Why Should You Have A Service Agreement After Your Installation?

A/V installation is only the beginning

  Hours have been poured into planning and days spent on installation, so now that the new A/V system is in place, why not protect that investment? A service agreement through a reputable integrator is what will keep that technology running and optimized. Even the most intelligently planned and installed A/V system will eventually experience some form of failure. While it may happen when nothing critical is going on, it may also happen the day before the CEO is set to make an address to the entire company. Not a good look. Without a service agreement in place, a company is courting potential embarrassment, delays and expensive losses. Modern A/V technology is designed to be a marvel of reliability, but there’s more to consider than just the equipment. How it is being used, who is using it, the environment it is placed in and what is developing on the manufacturing side – these can all affect the system’s future, and A/V integrators know how to account for them. In short, a service agreement is a safety net for an A/V system, and it makes good financial and operational sense for a business.

Keep the system running smoothly

An A/V service agreement isn’t like a warranty. It’s something that is utilized proactively as well as reactively. In other words, the A/V integrator will provide ongoing support that extends beyond simple repairs, though that is certainly part of the agreement. Here is what a client can expect from their service agreement:

1. Guaranteed response times – Data Projections maintains multiple lines of communication with its clients. During business hours, Data Projections can provide remote technical assistance, which can be done through phone or e-mail. If the issue is not resolved immediately, a technician will be dispatched to the client’s facility. This is guaranteed, so there is always a failsafe option if the system experiences a hiccup. Service calls do not come with an additional cost, and are baked into the agreement as an expected service.

2. Warranty handling – Companies should not have to keep up with any warranties associated with the A/V system. When clients do so, they inevitably fail to take full advantage of them. Further, when a warranty does need to be executed, there is always a pile of paperwork to fill out in the aftermath. Data Projections takes this hassle off of its clients’ hands. We seek out extended product warranties and step in to process any warranties when needed.

3. Rapid response for critical hardware – Clients can opt to up the protection on their high priority equipment, and Data Projections is happy to customize a service agreement to do so. If an element of the system absolutely, positively cannot experience extended downtime, Data Projections can provide 24/7/365 response if it does go down.

4. Periodic preventative maintenance – Every quarter, Data Projections will send a technician to the client’s facilities to inspect and assess the system and its components. Think of it as a checkup for your technology. With time, technology can get bogged down if it is reconfigured, handled roughly or used inefficiently. During preventative maintenance, the technician will verify that the system is optimized and configured properly, and that it will continue to serve reliably into the future. More than anything else, preventative maintenance provides peace of mind. Clients never have to worry about the state of their investment, and whether it will fault at a critical time. Data Projections’ technicians will follow up with additional support if there are issues with the system upon inspection.

5. Comprehensive troubleshooting approach – An A/V system doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is part of the company’s network, so when it does experience an issue, it’s not always the equipment that is the real problem. Data Projections’ technicians have a keen grasp on how network resources should be allocated and configured for the system, and when troubleshooting a fault, the technician will consider everything that interacts with the system as well. If there are problems posed by the company’s network configuration, these can be hashed out with its IT personnel.

6. Dealing with the manufacturers – If an issue needs to be elevated to the point where the manufacturer needs to get involved, Data Projections will manage this on their client’s behalf. Going back and forth with a manufacturer representative is time consuming, which can drag the resolution process out further. Data Projections ensures their client never has to dedicate its own personnel to this communication, freeing them up for more important things.

7. Precise inventorying and replacement – Some A/V technologies require occasional component replacement, like switching in a new lamp. Data Projections maintains a detailed inventory of its clients’ equipment, so our technicians know exactly when special maintenance or component replacement is needed.

8. Plenty of insight – A service agreement with Data Projections serves as a kind of partnership. Our goal is to serve as both a solutions center and a source of long range wisdom for our clients. In doing so, we can provide product or upgrade recommendations, suggest alternative technologies if possible, and make all of the small, smart moves that will save the client money and effort.

A service agreement brings so much to the client that it should be considered mandatory with any A/V solution. With an agreement in place, companies will get the most out of their technology, and never worry whether that investment is going to go to waste.