Integrated Systems

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Competency.

Integrated Systems

Posted Jan 2020

Competence Is Knowing the Limit of Your Abilities

Wayne D. Moore

Most contractors feel confident that they have the qualifications to install any fire alarm system, regardless of size or complexity. You likely already know that only an unfinished fire alarm...

A snail accelerating with a small rocket.

Integrated Systems

Posted Jan 2020

Prepare to Accelerate

Deborah L. O’Mara

With change brought about by new technology, faster computing speeds, artificial intelligence (AI), open integration and more devices entering the IP foray—2019 was momentous. As the digital transformation deepens and...

Recent Stories

Web Exclusive

Jan 2020

Competence Is Knowing the Limit of Your Abilities

Wayne D. Moore

Most contractors feel confident that they have the qualifications to install any fire alarm system, regardless of size or complexity. You likely already know that only an unfinished fire alarm system can delay the occupancy...

Competency.

Jan 2020

Doing the HR Math

Jim Romeo

I recently came across a YouTube video showcasing a Canadian electrical contracting firm. An electrician, Joel, says he plans to stock up on supplies at the office before leaving for a job site to finish off his terminal...

Shutterstock/ Curiosity/ Wan Wei

Jan 2020

Don’t Drift … Plan

Wayne D. Moore

This issue of Electrical Contractor features the 2020 Construction Outlook (page 18), and I am certain you will review the information with an eye to your own 2020 business predictions. First and more important, you need to...

Shutterstock/ Lightspring

Jan 2020

Certifiable Benefits

Thomas P. Hammerberg

Are you certified in the fire alarm or life safety field? If you are, why did you do it? If not, why not? I have heard many claims about the benefits and drawbacks of getting certified. I’d like to share some of my...

An ink stamp reading "certified."

Jan 2020

Prepare to Accelerate

Deborah L. O’Mara

With change brought about by new technology, faster computing speeds, artificial intelligence (AI), open integration and more devices entering the IP foray—2019 was momentous. As the digital transformation deepens and the...

A snail accelerating with a small rocket.

Jan 2020

A Low-Voltage Evolution

William Atkinson

What is happening in low-voltage work? And what do contractors expect for the future? “We are currently experiencing a couple of significant trends,” said Joe Carey, registered communications distribution designer (RCDD) and...

Shutterstock/ Mikesymon

Jan 2020

Disrupting the Disruption

Jim Hayes

Way back In 2019, everybody was raving about the prospects for new technologies such as smart cities, 5G wireless, autonomous vehicles, internet of things (IoT) and numerous other applications that would disrupt the status...

Photo source: Jim Hayes

Web Exclusive

Dec 2019

Ban on Chinese-Made Cameras Has Broad Implications

Deborah L. O'Mara

The recently updated U.S. government ‘trade blacklist’ of Chinese companies could ultimately have a widespread effect on future development of cameras, artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology for the...

Surveillance camera.

Dec 2019

Almost Heaven: M&L Electric Wires Charleston Coliseum

Susan Casey

It was the West Virginia scenery that pulled at John Denver’s heartstrings as he wrote the song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Those vistas also inspired the artful, two-and-a-half year, $107 million renovation of the...

Shutterstock/ Berad

Dec 2019

Technologically Caring

Claire Swedberg

Whether in ASSISTED-LIVING facilities or at home, seniors are at greater risk of health incidents and falls than any other population segment. To help protect elders living in their care, assisted-living facilities have been...

Shutterstock/ 13_Phunkod