The U.S. energy storage market is growing at a rapid rate. In 2020, the market surpassed $1.5 billion and is expected to become an $8.9 billion annual market by 2026. With this significant growth, it’s important that contractors understand what energy storage is, why it’s important, what problems it’s solving, and what opportunities there are to leverage energy storage.
Read MorePassive optical LAN (POL) isn’t some new, breakthrough technology — in fact, it has been around since the 1980s – but it’s rising in the ranks as many businesses start to leverage fiber. While fiber used to be considered more of a nonessential luxury, it is now increasingly being used in new construction, especially in the hospitality industry, as businesses adapt to increasing bandwidth demands.
Read MoreAs we have all seen, the demand for data centers has grown exponentially over the past few years. With the accelerating need for work from home (WFH) and more hybrid working solutions (HWS), as well as the continuing connected device explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), there appears to be no end in sight.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe that we’re midway through the second year of this global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s safe to say there are and will continue to be many unknowns because of this pandemic. It has changed the way we do business, the way we work as individuals and teams, the way we manage our families and home life. Let’s be honest, it has changed a lot.
Read MoreAn investment-grade audit is the first step toward answering that question. An audit gathers information about all aspects of your facility, including the age of current systems and what components or procedures are lacking. A comprehensive audit lays the groundwork for an improvement plan and identifies retrofit opportunities to save money and energy and improve efficiencies.
Read More2020 will always be a year remembered as, well, unprecedented. From a global pandemic causing businesses and schools to pivot to remote environments, to new questions surrounding racial and gender equality, the events of 2020 have had an impact on all industries. Businesses are looking internally to make their corporate environments more inclusive and representative of all employees, and the construction industry is no exception.
Read MoreDeploying a rural broadband network can be challenging, but with decades of experience and expertise in the broadband industry, WESCO | Anixter can provide the products, services and solutions to successfully deploy fiber networks.
Read MoreFor the past 5-10 years, we have been hearing so much about the Internet of Things (IoT). On the surface, IoT can sound a bit confusing. The Internet of Things? What things? And how does the internet play a role in all of this?
Read MoreAs digital solutions increase, industrial companies are converging connectivity and advanced data analytics at a record pace to allow for a smarter manufacturing experience. According to the Institute for Digital Transformation, more than 70% of U.S.-based companies are planning to introduce a new digital technology platform or digitize their products.
Read MoreInfrastructure has been at the top of the news cycle lately, and that hasn’t happened for quite some time. While you may not think of it as a trending topic, there is renewed interest in infrastructure, how it is evolving and how it affects us, positively or negatively, in our daily lives.
Read MoreWe can all agree that COVID-19 has changed our world in previously unthinkable and radical ways over the past two years. As we start returning to the office, the implementation of day-to-day activities will be forever changed – a case in point is the audio/visual outfitted meeting room.
Read MoreWhether you are a guest at a hotel, a resident at a senior living community, or a student on campus, your experience in each of those spaces is enabled, in many ways, by technology. Smart devices, audio/visual equipment, Wi-Fi, security systems, and IoT are just a few of the technologies that keep us connected, safer, and happier as we share our latest updates, maximize productivity on the go, and collaborate on the next big idea. As we bring more devices into our spaces, we also bring the need for more connectivity and smarter network designs.
Read MoreIt has been nearly a year and a half since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began, and while we have made some progress in fighting the virus, it appears we still have a long way to go. The emergence of the Delta variant, first identified in India in December 2020, has weakened the defenses we have put in place to stop the spread of the virus and significantly impeded our ability to return to normalcy.
Read MoreThere is a connectivity revolution in our midst. For the last five years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been touted as the next big thing. The latest stats from Transforma Insights estimates the number of connected IoT devices in 2020 to be 8.74 billion, up from 7.74 billion in 2019. These figures are expected to increase by 200% in 2030 and have an estimated value of more than $1 trillion globally.
Read MoreMuch of the world continues to experience supply chain strain, with challenges coming in a variety of forms. Transportation and freight disruptions, increased prices on metals and other materials, shortages of plastic resin and semiconductor chips – these are just a few of the aspects involved. Those industries with complex supply chains that rely on inputs from other businesses that also experience shortages and delivery challenges are especially hard hit.
Read MoreWhen you think about a data center, you might think about servers, switches, cooling, cabling, connectivity, access control and the like. What about audio/visual (AV) solutions? While it might not be top of mind, AV within a data center is a key issue. The appropriate data center AV solutions help provide the physical security and access to core information you want and need.
Read MoreWe live in a hyper-competitive business world. And no business is more competitive these days than physical security and data communications, especially in a post-COVID environment with pent-up demand. You know that pre-project planning decisions can have significant economic impacts and you want to be sure those impacts are on the positive side of the ledger. Some of those planning decisions can include sourcing your solutions from the right manufacturers, hiring the best integrators and contractors, and determining the most impactful distribution partners from which your solutions will come.
Read MoreWhen the United States government released $190 billion in CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funding for the education sector, it paved the way for school districts across the country to take necessary steps to cover expenditures incurred during the recent pandemic.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year when Government Services Administration (GSA) schedules are in the spotlight. Many federal agencies use these schedules to access discounted products and services that will streamline the federal procurement process. This contract vehicle is particularly important during federal year-end buying season. Every year, agencies scramble to spend their remaining budgets by the September 30 deadline or else lose their funds.
Read MoreAccording to OSHA, the number of worker deaths and injuries has decreased by over 60% since the organization’s creation in 1971. This sounds like a resounding success, right? Unfortunately, despite the improvements to worker health and safety that have been made by OSHA, over 5,000 people still die at work every year, with another 3.6 million people suffering a severe work-related injury.
Read MoreFor three years now, HID Global has conducted research for their annual State of Physical Access Control Report issued every January. In this article, we will review highlights from HID Global’s 2021 edition of this report. The data that HID Global gathers and reports on is gleaned from over 1,000 responses to their Access Control Systems Trends Survey, which is distributed to security professionals in small, medium and large businesses across many industries, including the education, technology, government, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Read MoreSupply chain management and optimization is an essential part of the success of any business. In times of growth or decline, if you haven’t considered your entire supply chain and logistics, you could experience issues, frustration and disruptions.
Read MoreSafety in the modern mining industry continues to be well regulated. However, the ongoing use of outdated lighting systems, particularly in underground mines, creates potentially hazardous working conditions.
Read MoreStudents and faculty across the country’s 132,000 public and private K-12 schools and 7,000 institutions of higher education have struggled over the past year and a half to stay engaged in a digital-first curriculum. However, as the current school year comes to a close, a return to normalcy in the new school year seems possible. This is an exciting prospect for many, but resuming full-time in-person instruction will not come without challenges
Read MoreUnderstanding the importance of utility grade infrastructure for commercial buildings The Transformation of Commercial Buildings Commercial buildings are on the front lines of rapid technology evolution. The imminent arrival of 5G and the estimated 30 billion connected devices that the Internet of Things (IoT) will enable in the next few years, as well as the presently unknown innovations and inventions that will place additional demands on bandwidth, are all driving transformation in buildings and businesses.
Read MoreImagine if your customers could know what’s coming next. If they could respond before potential challenges and have the ability to foresee new business opportunities. That's where a new paradigm emerges: the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT).
Read MoreWhen you're thinking about a facility upgrade, one of the most difficult steps is defining the scope. You want to match the solution to the goal — not to overachieve it, not to under-achieve it.
Read MoreFor maintenance, repair, and operations managers, trying to manage all necessary system maintenance while also eliminating unplanned interruptions can be challenging. Traditional means of maintenance management such as work requests via phone, email, or even word of mouth can be inefficient even for the most skilled MRO managers.
Read MoreLocated in Wanatah, Indiana, Kankakee Valley REMC (KV) is a member-owned Touchstone Energy cooperative delivering power to more than 18,000 residential and commercial member-consumers with 21,000 meters serving seven rural counties in northwestern Indiana.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted global supply chains significantly in 2020. One year later, the macroeconomy is bouncing back, vaccines are on the rise, and businesses are starting to reopen. However, the rebound is not without its pressures on suppliers.
Read MoreTwo years ago, estimates from the Gates Foundation said the number of buildings worldwide would double by 2060, and the International Data Corporation reported that there would be 75 billion connected devices by 2025. In one survey by Wired Score, 77% of tenants said they would sign a longer lease in a building with a superior infrastructure to manage them all.
Read MoreElectricity is something we often take for granted. Because it’s so intertwined into our daily lives, from powering your smartphone to providing lighting in even the most obscure locations, we can often forget the dangers that come with it.
Read MoreEnvironmentally friendly safety products are better for the environment. But they are also good for businesses. Most of the PPE and safety products that you’re currently using, such as gloves, lockout/tagout kits, and cleaning supplies, have an earth-friendly alternative or can be recycled.
Read MoreLashing wire is stainless steel wire commonly used in the utility and telecommunications industries to bring and support aerial cables or a combination of cables to a supporting strand. It is produced by a specially controlled annealing process which yields a uniform fine-grain structure throughout wire length and cross section for best results.
Read MoreWhen it comes to implementing high-performing supply chain models, Lean principles play a powerful role. Lean optimization processes can be deployed to reduce waste, increase efficiencies and provide measurable savings for companies in many industries.
Read MoreAs every company grows, they’ll find standards their clients and customers expect—or need to meet—aren’t always the same. These different standards can make it impossible to source key assets efficiently. That’s why it’s important to understand the applicable standards, so you can evaluate options for streamlined sourcing.
Read MoreProfessional audio video and its role within information communications and technology (ICT) is the bridge that connects the virtual and onsite worlds for businesses, schools and communities. It’s easy to imagine the added difficulties we could have experienced over the last year if not for AV.
Read MoreIt’s been said that, in times of crises, only the strong survive. They survive through a combination of increased flexibility, adaptability and accelerated innovation. As we all know, the world doesn’t stop when crises hit. If anything, it speeds up to address the new reality, and that’s exactly what happened when the COVID-19 pandemic hit—businesses were forced to adapt.
Read MoreState, Local Government and Education fiscal year end is upon us ending on June 30th. There are three things to consider as you navigate fiscal year end spend season those being category management, product category reach and the benefits of using contract vehicles.
Read MoreDespite the pandemic and the economic issues created by it, Pro AV is still predicted to experience strong growth the closer we get to 2024.
Read MoreFinding ways to increase supply chain efficiency is always good for business. As many companies are adapting to business challenges given the current pandemic, it’s even more critical to maximize the value of your supply chain to save time and resources, reduce costs, and shrink waste.
Read MoreWith the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise, health agencies have strengthened their messaging around the importance of wearing a mask, but the variety of face-covering options can be daunting. How do these respiratory protection options compare in terms of performance?
Read MoreNatural disasters can hit unexpectedly, resulting in storm damage and destruction of homes, businesses, roadways, and electrical systems. When Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27, 2020, causing 150 mph winds, flooding, and power loss, communities in Texas and Louisiana faced complete devastation. WESCO and Anixter employees were quick to respond with power rebuild and restoration support.
Read MoreIf you visited any of your facilities and asked, “How often are you pulling your team together to talk about safety?”, what response do you think you would get? Varied responses are an indicator of the need to reexamine how, when, and what your facilities use to talk about safety, and to implement consistency across all locations.
Read MoreAre you aware of the upcoming infrastructure requirements in your facility? Using a comprehensive solutions development approach for facility improvements can allow you to identify all potential existing and near-term infrastructure needs in order to improve overall business performance.
Read MoreWildfires are a continual concern in many California communities. In fact, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, there have been 7,921 fires from January 1 through November 29 of 2020. That’s an increase from 6,872 fires reported in the same period in 2019.
Read MoreIn 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented stress on businesses and institutions, which had to adapt quickly to continue operations and keep on-site employees safe and healthy.
Read MoreAs we move into the third year of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic, new variants continue to challenge many of the controls we have established to protect our workers. Most recently, the Omicron variant has caused a surge breaking records for the number of new daily cases.
Read MoreThere's no denying that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. As consumers and governments continue to grow increasingly concerned with their environmental footprint, the demand for electric vehicles will continue to rise.
Read MoreThe digital transformation is hitting factory floors worldwide, and industrial digital adoption is picking up speed. To put things in perspective:
Read MoreThis year, organizations across our industry adapted to stay up and running in an unprecedented working environment. While 2020 presented unique operational and safety challenges, we stayed focused on employee safety, business continuity, and continuous improvement.
Read MoreWe've all been there – a datacom network has not had any major upgrades in quite a while. We're always trying to control costs, and while sometimes this approach can work, it's certainly not ideal.
Read MoreIn the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), there’s a lot of terminology floating around that has a nebulous definition that seems to adjust based on the audience. Some terms are even used interchangeably, and wrongfully so.
Read MoreAs a purchasing professional, it can seem like your biggest hurdle is figuring out how to do more with less especially in today’s dynamic work environment.
Read MoreWhat makes a building or city “smart?” One word: technology. More specifically, the Internet of Things (IoT), which is made up of internet-connected devices, such as light fixtures, fitted with sensors and meters that generate and transmit real-time data over a network, no human involvement required.
Read MoreThey say less is sometimes more, and we at Current completely agree: our fixtures use less energy while producing more light.
Read MoreFor the first time ever, WESCO’s annual Government Partner Network (GPN) Summit was held virtually. The event took place in October 2020, and it provided a venue for collaboration between suppliers, GPN partners, and members of our Commercial, Institutional, and Government (CIG) team. During a three-week period from October 20-November 6, WESCO hosted educational sessions presented by Axis Communications, the National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP), and industry subject matter experts. In addition, our partner firms had the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one meetings with WESCO's Government Leadership team.
Read MoreAs technology continues to advance, the need for power in health care facilities continues to increase. To ensure safe and reliable electrical connections in patient care spaces, a standard, store-bought power strip is not sufficient – health care facilities must use medical-grade power strips.
Read MoreConnecting the first security camera to a network was a major innovation that changed the way the security industry operates. Surveillance systems integrating with speakers, door stations, and software have led to additional opportunities for creating proactive security solutions – a revolutionary idea as opposed to the more traditional reactive security approaches.
Read MoreDo you ever think back and wonder how your parents did it all? They juggled work, family, and life, all while constantly knowing how to turn complex situations into simple ones in a matter of seconds. Now, take that same concept and apply it to your fiber data communications network.
Read MoreAfter an electrical incident, your investigators put together a report. It looks like you've done everything right. But it seems that a part failed unexpectedly, and your liability is limited.
Read MoreIn the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), there’s a lot of terminology floating around that has a nebulous definition that seems to adjust based on the audience. Some terms are even used interchangeably, and wrongfully so.
Read MoreKeeping children safe in schools is top of mind in today’s world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) show 81 percent of schools use surveillance cameras for safety and security reasons, understandably so.
Read MoreVFDs are critical in today’s environment to ensure an efficient manufacturing process. They are used to control the frequency and voltage of an AC motor and yield additional performance and energy savings. Many operations professionals depend on them to regulate nearly every motor in a facility – sometimes hundreds of motors!
Read MoreArticle was originally published on July 19, 2017, and updated for accuracy and relevance. Electrical workers face many dangers on the job, but few (if any) are more devastating than an arc flash. This electrical release of energy can be hotter than the surface of the sun, producing an explosion with the force of eight sticks of dynamite.
Read MoreSingle-mode fiber’s recent and growing migration across the enterprise and end-user networks has begun to replace multi-mode fiber more than ever before. This article discusses the how’s and why’s of this ongoing growth.
Read MoreDid you know that the type of lighting can instantly change the mood of a room or space? Believe it or not, the ideal lighting for an office or classroom is much different for a retail store.
Read MoreA single question is on the minds of facility and operations managers nationwide: what steps can we take to ensure a safe and successful re-opening?
Read MoreWhat is digital transformation, and what does it actually mean?
Read MoreEvery three years brings a new edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The regular updates aim to improve electrical safety standards and keep employees and their workplace hazard-free.
Read MoreThe outbreak of COVID-19 continues to impact businesses around the globe. And while many companies are ready to re-open offices, they’re looking to do so as safely as possible so employees can have peace of mind when walking through the front doors.
Read MoreConsidering a lighting upgrade? It’s an excellent way to save energy and cut costs as well as create a more productive, enjoyable work or learning environment and even potentially boost retail sales. However, before you press go on a lighting upgrade or retrofit project, take a step that can save you money and time and help ensure success: Get an investment-grade lighting audit.
Read MoreProfessionals in the electrical industry often wonder about the top questions to ask when dealing with motor control. Although there are probably eight or ten questions that need to be answered sometime during the life of the order, it's more economical (both dollars and lead-time) to answer them from the beginning.
Read MoreWith sufficient lighting performance and intense illumination, the use of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps has been a primary technology choice for years. But regardless of its popularity, should you be aware of any drawbacks to HID applications?
Read MoreWESCO’s industry-leading Expert Webinar Series takes you on a deep dive into the latest technologies, tools, and most relevant topics in the business. Partnering with electrical and technology leaders from a variety of best-in-class manufacturers, WESCO’s Expert Webinar Series provides fresh, innovative information that will help you stay at the top of your field.
Read MorePower over Ethernet (PoE) is quickly becoming a widely accepted datacom networking protocol and is rapidly expanding. This expansion is enabling a range of PoE applications across the enterprise with easier and more cost-effective power solutions.
Read MoreAs manufacturing environments become more competitive, leaders are leveraging innovative technologies to become more productive and outperform traditional key performance indicators (KPIs) of success.
Read MoreWire and cable conductors are typically constructed of copper or aluminum and can be approximately a 20 percent material cost on commercial construction projects. Because these costs fluctuate and depend on supply and demand, how can you minimize the risk of metals volatility?
Read MoreManufacturing facilities are becoming more connected, and the associated benefits are limitless – from becoming more agile and competitive in the market, to maximizing efficiency, reducing costs, or monetizing data. It’s becoming clear that implementing smart manufacturing best practices is no longer a choice but a necessity for survival.
Read MoreTaking data to the edge is happening more and more these days and for many reasons, including the development of edge data centers or mobile edge computing sites (MECs).
Read MoreCommercial contractors are always looking for ways their projects can be done efficiently and at the lowest cost. Using prefabricated electrical systems from a distributor is one way to do that. With the help of a distributor, commercial contractors can reduce labor costs and deliver cost-effective electrical systems.
Read MoreBeing able to clearly hear sounds, warnings, discussions, alarms, and alerts on a job site may be something that many of us take for granted. Preventing initial hearing damage and protecting remaining hearing through hearing conservation is critical because hearing is foundational to communication and quality of life – at work and at home.
Read MoreWith parking garages, lighting is one of the most critical components of safety and security. When designing a new parking garage or retrofitting an existing one, it’s important to provide the right amount of lighting not only for the entrance and interior but also for the stairwells, top deck, and exterior.
Read MoreViruses, disinfection, and workplace safety – these are things we used to think about periodically, but likely nowhere near as much as do we now given the current health crisis. In just a few months’ time the SARS-COV-2 virus has completely changed the way we work, recreate, educate, and go about our lives.
Read MoreFifth-generation (5G) wireless networks are here… sort of. Major carriers have begun deploying 5G infrastructure that will ultimately bring incredible enhancements to the download and upload speeds we all now enjoy on remote devices, laptops, cell phones, or tablets. While these enhancements won’t happen overnight, the network deployment process is happening now.
Read MoreAutomation and control systems are getting more complex. A good panel design takes technical complexity in stride. A great panel design also steps up the space optimization. But a best-in-class panel design accounts for how complex our interactions with control systems have become. Productivity demands timely updates to equipment, lines, and processes.
Read MoreAs technology goes, we live in a world where smaller seems better. But imagine that your most valuable computing asset might also be your largest asset – the very building that houses your operations.
Read MoreWhen it comes to data communications, one of the most critical infrastructure elements is the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), especially when it comes to distributed IT, data centers, or network closets.
Read MoreEven today, 90 percent of procurement teams measure effectiveness by pure-play cost savings, which for a product or service is traditionally calculated as old price minus new price, multiplied by the volume.
Read MoreYear over year, school planning strategies emphasize safety and security. The primary goal when planning for a school district is to provide students and teachers with the ability to learn and share in a safe and secure environment.
Read MoreWith the recent healthcare crisis, businesses around the world increased their work-from-home rate from 5 percent to 90 percent in just a few days. As offices slowly begin to re-open, employees will be making their way back into the office, but we will all be adjusting to a new normal. New procedures should be developed, implemented, and communicated to sustain a clean and safe workplace.
Read MoreAs cities, counties, and states begin to re-open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities managers are being bombarded with information about ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. You may be asking yourself, what is it? How can it be used? What are its limitations?
Read MoreIt’s not a tightly held secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a tectonic shift in how the world functions and how it will move forward into a less certain future. As businesses, schools, governments, and communities look to safely reopen and resume some semblance of normal operations, the sheer volume of information and opinions available can overwhelm the senses.
Read MoreAn apple so delicious-looking you can practically taste it on your tongue. A diamond so sparkly it beckons. A silk tie that’s exactly the right shade of blue. What makes these products look so appealing that shoppers are inspired to open their wallets? In a word, lighting.
Read MoreIn the highly competitive, fast-paced manufacturing marketplace of today, time is money. In fact, for manufacturers in the auto industry, downtime can cost $22,000-$50,000 per minute.
Read MoreWhen architects design buildings, they think about more than style and aesthetics. They must consider the user experience – how occupants will work in, function in, and even enjoy a building.
Read MoreStudents spend countless hours in classrooms, many of which lack natural light. The type of artificial light in the classroom can mean the difference between a productive, comfortable, feel-good environment and one that impedes learning, focus and enjoyment.
Read MoreSlowly but surely, the world is finding ways to become more energy efficient. From smart metering to the expanding presence of solar photovoltaic power, here are six energy solution trends that are helping businesses, municipalities and consumers pave the way to a cleaner, greener and more efficient future.
Read MoreYou’ve heard of arc flash. You’ve even heard some numbers. And while it’s easy to remember that an arc flash is three times hotter than the surface of the sun, it’s not so clear why that matters, or what your facility should do about it.
Read MoreA smarter infrastructure begins by leveraging new and emerging technologies to ensure immediate bottom-line savings. These future-proof solutions will grow as the needs of your building change.
Read MoreHistory has far too many high-profile, worst-case scenario examples of network data breaches. These situations drive CIOs and IT pros to invest in transforming IT infrastructure and ensure that corporate info is secure, protected, and highly available.
Read MoreThere are currently 32 models of electric vehicles available for purchase in the United States. By the start of the next decade, it’s projected that more than half of new car sales will refuel by plugging in.
Read MoreDesigning a control panel for your machine requires more planning than you might think. The sooner you make informed decisions, the better your product will be for your application and end-users.
Read MoreThe federal government and the Department of Defense (DoD) recognize that standards-based wireless networking has become an essential part of conducting business efficiently.
Read MoreA plant turnaround, or shutdown, is a scheduled stoppage of all or part of a plant’s operations.
Read MoreCommand centers are crucial for government, military, and utility organizations to communicate effectively and dispatch resources. But to keep this room secure and running smoothly, up-to-date technology is a must.
Read MoreAs we enter a new decade, facial recognition is a hot topic. Media outlets frequently report on the technology as a crime-solving potential or a privacy concern. While both claims are valid, the real story is harder to uncover.
Read MoreIn a perfect world, you’ll always have the right material in the right place at the right time on a construction job. The real world isn’t quite that simple. Organizing your people, inventory, supply and distribution creates a lot of variables that need to be managed efficiently.
Read MoreAdvanced lighting controls, also known as networked lighting controls, are becoming increasingly important in the energy efficiency world. Lighting controls provide a way to enhance energy savings from lighting and even HVAC and mechanical retrofit projects.
Read MoreOver the past 30 years, the use and function of buildings have changed dramatically.
Read MoreJust like any other organization, government agencies generate and store massive amounts of data at local, state and federal levels – from census and employment data, to data about military activities and covert operations.
Read MoreArticle originally published Nov. 20, 2017, and updated for accuracy and relevance. While most elements of ladder safety might seem like common sense, OSHA requires that employers take additional measures to ensure that their workers’ safety isn’t compromised. Of several topics covered in the most recent Walking Working Surfaces standard, updates detailing fixed ladder use within general industry settings were a key focus.
Read MoreThe choice between single-mode or multi-mode fiber deployment can be a critical decision for a data communications network.
Read MoreWith the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) came the requirement for federal agencies to consolidate and optimize data centers by Oct. 1, 2018. But don’t worry if you’re working with some that haven’t achieved all the closure and efficiency improvements that were prioritized in the subsequent Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI).
Read MoreEvery year, WESCO’s Government Partner Network (GPN) brings together our GPN partners, suppliers, and members of our Commercial, Institutional and Government team to network and collaborate. The eighth annual event took place from Nov. 5-7 in Henderson, NV, and gave attendees the opportunity to volunteer and fundraise for a local charity.
Read More2020 is right around the corner, and in the last year, our industry has seen countless technological advances, pushes for sustainability and diversity, and increasing importance placed on streamlined supply chains.
Read MoreGovernment contractors are looking for a cost-effective solution to increase their network speed without compromising security. A fiber optic network is one route to go, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to install.
Read MoreWhat’s the most dangerous career in the United States?
Read MoreYour security strategy can have many moving parts. For critical infrastructure sites (i.e., power plants – nuclear, gas, electrical or solar, petroleum refineries, data centers, etc.), it’s important to know what’s happening inside and outside.
Read MoreYou’ve probably already heard many of the benefits of upgrading your lighting to LED: lower monthly costs, reduced energy consumption, and moving towards green building.
Read MoreWireless has played an important role in connecting video security cameras since almost the days the first cameras were developed – from there, they grew up together.
Read MoreIf you work in the data communications industry, specifically with the federal government, you’re probably already familiar with the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI), and how it led to the Federal Information Technology Reform Act (FITARA).
Read MoreThe Threat Within While stories about tech-savvy hackers and foreign state-sponsored web attacks make the biggest headlines – networks are most vulnerable to data breaches from less publicized culprits: internal users.
Read MoreGone are the days of high utility bills and frequently required lighting maintenance. As technology has improved and LED lighting has become more affordable, there’s no need to waste time and money on the lighting of the past.
Read MoreSupply chain management is evolving. No longer is it seen as a simple support function, but rather a competitive advantage for the companies utilizing the advancements in available technology.
Read MoreWould you build a house without a blueprint? Would that blueprint have a foundation and include safety measures like windows and doors with locks?
Read MoreWith a steady stream of television commercials, roadside billboards, and digital banner ads to remind us, the first wave of the fifth generation (5G) of wireless networks is already here.
Read MoreProfitable construction projects are the result of a successful blend of labor, material, and equipment management. Too often, contractors concentrate exclusively on labor or cost reduction and overlook the opportunity for improvement by implementing material management strategies.
Read MoreWhen it comes to video surveillance, nothing is worse than having an incident, thinking you have it on camera via your network video recorder (NVR), and then finding out you had an NVR failure during that time… and you capture nothing!
Read MoreEmployee safety is always a top priority in any business. To avoid the possibility of injuries, the use of high-visibility clothing is important. High-visibility clothing allows workers to be seen in low-light conditions where the risk of injury is high.
Read MoreEmployees working on the job every day – from construction sites to warehouses – often become so comfortable with their daily activities, they can become complacent to the injury risks. Unfortunately, it’s this form of complacency that can result in job site injuries ranging from slips and falls to struck-by hazards.
Read MoreWithout proper cooling components, electrical equipment is exposed to fluctuating temperature conditions that can drastically affect performance and lifespan. The inside of an equipment cabinet can generate and trap as much heat as a home furnace – just imagine the damage those temperatures can cause your equipment.
Read MoreThe wheels of complex construction projects can quickly fall off if you don’t have the proper plan in place – resulting in costly delays. From complicated procurement cycles, material management, and project schedules, there are plenty of moving parts that could jeopardize finishing the job on schedule.
Read MoreKitchens and bathrooms are two of the most lived-in areas of a home. That’s why more and more people are investing their time and money on the elements in these rooms, and all it takes to bring life to a space is the right finish.
Read MoreIn recent years, you’ve probably heard people talk about: the internet of things, digital transformation, digital buildings, converged networks, and smart buildings. But, do you know what they mean? Or what makes these words so important in the day-to-day business operations of a company, and how they are related to each other?
Read MoreFifty years ago, hospitals ran on tongue depressors and surgical masks. Today, they run on data.
Read MoreThink about all the devices and parts of your life that are connected in one way or another. The information on your cell phone automatically connects to your tablet, which then connects to your laptop and so forth.
Read MoreIn today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, improving productivity is at the top of every plant manager’s mind. Tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is vital to improving manufacturing performance.
Read MoreFor the last five years, WESCO has sponsored community service projects at the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP)’s annual meeting – and this year was no different.
Read MoreWhile all elements factor into the complexity of a project, wire and cable play a significant role in the success or failure of a job – especially when you consider that the materials are 15-20 percent of the total spend, and the installation time accounts for almost 20 percent.
Read MoreDid you know that only about 42 percent of the time on a job site is productive work? The rest of that time is waste. Identifying these areas of waste and reducing labor by just 5 percent has the ability to double a contractor’s profitability.
Read MoreWhat do we mean by end-points, and why do they matter? We’re talking about end-point applications, and they’re important when it comes to choosing the right UTP cabling solution for the right end-point application.
Read MoreThe utility industry is faced with a digital transformation. As technology continues to advance, there are more and more opportunities becoming available to improve facilities and processes.
Read MoreWhen talking about cable ties, you probably remember that time you used one to hold your keys or tools together when you were in a pinch. But do they remind you of race cars or the Mars Rover? They just might now.
Read MoreThere is a growing need to improve infrastructure resiliency in the utility industry. As the threat of unknown natural disasters and events continues to increase each year, being prepared and having resilient infrastructure in place is a top priority.
Read MoreYou’re working on a facility identification project. The first step is to organize your warehouse and figure out how you can improve productivity of your employees.
Read MoreThe construction industry has seen an increase of women on the job site. Year after year, this number continues to grow – but as a primarily male-dominated industry, there are still many things to take into consideration for women.
Read MoreHigh throughput, low latency, network availability, reliability, and security have always been top priorities in data centers.
Read MoreFrom tornadoes and hurricanes to floods, earthquakes, and ice storms, Mother Nature has many ways of threatening your business. When disaster strikes, it’s important to have a predetermined plan in place to minimize downtime, injury, and loss of valuable information.
Read MoreThe number of overdoses in the U.S. is growing at an astonishing rate. It’s estimated that 1.7 million people suffer from substance disorders. As deaths related to the opioid overdose continue to grow, it has reached the point that it’s now causing a decline in the life expectancy of Americans.
Read MoreIt went from a tropical storm to a category 2 hurricane within hours. Locals who choose to ride it out have done everything they can to prepare – stocked up on all the necessary supplies and boarded up the house. Now all they can do is wait and hope for the best. The big question on everyone’s mind – will I lose power and if so, for how long?
Read MoreWe’ve always known the internet as the web – but how does big data fit into this intricately woven design? Think of big data as every little detail that goes into this web, and then some. It’s the simplest and the most complex sets of data all in one space. Now, multiple that by 2.5 quintillion – that’s how many bytes of data are in our web.
Read MoreWhen thinking about workplace injuries, it’s easy to picture yourself in the warehouse trying to grab a box just out of reach and as you wiggle it off the shelf – you drop it on your foot. Or maybe you are walking through the warehouse and have a near miss with a forklift that didn’t see you coming.
Read MoreWhether you’re removing snow from your driveway, making work deliveries in cold pouring rain, or just attending a chilly outdoor event, you run the risk of getting a cold stress-related injury if you’re not properly protected or adequately prepared.
Read MoreThe “Internet of Things” has evolved from buzzword status to mainstream reality, but not without its challenges.
Read MoreWhen you think of a loading dock, does a flurry of activity and the classic “beep, beep, beep” backup sound come to mind? On a daily basis, loading docks are a hub of activity for shipping and receiving functions that keep the lifeblood of businesses flowing. Unfortunately, about 25 percent of reported warehouse injuries occur on loading docks.
Read MoreIn the 1830s when scientist Michael Faraday first generated electricity by spinning a copper disc using the poles of a magnet, the electricity generation was hatched. Since then, humanity has come to rely heavily on coal, wood, gasoline, and other fossil fuel sources to power our lives.
Read MoreFor school-aged children, a classroom rich in digital experiences is a must to ensure that today’s students are ready for tomorrow’s high-tech world. According to a 2017 report from EducationSuperHighway, 88 percent of classrooms had Wi-Fi access, up from just 25 percent in 2013.
Read MoreThe seventh annual WESCO Government Partner Network (GPN) Summit held Nov. 6-8 in Tampa, FL, gave WESCO and attendees a special opportunity to give back to the local and global community all while networking with fellow employees, GPN partners and suppliers.
Read MoreWe’ve covered a lot on the WESCO blog this year! Whether it's industry updates and perspectives, new products and technologies, or informative case studies and whitepapers, the WESCO blog is packed with information for you. We hope it has been an asset to you and your business this year.
Read MoreConsisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the human foot is an engineering marvel of the human body — one that needs the utmost protection while on the job.
Read MoreThere’s nothing more important than saving lives and improving people’s health. That’s why healthcare facilities require the most advanced connectivity solutions available.
Read MoreAssessing the workplace for potential safety hazards often leads companies to invest in signage, labels, personal protective equipment, and other safety products. Floor marking tape is an effective one of these since it’s a simple identifier of hazardous areas, places of caution, safe pathways, and other precautionary areas.
Read MoreImagine this – you’re working on a factory floor. Small debris is floating through the air, so as you start your shift, you reach for your safety glasses. Bad news, they’re not where they should be. You can’t start work without your glasses, so you let your manager know.
Read MoreIn today’s retail climate, hardly a day goes by without news of another legacy-brand retailer announcing store closings or financial restructuring. In fact, nearly 7,000 store closing announcements occurred in 2017, setting a new record. With the public’s embrace of online shopping, this trend will likely continue and perhaps accelerate.
Read MoreIn the industrial space, you’re probably familiar with both U.S. and European standards for industrial gloves that protect against cuts, punctures, abrasions and chemical exposure. These standards allow companies to properly compare products to find the best match for their application.
Read MoreThe new operating norms of lower oil prices, heightened safety, and environmental awareness create challenges for inefficient oil and gas companies. They also drive the most efficient organizations to constantly improve and repeatedly find new, consistent methods to preserve or increase their profitability, compliance and reputation.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever been to a large sporting event, convention or rally, you know all too well how slow the Wi-Fi signal can be when many in the crowd attempt to tweet or upload to Instagram at the same time.
Read MoreBeyond traditional security and surveillance applications, video cameras in manufacturing and assembly environments are tools used to improve personnel management, maintain safety, reduce liability and optimize efficiency. Production and operations managers looking to reduce costs or tighten timelines can deploy cameras in their factory or plant.
Read MoreAlthough the modern mining industry has always been well regulated in terms of safety, what has been evident is the increased tolerance and acceptability of sub-standard and hazardous lighting systems being used in underground mining.
Read MoreThe frequency of non-residential fires has steadily increased over the last 10 years, resulting in 80 civilian deaths and over $3 billion dollars in direct property damage per year (NFPA). Factor in the monetary loss from business interruption and the impact is staggering.
Read MoreAs a network cabling contractor, you need to keep an eye on product costs. When it comes to the cabling products you choose, you’re balancing your customer’s needs against what works for your bottom line.
Read MoreWorking with high voltage power systems carries many hazards and inherent risks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the electrical fatality rate in the mining industry is approximately 8 to 12 times higher than the rate of other U.S. industries.
Read MoreToday, the demand for data is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Speed, capacity, and capability requirements have expanded exponentially and data centers must respond to meet these needs.
Read MoreArticle originally published Sept 20, 2016, and updated for accuracy and relevance. There are a lot of variables when it comes to a student’s success in college. Good study habits, passionate teachers, and valuable campus resources all contribute to a positive college experience. But one aspect of campus life that touches students’ lives every day is often overlooked. Believe it or not, a big determinant of campus success is lighting.
Read MoreIn 1801, James Pillans hung a large piece of slate on the wall of his classroom in Edinburgh, Scotland. Using colored chalk to mark on the slate, he had just invented a new mechanism to convey information to his students. By the mid 1800’s virtually every classroom in the United States had a chalkboard — a fine example of mid-19th century game-changing technology.
Read MoreFacility professionals continue to look for cost effective, easy-to-implement technology to increase the operational efficiency and sustainability of their buildings. This is especially true as increasingly stringent building codes, such as California Title 24 2016 and ASHRAE 90.1-2013, require the use of controls.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered, “Do I really need a special equipment rack in a seismically active area?” The short answer is “Yes.” Using a rack or cabinet designed for seismic applications may be more costly, but will give you the highest load-bearing capacity in your designated floor space.
Read MoreIn circumstances that call for temporary power, the long-standing approach has been to cobble together an electrical system using whatever extension cords and portable power supplies may be on hand.
Read MoreAt one point or another, we’ve all had the unfortunate experience of someone running the hot water tap during our shower. Imagine that same running shower competing with three or four toilets, sinks, washing machines and spigots. That is essentially what we put our networks through today — whenever demand exceeds supply, someone gets left in the cold.
Read MoreElectricians often perform repetitive motions, twist their bodies in awkward positions, and handle heavy materials. To protect their field workforce from strains, sprains, and career-inhibiting injuries, many of today's top electrical construction firms are focusing on ergonomics.
Read MoreThe utility industry is filled with risks and hazards that other lines of business do not experience. Electrical work has been repeatedly identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries as one of the most dangerous jobs.
Read MoreAt any level of education, odds are that your school or campus has a variety of traditional HID lamps. They can often be found in light fixtures in gymnasiums or post top lamps on campus sidewalks. No matter the facility, replacing costly HID lamps with LED technology can have countless benefits to improve energy efficiency, safety and aesthetics.
Read MoreWith technology expanding at such a fast rate, the world of education has been working hard to integrate it into classrooms. Many schools have incorporated smart boards, mobile devices, and online lesson plans into their teaching programs. To support digital learning and supply internet connectivity in the classroom, an increasing amount of equipment is required to properly store and protect hardware, networks, and infrastructure throughout campus.
Read MoreIt’s no secret that wireless services have grown to become our “fourth utility” in the last decade. While this evolution has been revolutionary in terms of communications and connectivity, it has also exposed capacity limitations within in-building enterprise and office environments.
Read MoreNow that summer weather is finally here, staying hydrated throughout your day and at work is crucial to staying healthy and alert. Dehydration is a health concern that can be caused by hot, humid weather or when working around tools and equipment that produce a great amount of heat. Many people don’t think about drinking water until they feel thirsty.
Read MoreEfficiency on a lighting project is critical to profitability. Contractors seek ways to save time and money — particularly on labor costs — to ensure maximum profitability from every job. While lighting installations come with their own set of challenges, properly managing material can save time and ultimately increase job profitability.
Read MoreFall protection has progressively advanced over the years from single lap/torso belts to full body harnesses with significant safety features to quickly restrain a worker in the event of a fall. In industrial and construction settings, workers often need to reach elevated areas to retrieve material or place items for storage.
Read More2017 marked the ten year anniversary of the ratification of the Category 6A standard. At the time of its introduction, the industry hailed Category 6A cable as the future-proof standard for supporting 10GBase-T. However Category 6A has only taken off within the last few years, growing 20%+ annually. There are many reasons adoption took so long.
Read MoreTo continue being successful in today’s competitive world, companies must seek out and implement the latest technologies and software available. With a growing need to run safer, more efficient operations, the mining industry in particular has a lot to gain by leveraging Digital Transformation technologies. Thanks to real-time connectivity delivering actionable data about people, processes and things, the mine of today has transformed.
Read MoreAt temperatures up to 27 million degrees Fahrenheit, the sun is capable of producing large amounts of energy that can be harvested and modified into usable energy for residential and commercial use. Solar energy is reliable and easy to obtain, making it attractive to numerous businesses globally.
Read MoreIn the relationship between a smartphone and a USB charging port, it’s the phone that has the power.
Read MoreIn the United States, the publicpower utility industry has found themselves in the middle of a market transformation. Data traffic is increasing exponentially, but rural America is getting left behind with limited access to internet services.
Read MoreSecurity team professionals are all too familiar with the task of keeping up with developing technology and improved solutions for campus protection. Frequent, rapid changes make it critical for security management not only to stay abreast of these new technologies, but understand the difference between passing trends and multi-layered security solutions that add value and strengthen a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Plan (RVAP).
Read MoreWhen you are approached with an idea for an automation project presenting challenges too great for your business to tackle with internal resources alone, how do you implement your plan in a way that successfully grows your business? Whether the challenges lie in lack of budget, internal expertise or both, a partnership with an automation systems integrator creates an opportunity for you to successfully grow your business.
Read MoreWith so many different ratings for ingress protection — from NEMA ratings, to UL standards, to the European IEC ingress protection (IP) ratings appearing more frequently in the U.S.— keeping the standards straight can be challenging.
Read MoreWe have all witnessed the increasing pace of technological evolution and the resulting opportunities that evolution creates. Finding ways to leverage those opportunities in the connected real estate market is what “smart” buildings are all about. While the concept of a smart building – or an environment that dynamically responds and adjusts to the occupant’s needs – has existed for many years, the technology needed to make them practical arrived at a slower pace. That has changed drastically in recent years as new smart systems, applications and sensors have flooded the home improvement market. But what about the commercial space? How can we get the same level of performance from our office buildings that we get at home?
Read MoreNetwork infrastructure pros are well aware of the revolution happening inside the walls and ceilings of modern buildings and they know what is driving it. It’s the advent of intelligent buildings where virtually every device is connected to network cabling infrastructure allowing building systems to communicate via the IoT. Thanks to advancements in PoE technology, that cabling infrastructure is often expected to go beyond data communications delivering low-voltage power to a variety of end devices.
Read MoreHealthcare, foodservice and educational institutions often have different requirements for lighting technology compared to residential or commercial facilities. One such requirement may involve additional testing to ensure food, water and consumer safety.
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