CABLEtalk Feb 2010

The vexing topic of the pre-qualification process is the subject of our February cover story. Especially written for us by Professor Rudi Klein of the SEC Group, the story looks at how the absence of a widely-accepted means of identifying firms as competent has led to a plethora of vetting processes, not to mention the cost and waste engendered by the proliferaiton of pre-qualification schemes.

The prospect of getting round a housing stock of 30,000 properties to inspect, test and carry out any work thrown up by the inspection, is a daunting one. However, that’s just what Allan Barclay of Fife Council is in the process of undertaking. It’s a mammoth task, and his initiative led to him and his team winning the Electrical Safety category at last year’s SELECT/CABLEtalk Awards. Our in-depth profile has all the details.

We have a business building article on customer service and how it might just pay to think small.

Our features this month are on T&M, where we look at recent advances in the technology; and software, were we investigate how an innovative approach to the technology gives easier access to information, plus a look at how online collaboration plays a vital role in minimising risk.

Elsewhere there is the usual mix of news, advice and opinion, plus a thought-provoking Vital Spark on the KNX protocol.