Systems Standardization, Profitable Solutions
Systems standardization is an approach to projects in which systems are designed based on consistent standards. System standardization, when programmed correctly, leads to the creation of a master program that handles system variation, takes into account all the variations within the system, and allows for greater profit opportunities. The master program supports a specific set of devices and options, respective of individual product features and functionality demands. Considerations for systems standardization project entail the following parameters or consistencies: device make and model; quantity; switcher input and output assignments; control port assignments; interface size and design; and system functionality.
The value of system standardization goes beyond immediate performance improvements for the end user. The real value of system standardization emerges for the client who has to manage multiple diverse systems; the integrator who is able to provide a consistent, repeatable approach; and the consultant who, thanks to system standardization, can present proven, straightforward, programming-based solutions.
With system standardization, the path to a profitable solution is clearly outlined from the start. The upfront programming investment goes to developing the master program and the license fee for deploying each system regardless of specific features. System upgrades allow the option to add features without incurring additional programming costs. With a standardized system, maintenance and modification costs are reduced thanks to the need to solely manage a single program and touchpanel file that supports the entire set of systems.
Looking more closely at the equipment that defines the system, the capacity to build a standardized system is enhanced by devices that have well-developed control models. Devices with proven control modules provide the ability to program a system quickly, easily, and cost-effectively, regardless of feature sets or the complexity of the protocol. System standardization takes this inborn value to the next level, leveraging a collection of diverse components within a single system made of varying parts.
As Mark LaVecchia (CEO of BMS Software Solutions) and I pointed out in our Systems Standardization presentation at InfoComm 2012, systems standardization allows programmers, integrators and consultants to “increase profits by first turning to what [they] do best and most often when approaching a project.”
