Tag: 3BL

Client Need 

Bakerly engaged Baker Tilly to identify the optimal location for future food production capacity through a detailed site suitability analysis with a comprehensive supply chain scenario review and to secure credits and incentives for the project.

A growing family-owned baked goods company, Bakerly, required capital investment planning for a new production facility to meet the increasing demand for its authentic French recipe products. Bakerly was seeking assistance in identifying the optimal location for future production capacity through a detailed site suitability analysis with a comprehensive supply chain scenario review and help in securing credits and incentives for the project.

Our solutions

Baker Tilly’s site selection and location strategy and incentives advisory teams conducted an extensive supply chain mapping and analysis, creating a dynamic model that considered future sales growth scenarios. This model guided Bakerly to a stage where the production facility was both constructible and financeable from the perspective of internal and external stakeholders. The project was divided into two main phases:

Concept and feasibility: This phase concluded with sufficient due diligence for the Bakerly to make an informed “go/no-go” decision on the most suitable locations for expansion. Initial criteria, such as direct flight access, narrowed potential locations across the U.S. Further analysis of supply chain, utility and labor costs at a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level reduced the options to three cities for consideration.Site identification and incentives: In this phase, collaboration with the engineering team and equipment vendors was facilitated, analyzing several sites within each of the three identified MSAs, eventually focusing on two sites in detail regarding constructability and cost. The Baker Tilly support team assisted in securing land control and provided the necessary details to confidently select a final site that met the project’s objectives, timeline and budget. Additionally, Baker Tilly worked with local and state organizations to secure a significant incentives package for the project.

Throughout the project, Baker Tilly ensured careful coordination and collaboration through weekly meetings with key stakeholders, vendors and the engineering team to discuss site-specific considerations such as construction costs, permitting and land control status.

Results

Baker Tilly provided the clarity and insight needed for our client to confidently proceed with funding approval for the production facility. Deliverables included a mapping visual showing geographic reach based on defined flight options and drive times, a dynamic Tableau scenario-based operational costing tool, a summary document of siting criteria with quantitative measures to narrow down site location options further, and a summary document outlining due diligence progress on each site under consideration, including a net present value (NPV) analysis. Baker Tilly assisted in procuring incentives exceeding 10% of project capital costs. The company opened the 135,000-square-foot production facility in March 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly site selection and incentives advisory specialists can help you locate and fund your new facility, contact a Baker Tilly specialist.

Originally published in Sysco’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Our One Planet One Table Assortment increases access to items produced with our planet and people in mind. Hallmarks of the program include:

Responsibly Sourced: 
Products that align with our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices and fostering a positive social impact.

Eco Focused: 
Products produced via methods that reduce environmental impacts, emphasize sustainable practices and promote biodiversity.

Designed to Reduce Waste: 
Products developed with the intent to minimize landfill waste via recycling, reuse or composting.

Aligning with industry-leading standards and certifications

Wholesome Farms® Imperial Cage Free Liquid Whole Eggs are American Humane Certified for production using science-based standards centered on the globally accepted Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress.

Sysco FreshPoint Natural and Imperial Fresh lettuce participate in the Sysco Sustainable Produce Program supported by the Sustainable Food Group Sustainability Standard™. Participating farmers are committed to growers’ welfare and to reducing on-field environmental impacts through soil health, responsible nutrient use and irrigation management.

Citavo Imperial Colombian Coffees are Rainforest Alliance Certified and made from 100% Arabica beans harvested from high-altitude regions around the world. Other Citavo tiers encourage sustainability in a unique way. Citavo Classic Coffees participates in Good Grounds, which increases access to resources for socially just, environmentally responsible, and profitable farming, while Citavo Supreme Coffees are both USDA Organic and Fair Trade Alliance Certified.

Our Earth Plus Paper Fiber Containers are unbleached and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free. Certified by the BPI, these disposable takeout boxes meet science-based standards for compostability in industrial composting facilities.

BY THE NUMBERS 

3.5K+ items20+ leading sustainability certification and standards backing the assortment15 product categories74% Sysco Brand items

To learn more about Sysco’s commitment to sustainability, visit our webpage

For full details about Sysco’s 2024 Sustainability Report, visit here.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., March 5, 2025 /3BL/ – “What the…?” is the question on every business leader’s mind right now. 

With expectations on corporate sustainability and social impact shifting fast, companies are scrambling to keep up. To cut through the noise, 3BL, alongside solutions journalism publisher TriplePundit, have launched “What the…?”, a bold new video series delivering unfiltered insights into the toughest challenges facing responsible business today.

The premiere episode features Daniel Blackman, founder of Renaissance94, in a candid conversation about the missteps made by sustainability professionals, the challenges of engaging communities on issues like climate action and resilience, and how business leaders can step up in this critical moment. Throughout the discussion, Blackman sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in the sustainability space, emphasizing that too often, strategies are fragmented, and efforts lack the consistency needed for meaningful change.

As Blackman puts it, “We can’t just talk about change every four years during an election cycle. Real impact comes from ongoing dialogue, accountability, and bringing frontline communities into the decision-making process.” This powerful statement encapsulates the core of the conversation—sustainability is not a momentary focus but a long-term commitment that must be woven into the fabric of everyday business practices.

Click here to watch the premiere episode.

In a world full of buzzwords and half-answers, we’re here to ask the questions that matter. So if you’ve ever looked at the latest headlines and thought, What the…?, you’re in the right place.

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Learn more at 3bl.com

LAS VEGAS, March 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) and Marina Bay Sands today announced that The Food Bank Singapore has joined Sands Cares Accelerator, a three-year membership program aimed at advancing nonprofits to deliver greater community impact.

During its time in the Sands Cares Accelerator, The Food Bank Singapore will focus on expanding its Bank Card Program, which aims to better serve beneficiaries by simplifying the food distribution process. The nonprofit will receive $100,000 annually for the three years of membership, along with structured guidance, and strategic counsel and mentorship from Sands and Marina Bay Sands to help achieve its Bank Card Program goals and make it sustainable upon completion of the Sands Cares Accelerator.

“Joining the Sands Cares Accelerator will enable us to substantially scale an effective way to serve vulnerable members of our community while emphasizing the importance of nutrition,” Dr. Arthur Chin, executive director at The Food Bank Singapore, said. “Marina Bay Sands has been an invaluable longstanding partner to our organization for nearly 10 years, and we are grateful that they recognized our potential to improve this offering and, ultimately, increase our impact in the community as we work toward our overarching goal of eliminating food waste and redirecting surplus food to nourish the community in Singapore.”

At present, The Food Bank Singapore’s Bank Card Program helps beneficiaries receive food aid from more than 300 feeding partners through smart wallets that are pre-loaded with monthly virtual credits. The program currently requires distribution partners to manually issue and track physical cards, which entails associated costs for maintaining them. With support from the Sands Cares Accelerator, the nonprofit organization plans to digitize its processes for operational and cost efficiency, and increase its outreach to more beneficiaries, particularly youths in tertiary institutions.

The Food Bank Singapore is the seventh organization to join the Sands Cares Accelerator, which Sands launched in 2017 to help fast-track nonprofit organizations on the tipping point of making a leap in community impact. During the three-year membership, Sands and its resorts create longer-term relationships with nonprofits via extended funding, structured guidance and customized support rarely found with typical corporate-nonprofit engagements.

“With more than $1.6 million invested, hundreds of hours in facilitation and consulting, and five successful graduates, the Sands Cares Accelerator has become one of our most impactful programs,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “We’re looking forward to seeing the progress The Food Bank Singapore will make using these resources and congratulate the organization on being selected as our second Singapore member.”

Since 2012, The Food Bank Singapore has worked to increase food sustainability in Singapore by acquiring donated food from food wholesalers and distributors, supermarkets and retail stores, as well as from individuals through food drives. The food is redistributed to people facing hardship through a network of member beneficiaries comprising more than 300 feeding partners across Singapore, including family centers, residential care homes and welfare organizations. Through this network, The Food Bank Singapore redistributes over two million meals to vulnerable families and individuals annually.

Marina Bay Sands has partnered with The Food Bank Singapore since 2016 in a variety of engagements. The resort provides ongoing donations of unserved banquet food from the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, while Team Members regularly volunteer in the organization’s warehouse to sort food donations and take inventory.

In addition, Marina Bay Sands held its fourth annual Sands Cares Global Food Kit Build with The Food Bank Singapore yesterday. Approximately 300 Team Members, retail tenants and Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program recipients assembled 6,000 kits, which included biscuits, rice and canned food.

“The Food Bank Singapore has been an esteemed community partner for Marina Bay Sands for nearly a decade, uniting our Team Members to support its cause through volunteerism and in-kind donations,” Paul Town, chief operating officer, Marina Bay Sands, said. “We know the resources available through the Sands Cares Accelerator will further strengthen the organization for the future. We are looking forward to the next three years of witnessing various milestones with The Food Bank Singapore as it scales up its bank card program for vulnerable communities by deploying technology and innovation.”

Inspired by the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit of Sands’ founder Sheldon G. Adelson, the Sands Cares Accelerator carries on his legacy of building successful businesses and giving back to communities with greater corporate involvement to help advance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations so they can better address the needs of their communities. During the three-year membership, nonprofits focus on building their capacity in a strategic area or enhancing a program offering to better serve the community. Sands serves as a catalyst and mentor for helping organizations achieve their goals.

Other Sands Cares Accelerator members have included The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada (current member), Green Our Planet (graduate), Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (graduate) and the Inspiring Children Foundation (graduate) in Las Vegas; Art Outreach (graduate) in Singapore; and Green Future (graduate) in Macao.

To learn more about the Sands Cares Accelerator, please visit https://www.sands.com/responsibility/communities/#our-program-sands-cares.

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 About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands® in Singapore and The Venetian® Macao, The Londoner Macao®, The Parisian Macao®, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Sands® Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, Sands is anchored by the core tenets of serving people, communities and the planet. The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

 About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd

Since its opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands has stood as an architectural marvel and the crown jewel in Singapore’s skyline. Home to the world’s most spectacular rooftop infinity pool and approximately 1,850 rooms and suites, the integrated resort offers exceptional dining, shopping, meeting and entertainment choices, complete with a year-round calendar of signature events.

Marina Bay Sands is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen to serve its people, communities and environment. It drives social impact through its community engagement program, Sands Cares, and leads environmental stewardship through its global sustainability program, Sands ECO360.

For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com.

 About The Food Bank Singapore

Established in 2012, The Food Bank Singapore (http://www.foodbank.sg/) is Singapore’s first food bank and aims to be the prevailing centralized coordinating organization for all food donations in Singapore. Driven by its mission to eradicate food insecurity of all forms in Singapore, the registered charity bridges potential donors and member beneficiaries by collecting and redistributing donated food. Its members are registered charity organizations or special organizations with a designated meal program for low-income and underprivileged individuals and families. Through a network of more than 300 such organizations of all sizes, the food bank serves more than 100,000 families and over 300,000 people with all kinds of food – from fresh to cooked.

Contacts:

Kristin Koca
Sands
702.923.9142
Kristin.Koca@sands.com

On World Engineering Day, world-class equipment, technology and services company CNH releases the first installment in its latest ‘A Sustainable Year’ series.

The article “Engineers mastermind automation at a depot with many moving parts” looks at the impact of the AutoStore™ automation initiative at one of CNH’s North American parts depots in Lebanon, Indiana, USA. This 19-acre depot operates close to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving their global dealer network.

As a key global depot, Lebanon must manage a wide range of spare parts for many different models across CNH’s portfolio. And every year, as they launch new machines, more new parts flow into its inventory to join existing stock.

Learn how CNH’s planning and process engineers devised new automation processes that address this storage issue and result in zero downtime, increased productivity, cost savings and sustainability benefits.

Read the full story at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/autostore-project

LinkedIn

Meet Lucy Taylor, our incredible COO of KFC UK & Ireland, whose 20-year journey has taken her to over 25 countries (and counting!). From breaking barriers to inspiring others, Lucy’s story is the definition of bold moves and bucket-worthy success. 

“I was the first woman COO in the Middle East, and what excited me most was giving hope to other women – showing them that it’s possible.” 

Want to be part of a team where dreams take flight? Keep watching to find out how to join our KFC UK operations family.

Operations are the heart of KFC. They’re the reason our customers get to enjoy our finger lickin’ good chicken and exceptional service every single day. 

From our in-restaurant teams who bring the Colonel’s Original Recipe to life, to the leaders driving customer excellence, risk and compliance, food safety, and more, it takes an army of passionate, bold, and customer-focused individuals to make our brand what it is. We like to think of them as our 12th secret ingredient. 

As our COO, Lucy Taylor, shares in the clip below, the opportunities at KFC are endless. With bold ambitions in a rapidly growing business, we’re looking for driven individuals ready to support and unlock potential in our people, build our brand and make a positive impact to our communities. 

Check out our latest operations vacancies here: https://www.kfc.co.uk/careers

Fredrick “Ricky” Brown’s professional and personal life has been full of peaks, but there have been valleys as well. Today, he proudly shares both the good and the bad, hoping that others can find inspiration and strength in his journey. 

Brown joined the U.S. Army in 2003; his service included a combat tour in Afghanistan, where he earned a Meritorious Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge. While the Army taught him life skills like discipline, adaptability, and leadership, he found it hard to transition to civilian life when he left the service in 2012. 

His search for a post-military career became so difficult that he experienced a period of homelessness. He rebounded with the unyielding support of family, peers, and other veterans and now works to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by many veterans after leaving the military. 

“I share my story to illuminate the ‘why’ — why I work tirelessly and why I care deeply,” he said. “The same individuals who aided me throughout my career stressed the importance of paying it forward, therefore, my ‘why’ is defined by tasks and purpose rooted in helping and supporting others.” 

In the Army, Brown led cyber operations planning and execution initiatives. He also pursued — and earned — multiple degrees in accounting, finance, technology, and business. All of this set the stage for the esteemed cybersecurity professional he was to become.  

“My lifelong love for machines has nurtured my curiosity and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to approach challenges with analytical precision and innovative thinking,” he said. “The journey continues with CACI, where I’m able to make an impact through what I love doing: working with people and technology.”

He joined CACI’s Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring program last year as the Master Analyst Team Lead for its Cyber Protection Team (CPT). He employs his 21 years of progressive experience supporting cyber operations and security assessment activities for defense customers. 

Notably, he demonstrated unparalleled cybersecurity innovation by devising a custom-crafted, hand-carry computing system that allows for quick responses to operational technology incidents and proactive hunting of bad actors within the nation’s critical infrastructure. Before his groundbreaking innovation, such a capability did not exist within the Department of Defense or the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Alongside his robust career path and technical contributions, Brown makes time to serve his community. He has volunteered more than 500 hours as a digital forensics expert witness for public defense organizations. The testimony he provides has been crucial in securing justice for underserved communities. 

Brown was recently awarded the General Johnnie Wilson Legacy Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Global Competitiveness Conference. This honor is bestowed to individuals who continue to light a path in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

When Brown is not making monumental strides in cybersecurity, he can be found spending time with his daughters or exploring how technology can solve real-world problems. He tends to approach life and work with the same enthusiasm and curiosity.

“The truth is, I view my work as fun, and there’s a great deal of overlap between my hobbies and professional life,” he said. “Whether it’s designing something with 3D printing, mentoring a colleague, or tackling complex systems, I’m constantly fueled by a sense of purpose that connects every aspect of my life.”

CACI works to provide team members with opportunities to take on challenging, rewarding everyday work that aligns with their skills today and their ambitions for tomorrow. Since joining the company, Brown has felt supported by his leadership team and mentors who instill confidence in him and ensure he has the resources and support he needs to thrive. 

“The main source of support for me comes from being part of a high-performance team with leaders who enable us to do what we do best,” he said. “This is the cornerstone of what truly empowers me to achieve more every day.” 

Explore meaningful job openings at CACI.

About CACI

At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 25,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers’ greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World’s Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at www.caci.com.

There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof.

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Corporate Communications and Media:                                       
Lorraine Corcoran                                                              
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications                  
(703) 434-4165, lorraine.corcoran@caci.com                                  

Originally published on Essity News Center

The hygiene and health company Essity has, for the fourth consecutive year, been included in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook. The company is ranked industry best in the Household Products category. Additionally, Essity has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), one of the world’s most prestigious sustainability indices.

S&P Global is an international finance and analytics company that annually evaluates and lists the world’s most sustainable companies. Each company responds to a comprehensive questionnaire that is evaluated alongside public data on environmental, social, and governance issues.

To be included in the Sustainability Yearbook, a company must rank among the top 15 percent in its industry. In a global review of 7,690 companies, Essity is best in its industry, Household Products, and part of the top 1 performing percent in this year’s edition of the Sustainability Yearbook.

In the DJSI, which is part of S&P Global, Essity is included in the DJSI Europe and DJSI World indices. Among the world’s 2,500 largest companies, Essity is found in the top 10 percent in terms of sustainability performance. The evaluation is based on long-term economic, environmental, and social criteria. The DJSI is the first global sustainability index and was launched in 1999.

For further information, please contact: Karl Stoltz, Public Relations Director, +46 (0) 709 426 338, karl.stoltz@essity.com

About Essity 
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

Southern Company

Southern Company is proud to announce it is the first utility in the United States to secure a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 14 CFR Part 91 exemption for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations using the SwissDrones unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Achieved through a strategic partnership with Phoenix Air Unmanned, this milestone positions Southern Company at the forefront of utility innovation, paving the way for broader adoption of BVLOS technology and setting a precedent for regulatory advancements in the energy sector.

The implementation of BVLOS operations aligns with Southern Company’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions to the communities it serves. By utilizing SwissDrones technology, Southern Company can efficiently monitor infrastructure, quickly assess storm damage and respond proactively to potential issues, significantly reducing downtime and improving service reliability for customers.

Leveraging SwissDrones under this exemption will provide efficiencies that will serve to benefit Southern Company System customers. By reducing the need for traditional inspection methods, such as helicopters or ground-based teams, the company minimizes disruptions to communities and delivers faster, more accurate assessments of infrastructure conditions.

“Our partnership with Phoenix Air Unmanned has been instrumental in achieving this regulatory milestone,” said Dean Barefield, Southern Company’s UAS program manager. “This collaboration combines their expertise in UAS operations with our vision for innovative solutions, enhancing our ability to inspect and maintain critical infrastructure safely and effectively while delivering measurable benefits to our customers.”

The Part 91 exemption represents a significant leap forward in drone operations, allowing Southern Company to operate SwissDrones advanced vertical takeoff and landing platforms without requiring a pilot or visual observer to maintain a direct line of sight. Southern Company’s successful petition for a Part 91 exemption underscores its leadership in advancing regulatory frameworks for UAS operations. The exemption sets a precedent for other industries seeking to adopt BVLOS technology, signaling the FAA’s growing support for integrating drones into national airspace for commercial and industrial purposes.

“This achievement is more than a technological milestone—it’s a testament to Southern Company’s role as a trailblazer in regulatory progress,” said Kevin Brown, Southern Company’s general manager of system aviation operations. “Our collaboration with Phoenix Air Unmanned not only enabled us to secure this exemption but also represents a significant step toward broader acceptance of BVLOS operations, fostering innovation and creating a safer, more efficient energy future.”

During the gold rush, hopeful prospectors flooded the west to make their fortunes in gold. Today, technology pioneers are looking to stake their claim in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) estimates that 45% of total global economic gains by 2030 will be driven by AI as more sectors embrace the productivity and product enhancement benefits of AI. PWC’s research further suggests that AI could add an additional $15.7 trillion to the global gross domestic profit (GDP), which amounts to an increase of roughly 14%. This era-defining economic opportunity is driving demand for computational power and power density past what current capacity can handle.

Whether it is supplying goods, services, and security to gold prospectors or housing servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and data storage for enterprises, infrastructure enables progress. As AI adoption increases, the demand for AI-ready compute, storage, and network capacity is already exceeding its availability. This era-defining economic opportunity is driving demand for computational power and power density past what current capacity can handle.

Global government and business leaders have their eyes cast towards the possibilities that artificial intelligence (AI) promises. Policy frameworks like the European Union’s AI Act and government investment schemes like the US CHIPS and Science Act provide frameworks and funding to stake their claims in the AI gold rush. Most recently, the newly inaugurated Trump administration announced the Stargate Project, a new company formed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank that will invest $500 billion in building new AI infrastructure across the United States.

The private sector is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support future innovation. In November, Forbes estimated that AI spending from the Big Tech sector will exceed a quarter trillion dollars in 2025 with the bulk of that going towards infrastructure. Microsoft alone is on track to invest $80 billion this year to build out data centers with the power and speed necessary to train powerful AI models. While these numbers seem staggering, the investment is necessary to keep pace with demand for the computational capacity required to ensure that AI innovation does not stagnate.

Computational power: the modern world’s most precious resource

AI data centers enable AI innovation because they offer the immense data storage, lightning-fast networking, and high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities required for AI workloads. They also have sophisticated cooling and power management systems that address the challenges associated with the high-density power demands of AI hardware. Without these unique features, the pioneering innovation pushing AI to its limits today would not be possible. However, as more organizations look to capitalize on the potential of AI, AI data center designs — and the systems they employ — must evolve.

AI systems are rooted in machine learning (ML) and deep learning techniques, both of which are notorious for their computational intensity. AI models process vast quantities of data when they are being trained. They adapt and refine parameters throughout training to optimize performance. Even for basic models, this is a computationally intensive process.

In just a few short years, AI-based applications have advanced to a point that they’re subject to the law of diminishing returns. Increasingly complex models are needed to enhance existing use cases and to push the boundaries of emerging ones like generative AI. However, the computational power required to train advanced AI and ML algorithms increases by orders of magnitude as the models become more advanced and more demands are made of it. This magnitude can be illustrated by looking at OpenAI’s early generative AI (gen AI) machine models. Over the course of six years, the company’s machine learning models saw a staggering 300,000-fold increase in the computing power required to run their models.

Six years ago, OpenAI had little competition for the resources required to train the models that became ChatGPT. Now, there are significantly more players on the field training gen AI models – all vying for access to only modestly more resources. Computational power on the scale necessary to produce the next ChatGPT has become a precious, finite resource. Expanding access to this resource is a costly affair as evidenced by the size of investments being made to build them. With AI evolving at a breakneck speed, AI data center developers are looking for solutions to ensure that these critical innovation enablers can adapt and scale to meet future demand.

Planning for the unpredictable

Building a data center for the age of AI means ensuring that these facilities can accommodate the power consumption of large-scale GPU clusters, adapt to shifting balances between cloud and edge computing, and increase capacity to keep pace with rising demand without disruptions or downtime. In addition to increasing capacity by constructing new data centers, it is crucial to ensure they are reliable and secure. Currently, traditional data center testing solutions are used to design and test both the components and the systems comprising AI data centers. This approach has been pushed past its limits, necessitating a new approach.

AI data centers are comprised of intricate systems built from a complex web of individual components. A flaw in any one of these pieces weakens the infrastructure that enables the innovation and market capex it promises. An AI data center then, is only as reliable as its weakest link. On the cutting edge of performance, every chip, cable, interconnect, switch, server, and GPU represents both vast potential and equally steep risk. To mitigate this risk, each individual component must work independently and cohesively as a system – under relentless and growing demand.

Building networks capable of handling the crushing demands of AI workloads means validating every component, connection, and configuration. With the stakes and scale this high, even the smallest efficiency gain, operational improvement, or performance enhancement can push back against innovation’s diminishing returns. Staking a successful, profitable claim in this modern gold rush requires a new technology stack that can withstand whatever the future brings.

Future-Proofing AI Innovation

Meeting future demand for AI-ready networks, semiconductors, and data center equipment demands an AI-ready tech stack of test and simulation tools. This gold rush will see countless digital prospectors vying to strike a rich seam. AI-ready test and simulation tools will set the successful apart. Keysight is helping AI data center designers to future-proof designs and build out a robust tech stack of tools tailored to the dynamic needs of such complex environments. With a full-stack portfolio of simulators, emulators, and test hardware, Keysight solutions make it easy to emulate real-world AI workloads, validate network components, and optimize system-level performance across every layer from physical hardware to application-level behavior.