One topic that generates a lot of discussion is the transition from analogue to IP cameras. On new construction, it’s rapidly becoming a moot point — there are so many advantages to IP, and the cost advantage of analogue is rapidly disappearing — but there are a lot of analogue systems out there that are aging […]
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The Security Buying Chain Explained
Chances are, if you’re involved in a security project, you are part of a team. And, like most teams, yours has its challenges. From people working at cross purposes, to folks who won’t listen — or won’t speak up — the roles and responsibilities of such a group can be difficult to navigate. Owner (or […]
Consultant to End Users: Beware the Low Bidder
Some time ago, a client decided to bid out a system upgrade on his own. He took a system evaluation report that we had done for him, copied the “recommendations” section and did what was a really nice little request for proposal (RFP). He was not inexperienced in such things and felt the dollar amount […]
Starting an Electronic Security Consulting Agency
This blog entry comes from a question we received on our Web site: I work at a major distributor as an over the phone consultant. I like and dislike the job at the same time. I like helping people and I love designing systems, but we have to do the designing so fast, it becomes […]
Back to the Basics of Camera Placement
As we move toward more advanced image acquisition equipment, it’s often hard to resist finding high-tech solutions to low-tech problems. For example, if you can use image stabilization, why worry about camera vibration? While it’s true that modern cameras can often get you good images under lousy conditions, improving conditions usually improves the image quality […]
Passing the Pricing Smell Test
Sometimes things just don’t smell right. Even if you’re not an expert, there’s a dollar figure that will give you pause and make you double check pricing. If your hot water heater dies and the plumber tells you a new one is $700 installed, you might think that’s fair and give him the job. But […]
How Integrators Can Handle the ‘Punch List Creep’
OK, I admit it; I like the title of this blog because the first thing that comes to mind is the nickname for the person doing a punch list on a project. As in, “You’d better get those things done before the punch list creep gets here.” Although, truth be told, I’m sure “creep” would […]
Evaluating Security Product Substitutions for Installations
When specifying a project, the term “or approved equal” (OAE) comes up often. We frequently find it easier to describe a specific make and model than force the bidder to decide what we are looking for from a detailed list of specifications. Adding the term OAE lets the bidder know they are free to present […]
How Many Trade Shows Is Enough?
In the aftermath of what was undoubtedly a successful industry trade show — ASIS Int’l 2011, September 19-22 in Orlando — I have been inundated with people telling me they missed me at the show. And before the trade show, there were people calling to set up meetings with me at the show. And it’s […]
How Trimming Support for Obsolete CCTV Products Benefits the Industry
I received an E-mail blast from a CCTV manufacturer today describing a new five-point plan aimed to overhaul its technical support and customer service. Four of the five points were in line with expectations for a high-end company in the electronic security industry, but I suspect that the bulk of the objections the manufacturer hears […]
