Evan Baker, Data / Fire / Security (DFS) Manager at SSOE Group, was recently featured in this Food Engineering Magazine article. Cybersecurity is a growing priority for food manufacturers as network connectivity within facilities increases. The boost in information flow enhances a facility’s vulnerability to an attack----cyber or physical----that can result in stolen intellectual property, compromised trade secrets, a damaged reputation, and more. To mitigate exposure to security threats, the article offers a number of suggestions, including developing a comprehensive security plan with company-wide buy-in. Continue Reading →

Vince DiPofi, PE, Chief Strategy Officer at SSOE Group, was featured in ENR’s May 2017 cover story, “The Top 500 Design Firms: Market Poised for Takeoff”. From healthcare reform and regulation changes to the race to rebuild U.S. infrastructure, the article highlights some of the questions and concerns surrounding the industry following the recent election. Although preliminary indicators point to a strong, healthy market and we’ve already seen an increase in private sector jobs, a theme of caution continues to persist. Vince, who has experienced nine presidential elections during the course of his career, comments on the buzz surrounding the election and its effect on the industry. He also discusses how potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have already impacted the automotive market, as seen in postponed spending. Continue Reading →

Jim Lewis, Electrical Controls Department Manager and Principal at SSOE, recently authored this informative article in Area Development Magazine advising readers to take a business-driven approach to utility projects. Whether your project is driven by production capacity, energy efficiency, regulatory requirements, or environmental sustainability, the ultimate objective is to add value to the business. Jim shares examples showing how a utility challenge can be turned into a business advantage. Continue Reading →

Alan Liddy, AIA, NCARB, Senior Project Manager at SSOE, was recently published in Product Design and Development Magazine on the topic of cleanrooms. Alan explains that keeping cleanrooms clean can come at a lower cost, depending on the cleanroom’s classification, while offering strategies to cut costs without cutting corners. Clean standards continue to climb, but with a few operational enhancements, you can avoid contamination economically. Continue Reading →

Joe Badalamenti, PE, PMP, Business Development Executive at SSOE, was recently featured in this article in Food Engineering Magazine. Joe and other AEC experts weigh in on what’s trending in the food and beverage industry. Based on the publication’s annual survey, the industry has seen a peak in the number of construction projects recorded in 2015 — the highest number in the last 10 years. The driver? Food safety. Continue Reading →

Jens Ebert, PE, PMP, Senior Project Manager at SSOE, recently authored this article, which examines the phased approach to project execution referred to as front-end loading (FEL) and its many advantages. Also known as pre-project planning (PPP) and front-end engineering and design (FEED), the FEL approach to project delivery involves early project planning and engineering, so that design changes are easier and cheaper to accommodate, comparatively. FEL is very structured and can require more cost upfront, but projects are less likely to have issues or costly changes, and gives stakeholders an opportunity to make more informed decisions along the way. Continue Reading →