Hackers can easily take control of construction cranes

Researchers working for Japanese cybersecurity company Trend Micro were able to take control of construction cranes with surprising ease, according to a report in Forbes. The researchers set up simple, cheap cyber attacks by hacking into the communications between the controllers and the cranes.

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MTS Systems Corporation

Being certain means everything when solving complex engineering challenges. Our products and our reputation depend on it. At MTS Systems Corporation, we collaborate closely with our customers to design, develop and produce higher quality products with greater speed and lower cost.

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Engineering Tech

Midyear Deals in Engineering 2022

Article | July 13, 2022

Recent M&A activity has slowed slightly in 2022, owing primarily to economic and geopolitical uncertainty. In the short term, deal activity is expected to remain stable. This continued investment is expected to be driven by capital availability, private equity (PE) investors, and strategic balance sheet strength. Despite a drop in deal volume in the last quarter, deal activity remained consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Volumes in the four quarters ending in the first quarter of 2022 exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18%. Deal values fell in the last two quarters due to fewer megadeals (deals worth at least $1 billion), as companies became warier of complications arising from government approvals. With the exception of construction machinery, North American activity drove deal volume growth over the last four quarters across all engineering and construction (E & C) subsectors. This region saw a shift toward local, strategic investor transactions, emphasising the impact of global economic headwinds. Prospects for Engineering Transactions Despite headwinds from slowing economic activity, rising interest rates, and cost pressure from rising material costs, increased competition for labor, and ongoing supply chain issues, the outlook for E & C sector deal activity remains positive, driven by the continued availability of capital and bolstered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The recent improvement in the performance of the residential market is expected to continue, owing to historically low interest rates, a housing gap caused by underbuilding over the last decade, the millennial generation entering prime home-buying age, and housing inventory near all-time lows. The non-residential market is expected to expand, but the outlook varies by sector. Transportation, manufacturing, and education are expected to benefit from infrastructure spending, while construction spending on offices and hotels is expected to decline, owing to continued remote working and business travel trends post-pandemic. “E&C deal activity is expected to remain stable due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, private equity and corporate dry powder, realignment of end market exposure and acquisition of new technologies to support operations, despite the impact of inflation, supply chain disruption, labor shortages, and the war in Ukraine.” - Danny Bitar, US Engineering and Construction Deals Leader in the United States

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Engineering Tech

How Precast is Leading Digitalization in Construction

Article | August 24, 2021

Experts from the construction industry predict a bright future for precast elements: the average annual growth rate of the global precast concrete industry is expected to be 5.3% between 2021 and 2028. In 2020, the precast concrete market was valued at around USD 92.14 billion and is anticipated to grow to over USD 139.33 billion in 2028[1]. However, the average growth rate of the construction industry as a whole is expected to be just 3.2% annually according to the Global Construction Report. Why industrialized construction in particular is growing faster than the rest of the construction industry can be explained by the numerous advantages of this technology.

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Engineering Tech

Infrastructure Policy Watch: impact of Covid-19 behaviour change and Australian Budget boost

Article | July 20, 2022

The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published a new assessment of how behaviour change brought by Covid-19 will impact infrastructure networks as part of its prep work ahead of the second National Infrastructure Assessment. The NIC’s findings are that it's too early to assume that Covid-19 behaviour change will lead to completely different patterns of infrastructure use, even if these changes remain in place. The commission recommends using realistic scenarios and planning responses to the range of possibilities these scenarios present to manage uncertainty. They also suggest a more ‘adaptive’ approach to longer-term project commitments and using data to understand how changes are unfolding.

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Engineering Tech

How Engineering Answers to Why Cybersecurity is Critical to Realizing the Full Potential of 5G Networks?

Article | July 20, 2022

5G is the next quantum leap in mobile and wireless communication, providing unprecedented speed, capacity, and capabilities. In the 5G world, networks will serve trillions of connected things, and each person will be supported by hundreds of connected devices. In addition to these opportunities, the combination of new capabilities and virtualisation in 5G introduces new threats. 5G has significantly more network end-points that cyber criminals can exploit, and 5G virtualisation means that the entire connection is based on software, which is inherently hackable. Transforming society by reconceptualising the “network” Understanding where the vulnerabilities exist is a critical first step toward protecting 5G networks from cyber threats. This entails implementing a process that involves identifying, profiling, and assessing the health of each component before allowing it to connect to the network, and, if necessary, restricting access to the 5G service based on this assessment. It's known as a zero-trust approach, and it will assist organizations throughout the 5G ecosystem in striking the right balance between business risk and 5G security. 5G Expands Cyber Risks The network is transitioning away from centralized, hardware-based switching and toward distributed, software-defined digital routing. However, in the 5G software defined network, that activity is pushed outward to a web of digital routers spread throughout the network, removing the possibility of chokepoint inspection and control. 5G adds to its cyber vulnerability by virtualizing higher-level network functions previously performed by physical appliances in software. These activities are based on the Internet Protocol common language and well-known operating systems. Even if it were possible to secure the network's software vulnerabilities, the network is also managed by software—often early generation artificial intelligence—that is vulnerable. The dramatic increase in bandwidth that enables 5G opens up new attack vectors. Low-cost, short-range small-cell antennas deployed throughout urban areas become new physical hard targets. Finally, there is the vulnerability created by connecting tens of billions of hackable smart devices (actually, small computers) to the Internet of Things network. Plans are in the works for a diverse and seemingly endless list of IoT-enabled activities, ranging from public safety to battlefield to medical to transportation—all of which are both wonderful and uniquely vulnerable. In this paper, we argue that a zero-trust approach, combined with company leaders focusing on three key pillars—trust, resilience, and enablement—will form the foundation of a sound cyber strategy, allowing companies to roll out 5G quickly and safely.

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Spotlight

MTS Systems Corporation

Being certain means everything when solving complex engineering challenges. Our products and our reputation depend on it. At MTS Systems Corporation, we collaborate closely with our customers to design, develop and produce higher quality products with greater speed and lower cost.

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Design, Mechanical and Motion Systems, Engineering Tech

SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

SPX FLOW, has released the Universal® 2 ND Positive Displacement Pump (U2 ND) Series designed with industrial users in mind. The pumps offer the quality and durability the Waukesha Cherry-Burrell brand is known for while optimizing cost and suitability for the industrial market. The U2 ND series significantly expands the WCB pump range, aimed at enhancing reliability and performance across industrial applications while outperforming other pump styles, such as industrial lobe, gear or progressive cavity pumps.The design features improvements uniquely suited for industrial applications, including: Total cost of ownership: The pumps ensure a long running life, given their robust construction materials and designs tailored for each application. Because of its high volumetric efficiency, the pumps can be used to dose fluids, eliminating the need for an additional metering pump.  Efficiency: The U2 ND pump reduces slip, which occurs when fluids move backward from the liquid flow due to internal clearances. Lower slip means more efficiency, reducing the need for higher horsepower motors. Also, the series can process fluids over longer spans due to its high-pressure capability, which reduces the need for multiple pumps in these applications. Reliability: WCB is a proven and trusted global brand dating back to the 1880s. The pumps are made with durable, corrosive-resistant materials compatible with industrial environments. A robust design, equipped with industrial flanges or sanitary fittings, ensures manufacturers can choose the configuration to meet their needs.  Additionally, an extensive sales channel and domestic manufacturing footprint support this pump series, enabling quick deliveries on standardized parts across the entire Universal pump product line. The U2 ND series is complemented by the Universal Industrial 5000 series, which is tailored for users who require OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seals for their industrial pumping operations. Julien Bassett, Pumps Global Product Manager: "Waukesha Cherry-Burrell has extensive experience offering pumps to customers built with their needs in mind. We wanted to expand our offerings to provide quality and durability of the SPX FLOW brand while catering to the unique needs of industrial manufacturers and their applications."

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Engineering Tech

Bowman Acquires South Carolina Firm Dennis Corporation

Business Wire | October 17, 2023

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment, today announced the acquisition of Dennis Corporation (“Dennis”), a civil engineering, surveying and construction management firm headquartered in Columbia, SC. Supporting public and private sector clients, Dennis specializes in delivering general civil infrastructure planning and design; program and construction management and oversight; environmental and geotechnical services for traffic and transportation; intelligent transportation systems (ITS), aviation, water resources and public sector facilities. With a rich history of client-focused services, sustainable engineering practices and forward-thinking solutions, the firm has a proven reputation of success. Established in 2005 by current CEO Dan Dennis, the firm has grown to become one the largest locally owned engineering, surveying and construction management firms in South Carolina. All 40 technical and administrative professionals will become Bowman employees in connection with the acquisition. “Dennis Corporation embodies a culture of commitment to unparalleled client service, which aligns perfectly with our cultural values, making them a great fit for Bowman,” said Gary Bowman, chairman and CEO of Bowman. “Their focus on transportation, construction management and surveying complement recent acquisitions we’ve made, and their geographic footprint introduces us to an attractive growth market in a familiar region. We’re looking forward to getting Dan and his team onboard and integrated into our platform so we can start sharing work and growing our collective base of business through revenue synergies.” “Becoming a Bowman company begins an exciting new chapter in our proud story,” said Dan Dennis, CEO of Dennis Corporation. “Our employees are looking forward to the suite of professional development platforms available at Bowman. We’re anxious to contribute to Bowman’s work-sharing mindset and we’re excited about the opportunities we will have to expand our service offerings and increase our exposure to clients and markets.” Financed with a combination of cash, seller notes and equity, the acquisition falls within previously discussed target multiple and operating metric ranges and is expected to be immediately accretive. The Company anticipates the acquisition will initially operate at an annualized net service billing run rate of approximately $4.5 million. More detailed information on M&A activities, pipeline and guidance updates are provided in connection with scheduled quarterly and annual communications. About Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Bowman is a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment. With over 2,000 employees and more than 80 offices throughout the United States, Bowman provides a variety of planning, engineering, geospatial, construction management, commissioning, environmental consulting, land procurement and other technical services to customers operating in a diverse set of regulated end markets. Bowman trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol BWMN. About Dennis Corporation Since 2005, Dennis Corporation has operated as an engineering, survey and construction management firm committed to innovative designs, sustainable solutions and high-quality services for clients in South Carolina. The firm employs highly trained and experienced personnel who utilize the latest equipment and software for design and construction management. The construction services division has all the necessary DOT, environmental, OSF and OSE certifications and equipment required to perform field inspections and testing. Managing projects throughout the state of South Carolina, the Dennis team understands the importance of completing projects within budget and ahead of schedule. For more information on Dennis Corporation, their projects and their services, visit www.denniscorporation.com.

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Engineering Tech

EXP announces new Northern Ontario Engineering Sector

GlobeNewswire | October 12, 2023

EXP, a global engineering, architecture, design and consulting firm, has announced the establishment of a new Northern Ontario Engineering sector. The new sector will be led by EXP’s Vice President, Northern Ontario Kevin McKay. In his promoted role as sector leader, Kevin will be responsible for engineering services on critical infrastructure projects throughout Northern Ontario. Kevin will use EXP’s global footprint to nurture client relationships, promote growth, recruit talent and foster EXP’s inclusive culture. Kevin’s promotion comes amid robust infrastructure projects in Northern Ontario. “EXP is proud of its reputation for organic growth. As we continue to expand our presence across North America, we are committed to hiring and promoting team members who are client-focused, results-driven and embody EXP’s core values. Kevin’s familiarity with Northern Ontario and his exceptional leadership skills will allow EXP to support clients and communities to reach their desired outcomes,” said EXP’s President and COO Mark Dvorak. Kevin brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, planning and execution of engineering and construction projects. Throughout his career, he has been influential on transportation, building, building science, mining, water and energy projects, including the City of North Bay’s John Street Bridge Replacement, the Dufferin Aggregates’ Flamboro Quarry Expansion and the Municipality of Callander’s Wharf Rehabilitation. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Laurentian University and is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario. EXP’s growth has led to the creation of an international sector, mining sector and extension of its science and technology expertise throughout North America. To continue its rapid growth across Canada, EXP will also expand its transportation market with the upcoming promotion of Vice President, Transportation, Central Canada Magdy Saaman to Sector Leader in FY25. About EXP With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments. Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP’s predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice.

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Design, Mechanical and Motion Systems, Engineering Tech

SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

SPX FLOW, has released the Universal® 2 ND Positive Displacement Pump (U2 ND) Series designed with industrial users in mind. The pumps offer the quality and durability the Waukesha Cherry-Burrell brand is known for while optimizing cost and suitability for the industrial market. The U2 ND series significantly expands the WCB pump range, aimed at enhancing reliability and performance across industrial applications while outperforming other pump styles, such as industrial lobe, gear or progressive cavity pumps.The design features improvements uniquely suited for industrial applications, including: Total cost of ownership: The pumps ensure a long running life, given their robust construction materials and designs tailored for each application. Because of its high volumetric efficiency, the pumps can be used to dose fluids, eliminating the need for an additional metering pump.  Efficiency: The U2 ND pump reduces slip, which occurs when fluids move backward from the liquid flow due to internal clearances. Lower slip means more efficiency, reducing the need for higher horsepower motors. Also, the series can process fluids over longer spans due to its high-pressure capability, which reduces the need for multiple pumps in these applications. Reliability: WCB is a proven and trusted global brand dating back to the 1880s. The pumps are made with durable, corrosive-resistant materials compatible with industrial environments. A robust design, equipped with industrial flanges or sanitary fittings, ensures manufacturers can choose the configuration to meet their needs.  Additionally, an extensive sales channel and domestic manufacturing footprint support this pump series, enabling quick deliveries on standardized parts across the entire Universal pump product line. The U2 ND series is complemented by the Universal Industrial 5000 series, which is tailored for users who require OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seals for their industrial pumping operations. Julien Bassett, Pumps Global Product Manager: "Waukesha Cherry-Burrell has extensive experience offering pumps to customers built with their needs in mind. We wanted to expand our offerings to provide quality and durability of the SPX FLOW brand while catering to the unique needs of industrial manufacturers and their applications."

Read More

Engineering Tech

Bowman Acquires South Carolina Firm Dennis Corporation

Business Wire | October 17, 2023

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment, today announced the acquisition of Dennis Corporation (“Dennis”), a civil engineering, surveying and construction management firm headquartered in Columbia, SC. Supporting public and private sector clients, Dennis specializes in delivering general civil infrastructure planning and design; program and construction management and oversight; environmental and geotechnical services for traffic and transportation; intelligent transportation systems (ITS), aviation, water resources and public sector facilities. With a rich history of client-focused services, sustainable engineering practices and forward-thinking solutions, the firm has a proven reputation of success. Established in 2005 by current CEO Dan Dennis, the firm has grown to become one the largest locally owned engineering, surveying and construction management firms in South Carolina. All 40 technical and administrative professionals will become Bowman employees in connection with the acquisition. “Dennis Corporation embodies a culture of commitment to unparalleled client service, which aligns perfectly with our cultural values, making them a great fit for Bowman,” said Gary Bowman, chairman and CEO of Bowman. “Their focus on transportation, construction management and surveying complement recent acquisitions we’ve made, and their geographic footprint introduces us to an attractive growth market in a familiar region. We’re looking forward to getting Dan and his team onboard and integrated into our platform so we can start sharing work and growing our collective base of business through revenue synergies.” “Becoming a Bowman company begins an exciting new chapter in our proud story,” said Dan Dennis, CEO of Dennis Corporation. “Our employees are looking forward to the suite of professional development platforms available at Bowman. We’re anxious to contribute to Bowman’s work-sharing mindset and we’re excited about the opportunities we will have to expand our service offerings and increase our exposure to clients and markets.” Financed with a combination of cash, seller notes and equity, the acquisition falls within previously discussed target multiple and operating metric ranges and is expected to be immediately accretive. The Company anticipates the acquisition will initially operate at an annualized net service billing run rate of approximately $4.5 million. More detailed information on M&A activities, pipeline and guidance updates are provided in connection with scheduled quarterly and annual communications. About Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Bowman is a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment. With over 2,000 employees and more than 80 offices throughout the United States, Bowman provides a variety of planning, engineering, geospatial, construction management, commissioning, environmental consulting, land procurement and other technical services to customers operating in a diverse set of regulated end markets. Bowman trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol BWMN. About Dennis Corporation Since 2005, Dennis Corporation has operated as an engineering, survey and construction management firm committed to innovative designs, sustainable solutions and high-quality services for clients in South Carolina. The firm employs highly trained and experienced personnel who utilize the latest equipment and software for design and construction management. The construction services division has all the necessary DOT, environmental, OSF and OSE certifications and equipment required to perform field inspections and testing. Managing projects throughout the state of South Carolina, the Dennis team understands the importance of completing projects within budget and ahead of schedule. For more information on Dennis Corporation, their projects and their services, visit www.denniscorporation.com.

Read More

Engineering Tech

EXP announces new Northern Ontario Engineering Sector

GlobeNewswire | October 12, 2023

EXP, a global engineering, architecture, design and consulting firm, has announced the establishment of a new Northern Ontario Engineering sector. The new sector will be led by EXP’s Vice President, Northern Ontario Kevin McKay. In his promoted role as sector leader, Kevin will be responsible for engineering services on critical infrastructure projects throughout Northern Ontario. Kevin will use EXP’s global footprint to nurture client relationships, promote growth, recruit talent and foster EXP’s inclusive culture. Kevin’s promotion comes amid robust infrastructure projects in Northern Ontario. “EXP is proud of its reputation for organic growth. As we continue to expand our presence across North America, we are committed to hiring and promoting team members who are client-focused, results-driven and embody EXP’s core values. Kevin’s familiarity with Northern Ontario and his exceptional leadership skills will allow EXP to support clients and communities to reach their desired outcomes,” said EXP’s President and COO Mark Dvorak. Kevin brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, planning and execution of engineering and construction projects. Throughout his career, he has been influential on transportation, building, building science, mining, water and energy projects, including the City of North Bay’s John Street Bridge Replacement, the Dufferin Aggregates’ Flamboro Quarry Expansion and the Municipality of Callander’s Wharf Rehabilitation. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Laurentian University and is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario. EXP’s growth has led to the creation of an international sector, mining sector and extension of its science and technology expertise throughout North America. To continue its rapid growth across Canada, EXP will also expand its transportation market with the upcoming promotion of Vice President, Transportation, Central Canada Magdy Saaman to Sector Leader in FY25. About EXP With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments. Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP’s predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice.

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