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TEST & MEASURMENT
constantly upgrade.
Additionally, the unexpected
costs associated with repairs
and maintenance pose
a difficulty for some
businesses. Even those
happy with their certifier,
and its price, can find
that budgeting for annual
calibrations, repair costs,
replacement parts, shipping
costs, technical support and
training is difficult. In a worst-
case scenario, these unforeseen costs
can prove prohibitively expensive. This leads to a lack
of equipment availability, which ultimately impacts on
productivity and risking extended customer downtime. To
avoid these issues while minimising costs and providing
protection from unplanned expenditure, many data
cable installers suggested they would prefer to opt for a
reasonably priced care plan.
More equipment needed
Despite the challenge that investment in certifiers can
potentially pose to cash flow, many undoubtedly feel that
they would like to have more certifiers within their fleet.
However, cable certifiers are actually needed far less than
one might assume. In reality, it’s only in 25% of jobs that
clients and building specifications typically require cable
manufacturer warranties, and therefore require use of a
certifier.
Many data cable installers don’t realise that they
could in fact use a cable and network transmission tester
on most jobs. 75% of the time, where a warranty isn’t
needed, the proof of performance reports produced by
this type of tester are adequate for sharing with clients.
Importantly, these testers are far more affordable and, in
most organisations, it would be feasible for all installers to
have their own.
Tackling the issues
Overcoming these challenges will be key to future success
for many data cable installation businesses. But where
to start? Firstly, selecting the right type and quantity
of equipment is always going to be vitally important
for ensuring profitable, flexible data cable installation
operations, so this should always be addressed as a priority.
With the support of equipment suppliers, companies need
to analyse the work they carry out and match their certifier
and tester needs to this to make cost savings.
To ensure productivity and profitability, data cable
installers can also consider adopting mobile data sharing
when testing, while managers should explore care plans
to help manage the difficult and unexpected costs of
upgrades, repairs and maintenance.
Upfront investment in large quantities of certifiers is
never going to be a feasible option for all businesses, so
it’s crucial for test and measurement equipment suppliers
to continue to develop ways to support the industry, such
as with new purchase models. Only then will businesses be
able to effectively move their investment in test equipment
from a capital expenditure to operational expenditure. n
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