Collaborative Tech Solutions was created to provide a customized, all-inclusive tech solution experience. We give you direct input on the solutions, hands-on knowledge to make informed decisions, predetermined and locked-in product pricing, trustworthy suppliers with readily available inventory, and quality contracting partners throughout all technologies. We understand the speed at which the tech industry is evolving, and we take pride in being able to share the latest technologies with our customers to collaboratively create an immediate solution while helping plan for the future.
Step 1: Introductory Discussion
Whether you’re upgrading an outdated system, outfitting a new facility or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, the goal of the introductory discussion is the same: to guide you through, from start to finish, every step of the CTS process. Our process is unique in the industry because we act more like an extension of your team than a contracted service provider. Once we understand the needs, wants and wishes of your facility, we’re able to drive the conversation with potential suppliers, manufactures and partners to control the price, which equates to you getting exactly what you want, at the price you want. We believe any tech solution is possible, and with the help of our network of pre-approved professionals (referred to as a Value Added Approved Partner, or VAPP), we’ll discuss how it can be done. Every step of the way, we will provide transparency to all product and solution costs as well as keep you informed on the progress through our client portal. Upon project completion, we continue to serve as your trusted resource for technology troubleshooting, implementing upgrades, training staff members and any other thoughts or concerns that arise.
Step 2: Contractual Discussion
Once we have outlined our process, we create a mutually agreeable contract as well as cover a variety of administrative tasks, such as assigning a direct contact for the project and a backup contact to arrange meetings throughout the process.
Step 3: Inventory and Assessment
Following contract approval, we will complete a comprehensive inventory of all existing technology,
including Fire Alarm, Voice and Data Infrastructure, Security and Access Control, Wireless Access, Audio & Video, Digital Signage, Distributed Antenna Systems or DAS, Mass Notification and Low Voltage Lighting. We will thoroughly discuss your likes, dislikes and wish-list for every technology, bringing in facility leadership as needed.
Step 4: Key Product Demos
Understanding your current system, immediate needs, and future wants allows CTS to assemble manufacturers to present product options. This step is essential to get buy-in and input from key decision makers at your facility. During these demonstrations, our team will help you quantify your initial and long-term return on investment. Collaboratively, we make sure solutions are not overlooked or not considered due to price. If the cost is out of reach, initially, we will develop a road-map to scale up to that solution in the future.
Step 5: Manufacture Selection
By this time, we will have compiled and inventoried our likes, dislikes, needs, wants and wishes.
We will have had hands-on interactions with multiple technology manufactures to evaluate the
operational and functionality of each solution as well as critique and rate them. CTS will start setting
price discounts at this stage by controlling and driving specification. We do this to arm you with all
the information you need to select the best product/solutions for all current and future needs of
your facility.
Step 6: Supplier Selection
When it comes to choosing a supplier for the selected product, we utilize our VAAP program. Part of
this program includes distributors, who provide fixed pricing for all products related to the selected
solutions. We value continuing to control the price at this step, as it allows the savings established
previously to be sustained.
Step 7: Value Added Approved Partner
At CTS, we believe picking a great product is only half of what makes a great tech solution; finding
a trusted, knowledgeable partner to install it is the second half. This is why we created the VAAP
program. Within it are seasoned partners whom we have evaluated on various qualifications,
including financial stability, years of experience, technology expertise, project references, project
references within similar facilities, credentials and certifications, bonding capabilities and history,
union/non-union, workload to employee count ratio, service area, and value-added capabilities. The
qualification process allows us to determine specialists of certain products and solutions, which,
ultimately, provide you with the best possible outcome.
Step 8: RFP and Interview Process
Once the RFP has been issued and responses collected, CTS will assist you with the interviewing
process. We will have predetermined questions to ask each technology team to ensure all products
are accounted for and the solution meets preconceived expectations. The interview is intended
to give each potential partner a chance to showcase their product knowledge while selling their
company, experience and initiating ideas to enhance the solution.
Step 9: Selection and Contractional Process
CTS will award the technology package to the partners chosen and follow through with facilitating
contracts, payment requests and payments and collecting all necessary documents.
Step 10: Progress Updates
To provide transparency during the installation process, we have built an interactive portal where
customized daily/weekly production reports are created by our solution partners. These are available
for you to view and interact with (via a comments feature) at any time.
Step 11 Closeout, Punchlist, Warranty & Training
During the final step of the project, we review the project punchlist to ensure all items have been
completed. We will coordinate all necessary trainings for you and other key users at the facility. At
this time, all warranties will be filed and handed off to you.
