Why is desk and cable management important?

Posted On February 4, 2019 by Adept Networks

Placing desk and cable management at the top of your priority list is vital to maintaining a workable network. There are a host of benefits for both the client and the installation company when investing time and effort into organising cabling system. Although this can be time consuming during the initial installation, it is important to remember the reasons why effective desk and cable management are so important.

Why should desk and cable management be a priority?

Many businesses don't realise just how detrimental over heating can be for a network. Server related performance issues are commonly linked back to a lack of air flow. As part of it's own cooling system, a network may choose to shut down internal programmes as a protective measure when the temperature rise. This results in lost productivity for every employee dependant on said server and creates an inefficient work team. Well organised cabling systems also minimise the risk of twisted or damaged cables over time and make it significantly easier for the server network to be maintained. During repair, technicians are able to isolate the damaged component quickly. Labelling reduces the risk of misidentification and, therefore, extended repair schedules.

How can my business improve?

Improving your cable and desk organisation is simply a matter of rethinking the current design. Ensure all cables are kept untangled and there is a coherent organisation system in place. During any installation, time must be taken to organise the existing cables and create a system that works for all internal and external technicians. Any time lost during repairs and troubleshooting directly results in lost performance time for the business and, therefore, potentially lost income.

Cable management systems

Depending on the size of your cable or desk system, there are a range of products available to improve it's management. These include:

Horizontal and vertical racks: These are most effective when used during installation. They provide a net and professional look that can be managed easily. In addition, the right racking system effectively maximises airflow. If you are limited on space, vertical racks are a more compact option.
Cable hangers: Within racks, cable hangers are a further organisational tool. They are best suited to long cable runs and can be mounted on either the floor or the ceiling.
Cable trays: These trays offer secure support for all cables. There are a number of designs available on the market, each with their own benefits. Two examples include perforated trays which help optimise air ventilation and solid trays for heightened protection.
Patch panels: These are boards with multiple ports to connect network wiring. They can be labelled clearly and used to consolidate your cabling into an understandable system. You will commonly see these in audio networks where multiple devices need to be connected to one network.

No matter the size of your network, it pays to invest in your desk and cable management from the start. This way you'll optimise productivity, improve repair times and keep your business flowing smoothly.