Synchrony recognized as a Top Employer by India Workplace Equality Index 2023

Hyderabad, December 4, 2023: Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, has been recognized as an India Workplace Equality Index 2023 Top Employer in the ‘Bronze’ category. This honor acknowledges Synchrony’s exceptional leadership in driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) 2023 is a definitive benchmarking tool for inclusive policies and practices for LGBT+ employees in India. Presented by Pride Circle in collaboration with the Keshav Suri Foundation, the IWEI spotlights organizations that stand out in inclusivity and diversity for their LGBT+ workforce.

 With this recognition by the IWEI, Synchrony emerges as an unwavering strength of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Acknowledging that inclusivity goes beyond policy implementation, the company actively engages in initiatives that create a culture of acceptance and understanding. By fostering an environment where employees feel safe and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, Synchrony addresses the concerns of the LGBT+ community and sets a commendable standard for workplace equality.

 “Synchrony’s commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment is not just a policy but a lived experience, showcasing the company’s dedication to ensuring that every member is valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are,” said Kameswari Gangadharabhatla, Vice President, Human Resources – Asia Diversity and Recruitment CEO Leader at Synchrony.

 Chumki Sen Gupta, AVP, Audit Manager and PRIDE+ Network Co-Leader India said, “We strive to create an inclusive and diverse environment by educating our employees and celebrating LGBT+ achievements to foster a sense of belonging. As part of our dedication to an inclusive workplace, we offer comprehensive benefits addressing the diverse needs of our LGBT+ employees. This includes same-gender and domestic partner coverage under our group medical insurance policy, ensuring accessible quality healthcare. We go further by supporting gender affirmation surgery and hormone treatment, aligning with our commitment to diverse well-being. Synchrony also actively celebrates Pride Month every June, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This approach encourages a workplace where every individual feels empowered and embraced.”

 “As partners, we are incredibly proud to be celebrating the results of the fourth annual India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI), recognizing the great strides that employers have made across India to improve the working lives of LGBT+ people. With 120 organizations now participating in IWEI, we hope that this is the turning point for corporate India and that more employers recognize the true value of supporting LGBT+ people to bring their full selves to work. We are hugely inspired by the outstanding commitment of Synchrony in pushing for change for the LGBT+ community in the workplace, and we cannot wait to see what advances all companies make in 2024,” said Ramkrishna Sinha, Co-Founder of Pride Circle and Rainbow Bazaar.

 As Synchrony continues to lead by example, it paves the way for a future where workplaces across industries prioritize the well-being and professional growth of every individual. Synchrony remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing workplace equality and looks forward to continuing its journey toward creating a workplace that mirrors the diversity, strength, and innovation of its incredible workforce.

LAPP Unveils Ground-breaking Seamless Ethernet Networking- Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio, Pioneering Future-Ready Industrial Connectivity Solutions

•  LAPP takes the lead by unveiling the industry’s first all-encompassing SPE portfolio
•   Innovative connectivity Solutions: LAPP introduces cutting-edge SPE products, including flexible shielded cables (ETHERLINE® T1 FLEX), highly flexible data cables (ETHERLINE® T1), and SPE connectors setting a new standard for efficient, reliable, and space-saving industrial connectivity.
•  Global Standardization and Future Focus: Actively contributing to SPE standardization since 2019, LAPP’s commitment extends to early testing, certifications, and forward-looking solutions, emphasizing the company’s role in shaping the future of industrial connectivity.

 Bengaluru, 04 December 2023: LAPP, a global leader in integrated cable and connection technology, introduces its pioneering Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) portfolio. This comprehensive range marks a significant leap forward in the industrial automation landscape.

 The vision of a fully connected factory, inclusive of the Internet and the cloud, is becoming a reality. In the industrial landscape, two predominant systems have traditionally coexisted: Ethernet, a well-established communication standard at the control levels of the automation pyramid, and diverse fieldbus systems prevalent in the lower field levels. To facilitate seamless networking, a new infrastructure was imperative. This infrastructure needed to align with the Ethernet networks at higher levels, all while being cost-effective and space-efficient, addressing the spatial constraints present in numerous machines and systems.

 Seamless Ethernet networking with SPE

 The solution lies in Single Pair Ethernet Technology (SPE), which facilitates consistent and uniform Ethernet networking, extending all the way down to the field level, commonly referred to as the sensor/actuator level. It enables the real-time transmission of energy and substantial data volumes using only one data pair connection, deviating from the standard four data pairs found in typical Ethernet cables. The integration of artificial intelligence and big data allows for the optimization of production facilities. SPE stands out as an ideal solution for applications with limited space, providing efficiency gains in weight and space utilization. This positions SPE as nearly as fast as multi-pair Ethernet, while offering the advantage of covering significantly larger distances and requiring less installation effort.

LAPP as a Pioneer

 Since 2019, LAPP has collaborated with numerous electrical connection companies, including cable and connector manufacturers, within the SPE Industrial Partner Network to drive the advancement of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology. Over time, SPE has achieved international standardization, laying the groundwork for its global expansion. Several recommendations have been incorporated into the IEC 63171 standard for industrial connectors. LAPP favors the connector face specified in accordance with IEC 63171-6 and actively contributes to the dissemination of this standard through its involvement with the SPE Industrial Partner Network. Additionally, corresponding guidelines for SPE networks have been developed by user organizations like PI for PROFINET or ODVA for ETHERNET/IP.

 First all-round portfolio

 “In our view, the Single Pair Ethernet technology is a real game changer in industrial automation. This is why it was our aim to offer our customers SPE connection solutions from a single source as quickly as possible. This saves time and professional advice is also available from our top-notch experts,” explains Steffen Schneider, Product Manager at LAPP. The world market leader for integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology started developing cables at an early stage. With the ETHERLINE ® T1 product family, a portfolio of Single Pair Ethernet cables is available for use in industrial machines and systems.

SPE cable suitable for drag chains

Another new product available is flexible, shielded SPE data cable ETHERLINE ® T1 FLEX with PVC outer sheath, space-saving, single-pair cable design with UL approval. It is also available in dimension (26 AWG). In addition, there is the highly flexible SPE data cable ETHERLINE ® T1 with PUR outer sheath and UL approval. It connects terminal devices at sensor/actuator level to the Industrial Ethernet – even in tight spaces. Its double shielding and PUR outer sheath, means the cable – which is suitable for use in cable chains – is well protected against external interference. The cable has been successfully tested on more than three million bending cycles. Both variants enable full interoperability of field devices and systems from different manufacturers by seamlessly connecting to the Industrial Ethernet network and are suitable for transmitting analogue and digital signals in the frequency range of up to 600 MHz and a distance of up to 40 m. In addition, the Power-over-Data-Line (PoDL)-capable cables in accordance with IEEE 802.3bu allow simultaneous power and data supply of SPE terminal devices with low energy requirements (up to 50 W). A double shielding made of aluminium-laminated foil and copper braiding with a high degree of coverage (SF/UTP) guarantees protection against electromagnetic interference.

New: Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer for the process industry

 SPE has potential in many industries. In process automation, SPE helps bridge long distances in large- sized plants, for instance in the chemical industry. Analogue cables or fieldbuses with data transmission rates of just 31.25 kbit are still used here. For distances of up to 1000 metres, additional properties for the process industry have been defined for SPE under the term Ethernet APL (Advanced Physical Layer) based on 10BASE-T1L according to IEEE 802.3cg. LAPP Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) is specifically designed for these demanding applications in the process industry, some of which are based on SPE. Ethernet APL enables safe data transmission up to field level in potentially explosive environments. This is ensured by the “intrinsically safe” ignition protection type. It is based on the 2-WISE concept (2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet) concept according to IEC TS 60079-47. This achieves an explosion-protection technology with a high level of protection. Ethernet APL also bridges long distances of up to 1000 m. The shielded Ethernet APL data cable ETHERLINE ® TL and the flexible shielded Ethernet APL data cable ETHERLNE ® TL FLEX for occasional movement enable data transmission via Ethernet up to the field level in potentially explosive environments in the process industry and are UL/CSA-certified for the North American region. The “Fast Connect” structure with inner sheath also enables easy stripping and assembly of the cable. Both variants are also among the first to be commercially available.

 Compatible SPE connectors

 A further addition to the SPE portfolio is the compatible SPE connector EPIC ® DATA SPE-6 FA M CS1 with crimp termination for AWG26 cables. This connection creates a vibration-proof connection, provides maximum contact protection between the contact and cable, and is suitable for automated assembly. The SPE plug is suitable for creating a detachable SPE connection and is faster, easier and more cost-effective to install than a conventional Ethernet connector. The connector face complies with the DIN EN IEC 63171-6 standard. Its compact design enables use in tight spaces. Power over Data Line (PoDL)- capable connector can also be used for simultaneous power and data supply of SPE terminal devices with low energy requirements (up to 50 W).

 Suitable for this, there is the compact SPE circuit board socket EPIC ® DATA SPE-6 PCB F for connecting SPE connectors to a printed circuit board inside active devices and a connector face in accordance with DIN EN IEC 63171-6. In addition to the data supply, the socket also enables a power supply of up to 50 watts for terminal devices thanks to the Power over the Data Line.

 Last but not least, LAPP also possesses the shielded single-pair Ethernet patch cable, shielded on both sides, for detachable SPE connections. Over molded connectors ensure it is held securely.

Cloud kitchens redefining Indian food service space by attracting significant investments

Mumbai, December 4: Cloud kitchens are redefining the food service business across most Indian cities accounting for one out of every five orders, according to experts speaking on the second day of India Food Forum, Friday.

 “With advantages like low initial investment and operating costs, higher profit margins, and relatively easier geographic expansion, cloud kitchens have taken the foodservice industry by storm,” said Pakhi Saxena, Business Director Head of retail and consumer Products at Wazir Advisors – a consulting firm.

 Owing to their rising popularity, cloud kitchens have attracted significant investment in recent times with Rebel Foods becoming a unicorn in 2021, Saxena said at the 16th edition of India Food Forum.

 The shift in food service consumption trend is also an outcome of the fast-paced lifestyles of employed individuals, an increased number of women in the workforce with higher disposable incomes coupled with scarcity of time.

 However, the rising cost of raw material, factors like seasonal shortages, economic slowdowns, and surging fuel prices contribute to spikes in prices of raw materials such as eggs, meat, fish, and vegetables that squeezes margins, compelling operators to raise menu prices, posing a retention challenge with value-conscious customers.

 Amid all these challenges and opportunities, India’s food service industry of USD 57.2 billion size with 47 percent organized market in 2023 is seen rising to USD 78.8 billion with 53 percent in 2026¸ according to Wazir Advisors.

 Within the organized Foodservice Market Revenue of USD 27.1 billion in 2023, USD 5.9 billion came from the organized chains and the rest from independent establishments.  By 2026, this organized revenue for food service is seen growing to USD 42.7 billion, with organized chain share accounting for USD 9.8 billion, Saxena said.

 The surge is this market is also an outcome of easy access to the internet that millions of Indians today have via smartphones that has catalyzed the order placement with mobile wallets and one-tap payments.

 The two-day India Food Forum saw several exhibitors launching new products and reaching out to the traders visiting the conclave in large numbers.