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How to Choose the Right Audio, Video, and Lighting Systems Integrator

When choosing a Systems Integrator, it is helpful to ask a lot of questions and actually interview the integrators. It is imperative to get it done right the first time, especially when it comes to design.

 

You may think that you don’t have the technical knowledge to ask the proper questions, but that is not so. Start with the basics:

 

  • How long has your company been in business? If they’ve been in business a long time it’s a good indication that they will be around to service their work.

  • How long has their representative been working in this industry? A company can be in business for a long time , but the representative may not have the experience you’re looking for. Have him discuss his background and how he came to have his position with the company. Don’t feel uncomfortable to ask for a history on the company and a resume from the representative.

  • Can you supply me with a list of references? When you receive the list, be sure to call a few them. If possible, A visit to look at and discuss a completed project can help you visualize the end result. Discuss the facilities experience with the installation company.

  • How long will it take for me to receive a proposal? This helps to determine the responsibility of their representative, and may indicate what the future may hold.

  • Where can we see similar systems? It is a valuable asset to see, hear, and use comparable systems.

  • Is your company a direct dealer for the equipment you are recommending? If not, you may delays and complications for warranty repair.

  • Will someone attend the first event that uses the system? This indicates that the company cares enough to make sure all goes well. It shows that they care about their reputation as well.

  • What kind of training can we expect? Expensive, complicated equipment is only as good as the operator. Training is important for the success of the project.

  • Will you video record the training for future reference? Great idea.

  • What is the turnaround time for your service department to respond to a service call? The system only serves it’s purpose when it works. After the system Installation is complete, the company’s response time for service is important.

  • What is the cost of service calls? It is good to know this ahead of time. Is the travel time cost included ? Have them detail how the process works.

  • Then ask the technical questions, to see how knowledgeable the company is.

  • Add your questions to this list, and use it when you to talk to the systems integrator.

 

Be diligent in this process, to avoid repeating this process, to find an integrator to fix the last integrators’ mistake. Once the design is flawed it is costly to fix. With the proper engineering and execution, future upgrades will be seamless. The sales term for this is ‘Future proof’.

When spending other people’s money, this is the time to get it right, the first time.

 

Contact us for an interview, see if we stack up. We can fix the last integrators’ mistakes.

 

Denny Phillips

CTS, LEED AP

 

Related Links:
Audio / Video Sound Systems for Churches, Theaters & Auditoriums

 

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