Just a generalized open-ended brainstorming question but...
We are going to carry Access Control and I admit Im a greenhorn when it comes to this part of the industry but one thing I am noticing is a vast array of difference of pricing between the manufacturers. For example, a 4 door controller, we are seeing pricing all over the place. $200 up to $1500. Hardware pretty much looks the same.
My question is: Whats up with this man?
Subscriber Discussion
Vast Difference In Pricing Of Access Control
Sean Nelson
Sep 21, 2018U
Undisclosed #1
Sep 21, 2018The more expensive ones are just greedy western manufacturers :)
MM
Michael Miller
Sep 21, 2018What systems are you looking at?
David Delepine
Sep 21, 2018Typically the higher end systems are pretty bullet proof, as long as they are configured properly. We have seen plenty of issues and failures with the super low cost access control brands. Not to mention feature sets and integrations tend to be greater in the higher end systems, though not always. Finally certain brands are really pricey because they are all of the above and government spec’d, so $1500 for a 4 door is pretty standard on a mid level enterprise brand... but try finding a Hirsch panel for that price. Also I am going off of integrator pricing, if you are setting up as a full distributor then that’s a horse of another color.
I will recommend you check out Openpath, I started installing their smart hubs and I really like them. Super simple, super advanced, sleek design, bluetooth touch readers, etc. Only downside is it is cloud based so requires monthly subscription. However the upside is that means there is a built in RMR component and nearly infinite integrations through their API. They are selling directly to end users, but there is room for a dealer/reseller/distributor model and you could cut yourself a nice margin with volume and take a piece of that RMR. That’s exactly what I am trying to do anyways lol so hit me up if you want more info david@aasecured.com
Sean Nelson
Sep 21, 2018DW
David Westberry
Sep 23, 2018Sorry a bit off topic but the statement about being bullet proof is very true. Was working on a Hirsch system a few weeks ago. Had a bad scamblepad. The pad had a manufacture date of 05/95 as well as an install date of 08/95. I think the client got their moneys worth.
Clint Hays
Sep 22, 2018You should take a look at Isonas if you haven't already. They are an awesome approach to access control, and they offer a lot of the things most end users are looking for.
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Sep 23, 2018The downside with Isonas is that they already abandoned an entire subset of their market with their software switch not supporting their RC-02's while the newer RC-04's don't work on the old software. If a company will abandon an entire hardware line like that once...
UE
Undisclosed End User #3
Oct 01, 2018^That. i was told recently by my Allegion rep that they are under that umbrella now, but everything RC-03 and older (especially the bridges!) is just garbage. Which, they needed to cut bait and move forward, but it's frustrating to have stuff that's only a few years old constantly dropping and losing credentials and be told "yeah it does that sometimes, and it's EOL so we're not going to help you with it."
LJ
Lee Jones
Nov 08, 2018More market confusion. We might need to update the definition of “access control”. The traditional alarm industry may be changing the name for millions their of their remote monitored “deterrent alarm systems”. If police do not respond (verified response) to private property deterrent systems (aka window and door motion sensors) the system simply provides deterrence and “access control”.
U
Undisclosed #4
Nov 08, 2018Someone just needs to post an MSRP hardware shootout for a 1,2,4,8 & 16 door systems. No peripherals, power supplies, software. Just the bare bones hardware MSRP costs as if it were a box sale. The first thing I made when I came to the company I am at is a pie chart showing Genetec, Software House, Lenel, S2, Hirsch, Amag, Avigilon and a few others as a cost reference model. Then I did a labor chart, Software and SSA chart. Once you have the picture in your head it is easy for the reps to walk the job, immediately know where the ball park and spend more focus looking for unique customer requests or caveats to their system that need to be qualified in the scope.
When I look at my competitor quotes I just strip labor, load it up the BOM numbers and have another chart that shows all the discounts from MSRP to 75% off. If the numbers do not match then I know that quote has some fudge if the items do not spread evenly based off of MSRP. When it comes to the big guys, their numbers are already common knowledge so it is best to beat them by looking for their design mistakes.
Done ranting for now, cannot wait to see a posted MSRP shootout.
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