The Role of Technology Management in Digital Transformation

on 05/08/2024

In the age of digital transformation, technology management is essential because it helps companies strategically integrate technology to spur innovation and meet goals. Through the use of digital technologies, digital transformation entails a fundamental reimagining of consumer experiences, corporate culture, and business processes. The key to coordinating this shift is effective technology management, which guarantees a cogent and flexible response to change by coordinating technology investments with organizational objectives. The strategic integration of technology with corporate strategy is fundamental to the digital transformation process. Understanding the organization’s objectives and determining how digital technologies may support and enhance these goals are key components of technology management. To achieve this alignment, one must have a thorough awareness of the organization’s unique needs and challenges in addition to the state of technology. Effective technology management guarantees that digital projects are essential parts of a larger business plan rather than standalone projects.
In the context of digital transformation, integrating emerging technologies is essential to technology management. Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning are a few examples of transformational technologies. A key component of efficient technology management is determining how various technologies relate to and affect the operations and competitiveness of the company. In order to stay forward in the ever-changing digital landscape, it necessitates an introspective approach to exploration and execution. The creation of a solid digital infrastructure is a critical component of technology management in digital transformation. This covers the implementation of cybersecurity safeguards, data analysis platforms, and adaptable reliable cloud computing solutions. The digital infrastructure serves as the cornerstone for the digital capabilities of the company, facilitating data-driven decision-making, scalability, and agility. The infrastructure is kept up to date with industry best practices and the organization’s changing needs thanks to technology management.
Organizational culture typically has to change as a result of digital transformation, with an emphasis on customer-centricity, agility, and teamwork. Through supporting the use of tools for collaboration, encouraging ongoing learning and upskilling, and cultivating an innovative and experimental mindset, technology management contributes to this cultural shift. Organizations must undergo this cultural shift in order to adjust to the quick-paced, ever-changing digital business environment. In the digital age, data is a vital resource, and technology management is essential to maximizing its potential for corporate gain. This entails building data analytics capabilities, putting in place strong data governance structures, and making sure data privacy laws are followed. Organizations may use data to gain actionable insights that inform decision-making and personalize consumer experiences when technology is managed effectively.
Customer-centric design and user experience (UX) are critical in the framework of digital transformation. The implementation of technologies and practices that improve user experience—like adaptive layout, accessibility features, and user interface design—is supervised by technology management. Ensuring digital solutions are not only practical and effective but also user-friendly and entertaining for end users is the aim. In the midst of digital transformation, agile approaches and DevOps techniques are essential elements of technology management. These methods place a strong emphasis on quick reaction to changing needs, iterative development, and cooperation between the development and operations teams. Technology management makes that the company implements and refines these approaches to improve the speed, adaptability, and effectiveness of delivering digital solutions. The cybersecurity environment is getting more complicated as businesses embrace digital transformation. The responsibility of safeguarding digital assets, consumer data, and vital systems falls on technology management. To do this, the company must have strong cybersecurity procedures in place, regularly review its risks, and cultivate a cybersecurity-aware culture. In order to reduce cyber threats and guarantee the durability of digital systems, proactive technology management is crucial.
In the digital environment, where enterprises frequently use a combination of in-house and third-party solutions, compatibility and integration are crucial factors to take into account. The goal of technology management is to choose and use technologies that work in unison with current systems, promote interoperability, and build a cohesive digital environment. This method improves productivity, cuts down on duplication, and makes it easier to implement a coherent digital strategy. An essential component of efficient technology management in the digital transformation process is ongoing monitoring and optimization. This entails the routine evaluation of user input, key performance metrics, and technological performance. Technology management makes sure that the company is flexible and responsive to changing business requirements, technical breakthroughs, and shifts in the competitive environment by keeping an eye on the effects of digital projects.
Beyond the deployment stage, technology management plays a crucial role in digital transformation through continual innovation and strategic considerations. It entails keeping up with emerging technology, assessing its value to the company, and making plans for its future development. Technology management sustains the organization’s agility, resilience, and long-term performance in the digital age by means of ongoing technological foresight and strategic planning. The secret to effective digital transformation programs is technology management. The process entails coordinating technology with business strategy, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, building a strong digital infrastructure, encouraging creativity, maximizing user experiences, guaranteeing cybersecurity, encouraging interoperability, and persistently observing and adjusting to changes. Effective technology management acts as a compass for enterprises navigating the challenges of digital transformation, pointing them in the direction of greater agility, creativity, and competitive in the digital economy.

CSR launches Regbar Construction Solutions in Pakistan

on 05/08/2024

In a private event held at the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) building on July 4, 2024, in Karachi, Pakistan, Construction Solutions Resources (CSR) proudly launched Regbar Construction Solutions in Pakistan, in collaboration with its Turkish partners. This initiative marks a significant step towards introducing advanced construction technologies tailored to enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape.
The event featured distinguished speakers including Engr. Sohail Bashir, Chairman of IEP Karachi, and Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering & Technology shared insights on the importance of adopting innovative technologies in the construction sector.
Managing Partners from Regbar introduced a range of specialized products including Reinforcement Couplers, Anchorage Solutions, and Rock Bolts during the event. The interactive Q&A session elaborated on the product applications in local projects to enhance the quality and efficiency of construction endeavors.
Amir Ul Islam, CEO of CSR, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, emphasizing CSR’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s construction industry through sustainable growth and technological innovation, focusing on implementing best practices to elevate construction standards nationwide.
About CSR: Construction Solutions Resources (CSR) is dedicated to enhancing Pakistan’s construction sector through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Established with a vision to promote sustainable development, CSR focuses on implementing best practices to elevate construction standards nationwide.

Evolution of new refrigerants and applications

on 05/08/2024

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this technical article is to understand the importance of new available refrigerants, and applications. In this paper, the low or ultra-low GWP refrigerants like hydro-fluoro-olefins HFO / HFO blends, HC, and Natural Refrigerants are considered as environmentally friendly next-generation refrigerants.
Early invention – inorganic compounds, today these are still used in many refrigeration, Air conditioning, and heat pump applications as refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Synthetic refrigerants have been used in refrigeration systems since the creation of CFCs and HCFCs in 1929.
Refrigeration and air conditioning play a vital role in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. They have a great impact on our day-to-day life. They have also contributed to the world’s major environmental issues like global warming and climate change. The development of the refrigerants used in them, from the days when refrigeration was not known to the present day is very interesting. The development of different refrigerants over time took place based on safety, durability and environmental impact issues. Now, there has been a lot of talk about climate change and global warming.
The first regulation concerning the depletion of the ozone layer was the Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th Sep 1987. The result was that the scientific assessment of ozone depletion in 2014 confirms that the ozone layer is healing, thanks to actions taken by Parties under the Montreal Protocol. It means the Ozone Depletion Potential matter is resolved but the Global Warming potential is highlighted due to increase of global temperature and climate change.
Then, the Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. As of 1st July 2024, 160 countries have ratified the Kigali amendment. Under the Amendment, all countries will gradually phase down HFCs by more than 80 per cent over the next 30 years and replace them with more planet-friendly alternatives.
The scientists and engineers carried out the research and development to establish the next generation refrigerants including the safety that is the most important factor. The recent Scientific Assessment Report estimates that Kigali will reduce future global average warming in 2100 due to HFCs from a baseline of 0.3 °C – 0.5 °C to less than 0.1 °C.
Hydrocarbons are naturally occurring and made only from hydrogen and carbon. Let’s see the current availability of new refrigerants compared to existing HFC refrigerants for low, medium, and high-pressure applications of compressors. We need to choose the new refrigerants based on the environmental effect (GWP), safety, performance (COP), availability, and serviceability.
The three main flammability classifications are class 1 – for refrigerants that do not propagate a flame when tested as per the standard; class 2 – for refrigerants of lower flammability; and class 3 – for highly flammable refrigerants.
The classification of refrigerants are as follows:
The demand of Natural Refrigerants like Ammonia and Carbon dioxide as well as HCs are increasing. A2L refrigerants are slightly flammable than A2 and A3 is highly flammable. B1 & B2 represents toxicity. Mostly, new refrigerants belong to A2L, we should have a serious look at the design and installation of any indoor/outdoor unit, piping, valves, and mechanical room to avoid any accident, as it pertains to the limit of refrigerant charge, sensors, and exhaust according to available standards and local codes.
Ammonia is widely used in the food processing, cold storage, and pharmaceutical industries. However, local permitting authorities may restrict the use of ammonia due to its toxicity and flammability. It has pungent smell. System design for the best system COP may result in high cost, particularly when considering necessary items to ensure safety. Ammonia belongs to B2 category makes it suitable only for indirect chiller systems.
Carbon Dioxide belongs to the AI group, a greenhouse gas, and is very energy efficient but operates at very high pressure. CO2 and its high energy content, which continues to scale at greater temperatures, can be reclaimed, increasing overall system efficiency. From an environmental perspective, CO2 is a very attractive refrigerant with zero ODP and a GWP of 1 Carbon dioxide sees extensive use in large-scale refrigeration systems like marine refrigeration systems.
Hydrocarbons (HC) HC refrigerants have an Ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) is 3. Typical hydrocarbon refrigerants for Line refrigerators and freezers are Propane (R-290) or Isobutane (R-600a) but highly flammable belongs to the A3 category. It requires additional safety measures.
However, there’s been a push in recent years to explore other uses for R-290, and ASHRAE has proposed increasing its charge limit to either 300 grams or 500 grams, depending on the application.
ASHRAE Standard 34 shows that Application for Human Comfort stipulates that Group A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3 refrigerants shall not be used in high-probability systems for human comfort. Higher Flammability Refrigerants states that Group A3 refrigerants shall not be used except where approved by the authority having local jurisdiction.
Refrigerants listed as A2L in ASHRAE 34 are listed as Class 2 in the International Mechanical Code.
When we go deep then we see category A2 is divided into A2L and A2 groups. The A2L subgroup, as categorized by ASHRAE Standard 34, are a class of refrigerants that have lower flammability (flame propagation speed is less than 10 cm/s) compared to A2.
HFO refers to the chemical composition of the refrigerant. HydroFluoroOlefin indicates that the refrigerant is comprised of Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon and that there is at least one unsaturated double bond between two carbons (olefin structure). A blend of an HFO with another type of refrigerant is typically combined with a slash HFO blend i.e. next-generation refrigerants compared to existing HFC refrigerants (R-134a, R-407c, and R-410a) i.e., high GWP:
R-1234yf
R1234yf is more environmentally friendly. It has 4 GWP compared to R-134 a 1300 GWP. R1234yf can be used as a long-term environmentally friendly solution in mobile air-conditioning systems. The safety kit is also available to detect the leakage. Technicians need to take the relevant safety measures for the correct transport, storage, and handling of flammable gas.
R-32
The GWP of R32 is 675 while R-410 has 2,088 GWP. EPA based on the Kigali amendment bans CFCs with GWP above 700; this stops new production or importation of R-410a Units by Jan 01, 2025. Besides, the EPA based on the Montreal Protocol stopped production and importation in 1996 for R12 machines and 2010 for R22 machines.
R32 only has one molecule in its formation, its saturated liquid and vapor temperatures are the same. R-32 is a colorless and odorless, mildly flammable gas (A2L). However, there is a slight chance of the smallest fully enclosed premises with total leakage in the evaporator unit.
R-32 is more efficient than R-410a. R-32 is available and requires less quantity than R-410a. R-32 pressure is high compared to R-410a and manufacturers mainly use it in Split Units or VRF. The outdoor unit should be installed in a shaded area especially at high ambient countries. Flush with Nitrogen and proper vacuum requires, and no air should be inside the pipe.
There is a chance of any damage the indoor unit installed in at confined space with a small amount of room volume. But it requires oxygen and constant sources to ignite like hot wire, open flames, etc.
R-32 is heavier than air, it goes down to the floor and may accumulate as well as have lower velocity at ground level then it may favor the formation of the fire but requires a constant high-power source is still required.
R-452B / R-454B
R452B is a mixture of HFC and HFO, with a glide temperature of 1.2 K. Its GWP is 676. Further, R452B has a safety classification of A2L and lower saturation pressure than R410A and R32.
R454B has 466 GWP compared to R-410 has 2,088 GWP. R-454B is mildly flammable gas (A2L) and colorless. Many manufacturers are using R454B refrigerant. It provides easy conversion with minimal changes from the R-410a design. Like R-410A, R-454B is a near azeotrope and so has minimal glide.
Manufacturers use R454B in Residential Light Commercial, Chillers and Heat Pumps. R454B extends cooling and heating capabilities at low ambient temperatures producing higher leaving hot water temperatures. R454B has wider operating maps and compressors, i.e. more reliable. R454B, to comply with future regulations and reduce their carbon footprint.
R-513A
R513A is a medium-pressure, non-flammable. The GWP of R-514A is 573. They have been assigned an A1 safety classification under ASHRAE 34. It may be an alternative to R-410a for new medium and high-temperature systems. It may use in screw and centrifugal chillers.
It is a direct drop-in replacement for R-134a in existing commercial and industrial medium and high-temperature refrigeration equipment that uses positive displacement compressors and direct expansion systems. It is compatible with POE synthetic oils. It is compatible with the equipment, components, lubricant, and joints of an existing R-134a system.
R-514A
ASHRAE 34 class R514A as a B1 category refrigerant, meaning that it is not flammable. It has a low pressure, non-ozone depleting, low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement for R-123. It is suitable for new and retrofit systems, offering an optimal balance of properties, including high energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
An Azeotrope with zero glides is a low GWP HFO-based refrigerant developed to replace R-123 in low-pressure centrifugal chillers for commercial and industrial applications. The application may be screw and centrifugal chillers.
R-1234ze
R-1234ze is known as a “next-gen” refrigerant & classified as HFO. It has category is A2L and not designed for retrofit projects. While the fact R1234ze has an ultra-low value GWP value is 1 vs 1300 of the R134a, it also results in very efficient chiller operations. This is pure fluid and having zero glide. The lubricant oil is POE Oil. It replaces mainly R134a refrigerant.
The application is air-cooled and water-cooled screw chillers as well as water-cooled centrifugal chillers. Besides, it can be used in medium-temperature commercial refrigeration and heat pumps. This refrigerant has a future choice within a stringent environmental regulation.
R-1233zd
R-1233zd is known as a “next-gen” refrigerant & classified as HFO. It has ultra-low value GWP value is 1. R1233zd is ideal for low-pressure centrifugal chillers which are common in cooling systems for large buildings. Besides, it has no temperature glide.
Refrigerant R1233zd(E) is classified as a fully safe refrigerant (ASHRAE Class A1). The composition of this refrigerant is a single component. R-1233zd is a new and widely accepted refrigerant for high-capacity mainly centrifugal chillers for its attractive properties and mainly to replace R123 refrigerant.
The initial cost of new refrigerants is typically high, but the cost tends to decrease with time due to production process improvements and economies of scale. The total Life Cycle Cost of a system has become increasingly important in recent years as the cost of the system to acquire, install, operational cost, and maintain gained focus.
CONCLUSION: HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP) and trap heat in our atmosphere which contribute to global warming. Thus, they are ultimately bad for the environment. Ultimately, the Kigali amendment timeline must be followed for respective countries. In addition, we need to follow the new design standards (especially A2L & A3), take safety precautions, select high-efficiency equipment, and follow ASHRAE Standards as well as local codes.

EU funded the CBHE CATCH_VR Project Progress Meeting 1st Training Workshop at University of Oradea

on 05/08/2024

The meeting began with a warm welcome note from Prof Radu Tarca, Principal Coordinator of the CATCH_VR project at the University of Oradea, Romania. An address by Prof Sanda Monica Filip, Pro-Rector of Research at the University of Oradea followed this. In his appreciating note, Prof Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry, Project Coordinator, thanked the University of Oradea for hosting the four-day event and highlighted the significance of the CATCH_VR project and the agenda for the project progress meeting. The aim of the “CApacity building in TeaCHing of AR/VR (CATCH_VR)” project is to enhance the capacity of higher education institutions through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) using Digital Twining with a consortium of several educational institutions from Europe and Asia focusing on Graduate Engineering Education. The project involves a participatory learning approach, with a strong emphasis on practical demonstrations and hands-on experience with physical equipment and digital twins, which promises to be an exciting and engaging part of the project. The meeting also reviewed working on various committees for the work packages and user requirement analysis and finalizing the deliverables D1.1, D6.7, and D6.9. There has been a detailed discussion on Curriculum Development. The training workshop focused on the latest trends in AR/VR technologies, leading towards Digital Twin.
All partner universities from Pakistan, including MUET, QUEST, GIKI, and UET Peshawar, participated physically. Associate partners Rastek Technologies and Engineering Review participated online. European partner universities, including the University of Limerick, Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland, and the University of Oradea, Romania, participated physically, and Technical University Sophia, Bulgaria, participated online.

Green Dreams for a Better Tomorrow: KU CSD Organizes Climate-Action Ideathon

on 05/08/2024

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Karachi organized a two-day event titled the “Climate-Action Ideathon.” Forty teams from ten different universities presented various ideas to combat climate change. Judges selected winners who received cash prizes for first, second, and third place.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi; Engr. Wasim Nazir, Managing Director of MMP; Dr. M. Ali Shaikh, former VC of SMIU; Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Chair of IEEE Karachi Section; Abu Bakar Madni, Special Secretary to DG Local Government; Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, Director of Operations at Sindh Disaster Management Authority; and Dr. Musarrat Jahan Yousuf, Dean of the Faculty of Science at KU. Dr. Sadiq Ali Khan, Chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Chair of IEEE Education Society Karachi Section, hosted the event.
In his speech, Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi emphasized that climate change, a global crisis, is one of the most defining challenges of our time, demanding urgent and innovative solutions. He stressed the importance of reaffirming commitment to sustainable development goals to tackle issues such as global warming, droughts, floods, and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change worldwide.
Dr. Iraqi highlighted the need for practical measures to minimize climate change, urging all relevant authorities worldwide to design effective preventive strategies to mitigate further damage. He underscored that addressing climate change requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from fields like engineering, economics, sociology, and computer science.
The event’s Chief Guest, Engr. Wasim Nazir, Managing Director of MMP, stated that climate change is no longer a distant concern but an urgent reality demanding collective action. He emphasized the critical role of oceans, covering over 70% of the planet’s surface, in ecosystems, climate regulation, and human livelihoods, stressing the need for effective irrigation and water management systems to address contamination.
Dr. M. Ali Shaikh, President of the Citizen Educational and Empowerment Society and former VC of SMIU, highlighted the pivotal role of education and technology in shaping a sustainable future. He emphasized the importance of developing solutions to mitigate climate change impacts and promote a greener, more sustainable planet.
Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Chair of IEEE Karachi Section, emphasized that climate change transcends borders and disciplines, requiring a collaborative effort. He praised Dr. Sadiq Ali Khan for organizing the Ideathon and highlighted the crucial role of computer science and information technology in enhancing our response to environmental challenges.
Abu Bakar Madni, Special Secretary to DG Local Government, stressed that climate change is a global problem requiring local action and global cooperation. He encouraged participants to recognize the potential of their ideas, however small, to create significant positive change in the global effort against climate change.
Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, Director of Operations at Sindh Disaster Management Authority, shared firsthand experiences of the devastating impacts of climate change in the province, from floods to droughts. He emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions, noting that climate change affects ecosystems, economies, and communities.
Dr. Musarrat Jahan Yousuf, Dean of the Faculty of Science, highlighted that climate action is not just an environmental issue but a global challenge impacting every aspect of life. She stressed the importance of prioritizing climate action to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
Dr. Sadiq Ali Khan concluded by warning of dire consequences if immediate global action is not taken. He emphasized the Ideathon’s role in addressing today’s environmental challenges and urged young minds to lead in resolving these issues.