As a truly independent consultancy, the primary focus is how users interact with and use a system. Only then can technologies be explored. Technology should never steer the client’s requirements.
With the convergence of AV and IT technologies, engaging with a consultancy that understands these two areas is vital. Harkwood Services builds on over 30 years of experience in IT/AV and building converged solutions before they became available.
Harkwood Services specialises in new build and refurbishment projects, where consultancy services should be on board as early as possible. Modern solutions are constantly evolving and technically complex, often requiring integration with other building services. Designing an AV or IT solution for a project is more cost-effective than treating these as post-completion works. Early engagement ensures design changes do not alter the original clients’ requirements.
Maintaining a focus on a space’s aesthetics is also essential to consider when deploying AV technology. Good coordination with architects and build teams is also crucial to ensuring the result technically and visually meets the requirements of any given project.
As systems become more complex, so does the procurement of these solutions. Tenders and responses can be complex, requiring in-depth understanding to ensure the selected supplier represents the best value. A tender that appears to be very competitive may well not meet the original clients’ intentions, regardless of what the salesperson says.
Many AV system integrators refer approaches for consultancy to independent consultants, especially if they intend to bid for the project. Doing so ensures a level playing field during any tender process and that the client’s needs are always first and foremost in the system specification.
Key areas of expertise are within the following areas
- Audio Visual System and IT Integration, specifically within new build and refurbishment projects
- Understanding and documenting the user requirement
- Creation of Performance Specifications
- Reviews of existing or proposed AV and IT systems
- Tender documentation and assistance with tendering processes
- Monitoring implementations to ensure design & specification compliance
- Network troubleshooting to resolve issues such as poor performance
How independent is independent?
Simply put, the following are the main points.
- We do not accept or solicit referral fees or commissions from AV equipment manufacturers, System integrators, or anyone else.
- We treat all potential suppliers equally, and no one is excluded as a possible bidder on a project. A supplier who may have performed poorly on a previous project is not discriminated against. Companies learn and change.
- We have no links such as Directors of or are subcontracted to any AV manufacturer, system integrator, or sub-contract installer.
- Various AV-related companies and manufacturers have contracted Harkwood Services for specific work packages, such as low-level technical support, diagnostics, fault-finding, or arbitrating between another consultancy/installer and a client to resolve issues. If necessary, any related contract work will be flagged to you for transparency for your project.
- There are no strings attached to assessing tender responses. However, if a potential supplier approaches us with an offer, we will politely refuse it and report the matter to the client.
- We manufacture and sell some AV equipment, details of which are published here. We do not specify our products in any tender specifications nor require any potential supplier to purchase or use our products.
- We are technology agnostic. Your requirements determine the technology for a project.
Unfortunately, not all independent consultancies are the same.