Page 13 - IEC Insights Nov-Dec19

The skills gap is significant. In fact, What role does education and products to simplify branch wiring
there are so many people retiring on training have in addressing installation on commercial construction
the horizon that the next generation the productivity gap? projects. This kitted material is made
of workers projected to replace them available for the appropriate work
won’t be enough. In addition, many MARK RUMPEL: Education is pivotal areas and significantly reduces on-site
skilled laborers left the industry during for addressing the current skills and material handling time. With easy-
the recession in 2008 and have not productivity gap. Eaton has a long-term to-follow instructions for the branch
returned. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commitment to industry education rough-in assembly and layout, personnel
found that 40% of contractors are programs and we’re investing in who are new to the industry are
rejecting new projects because of education, hands-on training and industry empowered to be productive quickly.
the lack of skilled labor available. partnerships to prepare current and new
professionals for long-term success Recently, at the Omni Louisville Hotel
The current labor challenges look like in the industry. & Residency, Eaton’s pre-assembled
they are going to stick. For example, branch wiring solutions helped save
non-residential building construction For example, Eaton Experience Centers a tremendous number of labor hours.
jobs are expected to increase 11.5 provide real world, hands-on curriculums The facility included roughly 21,000
percent by 2026, according to the that new workforce entrants and outlets in the hotel’s 838 guest rooms
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. experienced electrical professionals need and apartments. Engineered drawings
to grow their skills. and boxes were unit specific: each
outlet and cable was identified with
How can manufacturers improve Next summer we’re hosting the 2020 dimensions, mounting heights, etc. With
productivity for the electrical IEC National Instructor Conference at our the prefabricated solution, the electrical
side of construction projects? Pittsburgh Experience Center, July 23 to contractor could rough-in one floor
25, 2020. Attendees will see electrical (about 55 hotel units) per week – saving
MARK RUMPEL: Electrical systems are power management technologies at work, approximately 40 percent for labor
often a critical part of large construction take advantage of hands-on training and needed – with confidence in accuracy and
projects. Power distribution assemblies explore the new functionality of the ability to ensure materials delivered
can be so big that the walls of the building digital solutions. to the right place at the right time.
are built around them, or they need to
be installed and energized before setting MARK RUMPEL: We’ve also seen
up other building systems. Meeting What are the benefits of pre-built and factory tested electrical
project timelines and budgets hinge on pre-built or prefabricated distribution assemblies deliver substantial
fast, efficient delivery and installation of technology? How can these installation savings, impacting productivity
these systems. Manufacturers like Eaton solutions help improve and the bottom line. Let’s take a look at
can directly impact jobsite productivity productivity and profitability an example: A Virginia-based grocery
by offering prefabricated or factory
pre-built, tested and pre-configured on the jobsite? Can you
solutions that can significantly speed provide any examples?
up installation of the electrical system.
When expedited delivery is critical, SHANE SEMPLE: With the current
Eaton’s 16 regional manufacturing shortage of skilled labor, pre-built
satellites located across the country can products simplify installation and help
help further compress project timelines close the capability gap. Electrical
with rapid support and local delivery. contractors can increase productivity
by 30 percent or more by utilizing
In addition, manufacturers can also help prefabricated products to minimize
contractors boost productivity through: material handling on the jobsite
and reduce install time. Further,
• Investments in education programs prefabricated solutions can help
to increase the number of skilled, contractors utilize personnel with less
certified professionals available experience to install in-wall rough-in
• Digital innovations that can help product, enhance safety on the jobsite Intelligent and connected solutions, like
contractors and owners efficiently and reduce construction waste. Eaton’s Pow-R-Line Switchboard can help
interface with the electrical system compress project timelines and reduce
during installation and maintenance For example, we’re seeing contractors maintenance costs through actionable
using pre-engineered and pre-assembled insights and real-time intelligence.

www.ieci.org | November/December 2019 | Insights Magazine 11