These early systems were well-placed to make the most of the burgeoning computer industry, and as the computer became more sophisticated, so did the cable management.

Specifying products and systems for modern building projects is no easy task. Not only must a plethora of Building Regulations and standards - both British and European - be met, but the properties of all materials used must be fully understood.

Sustainability is not just a smart marketing angle these days, it’s a political imperative. As pressure to take positive steps to combat global warming increases, legislation compelling the construction industry to design sustainability into new buildings will become increasingly stringent.

With an ever-increasing number of cables coming onto the market, and a growing awareness of the need to comply with regulatory standards and ensure best practices it is high time that a number of cable issues are seriously addressed. A vitally important task is to get to a point where installers can confidently rely on manufacturers’ cable ratings and to have absolute confidence that the cable being supplied ‘does what it says on the box’.

A correctly specified and installed cable management system ensures that a structured cabling system performs at its best – so cable management should be considered from the start of a project, says Steve Davis of Mita.