A wholistic approach to long-term project success

When it comes to end-to-end solutions for new projects or facility upgrades, it’s worth considering partnering with organisations that can provide advice and assistance before, during and after the project.

Electrical contractors seeking to provide a wholistic approach to installing, testing or calibrating electrical equipment for customers, regardless of the size of their business, can benefit from using the manufacturer’s service team to provide peace-of-mind, longevity of installations and sometimes extended warranty periods.

Using the expertise of organisations such as IPD Services, allows experienced and highly trained specialists to manage the installation from beginning to end, to monitor calibration where necessary, and ensure testing of all equipment is accurate and recorded.

Partnering with an end-to-end provider provides contractors with time to focus on other areas of the project, minimising the risk of incorrect installation which could lead to equipment failure or avoidable safety hazards on site.

When expertise is required

For those working in specialist areas, setting up power monitoring and power distribution systems, it is vital that installation and calibration has been carried out according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

While adhering to industry standards is critical to any project, those involving emergency services, such as hospitals or emergency response call centres require exceptional attention to details.

The inclusion of highly trained technicians on the project to help install equipment they are very familiar with, significantly decreases the risk of system failures, or installation errors, to provide reassurance around life threatening scenarios like power outages or electrical fires.

For large projects such as universities or government buildings requiring a whole suite of electrical infrastructure, contractors are able to work closely with the manufacturer to design and plan a seamless solution. Contractors can use the manufacturer as an added support, handing over factory ordering, tracking and implementation.

Partnerships for growth

Business such as IPD, which provide products as well as a service solution, deliver on-going support and the added value of extended warranties where applicable.

Having a collaborative approach with the manufacturer from the specification stage, allows problems to be identified early on, and the best solutions to be implemented, improving efficiencies across the project, from time to budget. A full scale, wholistic systems approach can be taken and implemented seamlessly, rather than piecing together a variety of products and systems that require different skill levels of installation and knowledge.

As an industry that experiences intense competition from within, experience and reputation can have a strong influence on work flow. The continuing emergence of new technologies, and complex building systems designed to create efficient properties, provides contractors with a lot of opportunities, as well as challenges.

Identifying a partner for long-term project collaborations strengthens the advantages a contractor can deliver to each project, as well as positions them as the expert.

A credible and accredited service provider can support a contractor with the expertise and knowledge to provide effective solutions quickly, while being agile for any future developments when installing or maintaining equipment.

Customer confidence

According to NECA’s annual report 2017, 40% of respondents felt responsibility, should a product fail and result in legal implications, rests with the contractor.¹ Partnerships like this ensure the manufacturer is able to take on the responsibility and ownership of the equipment specified, the installation and calibration, removing risk and ownership from the contractor. Customers will be presented with products that are reliable, adhere to standards and futureproof installations, while also providing peace-of-mind and on-going support. Close working relationships develop, with both parties supporting the other from a project’s beginning through to commissioning.

Contractors will benefit from building and maintaining valuable and effective relationships with customers, along with the manufacturer, when providing a wholistic service approach. Introducing customers to the knowledge, experience and capabilities of a manufacturer provides transparency for project objectives, customer expectations and design concepts, while improving communication between all parties.

The requirements for more sophisticated electrical installation projects have grown over the past five years², increasing the potential for new opportunities for electrical contractors and providing them with a variety of construction and retro-fit projects. The industry focus has shifted towards energy management while adopting new technologies for energy efficiency. With the focus shifting to new technologies and energy efficiencies, contractors with different skill levels and expertise outside of these areas previously might not approach customers for jobs relating in these areas and just work on repeat business.

Contractors using service providers opens up opportunities to tender for projects where different skill levels and knowledge might be required. The manufacturer can provide expertise and knowledge in these areas, allowing the contractor to become the expert in these areas, increasing a customer base while growing the business and also still being involved in projects suited to existing experience.

Contractors are able to offer bespoke solutions when discussing requirements with customers on complex and niche projects. By working closely with the manufacturer, contractors can provide tailored and more specific solutions efficiently and cost effectively with a direct relationship with the service provider.

Manufacturers will be able to provide insights for a project more effectively and efficiently, reducing costs to the contractor and customer. Most importantly, with the expertise and knowledge of niche industries, customers will be able to build trust with a contractor continuing to build and strengthen the relationship while creating future opportunities and potential recommendations.

Seamless transition from job to job can be made easier for contractors in partnership with a service provider. Positively impacting the bottom line can deliver a win-win outcome for all parties from customer to contractor and manufacturer.

References

1. https://neca.asn.au/sites/default/files//2017%20National/Annual%20Review/NECA%20Annual%20Review%202017.pdf
2. https://www.ecdonline.com.au/content/business-and-management/article/electrical-services-industry-powers-on-843943375#axzz5UzBk97s8

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