As facilities have moved from their analog tape based systems to the digital world, many believed that the system maintenance aspects were gone. Sure, we were used to repairing or replacing VCR’s – there were tons of mechanical parts, tapes shed grime and particles into the units, and VCR’s were pretty cheaply made to begin […]
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Bigger Isn’t Always Better – Be Mindful of the Category Rating
More and more of our projects involve networked systems and associated devices, and that inevitably includes cabling. And, as the price differential between the various category-rated cables diminishes, we are finding the temptation to provide the highest level of category rating possible throughout projects, whether or not it makes sense. If CAT5 is good, and […]
What Not to Recycle
Our last blog entry (“Recycling Is Green, But It Can Make You Some Green Too…“) reviewed the benefits of recycling in unexpected ways, telling a short case study involving the reuse of a console. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t explore the dark side of recycling. Some things should be destined for the landfill, […]
Recycling Is Green, but It Can Make You Some Green Too…
Most of us are bombarded with constant reminders about the importance of recycling, and I can imagine anyone arguing with the overall concept. And, many of us take it further than bottles, cans and paper — where I live, anything even slightly useful that is placed out at the curb is “recycled” by a passerby […]
Integrators and IT: Keep Up or Get Kicked Out – Security Sales & Integration
As many of us have seen for some time, many types of electronic security systems are morphing into computer systems. Sure, it takes experience to know how and where to place cameras, monitor systems effectively, ensure smooth traffic flow for access control systems, and myriad other skills we’ve had to learn through the years. But […]
The Update Treadmill – Security Sales & Integration
I’m a big fan of the consumer electronics blog Engadget. It publishes a number of news, tips, and rumors on consumer electronics equipment and software, and I have always found the consumer electronics field to be a good barometer for what we’ll be seeing in the commercial and industrial space. After all, it’s the economies […]
Tips to Better Manage Project Scheduling – Security Sales & Integration
For many of us, the nature of our business is feast or famine. I have yet to meet a consultant, integrator, manufacturer, or other person in this industry (or any construction-related industry) that didn’t experience the peaks and valleys that can make your life (and your business) a roller coaster. Sure we’d all rather be […]
Spending Too Much? Part 1 of Many – Security Sales & Integration
The topic of “overbuying” comes up so many times in our practice that I can’t limit this to just one blog entry — this could easily become a recurring theme. I’m not talking about paying too much, where the competitive process breaks down and the end user pays more than they should have (easily another […]
Don’t Throw Out the DVR With the Bathwater
While everyone was happy to get away from feeding tapes to VCRs, the digital replacement is not without an appetite of its own. I speak of course of the need to replace hard drives from time to time. This article was written by Bob Grossman for his “Enterprising Solutions” blog for Security Sales & Integration […]
Get Peak Performance from Lenses – A&S Magazine
Lenses are essentially ground the same way, but their installation affects image quality significantly. This second of two articles explores practical installation tips along with development hurdles. Capturing good images is an interplay of quality equipment, installation and environmental factors. Getting a lens to perform well requires accounting for lighting, field of view and camera […]
