FAQs
Why
should I use a consultant?
How
is M C Peterson & Associates different?
Why
is being non-product affiliated important?
Doesn't
a security consultant add cost to a project?
How
are services charged?
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to About the Company
Why should I use a consultant?
There are many good reasons to use the services of a security
consultant. The reason applicable to you depends on your unique
situation. Maybe there is just not enough time in the day to dedicate
to the installation or upgrade or your organization's security
system? Perhaps you are unsure about which products or contractors
to use? In either case, a qualified security consultant can be
the answer. Most frequently, clients require assistance developing
exactly what it is that they need. They know they have a problem
to solve, but are uncertain about what options are available to
solve it. Each security contractor they have spoken to offer a
different solution. A qualified consultant can help clarify the
need, develop a concise project scope, identify the right system
configuration and qualified contractors, construct the documents
necessary to solicit proposals, and assist with the selection
and management of a proper, cost-effective system solution.
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How is M C Peterson & Associates different?
First, M C Peterson & Associates is uniquely qualified because
our staff has extensive experience in all aspects of the electronic
security industry. We have personally installed, serviced, and
managed hundreds of integrated security system projects. We know
what it takes to provide customers with a system solution that
meets their expectations and how to overcome the obstacles that
can be encountered with a project that may involve multiple geographic
locations or require coordination with multiple construction trades.
Secondly, we are non-product affiliated. We do not rely on the
expertise of a few security manufacturers or contractors that
limit our ability to select the proper system solution for your
unique application. We possess an extensive knowledge base of
the security products available and the capabilities of the contractors
that provide and install them. We are constantly re-educating
ourselves on the release of new products as well as the enhancement
of existing ones. We understand that each customer need is unique
and that a select few products cannot adequately address all situations
Third, we are a team player. The most expensive, technically advanced
solution is not necessarily the correct solution. We work as a
member of the project team to provide a solution that best fits
with your organization's culture, staffing, geographic location,
and budget.
Most importantly, we consistently meet commitments and do what
we say we will do.
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Why is being non-product affiliated important?
Some consultants rely heavily on their relationships with a few
security product manufacturers or contractors for system application
information. This can severely limit the options that they can
provide to their clients. There is no single system manufacturer
that is right for every situation. It is the duty of a qualified
security consultant to make sure their client is aware of all
of the options available and how each one may effect the project
outcome. The most technically advanced system is of little benefit
if the feature set does not complement the client needs, or if
there is no local qualified installation and service provider
available.
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Doesn't a security consultant add cost to
a project?
Many times the use of a security consultant actually saves money
through clearly defining the project scope and helping to create
an apples-to-apples competitive acquisition environment. Using
a qualified consultant can identify unnecessary project expense
or over-selling. Improper system selection can result in unexpected
upgrade costs when it is discovered that the system does not provide
the feature set desired or posses the expansion capabilities to
address the client's future needs. The right consultant, as part
of the project team, can provide piece of mind that the system
purchased offers the most cost-effective solution meeting not
only today's requirements, but also those of the future.
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How
are services charged?
Before fees can even be considered, we meet with the client to
understand their business and discuss the anticipated project
scope. In most cases there is no fee associated with this meeting.
Most often, fees are based on a not-to-exceed figure developed
after we understand the project scope and duration. Firm fixed
price and hourly agreements are available if requested by the
client. Clients are billed monthly for actual hours used as based
on our established rates for: Senior Consultant, Associate Consultant,
CAD, and Administration. Expenses are billed at the actual cost,
and are not marked up. Expenses typically include: airfare, lodging,
meals, transportation, duplication fees, express package delivery,
international long distance charges, etc. No expenses are incurred
without prior client approval.
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