can take to prevent fires. These include safe appliance use, avoiding overloaded outlets, and the importance of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Maintenance of electrical systems Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent possible fires. GFCI outlets have built-in protection to detect imbalances in electrical current and quickly shut off power to prevent shocks and potential fires, particularly in areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Regular maintenance of electrical systems is also crucial for fire prevention. Electricians can perform preventative maintenance checks to identify and address any developing issues before they become serious fire hazards. Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical fires cause scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Fire Hazards in the Home Some of the electrical components that present fire hazards in the home include faulty electrical outlets and switches, worn or damaged components, overloaded circuits, damaged or frayed cords, and misused extension cords and power strips. Improper use of light fixtures can also be a danger, and space heaters can be a fire hazard if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials As outlets and switches age, the wiring behind them can loosen and break, causing sparks and fire. Loose plugs can also overheat and ignite surrounding materials. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or using extension cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit, thus causing overheating and fires. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials. Cords that are kinked, pinched, or have exposed wires should be avoided and replaced immediately. Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Fires Here are some steps a homeowner can take to minimize the risk of fire from electrical systems: Upgrade the electrical system, especially if the home is older. If the electrical system has not been updated in a while, a qualified electrician can advise if it needs modernization. This could involve upgrading to breakers with better safety features such as Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology. Schedule an electrical safety inspection. Having a qualified electrician periodically inspect a home's electrical system can identify potential problems before they escalate into fire hazards. Keep flammable materials away from electrical components, including curtains, furniture, and piles of paper. Sparks and overheating can easily ignite nearby flammables. Addressing Multiple Threats Effective communication is key for electricians to impress upon homeowners the seriousness of fire hazards. Avoid technical jargon and explain fire hazards in clear, concise language that homeowners can understand. Focus on the potential consequences, like damage to property or injury, to heighten awareness. Pictures can be worth a thousand words. Show homeowners examples of damaged wiring, overloaded outlets, or faulty installations that pose fire risks. This can be done through photos on a tablet or phone, or even carrying around small physical samples. Frame the conversation around safety for the homeowner and their family. Highlight how addressing these hazards can prevent potential fires and ensure a safe living environment. Provide a written report after the inspection or repair. This report should detail the identified hazards, the corrective actions taken, and any recommendations for future maintenance or upgrades. By combining clear communication, visual aids, and a focus on safety, electricians can effectively convey the importance of addressing fire hazards to homeowners and empower them to make informed decisions about their electrical systems.

The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.

Many economists are predicting a recession in 2023, although most agree business conditions should improve by the end of the year. For the electricals market, numerous factors are in play that can offset the downturn, and any projections must also consider the variables of the local market (rather than the national or international outlook). Economic weakness and challenges The Conference Board forecasts that economic weakness will intensify and spread more widely throughout the U.S. economy over the coming months with a recession starting in early 2023. Real GDP growth was expected to be 2.0 percent year-over-year in 2022, then slow to 0.2 percent in 2023, and later rebound to 1.7 percent in 2024, according to the Conference Board. 2023 comes on the heels of a challenging year for electricals, when price increases and product shortages were a stark reality. Impact of  higher prices  A troubled geopolitical environment provides an additional source of economic uncertainty Sales growth numbers in 2022 were skewed by the impact of inflation: How much of the bigger numbers were “real growth” and how much reflected the impact of higher prices? Higher prices accounted for the lion’s share of revenue growth by some estimates, with real growth in the low single digits. A troubled geopolitical environment, exemplified by the war in Ukraine and a continuing COVID crisis in China, provides an additional source of economic uncertainty.   environmentally friendly technologies A positive factor that may offset the fragile outlook in 2023 includes an overall trend toward greater electrification and away from less energy-efficient power sources. Governments around the world are pushing for more environmentally friendly technologies, which provides positive headwinds for the electricals market. In the United States, for example, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, includes government investments and tax incentives to drive the transition to a greener world, including $27 billion to deploy low- and zero-emissions technologies, and $1 billion more each for advancing zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles and for zero-energy building code adoption. Tax incentives Another $750 million will be spent to establish interstate electricity transmission lines, and $87 million will go to low-emission electricity programs. Tax incentives will provide new inducements for consumers to transition to electric technologies, which means more business for the broader electrical market. The government is also encouraging investment in infrastructure spending and the construction of factories for a variety of electrical products. Residential construction The higher interest rates present affordability challenges for home buyers and a slowdown in the market Residential construction, a big factor in the electricals outlook, has slowed down considerably in 2022, and the trend will likely continue into 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by a total of 4.25 percentage points in 2022, a trend that is reflected in the interest rates charged to homebuyers. Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage increased from 3.2% to 6.3% in 2022. The higher interest rates present affordability challenges for home buyers and a slowdown in the market for single-family construction. Markets in the Sunbelt are less affected, but data on housing starts and building permits nationwide reflect the slowdown. Non-residential construction Non-residential construction has held up well in 2022, but demand is weakening in the new year, while a backlog of projects will likely preclude the worst of the impact, although the business pipeline will eventually be depleted. A troubling long-term trend for the construction market, and by extension the electricals market, is the tendency of companies to allow employees to work from home at least part of the time. The apparent eventual consequence is to lower the demand for office space, already reflected in lower occupancy numbers in some markets. Less construction means less demand for electrical products and services. Obviously, the long-term trend lines are still uncertain.   Supply chain woes Supply chain woes and longer lead times continued to plague the world market at the start of 2023, although the situation has improved since the worst of times. Lead times are still months longer than normal, and products powered by semiconductor chips, such as lighting controls, are especially a challenge. An employee shortage continues as companies in all sectors of the electricals market struggle to find enough employees to fill their needs. The shortage stimulates opportunities for companies to work smarter and to provide more preassembled electrical products to simplify installation.

SoFi Stadium, a world-class venue, turned to industry major - Belden for a complete end-to-end cabling and connectivity solution. Belden’s cutting-edge technology supports the stadium’s data-heavy demands, including the one-of-a-kind, roof-suspended Oculus video board, Wi-Fi infrastructure, digital ticketing, and a DAS system. Belden’s solutions for SoFi Stadium When the stadium’s owners required a solution that delivered top-tier quality, performance, and reliability while reducing labor costs, they called Belden. Count on Arrow to deliver unparalleled excellence in the low-voltage industry. Arrow will equip with the competitive advantage needed for any customer, any configuration, and any budget. Copper Cables & Copper Solutions Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Many cables featured their signature patented Bonded-Pair design, guaranteeing unparalleled signal integrity. Plus, with DataTuff® Industrial category cables, rest assured the system remains resilient against the toughest environmental conditions. Category 6A Choose from an assortment of configurations including small diameter, snake, industrial, non-bonded, and their innovative patented Bonded-Pair technology. Elevating performance benchmarks, Belden's renowned 10GXS Cable stands as the gold standard in the industry. Category 6 Belden has a wide array of Category 6 performance options, featuring their top-of-the-line REVConnect 3600 System cable boasting premium performance and ample headroom. The REVConnect 2400 System cable, surpasses TIA-568-C.2 standards, all backed by Belden’s renowned quality. Category 5e Belden presents a range of Category 5e performance options, with their flagship 1200 Series cable delivering exceptional headroom, surpassing the TIA-568-C.2 Category 5e standard. Featuring Bonded-Pair technology, their 1200 Series ensures unparalleled robustness in installations. Patch Panel Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations Belden offers a comprehensive range of copper patch panels tailored to meet the demands of both commercial and industrial settings. Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations or pre-loaded with high-quality copper jacks designed for Category 6A, 6, and 5E network installations. Trunk Cable Optimized for data centers, enterprise networks, and any environment prioritizing swift installation, Trunk Cable Assemblies offer factory termination and rigorous testing, slashing installation time by up to 90%. Eliminating the need for termination, these assemblies come in diverse lengths, equipped with connectors tailored to specific application requirements. Patch Cord Enhancing both performance and physical durability, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords ensure optimal transmission quality for network channels. With superb return loss characteristics adaptable to any environment, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords come in modular, small-diameter, and traceable solutions to meet specific needs. Fiber Cable & Fiber Solutions Discover an array of high-quality indoor and outdoor cable solutions within Belden’s comprehensive product line, featuring both tight buffer and loose tube designs. Tailored for diverse industrial settings, their offerings include armored, burial, and ruggedized options. Crafted to meet various specifications, their product range encompasses OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS2 (Single Mode) configurations. Tight Buffer Fiber Cables Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments, these cables stand out as a crowd favorite, ideal for intra-building backbones and both horizontal and vertical installations.  Offering versatility like no other, they come in fiber counts ranging from two to an impressive 144, making them adaptable to any project scale. Whether indoors or outdoors, these cables are engineered to exceed expectations, boasting a design that ensures seamless performance in any environment. Loose Tube Cables Belden’s Loose Tube Cables offer the ultimate solution for all outdoor and indoor/outdoor fiber optic needs. Whether it’s for OSP, conduit, direct burial, aerial, or trunking applications, Belden’s cables offer unmatched versatility and performance. Choose from a variety of options including dry or gel-filled single and double-jacket designs, with plenum and riser ratings. Armored Cables Belden’s armored cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical damage. The armor layer provides an extra level of protection against mechanical stresses, such as crushing, impact, and abrasion, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the cable. It also helps to maintain cable integrity in areas prone to disturbances such as rodent activity. Connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate fusion splicing with field-installable connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate the advantages of fusion splicing with the ease of field-installable connectors, they greatly enhance flexibility for field termination, while elevating installation performance and reliability beyond traditional mechanical splice connectors.  Eliminating the need for crimping, polishing, or adhesives during termination significantly reduces installation errors. Cassettes Belden offers an advanced DCX and LAN Cassettes platform designed to cater to a wide spectrum of density requirements, ranging from low to ultra-high density applications. Cassettes platform encompasses frames, cassettes, and covers for a comprehensive array of connector types, including LC, SC, ST, and MPO connectors, as well as Copper RJ45 Jacks and Couplers. Patch Cords Simplified, durable, adaptable, and readily accessible. Unmatched quality and performance define Belden's FX patch cords, engineered with a robust design to endure daily wear and tear. Available in standard configurations off the shelf or swiftly customized for tailored installations, they ensure reliability in any setting. 

Siemens has developed a digital twin especially for large event spaces. The technology makes it possible to realistically reproduce and simulate very precisely a building’s acoustics and structure. The Sound of Science application will be used for the first time in the Großes Festspielhaus – the Large Festival Hall – at the Salzburg Festival. Sound of Science application Orchestral formations on the stage can also be tested and arranged in advance Sound of Science will enable event organizers to virtually explore how acoustics change in different spatial configurations – for example, how adding acoustic panels affects the listening experience – in order to select the optimal acoustic scenario. Orchestral formations on the stage can also be tested and arranged in advance – before a single note is heard in the real world. This approach saves money, resources and time. Siemens to use digital twins “With Sound of Science, we’re designing the future. Digital twins are not only transforming the everyday for many companies, but are also creating new opportunities for the cultural and creative industries,” said Prof. Dr. Stephan Frucht, Artistic Director of the Siemens Arts Program. Dr. Stephan Frucht adds, “In the future, we’ll be able to plan stage productions better and even simulate them acoustically in advance. We’re delighted to have the Salzburg Festival at our side as a long-standing partner, who recognizes the opportunities such innovations offer.” Sound of Science app for select partners Siemens will make the Sound of Science app available to selected partners from the cultural world free of charge as a demonstration application. There are currently no plans to market the application. Its simulation solutions, however, may be purchased. The Salzburg Festival’s Großes Festspielhaus is the first and only large event space to date in which Sound of Science is available. However, Siemens is planning to digitally simulate further spaces – including concert halls in Germany and England. At the Salzburg Festival, audiences will have an opportunity – unique for the time being – to use VR glasses to experience the application at the festival’s opening on July 20. Siemens and the Salzburg Festival “Siemens and the Salzburg Festival share a common passion for excellence and innovation. And we’re delighted to partake in this pioneering technological development and innovation as part of our long-standing close and trust-based partnership,” said Dr. Kristina Hammer, President of the Salzburg Festival. Dr. Kristina Hammer adds, “We’re excited to see what diverse applications will stem from Sound of Science in the future.” Siemens Simcenter’s simulation solutions The technologies used are part of the simulation solutions from Siemens Simcenter The technologies used are part of the simulation solutions from Siemens Simcenter, which has been part of the company’s core business for over 15 years. The technology is mostly used in industry – for example, for the acoustic optimization of vehicle interiors or for protection against street noise. For Sound of Science, Simcenter uses a combination of impulse response measurements and ray tracing for the 3D modeling of each event space. These methods can measure the echo and reverberation of a sound and simulate how sound waves propagate in a room. Depending on the material, reflections of sound waves behave differently. Those that bounce off a concrete wall react differently from those that hit a carpet or reach the ear directly. As a result, the simulation can reproduce the individual sound signature of each event space – in other words, its acoustic DNA. Siemens Festival Nights Siemens has been working closely with the Salzburg Festival for around 30 years. Since 1999, the company has also been the festival’s main sponsor. Since 2002, the Siemens Festival Nights have been held on Kapitelplatz square during the Salzburg Festival. Since its beginning, this open-air event has provided more than one million visitors with the opportunity to experience previous and current festival productions on an LED screen free of charge. In addition, some of the Salzburg Festival’s venues are equipped with Siemens technology from the areas of building automation, security and acoustics.

Zermatt is a truly unique destination nestled in the Swiss Alps. The town is primarily renowned for its iconic Matterhorn Mountain, which stands at 4,478 meters and is one of the highest and most recognizable peaks in the Alps. Zermatt’s landscape includes 38 peaks over 4,000 meters. With around 2.5 million overnight stays recorded in 2023, Zermatt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. However, due to the town’s remote location and rugged terrain, Zermatt faces specific challenges. These include the need for reliable and sustainable infrastructure and the management of natural risks, such as avalanches and extreme weather events, which can disrupt infrastructure and pose safety concerns. These factors, combined with the altitude difference, oxygen-deficient air, and steep terrain, underscore the need for innovative solutions. For decades, together with its innovative customers, Siemens has been developing technological solutions to meet these challenges.  Evaluation of energy flows The hut operates mainly autonomously and is largely self-sufficient in its energy needs The Monte Rosa Hut, located 2,883 meters above sea level, is one of the most iconic mountain huts in Switzerland. The high-tech hut has been equipped with Siemens building technology since its reopening in 2010. In 2021, 8.6 tons of lead batteries were replaced by 2.7 tons of lithium batteries.  Continuous online evaluation of energy flows indicated the need for a new solution as the existing lead batteries would soon reach the end of their lifespan. The hut operates mainly autonomously and is largely self-sufficient in its energy needs. With the building management system Desigo CC, as the comprehensive on-site solution to manage all the systems, such as HVAC, Shading, Lighting, Power, Fire Safety, and Security, the operator can quickly review the key equipment values, check key room KPIs, and troubleshoot any potential problems.  Troubleshooting potential problems In 2024, the open and flexible IoT platform “Building X” from Siemens was deployed. Building X is the scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage, and optimize building operations, allowing for an enhanced user experience, increased performance, and improved sustainability.  The Matterhorn summer paradise offers bike trails, adventurous kickbike and dirt scooter descents Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is Switzerland’s largest cable car company. The cable car station ‘Matterhorn glacier paradise’ is Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883 m above sea level. It offers year-round snow experiences and stunning views of 38 peaks over 4,000 m. The Matterhorn summer paradise offers bike trails, adventurous kickbike and dirt scooter descents, and 400 km hiking trails. In the winter, the company offers, together with Cervinia/Valtournenche, 54 lifts and a total of 360 km of slopes. Rapidly changing weather Infrastructure in mountainous and challenging terrain demands high standards due to factors such as altitude, low oxygen levels, and rapidly changing weather. Siemens and Zermatt Bergbahnen share a long-standing and successful partnership in areas such as low-voltage power supply and state-of-the-art control solutions, which has been expanded with the completion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and the connection from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Testa Grigia in Italy. Siemens solutions provide complete transparency and traceability of the system, thereby ensuring a seamless energy management overview of the entire infrastructure. This system ensures that all the energy values can be managed directly on the control units and displayed graphically on a state-of-the-art display/HMI or SCADA. Data from different subsystems provided by a wide range of manufacturers can be easily integrated into the overall Siemens system via standardized interfaces. Remote management of critical systems The Gornergrat Railway (GGB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB) are part of the BVZ Group The Gornergrat Railway (GGB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB) are part of the BVZ Group, which includes 10 subsidiaries. The BVZ Group provides public transport and tourism services in the cantons of Valais, Uri, and Grisons.  The GGB adopted the first cloud-based operational model in 2017, which was facilitated by Siemens Mobility. It ensures seamless and reliable operation. This innovative approach eliminates the need for on-site server infrastructure and allows for the remote management of critical systems. The integrated control and information system, known as “Iltis”, enhances operational efficiency and safety. This system enables remote control of signaling, monitoring of operations, and management of passenger information systems. Streamlining depot operations Another world premiere in 2023: The first mobile depot control system in the cloud, the Controlguide® TrackOps Depot, for the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Controlguide® TrackOps Depot is an innovative depot control solution, enabling the local management of shunting activities and streamlining depot operations. Utilizing cloud-based technologies, Siemens provided flexible and scalable depot control solutions to ensure the efficient management of railway operations. Tablet-based control interfaces were introduced for depot operations, thereby enabling the simplified and efficient management of shunting activities directly from the field.

The project aims to increase the resilience of the city's transmission network, reducing dependence on energy supply from other locations, and meeting demand during the peak tourism season. WEG has just announced the supply of a complete energy storage system (BESS) for the city of Aspen, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The project aims to enhance the resilience of the local power grid, which does not have its own power generation system and is entirely dependent on generation from other cities. Microgrid management software The solution provided by WEG includes transformers, AC/DC voltage converters, battery containers, switching and protection systems, as well as advanced microgeneration or microgrid management software. The initial system will have a capacity of 1.5 MW of power and 2 MWh of stored energy The initial system will have a capacity of 1.5 MW of power and 2 MWh of stored energy, with the potential to expand to up to 8 MWh when fully implemented. The management software is being developed by teams of specialists in the United States and Brazil, where WEG’s largest software development technical team is based. Implementation of the BESS system This project is yet another in the portfolio of BESS systems in the United States, where WEG has a group of engineers dedicated to this product in the cities of Duluth, GA, and Barre, VT. According to Carlos Bastos Grillo, Managing Director of Digital and Systems at WEG, the implementation of the BESS system will not only reduce dependency on external energy sources, but also increase the city's resilience against power supply interruptions during the peak season and dry periods, when wildfires occur more frequently in the region. Facing similar challenges "The guarantee of a stable power supply is vital for the sustainability of local tourism, which is the backbone of Aspen's economy. We believe that this project will not only benefit residents and visitors, but also serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges," assures the Executive. The BESS system is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, preparing Aspen for the high ski season that starts in November. Timely completion will ensure that the city does not suffer from power shortages during one of the most critical periods for local tourism.

Quanergy Solutions, Inc., a provider of 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) security solutions, was chosen by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to analyze footfall to support the passenger journey with the ultimate goal of enhancing operational efficiencies. Quanergy’s technology is delivering accurate data-driven insights for YVR’s Domestic Check-in and Security Screening facilities.  Real-time insights “Through the implementation of Quanergy’s solutions, we have harnessed the power of real-time insights, gaining a deep understanding of passenger volumes and the associated wait times at different stages of their journey through the terminal,” said Jason Williams, Manager of Innovation & Technology Group, YVR. He adds, “With this high-precision data at our disposal, we can trigger real-time alerts whenever we approach or exceed predefined thresholds. This invaluable capability enables us to collaborate seamlessly with our stakeholders, ensuring that our travelers experience a smooth and stress-free journey through our airport.” Q-Track YVR currently uses insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time With Quanergy’s 3D LiDAR sensor and advanced perception software solution, Q-Track, YVR can accurately identify, classify, and track people/objects for enhanced operational insights. YVR currently uses these insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time and time spent passing through security, which ultimately sees an increase in customer happiness. streamline operations “We are pleased to have collaborated closely with the YVR team, resolving a multifaceted challenge encountered by many passenger terminals today,” said Adam Andres, Vice President of Global Sales at Quanergy. He adds, “The forward-thinking of the YVR Innovation and Technology Group, in embracing Quanergy’s field-tested and fully scalable Q-Track solution, led to the achievement of our project objectives. We take pride in our contribution, providing real-time actionable intelligence to enhance security, streamline operations, and elevate the overall passenger experience.”

Mota-Engil, a multi-national with activities focused on the construction and management of infrastructures, responsible for the construction of the Canoas wastewater lifting station, selected WEG as the provider of a large package of electrical solutions for an important initiative to decontaminate the waters of the Bogotá River, in Colombia. Sustainable development When the project is completed, the pumping station will receive the wastewater from approximately 70% of the city, corresponding to the Fucha, Tintal, and Tunjuelo river basins, and the wastewater from the Municipality of Soacha, to be later pumped to the future Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will be one of the largest in Latin America. This great milestone will make it possible to return quality water to the Bogotá River and guarantee the sustainable development of the country. Safe distribution of energy Seventeen medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers One of the great challenges of this project is to guarantee the safe distribution of energy to the electrical systems and motors. For this, WEG has supplied a complete 115 kV substation that includes two 30 MVA/115/13.2 kV transformers, adding more efficiency and reliability to the plant. 17 medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers. For this project, WEG will also be supplying six three-phase induction motors and six medium voltage variable frequency drives. Each 4,300 kW motor, vertically mounted, will be coupled to its respective pump and will be responsible for pumping 6.4 cubic meters of wastewater per second to 51.6 meters height from the well, one of the most critical processes in the plant. Improvement of the quality of life This demonstrates the company's ability to develop integrated solutions that meet the most diverse applications. With participation in other important projects in the water and wastewater segment, in various processes such as potable water treatment plants, wastewater treatment, and distribution systems, WEG reinforces its experience in this segment by being selected for this important project, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the population and the environment.