SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.
Issue link: https://securitysales.epubxp.com/i/166764
SECURITY EXCHANGE Web Watch Access Control | securitysales.com/accesscontrol ACCESS CONTROL CHANNEL One of seven targeted channels (others are Business Management, Video Surveillance, Fire/ Life Safety, Intrusion, Systems Integration, Vertical Markets), this section is dedicated to everything related to access control. The channel includes industry and business news, trends and technology features, installation case studies, application articles, product notices, expert columns, blogs and much more. Whether it's smart cards, proximity card readers, keypads, control panels, ID badging, IP-based products, biometrics, NearField Communications (NFC), electromechanical locks, software, wireless systems, integration, open platforms, federal government and other standards, codes etc. — you'll have all the info you need at the click of a mouse. Join others who are equally serious about this in-demand market by making the Access Control Channel one of your primary online destinations. WEB-O-METER 5 most-viewed news stories during July Report: School Security Systems Integration Market to Reach $4.9B by 2017 2 3 iControl Sues Alarm.com for Patent Infringement Monitronics to Top 1M Subscribers After Security Networks Buy SECURITY SCANNER® WEB POLL 4 5 AlarmForce Makes Change at the Top: CEO Matlin Is Out ASG Security Adds $114K in RMR During 2nd Quarter Failure to pay Unrealistic expectations Nothing, customer is always right Unreasonable demands Too cheap Too many false alarms 3% 13% 11% 19% 28% 26% What makes an end user a loser in your book? A client who stiffs you on your bill (28%) and one who expects miracles (26%) are the two customer profiles that most highly perturb installing and monitoring security systems contractors, according to the latest Web poll. July's Security Scanner shows a combined 54% of respondents selected those "end-user losers." What it does not show is sometimes those two types can be one in the same! And if you sum unrealistic expectations with unreasonable demands it equals almost half the responses (49%). Still, nearly one in five respondents (19%) continue to cling to the old adage that the customer is always right. For the most part, providers are understanding and patient of false alarms (3%). Log onto securitysales.com to view SSI's Security Scanner archives as well as cast your vote for the September poll: Which of the following is the most common reason for a service call? securitysales.com/blog Some of the things we're talking about ... Panasonic's Poulin Presents Picks for Today's Top Surveillance Advances Interlogix's Mellos Talks Rising Video Surveillance Markets and More NICE Systems' Gruber Goes Deep on Latest Developments in Video Genetec's Racz Espouses Open Video Platforms, Offers Integrator Tips Kozik of D-Link Discusses the Present State of Video Security Engage in the conversation! NEWSLETTER For the latest news as it happens, sign up for SSI's eControl Panel at www.securitysales.com 6 / SECURITYSALES.COM / SEPTEMBER 2013 SOCIALIZE WITH SSI! Vilifying Vivint CEO Is Out of Line To compare the CEO of the fastestgrowing company in the alarm industry to a convicted felon (see "Screaming Foul Over Sales Tactics" letter from Robert Winter in the July issue or search securitysales.com) takes a huge leap of faith, and I have zero faith in the facts presented by Mr. Winter. The second paragraph claiming misrepresentation and that Vivint doesn't do any training let alone provide industry-recognized training borders on the absurd. The third paragraph then takes the lead of not only misrepresentation but flatout lying to prospective customers. The final paragraph begins with, "am I getting the wrong impression … " To this I can say, "Without question." Somewhat ironically, page 51 of the same issue this letter was published also includes coverage of Vivint being named runner-up as a 2013 Installer of the Year. That doesn't happen by accident. Additionally in the same issue (page 8), read what Vivint President Alex Dunn had to say about innovation and what the company is doing about it. I suspect this letter is an example of falling prey to taking a few isolated facts and extrapolating a distorted picture that is just not borne out by the facts. First, let me offer assurance that I have never received any form of compensation from anyone associated with Vivint. I have, however and at my own expense, traveled to Utah to see the company's facilities, meet with executives, and observe people being trained and telephone operators handling complaints. I was also able to interact with some customers who came to an open house where the firm dedicated its new facility. Several of those customers shared tear-inducing stories of their experiences with Vivint in which lives were actually saved. You do not become one of the five largest companies in any industry in less than five years by doing bad things. That success