The following section examines the traditional methods of purchasing and maintaining CCTV systems with special regard to the associated problems. It also outlines how Total CCTV Management can provide enhanced client benefits while reducing costs.
The Standard approach
- Obtain three quotations from competing companies.
- Use the existing company. (This is frequently a requirement where a maintenance contract is in operation.)
Problem 1
The Association of Chief Police Officers has stated that 80% of images coming from CCTV systems do not meet the necessary standards for effective surveillance and evidence and are not fit for purpose. Organisations frequently spend many thousands of pounds on CCTV systems only to discover that the police cannot use the pictures produced in evidence. This is not just about the quality of the picture as certain parameters must be achieved for images to be of evidential value.
Total CCTV Management Solution
TCM provides an independent, professional CCTV Design Consultant to produce the specification and ensure that it complies with the observation levels in British Standard 62672-4 while also advising on the sixty+ legal requirements of the Data Protection Act.
Advantage to Client
Clients can be confident that the pictures produced by their system will meet the requirements of the police and courts.
Problem 2
When installation companies are competing, they will often specify inferior equipment. Their aim is to offer you the lowest priced system – which is rarely the best value and often results in a race to the bottom in terms of quality. Unfortunately, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten.
Total CCTV Management Solution
As our responsibility is solely to the client our goal is to ensure that the equipment specified is not only fit for purpose but offers best value.
Advantage to Client
The equipment quoted will be both suitable for the application and provide value for money.
Problem 3
Installation companies will provide widely varying quotations based on different specifications and equipment. Unless the customer has someone with considerable expertise in CCTV it is impossible to know who is offering best value.
Total CCTV Management Solution
When sending out tenders we also specify the exact equipment to be used (including make and model number) to ensure that no one obtains a commercial advantage by supplying inferior equipment.
Advantage to Client
When the client receives three tenders, they will all be quoting for the same specification and identical equipment. The only substantive difference will be the price.
Problem 4
Where a company is only quoted by their existing installer there is no incentive for the installation company to offer competitive prices. In such a situation organisations can, over time, pay thousands of pounds more than is necessary.
Total CCTV Management Solution
For any equipment estimated to cost above £1000 we will tender the specification to three carefully chosen installation companies. (We regularly monitor the performance of the installation companies we work with to ensure that they consistently meet the standards we demand and are competitive on price.) As we manage the installation and the ongoing maintenance, we are able to tender additional equipment even where there is an existing maintenance company under contract.
Advantage to Client
The client can always be confident that they are receiving value for money.
Continue to: Entering a CCTV Maintenance Contract
If you would like us to design or upgrade your CCTV system and ensure that you obtain a competitive price by tendering the installation to three pre-qualified companies please click here.
