If you ask MOST dealers what products they saw at a trade show, they’ll probably tell you that they saw several hundred different video cameras and another hundred IP-based devices.

But if you take a closer look while walking trade show floors, such as the upcoming ESX Show in Baltimore, you will see mixed in between all the video and IP information other products that provides dealers an opportunity to refine their skills and find new ways to improve their installation and service capabilities.

Yet if you ask most dealers what resource tools they saw at the trade show, they may have to pause for a moment to come up with an answer. Most shows offer a wealth of tools for dealers to add to their arsenal. Smart dealers will tell you that using the right tool for a job can make the difference between profit and loss on a project.

Think of the installer drilling with a dull drill bit – how much time could be saved if they were using a sharp bit – minutes, hours, maybe days given the varying size and scope of each project?

Using the proper tool is more than just replacing dull bits. It is about installers being equipped with tools that make them more effective and efficient.

Tools typically fall into one of four categories: hand, power, specialty and testers. When determining the proper tools for your technical staff you need to take into account the scope and scale of projects that the individual will be assigned.

Let the tool fit the application

An installer who specializes in predominately residential intrusion systems would likely need a basic set of hand tools (screw drivers, pliers, basic carpenter tools, such as hammer, hand saw, drywall saw, etc.), a cordless drill, with spare batteries and applicable charger and basic wood drill bits.

While a service technician would need all of these, they would also require a good digital multimeter and linemen’s headset at a minimum.

Both individuals would also need access to any manufacturer-specific testers which are applicable to any of the products they typically use.

Expand the scope of their work to include commercial applications and additional tools such as socket wrenches and masonry drills and bits would need to be included in their tool sets.

Installers may also be exposed to various powder actuated tools which literally “shoot” mounting hardware into the building structure. These tools typically require not only goggles, but manufacturer’s approved training.