In case you didn’t know, there is a shortage of transformers being caused by a shortage of raw materials. As a result, lead times for obtaining a new transformer are long.

It can take from 30 weeks to well over a year to acquire a new dry type transformer, so if you happen to need one, it’s recommended to buy one as soon as possible.

However, even if you order one now, you’ll still have to wait a while for it to arrive. In the meantime, you might want to consider buying a used or refurbished transformer. You can always resell it when your new transformer arrives.

If you’ve never looked into used and refurbished transformers, here’s why you should make this consideration.

Used transformers can be obtained quickly

If speed is essential for you to get moving, then buying a used transformer will help you get what you need fast. You might not be able to find exactly what you want, but that’s okay because at least you’ll have something while you look for or order the transformer you really want.

Utility companies across the United States are running out of transformers, and even they are having to wait to get new ones. If you can’t wait for your local utility company to get a transformer for you, you’ll have to source it yourself.

If you happen to be under any kind of pressure to install a transformer, time is of the essence, and you’ll be surprised at just how much a used transformer can help.

Used and refurbished transformers are cost-effective

Reports say that new transformers have risen in price by close to five times what they were prior to the shortage, and that’s going to put a dent in your bank account. However, when you buy a used or refurbished transformer, you’ll pay significantly less.

Refurbished transformers can be as good as new

Depending on what manufacturer you buy a refurbished transformer from, it could be as good as new. It all depends on the craftsmanship provided by the manufacturer. Some people don’t refurbish units properly or thoroughly, and others use cheap materials, like thin insulation that wears out too quickly. You want to avoid this situation at all costs because that will only make your transformer fail.

To get a dependable refurbished transformer, research the company you’re considering buying from to make sure they use the right materials and processes to restore their units to fully functioning, long-lasting transformers.

The downside to buying used transformers

Although a reputable manufacturer can refurbish a transformer and make it work like new, the same can’t be said for a used transformer. When you buy used, it’s a gamble and you never know what you’ll get until you have it installed and start using it for a while.

That doesn’t mean all used transformers are bad, but you have to consider why someone would sell a transformer in the first place, especially during a shortage. It’s possible and even likely that most people selling at this time have simply bought a replacement that is an upgrade, but that still means you’ll be getting an older unit.

Even when someone is selling it for honest reasons, you can’t guarantee it will work perfectly for any length of time. And if you don’t open it up to see how it’s insulated, you could end up with an exploded transformer when you least expect.

The downside to buying refurbished transformers

Unlike used transformers, refurbished units aren’t as much of a gamble, but there is a downside. If you have to spend several thousands of dollars on a refurbished transformer, that’s several thousand dollars less that you have to spend on a new transformer when one becomes available.

If you happen to have the extra cash available, get a refurbished unit to use until your new transformer arrives. Then you can sell the refurbished one and recover some of your costs. However, if you don’t have that extra cash flow, then you might be stuck using a refurbished one long-term.

That may or may not turn out well for you, so this is why it’s crucial to always buy from a reputable manufacturer who goes the extra mile to ensure their refurbished units are properly restored.

Don’t put off buying a transformer

If you need a transformer now, don’t put it off by holding out for a new one. If you wait for supply levels to return to normal, you might be waiting a while because experts say the shortage won’t end anytime soon. Get a used or refurbished transformer now, and then sell it after you get the new one you really want.

An excellent mode of visualizing data in the digital world, the bubble chart can bring depth to your data-driven stories. Throughout time, experts have developed various design principles and best practices to augment their data storytelling using these multifaceted charts.

In this article, we explore the bubble chart design principles, their relevance, key components, effective strategies for designing, and best practices for enhancing their display.

Understanding Bubble Chart Design Principles

Bubble charts, an intriguing variant of the scatter plots, use circles to showcase data in a two-dimensional plot. They incorporate a third data dimension through bubble size, which provides an excellent way to present three variables on a single plot.

A bubble chart is thus a multi-variable graph that might contribute valuable insights into often complex datasets.

The bubble chart’s design principles are based on the fundamentals of visual perception, data visualization, and design aesthetics. Each circle’s size signifies a specific metric, and the spatial positioning of the bubbles gives the other two metrics. Innovation in presentation and accuracy in representation is vital to bubble chart design.

The choice of scale is crucial in bubble charts. To create an accurate and effective chart, it’s important to always bear in mind that our eyes perceive areas and not diameters. Hence the design should cater to this perception.

Irrespective of whether you use bubble charts for academic research or data-driven storytelling, understanding its design principles will significantly improve your presentation and interpretation of data.

Key Components of a Bubble Chart

Understanding the key components of a bubble chart not only simplifies its interpretation but also aids in creating effective and accurate charts. Each bubble in the chart is defined by three data points: the X-coordinate, the Y-coordinate, and the size.

With the position along the horizontal and vertical axes, we describe the first two dimensions of the data. These positions often represent specific values for two distinct variables. They commonly show correlations or relationships between these two data points.

Bubble size contributes to the third data dimension. The size of each bubble is determined by the value of the third variable. This adds depth to the data, recommending the magnitude of a specific metric under study.

Color and bubble size, another two components, often function as visual cues, guiding viewers to find meaning in the presented information. Designing an effective bubble chart requires careful planning and execution.

Best Practices for Enhancing Bubble Chart Display

While designing a bubble chart is one thing, continually improving and enhancing its display is another essential aspect. The chart should be straightforward and intuitive to read, decipher, and understand.

To enhance the bubble chart display, consider adjusting the size and color of bubbles for contrast and clarity. Maintain a meaningful pattern or sequence with the display of bubbles for an easier and quicker grasp of information.

Regularly update bubble charts based on new data to maintain relevancy. Ensure simple and uncluttered design to enhance the focus on information and data trends rather than design elements.

Most importantly, always keep your audience in mind. A complicated bubble chart might be great for a data scientist, but it might not be suitable for your clients or the public.

Overall, bubble charts serve as powerful tools for data visualization, provided one understands and follows their design principles and best practices. They display complex and voluminous data while offering easy interpretation and comprehension of the visualized information.

The fast-paced digital era has ushered in transformative changes across various industries, with the realm of sales being no exception. The heartbeat of this transformation? Technology. As businesses grapple with staying competitive, they use advanced tools to elevate their game.

The central piece to understanding this transition hinges on one key term: the sales automation definition. It’s the convergence of innovative technology with sales processes, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and growth.

1. From Manual to Magical: The Journey of Sales Evolution

Remember when selling was about cold calls, knocking on doors, and maintaining hefty Rolodexes? While these tactics have charm, they’re like riding a horse in a world dominated by bullet trains. Technology has amplified the scope and efficiency of sales, enabling businesses to reach more people with less effort. How? Automated systems track customer behaviors, gather insights, and predict future buying patterns. Instead of shooting in the dark, sales reps have a torch lighting their path.

2. Enhancing Productivity, One Click at a Time

Ask any sales rep about their least favorite part of the job, and data entry might top the list. But what if one said that repetitive, mundane tasks could be a thing of the past? With technology, sales teams can shift their focus from administrative chores to building genuine customer relationships. Imagine a tool that instantly captures customer data, schedules follow-ups, and even sends personalized emails. Sounds dreamy. It’s this elevation in productivity that’s setting modern sales teams apart.

3. Real-time Decisions with Real-time Data

Ever wondered how it feels to make decisions with a crystal ball in hand? With technology’s integration into sales, this isn’t far from reality. Advanced tools provide real-time data, enabling sales teams to make informed decisions on the fly. Remember the age-old analogy of navigating a ship? In the tumultuous seas of the sales world, real-time data is the North Star, guiding teams safely toward their goals.

4. A Personal Touch at Scale

Critics often argue that technology depersonalizes the sales process. But, if used right, the opposite holds. Think of it as a chef having access to more sophisticated kitchen tools. They can whip up dishes catering to individual tastes with greater ease. Similarly, technology enables sales reps to personalize their pitches, addressing specific customer needs and fostering more profound connections. So, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, imagine a world where every pitch feels like it was crafted just for you.

5. Setting the Stage for the Future

Staying stagnant in a constantly evolving world is a recipe for obsolescence. The sales domain is no exception. Technology isn’t just a fancy addition; it’s the fabric that will shape the future of sales. Businesses that recognize and adapt to this shift aren’t just staying afloat but surfing the waves of change. With an arsenal of advanced tools, they’re redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in sales.

The intersection of technology and sales isn’t just a temporary phase. It’s a revolutionary shift that’s reshaping how businesses approach revenue efforts. Technology is setting the gold standard in sales by eliminating redundancies, providing actionable insights, and ensuring a personalized touch. The question isn’t whether businesses should adapt but how quickly they can. After all, in the race towards sales excellence, technology is the ultimate game-changer.