Advantum hosts first annual TechConnect Week

Advantum (formerly Port Computer Services), a subsidiary of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), providing technological infrastructure and systems support to the Caribbean maritime sector, will host the first annual TechConnect, November 13-15, at the SAJ, 4 Fourth Avenue, Newport West.

Themed 'Securing the Logistics Chain: People, Equipment, Technology', the events include presentations and discussions about securing the key aspects of the logistics chain while highlighting the need to view security from a holistic perspective. Advantum's general manager, Elaine Hayden, says, "As a subsidiary of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, we feel it is our duty to serve the needs of the community insofar as the discovery and introduction of new technologies to the industry are concerned."

The week of activities will include:

TechConnect Seminar (Wednesday, November 13) - a conference and expo that targets key players in the maritime industry

TechConnect User Forum (Thursday, November 14) - Limited to the Advantum user community.

Tech Fair (Friday, November 15) - showcases products and services offered by Advantum and its partners. A highlight will be the pre-Christmas sale of electronics and accessories through its partnership with Intcomex.

In any economy, the shipping industry plays a significant role in its trade activities and contributes to the country's sustainable growth. With the pending opening of the expanded Panama Canal, Jamaica is poised to see a positive impact on its economy provided we are able to capitalise on the opportunities this presents. Jamaica, especially as a transhipment port and with its history and the potential for increased earnings expected from this opening, must consider its security network.

Ultimately, technology alone will not be the solution. Cooperation among the gamut of supply chain security partners, shippers, intermediaries, carriers, ports, and government agencies, along with the active exchange of crucial information, proper funding for security initiatives, and the development of effective technologies, are all needed to secure the global supply chain.

TechConnect 2013, 'Securing the Logistics Chain: People, Equipment and Technology', will provide a universal perspective that encompasses physical and virtual/electronic security of assets and resources. Participants will take away a more profound understanding of the need for a holistic approach to security as well as be informed about the latest developments in technology with regard to security.

Participants will also have the opportunity to network with other players, suppliers, and clients in the value chain to enhance their operations.

Advantum, through its partnership with Columbus Business Solutions as gold sponsor, Freight Handlers Ltd, Kingston Wharves, Caribbean Maritime Institute, Openwave Information Security, Jamaica Freight & Shipping, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, and Caribstar Shipping Ltd, showcases local and international experts in the field.

Speakers at TechConnect

Jayson Street, chief INFOSEC officer, Stratagem 1 Solutions, certified information systems security expert who has consulted with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States secret service.

His presentation will be on 'People, The Missing Link: Social Engineering' and the cost to your operations.

Erica Simmons - global marketing manager, energy and utilities, Siemens AG (the largest Europe-based multinational engineering and electronics conglomerate in the world). Her presentation will be on 'The Correlation between Technology and Securing the Logistics Supply Chain'.

Dr Fritz Pinnock, executive director, Caribbean Maritime Institute, will present on 'The Changing Face of Logistics'.