Worsen: Integrators Hit Even Harder By Coronavirus

By John Honovich and Brian Rhodes, Published Mar 30, 2020, 08:39am EDT (Info+)

Integrator's problems have worsened over the past 2 weeks, according to new IPVM survey results.

Inside this report, we share statistics and dozens of integrator comments to show what is going on right now in the industry.

NOTE: US integrators, we recommend you apply for the new Paycheck Protection Program now, discussed here.

Compare to our first edition - March 18th's Integrators Hard Hit By Coronavirus and read about how mega-integrator Convergint has made coronavirus cuts.

Executive *******

**** *** ********** ********* ********, * clear ******** *** *** **** ******** by ***********:

**** ** ************* ***** **** ** days *** **** **** **** **** a */*** **** **** **** **** impacted:

Situation ***** ***** ******* *** **

***** *** ********* ****** ***** ****** and ******* *** **, ***-** *********** still ****** ** ***** ********** *****.

Bleak ******** *******

**** ******** ****** * *** ********* growing ******:

  • "************* *****. ** **** *** */* of *** *********** ** **** ***** collect ************. ***** ** *** ********** a ******** ********; **** ** *** job ***** *** **** **** ***** at ***** ***** **. *** ************* office ******* ** ******** ** *** work **** **** ****** ** **** had ** *****."
  • "** **** **** ****** ** ***-*** roughly * ***** ************ ********* ** order ** ****** ********** ****** *** them. ** ** **** **** ******* projects **** *** *** ** ****. This ** *** ***** **** ** have *********** *** *********** ******."
  • "****** *** ******* *****. ********* *** canceling *** ******** ******** ******** *** asking *** **** ******* ***** *** basically ****** **** **** *** **** to ***** ******** *** ** **** as *** ******. **** ** *** a *********** ******** ***********."
  • "*****. **** ********* **** ****** ***** active ******** *** *********** *********** ** hold *** *****/*** ******* ***** **** significantly ******* ** ******** ** ****. I ****** ** *** ******* ********* off ******* **** ****."
  • "*****. ****** ** ** ****. *** techs ** *** **** ** ** to *** ***** ******* **** ***'* feel ****."
  • "******* *****. *** ******** ** ******** have **** *** ** **** ****** emergency *******. ****** ******* ** ** how **** **** **** **** ***** planning *********."
  • "*** ***** ** *** ******* *******. We *** ****** *** ***** **** deplete ******; **** ******* *** ***** coming **, ** **** *** ** with * ***** ***** ** *** next ****** ** ******. **** ** our ********* ******, "** ***'* **** the **** ** ***** **** *** problem". **'* ***** ** ** ******* if ********* *****'* ******. **** ** a ***** ****** ** ********* ******** in * ***** ****."
  • "*******, ******* *** ******** ** **** people ********. ** *** **** ****** in. ***** *** ***** ****** ** gets ******."
  • "******** **** ******** ** **** ************, and ** *** ** ****** *** quotes ** *** ****."
  • "** *** *****/******-***** ********** (***** ** people) *** *** ** *** *** 30% ** *** ********* *** ** lack ** ****."
  • "**** ********** ** **** **** *** what ** ***** **** ***'* ******* contractors ** ****** ******** ******* **** attention. **** ******** **** **** **** put ** ****. * **** *** some ****** *********** *** ****** ****, but ** *** ********. *'* ****** to ** ** **** ** ******** remotely."
  • "******* **** **** ******, ****'* ***** it. **** **** ** *** ****** everyone *** ***** ******* ******."
  • "** *******, *****. ******* **** **** been *** ** ********* ****, *** job *** ********, **** ** *** new *******, **** *********** **** **** down *** *** *****. ** *** primarily ***** ******* **** *** ********* whatever ** *** ** **** *** people ******* *** *** *******' ******* running. ** **** ***** ******** ***** gloves *** ***** ** *** ** they **** ** ** ******* *******. We *** ***** ******* **** *** hand ********** **** *************. ****** *** has **** * ******* ** ***** to **** ****. ****** *** ** nervous ** ************* ** *** ********* is ******* ** *******."
  • "******** ******* ** ****** ******* *** until **** *** "*** ** ***** out". ****** *** *********** ****** ****** to * ***** **** * **-****** temperature."
  • "**** ****** ** ******** **********. ******* in ***** ****** ********** *** *****. NO *** **** *******. ******* ******* contacts *** ********* ** *** ***** anything. ********** ** *********, ****** ****, layoffs **********. ****** ****** **** *** below $** * ****** **** ** a ********* **** **** ** *** country ***** *** ** ***** *********** Texas ******** ***'*."
  • "[** ***] ******* ******."
  • "********** ** ******** * ******* **** outbreaks ******* ********** ******** ********. *** sales ******* ** ***** *******. ******* are ******* *********** *** *******. ***** to **** **** *** * **** time * ****."
  • "[*** ********* **] *****. * ** in *******. *** ***** *** ***** multiplying ****. **'** ** * ********* lock-down **** *** ********. ** ****** of * *** *** **** *** house (****** *** *****) ** * weeks. * **** **** **** *** groceries. ***** ******* **** *** ******** though, **********!"
  • "** **** ********** ****, *** **** go, *** **** ******* ******* ********* and ********* *** *********."
  • "********* ******** ********* *** *** ********* deliveries. ** *** ************* ********* *** next **** ** *’* ******** **** also."
  • "** *** ********* ** **** ** didn't **** *** **** ****** **** service ** ************. *** ******* ** slowing **** **** **** ** ********* are ******** ****** ** ********* *** we *** **** ******* ** **** deem * **** *********. ******** **** really ***** * ***. **** ********* where ** ***** **** ** ******** last **** **** ****** *** **** unless ** * ************ **** ***** none ** ***** ******* ***** **** exposure ** ***-*****. ** ** ********** work *** *** **** *** ****** as ****."
  • "** **** *** **** ** *** past ****. **** * *** **** of ******** ** ****** *** *** only ****** *'* *********** ******* ***** to **** ** ******* **** *** new ************ (***********). *******, *** ** those ********* ***'* *** ** ***** now ** *'* ***** ***** ** faith **** ****'** ** **** ** pay ** **** ***** *** ******* they *** * **** ******** **** money ** **'* *** ****."
  • "** **** *** ******** **** *** on **** ** ********. **'* ******* very ***."
  • "******** ****'* ****** ***** **** **** week *** *** ******* ** ***** since ** ***** **** ***** ** no *** ** *****."
  • "** *** ** ******* **** ****** (sites **** **** ******* ***** *** work ********* ******** **** ****** ** to ** **-**** ***** **** **** running * ******** ****), *** ** ended ** ***** ******** **** "**** at ****" ****** ******* ** ********* adopting * "** ******* **********" ****** where ** ***'* **** ***** * site."
  • "***** *** **** ************* *** ******** being *******. ** ******** ******* ******* calls * **** *** *** ******** and ** **** *** ******** *** call **** ****."

Government ********* ****** ********

******** ***** *******, ******* *** ******** about ************* **** ** ***:

  • "**** **** *********** ** **** *** federal ******* **** ****** ***** ** small ********** ** *** ***** ****. I'm ****** ** ******. *'* *** seeing *** ****** *********** **** ******* we ***. ** **** ** ****** which ** ****** *** *** **** - ************ ** ******* *****. ** aren't *** **** **** ** **** boat. "
  • "************ ** ****** ********** ** ******* harder, *** *** *** ******** ******. The ***** ***** **** *** ******** so *** ** *** *****. ***** business ** ******** ** **** *** expense ** **** **** *** ******** by *** **********? ********** **** **** 500 ********* *** ******??? **** ** my ********* **** ******** *** *** Act ******** **** **** ** *********** at ***% *** *** ***** *** then */* **** *** ** ********** 10 *****. ** **% ** ** employees *** **** * ***** **** to ***** *** ******** ****** ** hit * *****."
  • "***** **** ** *** ********* **** company *****, *** *** **** ** rely ** *** **********. "
  • "*** ******** ** ******. ** ***** issuing ********* ** *******, ** *** coming ** **** ******** **** ** access ************ ********* *** *** ****** the ***** *** ** *** **** a ********** **** ** **** *** actually ****. "

**** ********** ** *********** ******** *** the******** ********** *******, ** ********* ****.

Empty ***** ***** *************

*********** ********* **** **** ********* *** taking ********* ** ***** ***** ********* to ***** *** **** *** ******* tasks **** **** ********* **** ********:

  • "********** ********* *** ***** **** **** to *** ****** *****/***** ***** ********* are *****. *** ********* **** **** re-configuring ******* *** ******** ******** ** extra **** ** ***** ***** ****** areas *** **** ****** *** ** hospitals. ********** **** ** **** ** on ****, *** ***."
  • "**** **** ** ** **** ****** work *** ***** *** ******* ** Kansas *** ****** ** *** ******* ahead **** ***** ********* ***** **** available. ***** **** ****** *** ******** that *** ** ****** ** *** finished ***** ** **** ********* ***** allowing **** ** **** **** ** able ** *** ******* ** *******."
  • "********** ******** *** **** *** *********** because ******* *** ****** ***** ***** days ** **** *** *** **** done **** ***********."
  • "**** *** ******* ******* ** *** work **** ***** *** ******* *** empty *** ****** ******** *** *********."
  • "* *** ** *** ******* *** taking *** *********** ** ** *********** work ***** **** ********* *** ********* are ******* **** ****. ******* ** inconveniencing ******** ********* *** ******** *********** shut-downs, **** *** ****** ********* ** the ********* *** ******* **** ** that ******* ** *** *******, *** which ** *** ********."
  • "** *** ****** ****, ******* *** of *** ** **** (****** ******** traffic), ****** **** *** ***** **** so ***** *** *** ***** *** parking *** **** * ******!"
  • "*** *** **** **** ** **** remained ****** **** **** *** ** have **** ********* **** ** ** continue ******* *** ******** ******** ***** their ********** *** **** ****."
  • "*** ** *** ******* ********* ***** now ** * **** *******. ***** headquarters ******* ** ******* **** * ghost ****. **** ** *** ***** customers *** ****** *********, *** **** are *** **** ****, *** ****'* allowing **** ** **** ******* **** security ******** ***** ***, ** ******* to ******* ***** *** ****** ****** break *** ********* **** ** ******** to ******** ****** ****** ****** *****. So **'* * ***** ***."
  • "***** ***** *** **** **** ************* or ************* **** **** **** **** of *** ********* *** *** ****** the ***** ** ****** *** ***** come ** ***. **** *****, **** customers ***** ** *** *** ** and *** *** ******* ** *********** without ******. **'** **** ******* ********** in ********** *** ********* *** ******* in ******** *** ******* *********** ** troubleshooting ******."

Security '********* ********' ******

********* ** ****** ***** **** ** fully ***** ** **** *****, *** overall ********* ** ******* ******:

  • "** *** ***** ** ** *** a **** ***** *** ******** ********* time. *** ******** *** *** ****** a ******* ** ***** ***** *** is ******* **** ** **** ****** or ****. ** **** ** **** had ******** ******** ** ******* ********* and ****** **** ** ******. **** makes *** ********* **** **** ********* is **** ** *** ********** "*********" in ****** ***** ********** ****** ** city's ******."
  • "** **** **** *** ********** ********* a ******** ***** ** '******* ** place'. ** **** ***** *** ********* from *** ** *** ***** ********* that *** ******** ** ********* *** we *** ******* **********."
  • "*** **** ******** ********* **** ** eligible ****** * *** ** **** questions. ** *** ******** **** *** been ********** ** ********* ********. * number ** *** ******** **** ****** under *********, ****** **** ***. "
  • "** **** *** * ****** ** customers ***** ******** ** **** ** will *** ***** ** ** **** in ***** ********** ******* **** **** closed. *** *** *** **** ****, we **** ******** ****** **** **** and ** **** **** ********* **** us ** ******** ******* *** ******** projects ***** ***** ********** *** **** down. *** ****** ***** *** ******** consistent ** ****. ***** **** ** one ** *** ***** ** ***** an ********* ********."
  • "********* ******* “*********” ******** ************** **** sending *********** *** ** *** ************ sites ** **** **** *** **** need ** **** **** *** **** an ******* ******** ***** ** *** current ************* ** ***** ******. "
  • "***** ** *** ** *** ******** industry ** *** ****** ** *********. We **** **** * *** ** Critical **************."
  • "**'** **** ****** "*********" ** *** primary ****** *** *** ******** ** critical **************."
  • "********** ******** ************** *****, *********, **********, etc. *** **** ***** **** *** aren't ************ ******** ***** ***** ** a *******. ******* *** ******* ***** is ********* ***** ***** ** *** sites *** ***** *** ******, ** caring *** *** ********* ** * balancing *** ******* *** ********, *** staff *** *** *** ***** *** aren't ***********."
  • "**** ** ** ** **** **** into ********, ***** ** ********* ******* we **** ***** ** ******* *** our ********** *******, ******* ******** *** come ** * **** ********** *** the **** * ***** ******** **** if *** ******** ** ********. "

Closed ***** *** ********

******* *********** ***** ****** '*********', **** report *** ***** ******* ****** ** shuttered ***** **** *** ***:

  • "***** **% ** *** *******, ***** contract **** *** **** ********* *** to ******** ********. ** *** ************ two **** **** *** ************ ******* as **** *** ** ****** ******** in *** ****-**** (****-**-****). "
  • "** *** *** **** ** ***** businesses *** ******* ** ******* ************ at **** ***** ** **** **** closed ** ******* ***-********* *******."
  • "** **** ******** ** ****** *** to * *******-**-***** ***** ****."
  • "**** ********** ** **** **** *** what ** ***** **** ***'* ******* contractors ** ****** ******** ******* **** attention. **** ******** **** **** **** put ** ****. * **** *** some ****** *********** *** ****** ****, but ** *** ********. *'* ****** to ** ** **** ** ******** remotely."
  • "** **** *******, *** **** ****** sites *** ****** ****. ** ** is ******* ****** ** **** *** machine ******. ******* *****, *** ******* holding **."
  • "**** ***** ********* ********* "**** ** home ******", **** ***-******** ***** *** shut **** ** ****** ****. ***** places ***'* **** *********** ** **** unless *** ********."
  • "** *** ********* ** ****, ** didn't **** *** **** ****** **** service ** ************. *** ******* ** slowing **** **** **** ** ********* are ******** ****** ** ********* *** we *** **** ******* ** **** deem * **** *********. ******** **** really ***** * ***. **** ********* where ** ***** **** ** ******** last **** **** ****** *** **** unless ** * ************ *** ***** none ** ***** ******* ***** **** exposure ** ***-*****. ** ** ********** work *** *** **** *** ****** as ****."
  • "***** ***'* *** ** **** ** all ** **** ****** ** *********. "
  • "**** **** **** **** *** ** hold *** **** ** ***** ** the ***** ** **** ** **** in."
  • "** **** * *********** ******** ***** up **** ********/****** ******** *** ***** most **********, ***** ********** *** ******* are ******, ** *** ****** * hard **** ******* *** ***** ****."
  • "** **** *** * ****** ********* place ******** ** **** ** **** not ***** ** ** **** ** their ********** ******* **** **** ******. "

Situation ** ***, *** ***** ** ***********

********* ******** *** ****** ****** *** blow, **** ****** ***** ** ***********:

  • "** ******* ** **** **** **** on *** **** ** ****** * would *** *** ******* ****** ** now ** **** ** *** ******* and ** **** **** **** ** schedule **** ******* **** *** **** the **** ******."
  • "****** **** ********* ** ******** ** OUR ****. ******* ********** ******* ** out **** ************* **** *** ****** for *** ****. **** *** *** allowing ** ** *****."
  • "** *** ****** **** *** * weeks! ****** **** **** **** *** be ******* ******."
  • "***** *** **********, *** ****** *** the ****** *****. ** *** ********* with ******** ** ********** ****** ******, monitoring, *******."
  • "***** ** ******* ****, *******, ** are ****** ******* ***** ** **** up **** ***** ***** ****** ** if **** *** *** ******* **** COVID-19 *** ** ***** *** ** business *******. *********** ********* *** **** hesitant *** ******* ******** **** **** surveys *******, ****** ** *** *****, etc. ********** ******** *** **** *** technicians ******* ******* *** ****** ***** these **** ** **** *** *** work **** **** ***********."
  • "****** **** ****** ***** *** ** are ********* **** **** **** **** up *** *** ****** *** ******** equipment **** ** ******** **** ****** after **** ******."
  • "***** **** ******** *** *********, *** backlog *** ************* ********* *** ** proposal *********** *** ******* ***** *******. It ***** **** **** ****** ******* remotely **** **** **** ** ******** their ******** *** ****** *********."

Deepening ******* ** ******

*********** ****** ******* *** ** ******* more ***********, ** ***** ****** *********** noted:

  • "*** ** ********** ********** ** *** Philippines, ** *** *** ******* ** open *** **** *** **** ******* shut **** *** **********. ** *** very **** ******* ***** *** ** support *** ******* ** *** ***** while *** ******** ** ****** ***** every ***. ****** **** ***** *** worse ** *** **** *** **** or *****."
  • "**** ** **** **** ** *** world, ******** ****** *** ** ********."
  • "***** ******** **** *** ********* ** my *******, ** **** *** ******* activity. ** ***’* ** ************* ** any ****, ** ***’* ******* *** projects ******* *** ********* ** ****** closed *** ****. ** **** ********** our ********* ******** ** ****** , calls *** ******** . ** *** under ******** *** ********* **** . You **** * ******* *** *** movement *** **** *** * ***** , *********, **** **** ***** * penalty *** ** €*** ."
  • "*****. **** *** **** ***** *** shutting ****. ** **** *** **** anyone *** *** *** ***** **** been ******* ** ******. **%."
  • "** ******* ** ***** *** * weeks ***.. ** *** ** **********. No **** ** *****. * ***'* know **** ** ***** ** ****** with ** ** ***** *** ******** or **** **** ** *******. ** are *** *** ** ** ******** this ********."
  • "*** ************* ** * ***** *****, impacting *** **** **** ******** ** a ******** *** ** *** *** of **** *** ** **** **** the ** **** ******** *** ** employees **** ***, ********* ** ************* next **** ** **** *** ***** 2 ** *** ******** ****, **** phase * ** *********."
  • "*** **** ********* *** ********* - most *** ****** ***, ** **** don't **** *** ******** *** * period (** **** *** ******** **** us). ** ******** **** ** *** installations ** **** ********* - *** it ** *** ****** ** ******* expenses ** *** *******. **** ****** that ****** ** *** ****** *** now ******* **** ****, **** ** technicians **** **** ** **** * few **** / **** - ********* on ********. ** *** **** ***** we ****** * ***** *********. *** we **** **** ****** **** *** last *** **** ******, ** ** will ** **** ** **** *** company *****."
  • "** *** ****** ****, *** ***-********* business *** *******. ***** ** ******** anymore *** ** ********* ****** **** ==> * ***** ******** *******."
  • "** *** ****** * ******** **** in ******** ********* *** ******** - due ** ******** ************ *** ******** - *** ** *** ******* ** a ******* **** *** ******** **********. Greetings **** ******, ***********."
  • "**** ** **, **** ** *********** as ** ***** **** ******** *** overheads ** *** **** ****** ** no ******. *** ********** ** ********* a ****** *******, *** **** **** covers **% ** *** **** ** operate, *** ***** **% ** ***** covered ** *** *** **** **** that ** ******* ***** ********. ** can **** **** **** ****** **** turn ****** ** *** **** * months ********* ** **** **** ************"

Outlook - ***** **** ******

** ***** ** *** ********** **** 10 **** ***:

***** ****** *** *** ***** ** the **** *** *****, *******, *** situation ** ****** ** ******* ************* over *** **** *** ******.

****** **** ****** ***** *** ****** are ****** ** *** ***** *** another *** *****. *******, ** *** the ****** ******* **** *** ****** starting ** ******* *** **** ** the *** ** *****, ** ********** help, ********* ******** *** *************** ****** to ***** ***********.

Comments (50)

Matthew Del Salto

Hudson Security
03/30/20 01:18pm

This is going to be rough for a lot of small companies and medium companies alike. We have had no new work come in since the shutdown and working in the NY metro area has some of our technicians spooked. We just finished a job in the epicenter of the red zone in new rochelle about 3 days before it was quarantined, it just seems surreal.

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Matthew Del Salto | 03/30/20 01:21pm

Per the FAQ from the US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship:

You can call your bank or find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool.

So call your banker or your accountant.

Btw, that Lender Match tool is broken, at least when I click the 'find lenders' red button, it just takes me back to the same page.

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Rueben Orr

In reply to John Honovich | 03/31/20 03:29pm

I'm pretty sure the Lender Match tool requires that you complete enough loan information that they can sell... err... refer you to one of their SBA Preferred Lenders. I already work with an SBA approved lender but it seemed odd that the link is a .help domain instead of a .gov domain. I decided to test my own cyber preparedness and firewall and filled out the required fields to then the Find Lenders button worked. I immediately received an email from a Janover Ventures who referred me to a Credit Analyst with a company called SBA Complete, Inc. who in turn sent SBA lending info from First Bank. Not sketchy at all.

The revisions to the 7(a) program have not been fully released to all SBA banks. There will definitely be a run at that money when the banks are able to start taking applications for the PPP. By the way, if you take the $10K "grant" under EIDL and also apply for a loan under the PPP, the amount received under the EIDL will be subtracted from your eligible PPP forgiveness.

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Undisclosed Integrator #1

03/30/20 02:38pm

Hi John

This is not just integrator s , its everyone

The Real Problem is , our work involves being around , going around , and working in areas where there is lots of people

The add s on TV show : Booties, Mask , Gloves , Say Trust, confidence

But the Public is in Fear , and as the Projections keep saying one thing and we see more and more fear

We as a integrator are on hold for most of our projects as they involve Schools, Medical, and some residential , Now for a company you can last 3-6 months with out work and still survive with long term loans , but as a very small , residential company , you are out instantly as the public does not invite in virus . (so to speak )

But this goes back to planning for future or lack there of

We keep in a business a 3 month cushion and a 1 year credit availability and don't expect paid from some of our customers for 3-6 months , so this is the norm

we never ever spend it all , alway s hold some back ( learned the hard way )

but when you need the weekly or monthly income from week to week and you live on the edge, as many do.

just like the last crisis , you will see recovery and when it takes off , get ready for the boom as things will start slow, but ramp up in people wanting the norm back , and get out and do something and go somewhere .

Life as usual

the more Debt , the longer recovery time needed

Plan , Prepare, start setting the goals , for tomorrow will be better

Very Important not to waste this time off , use it productively for Education , training and goal setting

one day at a time ( not doom or Gloom ) chin up as you start the new day

This From a company on the bottom , started from nothing, went broke, then awoke , changed the cycle of life events , started over and not doing very well as we manage very carefully . watch everything, trust no one ,except what you see in hard figures and written statement s or contracts , extend the right hand of friendship , but use common sense and never let your feelings into the situations.

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 03/30/20 02:53pm

This is not just integrator s , its everyone

I am sure you are right that's it much broader than just integrators. For purpose of this post and the statistics we are doing, we limited our analysis / conclusion to integrators.

We plan to do a manufacturer survey soon but anecdotally manufacturers are so far doing better. Not saying great but as deeply, directly and immediately hit.

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Undisclosed Integrator #2

03/30/20 02:55pm

As to relates to the FFCRA, if you do not wish to apply for the Payroll Protection Program (or this program won't help) and also cannot afford to pay your employees the mandated sick leave required under the FFCRA then you truly have until April 1st to furlough our lay off non-essential team members. From the Department of Labor website:

If my employer closed my worksite before April 1, 2020 (the effective date of the FFCRA), can I still get paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave?

No. If, prior to the FFCRA’s effective date, your employer sent you home and stops paying you because it does not have work for you to do, you will not get paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave but you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. This is true whether your employer closes your worksite for lack of business or because it is required to close pursuant to a Federal, State, or local directive.

Honestly though, if you do not want to furlough your team then why not apply for the Payroll Protection Program and keep them paid?

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Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #2 | 03/30/20 03:23pm

Thanks for sharing. In your view, under what business circumstances would/should an integrator avoid the Payroll Protection Program if they are eligible?

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Undisclosed Integrator #2

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 03/30/20 09:00pm

If they believe that, even with the Payroll Protection Program, they will need to layoff or furlough employees and will not be able to repay what would then revert a 4% interest loan (note that the PPP is only forgiven if layoffs due not occur after receiving the loan).

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Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #2 | 03/30/20 04:18pm

Not sure furlough for a long period of time is the best for a company

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Undisclosed Integrator #2

03/30/20 04:09pm

If they believe that, even with the Payroll Protection Program, they will need to layoff or furlough employees and will not be able to repay what would then revert a 4% interest loan (note that the PPP is only forgiven if layoffs due not occur after receiving the loan).

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Undisclosed #3

IPVMU Certified | 03/30/20 05:38pm

it may be even worse than that...

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed #3 | 03/30/20 05:40pm

You got a lot of time on your hands now that you are quarantined? :)

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Undisclosed #3

IPVMU Certified | In reply to John Honovich | 03/30/20 08:56pm

You got a lot of time on your hands now that you are quarantined? :)

keepin' busy...

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Undisclosed Integrator #4

03/30/20 09:03pm

We have taken a huge hit. Very few service calls and vast majority of installs cancelled.

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Robert Tabbara

03/30/20 10:47pm

I know that folks here discuss slow sales but aren't you more concerned about slow or no payment? That's cash you have, that you are burning.

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Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Robert Tabbara | 03/30/20 11:44pm

Other integrators note that payment is/has slowed as well. As you stated, this is especially bad because liquid cash is consumed making payroll, other overhead, and paying for parts, but customers aren't paying on time to keep things flowing:

  • "Things are getting worse. Customers are canceling and delaying proposed projects and asking for long payment terms and basically saying that they may need to delay payments for as much as six months. This is not a sustainable business environment."
  • "Receivables are slowing, projects being paused."
  • "Many orders for new tech that had already been approved, have been placed on hold. Getting payment for work already done is starting to drag out."
  • "Being a sub-contractor in a large project has complicated billing conditions and slow payment."
  • "Projects and payments from clients have significantly been put on pause."

In general, 'slow or no future sales' was one of the most cited problems and slow/no payment was not frequently mentioned, but that might be because many are not involved in collections as much as they are new project sales.

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Undisclosed Integrator #6

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 03/31/20 12:00pm

Other integrators note that payment is/has slowed as well. As you stated, this is especially bad because liquid cash is consumed making payroll, other overhead, and paying for parts, but customers aren't paying on time to keep things flowing

This trickles down to the manufacturer/distributor as well.

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Undisclosed #5

03/31/20 12:25am

So I was trying to decide which thread to post this in but I guess this may be the best fit...

Due to the rapid evaporation of "security work" and non payments from customers , upper management came up with the great idea to push a new product that will help us stay employed and paid .... I have been informed due to my background of security software expertise (machine spirit communicator) I will tasked with spearheading the installation of new Thermal "fever" detection kiosks and check in stations in my area......

There has been 2 months worth of work (and more being quoted), already booked and most prepaid( material at least) for this stuff to be put in at a lot of major national, global and government entities.....

The things I do to put food on the table...….

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed #5 | 03/31/20 12:29am

I will tasked with spearheading the installation of new Thermal "fever" detection kiosks and check in stations in my area...... There has been 2 months worth of work (and more being quoted), already booked and most prepaid( material at least)

I can believe it. As I said to NBC News, it's the hottest selling thing by far in video surveillance. Any idea what brand / type of thermal fever detector you are putting in?

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Undisclosed #5

In reply to John Honovich | 03/31/20 01:12am

there are two designs at the moment

One is the FLIR setup you did an article on. Now when It comes to thermal cameras, it is hard to beat a FLIR camera in my opinion. although I don't care much for the 3rd party software that is usually pitched with it over the years, the 3rd party software that was sold by FLIR explicitly for these "fever stations" was a deal breaker for one of our larger customers

which spawned a hybrid second option, with AXIS, Konica Minolta, and somethings else.... I haven't fully looked at the second model set up yet I may update later when I see it.

I have a feeling I may asked to help redesign some other models post purchase as I don't have much faith in them as the currently are....

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Robert Tabbara

In reply to Undisclosed #5 | 03/31/20 02:01am

Interesting you are finding Flir A300 and A600 camera models available. 4 weeks ago I got this from several distributors "Looks like these cameras are restricted and XXXX is not able to source them"

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Undisclosed #5

In reply to Robert Tabbara | 03/31/20 12:30pm

at my level all I was told that they were "ordered"

it could mean two weeks it could mean 6 months

I am supposed to be getting at least one set up kit for building a sales/demo model though at some point.....

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Ross Vander Klok

IPVMU Certified | In reply to John Honovich | 03/31/20 12:20pm

Oh man that is an AWESOME humble brag! "As I said to NBC News....." expertly done! ;-)

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Ross Vander Klok | 03/31/20 12:23pm

Sure, sure, one day I want to be a thought leader!

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Abhay Ranjan

Acktron Security System P Ltd
03/31/20 06:15am

This situation is beyond our control and hence looking at the positive side of it. Our guys were out on the ground working day and night for several weeks and months with prolonged payments. Thought of new orders itself was stressful.

Now using this time to reconcile accounts and invoices which were in mess for quite sometime, with the hope that payments will be taken into process once the lockdown is over. Plus, utilising this idle time in internal training.

Hope for the restored situation soon.

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Rob Dunham

Tailored IT Solutions
03/31/20 12:50pm

Luckily my business only works with other "essential businesses". I've not had any loss of work due to Coronavirus. However, this is still a trying time for small businesses. The new "stimulus bill" does nothing for me or my clients and employees because they are all over the earning limit. All it does for businesses is allow them to take on loan payments while cash flow is already challenged.

The bill was supposed to keep the economy going, but it really only helps those who weren't working. Most displaced workers don't qualify for the assistance and in the end will get stuck footing the tax bill to pay for it.

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Rob Dunham | 03/31/20 12:53pm

The new "stimulus bill" does nothing for me or my clients and employees because they are all over the earning limit.

2 questions: (1) You literally don't have a single employee making less than $100,000 per year? (2) Are you reading it that employees over $100,000 get nothing because the way virtually everyone else is reading is that those employees still count but you only get to count up to $100,000, i.e., if the person's salary is $150,000, they count for $100,000 but the $50,000 over that does not. does that make sense?

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Rob Dunham

Tailored IT Solutions
In reply to John Honovich | 04/01/20 01:34am

No employees making less than $75k. And many over the $99k upper limit. (It's based on adjusted gross.) The issue is that it's not based per person, it's based on filing status. So couples filing jointly are adversely affected.

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Undisclosed Integrator #9

In reply to Rob Dunham | 03/31/20 05:29pm

We're in that same position. Our business is temporary security video and its taking off as businesses/projects "pause" (we aren't calling it "shutdown" as part of our "keep the positive thoughts flowing approach) they feel the need for increased security thus our growth. But, the stimulus isn't helpful for us either for some of the same reasons. Also, they base how much you can borrow on 2019, specifically Jan through June 2019 numbers. Back then we had fewer employees so borrowing that amount of money now doesn't cover the increased staff we have now. It isn't even worth the time it would take to get the loan. (its not as simple as just going to the bank and signing a paper - prepare to do some prep work to provide financials and forecasts etc). I don't know that there is any better answer and at least "they" are doing SOMETHING so I'm not complaining. We won't be laying off but we won't be hiring either. If they had a program to allow small business's lucky enough to be in our position to hire and expand, it would put some of the displaced workers back into jobs. Sending our most positive thoughts and hopes for each of you to come through this stronger and more successful than ever!!!! PS: if you know anyone with a few hundred thousand dollars to invest - send them our way!!! :)

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Undisclosed End User #7

03/31/20 01:14pm

We had our integrator out to add a camera and upgrade some card readers a little over a week ago. I'm in a stand still on a 25 camera Avigilon installation because a board has to approve the contract before it can be signed and all meetings have been canceled. Hoping they meet at the end of April, but I'm starting to lose hope that will happen.

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #8

03/31/20 01:43pm

Will you be doing a similar survey of manufacturers?

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Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #8 | 04/02/20 06:15pm

We will run a similar manufacturer tomorrow and have results ready for early next week. Thanks for the suggestion.

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Rusty Crocker

03/31/20 02:23pm

Instrument

Ship date

IR200

7 weeks ARO

A3xx

8 weeks ARO

A6xx

10 weeks ARO

Exx

6 weeks ARO

T5xx /T840

6 weeks ARO

T640-24

3 weeks ARO

Current ship dates for FLIR FDA approved devices as of 3/26.

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Derek Radoski

03/31/20 03:02pm

Wow tough to read all this but we are slammed with work to include Projects and Programs. I am no sure it is appropriate via IPVM not trying to turn this into a job board, but we are hiring in DC area. THE Integration Company – TIC Security is debt free and privately held and very nimble. These days I suppose that is a positive. We are a VOSB and 8(a) with several direct award vehicles for DoD and Civilian agencies due to the National Emergency DoD and Federal Procurement to 8(a) has increased. The clients we secure are critical to the USA and the work we do is also vital to operational effectiveness. Sorry for world events but if any of you are in DC area and need work even temporary work, we have lots of it. To include Projects and 5-year programs. If you are in DC area and need work please reach out to me Derek Radoski Radoski@TICSecurity.com

Additionally if you are a small business owner I can work with you as a subcontractor to TIC and or short term financing or even and acquisition. Stay strong Security brothers and sisters!

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Derek Radoski | 03/31/20 03:04pm

Derek, sure, happy to hear and welcome to post. Anyone else who is buys that needs help, feel free to post here or as a discussion.

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Undisclosed Integrator #9

In reply to John Honovich | 03/31/20 05:36pm

Maybe it would be helpful to start a "job board" kind of thing on IPVM so that companies doing well can advertise available positions or subcontracts?

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Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Derek Radoski | 03/31/20 03:29pm

Great to hear this Derek , Great Job at keeping the Expense's under control.

This what a great business model is .

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Undisclosed Integrator #9

In reply to Derek Radoski | 03/31/20 05:35pm

do you have contracts in areas outside of DC where integrators could step in to help? If so, I'll spread the word in Arizona. Awesome of you to let everyone know, we may start seeing technicians willing to relocate temporarily just to keep the home fires burning.

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Derek Radoski

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #9 | 03/31/20 06:34pm

We do have many Federal National BPA in which project based / "Tasks Orders" are awarded nationwide currently we do not have an active task in Arizona - That being said in the near future we may and would certainly love to work with a local group. My Email is in the above so just send me an email and we can ensure that you are a viable option for Arizona. Stay strong -

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Max Shumeyko

03/31/20 09:23pm

Thank you for publishing this survey results. It very good to know what is going on in the video surveillance industry.

Surprisingly for me, we had our average/typical level of sales in March of our IP video system design tool. We got a smaller number of italian clients and higher number of clients from Germany and US.

I was expecting a significant drop in our sales. And I don't know why the sales drop didn't happen. Maybe because the software allows to design cctv systems remotely and this is not a bad option in the current situation. Or maybe because some integrators have more free time now to learn new things.

I hope that the epidemy will be over soon. Like our ancestors survived the Spanish Flu.

And maybe right now it is a good time to join some online courses, watch video tutorials, and learn something new.

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Undisclosed #10

04/01/20 09:52am

Ok, waiting to see which manufacturer has social distancing analytics.

Add the cameras to check out lines to inform and track people and their practices of safe social distancing.

Not a hard rule to drum up, Vintra, AnyVision? Who's first?

Many stores do not have good coverage of the checkout lanes or the cameras are set up for covering 1-3 lanes. Not a good layout for CDC compliance. So let's start putting up cameras that observe public areas with social distancing analytics.

Your'e Welcome.

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Michael Miller

In reply to Undisclosed #10 | 04/01/20 12:01pm

Social distancing detection for COVID-19 - Camio

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Max Shumeyko

04/02/20 06:08pm

Interested to know what is going on with video surveillance projects /service calls in other countries?

I asked a friend of mine who admins a popular Russian video surveillance installers group to make a similar poll.

So results are (246 votes):

Very - 51%

Moderately - 27%

Not very - 22%.

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Undisclosed #3

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Max Shumeyko | 04/02/20 06:13pm

I asked my friend who admins a popular Russian video surveillance installers group...

curious, do they have a special word for "trunkslammer" in russia?

related: "Trunkslammer" Or "Man In The Van" - Which Is Better?

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Max Shumeyko

In reply to Undisclosed #3 | 04/02/20 06:34pm

"do they have a special word for "trunkslammer" in russia?

Kind of. They called: Shabashnik (Sha-bash-nik). That mean somebody, who doesn't want and doesn't know how to do the job properly. Who wants to finish the job quickly, take money and move on to the next project. And who doesn't care about results.

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Undisclosed #3

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Max Shumeyko | 04/08/20 04:30am

They called: Shabashnik

thx, i'm using it first chance i get :)

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John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Max Shumeyko | 04/02/20 06:25pm

Thanks, Max. By the way, what is the name of that group?

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Max Shumeyko

In reply to John Honovich | 04/02/20 06:36pm

It is in Telegram Messenger called CCTV Installers Club (Клуб монтажников видеонаблюдения).

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Mark Selent

IPVMU Certified | 04/08/20 03:36am

The economy doesn't like uncertainty. There's an incredible amount of that to go around. Everyone would be happier if there was a definitive end date to stay at home orders and when things will resume. People aren't spending money and I can't blame them. If someone is liquid this is a golden time to get work done while things are shutdown and they're in the best negotiation position.

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Undisclosed Integrator #1

04/08/20 12:53pm

Now is the time to get all the loose ends and things done around the office and home that you could not do when too busy.

Preparation, Education, on line training , and certifications for when it resumes

If you want to help the economy and you can , spend on the local small business and that will trickle up the line ,

Spend when you can

Save when things resume

Plan , Prepare and set Goals

we all have the same time 24/7 so dont waste it for there is no one to blame but your self if your not prepared

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