Selecting a Visual Communications System Provider

Seven tips for emergency management personnel in higher education institutions

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6. Product Quality and Warranty
   

   Some emergency message board manufacturers off er short product warranties or no warranty at all. This is an indication of the vendor’s lack of confi dence in their own product and their unwillingness to help if a problem arises down the road. Look to a company’s history and a longer warranty as an indication of the design integrity of the message board.

7. Proven Track Record

   Emergency mass notification is an emerging industry, and many vendors do not have the experience or expertise necessary to provide an eff ective solution. Ask your vendor for proof of successful system implementations at colleges or universities comparable to yours. A trusted vendor should also be willing and able to partner with you for a proof of concept.

Conclusion

Campus safety is a serious concern and selecting a visual notification system vendor must be approached with careful scrutiny. Emergency managers should select a system that aligns with other communication technologies and contributes to a comprehensive mass notification strategy.

Be sure to ask the following questions when shopping for a visual notification solution.

1. Will the vendor conduct an on-campus assessment to make recommendations based on your specific needs and requirements?
2. Does the system integrate with your existing mass notifi cation systems?
3. Is Power over Ethernet (PoE) an available power source? (PoE devices consume less than 15.8 watts of power)
4. Does the system support multiple functions, including RSS message delivery, ad-hoc message capability and audible tones?
5. Is the visual notifi cation system based on LED displays?
6. Does the vendor off er a substantial warranty?
7. Does the vendor have a proven track record, including successful implementations at other colleges and universities?

About Inova Solutions

Since 1984, Inova Solutions has been helping schools and universities, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, call centers and others communicate vital real-time information. Inova’s visual notification system, Inova OnAlert™, has been successfully deployed at Virginia Tech and other leading institutions. To learn more, visit www.inovasolutions.com/mass-notification or call 1.866.686.8774.

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