Roundtable: Retrofitting major security systems
As part of its feature story in the April issue on “Planning a Major Security Systems Retrofit” (April 2009, page 22), Security Technology Executive recently caught up with a few integrators and vendors to delve deeper into the retrofit issue.
The participants were:
- Brandon Arcement, manager of Global Security Technology for Johnson Controls
- Jim Hunter, senior director of national accounts for Siemens Building Technologies Inc.’s Security Solutions Business Unit
- Tom Mechler, product marketing manager for Bosch Security Systems’ Intrusion business unit, which produces control panel, central station and sensor technology
- Dan Moceri, chairman and chief executive officer for Convergint Technologies, a North American systems integrator
- and, Jennifer Toscano, marketing manager for Schlage electronic security solutions at Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies.
Here is a recap of the roundtable discussion:
STE: What is the most important fact to consider when implementing a major retrofit — cost, migration, ROI, ease of installation, level of customization or new technologies?
Moceri: While all of these are important, ultimately the solution needs to meet the customer’s goals and expectations. Depending on the reason for the retrofit, it may be to reduce operating costs for one customer; while another may be more concerned about increasing security to lower potential liabilities. A third may be installing new technology to help them meet compliance requirements. In each case, delivering what is most important to the customer is what counts.
Hunter: When planning a retrofit, it’s important to ask what is the purpose and reason. Your strategy will be driven based on the answer to that question. For example, if you have multiple sites spread across the country, is the purpose of the retrofit to bring each facility to the new security standards? Once your purpose is clear, consider who will be your partner externally. You need a partner who has experience with retrofits, who understands your market or industry, and who knows your goals and objectives.