In order to continue to meet the demand for programmers in the industry and support the growing number of control system related projects, it seems clear that there needs to be a standardized development program. This training program or collection of courses would be geared toward teaching not only the logical thinking that goes into control system programming, but also all of the related skills like troubleshooting, networking, signal flow, project management, etc.

Having an advanced certification, such as a CTS-P from InfoComm, geared toward programming would help to provide an non-biased or agnostic way of developing skills and identifying qualifications. This concept would certainly not replace the need for manufacturer’s training, it would only augment the knowledge base leading to more well-rounded programmers.

Steve Greenblatt

Manufacturers can be called upon to produce “greener” products through environmentally conscious processes as well as by  including features for energy management and reporting and improved control functions like discrete control for on and off, standby features, and economy modes.

Consultants and Integrators can support Green AV by specifying “green” products and by designing systems in which components can managed as to their energy usage by receiving feedback to enable control and monitoring of power states.

Owners and End Users should be educated as to the benefits of Green AV, so that appropriate purchasing decisions are made.  Facts and figures through marketing as well as data and real-time measurements through system design and system monitoring can help in making the case and creating the demand.

A significant area that needs to be considered in support of Green AV is the importance of Programmers.  Control system features and functionality can make any system “greener”.  Additionally, the combination of green programming features, system design, and device specification can provide the ability for a system to be fine-tuned as to its energy usage by balancing energy management with system functionality and effective operation.

Technology Managers should not only request and support Green AV products, system designs, and functionality, but also effectively utilize the programming features and functionality to maximize their effectiveness.  Additionally, by having the ability to monitor, make adjustments, and compile data, the value and benefit of green features may be measured and justified.

In summary, Green AV provides environmental benefits, energy savings, cost savings, and efficiency by limiting down time through leveraging controls to extend device life, optimizing consumables like lamps, and providing increased system monitoring.  Green AV requires a collective effort; however, it is easy to get started to make any system “greener” through effective control system programming practices.

For more information, visit http://www.controlconcepts.net/greenav/

Steve Greenblatt

Control Concepts, Inc.

Outsourcing isn’t for everyone

There are many integrators who have never outsourced programming and do not believe that it is an effective solution for them.  Whether they have a skilled in-house programmer or they prefer a dedicated resource for reasons of flexibility or cost, they are investing in a solution that works for their business.  On the contrary, there are many others that either outsource control system programming as the demand arises or develop relationships to solely programming outsource as part of their business model.

If you are patient and disciplined and know how to effectively work with any other type of independent contractor, you can find a great deal of success and benefit in using independent programmers.  Here are just a few of the reasons.

• Many independent programmers will provide a fixed cost for programming, which minimizes a major variable in a project, lowers risks, and could lead to increased profitability.
• Independent programmers can work with you and/or your customer to develop a functionality scope and ensure that the system design, equipment selection, and programming requirements will mesh well, which results in accurate pricing, efficient completion, and customer satisfaction.
• An added but sometimes unrealized benefit, which will enhance the outcome of your systems, is the variety of experiences that an independent programmer brings to a project, helping to avoid the mistakes and difficulties that others have made in the past.

Relationships yield productivity and savings

A relationship with an independent programmer can be paralleled to an association with your accountant, lawyer, or other business professional.  Initially, there is an adjustment period as they learn your business and determine their role; however, once a trusting relationship is established, they become an integral resource for your business. Building or expanding this relationship is a natural progression and doing business together becomes easier and more productive as familiarity develops.  An independent programmer that you work with on a regular basis will become a part of your team and augment your organization.  In addition to satisfying your programming needs they will provide you confidence knowing that you have an added layer of support and someone to look out for your best interest on projects.  As you work together longer, this relationship will pay greater dividends; projects will become more efficient, effective, and profitable.

Lowering the cost is a matter of time

Since independent programmers are typically small businesses deriving their mainstay income from programming, it is important that they are successful at what they do or else they won’t be around for long.  Programmers need to cover their costs and be profitable to exist, so they need to charge a price that commensurate with the time that is required to devote to the project and work toward getting the project completed as efficiently as possible.  As in other service businesses, time and knowledge are their marketable commodities.

The cost of programming is not simply the time that it takes to write a program, but instead all the time required to complete the programming project from beginning to end.  This includes:

• Gathering information to define the functionality requirements
• Developing a functionality description
• Researching equipment and protocols
• Designing a user interface
• Writing code
• Testing and Debugging
• Onsite and Remote Support

Keeping the costs down is a function of efficiency, teamwork, and processes.

A significant variable that will enhance or detract from an independent programmer’s ability to be cost effective is the cooperation that they receive from the people with whom they work.  Receiving accurate and complete information is a starting point for providing a suitable assessment of the project.  It is also just as critical to have effective communication throughout the project process in order to streamline the information flow and optimize the time that is spent in all phases the project, as previously stated.

Independent Programming Companies can not survive without partnerships and acceptance from the audiovisual community.  It is important that their message is on target and well received, that they effectively gear themselves to meet the needs of their customers, and that they listen to feedback.  It is also important that integrators, consultants, end-users, and manufacturers understand who independent programmers are, how independent programming companies operate, and how to get the most out of a building a successful working relationship.

To be continued…

Remember the importance of establishing a relationship and Know Your Programmer.  It will pay dividends.

Steve Greenblatt

Control Concepts, Inc.

Choose to work with a programming resource or programmer who is industry certified, reputable, and adheres to industry best practices.

Qualifications, a proven track record, fair pricing, and reliability are basis for working with a service provider of any type (industry or non-industry related).  So why risk the outcome of your project by utilizing an unqualified or unproven resource because they provide a low cost solution or fit into an unrealistic budget?

Aside from the quality of the product, the following are some additional criteria that define a qualified programming resource

• Adhering to a consistent, efficient, and thorough project process
• Taking the users’ needs into consideration in proposing a solution
• Providing a functionality submittal in advance of programming, defining the solution
• Listening and responding to customer feedback
• Customization and branding of their product for specific client
• Attentiveness and responsiveness
• Support and commitment
• Timeliness and flexibility

InfoComm’s Independent Programmers Council is establishing best business practices for independent programming companies as well as standards of excellence for all programmers with the intent of enhancing customers’ experiences with programming.   These qualifications will serve to raise the bar for programming and limit the risk and temptation to work with lower cost, sub-par providers by identifying reliable resources that are committed to providing quality, effective products and services that adhere to industry guidelines.

Established processes, reliable support, industry certifications, legal compliance, and company stability are standards that are foundations of the best business practices.  Knowing that your system will be effectively programmed, that the programmer will be qualified and responsive, and the source code will be well-written, documented, and available for future needs are just a few of the standards of excellence.

Think about it this way, when you undergo a medical procedure or operation, are you satisfied with simply selecting a hospital to go to or are you more concerned with the qualifications and capabilities of the doctor who is performing the procedure? 

Don’t risk the outcome of your project; remember to Know Your Programmer. 

Steve Greenblatt

Control Concepts, Inc.