SPECIAL FEATURE cable management & labelling
A labelling expert will usually be available to assist with the initial design process if required .
importantly , faster fault finding and reduced downtimes .
Engraved labels come with a lifetime warranty comparable with the longevity of the cabling system itself , and in adverse environments , will always remain legible and secure .
3 . Benefits to installers
Label suppliers will be happy to provide samples at an early stage of a project – even during the tendering process , if required . A potential customer will be impressed to see an installer with an eye for detail , and one that obviously will not leave these vital aspects to the last minute .
Labels produced on site can fulfil the requirements of the standards and the end users , but it is a time consuming process that needs to be carried out by a trustworthy and capable member of the installation team , usually a supervisor – who would be better employed supervising the installation .
Gavin McCay has been the owner / operator of Fineline since July 2001 . In that time he has seen the business expand during some of the most challenging times for the ICT industry . Previously , Gavin has worked as a cabling engineer , an installation manager , a site manager , a project manager and a senior project manager .
Production of a labelling schedule however , is a much simpler task if produced in a spreadsheet package , and can then simply be mailed to the label manufacturer . Some labelling companies even employ a number of ex-installers who understand the requirements of the installers and are more likely to spot errors in the spreadsheets , and effectively become a ‘ second set of eyes ’ in the production process . Labels ( plastic and self-laminating ) are produced on sheets making them easier to check , track , find and install . They can also be packaged according to the areas they relate to .
Plastic labels look more professional , more durable and more consistent than those produced on a hand held machine , and turnaround times are quicker than often expected for a bespoke product .
Some installers will purchase two sets of wraparound labels and use one for the cable installation . These can be laid out on a sheet in pairs – each label twice – a pulling set . The other set consists of each label once on two separate sheets for final application by the terminating engineers . Again , additional expenditure , but a small one and one that can save precious time and money when testing – no more confusion over cuts and nicks or handwritten numbering .
Fitting the final labels once testing and fault finding is complete , also provides an at-a-glance indication of progress .
4 . Benefits to end users
Having produced labels for a multitude of different cabling components , a labelling expert will usually be available to assist with the initial design process if required , and may also have access to the system manufacturers for product information – particularly valuable if a newly developed component is being implemented . They will also be able to provide a variety of samples demonstrating the layout of text , and the density of characters that can be achieved , as well as colours and overall appearance .
With the ever increasing density of connectors in a given U-space , the available surfaces to apply labels to inevitably decreases . A label manufacturer will be able to look at these and make suggestions for the best possible solutions . He will also be able to point out any limitations at an early stage .
Once the installation is complete , the end user obviously enjoys the ROI benefits mentioned above , but in many instances cable looming is hidden in the back of locked cabinets and under floors , and the only visible clue to the high quality of the installation will be the patching and labelling .
A number of blue-chip companies , working with a label manufacturer have developed a labelling methodology that they have used across many sites , insisting it is adhered to by all cabling contractors . This means that throughout their estate the IT infrastructure labelling is to a consistently first class standard . There are examples where this has been implemented on a global scale , within the finance , media and airport industries .
5 . Options
There are a number of different solutions for producing panel and outlet labels ; Hand held printers – constantly improving and with increasingly comprehensive software packages , these printers are particularly useful for engineers that will be attending site to carry out additional works and will only be there for a day . UV printing – UV printing is very hard wearing , and provides an infinite choice of colours , and even makes company logos a possibility . Laser engraved – even more hard wearing than UV , plentiful colour options but labels can only be two coloured .
So , there are many factors to consider when planning the labelling of a new installation . Will a formal methodology be beneficial ? What labels should be used and where ? Along cable routes , at horizontal take-off points , temporarily during the installation ? Colour schemes ? By engaging with your label manufacturer during the design stage , you will be able to provide the most appropriate labelling solution , and allow for the cost associated with it .
Having worked as a senior project manager in the ICT cabling industry I would remind my engineers that from an installation point of view , it ’ s 90 per cent perspiration and 10 per cent presentation , but the client may only see a small part of what happens during the installation period . After the installation is complete this changes to 90 per cent presentation and 10 per cent perspiration when all that remains visible are the labels and patching .
Remember , labelling may be the only thing the customer sees once you have left site – it is your signature and mark of your installation standard .
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