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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 […]
Read MoreHow 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 […]
Read MoreTo 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 […]
Read MoreMaintenance and Repair Needs for a Digital System
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 […]
Read MoreBigger 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 […]
Read MoreWhat 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, […]
Read MoreRecycling 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 […]
Read MoreIntegrators 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 […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreTips 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 […]
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