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linked to wider connotations . “ It ’ s important to remember that the DOE invested in the institute initially , and is , itself , in the business of helping manufacturers digitize in the pursuit of energy reduction and decarbonization . The organization realized that as we promote and support companies ’ digitization efforts , we ’ re also seeing an increase in the vulnerability landscape . As such , collectively , we have a responsibility to not just support manufacturers in their digital transition , but also to support them in a secure transition . Therefore , cybersecurity is inherently connected to the sustainability journey of many manufacturers .
“ Efficiency optimization measures , such as installing sensors , goes hand in hand with energy savings , for example . We ’ re also able to demonstrate how the avoidance of downtime due to cybersecurity breaches has a positive impact on ROI . This is critical for manufacturers , and we need to promote awareness of the benefits .
“ We can ’ t get anywhere if people don ’ t understand risk . It ’ s our mission to demonstrate how one person ’ s vulnerability is everyone ’ s . In the supply chains of large Tier 1 suppliers , any security breach can have an impact throughout the chain . As we look at the future of supply chain risk management , we ’ ll also start to see provenance tracing and the ability to demonstrate not just the physical location of a product through its value chain but also its digital thread and the security thereof . Digital product assurance along the supply chain is going to be an increasing theme , especially in those highrisk , high-consequence manufacturing industries and within energy , utilities , and transportation ,” she shares .
“ We have partners in the industry , and we work with them to demonstrate innovations not just in the research lab , but on the plant floor too . That ’ s a unique part of our journey . Not many fundamental research organizations get to do that , but it takes our research from conception to demonstration in a very real way . The next step beyond research demonstration is to create a pipeline that allows that technology to be transferred into businesses . Recently in San Antonio , we ’ ve started a Secure Manufacturing Consortium
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