5 Must Do Tasks: Switching Software Vendors
It might be time to switch software vendors. Before embarking on the journey to purchase a new software solution consider doing the following five tasks, as it will save you heartburn and headaches in the future.
1. Build a Requirements List
Take a moment to write down all the stakeholders this decision will affect. Think about everyone that will need to touch this project; perhaps resources in IT, finance, maintenance, safety and compliance, executive leadership, etc. Look at all the names and titles on that list, if you still want to pursue this project, you’ll need to meet with ALL of them. During the meetings collect any and all requirements from each stakeholder and have them rank each requirement from one (1) to ten (10); one being the most important and ten being the least important. Compile the requirements and create a master requirements list. Make a note of which requirement belongs to which stakeholder as this will be useful later.
Key Takeaways:
Make an exhaustive internal stakeholder list.
Collect requirements from all stakeholders.
Make a note of who requires what and why they require it.
2. Clearly Communicate with Current Vendor
Grab your ranked list of requirements and schedule a call with your current vendor. Include the account manager (AM), account executive (AE), customer success manager (CSM), and/or a VP of
Sales. During the meeting clearly communicate any frustrations you’ve
Top 5 Low Voltage Wiring Concepts
1. Test, test, test
Knowing that equipment is working correctly at each step of the installation process will save time and prevent troubleshooting problems in the future.
Picture yourself installing a camera system and it doesn't power on, you don't know if it's a bad camera, faulty wiring, or a problem with the power supply. Do you replace all the parts one at a time hoping you’ll find the problem? You'll spend more time and effort taking the system apart and reconfiguring with items that are working correctly, than you would testing the equipment before installing and eliminating the faulty equipment variable from the onset.
How To:
Remove the device from its packaging. With a separate power supply, other than the vehicle, turn on the device. Once functionality is confirmed, begin to install the device and its wire run. Before securing the device and wires, test the device again with the initial separate power supply, confirm that the device powers on. Lastly, once the device and wires are secured, power everything on with the vehicle’s power supply. Confirm everything in the vehicle is operational and that other components did not get disconnected.
2. Label the Wire Runs Before Install
Waiting to label until after the installation can lead to mislabeling or forgetting to properly identify the wiring that was placed.
You just ran all the wires for the camera, hard drive, CB radio, and GPS tablet, coming together in a neat bundle. Having them labeled will
3 Best Practices for Low Voltage Wiring
1. Mechanical and Chemical Bonds with Connections
Having two types of connections has the advantage of redundancy. The vehicles will put on a lot of miles, with vibrations the entire time. Connections can become loose and poor connections heat up, speeding up the rate of failure.
How To:
The Lineman's Splice:
Wrap around each conductor at least three times with tight turns, having no gaps or overlaps.
Trim any excess wire protruding over the insulation.
Solder the exposed wire and heat shrink the connection.
(This step can be achieved with a soldering iron and separate heat shrink or with a Heat Shrink Solder Butt Connectors)
2. Weatherproof All Exposed Wiring and Connections
Corrosion is a significant concern for electrical wires, particularly in humid or coastal regions where moisture and salt in the air can cause metal components to deteriorate. Corrosion weakens the integrity of th
5 Must Have Low Voltage Installation Tools
1. Flush Cuters
Best Uses:
Cut zip ties without any sharp plastic left sticking out.
As tweezers to grab small items or peel backing off of double sided tape.
Tools not to Use:
Diagonal Cutters
Scissors
Quality Brands:
Knipex
Milwaukee
1. Multimeter
Best Uses:
Check voltage to equipment from batteries or power supplies.
Confirm continuity on wires during troubleshooting of problems.
Tools not to Use:
A tester bulb
