This blog outlines essential expectations for IT leaders when choosing a commercial Audio-Visual (AV) and security system vendor to ensure long-term success and value. They should:
- Be able to define and measure project success
- Keep your organization on a smart technology path
- Provide support across multiple regions or broad technical coverage
- Value service quality beyond the initial consultation
When you invest in audio–visual (AV) and security system upgrades, you need to be sure that you’re working with someone who can carry through, because these systems will likely sit in your organization for years.
To be sure that your investment doesn’t turn out to be something you regret, you need to establish clear vendor expectations, as choosing the right partner will help you ensure the solutions that are delivered are aligned with your standards and your growth plans.
How Will Your Vendor Define And Measure Project Success?
Every project is shaped by the way the process feels while it’s underway and the strength of the system you end up with. Your AV and security technology vendor should be willing to ask for direct feedback after installation and use that feedback to make adjustments, thereby showing how seriously they treat service quality.
This is the difference between a long-term AV or security partner vs a low-bid installer. A low-bid installer will offer a one-and-done service, leaving you holding the bag if something goes wrong. A long-term AV partner like Fearing’s will keep working with you to ensure your setup works for you.
Can They Keep Your Organization’s Tech Smart?
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. It happens so quickly, in fact, that your systems will no doubt need upgrades before long – no matter how current the tech is at the time of installation. A technology partner that treats innovation as a continuous responsibility will study the upcoming trends and guide you away from dead-end hardware.
Working with a vendor that tracks long-term shifts in AV and security technology will help you plan upgrades in a more manageable way, which will keep reactive spending down.
How Will Their Values Influence Service Quality and Design Decisions?
Strong values are essential for ensuring stability across various project phases. These values can guide recommendations and shape the way issues get handled across the project.
When you work with a technology partner, you should feel that each proposal reflects genuine care for your organization’s goals rather than just a means for the vendor to secure a fast sale. Trust grows when the vendor behaves consistently at every stage of the project.
Can They Support You Across Multiple Regions?
If your organization operates across states or countries, your vendor needs to be a partner in designing systems and providing teams that can meet your business needs wherever you are. This means having scalable workflows and well-tested methods that make remote deployments feel familiar, even when the site is far from your primary office.
How Broad Is Their Technical Coverage?
If you’re wondering how to choose a commercial security integrator, you will gain more stability when you reduce vendor sprawl. A technology partner with a wider technical scope will help keep your projects aligned and remove gaps between systems.
This might include a blend of AV, security, cabling, automation, and network-related skills.
You should look for a partner that offer:
- Clear project management and documentation
- Unified AV and security expertise
- Training and structured service handoff
- Support that grows with your sites
If you want support that matches your commercial AV vendor expectations, look no further than Fearing’s. Contact us now to find out more about our range of AV and security technology solutions.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an installer and a long-term technology partner?
An installer offers a one-and-done service, leaving you responsible if problems arise, but a long-term partner continues working with you to ensure your setup is effective.
How does working with a technology partner help manage upgrades and costs?
A partner that tracks long-term shifts in technology can guide you away from dead-end hardware and help you plan upgrades in a more manageable way, reducing reactive spending.
What services should your AV and security vendor offer?
You should seek a partner with a wide technical scope that includes a blend of AV, security, cabling, automation, and network-related skills to reduce vendor sprawl and align your projects.