Intelligent CIO North America Issue 52 | Page 16

NEWS

1st Edge secures $ 35.8m contract with US Army for AI / ML innovations

1st Edge , a leading Small Business provider to the Department of Defense , has been awarded a $ 35.8 million Other Transaction Authority ( OTA ) contract by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command ( SMDC ).

The three-year contract focuses on developing artificial intelligence and machine learning ( AI / ML ) prototypes to enhance space and missile defense mission effectiveness .
Defense Command ( SMDC ), Missile Defense Agency ( MDA ), and Army Futures Command ( DevCom ).
The new contract with SMDC underscores the growing importance of AI and machine learning in enhancing national Defense
capabilities and highlights 1st Edge ’ s role in driving innovation in this critical sector .
The project , set to be conducted in Huntsville , Alabama , aligns with 1st Edge ’ s core competencies , which include AI / ML , data solutions , software engineering , air & missile defense and data visualization .
Nathan Claburn , 1st Edge Vice President and CTO , expressed his gratitude to SMDC for entrusting 1st Edge with the advancement of their Science and Technology initiatives through cutting-edge AI / ML solutions .
Claburn said : “ This strategic partnership will substantially strengthen our position as a leading center of excellence for artificial intelligence and machine learning in Huntsville , AL .”
Founded in 2015 , 1st Edge is a trusted partner for key Defense organizations and has worked closely with the Space and Missile

Epicor acquires Acadia Software to empower frontline workers

Epicor has acquired Acadia Software , a leader in Connected

Worker solutions that provides real-time , actionable insights and step-by-step guidance directly to frontline workers in manufacturing and other supply chain industries .
Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed .
Epicor CEO Steve Murphy said : “ The acquisition of Acadia furthers Epicor ’ s commitment to helping businesses across the make , move and sell industries move beyond simply telling workers what to do , but showing them how to do it effectively to drive stronger productivity and efficiency .”
By integrating Acadia ’ s capabilities , Epicor customers can empower their frontline teams to execute tasks with precision , providing them with real-time data , digital work instructions , and task management tools that contribute to continuous improvement across their organizations . dynamically combine workforce performance data with other operational metrics .
• Skills Management and Development : Acadia provides tools that help workers quickly adopt new processes , software , and equipment that fosters employee growth , skills development , and career progression .
• Driving Continuous Improvement : Aligned with Epicor ’ s focus in helping businesses optimize operations and achieve sustainable growth , Acadia enables workers to identify inefficiencies , suggest improvements , and execute tasks according to best practices .
Benefits include :
• Real-Time , Actionable Insights : Acadia ’ s platform integrates easily with existing enterprise systems , allowing businesses to
“ Frontline workers are the backbone of successful companies , and those who can operate independently are more effective , more engaged , and more likely to stay ,” said Josh Crone , Vice President and Chief Technology Officer , Acadia Software .
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