Job Components
The basic components that make up a job are outlined. Each
industry can have different job components but there is always a way
to break the job down into components. Make sure your contractor
understands how you intend to break the job down so there is no
confusion after they complete there work.
For our Security Systems company we can break the job into these
components.
Estimate
The estimate component is a visit to site or review of plans and
scope of work. This is the process where all information is gathered
about the job. With an understanding of what is required it is now
time to price the job. It is also time to enter the sub-contractor.
When pricing the job you should get an estimate from the
Sub-Contractor to do the job. This estimate should be broken down
for all of the separate stages required for the job. It is a wise
choice to take your sub-contractor with you to any site visits or at
least one walk through.
Pre-Wire
The Pre-Wire component is the process where physical work actually
begins. Pulling cable from the device location to the head end
equipment. The Pre-Wire component is the area of the job that has
the highest liability. Time wise difficulties arise from pulling the
cable in, such as finding a crushed conduit or the wiring route you
planned to take is not viable. Damage to the site often occurs at
this point, drilling through a water pipe or electrical for example.
Being the first component on a job, it is often found the site is
not ready and you can be turned away.
This is the component of a job that should always be given to a
Sub-Contractor. In doing so; (a) you get a fixed cost on the most
variable component of the job; (b) liability for damages can be
placed onto the Sub-Contractor and their insurance; (c) time wasted
in site visits, arranging access and other factors are included in
the fixed cost the Sub-Contractor provided. Only in the slowest of
times should you have your own staff complete the Pre-Wire.
Mounting & Terminating
Mounting & Terminating is the component of the job where panels and
devices are mounted in their permanent location. The wire installed
in the Pre-Wire stage is pulled to the panels and terminated. No A/C
or D/C power is applied to the equipment in this stage.
Communication loops and power to system devices are left
disconnected. All ground wires are connected properly to earth
ground. Wire verification should take place and quality control of
wire install should be addressed.
For the subcontractor this should be the furthest point they
complete unless they are fully trained and qualified to verify and
startup your equipment. Depending on workload, in times when
business is low, your own employees can take this work back from the
Sub-Contractors keeping your own staff busy.
Verification & Start-Up
Verification & Startup is the process where installed equipment is
brought online. A specific method should be put into place to reduce
the risk of damage to equipment. It is strongly advisable to create
a Verification & Startup procedure. This should consist of a sheet
including voltages and signal levels at the time of the startup.
Your staff should be aware of the levels they should find. Many
problems can be avoided by finding them before equipment is damaged.
A detailed record is kept and added to a job binder for future
troubleshooting purposes. All equipment is systematically brought
online. Any programming and such is implemented. The system
should be up and running at the end of this component.
As mentioned subcontractors should only complete this portion of
work if they are fully qualified and it is strongly recommended you
use your own employees at this point. Any quality control concerns
with the Sub-Contractors should be addressed and if need be changed.
Customer Training
Customer Training is the final component. It is the process where
the proper use of the equipment is explained to the customer.
Questions are asked and answered, and the system can often be
tweaked to suite your customers need. This is the biggest point of
customer service and satisfaction. They did not request services
from the Sub-Contractor, they requested them from you. Your
own employee should be the one to turn the system over. As you
are paying a Sub-Contractor a fixed price, they quite often are more
interested in moving on to the next job rather than taking the
appropriate time to service the customer. Having your own employees
in this final point also provides a last check if the contractors
have done proper work.
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