The Friday Report: May 22nd, 2020
Quick wrap up of a few hot topic newsworthy stories in the supply chain logistics industryAmazon Announces $4 Billion in Spending to Ensure Worker Safety
In response to employee complaints and concerns about COVID-19 infecting its workforce, Amazon recently imposed over 150 industry-wide safety protocols and changes to its facilities and warehousess to help ensure worker safety. Here are some of the changes:
- Creation of open-air breakrooms
- Cleaning of restrooms with disinfectant approximately 12 times per day
- Temperature checks of staff upon arrival at facilities prior to work
- Use of face masks and hand sanitizer, available at commonly located distribution points throughout the building
- Higher wages for hourly teams
- Investments in personal protective equipment
- Imposition of less effective process paths that better enable social distancing
- Development of its own COVID-19 testing capabilities
- A downloadable app that employees can download to personal cell phones to clock in and out for work
Consumer Buying Habits Indicate That Ecommerce is a Safe Bet
Yes, e-commerce sales have been increasing steadily over the past few years and this trend dramatically increased recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shutdown across the United States, as brick-and-mortar retail stores were closed, the retailers that not only survived by thrived were those with a strong e-commerce platform. As an example of this, Target noted that its digital sales skyrocketed 275 percent since April 2020, even as its in-store sales decreased.
Polling of consumers indicates that this is likely to be a permanent shift. Consumers reported that they favored the convenience. Many consumers still are not willing to venture into stores, even though shelter in place restrictions have been removed.
According to a survey by PYMNTS, over 52% of the consumers polled who used digital grocery shopping and 60% of consumers who changed to online shopping reported that this is a permanent change.
For more, continue reading here
COVID-19 Pandemic Provides New Opportunities for Cyber Crime
With the rampant fear regarding the global pandemic, cyber hackers are taking advantage, launching a deluge of fraudulent phishing attempts and other deceptive tactics via email. From consumers to businesses, cybercriminals have pursued their criminal intentions with tremendous vigor.
Here are a few tips to mitigate cybersecurity threats:
- Cybercriminals commonly use current affairs and fear-based issues when sending emails to capture attention and encourage immediate action, ahead of rational thought. This is common with national security incidents, natural disasters and other newsworthy issues. Know this and be forewarned to be on the lookout for such attacks.
- If you are not expecting a communication, be especially cautious. Also know that even emails from a recognized source may be forged.
Do not:
- Download, open or run files
- Visit a third party website
- Submit any information, fill out a form, etc. especially if this involves providing user names and passwords, financial or payment information or responses to security questions
- Use laptops, tablets or other work equipment for personal use
For more information, continue reading here
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