We have destroyed drill bits, taken a hammer to a product, tried to crash systems, and generally had fun testing products out. Needless to say, we have learned a lot. What I learned more than anything is never believe anything unless I see if for myself. As Ronald Reagan used to say, “trust but verify.”

The next item on the list is related to your IT department. If it is a technology-based system, have your IT people check it to make sure it meets their needs or standards. There is nothing worse than determining whether something is going to work for you only to have IT put a hold on it because no one asked them about it going on the corporate server.

Service and support comes next. Are there multiple vendor sources, integrators and/or suppliers? What is their market presence and product longevity? What is the relationship between the manufacturer and distributor? I have found out the hard way that, at times, this relationship is in a downward spiral, and as the end-user, we got stuck in the middle. Is there one company in a thousand kilometres that is capable of servicing your needs or 10 in the city? Do they own 10 per cent of the market or 90 per cent, and if they own 90 per cent, do they have the technical support to help you when you need it? Are you one of a thousand clients, their only client or their main client? You have to decide what you are comfortable with. If you don’t mind being one in a thousand, then that is fine. If you like being their only client because you believe they will put more effort into serving your needs, that is OK.

As far as product longevity goes, is the system you are looking to buy ending its expected life cycle? In six months, or a few years from now, will you be expected to install expensive upgrades? Is your site going to be a beta test site?

The final category to consider is cost — what are the initial purchase costs? What about upgrades, replacements, parts, warranty, time and material? If the system or product you are buying is expected to last a certain number of years, have you budgeted operational considerations for its entire life expectancy?

Making a decision can be difficult and filled with apprehension. Remember, as the end-user, you must complete your due diligence on behalf of your organization.

Glen Kitteringham, M.Sc., CPP, F.SyI. is President of Kitteringham Security Group.