Critec Consult
Independent security and CCTV consultants
Frequently asked questions
Table of Contents
- Why employ a consultant?
- What are integrated systems?
- What are Critec's fees?
- What size projects do Critec cater for?
- Do Critec undertake commissions worldwide?
- Do Critec carry Professional Indemnity Insurance?
- How can I be sure Critec are truly independent?
1.Why employ a consultant?
When faced with the requirement to purchase or extend a security system, however basic, there are two ways you, as the customer, can go about determining how your requirements are met.
- You can invite a number of installers to view your facility, make recommendations, provide quotations for comparison and then make a choice from the responses provided. Potential problems you may experience are as follows:
- Without a written brief, the installers may not quote like for like, making budget comparisons meaningless.
- The proposed systems will depend on the technical experience of the installer which is an unknown.
- You are accepting risk for the system selection.
- The installer may try to propose the system most suited to his margin rather than your threat and business need.
- Installers usually have a small number of 'pet' products they utilise on all projects, thus limiting the choice of products available to meet your requirements.
- As the complexity of the requirements increases, the number of installers competent to meet your requirements will decrease.
OR
2. You can utilise an independent consultant with the following benefits:
- You can draw on the experience of a recognised expert in the field, who will analyse the threat to your business operation and advise the best systems to meet your needs.
- An independent consultant is not tied to products, or installers, and can advise the best equipment to meet your needs regardless of supplier.
- A written technical specification can be provided which will ensure like quotations are provided by selected installers.
- Expert analysis of the installer tender responses, reducing the risk to your organisation.
- A fresh unbiased look at your facilities may identify risk areas not originally envisaged and offer diverse solutions for your consideration.
- Specialist technical and commercial management of the installers can be provided, augmenting your capabilities or freeing up your staff to work elsewhere.
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2. What are integrated systems?
Integrated systems are systems that present a single interface to the user, although in practice they may have separate and independent control and communication capabilities. Often these systems are computer controlled and provide a 'windows' based operator system that controls the various subsystem elements. These sub systems may be CCTV, access control, intruder detection for both buildings and perimeters, building management and time and attendance monitoring.
A truly integrated system should provide an operator with the ability to fully control and report on the various subsystems from a single PC position. Often, the integrated system will be able to be networked to a number of operator positions for multiple users, and provide remote monitoring and reporting facilities via client local and wide area networks or even the web.
Integrated systems are usually monitored via a dedicated customer guard force in an on-site (or remote site) control room, rather than by a commercial alarm receiving center (ARC).
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3. What are Critec's fees?
Our fees depend on the particular project requirements and will vary with the project duration, required deliverables and contracted duties.
Whether you are an end user with audit or design consultancy requirements, or an installer with a short term technical labour deficiency, we are confident that as a small company, you will find our fees favourable when compared to the larger security consultancy companies and technical agencies.
We undertake fixed price contracts or can charge by the hour, day, week or month, as you please.
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4. What size projects do Critec cater for?
We cater for both large and small security projects. Our staff have experience of designing integrated security systems with an installation cost in excess of £2M. At the other end of the scale we undertake audits of small establishments for which our fees would be in the region of £1K.
Most security projects involving integrated systems usually have a budget in the region of £20K - £400K, although obviously our consultancy fees represent a small proportion of this total security project budget.
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5. Do Critec undertake commissions worldwide?
Although the majority of our services are provided to UK clients and to the UK establishments of International clients, we consider each commission on it's individual merit and can operate in almost any country worldwide. Please contact us for further details
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6. Do Critec carry Professional Indemnity Insurance?
In addition to the fact that any services provided by Critec draw on a wealth of experience within a very specialist sector of the security market, you can rest assured that Critec also carry full professional indemnity insurance, as well as the statutory public and employees liability insurance.
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6. How can I be sure Critec are truly independent?
Mark Hobday is a member of the ASC - Association of Security Consultants. Members are rigorously vetted prior to acceptance to ascertain their competence, experience and independence from equipment and supplier ties.