Evaluating Existing Systems
System upgrades or replacements begin with an evaluation of your existing system: checking its condition, diagnosing problems, and deciding which components to keep. Once an evaluation is performed, we help assess your needs--a minor upgrade, a complete replacement, or something in between--to get your security system back to optimum status. The initial steps of this process include data gathering, problems investigation, analysis, summation of findings, and draft recommendations. Once the agency has concurred with the findings and recommendations, the needs assessment report is issued.
Purpose
- inform decision-makers
- collect and distill reported problems
- quantify on-going costs
- relate inspection results
- help agency determine: whether to pursue project
scope of project
whether to phase project
Data Gathering
This step begins with a tour of your facility and inspection of your system. Our engineers list problems that we see and that you and your staff identify. They may prepare checklists on topics such as code compliance. We collect and study all information you have on the system, including construction documents, as-built drawings, operations manuals, maintenance records, program listings, and other pertinent data.
Problems Investigation
Where the cause of specific problems isn't readily apparent, we may use test equipment to isolate and diagnose the problem. To ensure that line and supervisory staff's problems haven't been overlooked, or that their needs haven't changed over time, they may be interviewed as well.
Analysis
Criteria used to assess system condition include:
- estimates of remaining useful life
- frequency and cost of component replacement
- the cost of downtime
- security risks
- hazard due to fire or electrical shock (i.e., code compliance)
- service availability (disruption due to repair)
- ergonomics
When a formal cost /benefit analysis is needed, the agency is asked to weight and score these factors against the net present value of various replacement or upgrade options. However, the preferred alternative is usually evident without such rigorous analysis.
Summation and Recommendations
Typically, Justice Systems prepares a summation of findings and draft recommendations. Once you have concurred with these, we then issue an evaluation and needs assessment report. Where problems are acute, the evaluation process and needs assessment report serve as a project catalyst. They help build consensus for the proposed solution by allowing decision-makers to appreciate the costs and risks of deferred action. A thorough evaluation and well-prepared needs assessment is the first step in project success.
