Kirby Risk Summer 2022_Digital

SUMMER 2022

AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND CONTROLS CURRENT TRENDS AND SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS STREAMLINE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT HOW A CMMS SYSTEM CAN SAVE TIME AND MONEY SMART TECHNOLOGY SURROUNDS US

DEPARTMENTS

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION

8

4 A NOTE FROM KIRBY RISK 5 DID YOU KNOW? Kirby Risk Offers Beneficial Lighting Services

20 STREAMLINE

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

INDUSTRIAL

6 TRAINING & EVENTS

7 SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT

22 ARTIFICIAL

INTELLIGENCE SHAPING THE WORLD OF MANUFACTURING

Interview with Kip Anderson, Lighting Manager

24 SolaHD ™ SCP-X Power Supply, Hoffman Thermal

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Audit, Bussmann Arc Flash and RA PoweFlex

8 CELEBRATING OUR LEGACY THROUGH FOUNDER’S DAY

25 Panduit Core Products

CONSTRUCTION

COVER STORY

26 THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL REALITY

11 SMART

TECHNOLOGY SURROUNDS US

IN THE WORKPLACE

14

28 Construction Products

11

LIGHTING

MECHANICAL SERVICES

14 AUTOMATED

LIGHTING AND CONTROLS

5 BENEFICIAL LIGHTING SERVICES

7 SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT

26 THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE WORKPLACE Your company’s open positions are in danger of staying open.

30 THE RISE OF SMART SENSOR TECHNOLOGY This responsive technology continues to transform the professional world.

30

SMART TECHNOLOGY SURROUNDS US How automation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality make life easier.

17 SensorSwitch, nLight and Lightcloud Blue 18 Lithonia ESXF, Appleton Mercmaster Connect, Holophane Industrial Applications and Philips MainsFit

30 THE RISE OF

SMART SENSOR TECHNOLOGY Maximize Efficiency and Productivity

Lighting Manager Kip Anderson discusses the role of a Lighting Specialist.

Our knowledgeable Lighting Specialists can help you determine the best options available to meet your lighting needs.

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A NOTE FROM KIRBY RISK

DID YOU KNOW?

CONTRIBUTORS

Share Expertise Regarding Lighting Applications — Our Lighting Specialists have the breadth of experience and knowledge to help you determine the lighting and controls that work best with your application and your specific needs.

TAMMY SPENCER Marketing Communications Manager APRIL FETZ Marketing Communications Content Specialist LISA MAYER Marketing Communications Specialist KYLEE SMITH Marketing Communications Coordinator

Perform Lighting Audits — A lighting audit is a survey of a customer’s existing lighting system. The survey helps a customer review their current lighting usage and helps establish a baseline for the cost of running their current lighting setup. From this information, our Lighting Specialists can present energy-saving alternatives. Perform Lighting Analysis — Lighting analysis takes the lighting audit a step further by calculating total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) as well as other calculations to determine energy, labor and environmental savings. With these calculations, our Lighting Specialists can propose a solution that best meets your budget and goals while also considering future upgrades. Design Lighting Layouts —Whether your lighting project is new construction, an upgrade to LED or a total lighting redesign, our Lighting Specialists can provide a detailed lighting layout for your project. The lighting layout is designed with Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations and based on information gathered through a lighting audit or from customer provided information such as building size, reflectance, fixture type, situational lighting, etc. Once completed, a quote will be presented along with spec sheets for the proposed products. Recommend Control Options — Our Lighting Specialists can recommend lighting control options for additional energy savings and increased functionality of your lighting products. Options include: occupancy sensors, wall switch/ dimmers, panels, photocells, power/relay packs, controllers and luminaires with embedded controls.

KIRBY RISK OFFERS BENEFICIAL LIGHTING SERVICES Kirby Risk offers an array of services that address the unique challenges presented when designing lighting for any industrial, commercial or new construction project. Our knowledgeable Lighting Specialists can help you determine the best options available to meet your lighting needs while helping reduce labor and energy costs.

I recall thinking I was living in a world of high technology.

When I was a kid, I believed I lived in a high tech world. I remember when TVs came with remote controls. Gone were the days of getting up to change the channels for my father. Cable TV replaced the table top rabbit ear antennas and the game “pong” seemed so futuristic at that time. All those advancements back then made us feel like we were living the high life. Thinking back, it’s hard to believe that artificial intelligence (AI) was first introduced to the manufacturing industry in the late 1960s. Back then, the idea of AI technology seemed like something from a futuristic sci-fi book or movie. But 60 years later, we find ourselves living in a reality where AI in manufacturing has grown to include the complete automation of production lines and more.

In this issue of Connected , we explore how automation, artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies have become important processes of business and everyday life.

We also look at automated lighting controls that go far beyond a dimmer switch to include wireless communication systems for lighting.

Learn how smart sensor and condition monitoring technologies have teamed up to provide solutions for customers with large gear drives.

REACH OUT!

Offer Samples and Demos — If a customer still has questions regarding a particular lighting or control product, our Lighting Specialists can often secure samples to use in a small trial area. These samples allow the customer to test products before committing to a purchase.

Even training has gotten a futuristic makeover with virtual reality in the workplace.

Do you have questions? Need more info about something in Connected ? Want to speak to a member of the Kirby Risk team? We’ve got you covered! 877-641-0929 Connected@kirbyrisk.com KirbyRisk.com

As you flip through the pages of this issue, the message will be clear — we truly are living in the future.

How can a Kirby Risk Lighting Specialist help you? Complete our online form by scanning the QR Code or clicking on the link above and a Lighting Specialist will contact you.

Dave Heaviland Vice President of Marketing

Kip Anderson, Lighting Manager and Lisa Baker, Lighting Specialist, contributed to this article

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TRAINING AND EVENTS

SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT

TRAINING

Q: HOW DOES A LIGHTING SPECIALIST HELP THE CLIENT, PARTICULARLY WITH AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND CONTROLS? Lighting controls can be simple applications such as an occupancy sensor on a fixture, or they can be very technical and involved when building operating systems where controls are linked with software. The Lighting Specialist helps the customer determine the level of automation needed based on their budget and goals (save money, save energy, promote safety, decrease maintenance, etc.). For example, if you want an occupancy sensor to control an area not regularly in use, do you want lights to turn off when the space is unoccupied, or do you want them to dim down 30% for safety reasons? They also help the customer determine whether to use a wireless system or one that is wired into their existing operating systems. For more technical projects, the Lighting Specialist will involve control experts from our vendor and manufacturer representatives. Q: CAN YOU SHARE A SUCCESS STORY WITH US? A car manufacturer wanted more consistent light levels for paint inspection of various colored cars. They asked if light levels could be adjusted depending on the color of the car since different colors reflect varying degrees of light. A Kirby Risk Lighting Specialist worked together with representatives from Lutron to design a system that could easily perform that task. Next, cars were fitted with a tag that indicated a code for a particular color. A reader then connected by an RJ45 to the Lutron Grafik Eye® lighting control system would scan the corresponding coded tag. Scenes were set up within the Lutron Grafik Eye® system to dim to certain light levels determined by the color of the car. For example, when working with a white car, which reflects a high percentage of light, light levels would dim by 50%. For a black car, which reflects a low percentage of light, light levels would increase to 100%. Other scenes were set for varying colors in between. The automatic adjustment of light levels per car helped inspectors see the paint finish more clearly. This also lessened the contrast between each car lighting scene and eased eye strain for inspectors, making their job safer and easier.

CAT# COURSE NAME

START

END TUITION

LOCATION

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Level 4: Structured Text/Sequential Function Chart Programming Studio 5000 Logix DesignerLevel 1: ControlLogix Fundamentals and Troubleshooting PowerFlex 750 Series Configuration and Startup

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCP154

8/2/22

8/3/22

$1,825.00

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCP299

8/8/22

8/12/22

$3,075.00

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCA182

8/16/22

8/17/22

$1,825.00

PowerFlex 750-Series Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCA183

8/18/22

8/19/22

$1,825.00

As Lighting Manager, Kip manages the relationships with our vendor and agency representatives. He works with Lighting Specialists and Account Managers to make field calls with customers. Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A LIGHTING SPECIALIST? The role of the Lighting Specialist is to help the customer discover efficient lighting and LED solutions. They offer expertise to determine the most appropriate lighting for the application by performing onsite lighting audits, calculating total cost of ownership (TCO), and return on investment (ROI) to help the customer evaluate the true cost and benefits of their project. They perform lighting analysis to determine energy, labor and environmental savings. They also design lighting layouts and recommend controls to enable additional energy savings, and they can provide working samples of lighting and control products for customer testing. A Lighting Specialist also helps with project considerations for energy and cost savings, ease of installation and maintenance or sustainability such as carbon footprint and safe disposal. Once research and analysis has been completed, the Lighting Specialist and Account Manager work together to determine the best solution for the customer’s goals and needs. KIP ANDERSON , LIGHTING MANAGER In this Specialist Spotlight, Kip Anderson, Lighting Manager, discusses the role of a Lighting Specialist in helping customers select efficient lighting and controls to meet their business needs.

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

MFG213 Industrial Electrical Controls Fundamentals 8/23/22

8/26/22

$2,555.00

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Level 1: ControlLogix System Fundamentals

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCP146

8/30/22

8/31/22

$1,825.00

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Level 2: Basic Ladder Logic Programming Studio 5000 Logix Designer Level 1: ControlLogix Fundamentals and Troubleshooting GuardLogix Application Development and Troubleshooting

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCP151

9/1/22

9/2/22

$1,825.00

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCP299

9/19/22

9/23/22

$3,075.00

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

SAF-LOG104

9/20/22

9/22/22

$2,235.00

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Level 4: Kinetix 5700 (CIP) Programming

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCN144-A

9/27/22

9/30/22

$2,555.00

PowerFlex 750 Series Configuration and Startup

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCA182

9/27/22

9/28/22

$1,825.00

PowerFlex 750-Series Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Kirby Risk Electrical - Indianapolis, IN

CCA183

9/29/22

9/30/22

$1,825.00

EVENTS

CATEGORY EVENT

DATE

LOCATION

SCAN HERE to sign up for a course

Lima Vendor Spotlight w/Acuity Brands/Lithonia, 11AM - 1PM Lima Vendor Spotlight w/ABB/ Thomas & Betts, 11AM - 1PM

Kirby Risk Electrical Supply - Lima, OH Kirby Risk Electrical Supply - Lima, OH

Branch Event

8/11/22

Branch Event

9/8/22

Company Wide Event

Founder’s Day

9/29/22 All Kirby Risk Locations

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MAKE IT HAPPEN

MAKE IT HAPPEN

But more importantly, Founder’s Day celebrates the success of our company today, while looking forward to tomorrow, without forgetting the rich history of our past.

As the company grew, they added their first branch location outside of the Lafayette area in 1972, the same year that Kirby’s son, Jim Risk, became President of Kirby Risk Supply Company. Under Jim’s thoughtful leadership, this trend of adding and successfully acquiring branches continued through the years¬. Kirby Risk now has branch locations throughout Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Kirby Risk Supply moved into its corporate headquarters on Sagamore Parkway in Lafayette in 1981. The Kirby Risk Corporation still operates from this location, providing structure to its operating companies: Kirby Risk Electrical Supply, Kirby Risk Mechanical Solutions and Service, Kirby Risk Service Center, Kirby Risk Precision Machining and ARCO Electric Products. While Kirby developed his business, he believed in quietly giving back to his community and this service to others became the cornerstone of his personal and business philosophy. He helped to launch Junior Achievement (JA) in Lafayette, and actively participated in professional associations such as the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). Today, Jim Risk continues this legacy of service, making giving back a part of his life’s work and part of the company culture. Kirby Risk Corporation remains committed to JA, and employees are encouraged to participate in organizations such as United Way or volunteer to support organizations that are important to the local communities they serve. Please join us in September as we celebrate our history and remember our founder, Kirby Risk, who continues to inspire us as we remember his credo, “Let us help others and treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves!” COMPANY CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING OUR LEGACY THROUGH FOUNDER’S DAY

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1926, a small startup company, the Keiffer-Risk Battery Company, seized an opportunity to provide a needed service— selling, renting and recharging automobile batteries. On the cusp of new trends, Kirby understood the need to support new technologies during a time when electricity was expanding into homes and businesses. In 1934, the company became known as the Kirby Risk Electric Company and focused on wholesale distribution of electrical supplies, motor sales and service. As the prefab home movement gained popularity in the 40s and 50s, Kirby Risk Electric was ready and worked directly with National Homes to supply the electrical needs for thousands of houses and assembling approximately 200 electrical packages a week.

The Kirby Risk Corporation is built upon a legacy of family culture and customer service excellence that was established by our founder, Kirby Risk, almost one hundred years ago. Treating each other with dignity and respect, providing exceptional customer service and giving back to the community are values that remain rooted in our culture today.

WHAT IS FOUNDER’S DAY?

Both employees and customers are invited to celebrate this special event and show their Kirby Risk Spirit by sharing memories, participating in spirit week and enjoying local branch events.

In 2016, during our company’s 90th anniversary, Founder’s Day was born. Now an annual event, we recognize and celebrate our company’s history during September, the month of Kirby’s birthday.

An old milling company building offered room to grow, and the company moved in 1941 to Third and Ferry St. in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1946, the electrical supply and electric motor sales and repair segments of the business were incorporated as two separate companies, Kirby Risk Supply Company, Inc. and Kirby Risk Electric Motors, Inc.

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CHOOSE SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS YOUR BUSINESS IS UNIQUE Your one-of-a-kind business requires intentionally designed solutions to meet your needs and deliver the results you want. Kirby Risk Strategic Services provide custom solutions that optimize processes, increase overall efficiency and allow your business to operate at new levels. Our convenient, results-driven solutions impact several areas of business and include Plant Optimization & Asset Management, Field & Onsite, Industrial Network & Cybersecurity, Machine Safety, Training and Construction.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR STRATEGIC SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE:

Smart Technology Surrounds Us How Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Make Life Easier

kirbyrisk.com/services

CONNECTED | SUMMER 2022 11

I t’s hard to believe that the futuristic technology featured in the Jetsons cartoon is commonplace today. Although cars still don’t fly, we do have smart watches, flat screen TVs, video calls and intelligent robots. Alexa, Siri and Google can do more than offer a few laughs when asked to tell a joke. Their smart technology can automate entire homes by controlling lighting, starting appliances and even starting your car. Smart technologies like automation, artificial intelligence and augmented and virtual reality are becoming commonplace and driving the way businesses run on a daily basis. These technologies are increasing productivity, saving money and keeping employees safe. WORKPLACE AUTOMATION — ARE HUMANS BEING REPLACED? Large scale manufacturing certainly uses robots to automate production line processes, but those robots aren’t sitting on sales calls with customers or hiring new employees. Workplace

catch it and notify decision-makers that it’s time to dispatch a preventive maintenance team.” Beyond manufacturing, AI is also used to aid in smarter automations on both large and small scales. The automations a human resource department uses to create a smooth onboarding process may have started with AI when a potential new employee’s application was received. According to Forbes , AI pre screening is used at large companies to make sure an applicant is a good fit to interview. Once the determination is made, the automated onboarding process starts with a trigger to interview the candidate. Some basic everyday programs use AI too. Within the last couple years, Microsoft rolled out a new editor in Word that uses AI to offer suggestions for rewriting entire sentences rather than just grammar or spelling. Even email is using AI to keep a user’s inbox clean and relevant. Emails can be automated by turning them into tasks. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AR AND VR? Augmented Reality, or AR, is an interactive experience where an individual’s current environmental setting is computer enhanced. Think Snapchat filter — you and your environment on your phone with some fun add-ins or filters that slightly change what is actually happening. AR can also be used for space planning. Smart phone apps give users the ability to visualize Artificial intelligence is a key component of many smart technologies.

changes from wall paint colors and furniture to lighting fixtures. Acuity Brands® Augmented Reality (AR) Visualization Tool is an app that allows a user to view lighting fixtures in their space. The app allows you to scan your space, choose your selected fixture, and place the AR fixture where desired. The app will even show illuminated fixtures and adjust the finishes to visualize a product in your space. AR can also be used for training. Vuforia Expert Capture allows tenured experts the ability to capture step-by-step procedures and best practices as they work. The program uses Microsoft HoloLens, RealWear HMT-1 and mobile devices to record a process. The augmented instructions can then be used by a new or reassigned employee to learn how a particular machine works and the process for using said machine. Safety warnings or additional tips and information can be inserted at each step. Workers just follow location markers at each step which allows them to safely learn new skills quicker. The procedure is documented to improve efficiency and compliance. Virtual Reality, or VR, takes the same components of AR to another level by producing an entirely computer-generated simulation of an alternate world, according to Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. VR creates immersive simulations using special equipment such as computers, sensors, headsets and gloves. Like AR, VR technology provides flexible education and training opportunities that are safer and more cost effective. Kirby Risk Commodities Center uses Siemens VR for training employees to build custom panel

boards that support the Unassembled Power Board service for Kirby Risk Electrical Supply. “We were concerned about how we were going to properly train all of our employees,” says Jessica Scheid, Operations Manager – Distribution Services. “The virtual training from Siemens was very successful. The team thought it was cool, too.” Smart technologies surround us from the time we wake up until we go to bed. These technologies help us get ready for the day and stick with us throughout, offering efficiencies in our daily work routine. AI and automation hide in plain sight while AR and VR take center stage when used. Will robots take over for humans? Not entirely, but they will certainly create a safer, more productive work and home life.

automation can be seen in almost all sectors of business from global manufacturing enterprises to local mom and pop businesses. According to Cisco, workplace automation is the application of processes or systems using technology (software and/or hardware) to do repeatable or predictable workflows without requiring manual intervention. Most automation in the workplace comes in the form of cloud-based software. “Automation takes a lot of forms,” Fred Townes, Chief Product Officer at READY Education, stated in a Business News Daily article. “For small businesses, the most important thing is [repetition]. When you find something you do more than once that adds value … you want to look into automation.” Many workers use some form of an automated system without even realizing it. Common workplace automations include IT ticket systems, human resource onboarding, sales

invoicing, marketing, data entry, reporting and more. Kirby Risk relies on many of these programs for day to-day business. Kirby Risk Service Center also uses automations to aid in production and accuracy. “Kirby Risk Service Center has wire cutting machines that are automated,” says Michael Miller, Engineering Manager.

“They complete several tasks following instructions from a database.”

WHAT IS AI?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the development of computer systems that are able to perform tasks that require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, planning and problem-solving. Machine learning is one of the most common types of AI. Machines learn through data collection. According to Business News Daily, “Machine learning can rapidly analyze the data as it comes in, identifying patterns and anomalies. If a machine in the manufacturing plant is working at a reduced capacity, a machine-learning algorithm can

AI VR AR

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LIGHTING

LIGHTING

Code (IECC) and the are generally adopted as code at the state or city level and enforced by local building permit office personnel. “These put certain requirements on engineers, contractors and building owners that they must meet from a sustainability standpoint,” Clary says. The challenge is to help customers design lighting control systems that meet energy code requirements, but also keep installation simple and easy for contractors. Rebates offered by energy companies throughout the U.S. add another incentive for using more energy efficient lighting and controls. According to Encentiv Energy, 77% of the US is currently covered by an active commercial or industrial lighting rebate program. Resources such as our Kirby Risk Lighting Specialists can help you seek out opportunities in your state or region. While wired control systems most often appear on the specs for new projects, wireless control systems are gaining ground. Clary said as people have begun to use wireless products like Alexa or Bluetooth® devices in their home, they’ve become more comfortable with considering wireless controls for their business or project. Clary adds that design build contractors seem to be embracing wireless technology too. For example, the SensorSwitch™ JOT products from Acuity Brands, a wireless app-free solution for single room lighting control that can auto-commission with the push of a button, give the contractor an easy to install solution that gets their crew off the job quickly and saves significant labor and material costs. Although wireless controls are still relatively new to the market, their evolution is moving quickly. Robert Riley, District Sales Manager for RAB Lighting, is looking forward to the launch of RAB’s latest wireless control system, Lightcloud Blue. Through a self-automated Bluetooth mesh system, each device can communicate directly with any other device on the system, eliminating a gateway or hub needed by most wireless systems. The mobile app-controlled system uses patent-pending Rapid Provisioning that allows up to 100 devices to be synced in minutes instead of hours. This new system can also manage 600 devices on a platform and can add up to five sites for a total of 3,000 devices. Because it is so easy to scale up, it is equally capable of managing residential, commercial or industrial applications. LED technology is also driving the trend in automated

lighting controls. Riley says lighting controls offer much higher functionality for a customer. Coupled with LED lighting, the lifespan of the LED actually increases. In contrast, controls used with a legacy product (fluorescent, HID, etc.) may decrease product lifespan. Longer lifespan results in reduced maintenance and energy costs, making LED a more efficient choice for automated lighting. Installing a fully networked control solution with IoT capabilities instead of a standalone solution is another lighting trend. Clary says the cost is often minimal, while the functionality, visibility and flexibility it gives is proving more valuable, “Especially for companies that are interested in gathering information and data to make informed business decisions.” For new construction, Clary says hybrid solutions are trending. Hybrid solutions use a combination of wireless, wired, distributed and embedded control strategies where they make sense, while all still being on the same network. This allows the flexibility to design controls ideal for each specific application but have them operate under a single system. For example, Clary recommends nLight® from Acuity Brands lighting control platform for a one site, one system approach. It works as a network of digital devices interconnected through CAT 5e wired (nLight® Wired) and/or wireless (nLight® AIR) systems to coordinate time-based, daylight based, occupancy-based or manual lighting controls. This hybrid system is also easily scalable from one room to a whole campus.

The SensorSwitch ™ JOT products from Acuity Brands allow contractors to pair the wall switch and JOT enabled fixtures in six seconds with no commissioning, mobile apps or dimming wires required to start the system.

Photo provided by Lithonia Lighting

AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND CONTROLS — Current Trends and Selection Considerations

Automated lighting and controls, or smart lighting, involves adding intelligent lighting control systems to lamps or luminaires to allow communication and interaction with the surrounding environment, occupants of that environment and other devices. The main goals of these automated lighting systems are to increase product functionality, reduce energy consumption, reduce operating costs and comply with energy codes. There are several scenarios for automated lighting and controls in commercial or industrial spaces ranging from a simple dimmer switch controlling light fixtures in a single office space to a wireless system that controls pole top area lights in a parking lot configurable through a mobile app. Another case for smart lighting might include an advanced system that connects a network of devices, both wired and wireless, across a whole campus or warehouse facility. Whatever the scenario’s end goal, the lighting controls

used could include occupancy sensors, photocells, wall switch/dimmers, panels, power/relay packs, controllers and luminaires with controls embedded. Lighting controls have been around for a long time. However, the introduction of innovative technologies in recent years has spurred an increase in their usage. According to Grand View Research, the global smart lighting market size was valued at $10.85 billion in 2020 with an expected expansion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4% from 2021 to 2028. LEDinside reports 60% of that growth has taken place within commercial and industrial applications.

TRENDS IN AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND CONTROLS

But what is driving this growth? According to Richard Clary, Director of Sales, Lighting Controls with Acuity Brands, “Energy code has really been the greatest motivator.” Energy standards developed by private organizations like American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Energy Conservation

Select light fixtures for your warehouse that come embedded with energy-saving daylight and occupancy sensors but also come pre-loaded with wireless networking capabilities to easily re-configure lighting zones as needed.

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LIGHTING

LIGHTING

SENSORSWITCH ™ JOT

NLIGHT ®

SensorSwitch™ JOT is a wireless, app-free solution for single room lighting controls. JOT was designed with contractors in mind and provides: • One-of-a-kind wireless technology • Eliminates the need for dimming wires and mobile apps • Out of box installation • Easily pairs with Just One Touch

nLight® is a distributed, intelligent digital lighting controls platform featuring the most advanced technologies to meet the demand for greater functionality while helping to reduce energy consumption and energy code compliance. nLight® cost-effectively integrates time-based, daylight based, sensor-based, and manual lighting controls through its connected, intelligent digital devices. Our intelligent digital devices include: Occupancy Sensor, Photocell, Wall Switches/ Dimmers, Panels, Power/Relay Packs, Controllers and Luminaires.

Advanced lighting and controls systems may connect a network of devices, both wired and wireless, across a whole campus or warehouse facility.

JOT gives you peace of mind the job was done correctly.

TWO KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND CONTROLS THAT BEST FIT YOUR FACILITY’S NEEDS 1 Select lighting and controls with current and future needs in mind. Budget often drives decisions regarding new lighting projects or upgrades within an existing facility, making the wisest choice to select automated lighting and capabilities that might be needed in the future. For instance, select light fixtures that come embedded with the energy-saving daylight and occupancy sensors you need to meet code today, but that also come pre loaded with wireless networking capabilities that can be used tomorrow. With wireless networking ability you can easily re-configure lighting zones down the road as needed as well as keep the door open to an infinite number of possible IoT solutions, like asset tracking, geo-fencing, wayfinding, energy monitoring, etc. that could bring real value down the road. Use what features you need today but be prepared to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow. controls with an eye on long-term needs. Select products that meet your current goals and budget, but also have

2 Think about your application and determine what you want the control to do. As you explore lighting control solutions, take the time to educate yourself on the available options, then think about what you want that control to do. For instance, if you are lighting a warehouse area that is often unoccupied, to save costs and energy in that area, you might want lighting to dim when the area is vacant, then come back up when workers return. Should you use a PIR sensor that would turn the lights up when it senses body temperature as the forklift driver arrives directly in front of the vacant area? Or, for increased safety, should an MVS sensor be used that notices the employee at the end of the aisle, turning the lights up as they approach the space? Collaborating with a Kirby Risk Lighting Specialist can save you time, costs and frustration when determining lighting, controls and systems that work best for your application. Our Lighting Specialists take the time to educate our customers on lighting options designed to fit your specs and budget.

LIGHTCLOUD BLUE

Lightcloud Blue is a powerful, flexible, simple lighting control system designed to manage lighting wirelessly. With its patent pending Rapid Provisioning technology, you can get hundreds of devices connected in minutes — up to 10x faster than any other competing control system on the market! With Lightcloud Blue, you can start small and easily scale up, and because it uses Bluetooth® Mesh connectivity, set up is as easy as installing the lighting, turning it on, and opening the Lightcloud Blue app on your mobile device!

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LIGHTING

APPLETON ™ MERCMASTER ™ CONNECT LED LUMINAIRE BY EMERSON

ESXF LED FLOODLIGHT

The Lithonia Lighting® ESXF LED Floodlight is an all in-one flood that gives ultimate versatility by offering 36 configurations in one product while delivering superior illumination and it offers easy access to controls for color switching, lumen switching and selectable photocell. Available in four sizes, ESXF comes with the two most common mountings already included in the box, making on-the-spot reconfiguring quick and easy.

The Appleton™ Mercmaster™ Connect LED Luminaire by Emerson is a full-feature WirelessHART™ connected lighting solution with integrated motion and illuminance sensors. Emerson’s Plantweb™ Insight Connected Lighting Application provides map based commissioning of the lighting system and historical analytics about lighting usage, energy consumption calculations and maintenance priorities.

Slash downtime, cut maintenance costs, and skyrocket productivity

Whether your’re looking to organize assets and manage work, or connect to business systems and make data-driven decisions, Fiix partners with you to give you the tools to move from reactive to preventive maintenance and beyond

ESXF1 ALO SWW2 KY DDB M2_Yoke_001

ESXF3 ALO SWW2 YS DDB M2_Yoke_001

ESXF4 ALO SWW2 YS DDB M2_Yoke_003

Mercmaster ™ Connect LED Luminaire

Learn more about Fiix

VANTAGE ® LED HIGH BAY AND EMW LED LINEAR

PHILIPS MAINSFIT (TYPE B) BASIC COREPRO LAMP

High visibility and well-distributed lighting is required in all food processing facilities that can withstand daily wash downs. Vantage® and EMW from Holophane® help to create safer, more sanitary and usable environments while providing effective and energy efficient solutions for food processing customers.

The Philips MainsFit (Type B) Basic CorePro lamp family provides a budget friendly solution for replacing traditional fluorescent lamps. Bypassing the ballast, which could be near its end of life, and wiring the lamp directly to a main voltage makes maintaining the lighting system a lot easier. Plus, the lamps qualify for DLC5.1 which means less total system cost for the end user.

November 16-17 McCormick Place, Chicago

BCP TLED

Learn more about 2022 Automation Fair Travel Packages

Vantage ® LED High Bay

EMW LED Linear

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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION

computer in the facility to input work order data at the end of the shift, technicians can utilize tablets on the plant floor to enter information at the completion of each job. Changes to schedule or scope of a work order can be passed to the technician as they are working. Selection of key parameters and drop-down menus minimize the time spent documenting work but still provide the necessary data for tracking and analysis. Utilizing voice-to-text allows technicians to enter the necessary details quickly and even attach pictures to the work order. A more technical description from Fiix by Rockwell Automation says a CMMS helps asset-intensive organizations digitally plan, track, measure and optimize all maintenance activities. CMMS software provides a centralized platform and workflow to manage maintenance operations that includes reactive maintenance, preventive maintenance and predictive maintenance. You can automate any asset maintenance task while eliminating paperwork and other time-consuming activities. There are two types of CMMS: cloud-based (available over the Internet) and on-premise (downloaded and installed on local computers). Both help manage maintenance. Beyond that, both types of CMMS are very different. According to Reliable Plant’s “Advantages of Cloud-based CMMS” article, cloud-based CMMS have a number of benefits including faster setup, no IT-related costs, can be accessed anywhere, mobile,

easy software updates, managed database (no backing up information to an onsite server), database security and 24/7 monitoring. As noted in the article, “the reliability, mobility and lower total cost of ownership that comes with cloud-based CMMS can give you the competitive advantage you need to take your asset management strategy to the next level.”

WHAT ELSE CAN CMMS DO?

Beyond work orders and basic maintenance data, a CMMS can help your equipment talk to you. “What if your equipment could tell you when it is experiencing abnormal conditions like vibration or temperature changes?” asks Mack. “You could get away from scheduling inspections and preventative maintenance based on the calendar and start to schedule based on equipment condition.” Networked equipment such as variable frequency drives, process instrumentation and the rapidly expanding availability of smart sensors can generate information about your equipment and processes. “This is not a project that you can fund, implement and say, ‘oh cool, look how much better things are,’” Mack says. “It is a journey that will never end. While you will see measurable improvements in downtime and maintenance costs at each key milestone, there will always be one more thing to continue to improve.”

STREAMLINE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT How a CMMS system can save time and money. Running a facility’s maintenance is hard. Keeping costs down while keeping equipment running can often feel like conflicting priorities. Make the wrong decision about preventative and predictive maintenance and you’ll have a plant manager asking why equipment is down or a tech wondering why you are wasting their time performing checks that don’t add overall value. Maintenance Managers oversee the repairs, installations and upkeep of buildings, offices and other facilities, according to indeed. The main duties of a maintenance manager or supervisor include designing maintenance procedures and performing inspections to find problems and make repairs. All of these responsibilities need to be met while maintaining a budget and often managing a team.

Maintenance management started in the manufacturing industry. It started out simple — if a machine broke and no longer ran, then the maintenance manager fixed it. Fast forward more than 200 years and technology has made a lot of changes to how a factory runs. According to the ISA Interchange blog, “Innovations in technology in every area of life are more than they have ever been in human history and maintenance management is not left out.” Technological advancements ranging from communication to smart sensors and the Internet of Things have impacted maintenance management. Advancements in software support have made computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) the industry norm.

HOW CAN A MAINTENANCE MANAGER BENEFIT FROM FACILITY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE?

The first step is understanding the management software. CMMS have been around a long time and many companies use some form of CMMS today, says John Mack, Kirby Risk Business Consultant. Modernizing your CMMS can be a big step in the journey to balance a centralized maintenance system and budget.

If you’d like to learn more about how a modern CMMS can help improve your maintenance efficiency, reach out to your Kirby Risk Account Manager on our Automation team.

With a modern CMMS you don’t need to print work orders for the day or week, Mack continues. Instead of needing a

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INDUSTRIAL

INDUSTRIAL

complications when it comes to supply and demand forecasting. With an unreliable and sporadic supply chain, constant material shortages and increased prices have directly impacted a company’s ability to predict and plan. AI plays a significant role in improving accuracy of demand forecasting by anticipating changes in demand and identifying emerging patterns. McKinsey Digital reports that, “AI-based approaches to forecasting are expected to reduce forecasting errors by 30 to 50% in some settings… Costs related to transport and warehousing and supply chain administration are expected to decrease by 5 to 10% and 25 to 40%, respectively.” 3 Protected Profit Margins High rates of inflation and supply chain shortages not only impact a company’s ability to forecast, but it also takes a toll on company profits. During these tough economic times, protecting company profit margins is extremely vital. A study conducted by Boston Consulting Group shows that companies utilizing AI are more likely to thrive during crisis. BCG also reported that nearly 14% of those companies were actually able to increase both sales growth and profit margins. 4 Improved Quality Traditionally, quality inspections had a high-level of human involvement and product deviations often went undetected. These product defects have led to recalls and unnecessary waste and they reflect poorly on a company’s reliability. By integrating AI into manufacturing machinery, this autonomous technology examines products, identifies potentially defective parts and removes them from the line. AI effectively prevents flawed products from reaching customers, improving overall product quality and reliability. 5 Predictive Maintenance AI enables a manufacturing facility to move from preventative maintenance to predicative maintenance. Rockwell Automation characterizes preventative maintenance as a routine and scheduled action that is based off historical data, whether a machine requires it or not. This requires an extensive inventory for replacement components, increased planned downtime and addresses problems that may not even

exist. Predictive maintenance occurs as needed and is based on real-time operational data collected by a machine’s AI. This identifies potential machine issues early on, reduces planned downtime and improves inventory efficiency. Incorporating AI allows facilities to move to predictive maintenance, improving maintenance approach and strategy.

AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Compared to similar industries, manufacturing has had a low adoption rate of new digital technology, like AI, and minimal transformation endeavors. However, innovative manufacturing company, DENSO Robotics, has been leading the way in the industry with their integration of AI-based technology and increasing digital transformation efforts. Since implementation, DENSO has seen a significant increase in production efficiency, eliminated bottlenecks and improved processes. Vice President of DENSO North American Production and Innovation Center, Raja Shembekar comments, “The potential we now see to achieve significant process gains while simultaneously helping our workforce add greater value is precisely why DENSO is so committed to exploring and implementing innovation.” Rockwell Automation and Power to Create (PTC) have partnered together to provide a company with the ability to accelerate an operation’s digital transformation, improve efficiency and ensure future sustainability. PTC describes this collaboration as, “Joint expertise, technology, and resources to simplify your industrial transformation and innovate with greater agility.” Manufacturers that integrate new digital solutions and transformation reach maximum efficiency, accurately forecast demand, protect company profits, improve product quality and have predictive maintenance. The implementation of AI technologies is necessary for the future of manufacturing.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SHAPING THE WORLD OF MANUFACTURING Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in the future vitality of the manufacturing industry. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, was first introduced to the manufacturing industry in the late 1960s. The implementation of the first mass-produced industrial robot arm joined the assembly line at General Motors, lifting hot pieces of metal and placing them in cooling liquid, according to PwC.

AI has since grown to incredible technological heights, from the complete automation of production lines to robots self-producing and testing themselves. Utilizing AI has proven economical, with productivity and efficiency benefits unmatched by any other technology. Even with unlimited positive outcomes, manufacturing companies’ implementation and migration to AI is shockingly minimal. A study conducted by PwC shows that of 1,155 manufacturing executives across 26 countries, only 9 percent have implemented AI in their processes to improve operational decision-making. The vitality and sustainability of manufacturing companies rely on adapting to new technology. With its unlimited benefits, here are five prominent ways that AI has transformed the manufacturing industry:

1 Self-Optimization ScienceDirect defines self-optimization as a production line’s ability to adapt to complex situations and unforeseen disturbances within supply chains, machines and processes without being prompted. Automatic adjustments to production lines are determined by gathering data on production, inventory and operating rates. For example, an operation is facing a significant decrease in demand — a self-optimized production line has already gathered this data, reduced product quantity and eliminated unnecessary production. 2 Accurate Forecasting Manufacturing companies have recently faced major

In a world of constant technological advancements, don’t get left behind. Connect with Kirby Risk to learn how you can stay at the forefront of your industry.

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INDUSTRIAL

INDUSTRIAL

VERSATILE MOUNTING FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS The SolaHD™ SCP-X Series Standalone IP67 Power Supplies by Emerson can be mounted almost anywhere on a machine, conveyor, or wall. With no enclosure required they offer safety against arc flash hazards. Quick-connect cables ensure the IP67 rating and eliminate costly wiring. Available from 100 Watts to 240 Watts, the SCP-X Power Supplies meet the diverse needs of automotive manufacturing, conveyor systems and equipment where 24 Vdc

FREE THERMAL AUDIT Keeping your electronics cool is essential to maximizing the life cycles of your electronic devices, reducing capital expenses and keeping your business running. A thermal audit is a great way to quickly identify problem areas that can impact performance and potentially damage your critical equipment. This service is FREE and we’ll recommend HOFFMAN enclosure cooling solutions to help you maximize uptime and reduce maintenance costs based on the audit results.

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