AutoStore delivers flexible, high-density storage solution enabling retailers to deliver products to consumers in record time

AutoStore, vendor of high-density storage with an existing robotic cube-based, automated storage and retrieval system that has transformed the logistics and delivery process for businesses across the globe. The system has evolved to accommodate the increasing demands on retailers to change and stock inventory at speed and deliver goods to consumers within same-day or several hour timeframes.

Consumers are demanding more choices and are more willing to change brand allegiance to get better value and service. To remain competitive, retailers, whether big box or independent, require a presence across multiple channels – stores, online, social networking and mobile. Same-day delivery and immediate local-store pick-up are no longer perks for online shoppers, they are expectations.

Micro-fulfilment presents one of the largest challenges for business owners and retailers to not only store ever-changing inventory within a warehouse, but to ensure the warehouses are close enough to consumers. Managing fulfilment of consumer goods and groceries from regional distribution centres does not accommodate customised needs of consumers, nor can it sustain cost efficiency.

AutoStore provides a solution for the future of logistics and warehousing with micro-fulfilment at the retail store level. The pioneering Cube Storage Automation system offers the densest product/inventory storage solution in existence, where up to 15,000 SKUs can be stored within 604 sq meters. 

Modular in design, the system can be configured to fit different store ceiling heights and obstacles and suits a range of environments – from back-of-house of a grocery retailer to retail spaces for consumer products.

The AutoStore system contains a three-dimensional aluminum grid structure with self-supporting crates that are moved to pick stations by independently operating robots, providing swift and accurate movement of orders. Each robot has two sets of wheels that enable it to move along perpendicular axes, and this makes it possible for all robots to reach any position, and any crate on the grid independently – providing near 100 percent system availability.

For customers who would prefer to collect their items, AutoStore's pick-up points play a critical role in maintaining high-volume throughout for output workstations. Online orders can be consolidated in less than 10 minutes and confirmed in the system for customers to collect at any time. Orders can be retrieved from the system in just a few minutes, and customers can choose their preferred option to collect pre-picked orders, whether in-store or for home delivery.

“AutoStore delivers the flexibility and scalability needed for streamlining automated fulfillment of online orders, which is absolutely critical to accommodate increasingly higher numbers of SKUs, and seasonal spikes in ordering," said Karl Johan Lier, CEO and president of AutoStore. "It gives retailers the flexibility to make more targeted decisions about where they believe automated micro-fulfilment will be most beneficial."

U.S. Department of Justice takes evolution of unmanned aircraft systems in account; updates its policy documentation

The Justice Department announced publication of its updated policy on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In light of advancements in unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology, and lessons learned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s limited use of UAS, the policy enables the Department of Justice’s law enforcement components to safely and responsibly employ UAS technology within a framework designed to provide accountability and protect privacy and civil liberties.

The Policy permits the use of UAS only in connection with properly authorized investigations and activities.  It also requires compliance with the Constitution and all applicable laws and regulations, including regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.  

Department of Justice components anticipate using UAS to support crime scene response and investigation, search and rescue, and site security, among other authorized uses. 

In order to ensure accountability and airspace safety, the Department requires UAS operations to be approved at an appropriate level and conducted by personnel who meet Department-wide training standards. Importantly, the new policy also requires components to evaluate UAS acquisitions for cybersecurity risks, guarding against potential threats to the supply chain and DOJ’s networks.  

“UAS technology assists the Department in protecting public safety and, most importantly, reduces risks to officers and the public,” said Beth A. Williams, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy.  “Our new policy promotes the responsible, appropriate, and effective use of UAS by the Department and can serve as a model for our state, local, tribal, and territorial public safety partners as they develop their own UAS programs and best practices.” 

The policy reflects the department’s commitment to the protection of privacy and civil liberties, mandating annual privacy reviews of UAS programs and assessments of new UAS technology from a privacy perspective.  It also places limits on data retention, generally requiring privacy sensitive data to be deleted within 180 days, unless certain exceptions are met. 

In addition to utilizing UAS as a law enforcement tool, the Department takes seriously the threat posed by unlawful and unsafe uses of UAS.  The Department has trained federal prosecutors and agents across the country on the criminal and civil enforcement tools available to counter the misuse of UAS, such as the use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons or violate restricted airspace.  

Department of Justice personnel have also trained and collaborated with senior state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement officials who face this new threat on a daily basis. 

The department welcomes lawful and beneficial uses of UAS, which promise to enhance the economy and transform the delivery of goods and the provision of critical services ranging from search-and-rescue to industrial inspections. At the same time, the department will not hesitate to take action against those who threaten the safety of skies and the public. 

The updated policy announced draws on the department’s long history of leveraging technology to protect the public, while promoting values and the rule of law.  

Dell Security lists essential tips to help keep cybercriminals at bay this holiday season

With the start of the holiday season, Dell Security expects consumers to be doing some online shopping. However, cybercriminals are also shopping around the same time.

The uptick in online shopping during the holidays leaves more chances for cybercriminals to steal data. This can happen in any number of ways – visiting compromised websites, clicking on phishing emails or fake social media posts, falling for holiday charity scams and even buying from fraudulent shopping sites. The methods vary and cybercriminals get more innovative each year, but their goal remains the same: steal personal and financial information.

Here are a few precautions that users must take to help protect their information while shopping online. Users must make sure that the website they are using is secure by looking at the URL. If it begins with https:// (there must be an “s” after http), then the website is secure and will encrypt information. Also, strive to use sites with reputable brands which are known and trusted.

Consumers must completely avoid using public computers for online shopping. Public computers, like those in libraries and hotel business centers, may contain malicious software that could steal personal information. At the same time, users must be wary of public Wi-Fi, which may not be secure and could provide easy access for criminals to intercept personal data.

Adoption of strong passwords is critical and important way to securing devices. Use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols to make password complex and difficult to guess, and don’t use names of family members, pets or birthdays. Caution must be exercised and never use the same password across multiple sites. Clients must resist clicking on bogus links and attachments in emails, tweets, social media posts and online advertising are ways cybercriminals can compromise the device. 

If it looks suspicious, delete it. Also, always hover over a link with the mouse and review the destination address carefully before you click.

Users must remain in the know with account alerts by activating fraud alerts with bank, credit cards, and credit bureaus to help detect suspicious activities like new payee, money withdrawal, high-value credit card transaction, activity in unusual locations, etc.

Another precaution users must take is to be sure to ship their new purchases to a secure location. If the user is aware that they won’t be home, ship to the office or to a neighbor to help prevent package theft. Also, packages left on a porch or otherwise in site of the public could be an indicator, users may be away from home and invite criminal activity.

Staying safe online will continue to require vigilance, and the convenience of online shopping will continue to come with risks. But by being diligent when shopping online, users can help combat cybercriminal activity during the holidays and year-round.

Google Maps helps users discover new places with help from top Local Guides

Google Maps at its annual Local Guides summit, Connect Live welcomed 200 of its most engaged Local Guides to celebrate their important contributions, share what's new in Google Maps and give them an opportunity to provide feedback directly to our teams.

Every month, more than a billion people use Google Maps, and they’re not just looking for directions. Worldwide, people are searching for things to do: ideas for the perfect date night, an amazing local coffee joint, or their next adventure.

One of the things Google shared at Connect Live was that the company will soon be piloting a new feature in Google Maps that will help people discover new places with help from top Local Guides.

People in Bangkok, Delhi, London, Mexico City, New York, Osaka, San Francisco, São Paulo and Tokyo will soon see top Local Guides featured in the For You tab of the Google Maps app. 

Across 24,000 cities and towns, we now have an active community of 120 million Local Guides on Google Maps who are passionate about sharing their experiences by contributing reviews, photos, lists and more.

If the user is in Bangalore, Melvin John is a Local Guide whose reviews and recommendations will guide you through the city’s microbrewery scene. And if the user has used Google Maps in Tokyo, Ayaka Ohkawa’s popular photography has probably helped explore the city’s landmarks, cuisine and culture.

When the user follow one of these Local Guides, their recommendations will surface in Google Maps, so as to get inspired with ideas of things to do and places to go. If the user lives in one of the nine test cities, keep an eye on the For You tab of Google Maps, they must just might discover something new with help from a local.