Enhancing Connectivity at the Comprehensive Logistics Avon Warehouse

At Harrington Electric, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored electrical and network infrastructure solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently. Our recent project with Comprehensive Logistics, is a testament to our expertise in designing and implementing reliable network systems in high-demand environments.

The Challenge: Outgrowing the Network

Comprehensive Logistics, a North American leader in supply chain and transportation solutions, recently faced a growing challenge in their vast warehouse located in Avon, Ohio.

As the facility expanded, essential equipment — including printers, wireless access points, monitors, time clocks, and security cameras — was being pushed beyond the effective range of the existing network infrastructure. With only three intermediate distribution frames (IDFs) in place, network connectivity was being stretched to its limits, causing disruptions in operations such as printing, reporting, and inventory management.

The Harrington Electric team was called into action in October, 2024 to analyze and produce a solution that would upgrade the entire network infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruption to company’s daily operations. The project included:

• Expanding Network Reach – To enhance communications in the warehouse, the Harrington team installed four additional IDFs, strategically spacing them to maintain the industry-standard 100-meter cable length limit.
• New Server Cabinets & Fiber Backbone – A robust fiber backbone was implemented, connecting the main distribution frame (MDF) to each IDF, with copper Cat6 cabling extending connectivity throughout the facility.
• Comprehensive Equipment Integration – The team meticulously mapped out and re-cabled nearly 40 handheld printers and desktop printers, eight wireless access points, monitors, time clocks, and security cameras to ensure seamless functionality.
• Power & Switch Installation – Our electricians also provided dedicated power to each new IDF as the client installed and configured new network switches to handle the increased demand.

Project Execution: Precision in a High-Traffic Environment

Working in a highly active warehouse presented its own unique challenges, with tow motors constantly moving about the facility. Our team was required to work early mornings and late nights to avoid disrupting Comprehensive Logistics’ operations, while maintaining strict safety measures as we worked around the warehouse floor.

To run cable throughout the facility, the team utilized lifts to navigate the building’s 30-foot-high ceilings, carefully installing the new infrastructure to support the cabling system without impacting the ongoing workflow below.

Further, all project work went on while the old system was still operating in the warehouse so operations wouldn’t be interrupted. Once every component was installed and powered up, the company made the switchover to the new system.

The Results: A Future-Ready Warehouse

The project was rapidly completed in just over two months, with the company switching over its system in

January 2025. The upgraded network now provides seamless communication between equipment and servers, ensuring that logistics, inventory, and reporting functions run smoothly and without interruption.

“The infrastructure overhaul has positively transformed Comprehensive Logistics’ warehouse operations,” commented John Costella, telecommunications project manager at Harrington Electric. “The company is highly satisfied with the work, citing our ability to execute the project efficiently while maintaining safety and minimizing downtime.”

“Our ability to deliver solutions that empower businesses to enhance their staff performance is something we do best,” Costella noted. “And in possessing a longstanding relationship with Comprehensive Logistics that is built on trust, we look forward to supporting their growth for years to come.”

With a focus on efficiency and reliability, Comprehensive Logistic offers a range of services to streamline supply chain operations and optimize transportation logistics.