No more boarding passess needed when airlines use facial recognition instead

I see a future where you decide to go somewhere, push a button on your phone and get a ride to the airport, walk on to the plan and have ground transportation arranged to your final destination where anything you need is waiting in your room.

Anything that eases the paperwork is a good thing. Biometric with a trust relationship (think Uber, not government) will help us get there.

JetBlue will test facial-recognition system for boarding at Logan Airport

JetBlue Airways will be the first airline to test facial-recognition systems with passengers at Logan Airport in June, part of a broader rollout of the nascent technology at US airports this year.

The carrier will allow passengers on its Boston-to-Aruba route to be photographed at the gate instead of checking in with boarding passes. JetBlue will check those images against the passengers’ passport or visa photos on file with Customs and Border Protection, and those with successful matches will be allowed to board without showing a ticket or a passport.

Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s vice president of customer experience, said the system could be a first step in a broad reworking of air travel, substituting face checks for travel documents at every step of the process: check-in, baggage drop, security check, boarding, and customs.

“The main advantage is customer ease,” Geraghty said. “It’s foreseeable to have a situation in the future where a customer never has to take out a boarding pass.”

JetBlue will create a separate line at the gate for passengers willing to use facial recognition to board. The airline expects that the technology will take just seconds to verify identities, so that boarding for those passengers could go faster than for ticketed travelers.

The JetBlue test begins June 12 and will last two to three months. The purpose is to test the accuracy and speed of facial recognition, Geraghty said, and the willingness of passengers to use a technology that has prompted privacy concerns.

Other airports will test the technology later this year. Delta Air Lines said it expects to install a system at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to allow passengers to check in their own luggage. After verifying their identities against passport photos, passengers could drop luggage off without interacting with airline employees.

“It’s about taking the stress out of travel and making it a little bit easier from a tech standpoint,” said Delta spokeswoman Ashton Morrow. “The more you can allow self-service, it’s going to enhance traveling for passengers.”

Meanwhile, Customs and Border Protection is using facial-recognition systems to verify the status of non-US citizens traveling into and out of the country. It is testing the technology in Atlanta for departing passengers on two international routes and has it in place at Kennedy International Airport in New York and at Washington Dulles International in Virginia for arriving international passengers.

Passengers who are not accurately identified by the system can show their passport to verify their identities and status. The agency said it plans to expand the testing to seven additional airports this year.

Customs spokeswoman Jennifer Gabris said the program has roots in a 2004 law that requires the government to record the biometric data of noncitizens, such as fingerprints and facial imagery, as they leave the country. President Trump’s controversial travel ban included a clause that called for the program to be expedited.

To date, most use of facial recognition has been by law enforcement, usually by comparing images captured on security cameras against databases of driver’s licenses, mug shots, and wanted lists. It has been used for security at large sporting events, such as the Olympics, and to investigate crimes in New York City. Officials in New York plan to install the technology at bridge and tunnel crossings.

Facial-recognition technology was tried at Logan as far back as 2002, to verify airport employees after the 9/11 attacks. But airport officials canceled the program because it failed to properly identify nearly 40 percent of its test subjects.

But as the technology has advanced, it has seen more use.

In London, British Airways is rolling out the technology for boarding flights at three dozen gates at Heathrow Airport this year. And the airport in Brisbane, Australia, is testing such a system on a route to New Zealand. Canada and France have also experimented with the technology at airports.

JetBlue will partner in the experiment with SITA, a European technology company that will run the photo-match for the airline. Sean Farrell, the company’s director of government solutions, said that while governments use the technology for security, airlines see it as an efficiency tool: With long lines the bane of airline travel, facial recognition could help passengers speed through the airport. The existing system of repeatedly inspecting passenger documents, Farrell said, “is an impediment to the industry rolling out more and more self-service,” which is popular with passengers, he said.

Geraghty said JetBlue will use the government’s databases of images to verify passengers. In contrast, travelers who want to use the Delta baggage check in Minneapolis will have to bring their passports with them for photo comparisons, even if they’re flying within the country.

Privacy advocates, however, are already wary of facial recognition — especially when it’s used by the government.

Jeramie Scott, a lawyer with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said that facial recognition gives the government more surveillance capabilities and that any photos made at airports should be deleted promptly after the transaction.

“We need regulations that provide transparency, oversight, and accountability over the use of facial-recognition technology,” he said.

Gabris, the Customs spokeswoman, said the agency deletes images that match US citizens at airports “after a short period of time.” Both JetBlue and SITA said they will not hold onto passengers’ photos after the boarding process.

Experts say the technology could grow increasingly common for commercial uses, even outside the airport.

Many consumers already see facial recognition at work online and on their gadgets. Facebook, for example, can recognize a photograph of a user even if the photo has not been connected to that person’s account. And Android smartphone owners can unlock their devices simply by holding the phones up to their faces.

Anil Jain, a computer science professor at Michigan State University, imagines facial recognition being used to pay for groceries or to provide specialized greetings to frequent customers as they enter a store or venue.

Still, the technology has a long way to go before it reaches that point, Jain said.

JetBlue said that if the technology fails to match a person to a passport image, they can board using a ticket.

 

This article originally appeared at: http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/05/31/jetblue-will-test-facial-recognition-system-for-boarding-logan-airport/8zspAiYyd7Bq9c7SINozwO/story.html?event=event25&utm_campaign=Revue%20newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=revue.

What You Need to Know When Choosing a CPA Firm

Every company needs a financial and tax consultant. Regardless of whether you’re a start-up or a thriving enterprise, having a CPA or business advisor can pay huge dividends.

Finding a CPA Firm isn’t hard, finding a great one can be. Here are a few considerations when choosing a CPA Firm.
Advantages of a CPA Firm for Your Business
The first decision you must make is whether your company needs a CPA Firm. The short answer is, yes. CPAs offer businesses several strategic advantages.
CPAs are more than accountants

All CPAs are accountants, but not every accountant is a CPA. To become a CPA one must obtain a state-issued license. To earn this license, an accountant must pass a rigorous exam that covers current federal and state taxation, business laws, ethics, and other relevant areas for accounting standards and best practices. Additionally, CPAs must maintain their licenses through continuing education. These requirements are not required for accountings, they are only mandatory for CPAs.

CPAs can be very cost-effective

One of the reasons many businesses avoid hiring a CPA Firm is that they fear the expense. However, smart business owners will tell you, the best way to grow your business is to focus on your core competencies and find external partners to execute the business processes with which you’re inefficient.

This concept is important for understanding why CPAs are valuable to your business. It is much more cost-effective for you to focus on growing your business and improving your operation processes than to try and navigate the convoluted and complex world of taxation and financial accounting.

CPA Firms are versatile

Many CPA Firms, like Rivero, Gordimer & Company, offer a wide range of financial services. From audit and assurance to sales tax and bookkeeping, there are separate CPAs on staff who specialize in specific financial areas of your business operation.

The advantage to hiring a CPA Firm is the immediate access to these specializations. If you hire an internal CPA or just use an accountant you could face bandwidth issues or a lack of expertise which could hinder the financial growth of your company.

Find a CPA Firm with Experience in Your Industry
Another consideration to make when choosing a CPA Firm is to what extent that company has in the industry you operate. It’s important to understand that most CPAs gain experience in a few different industries, but the more specialized they are to your industry, the more valuable they become.

CPAs that have a wealth of experience working in your industry can become more than just a bookkeeper or auditor. The longer they work in your industry, the easier it is for them to navigate the intricacies of your industry’s tax or financial laws. They can even add value by providing financial analysis and strategic business recommendations.

Rivero, Gordimer & Company has CPAs with experience in the following industries:

Consider a Local CPA Firm
As you start evaluating different CPA Firms, you’ll have a checklist of variables that you find important. One of these variables should be the location of the firm. Hiring a local CPA Firm isn’t just a great way for you to improve the local economy, it also provides value to your business partnership.

Local CPA Firms can offer a more seamless communication channel. Technology has improved firm and client communication, but no technology can replace the value of in-person meetings. Working through audit questions and explaining business recommendations are done more efficiently in person. Finding a local CPA Firm makes face-to-face meetings much easier.
Find Out Their Fees
CPA fees are different for every firm. When choosing which CPA Firm to work with, make sure you fully understand their fee schedule and process. Do they charge hourly? Do they charge by the minute? Maybe they charge set rates for specific services. Whatever the case, if you aren’t fully aware of how the Firm charges, you may be surprised when you receive your invoice.

Knowing how they charge is important, but you also need to be aware of their billing methods. Some CPA Firms offer net payment terms, others require upfront retainers or invoice upon completion of a service. Your company’s cash flow may dictate which billing method is most appropriate. Outlining billing and fee methods before entering an agreement with a CPA Firm is critical.
Take Time Vetting Your Options
Finally, when it comes to choosing a CPA firm, you need to carefully evaluate all your options. You may find that many of the Firms you compare check off the boxes above, so you may need to dig a little deeper than just location, fees, and experience. Look online to see if there are any Google Plus reviews for the Firms. Check out their Facebook, Twitter, and other social profile to see how they interact with their customers.

Additionally, ask the Firms for a customer list within your industry or look on their website to find any clients that you can reach out to and ask for feedback about their experience working with the CPA Firm. Moreover, take the time to meet and talk with as many of the CPAs at the Firm that you can. Many times, the deciding factor can come down to how much rapport and personal connection you have with a Firm.

Choosing a CPA Firm is an important move for businesses looking to take the next step with their financial management. From tax planning and bookkeeping to business valuation and audits, a CPA Firm can provide that expert assistance that gives you peace of mind while allowing you to focus on your core competencies as a business. Keep the considerations above in mind when you’re deciding on the perfect CPA Firm for your needs.

Feature image via Vimeo.

Choosing a CPA Firm | What You Need to Know

British Airways flight disruption was caused by someone unplugging the power

If you work in technology there’s often a joke about someone tripping over the power cord whenever a server goes down. It appears that joke became reality for British Airways last weekend. British Airways flights were disrupted worldwide due to a power supply issue in the company’s main datacenter, with 75,000 passengers affected by canceled flights. The Times reports that the datacenter shutdown was triggered by a contractor accidentally switching off the power supply.

British Airways was forced to cancel all flights from Heathrow and Gatwick in London over a popular public holiday weekend, as all of the company’s IT systems were affected. An investigation will now take place, but will likely focus on human error rather than equipment failure. British Airways will also have to answer why the company wasn’t better prepared for power supply issues, especially after being accused of cost-cutting and outsourcing IT jobs. The Guardian reports that British Airways now faces a compensation bill of more than £100 million ($128 million) for the chaos caused by the power supply problems.

This article originally appeared at: https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/2/15728276/british-airways-power-supply-turned-off-reports.

Shifting to the circular economy could release $4.5 trillion in new economic potential by 2030

The circular economy -an economic model focused on designing and manufacturing products, components and materials for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling -promises big opportunities for the private sector to drive new and better growth and accelerate innovation. Shifting to the circular economy could release $4.5 trillion in new economic potential by 2030, according to Accenture. But how do we take that vision of a circular economy -which imagines a world without waste -and translate that into profitable and scalable action?

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center, a nonprofit organization driving the circular economy agenda in the US, is releasing a new report featuring case studies that illustrate how companies are translating their circular economy aspirations into action – and how that in turn drives greater resource productivity improvements, eliminates waste and inefficiency, and contributes to a stronger and more competitive economy.

The report will be released at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Circular Economy and Sustainability Summit, From Aspiration to Implementation, on June 26-28 in Washington DC. In partnership with The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and with support from the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy, this event will explore the ideas, innovations, technologies, and partnerships needed to leverage winning circular economy strategies that enable growth and well-being. Learn more and register here.

Walmart is asking employees to deliver packages on their way home from work

So of the happiest ride sharing drivers I talk to are working somewhere and picking up a few bucks on the commute to or from work. 

Thinking about that one Amazon delivery guy who appeared to be with a family waiting in his car. 

Subsidizing people already in transit ought to look normal in the future. 

Walmart is asking employees to deliver packages on their way home from work

A Walmart pickup grocery location in Bentonville, Ark. The retailer has announced that it would expand its offerings by asking employees to deliver online orders on their way home from work. (Danny Johnston/AP)

Walmart’s newest tactic in its fight against online giant Amazon: asking its employees to deliver online orders on their way home from work.

The idea, Walmart executives said Thursday, is to cut costs on the so-called last-mile of deliveries, when packages are driven to customers’ homes, often the most expensive part of the fulfillment process.

“It just makes sense: We already have trucks moving orders from fulfillment centers to stores for pickup,” Marc Lore, chief executive of Walmart’s e-commerce business and the founder of Jet.com, said in a blog post Thursday afternoon. “Those same trucks could be used to bring ship-to-home orders to a store close to their final destination, where a participating associate can sign up to deliver them to the customer’s house.”

The company began testing the package-delivery program a month ago in three stores — two in New Jersey, one in northwest Arkansas — but did not offer details on when, or where, it would expand across the United States.

Employees will be paid extra, and offered overtime pay as necessary to make the deliveries, Walmart spokesman Ravi Jariwala said Thursday.

“Walmart is uniquely qualified, uniquely positioned, to be able to offer this,” he said, adding that 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart store. “There is really strong overlap between where are associates are already heading after work and where those packages need to go.”

The company is billing the program as a way for employees to earn extra money, although there were few details on how they would be paid. Jariwala declined to clarify whether employees would be paid based on distance, time, number of deliveries or a combination of those things.

Jariwala said Walmart employees have delivered hundreds of packages during the past month, fulfilling orders placed on Jet.com, which Walmart acquired last year, as well as Walmart’s own website.

The announcement comes as Walmart doubles down on its online business, where sales grew 63 percent in the first quarter of this year. The company — long the country’s largest retailer — has taken aggressive steps in the past year, beginning with its $3.3 billion purchase of Jet.com to compete with Amazon.com, which accounts for about 33 percent of the country’s online sales. (Jeffrey P. Bezos, the founder of Amazon, owns The Washington Post.)

Walmart has also been rapidly expanding its grocery pickup program, in which shoppers retrieve online orders in the parking lots of a nearby store. More recently, the company has begun offering discounts on certain digital purchases if customers opt to pick them up in-store. In that model, Walmart uses its own trucking fleet to deliver packages to stores, tapping into an existing transportation network.

A year ago, Walmart announced it would partner with ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft and Deliv to deliver groceries in Phoenix, Denver and Miami. Those efforts are ongoing, Jariwala said.

Walmart’s move comes as Amazon continues to build up its transportation and logistics firepower to support speedy delivery. Amazon.com has leased a fleet of 40 cargo jets to bolster its supply chain, and has developed an Amazon-branded trucking fleet. The Seattle-based company has also created Amazon Flex, an on-demand network of drivers, in which the model is similar to Uber or Lyft.

The program is voluntary for Walmart employees, Jariwala said, adding that they can sign up for up to 10 deliveries per day using a company app. They can also set size and weight limits on packages. If there are not enough employees to deliver packages, Jariwala said carriers like UPS and FedEx would fill in.

“This is completely an opt-in program,” he said. “This is not something associates are required to do. They are, first and foremost, always going to finish their shift.”

 

This article originally appeared at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/06/01/walmart-is-asking-employees-to-deliver-packages-on-their-way-home-from-work/?utm_term=.0ae1f322192e.