Cabling Installation & Maintenance is pleased to announce that our 2020 Cabling Innovators Awards program is now accepting entries. Our judges are ready to consider your company's newest project, application and/or product. The awards program features 10 product categories for submission. They are as follows:
1.) Active Infrastructure Devices
Products that effect the generation, transmission or routing of signal and/or remote power. Examples of products in this category include transceivers, switches, media converters, Power over Ethernet power sourcing equipment (PSE).
2.) Applications and Case Studies
Tell us the whole story about a project you were part of, that displayed the innovative characteristics we honor in this program. Customer-focused and collaborative approaches to projects and cabling-system deployments make a project shine throughout the value chain—from manufacturer to distributor to design and installation pro to end-user organization. This category recognizes innovative and showpiece projects that are exemplary.
3.) Cable Protection and Management
Products and systems that help ensure the security of an installed cabling plant, or that facilitate the identification of cables, ports, and connections. Entrants into this category can include cable labeling equipment, intelligent infrastructure management systems, DCIM programs, grounding and bonding equipment, and AC-power-related systems such as surge-protection devices. This is also the category for products like hook-and-loop fasteners and cable ties.
4.) Cabling Media
Cable of any construction (fiber-optic, twisted-pair, hybrid, coaxial, twinaxial, etc.) and wireless media like access points, antennas, and similar equipment. We also classify patch cords, jumpers, and assemblies as Cabling Media. This is the appropriate category in which to enter a complete end-to-end system that includes cable, connectivity, and other physical-layer components.
5.) Connection & Cross Connection Devices
This is the appropriate category for products or components to which a cable is terminated: plugs, jacks, patch panels. It’s also the category for related products, such as adapters.
6.) Distribution and Routing Equipment
The products and systems that facilitate or enhance any part of cabling’s journey through the enterprise, industrial, data center or other network. This category includes above-ceiling support devices like tray, hooks, and other systems. It includes housing equipment including racks and enclosures/cabinets. Conduit, innerduct and surface-mount raceways are in this category as well. We also include in this category products and equipment used in a cable pull—carts, caddies, reels, lubricants, and mechanical devices that help move cable from Point A to Point B.
7.) Specialized Equipment & Materials
This category recognizes some of the specialty tools that ICT professionals use in the planning and execution of projects. Software packages like project estimating are included, as well as software programs that conduct site surveys for wireless-system deployments. BIM software and other project-design tools also fit in this category.
8.) Splicing And Termination Equipment
The tools and devices used in the process of cable termination and splicing are featured here. Fusion splicers and mechanical splices, closures/trays, cleavers, and fiber cleaning and inspection equipment are among the products for fiber termination. Also in this category are crimpers, punchdown tools, and any other toolbelt items used in the termination process.
9.) Test Equipment
From the traditional to the unique, test and measurement equipment, tools, and accessories are recognized in this category.
10.) Value-Added Programs
If your organization has launched a program that improves or enhances the way ICT professionals carry out their work, it’s worthy of recognition in this category. Anything from a warranty program, to an as-a-service offering, to training and education offerings can be entered here.
Companies are welcome to submit multiple separate entries. Honorees will be named for Silver, Gold or Platinum awards based on our third party judging panel's evaluation of each entry. We want your entry to be as powerful and impressive as possible!
Here are 7 tips that will let the judges see your entry in the most favorable light:
1.) Block time out on your calendar. Map out some time on your schedule so you can focus on your entry.
2.) Use specific, quantitative and instantly credible language. Avoid the urge to just copy and paste the text from your marketing collateral or website.
3.) Be sure to answer the following questions about the product/application/project: How does the product/application/project being nominated stand out as an innovative application of a cabling or communications product or system? How does it reduce operational expenses and/or develop new revenue sources? What are the unique features of this product as it compares to competing solutions? What makes it innovative?
4.) Get input from the technical/engineering team at your company and provide specific examples of how the development impacts the structured cabling community.
5.) Download a preview of the entry form and compile your answers before completing the online entry. Once you’ve compiled your data, review your draft and confirm it clearly demonstrates one of the following criteria: innovation, value to the user, sustainability, meeting a defined need, collaboration, impact.
6.) Back up your claims with supporting evidence such as charts, tables or testimonials. Make it as easy as possible for the judges to look at your entry in the most favorable light.
7.) Call or email if we can help! CI&M Chief Editor Patrick McLaughlin is available to discuss anything that can help you complete an entry. He can be reached at [email protected] or 603-891-9222.