Courtesy: necdigest™

HOUSTON, Texas and WESTMINSTER, Massachusetts (March 24, 2003) - SimplexGrinnell, a leading security and life-safety systems integrator, will share with ISC West attendees a common-sense process that companies can use to effectively evaluate and select a security systems integrator.

The special ISC West presentation, "Selecting a Security Systems Integrator: Due Diligence - How Much, How To and With Whom," will be delivered by Tom Giannini, CPP, Director of Integrated Security Systems at SimplexGrinnell.

The presentation is scheduled for March 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. The ISC West Show will take place March 26-28 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

"The importance of applying a due-diligence process in the selection of a security systems integrator cannot be overstated, especially in today's environment," says Giannini. "There's a lot of money involved, the solution is technology oriented, and it's a business decision that can't quickly be reversed. So clients have to be careful about the approach they take. The process I'll be outlining at ISC West is intended to help them make sound, smart decisions that maximize protection and preserve the financial investment that's being made in an integrated security system."

• Post 9/11 electronic security systems play a greater role in security programs - a trend that is expected to continue
• The systems are technology driven and constantly evolving, making it almost impossible for security directors and other security operations personnel to keep abreast of the latest trends.

"The due-diligence process helps ensure that companies hire a security systems integrator who will be a business partner, protect your investment by using technology correctly, and meet future security needs without requiring significant additional investment," says Giannini.

In his presentation, Giannini will first outline the preparation work that should precede the selection process:

• Review past, present and future security requirements
• Assess your vulnerabilities
• Apply risk management principles to your security operations
• Outline what you intend to accomplish by incorporating electronic security systems into your security program or upgrading an existing system

Once the preparation work is complete, Giannini suggests the client put together a plan that includes an overview of the issues that will be solved by the security system, a description of who will be responsible for the system, a scope of work, and a detailed system specification. He also recommends that potential buyers prepare a list of qualities or requirements that will be mandated of the security systems integrator. That document should include:

• A description of how long the integrator has been in business - five years should be a minimum requirement
• A customer list with contact information. Giannini suggests the buyer arrange face-to-face visits with customers if possible. "You should talk to security management, system operators and system administrators," he says. "It's important to determine the level of satisfaction with the integrator, the responsiveness of the support that's been provided, and the quality of maintenance."
• A list of system platforms the integrator installs and services
• The number of other clients who have the same system that will be installed at your location
• The number of trained technical staff in the integrator's organization