From the First Contact to a Completed Lighting – Project Delivery with Tehdasvalo Oy
Lighting is a significant investment with many factors to consider. Fortunately, working with Tehdasvalo means our lighting experts will guide you from the very beginning in finding the right solutions for your specific needs.
This article walks you through the phases of a lighting project, from the first contact to the finished result. Each project is unique, but the aim here is to shed some light on a typical process.
The Starting Point and Special Requirements
At the beginning of the project the customer´s input is needed the most. We start with the current situation, and it sets the direction for our quest to find the right solutions.
Typical reasons for seeking a new lighting system can include:
- Existing light has reached the end of its life cycle
- Technology is outdated and needs an update
- Current lighting is insufficient
- Light fixtures are unsuitable for the circumstances
- A new construction project requires a tailored lighting solution
When the main goal is settled, the next step is to gather more information about the space itself. Our experts will ask the right questions they will need to know regarding your project, but you can already ponder the following themes:
- What is the use of the space? Does it require lighting in general, or would the specific use of the space benefit from local lighting or spot lighting?
- What kind of circumstances are we designing the lighting for? Are there extreme temperatures, chemicals, moisture, or explosion hazards to be taken into account?
- Do you need to control the lights? On and off for sure, but for example, dimming the lights?
- Are there target illumination levels to be met?
- If you already have lighting fixtures, do the cable connections need to be replaced?
- Do you have technical specifications for the lighting, e.g., color temperature, CRI, or connection type?
Floor plans and 3D models are also more than welcome and greatly support the next step in the design process. By using floor plans, we can build an accurate digital representation of the actual environment.
Site Assessment and Lighting Design
We have arrived at a phase that includes on-site assessments and the actual lighting design work. These are part of the response to your original request for quotation and are free of charge.
At the site assessment, we can efficiently determine the lighting needs for the space in question. This step is also the most important for the spaces and facilities that need custom designs. During our site surveys, we inspect the cable connections if they can be reused for the new fixtures. We will check the suitable installation locations for the new fixtures and take the special requirements into account. We also define the required illumination levels and determine how many luminaires the space in question needs.
The design phase is all about meeting the customer’s needs and expectations as well as the requirements of the space. We use a dedicated lighting calculation software to support the design work. Once we have a comprehensive understanding of the project scope, we prepare a quotation based on this information.
Product Manufacturing and Delivery
After finalizing the lighting plan, we move on to manufacturing the lighting fixtures.
Our product selection includes industrial lighting, emergency and guidance lighting, high-temperature fixtures, floodlights, streetlights, and luminaires for hazardous locations. The selection consists of our own production and high-quality products from our European partners.
Since lighting needs can vary, our products are highly customizable. Many models are available in multiple versions depending on installation requirements or operating circumstances. Customization is how we ensure the best possible solution for every situation. If necessary, we design and manufacture fully tailored lighting systems.
The final assembly takes place in our factory in Imatra, Finland. There, we ensure everything meets our quality standards. Finished products are delivered as installation-ready as possible. We assemble components as far as the packaging allows, so the installation itself is smooth and quick.
Installation is generally done on-site by the qualified electrician of the customer´s choice. Installation is not part of the standard operation on Tehdasvalo, except in area lighting projects, where we also handle the setup and final documentation.
So, once everything is packed and ready, it’s time to hand the project over to the next experts. While a lighting project may seem complex, we at Tehdasvalo will guide you every step of the way.
