Tackling Excess Stock:  A Supply Chain Call to Action
|

Tackling Excess Stock:  A Supply Chain Call to Action

By Caroline Croft, Supply Chain Consultant, Croft & Associates Supply Chain Consulting – Wow, what a difference a year makes! Empty shelves in 2022 became excessively overstocked in 2023. While it may be easy to lay the blame with Covid-19, let’s not forget distribution inventories and manufacturing lead times within our industry have always flexed up/down through economic cycles, even during in-year build seasons. Instead of laying blame let’s recognize how Covid amplified existing supply chain challenges, both in speed and extremity, over the past four years.

Ontario Making it Easier to Build Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Ontario Making it Easier to Build Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Ontario government is making it easier to build and connect new public electric vehicle (EV) chargers to the province’s world-class clean electricity grid. Starting May 27, 2024, all local utilities will follow a streamlined process for EV charging connections that will make it easier to set up new charging stations and support the adoption of electric vehicles in Ontario.

E.B. Horsman Join Forces With Mac’s II Agencies for South Surrey Arena Transformation
|

E.B. Horsman Join Forces With Mac’s II Agencies for South Surrey Arena Transformation

In partnership with Mac’s II Agencies, O’M Engineering, Complete Power Systems and Cooper Lighting Solutions, E.B. Horsman & Son served as the distributor of products for the City of Surrey’s South Surrey Arena indoor lighting project. Inaugurated in 1992, the South Surrey Arena stands as a cherished hub for minor hockey leagues, figure skaters, Junior A teams, and the local community. Nestled within the heart of the South Surrey Athletic Park, this arena, one of two Olympic-sized rinks in the Lower Mainland, embarked on a transformative journey.

A Comprehensive Approach to LED Lighting, EV Charging, Solar Installations, and the Importance of Understanding Government Incentives

A Comprehensive Approach to LED Lighting, EV Charging, Solar Installations, and the Importance of Understanding Government Incentives

Nedco Energy Solutions (NES) provides a comprehensive approach to energy solutions ranging from LED lighting retrofits to EV charging, solar installations, microgrids, energy storage, and power quality. As a national organization, they have experts across the country that are uniquely positioned to advise clients and develop strategies to best deploy their projects. This is particularly relevant to organizations with facilities in multiple parts of the country. NES can help develop a strategy with regional nuances in mind, as well as leveraging contractors across the country to carry out the installation.

The Path to Net Zero with Smart Building Technologies from ABB

The Path to Net Zero with Smart Building Technologies from ABB

Building operations account for 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of global energy-related emissions. This sector, if entirely net zero, would contribute a significant percentage to reduced CO2 emissions worldwide1. In fact, technologies exist already to help buildings reach net zero today. Robert Palajsa, Territory manager for the smart power and smart buildings division for southern Ontario at ABB Canada discusses what ABB has to offer and how companies and industries can expedite their path to net zero, starting right now. 

Consumer Price Index: Annual Review, 2023

Consumer Price Index: Annual Review, 2023

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.9% on an annual average basis in 2023, following a 40-year high increase of 6.8% in 2022 and a 3.4% increase in 2021. Aside from 2022, the annual average increase in 2023 is the largest since 1991. Excluding energy, the annual average CPI rose 4.5% in 2023 compared with 5.7% in 2022. While prices rose in every major component on an annual average basis in 2023, price growth slowed in six of eight components compared with 2022. The transportation component (+0.9%) slowed the most as a result of lower gasoline prices, with notable decelerations also seen in the food (+7.5%) and shelter (+5.6%) components.

How to Properly Approach and Complete a Migration or Automation Upgrade in Your Facility
|

How to Properly Approach and Complete a Migration or Automation Upgrade in Your Facility

By Krystie Johnston – Rexel Canada Electrical Inc. is a global electrical distribution organization known in Canada under brands like Nedco, and Rexel Atlantic. Rexel is a leading distributor of high-quality electrical products and services for the residential, industrial, and commercial markets and they have a variety of specialists located across the country to assist customers with their needs. In this article, Randy Hayward, C.E.T., Manager – Industrial Automation Division Rexel Canada Electrical Inc. Atlantic Division, and Sébastien Larouche, Advisor in Automation and Motor Controls, Nedco Quebec discuss how to properly approach and complete a migration or automation upgrade.

A Closer Look at ESA’s EV Charger Installation Blitz & EV Charger Considerations

A Closer Look at ESA’s EV Charger Installation Blitz & EV Charger Considerations

By Blake Marchand – Earlier this year, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) conducted an EV charger installation ‘blitz’ as part of their campaign to educate homeowners and consumers, in an effort to improve EV charger installation safety in Ontario. We spoke to Steve Nelson, General Manager for the Central Region of Ontario for ESA, who oversees all inspectors and senior inspectors for that area, to gain more insight. The blitz found more than 400 violations. Nelson explained that through their routine inspections they came across “an increase in the number of electric vehicle charger installations” without a permit. That triggered a dedicated campaign in the city of Toronto, to help with education on the requirements of EV charger installations in Ontario.

On Track for Net-Zero: Decarbonization in North America’s Rail Industry

On Track for Net-Zero: Decarbonization in North America’s Rail Industry

In its storied history, the rail industry provided the essential services of transporting both people and goods across North America and was pivotal to the continent’s development. Now, it embraces a future marked again by transformative change with a path to decarbonization. Embracing electrification, renewable energy sources, and advanced technologies, the industry aims to redefine itself as a green, efficient mode of transportation, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

EFC 2024: Continued Investments to Help Members Grow, Lead, and Compete

EFC 2024: Continued Investments to Help Members Grow, Lead, and Compete

By Carol McGlogan – Tis the season for EFC Holiday receptions, and as I travel from one reception to another, the robust attendance at each event is reflective of the growth we’ve seen this year. In comparison to 2022, the rising interest rates certainly dampened this year’s performance. However, given the underpinnings of our industry amid electrification, we stand above the rest. For 2024, the sentiment from membership is mixed but most are confident that we will continue to experience growth, albeit at a more moderate pace.

Harmonizing the Supply Chain: The Crucial Role of Wholesale Distribution
|

Harmonizing the Supply Chain: The Crucial Role of Wholesale Distribution

In the intricate dance of supply chains within the electrical, utility and telecom sectors, the inherent clash between manufacturing and end-user structures poses a significant challenge. Caroline Croft of Croft & Associates invites you to join in exploring the untapped potential of wholesale distribution as a transformative solution, provided certain barriers can be overcome.

LEDVANCE LED Lighting Upgrade Case Study: Eskasoni First Nation

LEDVANCE LED Lighting Upgrade Case Study: Eskasoni First Nation

Nestled within the rugged and beautiful terrain of Eastern Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Eskasoni Mi’kmaq Nation represents the most populous community within the Mi’kmaq First Nation.  A proud community with a rich culture and history, the Eskasoni First Nation — which translates to ‘where the fir trees are plentiful’ in Mi’kmaq – is nearly 5,000 members strong and operates everything from a bustling K-12 school system and robust network of private-sector businesses to a supermarket, radio station, community ice rink, and cultural centre.

Essential Tools for Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Essential Tools for Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy efficiency is a critical consideration for anyone looking to reduce energy costs and minimize environmental impact. One way to achieve this goal is by using various tools and instruments to identify and address potential sources of energy waste in buildings. In this article, we will explore essential tools that can help you. Regular inspections with a thermal imager, both inside and outside of structures, can quickly identify areas of accumulated moisture. This is crucial for preventing structural damage, mold growth, and energy loss.

Building Permits, September 2023

Building Permits, September 2023

The total monthly value of building permits in Canada decreased 6.5% in September to $11.2 billion, with most of the drop attributed to the monthly decline in the institutional component. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), the total value of building permits was down 7.5% to $6.4 billion in September. The total monthly value of residential permits increased 4.3% to $7.2 billion in September, led by a 37.2% monthly increase in construction intentions in British Columbia.