Our Process
There are two primary methodologies for procuring A/V systems and we are experienced in both.
Design/Bid:
To hire an audiovisual consultant to conceive, architect and design A/V systems with the goal of preparing a specification for competitive bid, followed by the participation of a systems integrator.
Design/Build:
To bypass the audiovisual consultant and hire only a systems integrator to conceive, design and install of the systems equipment.
Keeping in mind that the needs of every project are unique MFi has and will continue to work with all project owners, trades, and consultants, who are most commonly employed to achieve successful audio and multimedia implementations for extremely complex projects.
As a general rule, technology upgrades and modest new construction projects or renovations may best be handled as design/build projects. Institutions undertaking a large, complex construction project, should consider working with a pure consultant. Consultants often times do a superior job when a client's requirements go beyond the traditional, toward the esoteric where thinking outside the box may make them the good choice.
Consultants, typically do a superior job of furnishing architectural design input. Often times, consultants provide a variety of technology consulting in areas such as telecommunications, security, acoustics, etc, and as a result, have far more experience in interacting with and supporting architects. They are also more likely to have staff with an architectural design background. Periodically, consultants run out of fee toward the end of a project or live work in another part of the country, and as a result, they may not monitor the installation progress as closely as they should.
If the primary issue becomes the ability to discern whether the integrator can be less expensive overall than the fee paid to the pure consultant for A/V systems design services, plus the integrator's cost of the equipment and labor. Often times, the answer may be that a design/build solution may be less expensive.
In almost all cases, integrator's can do as good a job, or better, than consultants, for the simple reason that they deal with the nuts and bolts of the equipment every day. They have the practical, hands-on experience in assembling and troubleshooting complex equipment under real-world field conditions.
DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS
As a Design-Build technology integrator there are five phases that direct the course of a project from concept to completion, providing cost-effective solutions and applications, including drawings, detailed equipment lists and installation plans whenever necessary.
Careful thought and attention are provided at all times to ensure you receive a solution tailored to your needs and delivers the benefits you desire. We are committed to making the entire experience from start to finish as effective and efficient as possible.
We are responsible for all phases of the A/V and integrated technology work including the needs assessment, system design, engineering, installation, commissioning, training and service. At the inception of the design-build process it is very important to ensure the needs analysis and discovery have been performed thoroughly prior to beginning system design.
Our goal is to always provide exceptional service and to ensure you receive a solution tailored to your needs so we can build a lasting relationship you can depend on, no matter the size or scope of your project. Ultimately this process makes your entire experience as effective and efficient as possible from start to finish.
DISCOVERY:
The project always begins with a discovery process, where we explore all your needs (and wants) in detail so we can provide a comprehensive plan for you to consider. Our preliminary conversations are relaxed yet specific, as we endeavor to balance the desires of the client with the realities of technological trends, budget constraints and future consideration.
SYSTEM DESIGN:
Now that pertinent information has been gathered, our systems team can get to work to define all aspects of the project functionality for each room or area. All hardware and labor is now defined with the most efficient and practical layout for your system — one that meets your current needs and leaves room for growth as your technology needs evolve. Once we have a proposal ready for you, we will schedule a meeting to review. If you have changes, our engineers adjust the project scope and design as needed.
ENGINEERING:
After client has signed off on the system design and project estimate, our team will plan and produce documents and drawings for the installation of the technical solutions to not only meet your needs, but ensure reliability and ease of use.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
After completing proposal discussions, we’ll procure your A/V equipment and begin assembling as appropriate in our office or at the job site. Once the equipment racks have been assembled, organized, and programmed in a clean environment at our office, your system will be delivered ready to implement. The length of time for this phase is often dependent upon the time frame of construction. Our job is only complete when the client is 100% satisfied with the finished product. Once system installation is complete, all engineering documentation is updated to an as-built state.
SERVICE & SUPPORT:
After your project is complete, we demonstrate how to use your new system so you can start enjoying your technology right away. If you have questions later or need service, we’re available to ensure your technology continues to run flawlessly as we strive to make every client, a client for life. By delivering as-built documentation and programming source code to our clients, we ensure that the investment they have made into their home is well protected and may be serviced for life with accuracy and diligence. We honor all manufacturer warranties plus a 12 month workmanship warranty.
Contact us to today to get started on your new integrated A/V system!