Project Methodology

Working with our clients we strive to implement an eight-phase work plan, tailored to the project's needs. Timelines are set in each phase to ensure that work proceeds in an orderly manner. A number of phases may occur concurrently depending on the work site and the client's wishes.

1. CONSULTATION AND DESIGN
At the outset a project team is confirmed, reporting relationships are established and advisory project participants are scheduled. In our experience it is important that we be involved in the early planning stage with any system of significance. The design process begins through consultation with those who will be managers and/or users of the system. This process enables us to tailor the system to fulfill its initial objectives, while making provision for future expansion and modifications. We often find that we are able to provide useful ideas to our clients - ideas that they may not have considered previously or perhaps were unaware that they could be incorporated. The balance of this work phase is devoted to:

• An examination of the functional attributes of each room, or area;
• Identification of the types of equipment for the area, and the level of integration required to facilitate automation within the home or building;
• Defining zones of common functionality;
• Preliminary assessment of current and future needs for the system.
• Creating a functional design to answer all identified needs and requirements

2. DRAWINGS AND SIGN-OFF
Following the consultation process, CAD, Visio 2000 and Digitools software can be used to develop detailed drawings and equipment lists. There can be, included with these drawings, a report showing structural accommodations, including; shelving, cabinetry, conduit, enclosures to be incorporated within poured concrete etc. Adjustments are made and incorporated into the drawings based upon client review. Final sign-off of these drawings serves as the basis for ordering network related equipment and scheduling installation. These drawings form part of the system documentation provided upon completion.

3. PRE-WIRE
Pre-wire is the installation of the low voltage wiring and cabling. This work phase is scheduled after the electrical has been completed, and before dry walling begins. During this phase, the equipment racks / backboards are installed in the control room in order to secure the cabling in position prior to the installation of HVAC, security, PC network etc.

4. EQUIPMENT
The equipment phase will include recommendation and demonstration, as well as the selection, of various components. A short list of equipment, meeting or exceeding spec, is created, prior to finalizing the decision, on which components are most suitable. K&W enjoys excellent relationships with its suppliers, and through them, site visits can be arranged at other facilities in Canada and/or the U.S. for certain specialty items, if desired. Ultimately, an equipment-ordering schedule is supplied to allow for sufficient lead-time to ensure on-time installation.

5. EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Dictated by the overall schedule, the installation of equipment is coordinated with other trades. For example, cabling for hidden speakers for P.A. systems or background music will be installed under drywall so that they are not visible and must be in place before the drywall trades arrive. Other equipment, such as screens for video projection is installed after the paint trades, while touch screens facilitating full automation are the last items to be installed.

6. PROGRAMMING AND TESTING
Almost all programming is completed prior to installation at the client site. Once installed, all systems are tested and validated.

7. TRAINING AND DOCUMENTATION
After final trim out and testing, on site training is arranged for those who will be using the system, after which documentation is completed.

8. LONG TERM SERVICE ORIENTATION
K&W Audio takes a long-term service approach to clients' systems and their equipment. For example, remote maintenance and troubleshooting can be accomplished through the use of TCP/IP-enabled devices throughout the home or building. These devises can be accessed for most programming related updates, maintenance, and service from any location via a secure website.

For commercial applications we offer clients the choice of training their own designated on-site staff (building operators, a/v operators, IT staff, etc.). The staff is trained to replace a malfunctioning part or component, making the integration controls essentially plug-and-play when they are used in conjunction with TCP/IP-enabled devices. In addition, K&W holds devices used for critical areas (such as security) in backup for emergencies, either on-site or off.

After commissioning the completed installation, K&W provides technical updates as the technology evolves. Our staff, working on line, can usually fix any programming problems, or requests for changes. K&W Audio also offers a tailor made Maintenance Contract for on-going service, offering the option of 24-hour emergency loaner exchange for any equipment failures that may occur.