Choosing an Audio Visual systems integrator
The success of your AV-integrated facility project hinges on your ability
to choose a competent, capable and reliable systems integrator. Here
are some things to think about when shopping for the right firm to
work with.
Are they focussed on my needs?
You'll be able to tell a lot about a prospective AV systems contractor
during the needs analysis phase of the project. How deeply does the
project manager explore your needs? Can he or she explain the pros
and cons of each block of technology on the list? And can the company
put together a team of highly knowledgeable people who can sit down
and explain why you should buy into its approach?
A firm's ability to build confidence in prospective clients is every bit as
important as the ability to get a system up and running. If you're not
confident that a firm is "getting" what it is you're after, find another
company that can provide a higher comfort level.
Can they demonstrate competence?
A roster of high-profile clients can certainly be impressive, but don't be
wowed by client lists and sales brochures alone. Find out what
percentage of the firm's business consists of projects like yours, and
request phone numbers of former clients.
Don't be afraid to ask a prospective systems integrator to show you
one or two similar projects that the firm has completed; for most, this
is a common request. While some overall size of the firm is important,
the makeup of the firm is even more important than its size. Small
firms can be extremely competent within their areas of expertise.
Whether it's a big or small company, you'll want to make sure the key
decision-makers are committed to your timeline. Ask about the size of
other projects they have in the works, and seek reassurances that
they don't have their plates too full.
Finally, make sure that the firm has the financial resources to handle
the cash-flow needs of your job. For projects of $1 million or more,
you'll want a company with access to performance bonds or other
financial resources and instruments to cover the short-term financing
needs of the project. Remember, you're footing the bill, so you have a
right to know these things.
Can they provide adequate support?
Service contracts are fine and good, but make sure the AV contractor
can back up its promises with specifics. Some former clients won't allow
third-party visitors, a surprising number don't mind, as long as the
facility isn't being used at the time.
While you're on the tour, pay close attention to the details. Take a
peek behind the equipment rack. Are the wires neatly bundled and
plainly labeled? It may seem trivial, but cable management can tell
you a lot about a contractor's attitudes toward project control and
workmanship. And if what you see resembles a plate of spaghetti, you
may want to look elsewhere.
Can they get the job done?
Inquire about the numbers of various staff positions (project
managers, engineers, technicians, fabricators) the company has on
hand. Is there a full complement of engineers and technicians on the
payroll, or are you really dealing with one or two guys? On the other
hand, while the example, if a firm promises a 24-hour response time,
how can you be sure it will deliver? Or more to the point, what
happens if it doesn't?
There are two types of technicians in the AV world: field technicians
and bench technicians. Most AV contractors have field technicians, who
change projector bulbs, clean VCR heads, tweak audio levels, and
perform other maintenance and troubleshooting operations in the field.
However, not all AV shops have bench technicians on staff—people
who are certified by the manufacturer to take an AV component apart
and fix it when something's really wrong. If there's not a bench
technician in the house, you can count on delays for equipment repairs
that have to be shipped off-site.
Finally, find out whether the firm has a pool of equipment for loan
while yours is in for service-contract work.
Are they in it for the long haul?
While a new business might be able to do the job, you should be
confident that the systems integrator you pick will still be around next
year. Any firm that's been around for 10 years or more (when the last
recession hit) has demonstrated an ability to stand tough through
economic downturns.
You should also think about future AV projects you might want to have
done. A particular systems integrator might be great at hanging
monitors, but if you want a videoconferencing bridge installed in a few
years, will the same company be able to do it? Again, it often pays to
forge a relationship with a firm that has a lot of engineering depth.
Articles courtesy of Professional Systems Network, Inc.