AV Technology - February/March 2009 - (Page 20) CHOOSING AN AV PARTNER BY JOHN WESLEY NASH WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING AN AV INTEGRATOR developing expertise in project management. Inquire about the firm’s approach to this critical aspect of their business. They should have a welldefined and proven methodology that is adaptable to any project size. And ask about personnel — will they assign one project manager to your project who will remain from start to finish? Some AV companies have been in business for decades, and some are relatively new. Regardless of their tenure in the industry, it’s important for you to know their history. Can they cite a number of satisfied, long-term clients? Satisfied customers are the best possible testament to a firm’s capability. TECHNICAL COMPETENCE Depending on the complexity of your project, you will want to find a firm that can handle most (if not all) of the various engineering services that will be required. Engineering expertise in areas like mechanical, systems, console design, acoustics — all under the same roof — can make your project go more smoothly in “crunch time.” Also, be sure that they have current knowledge of emerging technologies. No two AV projects are the ever same, and there is no such thing as a “normal” project. Sure, there may be general system types and applications in common, but every project has unique challenges and special circumstances, so it’s critical that the AV system integrator for your project has the right combination of skills and experience. Finding the right AV systems integration company for your specific project depends on many factors. EXPERIENCE Among the first questions to ask your prospective AV integrator is their experience with projects similar to the one that you’re embarking on. Determine if the firm has successfully completed projects of similar scope and size. Most AV integrators work with customers from multiple vertical markets, but many also concentrate in one or a few specific niches such as education, government, or others. Through experience, they have learned many of the procurement nuances of certain markets. Find out if they have specific knowledge of working with organizations like yours; especially when it comes to understanding the RFP process, invoicing, and delivery requirements. Professional AV firms have learned the value of SIX KEY QUALIFIERS 1. Get references and find out if the integrator has successfully completed any projects similar to the one you’re planning. 2. Look for a company with strong vendor relationships and past experience working closely with architects and contractors. 3. Find out if the company uses a well-established and highly detailed methodology in approaching each project and following through to completion. 4. Ask about how design decisions and the actual installation will be documented — done in AutoCAD with a soft copy on DVD or CD, for example — for future reference or troubleshooting. 5. Work with an integrator whose overall service includes engineering, installation, training, and ongoing support and warranty of the system design for a set period of time. 6. Make sure the integrator has the licenses and insurance necessary for doing work in your state. [Source: TV Magic] 20 GUIDE TO WORKING WITH AV INTEGRATORS
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