Why Isn't Preprogrammed Intrusion Common?

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Brian Rhodes
Jan 18, 2017
IPVMU Certified

For distributors looking to 'add value' for installer customers, why not offer intrusion panel pre-programming?

In most cases, even buying a kit means a boxful of separate pieces that must eventually be programmed together for use. So why aren't more distributors doing the basic config work like they offer to inexpensively or no-cost configure IP cameras?

I've only found a few small, typically direct-to-public resellers that do this.  For example this one charges $160 for DSC systems. They explain it:

Our pre-programming service includes:

Setting up and enrolling sensors as desired
Custom labeling alpha keypads
Setting entry and exit delays
Setting up user codes and authority levels
Setting communications and call out numbers
Testing and verifying your system before shipping

This is a great way to get your system up and going right after you receive it. Just run wire from the panel out to all of the devices, sirens, and keypads, power up the system, and rest easy that you are now protected.

While $160 seems fairly high, it could possibly be a justified expense even at that price. If the service saves 3- 4 hours in labor or prevents installing DOA equipment, why isn't this more common?

Thoughts?

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Josh Hendricks
Jan 18, 2017
Milestone Systems

I can't speak to intrusion specifically, but I know Milestone distribution partners in APAC regularly prepare systems for partners/installers. Not all, but most will offer software installation and camera enrollment. I'm not sure if that is built into the cost or if they charge more for it. It might even be that it is only offered for certain projects - maybe some of them can comment here?

I am still getting my land legs here in the US after nearly 4 years in Australia, but I get the impression at least some of our Americas-based distributors already offer similar service already. But perhaps it costs less in time/training to offer software installation/configuration compared to alarm panel programming? I've read that some intrusion/alarm panels can be cumbersome to program - though in a lot of cases I suspect that comes down to experience.

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Tyler Blake
Jan 18, 2017
BCI Integrated Solutions

Saves 3-4 hours in labor and is considered high at $160. Maybe that's why more aren't doing it. People won't pay for the added value at a rate that it takes to employ a person to do nothing but program panels all day.

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Brian Rhodes
Jan 18, 2017
IPVMU Certified

This is true, and a good point.

However, given the sheer number of 'two guys and a truck' alarm installers that are out there, 3 - 4 hours isn't just time spent configuring; it's time spent NOT selling or earning business.  The opportunity cost might be greater for a small dealer...

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Jan 19, 2017

3-4 hours is way longer than it should take to program a system. Normal sized residential or even small commercial shouldn't take more than an hour or two max to program. 

If I had to compose and send all that information for someone else to program, that alone would take half the time it takes to actually program, for way too much money. 

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