Home > Companies > C-Suite On Deck > 'We treat information as a critical business asset,' says Vanessa Eriksson, SVP, Chief Digital Officer at Zenseact

'We treat information as a critical business asset,' says Vanessa Eriksson, SVP, Chief Digital Officer at Zenseact

We had the opportunity to interview the data-enthusiast and the former first Chief Data Officer in Sweden, Vanessa Eriksson, SVP, Chief Digital Officer at Zenseact and Board Member at Fidesmo, where she explored the different features of the autonomous vehicle. Read on to find out more about the Zenseact protects critical business and company information.

We also understand the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology to meet our information security and data protection needs.

MEDIA 7: You are a pioneer and a leading-edge data practitioner with several years of experience. What inspired you to choose this career path?
VANESSA ERIKSSON: It was way back in the early 2000s, while I was working at Ericsson’s Global Master Data Management office, that my journey with data began. It was here that I was first introduced to Master Data and I found myself developing a deep curiosity of the underlying technology, as well as understanding the need and value of having good quality in data. It became quite evident to me that I liked working with data and I wanted to continue to develop my skills within this field. So I targeted roles where data was a key part of the job. I moved to Sony Ericsson and worked as an Analyst, verifying data from 27 production sites all over the world. However, it was only at Telia where I believe my career within data really took off. Starting as Project Manager for procurement Master Data, I challenged everything from the way of working with data to data not being treated as the asset it was. I got nicknamed, "The lady with the whip," but nothing mattered as I got delivered results and built up my integrity.

I got the opportunity to lead Data Governance while it was still a new concept in the world, drive innovation and data monetization; but most importantly, anchor the Chief Data Officer role in Telia, Eurasia. Working with Gartner as an Advisory on their Board, I believe I am one of the first to have had the role of the Chief Data Officer in Sweden. Analytics and AI are part of every CDO role today, but I have had the good fortune to have found myself in an industry like no other: the autonomous vehicle! Working for start-up Zenseact as Chief Digital Officer, in addition to bringing the organization even further into the digital age, my responsibilities also include data and cybersecurity. My enthusiasm holds no bounds when I get to work with data! Today I work not just with core data management, but also with advanced techniques like federated learning, swarm learning, edge training; knowing how we can use it to make safer roads and create a sustainable future.


M7: What are some of the safe self-driving features that Zenseact offers in its software platform?
VE: Zenseact’s mission is to preserve life by accelerating the move to zero collisions with the help of self-driving technology. What‘s more important to us is the speed to reaching zero collisions everywhere rather than the speed to reaching unsupervised technology somewhere. So, safety is the one main drive. OnePilot is our flagship service that offers a single experience throughout the user’s journey. Once activated in the vehicle, it offers three different modes of operation namely Drive, Cruise, and Ride, and a growth track from supervised comfort cruising towards unsupervised riding at high speed in a continuously growing ODD. 

The OnePilot software stack operates end to end from sensing to actuating torque requests. It comprises of a complete computer vision stack, tracking and low-level fusion of all inclusive sensing modalities, as well as planning and control software. Ride is our mode for self-driving functions where the main feature being offered will be HWP - Highway Pilot. HWP offers unsupervised automated driving. It enhances comfort and convenience by allowing the driver to engage in secondary activities. The HWP will then constantly be updated with geographics, weather conditions, and speed.

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Analytics and AI are part of every CDO role today.



M7: What are some of the different ways you ensure Zenseact’s sensitive information is protected from cyber-attacks?
VE: At Zenseact we treat information as a critical business asset. Our security strategies and measures are aligned to secure information throughout the life cycle using defense-in-depth techniques. We also understand the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology to meet our information security and data protection needs. Some of the techniques we have deployed include effective security policy and process management, information classification, awareness and training for information owners, employees, and a combination of various security monitoring tools. It is key for us to maintain compliance with leading practices for security management for both enterprise and product cyber security.


M7: As a board member of Fidesmo, what are some of the different ways you have tried to achieve the perfect gender balance within the organization?
VE: I recently visited Fidesmo at their offices in Regeringsgatan, Stockholm, and was happy and proud to see the evident diversity in the organization. Talking to Alana Kennett, who has been with the company from its very start says, "When I joined Fidesmo a few years ago, I was the only woman in the company. Since then, women have made up almost 40% of new hires in both tech and non-tech positions. This shows the positive strides Fidesmo has made in attracting and hiring from a more diverse range of people. The company has always been very international and welcoming of different cultures – as we continue to grow, it is important to keep our focus on expanding the backgrounds, cultures, interests and experiences of our future colleagues which will only enrich our internal culture and external business further."

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It is key for us to maintain compliance with leading practices for security management for both enterprise and product cyber security.

M7: What is your advice to young women stepping into the data industry?
VE: I am a fiercely competitive person, (I am not without fault!). At the gym, I peek at the speedometer on the treadmill beside me and that makes me go faster because I believe can do better! It doesn’t always happen, but it helps me to constantly challenge myself and push the boundaries. I encourage and would advise women in tech and in other industries, to go further, conquer their fears and come out as winners.

ABOUT ZENSEACT

Zenseact's mission is to preserve life by accelerating the transition to zero collisions with the help of self-driving technology. They develop the complete software stack for ADAS and AD, from sensing to actuation. Their focus is to build a single cutting-edge software platform in order to serve various levels of autonomy and offer unequaled scalability at the same time. They operate out of Gothenburg, Sweden and Shanghai, China with approx. 600 employees. Zenseact’s first self-driving deployment will be launched on the next-generation vehicle platform from Volvo Car.

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USPack Launches USPack Healthcare and Unveils New Branding

USPack | January 05, 2024

USPack, a national leader in same-day, final-mile delivery solutions, and a NewSpring Holdings platform company, today unveils new branding and launches USPack Healthcare. These moves mark a significant milestone in USPack's evolution and position the company at the forefront of innovation and customized final mile solutions, catering to the growing needs of healthcare, retail, and big & bulky customers in the modern logistics landscape. For over 30 years USPack has led the way in building tailored logistics solutions for some of the most prestigious names in healthcare including pharmacies, major hospital systems, and labs. More recently, USPack has quickly expanded into providing more complex and critical solutions supporting clinical trials, nuclear medicine, medical devices, and long-term care facilities, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes. In response to the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare industry, USPack is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies by formalizing USPack Healthcare. Existing customers will continue to have the same high-touch service levels and benefit from increased supply chain visibility. As the final mile logistics industry undergoes transformative changes driven by technological advancements and customer demands, USPack has built a nationwide reputation for customizable logistics solutions encompassing speed, efficiency, and accuracy. The new branding, which includes a new logo, website, and updated color palette for USPack Healthcare, uses a mile marker to reflect the company's commitment to final mile precision. "Macro-economic tailwinds including the aging population, the growing life-sciences market, and the rise of in-home healthcare solutions combined with customer demand have us doubling down on our capabilities. We will build on our already robust service-centric solutions for routed and STAT final-mile solutions with the launch of USPack Healthcare," says Mike Clark, USPack CEO. "We're proud of our tech-forward approach, problem-solving mindset, and decades of experience serving the final mile. Our new USPack branding and the rollout of USPack Healthcare underscore the deliberate evolution of USPack as we look to expand our trusted customer relationships across all market sectors."

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Operations, Sustainability, Transportation

Revoy Launches the Ultimate Scalable Sustainability Solution for Trucking

PR Newswire | February 01, 2024

<p>Revoy, a simple and truly viable solution to decarbonize the trucking industry, today announces the launch of the Revoy EV, a simple add-on for fleets that enables an easy transition to full EV without alterations to trucks or trailers. Pioneering a new sector of commercial trucking EV solutions, Revoy's technology improves fuel efficiency from 6 - 8 mpg to 20 - 35+ mpg, representing a 70 - 90%+ reduction in emissions. Economically, adding a Revoy EV to a tractor enables companies to save thousands of dollars in fuel per truck annually, inclusive of Revoy fees.</p><p>Currently, commercial trucks and fleets account for 6.7%¹ of all of the United States' GHG emissions. Revoy is helping reduce this and propel businesses towards net zero goals. Revoy EVs are on the road today actively decarbonizing trucks, and are expanding to more areas this year.</p<p>"Trucking contributes 6.7% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US. The current approach of wholly replacing diesel engines with batteries and electric motors is too abrupt of a transition for such a critical and underappreciated part of our economy," said Ian Rust, CEO and founder of Revoy. "EV tractors are more expensive to purchase and recharge compared to diesel, and no driver can spare the time to stop and charge for hours. Luxury passenger vehicles are not engineered to generate ROI and depreciate quickly. Making commercial vehicles the same way poses a risk to any fleet that adopts them. Revoy has engineered an electric commercial vehicle that is built as an asset first. The entire vehicle is swappable in under five minutes, so no waiting on a charge, and can operate on any trucker's existing vehicle with no modifications."</p><p>Revoy handles all infrastructure and charging, and its adaptable technology offers ease of use, saved time, low upfront costs, and ongoing fuel benefits. Revoy allows truckers to drive up to 235 miles on electric power using a 525kWh LFP battery pack.</p<p>Solving for sustainability in the trucking industry is complex, but simplicity is at the core of Revoy's innovation. Revoy's EV technology is adaptable and easy to apply to existing fleets, with the option to use as needed. The process is simple: trucks visit a Revoy swap station, where an attendant swaps the Revoy EV while the driver relaxes in the truck or shops inside.</p><p>Revoy's EV technology addresses the sustainability and competitive business needs of trucking fleets and companies committed to net zero goals through the following</p> Dramatic MPG Improvement: At 235 miles of range, Revoy can take a 6 - 8 mpg truck to 20 - 35+ mpg. At a shorter range, for example 150 miles, mpg can exceed 30 - 40 mpg. This is a transformational step change in fuel efficiency. Electric Range Extension on Electric Trucks: Revoy allows truckers to drive up to 235 miles on electric power using a 525kWh LFP battery pack, and can be "recharged" nearly instantly with a Revoy swap. Long charges or battery-destroying fast charges are no longer necessary. An 800kWh long-range version will be coming out in May 2024. No Time Wasted On The Road: Revoy electric vehicles instantly convert any diesel truck into a hybrid, easily attaching to the fifth wheel automatically. Truckers can swap at an available station for a fresh battery in less than five minutes, which is 90% faster than traditional EV charging. Fleets can share Revoy EVs based on subscription tier for immediate savings, without the risk. Zero Payload Impact: The Revoy EV has no impact on payload. Trucks encountering loads that are too heavy to accept the extra battery weight can revert to diesel in minutes by dropping the Revoy EV. Compliant with Length Laws: The Revoy EV requires no additional CDL endorsements and is compliant with all length restrictions on the national highway network. Safety Features Built Into Every Vehicle: Revoy offers intelligent auto-correction to prevent rollovers, flipping and jackknifing. The Revoy EV has an extra set of brakes to automatically engage more stopping power when driving down mountains, blind spot detection and automatic reversing with intelligent computing from a series of sensors with notifications through Revoy's mobile app. <p>Revoy was founded by Ian Rust, an innovator, founder and mechanical engineer with over 12 years of experience in clean transportation and sustainability, and is backed by YCombinator, Transition Global, and Liquid2 Ventures. The team includes over 100 years of experience from GM, Tesla, Embark Trucks, Waymo, and the European Space Agency, among others. Revoy's technology is made in the USA, FMVSS compliant, and compliant with all length and weight (bridge and GVW) regulations.</p>

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Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution

Harnessing the Transformative Power of Cold Chain Logistics with SSI Schaefer

SSI Schaefer | January 03, 2024

As average global temperatures rise and the demand for cold-chain storage grows worldwide, SSI Schaefer, a global leader in intralogistics and automated warehouses, is sharing best practices and key considerations on how logistics and operations managers can optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cold storage warehouses. Cold storage warehouse managers -- particularly in the food and beverage industries, but also pharmaceutical distribution -- are facing the need to efficiently and effectively store, pick, retrieve, pack, and ship perishable and sensitive goods, which require special handling, monitoring, and carefully tuned environmental conditions. Yet they face additional challenges -- the cold-chain storage market is expanding, with some reports projecting a CAGR of 9% from 2023 to 2028, meaning that warehouse managers must balance surging demand for cold-stored goods with the increasing need to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. "What we are seeing for refrigerated supply chains is this pinch -- a need to do ever more with ever less," notes Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director - Middle East & Africa, SSI Schaefer. "To meet the growing complexities of the industry, it's not enough to find a quick fix. Companies need material flow experts with industry know-how to consider all angles of a facility and seamlessly blend cold-chain logistics solutions with individual processes." Cold chain storage solutions Careful planning is always the first step in optimizing temperature-controlled infrastructure. To increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cold storage warehouses, there are several factors to consider from the beginning. Optimizing air circulation and product storage density Since different products and comestibles require different storage temperatures, cold storage warehouse temperatures can range from -34°C to 0°C, with some even reaching 21°C. However, there is often a trade-off between storage density and air flow. Selecting the right storage system that enhances the cooled air circulation while increasing the storage density in the given facility footprint is critical in the planning phase. Semi-automated solutions for cold storage space optimization Ideal for deep-freeze facilities for bulk storage in the manufacturing sector and delivering maximum space utilization, channel storage setups with semi-automated drive-in racking systems are an accessible step towards automation, offering high throughput, enhanced safety, and reduced time for workers in refrigerated facilities. Capable of following either the Last in-First Out (LIFO) or the First in-Last Out (FIFO) principle, these systems use channel vehicles like SSI Orbiter® and a corresponding docking station to store and retrieve pallets. Compared to a static, manual pallet rack system, a mobile racking storage system is an effective way to boost storage capacity in a given space -- by up to 85%, while maintaining full selectivity typically required in distribution centers. This system involves racks that move along floor rails via electric motors to create an aisle only where needed, and it offers smart lighting that only activates in occupied aisles for reducing energy consumption, as well as a night parking option that optimizes rack spacing for maximal cold air circulation. Future-ready automation systems for a seamless, cost-optimized cold chain Due to the need for cold goods to maintain strict timetables and a closed cold chain, storage systems must handle incoming goods efficiently and cope with expected and unexpected upticks in demand. The best way to systematically manage the complexities of cold-chain material flows is with a fully automated storage system that seamlessly interconnects components, such as: Pallets Automated storage & retrieval systems (ASRSs): The SSI Exyz is an automated high-density storage system with extremely high space utilization, particularly in high-bay warehouses, and it saves 25% of energy compared to conventional machines while functioning across different temperatures. Shuttle solutions: As a future-proof, fully automated channel storage option, the SSI Lift & Run Shuttle System (SLR) provides simultaneous access to multiple racks for top-tier performance and high storage density. Other storage types Shuttle solutions for layer trays: For high-volume picking of goods such as comestibles for shop deliveries, tray shuttles and conveying systems enable fully automated robotic picking or support efficient semi-automatic goods-to-person picking. Storage solutions for container, bin and carton loads: For loads of varying dimensions, scalable solutions using SSI Miniload, Flexi Shuttle or Cuby maximize storage density while accommodating specific load and performance requirements to support automatic or semi-automatic case and piece picking. Platforms for central control of refrigerated facilities Although there are various warehouse automation technologies that track material flows, issues such as coordinating multiple systems often arise and there is a clear need for centralized monitoring and control -- particularly with the complexities of refrigerated facilities. To tie all aspects of a cold storage warehouse together, end-to-end software such as WAMAS® or SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) offer clear visualizations and comprehensive tools to manage processes, resources, and stock levels.

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