Many in the security industry know what a ‘can’ is. Or at least that’s how it’s referred to by the installation community. The can is the engineered enclosure that houses power and access control components, and it has evolved to more than a static piece of hardware. Now, it’s an avenue to greater labor efficiency, cost savings and the potential for profitable managed services from intelligent monitoring of power-connected devices.
This piece of formerly static equipment has developed a ‘can-do’ attitude. It has become a transformative part of the industry’s move to providing managed services, including remote systems management and monitoring--driving real-time data to end-user customers for proactive evaluation and resolution of potential challenges with connected products.
There have been significant changes in the way prefabricated panel enclosures are constructed—now offering seamless electrical and mechanical integration of power, locks and access panel hardware. Prewired and ready to install, quick-connect terminal strips are ready to incorporate the latest access control hardware. Ground wires on the doors of enclosures come with pluggable connections so there are no tools required to complete configuration. Modular and flexible designs allow for many system configurations: single, dual or multi voltage outputs and power distribution, control, or signaling; fire alarm interface with failsafe; fail secure lock control; and network communication, all of which can come in one advanced, multi-agency listed system platform.
The Labor Saving Equation
As hardware margins for installations continue to decline, systems integrators need to find every way possible to become more efficient. Adding to the equation is an industry-wide shortage of skilled security technicians, so streamlining is key. Labor is a critical area where installation companies can often become more profitable, by focusing on components and procedures that shave time onsite.
Security dealers and integrators can save time in the field if all internal wiring is pre-installed, freeing technician time for more important issues or projects. Prewiring of access control integrations can save tech hours and eliminate field wiring variability. With a technician’s wages anywhere from $60 to $105 per hour and a $50 average trip fee, you can see how labor costs can easily skyrocket for a job. Being able to quickly install in the field and move onto another project or another job makes a company inherently more efficient and profitable, giving them the ability to focus on adding new customers to the books.
Installing companies also need to have the flexibility to add devices, accessories and connectivity as they transition to a managed services business. Pre-fabricated enclosures are constructed to fit different control boards, power and other circuitry. Enclosures allow for a variety of accessory options and access plates work in partnership with leading manufacturers, including AMAG Technology; Brivo; Honeywell Security; Mercury Security; Paxton Access; Software House by Tyco; HID VertX; and others.
The Big Picture
Solving management problems such as untrained workers, inconsistencies in project equipment ordering and scheduling, cost tracking and reducing overruns are serious matters for systems integration companies focused on profitability. As such, another primary focus of the manufacturing of enclosures has been to standardize platforms so the same consistent quality results can be applied across an entire enterprise or campus. Enclosures are 100 percent factory tested and carry the latest certifications for quality assurance, to reduce return trips after the installation.
There are many other pluses or benefits to pre-fabricated panels. When you have this type of blueprint or similarities with the enclosures you are using, all panels are wired in the same way, eliminating issues caused by multiple integrators in different locations. Familiarity developed in one area is transferrable to any geographical area—so projects can be easily duplicated—without a total redesign or re-engineering.
Other advantages of pre-fabricated panels include:
- Precision factory prewiring eliminates field wiring guesswork so integrators and end users can establish equipment installation standards for uniform operation, maintenance and servicing of the physical security system.
- Direct drop shipments can bring prewired panels to the job site at the time of installation, saving integrators and end-users the time and expense of ordering, expediting and coordinating the necessary components inherent with field-wired installations.
- Spare parts procurement and management is easier in a standardized installation. Logistics become less complex, with only one part number to buy instead of individual components.
- Standardized documentation of installation and wiring may be created for all systems—providing efficiency in service and maintenance and follow up work.
- Standard troubleshooting techniques and processes can be developed across an enterprise, making it simpler for technicians, especially apprentices or newcomers, to keep critical functionality in top shape.
- Scheduling for jobs becomes less complex, as the time for installation in the field is predictable and repeatable. Leveraging Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory strategy allows companies to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory costs.
- Pre-fabricated enclosures also meet the latest needs of data centers and small footprint IT closets. Streamlined rack-configurations provide both operating power and a mechanical housing for access control components.
- Agency listed and certified (UL, ULC and Intertek) for quality and reliability guarantee.
In one of the latest developments, enclosures have moved to the network, gathering intelligence, history and health on all connected systems across the protected premises. Pre-fabricated enclosures are ready to handle IP connections for continuous power monitoring—where a quick look at system health is possible at a moment’s notice and trouble conditions come in real-time notifications.
Managed Power Services
The possibilities to perform managed power services can encompass a number of physical elements: the main power supply; power system outputs; supervised inputs; and standby batteries. Managed monitoring can include: event reports; AC loss notification; service due reminders; overcurrent alert; and low-battery warning. Remote servicing capabilities of power solutions can include: output supervision; battery load testing; remote power cycling; and system health logs/trouble alerts.
With power monitoring also comes the opportunity to create real-time action alerts and reports. Alert formats may include email, XML, web-browser notification or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). For example, a short circuit or integrated lock that is running hot and could present a fire hazard will instantaneously generate an email alert or SNMP trap (notification) to the integration company or end user of a potential problem.
With proactive power management systems and predictive analytics data from networked components, an end user can be informed, ahead of time, of impending lock failure or battery fatigue, offering the ability to replace components in a timely manner. With continuous power system monitoring comes the opportunity for creating specific action alerts and reports for comprehensive system maintenance and management.
The enhanced monitoring proposition of managed power sends immediate notification of current or impending problems. Once notified, the monitored parameters allow basic troubleshooting remotely without sending a technician to the site.
Pre-fabricated panels are an avenue to greater profitability for security dealers and integrators. They foster direct savings in labor, equipment, training and maintenance and service. They have evolved from a dumb metal box to an intelligent, modular solution that’s flexible and delivers detailed data to the end user customer so they can maximize system uptime.
Michael Bone is Marketing Manager at LifeSafety Power Inc., and has more than 27 years experience in the life safety and power industries. Learn more about the company at www.securityinfowatch.com/11462038.
