The COVID-19 Pandemic is fully matured, even spawning new mutations of the virus. But the light at the end of the tunnel may be near. A year ago no one thought they would be wearing masks and eating in 50% filled restaurants in August, 2020, let alone today. The Pandemic has seen companies, small and large, suffer tremendously. Many of us have furloughed employees, possibly multiple times over the last 12 months. Our industry is strong, and resilience is something most integrators know. What does resilience look like? Integrators have to change how they do business because businesses have changed how they do business. Change is hard, but in order to be resilient, we must accept change. The last year has caused customers to realize they care less about what is being sold and more about how it will help them accomplish their goals. This is prompting technology shifts in our industry to meet those goal demands.
Technological advancements in water plant operations have increased efficiency and decreased labor- intensive activities. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other automated control systems have allowed plants to operate at levels and limits that were once thought impossible. However, with an increase in technology and interconnectivity grows a new threat: cyberattacks.
We live in a world where everyone wants to hit the easy button, and generally, the cheap button. During COVID-19, pictures of home improvement stores being overrun were normal. Online retailers marked record months. Today, the world has moved to ordering everything online and has embraced the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mentality. Even commercial and industrial companies are doing more in-house work and cutting traditional trades in an effort to control quality and save money.
Don't wait for an Electrical Inspector to teach you the 2023 NEC. Save time, money, and pass inspections the first time by completing our online continuing education courses.