Switching focus, we explore the breakthroughs in unmanned systems with Lorraine Grabowski of AX Enterprize, nestled within the New York UAS test site. This episode highlights cutting-edge developments in GPS-denied environments, drawing significant interest from powerhouses like Google and Amazon. We’re offered insights into the burgeoning commercial and military applications of drones, including surveillance and medical delivery, while acknowledging the critical role of diverse talent in technology innovation. As we reflect on a personal career path that began in the tech boom of the 90s, the narrative underscores the essence of adaptability and support for small businesses. This episode also focuses the dynamic landscape of technology, innovation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Listen to the podcast here.

Your entire business is being held for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom. And even if you pay this money, there are no guarantees you’ll regain access.

You might not think this could happen to you, but the fact is that small-to-midsized manufacturers are among the top three targets of cybersecurity attacks in the United States. (Financial services and healthcare are the other two.) When hackers choose to attack a small or midsized manufacturer, their selection is typically made not on the basis of a company’s revenue but because of the limited barriers against cyberattacks.

It shouldn’t be this easy for hackers – and it doesn’t have to be. The New York State Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) can help, with the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) at Mohawk Valley Community College taking the lead role.

As a small or midsized manufacturer, cybersecurity should be one of your top priorities. Not only can a cyberattack compromise sensitive information, but it can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost production time and damage your reputation. If you want to make parts or products for the U.S. Department of Defense or a defense contractor, compliance with NIST 800-171 cybersecurity guidelines may be required.

According to recent estimates, however, about half of New York State’s 15,000 manufacturers lack the general cybersecurity awareness, policies, procedures, technology and employee training programs they need.

Over the past nine years, AIM has helped about 400 manufacturers in all 10 regions of the state to become NIST 800-171 compliant. AIM has a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) registered practitioner on staff and can also connect you with third party resources—contractors, college and university professors, and others—in your region. These experts have the knowledge, skills, experience and credentials to help you become cyber secure and compliant.

Strengthening your company’s cybersecurity profile starts with awareness. AIM, in conjunction with our NYMEP partners, holds events and workshops in every region of the state, typically welcoming between 40 to 100 people at each. Attendees discover the robust cybersecurity resources available through NY MEP as well as the third-party contractors and educational institutions in their region.

The next step is an on-site risk assessment. Our CMMC-registered expert will visit your facility and spend a day evaluating your systems and policies to identify areas of vulnerability and non-compliance. Next, the AIM team will work with you to develop a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Often, this includes creating policies and procedures, developing and implementing employee training programs, installing equipment, and more. If you need assistance with financing the project, we may be able to connect you with a funding partner.

With cybersecurity threats to small and medium-sized manufacturers on the rise, it’s critical to be proactive and take steps to secure your business now. Don’t wait until after an attack because then it will be too late.

To get started, attend one of our events, connect with us through your local NYMEP center, or visit our website.

About the Author

Cory Albrecht is Director of the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) at Mohawk Valley Community College, a position he has held since 2007. He works with over 700 small- to mid-sized manufacturers in the Mohawk Valley with the goal of helping them increase their competitiveness and grow their businesses, while helping manufacturers statewide protect against cyber-attacks.

The blog highlights that while Industry 4.0 offers significant benefits for SMMs, it also introduces new cybersecurity challenges. As manufacturers invest in automation and equipment monitoring, they must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their critical systems and data.

Key points from the blog include:

1. The blurring of lines between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) creates new vulnerabilities.
2. Manufacturers must secure their OT systems to prevent disruptions in production processes and protect sensitive information.
3. Cybersecurity considerations should include securing OT access points, addressing vulnerabilities in customized software and legacy systems, and implementing secure backups.
4. Creating a cybersecurity-aware culture through risk assessments and employee training is crucial.
5. Managing remote access securely is essential to prevent unauthorized system entry.

The blog uses a fictional company, AthCo, to illustrate potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an Industry 4.0 environment. It emphasizes that manufacturers should approach cybersecurity as a critical component of their Industry 4.0 strategy, similar to how they prioritize physical security for their facilities.

Pat Toth, the author, has over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked on various NIST cybersecurity guidance documents. This blog is part of a series on cybersecurity and Industry 4.0, providing valuable insights for manufacturers navigating the challenges of digital transformation.

Read the entire blog here.

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) announced the launch of its Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, which will help small to mid-sized manufacturers tackle some of the most critical issues they will face in 2024. Through this new initiative, manufacturing companies with 500 or fewer employees will have access to resources, expertise and grant funding in four key areas — supply chain, cybersecurity, advanced materials and Industry 4.0.

The four program areas within the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative will each be overseen by a different NY MEP center. TDO will lead the supply chain program; the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) at MVCC will take charge of the cybersecurity program; FuzeHub will guide the advanced materials program; and the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT) will spearhead the Industry 4.0 program. 

With funding from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) along with NIST MEP (National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership), these four programs will enable manufacturers to bolster their competitiveness, realize cost savings, increase resiliency and improve efficiency. 

“Known for their resilience and commitment to innovation, New York State manufacturers consistently demonstrate advanced capabilities to adapt to market needs and capitalize on emerging opportunities,” said NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Verschueren. “By providing funding support for the NY MEP Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, NYSTAR will help ensure local manufacturers can access resources and solutions to strengthen their operations and fuel growth in the year ahead.”

New York State-based manufacturers looking to participate in one of the programs within the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative should contact their regional NY MEP center or the center leading their program of interest. 

SUPPLY CHAIN

Providing assessments to assist manufacturers in strengthening their supply chain management, this program helps companies identify best practices, prioritize improvement opportunities, reduce costs and strengthen competitiveness. The supply chain program will be overseen by TDO, the regional NY MEP center for Central New York. 

“For a manufacturer, their supply chain is vital to operations, profit, cashflow and reputation. During the pandemic, we all saw how incredibly disruptive supply chain issues can be to the manufacturing sector and our regional economies,” said James D’Agostino, MEP Center Director at TDO. “Managing the inventory of components to meet anticipated needs and containing costs allows for a predictable production process, which drives competitiveness and improves profitability.”

The confidential, manufacturer-specific recommendations offered during the assessment phase of the program will cover nine categories including: supplier pricing controls, collaborative planning with sales and operations, supply chain continuous improvement, communication with suppliers, supply chain controls, transportation and logistics, inventory management, inventory control and supply continuity planning.

Grant-funded support is available after the assessment phase for manufacturers wishing to pursue supply chain improvements.

CYBERSECURITY

The New York State Cybersecurity Manufacturing Initiatives Grant program helps address common cybersecurity needs in a practical and understandable way through in-person assessments by professionals who specialize in working with small and medium-sized manufacturers. AIM at MVCC, the Mohawk Valley’s regional center for the NY MEP, will lead the cybersecurity program. 

“Cybersecurity should be a top priority for every manufacturer. It’s critical to ensure you’re meeting government requirements, keeping your growth on track and protecting your business and client information,” said Cory Albrecht, AIM Director. “The cybersecurity framework provided through this initiative has the flexibility to be tailored to different industries in a simple, easy-to-digest format.”

This program will provide grants of $6,000 in project funding for phase one cybersecurity assessments. It also provides access to in-person events throughout the state and offers educational webinars and online training videos for companies looking to self-assess.

INDUSTRY 4.0

Understanding how to best incorporate the latest manufacturing technology can be a daunting task for companies, especially given the rapid pace of technological advancement. The New York State Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Initiative was specifically crafted to aid manufacturers in elevating their operations through technological enhancements and grant funding. AMT, the regional NY MEP center for the Southern Tier, will oversee this Industry 4.0 program. 

“Industry 4.0, put simply, is the use of advanced technologies — such as automation, data exchange, and artificial intelligence — to create smarter, more connected and efficient industrial processes,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of AMT. “Today’s manufacturing landscape comes with challenges ranging from workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions to unyielding global competition. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, manufacturers find themselves in a race to adopt and leverage these innovations or risk falling behind.”

This program includes grants of up to $20,000 for direct technical assistance. Grants require a manufacturer matching minimum of 50% which can include equipment purchases and hardware costs.

Also available through this program is TechEx, a working group for manufacturers from diverse industries for collaboration, exchanging ideas and learnings, and webinars designed to enhance understanding of technology-related opportunities and capabilities.

ADVANCED MATERIALS

The Advanced Materials Technical Assistance Program provides grant funding opportunities for manufacturers to access the guidance and support they need to replace materials in their products with more sustainable options. This program will be led by FuzeHub, the statewide center for the NY MEP. 

“New regulations targeting waste reduction and encouraging the use of sustainable materials create both challenges and opportunities,” said Elena Garuc, Executive Director of FuzeHub. “As manufacturers deepen their understanding of the new requirements and potential replacement materials, they can often accelerate implementation through access to expertise and grant funding. This technical assistance program helps manufacturers address exactly those needs.”

This program combines three elements — training, a manufacturing readiness accelerator and grant funding. There will be grant awards of up to $20,000 each with a 1:1 matching requirement to support a 12-month-long project focused on adopting new, sustainable materials. 

For more information about each of the four programs within the NY MEP Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, manufacturers can visit newyorkmep.org/adv-mfg-initiative.

About the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is a network of 11 organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. Supported through a combination of federal and state funding, the NY MEP is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and overseen by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). For more information on NY MEP, visit www.newyorkmep.org.

From there, we switched gears to tackle the real-world challenges facing manufacturers when it comes to implementing cybersecurity. With time and budget often at a premium, we delved into how the New York State Cybersecurity Manufacturing Initiatives Grant provides a much-needed financial lifeline, covering a substantial portion of the cost for a cybersecurity assessment. We also highlighted an upcoming workshop in Utica, where manufacturers can dissect cybersecurity strategies, engage with grant information, and network with peers and experts. This episode is a treasure trove for any manufacturer looking to fortify their business against cyber threats and stay competitive in the defense industry’s supply chain.

Listen to the podcast here.

In 2022, NY MEP has helped NYS manufacturers increase and retain more than 7,600 jobs with a collective economic impact of $1.13 billion dollars and assisted 4,000+ small-to-medium-sized manufacturers in the state.

Many Stories to Tell

As each region is distinct, so are their stories of success. As the statewide MEP Center, FuzeHub took on the task of compiling and sharing these stories in the 2023 New York Makes publication, released and distributed in September. Each center told their stories across ten innovation-inspired magazine-style spreads, highlighting their unique offerings while sharing informative stories including:

The Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology’s Carol Miller, who shared how the Southern Tier’s MEP Center has shown success with their Workforce Recruitment and Retention efforts.

Insyte Consulting’s Benjamin Rand, who discussed the Western New York’s MEP Center’s attention to Cybersecurity and Advanced Manufacturing.

NextCorps’ James Senall, who delivered an update on the MEP Center for the Finger Lakes Region’s manufacturing and no-code software accelerator efforts.

Manufacturing and Technology Resource Consortium (MTRC) who shared stories of the Long Island’s MEP Center’s strength in expert consulting, training cohorts, and networking opportunities with local manufacturers.

Train, Develop, Optimize (TDO)’s James D’Agostino, who shared his pride in the Central New York’s MEP Center and their 100% retention rate while supporting their region’s manufacturers with training and automation as well as Kata, Lean, and Quality Management.

Manufacturing & Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC), the Mid-Hudson MEP Center, explained how they’re helping manufacturers improve their cybersecurity, offering training in Lean, as well as their highly-successful intern program, now directed by David Carter.

ITAC’s Kinda Younes presented how New York City’s MEP Center has assisted their manufactures with their marketing efforts while providing them with consulting services to help fight the rising costs due to inflation.

CITEC Business Solutions’ Steve Lockwood explained how the North Country’s MEP Center, assists their manufacturers with workforce challenges as well as with marketing and communications efforts.

Center for Economic Growth (CEG)’s Don Wiesenforth discussed how the Capital Region’s MEP Center is leading the effort to take on labor shortages and supply chain issues for small and mid-size manufacturers and tech start-ups as well as larger manufacturers.

And The Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM)’s Cory Albrecht shared how the Mohawk Valley’s MEP Center works in supporting local manufacturing with electrical and mechanical skill building.

These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg, and the publication reveals the rest of the story. The New York Makes periodical was printed and distributed to FuzeHub’s extensive mailing list, followed by placement on the FuzeHub website for digital access. The information we’ve packed into this edition has been well-received to date, including in late November, when FuzeHub was recognized by the Capital Region MARCOM Awards for excellence in the Printed Materials category.

In whatever format it is consumed, New York Makes highlights the exceptional efforts undertaken by manufacturers who call New York home. However, our mission is ongoing. Reach out to us or your regional MEP Center to explore how we can collaborate to ensure YOUR story is shared.

No, there won’t be any workplace injuries caused by deep discounts. Falling prices don’t require personal protective equipment (PPE) either. Yet, all that online activity could put your corporate network and personal information at risk. That’s because people, and not computers, are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Today, 95% of security breaches can be blamed on human error. With all that pointing and clicking on Cyber Monday, carpal tunnel syndrome could be the least of your company’s concerns.

Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Cyber Monday

Some manufacturers limit the websites that employees can access. That’s probably an unpopular policy on Cyber Monday, but it’s a safe practice. But what if workers can go wherever they like on the Web? Are there things they should keep in mind and either do or avoid? In its “Top 10 Cyber Security Tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” the cybersecurity firm MetaCompliance offers this advice.

1. Watch out for fake websites
2. Only use secure sites
3. Use a credit card for shopping online
4. Beware of phishing emails
5. Avoid deals that are too good to be true
6. Use strong passwords
7. Watch out for social media scams
8. Avoid Public Wi-Fi to go shopping
9. Ensure all your software is up to date
10. Monitor bank statements for fraudulent activity

For qualifying New York State manufacturers, here’s a bonus tip (#11) that’s worth $12K.

How to Save $12K on Cyber Monday

This year, NYS manufacturers in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain are invited to protect their businesses against bad actors by joining NY MEP’s Cybersecurity Cohort. As a member, you’ll receive $12,000 worth of expert training at no cost to you. You’ll gain access to expert-led, online training modules and learn tips and tricks to protect your business from costly cyberattacks.

By learning how to perform a cybersecurity assessment, you’ll also ensure your company’s compliance with the DFARS clause based on NIST SP 800-171 requirements. Businesses that don’t comply risk losing the DoD contracts they have and missing out on future RFPs. Companies with strong cybersecurity are, of course, better protected not just on Cyber Monday but on every day of the year.

Are you a defense manufacturer? Give yourself some peace of mind this holiday season and all year long. Visit the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) website and join the Cybersecurity Cohort.

Like its 10 counterparts, Utica-based AIM is funded by NYSTAR and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with a mission of helping small and mid-sized manufacturers grow their businesses, retain and increase employment and enhance their profitability. But it is the only MEP center embedded within a community college, namely Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), and one of only two on a SUNY campus of any kind.

The second thing that differentiates AIM is its focus area, which is cybersecurity. This is due in large part to the industry’s prevalence in the Mohawk Valley, including work done at the Air Force Research Lab at the Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome, NY, the nationally recognized programs offered by academic institutions in the area, and the presence of dozens of cybersecurity firms.

Thirdly, AIM and MVCC play a key role in workforce development as home to the SUNY Apprenticeship Program (SAP) for Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity/IT and Other Industries, administering funding for the instructional component of such apprenticeship programs for students at every community college in the state.

All three of these things are important to Mark Cushman, Vice President of Organizational Development and Human Resources at Oriskany-based Giotto Enterprises, a world leader in fiber optics. Cushman is a 1981 graduate of MVCC and has remained involved with the college over the years, now serving on the AIM advisory board. He has worked closely with AIM Director Cory Albrecht on apprenticeship programs, and one of Giotto’s seven affiliate companies, FIS Blue Inc., received a cybersecurity assessment through AIM that enables it to bid on and receive prime contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense.

“I probably speak with Cory at least once a week on different programs,” Cushman said. “That is the level of partnership, the level of trust, and the level of collaboration that Giotto Enterprises has with MVCC and AIM.”

FIS Blue’s cybersecurity assessment was previously part of the New York State Cybersecurity Assistance Grant program. The DoD’s Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requires prime contractors and all manufacturers in their supply chain to meet certain cybersecurity standards. While companies can self-attest their compliance, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is soon to take effect. Without CMMC compliance, companies risk losing their military contracts or sub-contracts.

“So, for manufacturers in that space in New York, this is very, very important and very, very serious,” Albrecht said.

To help manufacturers meet the new standards, the DoD awarded funding to Empire State Development, which last October named AIM and MVCC as lead administrators for the New York State Cybersecurity Assistance Grant Program. Companies that joined the grant cohort were awarded up to $6,000 toward a $7,500 cybersecurity assessment. A team of experts from AIM and cyber assessment implementation partners throughout the state would work closely with the company to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses and issue a comprehensive report. After a 90-day remediation period, the team would return to confirm that the company was DFARS compliant.

Cushman said AIM helped FIS Blue, which manufactures specialized fiber optic cable assemblies for use in harsh environments including military applications, streamline the process of becoming DFARS compliant and now “here is Blue enjoying a lot of government business because they have that card in their wallet that says we comply, we are secure, and we know what we’re doing.”

AIM has met its obligations to help 67 manufacturers under the grant program, but there is still an opportunity for companies to become DFARS compliant through the MEP.

“Our cybersecurity experts built a 14-part virtual training series available on demand, which we will deliver electronically to every manufacturer in the DoD space that registers for our cohort,” Albrecht said. “It is worth $12,000, but we are giving it at no cost.”

Defense contractors and supply chain manufacturers anywhere in the state can sign up by going to the grant website and clicking “join the cohort” before the Sept. 30, 2021, deadline.

“We made the application page so simple you can do it in three minutes,” Albrecht said. “Once they join the cohort, we will immediately send them all of the AIM created self-assessment materials, which will teach them step-by-step how to perform the assessment on their own and, in essence, they will become DFARS compliant and able to remain in the DoD contract] supply chain.”

While DFARS compliance is vital to manufacturers operating in the DoD space, a skilled workforce is critical to the future of all manufacturers. Albrecht said he hears workforce concerns from every company he visits.

“A lot of your senior-level technical workers are few and far between now,” he said. “For decades, kids were told that you need to attend college for 4 years, and we missed out on the trades. But we need welders just as we do teachers. We need electricians as we need nurses. And companies are feeling that as a pain point today.”

He said students in MVCC’s technical courses get “snapped up” for well-paying jobs before they graduate from the program. He recommends companies find a way to differentiate themselves from the competition.

One way is with an apprenticeship program through the SAP. Employers sign up with the state Department of Labor to sponsor apprentices in specific, registered trades. The apprentice receives on-the-job training as well as “related instruction” in a community college classroom. As administrator of the SAP, AIM provides funding for related instruction in certain trades statewide. But, working with Giotto Enterprises, it found another way to help.

Giotto Enterprises was founded in 1985 by Frank Giotto and now has 15,000 customers worldwide and annual revenue of almost $100 million. It employs about 400 people in Oriskany, about half of whom work for flagship affiliate Fiber Instrument Sales (FIS). Cushman said Frank Giotto wanted to share the company’s success and support the trades in the Mohawk Valley by creating registered apprenticeship programs.

“AIM worked with us, side-by-side, hand-in-hand, to get the programs lined up,” Cushman said.

One of the programs Giotto and AIM jointly developed was the first, and still only, fiber optic calibration technician apprenticeship program in the state. It was approved by the Department of Labor in early 2021.

But the collaboration did not stop there. Recognizing the complexities of launching an apprenticeship program, Cushman and AIM devised a template on how it should be done.

“It is our goal to use that not only for future apprenticeship programs but when and if appropriate we could hand that template to other companies and provide them with the same level of success and assistance that AIM provided us,” Cushman said.

Cushman described Giotto’s relationship with AIM as “invaluable”—and far from over.

“AIM is a vehicle,” he said. “They make themselves readily accessible to help businesses succeed. They understand that there has to be a fit where the state agencies come in, where the private sector comes in and where education comes in, and they have this very keen ability to put these pieces of the puzzle together. They understand the dynamic, they understand the fit, and they understand that is not just an action, but it is a process. A continuous process. And that is why we trust them with a lot of programs. We have a number of programs we are talking to AIM about that are not only going to have an impact on our business but on the Mohawk Valley as well.”