BOMs in general whether they are manufacturing, or engineering contain all the components necessary to make a finished product and comprise the core building blocks of the product. However, too often BOMs are managed across multiple systems by engineering and manufacturing teams. A lot of professionals work in teams, and as a result challenges are inevitable. For engineering teams more so in the electrical and electronics industry to produce quality products, they require “as-designed bill of materials”. It is no surprise that to get quality products in today’s market requires consistent and clear collaboration which as mentioned before can only be achieved through a BOM. Thanks to Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and Big data, electronic parts search engines like oemsecrets.com have enabled OEMs, EMS, CMs to use automated EBOM and stop their reliance on manual processes or siloed tools that often lead to uncertainty and confusion in the supply chain and production teams. What is an Engineering Bill of Materials? An engineering bill of materials is used to defines the design of the finished engineering product. It is specific to the design and will not necessarily list all the electronic components needed to ensure the manufacturing goes 100% smoothly and this sometimes falls short if not kept in check. A good project manager should provide support documents highlighting specifications, tolerance and standards expected for the product design. Typically, all manufactured products will start with an EBOM to avoid delays in the overall manufacturing cycle. Why is an Engineering BOM so Important? From our engineering background and years of experience working with electrical and electronic engineers and embed systems engineers we highlighted that even though electronic OEM BOMs exhibit best-in-class manufacturing standards, are reliable for repeat business and near perfect material control they sometimes fall short. Recent examples include gaming consoles, mobile phone project have ended up being delayed for months because of guess what, delays in product development which we can probably say was caused by in accurate bill of materials. Another example of why EBOM are important is if a part being used in a design becomes obsolete the product will need to be replaced and this could alter the electronic design automation (EDA) and CAD drawings since the alternative might have different dimensions need extra power and cause other parts to be swapped for others. e.g., Changing from a 2N3904 transistor to a 2N2222 by Multicomp. This will cause a domino effect in the production process. A manufacturing BOM enables the product to be turned from concept to prototype and eventually transition to a physical product and therefore, creating an accurate bill of materials is vital because it ensures that parts are available just in time when needed as well as supplementing and ensuring that the assembly of product goes efficiently. If for some reason it’s not accurate, production will stop, which reduces the profit margins by increased operation costs. The cost will increase because: Procurement or purchasing engineer will need time to locate missing parts, Machines will be idle and if they are idle they aren’t producing good and thus nor stock to sell, Manpower cost is still is being paid, until the correct process of assembly is determined, If services have been contracted to an EMS then you have to book another production order. This is why EBOMs are important as they can be shown in a hierarchical way i.e., the finished product at the top, down to individual components and materials. BOM management challenges In the past 5 years, we have seen BOM evolve from manual to intelligent cloud based structured systems like what we mentioned in the introduction. The improvement of technology and also the integration with Internet of Things technology has improved our ability as decision makers become more efficient in the way we work.   Unfortunately, no single bill of material is proof enough to be used independently for production as they all have their weaknesses. Therefore, many companies leveraged more than one BOM type. Here is a list of the common challenges of BOM management: Production of Out-of-specification items Purchasing dilemmas Configuration management in regard to maintenance and service Product recall Maintaining up-to-date information If the above challenges are corrected, which often are by good collaboration and automated BOM then the common term of “Nobody owns the BOM” will cease. Article researched and written by electronic components online team Terms and Conditions

National engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services (SES), is set to save 8,000 labour hours by using offsite to deliver £23m of works at the Springfield Hospital redevelopment in Tooting, South London.  Working alongside main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, SES will provide all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for a state-of-the-art mental health centre set across two new buildings. This will include ventilation and heating systems, VRF cooling and domestic services, as well as specialist electrical systems including nurse call alarms, security, a large image data package and car charging points.  Targeted towards a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, the builds will be delivered next to Springfield Hospital’s existing Grade II listed main site on Glenburnie Rd. The new three-storey non-forensic building will include the main hospital reception, various wards, outpatient departments and training facilities, while the neighbouring forensic building will include four secure wards and a facility management workshop.  SES will use its offsite manufacturing facility, Prism to deliver a significant part of the works for the BIM level 2 project, including 150 corridor and riser modules – saving a total of 8,000 labour hours on site.  The new hospital project is part of a wider regeneration of the former Springfield University Hospital site that will also include the development of more than 800 new homes, a 32 acre park and a new primary school, all of which is set to be delivered by 2024.  Other consultants on the project include architects CF Moller, Arup and EA-RS. SES has recently started on site, with construction expected to complete at the end of 2021.   Steve Joyce, SES’ managing director, said: “This project is central to a wider development scheme, so from the outset we evolved a modular strategy to give the programme surety.  “The building has to be delivered by the end of next year so we had to consider any staffing or material issues that could arise due to the potential challenges of Covid and Brexit, so introducing as much offsite as possible allowed us to really challenge and protect the programme.  “We’ve already worked with Sir Robert McAlpine on healthcare projects in the capital before – including a healthcare facility in Belgravia – and recognise them to be excellent delivery partners with a similar approach to SES in terms of their ethos and approach. It’s fantastic to be part of their team again delivering this exemplary scheme, and delivering similar complex healthcare builds – in London and beyond – forms a key focus of our business strategy moving forward.”  The appointment is the latest project to demonstrate SES’ expertise in delivering complex healthcare projects, with the team most recently completing an expansion at the Royal London Hospital for Barts Health NHS Trust. This award-winning project should have taken 12 months to complete, yet through impeccable collaboration with all the project partners, was delivered in only 5 weeks to support the hospital’s capacity in its fight against Covid-19. 

As employers strive to make environments as safe of possible for staff returning after working from home, many companies are looking at technology to create healthier, safer workspace for their colleagues. One of the main ways that illnesses, including coronavirus, can spread through workplaces is via airborne particles which are then directly inhaled, or can land on surfaces where they recolonise and can be transferred into a host via their hands. A single bacteria cell can multiply to over eight million times in an eight-hour period, which can be a huge problem with multiple colleagues touching hundreds of different surfaces a day. Effective cross infection control needs to be in place to ensure staff confidence and safety. Chemical fogging and air filtration are becoming very popular ways to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, especially in the age of Covid-19, and on surfaces in places of work, but what are the pros and cons of each? Chemical fogging Chemical fogging (sometimes called ‘smoke-bombing’) is the act of spraying a fine coating of disinfectant chemicals across an entire room, including all of the surfaces. It can be used for larger areas where other types of cleaning or decontamination may not achieve full coverage or completely rid the space of bacteria and viruses. During the coronavirus pandemic it has become one of the main ways for many types of businesses to rid spaces of infectious particles. The fine mist reaches into corners and difficult to reach areas and can also penetrate porous surfaces. It also means surfaces do not need to be rinsed afterwards, which can be a benefit. Chemical fogging is very effective at removing microbiological contamination. It is a quick and efficient way to kill germs and viruses on surfaces, however once complete, viral or bacterial colonisation will recommence. The process needs to be repeated regularly to keep control of bacteria and viruses from building up again. To effectively decontaminate an area using chemical fogging it needs to be completely free of people until the process has finished. The area will need to be ventilated for up to 60 minutes after fogging process has taken place and left for a period of up to four hours before employees can return, which can be disruptive for workforces. Fogging is not a one-product fits all solution. There are many types of disinfectant, which can only be effective on certain types of virus or bacteria, so the cleaning specialist would need to advise on the best product for requirements. The cost of chemical fogging starts from around £250 per hour, however it will need to be repeated every time there is a case of infection, meaning the cost to the business can soon mount up, depending on the size of the area. Air Sanitisation Units Air sanitisers such as the new Steraspace range from Airdri help to control infections by killing bacteria and viruses, mould and fungi. As an added advantage the units also remove pollen, pollution, smoke and odours. The Steraspace range from Airdri is unique in that it works by producing a continuous flow of disinfecting plasma into the air generated by combining photo catalytic disinfection, germicidal irradiation and dual waveband UV technology. The technology has been tested at Porton Down and is proven to kill 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface micro-organisms. Steraspace has also been tested by the Health Protection Agency and the efficacy results show that within five minutes 96-98% of airborne viruses were eliminated. Depending on the size of the room, the cost of installing an air sanitisation unit starts at around £250 and once installed the unit can work continuously in the background, constantly sanitising the area and surfaces in the room. When it comes to the economic factors of keeping your office safe, the Steraspace is definitely the more cost-effective option – the units cost as little as £2 a month to run, with an annual outlay of around £50 for a new bulb. Other options for cross infection control: Ultra-Violet Light These blue lights can be very effective, the germicidal waveband UV will kill most micro-organisms, however direct contact with this waveband of UV is harmful to humans and so must be shielded. Although this then also significantly reduces the contact with any micro-organisms. Filtered Pumps and Fans Whilst more of an air-purifier system than air-sanitation, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters work by trapping micro-organisms in fine fibres arranged into a matt to intercept particles. However, all of the air in the room must pass through the filter in order for it to be purified; some viruses are so small they flow straight through the filters and they escape back into the air. This method does not sanitise surfaces and requires regular filter changes, which can be costly. Bleach and Liquid Solutions Bleach can kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and is a strong and effective disinfectant, however it is also harsh on skin and traces of it on surfaces can cause irritation. It can also erode and damage some materials so only suitable for use in certain areas. Once an area has been cleaned with bleach or liquid solution, the colonisation of bacteria starts very quickly after. This approach also only focusses on surfaces and not the sanitisation of the air.

Indoor levels of air pollutants are two to five times higher, on average, than outdoor levels, the BBC reports. Indoor air pollution is typically caused by common building materials (like paint, flooring and furniture finishes), which release harmful gases or particles into the air. Poor indoor air quality is linked to health issues like poor attention span and cognition, respiratory illness, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and even cancer. By designing buildings to improve indoor air quality, both commercial and residential buildings can be made safer and healthier than ever before.  Air purifiers Indoor air pollution in homes, schools, and nurseries is a growing problem that’s been found to cause a myriad of health issues in children (including, asthma, eczema, wheezing and conjunctivitis). Common sources of indoor air pollution include cleaning products, aerosol sprays, damp, mould, dust, and chemicals from paint, building materials and furnishings. Tobacco smoke, in particular, is a major health hazard linked to illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fortunately, installing air purifiers can trap and remove harmful particles and help ensure safe and clean air. The best air purifier for tobacco smoke will feature a CADR (clean air delivery rate) of over 300, which makes the purifier as efficient as possible. It should also be a size suitable for use in the room intended to maximise smoke removal while on a quieter setting. Biophilic design The biophilic principle — which incorporates live greenery in building design — is undoubtedly a trend here to stay. Living walls, in particular, feature entire walls of plants, and are a popular way of using biophilic design in both residential and commercial buildings. Biophilic design has a number of health and environmental benefits. In particular, plants are naturally good at purifying the air and turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, which ultimately improves air quality and decreases humidity. Snake plant, for example, is an attractive plant that’s easy and low maintenance to care for; it works to remove harmful chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, and clean the air.  VOC free Building materials like paint, flooring, caulking, adhesives and sealant commonly off-gas harmful chemicals for years after they’re installed. VOCs (volatile organic compounds), in particular, are a serious element contributing to poor indoor air quality, and have been linked to a number of health issues, including, headaches, nausea, dizziness, asthma, liver and kidney damage, cancer, and central nervous system damage. Opting for water-based coatings and non-toxic materials can minimise exposure to VOCs and promote healthy indoor air. Flooring, for example, can also be made from natural wood, stone or marble, and laid with sisal, wool and coir carpets. These materials are cost effective and durable, and don’t emit harmful VOCs.  Paying attention to indoor air quality is an increasingly important part of building design and construction. Air purifiers, biophilic design, and low-VOC materials can help ensure healthy indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings. 

Viessmann has created an air ventilation solution to combat the spread of COVID-19 in schools. The company’s unique new hybrid ventilation unit, the Vitovent 200-P, provides closed rooms with constant air circulation of filtered air. This greatly reduces the risk of occupants breathing in contaminated aerosols which can spread across indoor spaces and hang in the air for hours, especially in winter when windows are more likely to be closed and heating operating. The Vitovent 200-P counteracts the danger of contaminated aerosols by applying the principle of displacement ventilation. This works by providing a constant supply of filtered fresh air into the room at low velocity through diffusers close to the floor, then extracting the air near ceiling height after it has risen due to heat exchange with occupants’ bodies. Good air quality and a comfortable learning atmosphere are ensured by the constant supply of fresh air with heat and moisture recovery, the continuous air circulation, and the extraction of air containing CO2 and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) pollution. Viessmann’s Co-CEO, Maximilian Viessmann, commented: “As a 103-year-old family business, we are committed to designing living spaces for generations to come. Right now, it is crucial that we quickly and pragmatically safeguard our children to maintain a part of their social life and access to education in these challenging times.” The effectiveness of the Vitovent 200-P was proven in a pilot project at the Hans-Viessmann-School, a vocational training institution with about 1,000 students in the town of Frankenberg, Germany. Occupants of the school commented on the system’s quiet operation and a noticeable improvement in air quality. Work has since begun on supplying the system – which can be easily and inexpensively retrofitted by replacing a window panel with an isopanel – to a further 50 schools and social institutions in Germany. A separate announcement will be made when the Vitovent 200-P becomes available in the UK. In addition to making schools safer, the system can be equally beneficial in universities and other indoor spaces which remain open and busy with people despite the risk of coronavirus infection. The Viessmann Group also took measures earlier this year to help society fight the coronavirus pandemic by converting part of its manufacturing facilities in Allendorf, Germany, to produce its own ventilators, mobile intensive care units, respiratory protective face masks, and hand sanitizer. The design of Viessmann’s gas boilers, with their electronic gas and air connections, lent itself well to the design and development of a simplified ventilator in a short timeframe.

Airthings, a global leader in indoor air quality solutions for consumers, businesses, and professionals announced a new feature for its business solution: CO₂ Alert. The new capability will help schools and offices to keep their indoor air quality in check by warning them when Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) exceeds the recommended levels. High CO₂ levels can increase the risk of airborne viruses spreading between people and impact cognitive abilities. By letting users know when a room needs a breather, they can make quick changes, such as opening a window or door, to improve the air quality. CO₂ Alert will start rolling out from today to new and existing Airthings for Business customers at no additional cost. In the midst of the current pandemic, effective ventilation has become an important strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19 inside offices and schools. When we breathe out, our bodies expel CO₂, and the levels can rise quickly in enclosed spaces. This can significantly increase the risk of airborne virus transmission. Measuring CO₂ levels serves as a good indicator of indoor air quality and ventilation, and as a result, carbon dioxide regulations are becoming more common in offices and schools across Europe. “Schools and offices are under immense pressure to ensure their buildings protect the health and wellness of their occupants,” says Oyvind Birkenes, CEO at Airthings. “The Airthings for Business solution not only measures CO₂, but also other indoor pollutants and conditions that impact our health, productivity, and wellbeing. With the new CO₂ Alert, we go one step further in empowering our customers to take control of the air they breathe, making it easier to take action when it’s needed.” How it works The new CO₂ Alert feature will be available via the Wave Plus for Business, Airthings’ flagship product, named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Best Inventions.” Users will be able to set up CO₂ thresholds according to their local regulations. When CO₂ exceeds the recommended levels, the light ring will start to blink red, indicating that it is time to bring more fresh air into the room. By waving the hand in front of the device at any time, users will get a colour-coded indication of the CO₂ levels (green means the levels are low, yellow means the levels are rising, and red means an action is required). The impact of poor indoor air quality We spend 90% of our time indoors, where the air is typically 2 to 5 times worse than outdoors. When CO₂ builds up in poorly ventilated spaces, it can cause lower productivity, drowsiness, headaches, loss of concentration, and even poor decision-making. Scientists found that decision-making capabilities decline when levels rise to 1,000 ppm, while 1,400 ppm sees a 50 percent drop in cognitive ability. In addition to CO₂, there are other indoor air pollutants that impact our health and wellbeing, from airborne chemicals to radon, the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Conditions such as humidity and temperature are also important factors to monitor as both are correlated with virus transmission. Today, many schools and offices are located in buildings that have not been optimized for occupant health. While some ventilation systems recycle the air to conserve energy, bringing in fresh air is essential to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Continuous monitoring and familiarization with what’s in the air through technology solutions like Airthings for Business can help schools and offices improve their indoor air quality while optimizing energy consumption. Set up in a matter of minutes, the Airthings for Business solutions is made of wireless monitors and run on long-lasting batteries, making the solution easily scalable and customizable to any new or existing space. Indoor air quality data is easily available via the Airthings Dashboard and users can create reports to ensure they are in compliance to local laws and regulations.

By now there’s no doubt that LED strip lights are the most versatile sources of illumination for your home and office. They can be used by themselves as the tape can be easily stuck to almost any surface. But the look of naked LED strips doesn’t always match the decor and can be a sour to the eye. That’s where aluminium profiles come in handy. But what are those and when to use them? What is an aluminium LED profile? Aluminium profile or extrusion (there’s no real difference and those names are interchangeable) is a solid, semi-hollow or hollow shaped piece of aluminium. It can be used for almost anything – from building simple appliances for home to constructing spacecrafts. Alu extrusions products can greatly vary in sizes, tempers, alloys and shapes, which makes them ideal for various applications. Going back to the main topic, LED extrusions are made specifically to shield LED tape from all sorts of mechanical damage. They’re also a great heat sink and enable you to create elaborate lighting projects with a unique finish – a LED extrusion can hide the LED tape without obscuring the light. Both LED profiles and LED strip lights come in varying colours and styles, so it’s easy to find just the one you’ve always wanted. Types of aluminium LED strip profiles In general, LED profiles can be divided into four groups – recessed, surface mounted, corner mounted and architectural. Recessed LED extrusions ALED profile of this kind is mainly used in lighting under cabinets and shelves but it also works well in lighting walls and floor. Recessed LED extrusion is typically supplied at standard lengths of 1 to 2 meters but can be easily cut to length (many providers even do it for free), depending on the LED strip you want to mount. Beside protecting your LED strip lights from any kind of contact damage, recessed profile provides a more “finished” look to them – it’s diffused cover allows the light to shine through but simultaneously disperses the view of the individual diodes. Although not waterproof, the LED profile also helps in preventing moisture inside the LED tape itself. Surface mounted LED profiles This particular kind of extrusions works well mounted on walls, floor edgings, cupboards and cabinets. They’re also suitable for under shelf or under cabinet lighting. Surface mounted extrusions give your LED strips a professional look, which makes them great for office space and any other visible locations (especially the models with high-diffused cover). Surface mounted extrusions are easy to set up, cut and fit together, which enables you to create a seemingly one-pieced continuous line effect for your lighting. As other profiles, they obscure the individual diodes and are available in standardized sizes. Corner mounted LED extrusions This particular type of extrusion is designed to fit any 90-degree angle corner. Mounting LED strips into them makes the light shine out at a 45-degree angle (in standard models but there are also profiles with 30-/60-degree options). A corner profile finds its use mainly in ceiling and floor corners but it can also be fitted under cabinets, shelves or kitchen cupboards. Corner mounted LED extrusion comes with a diffuser (special cover) which disperses the LED strip’s appearance without obscuring the light itself – it creates a smooth light bar effect. Corner extrusions are available in standardized sizes but can be cut to length like the rest (often for free). Architectural LED profiles This category consists of a wide range of special application LED extrusions that vary in shapes – from almost completely flat, through T-shaped (some fitted for two LED strip lights), to almost fully circular. Due to this variety, you can freely provide quality lighting in almost any situation, depending on your needs. They work great in wardrobe, living room, bathroom, on stairs, displays or even a simple wall. Just make sure that your LEDs aren’t directly exposed to the moisture (or buy waterproof strips). This kind of product is ideal for people that like to design their own interiors and finish them with a modern touch. It’s also great for experimenting with your home lighting system – simply using a different profile with a new shape can drastically change the effect. What are the uses of LED profiles? Aside from the most obvious protection of the LED strip installed inside (and thus further extending its longevity), LED extrusions have a variety of less conspicuous uses. Here’s some main ones: absorbing the heat – as we mentioned, a LED profile is a good heat sink, which makes it crucial if you plan to fit your LEDs on wood or wood-like surfaces. keeping the light in place – LED strips can be stuck to almost any surface, but they won’t remain there forever as the glue will weaken in time. Therefore, mounting it in an extrusion will help you make sure that your light will stay in its place, no matter what happens. easy cleaning – using a LED extrusion is an easy way to keep your finished design nice and clean as there’s no way you’ll catch the diodes encased within with your duster. consistent reflection – while using single coloured strips, a white diffuser that comes with a LED extrusion gives you a consistent dot free reflection. This is especially important when lighting a highly reflective surface (e.g., worktops or tiles), which can tire your eyes quite fast. directing the light – fitting your LED strips in angled extrusions is an easy way to direct the light without decreasing its quality. Just find the right profile for what’s on your mind or simply swap the old plain extrusion with a different one. LED profiles – change your home today LED extrusions are products designed and made especially for LED strip lights. Therefore, they not only shield them from external damage, but also make them a lot more pleasant to the eye. So if you want to make your home look and feel more modern and smart,

UK homeowners seeking to improve the security of their homes to feel safer and add value to properties can look to simple tips from home improvement experts. From upgrading doors and windows, to having a protected location for post and parcels, the team at Stormclad have compiled a list of five suggestions for making your home safe and secure for the future. John Evans, managing director at Stormclad, said: “Security is always a top priority for any homeowner and given the present circumstances we are all spending more time indoors. Being at home more does not necessarily mean your property is safer from burglars, and our changing living habits present more opportunities for trespassers to take advantage of, such as the increase in parcels being delivered to homes and obvious improvements made to enhance kerb appeal and improve front and back gardens. “Now is a good time to ensure your home is as safe as it can possibly be, as well as thinking of the value that home improvements can add to your property, should you choose to put your home on the market in future. “As home experts, we have compiled a list of simple tips that homeowners can consider when making plans to increase the security of their properties. Our suggestions include easy changes to the interior and exterior of homes, such as ensuring parcels are left in a safe location and homes are well lit up at night. Other changes that can be made to the home include reinforcing entry points with strong, reliable windows and doors to prevent forced entry.” Here is the list of five home security improvement tips: 1. A place for post and parcels The closure of many high street shops and businesses means that, now more than ever, people are turning to online shopping to purchase everything from food and white goods to garden and DIY equipment. The rise is ecommerce since the COVID-19 pandemic began has been sharp, with many admitting they shop online frequently and will continue to do so at the same rate or higher post-lockdown.* As more people switch from shopping trolleys to their devices, it’s important to consider the implications of receiving an influx of parcels through the post that are often left outside the home, if homeowners are out or unable to answer the door. Having a safe place to receive post and packages, such as a secure lockable parcel box, is a good idea to avoid opportunists who may be looking to take advantage of the increase in parcels left outside homes. Remember to be cautious when recycling or disposing of packaging materials, letters and envelopes, too, if they have your name, address or other personal details on them – they may be a prime target for anyone looking to commit identity theft. 2. Improving front and back doors Though homeowners are spending more time than ever in their homes this year, the risk of burglary and theft is still a threat to be wary of – old, weak doors with poor locking systems are an easy target for burglars, so upgrading entry points in your home will help to ensure it remains secure. Not only that but choosing to upgrade your property with new front and back doors, patio, sliding or bi fold doors will improve both the aesthetic and security of your home. Choosing quality doors for your home will also improve the property’s heat retention, potentially helping to save money on energy bills, keeping you warm and cosy while you spend more time indoors, especially during the winter months. Be sure to choose doors that feature multi-point locking systems and meet British security standards, to give you peace of mind. 3. Secure windows Installing new windows is a worthwhile investment that will not only improve the security of your home, but will also enhance its thermal performance. Choosing windows that have shatter-proof laminate glass, internal beading and effective security locking systems offer a protective barrier to the exterior of your home. Window locking systems such as Twin-cam Security Locking (TSL) have up to eight locking points with adjustable twin-cams offering even greater security against burglary. For all sash window locks and other window security locks, it is important to ensure the parts themselves are resistant, designed for purpose, and compliant with British standards like PAS24. 4. Keeping valuables safe Opportunists may seek any opportunity to steal valuables from your home, so be cautious as to where you store expensive items. Having expensive technology visible from the street could make your home a target and while burglars may stay away because they know homeowners are likely to be at home, they may earmark your property for a later date once you have returned to work. This goes for valuables in your garden too – if you, like many, improved your outside space over the summer months with items such as furniture, a barbecue, fire pit, or even plants and flower pots, make sure these are kept in a safe place over winter to prevent them from being stolen. Ensure that keys are kept in a safe place too, never leave in locks and always keep away from the letterbox, as intruders will often try to retrieve them with a hook device to open the door. 5. Exterior lights and alarm systems For added safety, particularly during the darker winter months, it is helpful to have exterior lights around your home that have a sensor triggered by movement – this will often deter anyone looking to break into your home, garage or garden shed at night. For a more robust level of home protection invest in a visible alarm system. There are plenty of comprehensive alarm systems on the market but installing one will send a clear message to potential intruders that your home is not an easy target. To ensure complete peace of mind, always check that installations and home improvements are completed to the highest standard by a reputable company with full accreditations and that you