We have made it to the new year, a new decade. And with the turn of every calendar comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be traveling to Las Vegas for the IBS/KBIS Show or the Builder’s/Kitchen & bath Show. Following that, we will be in Orlando for the AHR Show Read more
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We have made it to the new year, a new decade. And with the turn of every calendar comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be traveling to Las Vegas for the IBS/KBIS Show or the Builder’s/Kitchen & bath Show. Following that, we will be in Orlando for the AHR Show, North America’s largest HVAC show. Oh yeah, let’s not forget about World of Concrete, back in Vegas. The goal is to see, feel and test new products, learn and network with fellow attendees.
The AHR Expo is one of the largest annual North American trade shows.
When attending these trade shows, it is best to have a plan. Having attended dozens of these show in the past, I have come up with some tips and strategies for a better trade show experience.
- Map Out Your Plan — All of these shows have corresponding websites with maps, and a list of exhibitors and events. I can’t stress enough to map out your day so you are the most efficient with your time, energy and steps on the trade show floor. (ahrexpo.com & www.buildersshow.com & www.worldofconcrete.com) Downloading the appropriate trade show apps is a must.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes & Clothing — We all want to look good, and professional, but gone are the days of stuffy apparel. I’d rather feel comfortable and fresh at the end of the day than out of sorts, sweaty and dogs a barking.
- Give Yourself Enough Time — The stress of a trade show can be daunting in and of itself. Take as much time as you need to take a deep breath and move freely on the show floor. It’s always a good idea to come in the day or night before a show to make sure all is in order and registration for the show is set. If you are planning a night out, make sure you make any necessary reservations ahead of time.
- Afterparty Over-Indulging — We all love to go out and enjoy ourselves, especially after a long day at a show. There are numerous manufacturer parties, dinners, soirees, etc. where one can relax and wind down. But staying out all night—and drinking—can be fun, and up to your discretion, but it isn’t advisable, especially if you intend to be at the show the following day. Nobody is impressed with the over-perspired, alcohol lingering on breath, bags under the eyes, headache pounding visit from on overserved attendee. Pro Tip: Keep hydrated and carry a protein bar just in case you get the munchies. The IAQ in these large buildings is usually very poor and the air can get dry.
- Plan Accordingly for Transportation — Most of the time at busy trade shows, transportation can, well, be a bitch, especially after a show. Keep this in mind as long taxi lines will form to and from the shows. Download your favorite rideshare app so you are locked and loaded.
- Travel in Packs — If traveling in groups, try to stay in one place or area. It alleviates costs on transportation and makes meetings much more amenable.
- Be Prepared to Exchange Contact Info — Make sure you have business cards on hand and be prepared to exchange info digitally, so make sure your phone is charged or bring extra chargers! Also, make sure you have proper badges for the show. For example, attendee, exhibitor and press badges all provide different access and different access times. Make sure you understand the limitations of your particular given badge.
- Follow-up with Contacts — Once the show is over, what it your end game? What better way to measure the results of a show personally than to document leads, follow up with new contacts, and were you satisfied with your expectations of information, contacts and overall impressions?
- Cellular/WiFi Service — Most shows do not offer WiFi on the show floor, or if they do, it usually sucks. There are certain spots at different venues you may be able to sneak a signal, maybe. Make sure your service is covered in the areas where you are, or be prepared to go without in the dark recesses of a concrete building.
- If Unable to Attend … — Be sure to follow your favorite social media outlets that are attending (Search Mechanical Hub on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) and keep up to date on what’s going on from the show floor. First of the year trade show events are when companies have big product announcements, launches and press briefings.
Good luck, and have a great trade show experience!
Nearly five years ago, at an undisclosed location nearby its corporate headquarters, invitees to the annual Milwaukee Tool NPS event were introduced to what would be the future of how contractors in the field view and use tools. Piggybacking off of what Milwaukee stands behind, One-Key—Milwaukee’s initial dive into tool connectivity—is another statement in the Read more
Nearly five years ago, at an undisclosed location nearby its corporate headquarters, invitees to the annual Milwaukee Tool NPS event were introduced to what would be the future of how contractors in the field view and use tools. Piggybacking off of what Milwaukee stands behind, One-Key—Milwaukee’s initial dive into tool connectivity—is another statement in the company’s ongoing mission to be a solutions provider. “More data in the hands of contractors helps them make better decisions,” says Steve Matson, director of Program Management, One-Key.
According to Matson, the smart technology that is One-Key falls within Milwaukee’s general approach to development—being a solutions company first. “When we started rolling up the problems that we were hearing during our product research years ago, connectivity became a great enabler to solve these issues in ways that we couldn’t in the past,” says Matson.
“If you accept that technology is continuously evolving, it starts to become more of a conversation around how you can maintain a platform that’s adaptable and capable of change over the years, and that’s how we plan. We recognize that even though most smartphones turn over once a year or once every two years, our products are expected to last closer to a decade. The conversation becomes focused on how we set a contractor up for success, and how we ensure that purchase remains as capable five years down the road as it is today,” says Matson.
When first launched, One-Key was touted as the first digital platform for tools and equipment, One-Key integrates industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program to provide a new level of control and access to information. “By leveraging this cloud-based innovation, we’re opening the doors to a virtual, interactive, and instantaneous experience for power tool users; ultimately creating a jobsite of endless possibilities through smarter tools,” said Andrew Lentz, product manager, Milwaukee Tool, back in 2016.
One-Key interface
This was done in three ways:
- Inventory Management— the mobile App and web interface will allow users to input any product (via serial #, receipts, etc.) and keep detailed records of each tool. Managers were also able to assign locations or specific owners to each asset, providing accountability, and enabling easy information sharing between the field and back-office. This feature helps contractors be better inventory managers.
- Tool Reporting— will give the user the ability download critical information and use this information to generate reports that can confirm the success/accuracy of an installation, and will be able to upload data and history to create custom reports that track the success and timing of electrical terminations. By syncing tool data, users can conduct preventive maintenance through data analysis and collection.
- Tool Control— Users can use pre-determined set-ups for specific fasteners and materials, or completely customize their own profile with torque and speed settings for the application at hand. With a touch of the button on the tool, they can easily go back and forth between these saved profiles so that each application is done with the most accurate and productive settings.
When asked about the possibility of an auto shut-off feature for the tool for guys who take the tool home from the jobsite, or the possibility of embedding some type of GPS component, Milwaukee representatives didn’t rule it out for the future. “This is really just the beginning,” I was told. Not too long after, Milwaukee offered Integrated Tool Tracking where users could identify where and when their One-Key compatible tools were last seen.
Today, the One-Key platform is considered the industry’s largest tracking network, and the platform is said to provide, on average, up to five million location updates every single day, which have helped facilitate the recovery of thousands of tools. With Community Bluetooth tracking, barcode scanning and geofencing, users get complete control and visibility of their inventory across any job, crew and location. Real-time alerts help prevent loss and expensive setbacks.
“We’re always looking at ways to make this technology more available in our tools and equipment,” says Matson, as evidenced with the launch of the MX Fuel line late last year.
“2020 will be our biggest launch year yet for One-Key enabled product. I see a lot of similarities to how the FUEL line has grown over the years, from just a drill and an impact driver to a healthy majority of our line. Where connectivity makes sense, adds value, and solves a problem: you’ll see One-Key,” says Matson. “If you haven’t experienced One-Key in a while, it’s time to take a look again.”
Benefits of One-Key
- Free
- Digital Record of Ownership
- Beacons out Identity
- Service Reminders
- Provides Warranty Info
- Track Tools and Lock Tools
- Geofence Your Job
- Get Alerts
- Who Is Using Tool; What Are They Doing with It
- Spec in a Tool; Give Report
- Complete Inventory Management Via App or Desktop
For more info on the One-Key platform, visit https://onekey.milwaukeetool.com
TOTO announced that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport with more than 107 million annual passengers, is the first facility in the world to offer the Smart, Fully-Connected Restroom System. Thanks to a collaboration by TOTO and GP PRO, the airport is now testing the tools and connected products it needs to help Read more
TOTO announced that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport with more than 107 million annual passengers, is the first facility in the world to offer the Smart, Fully-Connected Restroom System. Thanks to a collaboration by TOTO and GP PRO, the airport is now testing the tools and connected products it needs to help ensure its busiest restrooms are always clean, comfortable, and fully operational.
(l to r) Mike Slawson, Vp of connected devices for GP PRO, Shinya Tamura, CEO of TOTO USA and Dr. Kofi Smith, president and CEO of Atlanta Airport Terminal Company, discuss Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s significant improvements in sustainability, labor efficiency and restroom operation costs as a result of its new Smart, Fully-Connected Restroom System, thanks to a collaboration between TOTO and GP PRO.
“For more than 100 years, TOTO has improved people’s bathroom experience with revolutionary products and technologies that provide a consistently clean, comfortable experience,” said Shinya Tamura, CEO of TOTO USA. “As we confidently embark on our next 100-year cycle, we will continue our pioneering work by expanding our core competencies through collaborations with leading-edge companies, like GP PRO, whose inventive technologies and innovative business models redefine the commercial restroom experience.”
Public Restroom of the Future Takes Flight
To help ensure its passengers enjoy a clean, comfortable restroom experience every time, Hartsfield-Jackson has installed TOTO and GP PRO’s smart, fully-connected restroom solution. Leveraging the Internet of Things, the award-winning KOLO™ Smart Monitoring System uses wireless communication technologies, cloud-based processing and data storage, and cutting-edge sensors and sensing technology to provide timely, customized and secure communication between connected restroom fixtures and facility managers and their custodial staff through smartphone, tablet, and desktop apps.
Installed on TOTO’s EcoPower® flush valves and faucets and GP PRO’s enMotion® and Compact® paper towel, toilet tissue and sanitizer dispensers in the busiest restrooms (B Concourse) at Hartsfield-Jackson, the technology monitors product usage, jams, outages, and leaks, alerting the airport’s custodial staff in real-time so that problems are addressed immediately — long before weary passengers encounter them.
For Hartsfield-Jackson, a bad restroom experience can affect its bottom line. A JD Powers’ study (2015) found that for large airports (at least 30 million passengers per year), “delighted” passengers spend up to 190% more in the airport than disappointed ones. Since the Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company (AATC) installed the KOLO Smart Monitoring System and connected products by TOTO and GP PRO in Concourse B, its busiest restrooms, the AATC has enjoyed improved sustainability, increased labor efficiency, and increased costs savings in restroom operation. Further, the AATC has seen an increase in custodians’ job satisfaction and has reduced waste.
“At Hartsfield-Jackson, we strive to provide our passengers with a world-class experience — one that truly delights them. Not simply because it improves our bottom line, but also because it has a positive impact on their perception of our airport and our city as a whole,” said Dr. Kofi Smith, President and CEO of the AATC. “In the past, our public restrooms were a major source of passenger frustration and complaint. However, since we installed the KOLO Smart Monitoring System in B Concourse — our busiest restrooms — we have elevated our passengers’ experience and seen a significant positive impact on our custodial staff and bottom line. It’s truly transformative technology.”
In the future, TOTO believes that consumers will be able to experience clean, comfortable public restrooms wherever they travel for work and play—airports, restaurants, office buildings, train stations, hospitals, retail spaces, and stadiums. The smart, fully-connected restroom solution comprised of the KOLO Smart Monitoring System and connected products by TOTO and GP PRO is customizable and a smart investment for small, medium or large facilities.
“Our KOLO Smart Monitoring System provides consistent tracking and monitoring across a site’s entire restroom environment, be it a single building or a multi-building campus,” said Mike Slawson, Vice President of Connected Devices for GP PRO. “It offers benefits that help meet the facilities’ critical needs, including improved sustainability, improved labor efficiency, and increased cost savings in restroom operation.”
By remotely monitoring and analyzing restroom conditions and responding in real-time to potential problems, the KOLO Smart Monitoring System helps maintenance and custodial teams ensure that the right staff are performing the right tasks at the right time, and consumers enjoy a clean, comfortable experience every time.
“I grab two things when I leave my truck: my flashlight and my VersaPlunge”. That’s Michael Williams, Field Manager for Just Drains LLC – the “the Number 1 drain cleaning company in Philadelphia” – on the revolutionary new plunger from General Pipe Cleaners. “It’s what pros use,” he quickly adds. “And it’s what we recommend!” Read more
“I grab two things when I leave my truck: my flashlight and my VersaPlunge”.
That’s Michael Williams, Field Manager for Just Drains LLC – the “the Number 1 drain cleaning company in Philadelphia” – on the revolutionary new plunger from General Pipe Cleaners.
“It’s what pros use,” he quickly adds. “And it’s what we recommend!”
Williams knows what he’s talking about. With six expert crews, Just Drains LLC serves Southeastern Pennsylvania from the Delaware River to Harrisburg. And their seasoned professionals demand maximum performance from all the tools they have.
Innovative New Plunger Design
With its patented, extremely pliable VersaFlange™ cone, the VersaPlunge® plunger easily conforms to nearly any shaped toilet bowl opening, creating a tight seal in virtually any toilet design.
Williams pulls no punches: “It works better than any other plunger on the market. Period.”
Traditional plungers, by contrast, have hard rubber round cones – incompletely and loosely sealing the bowl drain, risking messy, germ-laden splash-back.
“VersaPlunge gives both the suction and tight seal you need,” Williams notes. “Where you put it, VersaPlunge stays.”
Extra Performance When It Counts
“Its remarkable,” he continues. “You don’t get any back-pressure – and no blow-back. If you push down on a conventional plunger, it can actually collapse on you – and you gotta fight to bring it back up.”
Not with VersaPlunge, he declares.
General’s innovative tool sports a convenient relief valve in the handle to minimize overflow. And its super-compressible, accordion-style bellows lets users apply extra force on stubborn stoppages.
“VersaPlunge comes back up – and actually ‘breathes’,” Williams contends. “As you push down, it stays in place – gives what you need to get the full plunge each time.”
For More Than Just Toilets
VersaPlunge is extremely versatile, too.
Roll up the VersaFlange end – and make a flat bottom to clear sinks, tubs, and other drain openings.
“You can use in floor drain traps to make sure the trap doesn’t have debris in it,” said Williams. “If it still holding water you can plunge it to get it open without using the big machine.”
That’s why many professionals carry extra VersaPlunge plungers to handle a range of problems.
“The flexibility of the handle and bellows lets you precisely position VersaPlunge for maximum performance,” he explains. “It’s good in sinks with a fixed faucet. If you can’t move the spout, the accordion style bellows let you flex the handle to the side and plunge effectively from an angle. You can’t do that with conventional plungers.”
The Bottom Line
Michael Williams thinks “every drain cleaning and plumbing professional” should carry a few VersaPlunge plungers for a range of stoppages.
He says that VersaPlunge helps clear clogs faster than old-fashioned plungers do – and keeps surroundings cleaner.
“With VersaPlunge, you’re not just getting a plunger – you’re getting the plunger!” he smiles. “VersaPlunge is like a plunger on steroids!”
Cambridge Massachusetts has outlined a framework to be an emission neutral city by 2050. The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan is a 25-year plan which envisions energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy production and potentially the purchase of carbon offsets and credits. On their way to meeting this goal, the city recently unveiled the first net-zero emissions Read more
Cambridge Massachusetts has outlined a framework to be an emission neutral city by 2050. The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan is a 25-year plan which envisions energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy production and potentially the purchase of carbon offsets and credits.
On their way to meeting this goal, the city recently unveiled the first net-zero emissions school in Massachusetts and the largest net-zero emissions building in the state: King Open and Cambridge Street Upper School campus. The campus includes an elementary school and middle school, school district offices, a public library branch, a community swimming pool, and preschool and after-school programs. The buildings are the first project under the Net-Zero Cambridge Plan and account for 273,000 sq. ft. and sit on four acres.
LavAdvantage
Eemax installed 150 LavAdvantage tankless electric water heaters, 10 Three Phase units and three SafeAdvantage units throughout the campus. Eemax products support specifications ranging from 1.8 kW to 150 kW, and flow rates from 0.2 GPM to 30 GPM. They installed the following on this campus:
- LavAdvantage: 150 units’ support handwashing in every classroom and restroom. They feature active energy management, power modulating controls, and a small, compact design also suitable for ADA compliant facilities. LavAdvantage provides safe, hot water on demand, while reducing energy and water waste.
- SafeAdvantage: 3 units provide tepid water for eye and facewash safety equipment in school laboratories. In schools, this tankless electric water heater can be found in chemistry and biology labs where an eyewash, facewash, and/or drench shower is required. SafeAdvantage features Parabolic Heat Design technology and is designed for low duty cycle applications where precise temperature control and low pressure drop are required.
- Three Phase: 10 units provide endless hot water to support janitorial services throughout the campus. Three Phase water heaters can support capabilities up to 5 GPM and deliver a temperature range from ambient to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Each unit is thermostatically controlled, and features Self-Modulating Technology, which provides precise outlet temperatures.
“This new LEED Platinum facility and complex proves Massachusetts’ unwavering commitment to ensuring the Cambridge community will have a clean and green facility for their students as well as the neighboring families,” said Jens Bolleyer, vice president & general manager, Eemax. “We are proud to be a sponsor, as well as a solution, supporting zero emission goals and providing safe and consistent hot water with our LavAdvantage and SafeAdvantage products.”
Roof-mounted PV array will generate an estimated 60% of energy on site.
Eemax tankless electric water heaters only consume energy when the water is turned on, and there is no water or energy waste waiting for hot water to reach the faucet. Another benefit of tankless electric water heating at the point-of-use is the elimination of recirculation loops and the energy waste (standby heat loss) generating 24/7 hot water that exists with traditional commercial boiler systems. In addition, as only one water line is necessary, a significant savings in material and labor can be realized during the construction phase. Tankless electric water heating is a zero-greenhouse gas emission solution. No venting is required as no fossil fuels are burned.
Project Details
- Units: This campus includes a middle school, an elementary school, a public library, and the administration offices for the school district
- Square Footage: 273,000
- Type of Construction: New
- Built for LEED v4 Schools Gold certifications
- Eemax tankless electric water heaters throughout the school and complex
- Roof-mounted PV array will generate an estimated 60% of energy on site
- Geothermal heat pump system provides radiant heating and cooling
- Rainwater reclamation system on site