Low Voltage for High Security
You’ve seen it… On roofs, on fields, and now cameras. Solar power! Years ago the talks began about where this energy source can take us. Recently we had a client who wanted us to install a Solar Powered Camera System.
Which got us thinking.. “Will we be seeing more of this?” Solar Powered Camera Systems are its own source of energy. Making it seamlessly affordable on cutting down energy costs and being eco friendly at the same time. The issue arises with placement.
While they work best when in direct sunlight the quality diminishes if the conditions do not permit such as a cloudy day. They can be perfect for construction sites and outdoor security but must be placed where they can get enough sunlight throughout the day.
We suggest getting a solar camera with the option of also being battery powered. Therefore you won’t lose recorded footage in case the natural energy source runs out. Even so, why would we need low voltage installation? Low Voltage solar panel cameras allow you to have cameras set up even if they aren’t close to a power supply. Giving you more freedom and more areas for surveillance.
Good Habits: SAFETY First
Being in business for 20 years, we know how important it is to ensure we practice safety measures and keep up to date. Insurance companies and prospective clients want to know that you aren’t a liability.
Our President and founder is a Bicsi certified trainer and ensures all staff is OSHA compliant/ certified. As a small business we know our workers well and want to make sure they make it home to their families unscathed.
You know that famous photo of the men on the Brooklyn bridge eating their lunch? Even though we may not be putting up bridges, accidents still happen and safety practices are still needed. A brief look at key points in time regarding employee safety in construction;
In 1910 workers compensation was first put in place, a few years later 1913 the Department of Labor was founded. Only in 1937 was the hard hat implemented and in 1971 OSHA was founded.
According to OSHA’s website 1 in 5 worker deaths occurred in the year 2019.
Slips, trips and falls are the most common citations. Can you guess what the next common citation is? Improperly grounded extension cords! This is a very common scene on work sites. These cords can become frayed, causing the piece of metal it may be tied to to become live which results in shocks if touched.
General safety Asks;
Ask yourself did I scan the area for any hazards? Doing this immediately can prevent a harmful situation.
Ask Do I know where the first aid kit is if I were to need it?
Ask did I clean and vacuum your work area?
Ask are my tools and ladder clean?
Ask Do I have my eye protection, hard hat and PPE?
Ask Does my PPE fit properly?
Ask Have I reviewed the SDS (safety data sheets) that are on site?
Ask Did I stretch and flex for at least 10 minutes?
We make sure to hold a safety meeting at the beginning of each job and at least weekly thereafter. Make a habit to practice safety skills and continue to be up to date with OSHA requirements. Injuries are preventable and we intend to keep it that way!
Supply Chain and Cabling
We are all feeling the effects regarding the supply chain issues. With a business to run and our clients deadlines to complete, we have to work together. Making sure we have the supplies necessary to carry out projects is a priority. Labor shortages, equipment availability can affect cost and readiness.
Being in business for 20 years gives us the advantage of having a good standing relationship with our vendors. Speaking with them and getting feedback on what is happening now and getting a temperature of what could possibly be changing is crucial. Let’s talk about materials.
In low voltage we want to make sure we have our copper and coax cables ready which can take up to 4 – 6 months to obtain. Vertical and Wire managers, due to the metals, can have a lead time of 4-5 months. PDU’s and smart boards can take the longest with almost 6 – 8 months.
Reasons such as the current war in Europe, getting raw materials, labor shortages and moving freight from one terminal to another has an effect on lead time. Prices aren’t being held longer than 30 days and are constantly changing.
Communicating and being transparent with our customers and vendors gives us the best possible combat to the ongoing supply chain issues. Planning ahead has allowed us to stay on schedule for completing projects on time.
DIY Low voltage Projects is it worth it?
I grew up in a house where my grandfather was a huge DIY man. Anything and everything he would “fix”, to the best of his ability that is. I remember how the lighting in the house just wasn’t quite right. I would turn the switch on one end of the kitchen having to go to the other side to flip another switch to get this one particular light on.
You would think after living there for years I would get the hang of which switch did what, but that wasn’t the case. There are many DIY projects that may have been better left to the professionals.
When it comes to low voltage cabling people often become ambitious in wiring their home. Maybe they want a new sound or theater system, or even set up their own security system. With any job you need the right tools to complete it, that holds especially true when it comes to low voltage cabling.
Besides what is in your typical toolbox, you may need to triple that for a low voltage job.
To go over just a few favorites;
- Wire Stripper
- Metal cutter
- Voltage Tester
- Electrical Tape
- Labeling Marker and Labels
- Sheetrock Knife
- Crimpers
- Specific bits – space bit, concrete bits
- The correct cables
Many times people will purchase the wrong tools. This could result in an incomplete, inoperable system, not to mention often leaving the home looking unfurnished after such a project.
Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is where trained professionals really come in handy. Our techs have gone through extensive training, they are BICSI certified and have 20+ years of experience.
Often unforeseen problems occur. Trained Technicians encounter these issues and are excellent problem solvers as this is what they accomplish on a daily basis.
They have a certain situational awareness where they can identify what the problem is and exactly how to solve it, cutting the time in half compared to someone with little low voltage knowledge.
Is it worth it?
If you have the experience and training, then DIY is manageable, however even some jobs can be a two person project. There is usually a timeline when considering a project we want to complete. When you think of the cost of purchasing tools, your time, safety, and factoring any hiccups along the way it is best to Look at the big picture. Hiring a professional is usually the way to go.
Our techs may be able to handle the DIY home projects but does that mean so should you?
Our Role in the Metaverse
It is very easy to become close minded to this new seemingly invasive technology. It seems to be a way of disconnecting from the real world. We think of it as an extension of Gaming or playing SIMS. To answer the question of what the Metaverse is, you are sure to find an array of answers.
It is anything from VR gaming and activities to quite literally a virtual world where you could buy virtual food and clothing. The metaverse is still developing. I particularly liked the article on wired.com referring to it as a “hybrid-verse” when trying to define what exactly the metaverse is.
They suggested, “mentally replacing the word metaverse with cyberspace.” In some ways it’s disconnecting from physical reality but engaging in a new social way in virtual reality.
So we have to ask, could we have some role in the metaverse?
When it comes to the amount of high volume of data that is required by this new cyberspace, it will require a strong fiber connectivity. The installation of fiber will help deliver lower latency and of course ensure a high bandwidth.
The metaverse could be something more useful though. It’s all about the virtual experience. Over the past few years we have been forced to adapt to a new way of doing things. Meetings and classes can be held online using video conferencing platforms.
Imagine using the virtual reality platform to showcase and sell products or provide real time demonstrations. We do frequent walkthroughs for job sites, could it be possible to simulate a building and do a virtual walkthrough in conjunction with cad drawing with the buildings?
EY highlights in one of their articles how there will be opportunities and urges people to become a “co creator” player in the metaverse not just a “participant”. We always want to take a look ahead and how we can work with, not against future innovations.
What Keeps us Motivated?
How do we stay connected and motivated
The workforce looks a bit different from our end these days. We have employees who work remotely, who may be hybrid, and our technicians who are on site. It can be challenging in showing ways of appreciation and ensuring we stay motivated. After all, we don’t have unlimited free coffee in our “break rooms”, some of our employee break rooms are their very own kitchens.
Our technicians have to be encouraged to even take a break for lunch. Providing work lunches can be challenging with everyone in different locations. This is the low voltage grind. These are really old ways of trying to get employees motivated anyway. Did they even work in the past?
We make sure our technicians and back office team get the training they need to make them feel better able to handle new work tasks. More knowledge equates to better performance and a better sense of self. We often reflect to see where we stand and are we standing together as a team. During team meetings we get excited going over projects that are coming up. We plan and get excited about what we do and who we are doing it for.
We recently completed a project for the Brotherhood sister Sol. This was a project we felt especially close to. We were able to install studio equipment for their sound rooms. We provided Cat 6 and fiber installation. We also installed their cameras.
Brother Sister Sol was founded in 1955 and now with its new building is able to give back even more. Providing educational programs, after school care, counseling ,job training, college prep, and international study programs. We can’t help but feel a part of something great!
Last year we celebrated our employees with a company cruise. Taking a week off to relax and bond. People communicate in different ways, and getting to know how we each communicate helps us practice problem resolution skills. It also allows us to have our projects flow seamlessly. We work hard and making sure we have the time off helps us see what we are doing this for.
Finding meaning in what we do empowers us and is our driving force of motivation.
Appreciation, encouragement, constructive feedback. We feel better, when we do better.
Why Fiber Optics is How We Network
Energy, all businesses need it but how can we get it without the damaging effects it has on our earth. Businesses need the wiring to build their network and survive. With many businesses making a comeback after 2020 we have more building plans that are being constructed.
We have an opportunity to take charge from the start and make some changes that can benefit our environment and decrease our carbon footprint. A lower energy consumption means positive elements for the environment.
Using a fiber optic network will not only use less energy now but it allows networks to work over a longer period of time. How does Fiber Optics help the environment? Well, it reduces CO2 emissions and the use of non sustainable materials.
Shorter lengths of fiber optic cabling supports a high bandwidth over longer distances compared to copper cabling. Fiber is lighter in weight and requires fewer lines to use which helps reduce unnecessary waste.
Using a closet to support fiber optic telecom networks helps reduce the need for a cooling system (HVAC) which in turn limits the amount of HFC’s that are known to harm our environment. Overall Fiber Optics is good for growing businesses and businesses who have the same environmental goals. A small change now for big changes tomorrow. Let’s Thrive!
Advocate
MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE VBE Advocate
If you have recently been certified by a Government Agency as a Minority/Woman Owned (MWBE) business – congratulations! If you are like many business owners, you may be wondering how to fast track results utilizing your certification and to start generating sales. Here are ten tips to help get you started.
Understand the true purpose of your certification:
Government certification as an MWBE is all about creating access to opportunities to strengthen the ability for minorities and women to successfully compete in the market place. MWBE Certification is not a guarantee of work although some agencies do have mandatory participation/subcontracting requirements in their contracts; it’s still up to each individual MWBE to be prepared to meet the requirements of doing business with the government. In addition to access to opportunities, MWBE certification often comes with resources including technical assistance, access to information, training, networking opportunities, advertising and free marketing. MWBE certification is an extremely powerful marketing tool that if used properly can help you to differentiate your firm from large competitors.
Identify your target audience:
Identify government agencies that are either currently using your products/services or looking to procure them in the future. You want to identify buyers, facilitators and MWBE advocates within the agency and learn how they make purchasing decisions. Ideally, you should have no more than three to five agencies that you are targeting per month.
Do your homework:
Once you have identified your target audience, you will want to focus on your value proposition to the government. What problem issue or could your firm potentially solve? It’s not enough to just sell pencils, you need to think about why should the agency buy from you, and if you thinking that it’s because you’re a certified MWBE, think again. There are already plenty of certified MWBEs that are marketing to the government. Think in terms of how your company adds value.
Identify your competition:
As you identify your target audience, you should also take note of who they are currently doing business with and why. Analyze your competitors; look at their marketing materials, website and pricing modules. Don’t forget to check out other MWBE’s that have similar qualifications to your firm. Figure out how you can differentiate yourself.
Networking/Procurement Events:
As I mentioned previously, one of the benefits of being a certified MWBE is access to opportunity. The accesses to opportunities are in the form of networking, procurement fairs, and training events. You want to take advantage of every single opportunity there is to meet buyers in person.
Make Marketing a Priority:
If you are like most small business owners, you are focused on delivering your product/service and handling the day to day. Unfortunately, handling the day to day won’t bring you new business. You’ll need a dedicated, focused approach to marketing for a minimum of 6-8 hours per week. Ideally, you should have a marketing plan that outlines all of your activity for 6 months to year.
Create Professional Marketing Materials:
If you want to do business with the government, in my opinion, you need a professional website, business cards, and a capabilities statement just to get started. If you are fortunate enough to be considered for an opportunity, you should know that without fail, buyers will check your website and they will always ask for a “cape statement”. I also recommend eliminating the use of personal email addresses – it screams, “I am not ready to do business”.
Create your Past Performance History:
Create and develop three client references that include a description of work performed by you/your company; accurate contact information for the point of contact (telephone number, address and email), value of the assignment, the date the assignment started and ended. Guaranteed you’ll use this information over and over again for a variety of reasons.
Bids/Proposal Pipeline:
Since most opportunities over $100,000 are required to go out for bid, you want make sure that your firm is properly registered on the appropriate websites to receive bid notifications. In addition, you’ll want to obtain procurement forecasts for your target audience to ensure that you do not miss any opportunities. Finally, being on the bidder’s list does not guarantee that you will actually receive a bid. You need to stay in touch with the agency, and calendar all potential opportunities.
Consider Strategic Partnerships/Alliances/Joint Ventures and Mentor Relationships:
In order to strengthen your position with the government you may want to consider developing an alliance with a larger firm that has strong past performance, expertise and financial resources that could be potentially viewed as a value added to the government. Stay away from firms that just want to “use” your status to their advantage and look to partner with a company that can truly add value to your firm by leveraging their past performance. Look to add value to the larger firm by levering your previous experience, your MWBE certification and your unique selling proposition. The relationship should have balance; and you must take responsibility for your role in the relationship.
CCTV Cabling
We offer corporate security and surveillance systems to add value to our clients’ existing IT infrastructure. Our highly trained technicians install IP based security solutions around the client’s needs. Whether they need to add indoor camera to their existing analog system or just wish an integrated IP based surveillance, we have the expertise and industry knowledge to do it.
ESC Cabling provides corporate security and surveillance systems designed around today’s leading technologies. Our understanding of networks and IT systems enable us to integrate physical security solutions into this infrastructure. Our IP based security solutions are designed to add value to your existing IT infrastructure.
Traditional security companies don’t always understand IT technologies and the impact of deploying IP based systems into an infrastructure that is not designed for it. ESC has the knowledge base to do it right the first time and has a track record to prove it.
Whether you need to add an indoor camera to your existing analog system or want an integrated IP based surveillance ESC cabling has the experience and industry knowledge to do it right.
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