It seems to me that clients often measure the performance of an integrator by how well the company cleans up the metaphorical messes its made. I suspect that this is one, if not THE most important, factor when considering job performance and customer satisfaction. In fact, for many, this defines the actual quality of the […]
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P/T/Z Control in an IP World
Based on some comments I have received from a surprising number of manufacturers, I’m going to write a “CCTV 101” type blog. It will be short and sweet, and if this is too basic for you, check back in a few days for a new entry. But when a question comes up as often as […]
The UPS and Downs of Camera Power Supplies
In an earlier blog, I mentioned that innovation seemed in short supply at ISC West this year. That’s not to say there wasn’t anything new, just that you had to dig further to find it. So, digging I went … Case in point was a new line of camera power supplies from Altronix that include […]
Objectionable Consultants
At ISC West, I had the honor of teaching a class on bright and early on April 6. Early in Las Vegas was at 11:15 a.m. The session, “Developing, Influencing and Responding to Request for Proposal’s (RFP’s)“, focused on practical, hands-on tips to make the whole RFP process work better for all involved. The class […]
ISC West 2011: The Year of the Copycat
I’m a big fan of the ISC West trade show, which is held in Las Vegas each year at the beginning of April. As a consultant who must bill hours to make a living, my time is valuable and I try to choose one major trade show a year to attend. The two biggest shows […]
Grade A Security for ‘Big D’ Complex
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the sprawling Galleria Dallas shopping center and its new expansive security system live up to that claim. However, what looms largest was the tightly coordinated effort the security consultant, integrator and end user demonstrated to help maximize the facility’s safety. There is nothing average about Galleria Dallas. […]
Handling Coax, UTP Cables During Installations
“There’s a lot of coaxial cable out there.” “The 100 meter limit for Ethernet over copper presents some installation challenges.” I think there are very few people involved in the installation of IP-based CCTV systems that would disagree with either of the above statements. In an upcoming study featured in SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION’s April […]
Shooting a Fly With a Shotgun
My previous blog entry, “To Bid or Not to Bid: That Is the Question,” received a number of comments, and I would like to take this opportunity to respond to another one of them here. I neglected to mention the last time around how much I (and other authors) appreciate your feedback. Writing, whether in […]
How to Get Consultants to Provide Feedback on Lost Bids
My previous blog entry, “To Bid or Not to Bid: That Is the Question” received a number of comments, and I would like to take this opportunity to respond to one of them here. Please note that this comment is edited for brevity. You can read it by clicking on the hyperlinks. Loren Dupree wrote: “…I […]
To Bid or Not To Bid: That Is the Question – Security Sales & Integration
Part of the value we bring to the table as a consulting firm is the ability to secure our clients competitive bids on their project(s). Our goal is somewhat different than that of an integrator. We want an embarrassment of riches — so many qualified bidders and competitive bids that the owner has to scratch […]
