Author: team@devphase.io

Conventional or addressable fire alarms which is the right choice for you

Posted on by team@devphase.io

You’ve decided it’s time to replace your existing fire alarm system. Maybe you’ve significantly expanded your facility’s footprint, bringing on more staff and therefore increasing your safety concerns. Or perhaps you’ve downsized your square-footage and want to explore how this may have changed your fire alarm needs. Or it could be that your current system is simply aging past its useful life, inspiring you to investigate the latest options. Whatever the reason, the next decision you’re faced with is determining the type of system—conventional or addressable—to buy. Although a Pavion fire alarm specialist is best suited to analyze your situation and guide you through the decision-making process, here’s a bit of information about both types to get you started.

Conventional Fire Alarms

In these hardware-based, analog systems, each detection device is connected to a zone which has its own wire connected to a central control panel. Because this equipment is fairly inexpensive, conventional systems cost less to purchase compared to addressable systems. But labor costs are higher because each zone of detection devices must be individually wired and connected to the control panel, making this a fairly time-consuming process.

Another consideration is that these systems cannot pinpoint which device was activated; alarms are identified by zone, usually identifying one floor or area only. This is why conventional systems are usually installed in smaller properties where there is less need for such specificity.

Addressable Fire Alarms

These systems are able to monitor every detection device—fire, smoke and carbon monoxide—installed in a building, pinpointing exactly where and what type of an alarm has been activated and what has triggered that activation. This capability is why addressable fire alarms are also known as “intelligent systems.” Even though a single wire can connect hundreds of alarm devices to a control panel, each one has its own unique identifier making it possible to swiftly assess the situation and respond.

These systems also afford properties greater flexibility and have more capabilities compared to conventional systems. And because only one wire can connect hundreds of devices to the control panel, less labor is required, lowering that cost. (Both ends of this wire are looped into the panel. If one end is disconnected, the devices will still function, making this system more reliable than some conventional systems.)

However, the equipment is more expensive compared to conventional systems, resulting in a higher purchase price. Typically, addressable systems are installed in larger, more complex buildings where the need to immediately identify and locate a threat is acute.

Decisions, Decisions

Even though conventional systems have their limitations, they should not automatically be ruled out. Depending on the property and the budget they may offer the perfect solution—not every business is going to need the expanded capabilities of an addressable system. Contact a Pavion fire safety expert who will help you determine exactly what is right for you.

Top 5 features of access control systems

Posted on by team@devphase.io

As employers across the country attempt to pull people back into the office, some employees who have fully embraced remote working are pushing back against the idea they need to show up in person to get the job done.

This dynamic, coupled with the still-ongoing “great resignation,” has put employers in unfamiliar territory. In addition to establishing hybrid schedules, employers are challenged with creating environments people want to be in, ones that are inviting and—especially important—safe and secure.

This heightened need for safety and security is why access control systems are more important than ever, since most workplaces are not yet fully populated and many now allow employees the flexibility of working after hours, it is even more essential for employers to use technology to protect those who are onsite.

Access control technology offers building owners and employers an array of features to select from. But let’s take a quick look at five that are currently generating the most interest. In no particular order these are:

  • Touchless technology. The pandemic super-charged hygiene concerns, making touchless technology even more relevant. This is why the majority of today’s new access control systems rely on various no-contact methods, such as a scan of a QR code, or a proximity credential that works several inches away from a reader, or biometrics like facial recognition. By creating one less touch point, this technology eliminates a potential illness-spreading vector and reduces wear-and-tear on the physical hardware.
  • Remote management. With people still working from home or in a hybrid arrangement, the ability to remotely manage access control has become an essential flexibility. Access can be granted, denied or monitored remotely, either through your designated personnel or your system provider. Even when offsite, security remains uncompromised and entirely under your control.
  • Cloud-based access control. Today it seems as if nearly every key operating system is cloud-based, why should access control be any different? Cloud-based access and security affords multiple advantages, among them greater flexibility (changes to access can be made anywhere and at any time, even from a smartphone) simplifying access management. Because an onsite dedicated server isn’t required, security is enhanced. These are just a few of the advantages cloud-based systems offer.
  • Multi-factor authentication. This simply means that more than one type of identifier is required to enter a facility, such as (for example) a credential scan on a phone along with a biometric scan of a face or some other combination. Driven by heightened security needs, this form of access control is becoming more frequently requested and therefore more common in new systems.
  • Combining video and access control. Video technology can be paired with access control to create an even more robust system. These technologies can be incorporated into one system or as separate systems that still work together. Examples of this integration include unlocking a door after confirming access via video or ensuring that a valid ID/credential isn’t being used by an unauthorized visitor.

These features, and others, can be bundled together or deployed separately. Pavion’s experienced personnel can evaluate your specific situation and recommend a solution that will best meet your access control and security needs.

Convenience and consistency pavion one stop shop approach

Posted on by team@devphase.io

You’ve decided it’s time to replace your existing fire alarm system. Maybe you’ve significantly expanded your facility’s footprint, bringing on more staff and therefore increasing your safety concerns. Or perhaps you’ve downsized your square-footage and want to explore how this may have changed your fire alarm needs. Or it could be that your current system is simply aging past its useful life, inspiring you to investigate the latest options. Whatever the reason, the next decision you’re faced with is determining the type of system—conventional or addressable—to buy. Although a Pavion fire alarm specialist is best suited to analyze your situation and guide you through the decision-making process, here’s a bit of information about both types to get you started.

Conventional Fire Alarms

In these hardware-based, analog systems, each detection device is connected to a zone which has its own wire connected to a central control panel. Because this equipment is fairly inexpensive, conventional systems cost less to purchase compared to addressable systems. But labor costs are higher because each zone of detection devices must be individually wired and connected to the control panel, making this a fairly time-consuming process.

Another consideration is that these systems cannot pinpoint which device was activated; alarms are identified by zone, usually identifying one floor or area only. This is why conventional systems are usually installed in smaller properties where there is less need for such specificity.

Addressable Fire Alarms

These systems are able to monitor every detection device—fire, smoke and carbon monoxide—installed in a building, pinpointing exactly where and what type of an alarm has been activated and what has triggered that activation. This capability is why addressable fire alarms are also known as “intelligent systems.” Even though a single wire can connect hundreds of alarm devices to a control panel, each one has its own unique identifier making it possible to swiftly assess the situation and respond.

These systems also afford properties greater flexibility and have more capabilities compared to conventional systems. And because only one wire can connect hundreds of devices to the control panel, less labor is required, lowering that cost. (Both ends of this wire are looped into the panel. If one end is disconnected, the devices will still function, making this system more reliable than some conventional systems.)

However, the equipment is more expensive compared to conventional systems, resulting in a higher purchase price. Typically, addressable systems are installed in larger, more complex buildings where the need to immediately identify and locate a threat is acute.

Decisions, Decisions

Even though conventional systems have their limitations, they should not automatically be ruled out. Depending on the property and the budget they may offer the perfect solution—not every business is going to need the expanded capabilities of an addressable system. Contact a Pavion fire safety expert who will help you determine exactly what is right for you.

Pavion culture

Posted on by team@devphase.io

At Pavion we don’t just say “our people are our greatest asset” we put action behind those words, creating a culture that intentionally fosters engagement, inclusion and diversity. These comprise pillars behind our success and are why we’ve been able to maintain such stability in our workforce—some employees have been with us for over 40 years—even as other companies struggle to retain workers. This has enabled Pavion to deliver a consistently outstanding customer experience regardless of any outside challenges.

Our diversity, achieved through seamlessly bringing together multiple acquisitions under one umbrella, has been one of our biggest strengths, generating an unrivaled depth of knowledge, expertise and range of experience. Comprised of industry- and-manufacturer-certified engineers, certified programmers, project managers, designers, technicians, workforce optimization specialists, electrical engineers, central station monitors and dedicated support staff, we have a nearly limitless pool of talent and perspectives to tap into and utilize.

We’ve built an environment of engagement and appreciation, where saying “thanks” and acknowledging contributions is the norm. We encourage employees to grow by stepping into unfamiliar territory, taking on new projects or roles, without fear of making a mistake or having a setback. We want people to feel comfortable learning by doing, becoming more self-directed and decisive, expanding their skill sets, fueling our company’s growth in the process.

And although we are currently over 2000 employees strong (and counting), we keep our staff included through communication strategies that make them feel part of a larger whole, ensuring that everyone stays informed and on the same page. As a result, despite our diversity, every employee is driven by the same unifying vision: connecting and protecting our customer while accelerating their transformation.

Importance of user experience when adopting new business technologies

Posted on by team@devphase.io

For a broad spectrum of businesses, bringing on new technology is essential to survival, not only to ensure that their operations function more efficiently but to also remain strong competitors in their marketplaces. However, all too often what companies discover instead is that the technology they have onboarded isn’t an exact fit for their requirements, resulting in frustration for their staffs, less-than optimal results and underutilization of the very tool they were hoping would enhance their workflows and help propel their growth.

The reality is, in order to gain the most benefit from any advanced technology, it must be closely aligned to the business’s needs and how it actually functions. Its integration into that environment must be seamless. And—at least of equal, if not greater, importance—employees must receive the level of training and support necessary to create empowered users, confident enough to make full use of the technology’s capabilities.

Pavion created its User Experience (UX) team of professionals with the above in mind. Entirely focused on the customer experience and comprised of subject-matter experts in all of the fields we serve—healthcare, education, technology, government, corporate and retail sectors—they are trained to ensure that workflows and outcomes match your needs and vision.

The UX team will observe your workflows and current technology, identifying your requirements and assessing challenges and areas of concern in your infrastructure and processes. Then, the team will collaborate with you to discuss your goals and objectives for technology and process improvements.

Next, working in conjunction with Pavion’s certified design engineers, the team will develop an integrated solution tailored to your business. They will create a detailed project scope, along with a quality control checklist and integration drawings to provide a full picture of the proposed solution(s). Once approved, implementation begins under the direction of our certified project management team. Weekly integration updates, in-house build and fabrication and in-house shop testing are all part of this phase.

Pavion’s highly trained field technicians carry out the installation, programing, system optimization and final testing. But our relationship with you and your employees doesn’t end there. Instead, the UX team will deliver multi-platform training tailored to your workforce needs, also developing a change-management strategy that leaders and managers can follow, facilitating adoption throughout the organization. Additional resources include access to our engineering help desk and to our field service technicians.

By maximizing the value of technology through focusing on the user experience and putting people first, Pavion’s UX team’s scalable solutions transform any environment into one that achieves greater efficiencies, higher productivity and measurable improvements, helping you attain a robust return on your technology investment in the process. (Call to action here)

Amidst-triple digit business growth CTSI relaunches as Pavion

Posted on by team@devphase.io

Corbett Technology Solutions, Inc. (“CTSI”) and its portfolio of recently acquired companies have relaunched as Pavion. Pavion provides customers with access to best-in-class products and services to connect and protect their people and assets in three key business units: fire, security and critical communications integration. Pavion is now the third-largest safety and communications
systems integrator in the U.S.

More information about the $500+ million company and its new brand, strategic vision and growth initiatives will be shared during a webinar on Thurs., Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. ET. Interested attendees are invited to register here.

The shift from CTSI to Pavion is the result of significant and unprecedented growth over the past 15 months. Since 2020, CTSI has grown over 400% and acquired 10 companies: The Security Division of EC&M Electrical, DavEd Fire Systems, Collaborative Technology Solutions, The Protection Bureau, Star Asset Security/Ion247, AFA Protective Systems, Structure Works, Enterprise Security Solutions, Systems Electronics and Firecom. Uniting under the Pavion umbrella allows each company to continue delivering core offerings while expanding services, impact and geographic reach—essentially providing more of what already makes them great.

While the introduction of the Pavion brand becomes official today, CTSI and its portfolio have already begun successfully integrating IT, enterprise resource planning (ERP), quoting, payroll, HR information systems (HRIS), safety and other management systems to optimize their business operations and the resulting customer experience. The company was even today awarded the prestigious Systems Integrator of the Year award from SDM Magazine.

Structure Works, a Pavion company, has been Jeffrey Reed’s primary systems integrator for a dozen years. Recently, the company implemented access control, video surveillance and intrusion alarming at PepsiCo’s beverage, foods, nutrition and headquarters locations.

“Working with Structure Works, a Pavion company, is always a seamless process from start to finish,” said Reed, Senior Security Manager for PepsiCo global security. “Pavion worked with PepsiCo to design and coordinate every aspect of the program, from configuration to installation, testing and training. For Pavion to deliver that level of service while undergoing its own major business transformation is impressive, and really speaks to its level of commitment to putting the customer first.”

“We are excited for the formation of Pavion, as it will allow us to accelerate our strategic growth,” noted Pavion President and CEO, Joe Oliveri. “We felt it was time to introduce a new brand and vision that more accurately represents the direction we’re heading. Uniting as Pavion at this moment allows us to do just that.”

Oliveri continued, “When you introduce a change like this to the market, you want to honor the legacies and relationships each company has built, while also articulating and shaping a path to the future.” He cites maintaining each company’s best practices as a key to Pavion’s ability to retain 98% of acquired employees, deepen customer relationships and restructure despite a global pandemic and supply chain crisis.

“I’m excited to lead the Pavion Security business unit and be a part of the Pavion organization. Our success is driven around our ability to think and operate with consistency as one organization across our business units and diverse geographic locations,” said Pavion Security President, Jim Muncey. Muncey joined Pavion during its acquisition of Structure Works. “Customers want and we deliver pricing, operations, service and support consistency—it takes work, but we get the job done.”

CTSI is a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity investment firm. Managing Director Nathan Brown said, “From the outset, our collective vision for the Company was built around further enhancing CTSI’s value proposition as a comprehensive solutions provider. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Pavion team as they execute their growth trajectory with a core focus on better serving more customers in more locations.

Pavion is a portmanteau of the word pavise, a full-body shield used by warriors in the 14th-16th centuries to protect themselves while moving forward in battle, an ion, an electrically charged atom that drives forward momentum. Together, the two words represent protection and connection in motion.

“We are a shield for the people we serve, protecting life and connecting customers to better outcomes, opportunity and growth,” explained Oliveri. “It’s a dynamic process.”

Read The Press Release