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Comments on changing monitoring procedure
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Ken,
Your comments to Mark about not straying far from standard central station procedure is right on the money, but I think he should look at a couple of other solutions as well. I would make sure the backup batteries at the shop are strong and sufficient, that there are no “squirrels” getting into spaces above ceilings, that motion sensors are sealed completely to prevent tiny bugs from entering, and that every employee is properly trained in the use of the system.
I’m willing to bet that close attention to details like this will make the false dispatch situation less of a problem. Oh yeah, surge-suppression and proper grounding can’t hurt.
Ray Yauchler
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Ken,
this is for Mark who has a sub that wants changes to monitoring procedures.
Based on our experience, when you make exceptions to regular monitoring procedures, you (and your central station) will fail. It won’t fail every time, but it will fail eventually, and then your sub will be all over you, even trying to pin false alarm charges on you. It is tempting to make changes to keep a sub happy today, but it will get very ugly, sooner or later. Just say no, because that “special exception” will come back to haunt you.
Dave
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Ken,
I was intrigued by Mark’s question regarding his pawn shop customer. As I read it, in an effort to reduce false alarm fines, the pawn shop owners is asking the Central Station to make 7 phone calls before dispatch. This will take considerable time. If there truly was a burglary, one would have to ask what would be the likelihood that the crook would even be there by the time the police did respond in the event of a dispatch. At some level we should ask ourselves, “Are we really selling security when we place 7 calls before dispatching?”
This seems like a PERFECT application for video verification. For the cost a false alarm fine, the pawn shop can upgrade their existing system and actually buy better security. In the event of an obvious burglary, the central station operator can dispatch the police immediately based upon the new Best Practices of the PPVAR http://www.ppvar.org/_asset/qjfks6/video-verified-alarms-best-practices.pdf . Videofied is used in many pawn shops and have even caught thieves lowering themselves from a hole they made in the roof.
I recommend that the dealer present his customer the option of an upgraded system. The result will be a happier customer, a more secure facility, and more RMR for the dealer.
Keith Jentoft
Videofied
www.videofied.com
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extras during installation
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Ken,
We did an access control project last month for a client and we used your standard contract. The project is near completion and they are asking that we rip out the cabling and reinstall with conduit which was not part of the original scope of work of the contract.
I advised the client that this would increase the cost and he was okay with it verbally. This will be a T&M issue now. How should we write the contract accordingly?
FYI – the customer was price focused. He paid for a Malibu and now wants a Lexus.
John
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Response
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You should have used the Standard Commercial All in One [or Residential if a residence]. That Agreement comes with an Extra Work Order form or supplemental agreement, which is a rider for extras during construction.
While your inquiry focuses on getting paid for your extras, the more important issue is whether you are going to be covered by the contractual protective provisions for extras if the extras cannot be tied to the original contract. Avoid the issue by using a supplemental agreement that references the original contract. If you don't you'll be driving the Malibu.
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TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com. Most comments and questions get circulated.
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Speaking Engagements
If you would like to schedule a free live video/webinar presentation for your association meeting or event contact Eileen Wagda at 516 747 6700 x 312.
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Alarm Association of Greater St. Louis. September 16, 2014. at Tech Electronics HQs office at 6437 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139. Meeting is from 11:45 – 1:30 Video conference presentation starting at 12:15 CST. For more information or to register contact Tony Drago adrago@tyco.com www.alarmstl.org
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NYSESA - September 17, 2014 at Honor's Haven Resort, Ellenville, NY. This is the NYS Electronic Security Assoc annual meeting. Presentation on updated contracts and current legal issues will be at 10:30 AM. For more information or reservations contact Dale R. Eller, Executive Director (814) 838-0301 dalereller@itzsolutions.com
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Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. October 1 - 4, 2014, annual convention at San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center, Galveston, TX. Register here: http://tbfaa.org/tbfaa-2014-convention-trade-show-attendee-registration/
For more info contact Debi at 281-859-4569. Brad Shipp, Executive Director
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Alabama Alarm Association. AAA's Fall Meeting and Trade Show - October 21, 2014 from 3 to 5 PM at DoubleTree Hotel 808 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205 for more info contact AAA Executive Director: director@alabamaalarm.org (205) 933-9000
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