Month: April 2024

Walgreens Boots Alliance continues to engage in long-term partnerships at the national and international levels to tackle health issues like poverty, disease prevention, mental health, dementia and cancer support. Our collaborations help improve the lives of hundreds of millions of vulnerable people, especially women and children.

In the area of cancer care, WBA focuses on creating innovative and meaningful support for patients and their loved ones in three ways: assisting people living with cancer, working with organizations that advance research and supporting prevention programs. We work with cancer organizations to train our pharmacists and beauty consultants so they can provide expert advice and support to cancer patients, their families and their caregivers when they need it most.

We also work with charitable partners that help empower young people to reach their full potential. By providing lifesaving vaccinations, vitamins, essential hygiene products and more, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of future generations.

Through our charitable partnerships, we aim to lead by example and be a catalyst for others to do good. To maximize our impact, we created several initiatives that our team members, customers, patients, suppliers and local communities are empowered to support. These programs generate enthusiasm, increase team member satisfaction and engagement and build customer loyalty. We continue to engage in long-term partnerships at the national and international levels to tackle health issues like poverty, disease prevention, mental health, dementia and cancer support. Our collaborations help improve the lives of hundreds of millions of vulnerable people, especially women and children.

In its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and global health equity, WBA remains dedicated to forging enduring partnerships at both national and international levels. You can learn more about our collaborative partnerships in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Walgreens Boots Alliance continues to engage in long-term partnerships at the national and international levels to tackle health issues like poverty, disease prevention, mental health, dementia and cancer support. Our collaborations help improve the lives of hundreds of millions of vulnerable people, especially women and children.

In the area of cancer care, WBA focuses on creating innovative and meaningful support for patients and their loved ones in three ways: assisting people living with cancer, working with organizations that advance research and supporting prevention programs. We work with cancer organizations to train our pharmacists and beauty consultants so they can provide expert advice and support to cancer patients, their families and their caregivers when they need it most.

We also work with charitable partners that help empower young people to reach their full potential. By providing lifesaving vaccinations, vitamins, essential hygiene products and more, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of future generations.

Through our charitable partnerships, we aim to lead by example and be a catalyst for others to do good. To maximize our impact, we created several initiatives that our team members, customers, patients, suppliers and local communities are empowered to support. These programs generate enthusiasm, increase team member satisfaction and engagement and build customer loyalty. We continue to engage in long-term partnerships at the national and international levels to tackle health issues like poverty, disease prevention, mental health, dementia and cancer support. Our collaborations help improve the lives of hundreds of millions of vulnerable people, especially women and children.

In its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and global health equity, WBA remains dedicated to forging enduring partnerships at both national and international levels. You can learn more about our collaborative partnerships in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

By The Black & Veatch Insights Group

Imagine unmatched ability to visualize and interact with your data, enabling immediate and actionable insights into the functional and performance characteristics of an asset or system. This is the promise of a digital twin. But what constitutes a twin, really? Whether you are beginning your journey or looking to level-up the solution you already have, there are some essential considerations. By unlocking the full potential of your data, using game-changing technology solutions, you can revolutionize the way you manage your facility and assets.

Not All Twins Are Identical

A digital twin is commonly described as a virtual system, or a digital counterpart, of a physical asset, system or process. In the complex world of water and wastewater management, a digital twin can offer valuable insight into the current state of operations and even begin to predict possible future state and outcomes. Effective implementation of a digital twin can lead to CapEx and OpEx reductions as well as increase your ability to adapt and respond to change more efficiently. As the volume and demand of data grows at an increasingly rapid pace, digital twins can present a compelling story for your data like never before.

With the emergence of digital twins, we expect to see positive disruption in the way we interact with digital content, gain valuable insights, facilitate integrations of data and systems, and unlock new possibilities for data exploration and presentation – all while reducing technology burden on already stressed resources.

Because of the diversity in use cases for digital twins in today’s environment, asking 10 people what digital twins do might elicit 10 different responses. Consequently, Black & Veatch has created a framework for classifying the purpose of digital twins and the modelling characteristics required to support specific digital capabilities. The three categories within our framework include spatial, computational and analytical. Digital twin solutions use real-world conditions defined by models and synergies between these models to better understand performance and resiliency over time.

A spatial twin provides a visually interactive experience enhancing data with spatial context leveraging 2D or 3D data from building information modeling (BIM) and/or geospatial data to enhance insights. Use cases include the simplification of physical asset/system location and facility management.An analytical twin provides a visually interactive experience with business intelligence to aggregate and analyze data to reveal insights. Use cases include asset and system performance optimization, risk management and financial management.A computational twin leverages asset and process simulation capabilities to assist with decisions and predictions of asset and process outcomes.

So, how do you know if you have a twin? The following recipe can be helpful when trying to determine where the line of digital twins might be:

You have a model. This model can be a spatial model, computational model or an analytical model.You manage a continuously evolving set of data or events.You have a means of dynamically updating your model in real-time or near real-time.Your twin provides meaningful insights, recommendations or predictions to aid in making decisions.And your solution simplifies data accessibility for you and your team.

The type of digital twin you require relies on the problem you are trying to solve. Assessing where to start a digital twin effort can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to begin. “Twinning for a purpose” is a phrase we often use; focusing on this will help identify the specific digital capabilities you seek, and which technology solution or partner can deliver the desired results. The following graph illustrates in simple concepts where a specific type of twin might provide the largest return in value.

While substantial benefits can be gained using digital twins during the operating life of an asset, this does not preclude the use of digital twins during other stages of an asset’s lifecycle. In design and construction for example, you can gain better insights into coordination, progress and quality while improving communication. Twins also simplify access to complex and constantly evolving information like asset data and equipment reports. By using digital twins, teams can improve data management and data accessibility. This also enables the delivery of a more intelligent and connected handover product, facilitating day-one maintenance needs more effectively.

Unlocking Value

Digital twin solutions come in many forms, from business intelligence to dynamic simulation platforms, from commercial solutions to customer applications. The decision of which solution to deploy depends on what needs to be done and the value you are trying to unlock.

Improved collaborationImproved financial decision makingAccelerated risk assessmentPredictive maintenanceEnhanced/optimized operationsLower engineering costsDesign and construction certaintyEffective use of resourcesStaff efficiency

Black & Veatch has expertise in the following areas to help you gain value from digital twins.

Digital advisory services for digital transformation planningModelling expertise across spatial, analytical and computational domainsOptimization and modernization services

Getting Started on and Accelerating Your Journey

The future of digital twins in the water sector is becoming clearer as we deliver practical solutions with purpose-built digital twins. But as innovation continues to accelerate, it is certain that capabilities across various twin categories will converge, becoming more integrated, more capable and easier to use and implement. Waiting for change to slow will likely leave you waiting indefinitely. Meanwhile, factors such as travel restrictions and remote teams, climate change, aging workforce, sustainability goals, system resiliency, and maximizing performance and asset/system longevity increasingly stress legacy processes and technology used for planning and decision support. Addressing these challenges with new technology now has the capability to help move the needle and gain tangible value.

From initial design through ongoing operations and maintenance, the value of digital twins is undeniable. Whatever your individual challenges and goals, whether you are starting on your path or looking to level up your system, a digital twin can be the key to unlock the full potential of your data. So, if you’re not already using digital twins, what’s stopping you? Begin your journey today, or level-up your current solution and unlock the full potential of your data.

By The Black & Veatch Insights Group

Imagine unmatched ability to visualize and interact with your data, enabling immediate and actionable insights into the functional and performance characteristics of an asset or system. This is the promise of a digital twin. But what constitutes a twin, really? Whether you are beginning your journey or looking to level-up the solution you already have, there are some essential considerations. By unlocking the full potential of your data, using game-changing technology solutions, you can revolutionize the way you manage your facility and assets.

Not All Twins Are Identical

A digital twin is commonly described as a virtual system, or a digital counterpart, of a physical asset, system or process. In the complex world of water and wastewater management, a digital twin can offer valuable insight into the current state of operations and even begin to predict possible future state and outcomes. Effective implementation of a digital twin can lead to CapEx and OpEx reductions as well as increase your ability to adapt and respond to change more efficiently. As the volume and demand of data grows at an increasingly rapid pace, digital twins can present a compelling story for your data like never before.

With the emergence of digital twins, we expect to see positive disruption in the way we interact with digital content, gain valuable insights, facilitate integrations of data and systems, and unlock new possibilities for data exploration and presentation – all while reducing technology burden on already stressed resources.

Because of the diversity in use cases for digital twins in today’s environment, asking 10 people what digital twins do might elicit 10 different responses. Consequently, Black & Veatch has created a framework for classifying the purpose of digital twins and the modelling characteristics required to support specific digital capabilities. The three categories within our framework include spatial, computational and analytical. Digital twin solutions use real-world conditions defined by models and synergies between these models to better understand performance and resiliency over time.

A spatial twin provides a visually interactive experience enhancing data with spatial context leveraging 2D or 3D data from building information modeling (BIM) and/or geospatial data to enhance insights. Use cases include the simplification of physical asset/system location and facility management.An analytical twin provides a visually interactive experience with business intelligence to aggregate and analyze data to reveal insights. Use cases include asset and system performance optimization, risk management and financial management.A computational twin leverages asset and process simulation capabilities to assist with decisions and predictions of asset and process outcomes.

So, how do you know if you have a twin? The following recipe can be helpful when trying to determine where the line of digital twins might be:

You have a model. This model can be a spatial model, computational model or an analytical model.You manage a continuously evolving set of data or events.You have a means of dynamically updating your model in real-time or near real-time.Your twin provides meaningful insights, recommendations or predictions to aid in making decisions.And your solution simplifies data accessibility for you and your team.

The type of digital twin you require relies on the problem you are trying to solve. Assessing where to start a digital twin effort can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to begin. “Twinning for a purpose” is a phrase we often use; focusing on this will help identify the specific digital capabilities you seek, and which technology solution or partner can deliver the desired results. The following graph illustrates in simple concepts where a specific type of twin might provide the largest return in value.

While substantial benefits can be gained using digital twins during the operating life of an asset, this does not preclude the use of digital twins during other stages of an asset’s lifecycle. In design and construction for example, you can gain better insights into coordination, progress and quality while improving communication. Twins also simplify access to complex and constantly evolving information like asset data and equipment reports. By using digital twins, teams can improve data management and data accessibility. This also enables the delivery of a more intelligent and connected handover product, facilitating day-one maintenance needs more effectively.

Unlocking Value

Digital twin solutions come in many forms, from business intelligence to dynamic simulation platforms, from commercial solutions to customer applications. The decision of which solution to deploy depends on what needs to be done and the value you are trying to unlock.

Improved collaborationImproved financial decision makingAccelerated risk assessmentPredictive maintenanceEnhanced/optimized operationsLower engineering costsDesign and construction certaintyEffective use of resourcesStaff efficiency

Black & Veatch has expertise in the following areas to help you gain value from digital twins.

Digital advisory services for digital transformation planningModelling expertise across spatial, analytical and computational domainsOptimization and modernization services

Getting Started on and Accelerating Your Journey

The future of digital twins in the water sector is becoming clearer as we deliver practical solutions with purpose-built digital twins. But as innovation continues to accelerate, it is certain that capabilities across various twin categories will converge, becoming more integrated, more capable and easier to use and implement. Waiting for change to slow will likely leave you waiting indefinitely. Meanwhile, factors such as travel restrictions and remote teams, climate change, aging workforce, sustainability goals, system resiliency, and maximizing performance and asset/system longevity increasingly stress legacy processes and technology used for planning and decision support. Addressing these challenges with new technology now has the capability to help move the needle and gain tangible value.

From initial design through ongoing operations and maintenance, the value of digital twins is undeniable. Whatever your individual challenges and goals, whether you are starting on your path or looking to level up your system, a digital twin can be the key to unlock the full potential of your data. So, if you’re not already using digital twins, what’s stopping you? Begin your journey today, or level-up your current solution and unlock the full potential of your data.

As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Research Initiative

In February of 2024, nearly 100 virtual attendees joined the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Wells Fargo Foundation and GoDaddy Venture Forward, a research initiative launched in 2018 that quantifies the impact 20+ million online microbusinesses have on their local economies, to discuss fresh data on women-led entrepreneurship.

In this interactive workshop, the panel aimed to shine a light on the experiences and success factors for women business owners, including speed to cash flow break-even and access to capital. The goal was for participants to leave with a deeper understanding and concrete ideas to support women business owners and accelerate their success.

For years, Venture Forward has noticed an increase in women-owned businesses, which are being created at a faster rate than those launched by men.

What hasn’t evolved however is the ease of access to capital. Venture Forward research shows that access to capital is among the top three challenges microbusiness owners encounter. And ease of accessing capital does not change with experience either. Both new microbusiness owners and experienced microbusiness owners noted facing similar challenges in accessing capital.

Watch and listen to a recording of the full event here. Discussion points included:

New research about women business owners.Real-life applications on the data findings.Dialogue around how data can help shape strategy in support of women business owners.

Entrepreneurship is powerful in its ability to elevate communities economically and to make opportunities more inclusive, and this panel was a chance to come together with two great organizations in support of the women embarking on their entrepreneurship journeys.

About GoDaddy Venture Forward

GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics. 

Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 36,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights.