Ensuring accuracy and consistency of data

This is of course an issue which is not limited to the area of cable management. However, we have found that maintaining accuracy and consistency often cause more problems here because the electrical engineering and C&I disciplines frequently rely on tools which do not necessarily meet their needs.

Time pressure

Because of the nature of the design process it is common for the electrical and C&I engineers to be pushed ever closer to target completion dates because of the absence of accurate engineering data. This data, in our experience, typically comprises of at least one of the following: cable containment sizing not ready, cable types to be used not yet finalised, bulkhead and floor penetration sizing not available, final decisions on cable segregation allocation to tray or hanger tiers not yet taken, equipment not yet definitively located in an area or compartment etc.

Deriving accurate cable MTO data as early as possible

There are two issues involved here. Firstly there is the need to forecast, as accurately as possible, the requirements for any long lead delivery times for the various cable types. Secondly, as cable routing is completed, firming up all cable type (and associated equipment) requirements so that these can be drummed by the manufacturer, or ordered in if standard stock items.