Brother and Fluke Networks team up on cloud-based cable testing and labelling

Brother, a provider of mobile and desktop printing, scanning and labelling solutions, has licensed Fluke Networks’ LinkWare Live API to create iLink&Label, a mobile app and backend solution designed to streamline the network and cable labelling process.

Built on Fluke Networks’ LinkWare Live platform, the app leverages the latest developments in cabling certification testing technology and mobile printing capabilities to deliver speed and efficiency to the cable ID and labelling process. Electrical construction and engineering contractors can now meet multiple project needs for cable ID by inputting data only once.

Here’s how it works:

1. In the office, the systems designer uses CAD to plan the network infrastructure and then uploads cable ID and component identifiers to LinkWare Live, Fluke Networks Cabling Certification tester and report management application.
2. The contractor downloads and installs the free iLink&Label app.
3. On the job site, the contractor or technician downloads the identifiers from LinkWare Live through a smartphone into a Brother PT-E550WVP industrial labelling tool, which is used to create and print high-quality, standards-compliant laminated labels.
4. On the job site, the contractor or technician also downloads the same identifiers into the Fluke Networks Versiv Cabling Certification System, performs the tests and uploads testing results for each identifier using LinkWare Live.

This means that the cable identifiers and test results for each project can be stored in one place and can be retrieved and used as many times as needed.

“LinkWare Live bridges the gap between the project manager’s office, where the data for testing cables and printing labels originates, and the job site, where Fluke Networks Testers and Brother labelling tools are used by the installation crew,” said Nicole Rynsaardt, field marketing manager – Asia Pacific at Fluke Networks. “For network designers, integrators and contractors, the combination of Versiv, LinkWare Live and the iLink&Label app automates multiple workflow processes and will help eliminate a major pain point in job site productivity. More importantly, it ensures labelling accuracy across the entire project.”

“Brother created an app for our PT-E550WVP label printer that interacts seamlessly with the cloud ID data file, so installation workers can instantly access the relevant cable identifiers and create and print labels without the need for additional data entry,” added Michael Morales, product & business planning manager at Brother. “This not only ensures accuracy and consistency of the network labelling scheme as designed and built, but also provides the foundation for an effective cable management program going forward.”

“This solution was created by two great brands combining their technologies to make network wire, cable and component testing and labelling faster and easier than ever before,” concluded Stefanie Dixon, marketing manager (SMB) at Brother. “It’s a real game changer, especially for contractors engaged in standards-based labelling of large and complex datacom installations.”