Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1347119
20 I ICT TODAY The keyword is dynamic. It means that all subsequent changes following the initial installation continue to be recorded. ANSI/TIA-606-C insists that the facility owner or IT staff must ensure that the cable and component identification system be updated to reflect future moves, adds, and changes (MACs) that will inevitably occur and that a permanent record of the installation and all subsequent changes is maintained. "For structured cabling system designers and contractors, following ANSI/BICSI and ANSI/TIA standards for system identification and administration is the hallmark of true professionalism," says Bill Lenz, Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) and a senior communications engineer. A longtime BICSI RCDD and former BICSI instructor, Lenz is well-versed in the role and value of established industry standards. "Clients really appreciate that their projects, whether large or small, are installed in full compliance with all applicable standards," he notes. "It is wise to develop and leave behind floorplan drawings and appropriate databases to ensure that accurate administration and record keeping can be permanently maintained." This step is essential to long-term quality assurance. If each infrastructure component cannot be identified in its exact location, the enterprise may be put at opera- tional risk. Complying with standards for labeling and administration helps organizations future-proof their network infrastructure installation by providing a dynamic plan to maximize performance, minimize downtime, and reduce rebuilding costs. SETTING THE STANDARD ON COMPLIANCE Compliance standards are continually changing. With regular updates to ANSI/TIA and ANSI/BICSI standards and best practices, as well as changes to the National Electrical Code (NEC), it is critical that wire and cable labeling and management systems meet compliance on all levels. Accurate labels are also a critical safety measure. Gone are the days of installers using tape and markers to leave handwritten labels. One often-cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation is lockout/tagout labeling. Lockout/tagout is a critical method of maintaining workplace safety. Violations can range from penalties and fines to damaged repu- tations, plant shutdowns, and even worker fatalities. Today's advanced solutions make it easy to create personalized, effective lockout/tagout programs and hazard communication warning labels that minimize downtime, reduce costs, limit OSHA violations, and help protect workers. The same durable and laminated label stock used for wiring cable, panels, outlets, and terminal blocks can often be used to print durable, laminated labels with text, symbols, or logos. With on-demand label printing, the date of service or system modification information is easily posted at the point of use without having to worry that it might not be legible to workers in the future. For printers with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it is easy to take a photo with a smartphone and transfer the image to the connected printer for generating truly useful and fully compliant photo labels (Figure 8 ). FIGURE 8: Lockout/tagout labeling.