Businesses of all types are experiencing unique challenges that are making it increasingly difficult to conduct daily business. Labor shortages, coupled with a high demand for goods and services, and a strained supply chain, have impacted virtually every business, from the restaurant industry to corporate America.
The security industry is not immune to these challenges, with many companies actively looking to increase their manpower to answer the customer demand for service and installation. One of the biggest challenges is with the supply chain, as in-demand products have become more difficult to procure within a short timeframe, which the industry has been accustomed.
A shortage of raw materials has impacted everything from electronic chips used in IP security solutions to the metals and plastics used to encase many products. Surveillance cameras, readers, computer chips and electronic components are among the many products that were once readily available and are taking longer to procure.
What can security installers and integrators do to better manage these challenges without interrupting the flow of business? Here are a few strategies that can be put into place.
Plan ahead, way ahead
While some products may be readily available to order and receive with short notice or off the shelf, that is becoming less likely these days. Traditionally many integrators wait to order parts until right before beginning a job, but that approach now needs to shift. Installers should plan ahead and place their orders for parts and components as soon they get the approval to move forward with a project from the customer. While this is a different approach, especially for a project that might not be installed for another three months, it can provide additional time that may be needed to receive parts to avoid a project delay.
Communicate with your vendors
The golden rule of solving a problem is communication. This approach also works when it comes to dealing with supply chain issues. Make sure you maintain an open line of communication with your vendor and sales contacts about the timeline for receiving specific products. This information might be fluid and change regularly, which could impact multiple parts and components in different ways. By keeping an open dialogue, your vendor might be able to give you a heads-up when a new shipment is expected. The same vendor might be able to recommend an alternative solution to ensure a project continues to move towards completion.
Look for in-stock products
Before specifying a new project, check to see which products are readily available in-stock. Could an in-stock or legacy solution address the needs of the customers? While everyone wants the latest and greatest system, a legacy system might be able to provide the capabilities the customer needs, especially if there are feature sets in a new model that may be unused.
As security vendors actively work to address supply chain issues, integrators should plan ahead, maintain an open dialogue with their vendors, and specify jobs using readily available products. Together, these strategies should help move business forward.
