Women in HVACR
HOW THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT HAS CHANGED SINCE COVID-19
By Mischa Tessendorf
Over the last year , the devastating spread of Covid-19 has touched all of our lives and brought many challenges to our everyday living .
However , given these various challenges , they have also brought a light upon new and existing opportunities for positive change . How the engineering sector responded to the pandemic has been inspiring .
Opportunities always lead to improvements . Companies have also had to rethink the entire supply chain in which they operate . How to be safer , faster and more efficient at the end of the day has been high on the lists of change .
Distribution channels have created tremendous opportunities , and many companies are leading the way in which they tackle problems . There are also ever-evolving connectivity innovations and platforms like Zoom and MS teams that have required adaptation in day-to-day work and tasks .
Covid-19 has further raised awareness about the importance of HVAC & R systems . From vaccines that need to be refrigerated at low and ultra-low temperatures within the cold chain , to your office air conditioning and air quality . The opportunities within these fields alone will lead to a high demand in innovation within the industry . With vaccines on the doorstep in South Africa , businesses have an opportunity to embrace the new world which they face . Engineers see themselves as problem solvers and continuously adapt to their circumstances and have proved highly flexible to the changes brought on by the pandemic .
These changes have resulted in quick decision-making , supply-chain sourcing , alternative options to design such as 3D-modelling , virtual engagements and general changes to the ‘ regular ’ work environment .
The situation we find ourselves in today is much different to that of a year ago . Technology solutions have always been met with some scepticism ; however , these solutions when approached now , can provide a cutting-edge point of view and differentiate you and your company in the offerings you provide to the market .
Technology has the potential to keep the world moving , even when you are working from home ( WFH ). It is providing fast development in the workplace . The complete shift to WFH has decreased operating cost ( rental costs have dropped , as have things like travel and catering , for instance ) for many businesses . There has been an increasing use of virtual platforms and other VC tools .
There is now scope for innovation and creativity within business-generation in a virtual space . To help with the transition from digital to real-world , companies use software like SharePoint , one central system for employee access .
Engineering BIM360 software creates a digital twin , a computer model of the real world , and helps engineers acknowledge unforeseen problems that could occur . The model is continuously improving as the projects evolve and puts in realworld , real-time data as it emerges .
The interesting thing is that this pandemic has highlighted areas in our businesses that need to be updated or upgraded , either from a systems point of view or from a personal perspective . There is a better understanding of how to serve customers virtually , or alternatively .
A focus area within this is how to build trust , develop relationships and generate business in a virtual setting . Will the new norm be avatars in virtual rooms ? Or is this perhaps
The newest challenge companies will face is how to build trust , develop relationships and generate business in a digital or virtual environment .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I April 2021 43