I received a National Fire Protection Association communication about pain points common to many business operations, including budget constraints and cuts, efficiency issues, miscommunication, time constraints or deadlines and difficulties in the decision-making process.

If we apply these five pain points to your fire alarm system installations, how would each affect the installation?

Budget constraints and cuts

We have all experienced it: budgets are cut, and the fire alarm system design and installation scope are among the first elements reviewed for a cost reduction. There are discussions regarding whether the design is asking for more than what the code requires. And we all know that the people asking this question (the owner’s representatives) most often do not know what codes and standards are in play.

That said, any reduction of coverage needs to be assessed by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), especially if they already approved the design. But let’s assume the AHJ allows a resubmittal of a different design. (Get it in writing!) Then ask the owner the all-important question, “What do you want left after the fire?”

The key to addressing this issue of looking for trade-offs to save money is to get the owner more focused on why they should consider the original detection design and to determine what the initial cost savings will accomplish when held against their protection goals and the cost of being out of business for a period, not to mention the higher replacements costs to put the building back together.

Efficiency issues

When looking at a singular issue that almost always raises cost issues, fire alarm system programming time and scheduling can make or break an installation. Only you know if savings can be found here. 

I have seen that when a contractor reviews the systems installation plans (you do have a plan, right?), cost-savings can be found by scheduling the better systems technicians who understand the equipment to be installed and programmed, in addition to the required integration of the other safety-related systems. For example, coordinating the fire alarm system with the HVAC and sprinkler contractor will avoid costly delays during construction and the fire alarm system’s acceptance test. Successful coordination between trades has almost always resulted in beneficial cost savings. Coordinating with the fire alarm system supplier to ensure on-time programming and acceptance testing means less time on-site with your technicians, once again reducing costs.

Miscommunication

This issue is older than all of us combined. I am not just referring to miscommunication between you, the design engineer and the owner. Miscommunication also happens when you assume technicians know what is required of them on a specific project. 

Additionally, if you are scheduled to install the specified equipment, are your technicians trained in the equipment requirements? If you carry the projected installation times used for every project, but those times are based on fire alarm system equipment where technicians have complete familiarity, there will obviously be challenges—and lost profits.

Miscommunication can also occur between you and the AHJ regarding scheduling and other issues, such as how many technicians will be required on-site during acceptance testing and system programming approvals.

Time constraints and deadlines

Both of these points really relate to effective communications among you and the owner, general contractor, AHJ and the foremen in charge of the fire alarm system installation. Understanding the effect of these issues greatly affects your ability to provide the installation at a price that will preempt cost-cutting of this valuable life safety system.

Difficulties in decision-making

Only you can ensure there is a clear understanding of the fire alarm system requirements and who the decision-­makers are during the design and installation processes.

You can avoid the cost-reduction pressure by paying attention to all five of these challenges. Don’t roll over when asked to reduce the fire alarm system costs until you evaluate each of these points. I assure you that it is never as easy as using different equipment than what was specified.

stock.adobe.com / tanyabosyk/ iconation