Thor Atreides Inc. implements an eight phase work plan, tailored to the project's needs.
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. 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
• Identification of the types of equipment for the area, and the level of integration required to facilitate automation within the home or building.
• Assessment of current and future needs for the system
2. DRAWINGS AND PROPOSAL
Following the consultation process, CAD, Visio 2000 and Digitools software is 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.
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 order to secure the cabling in position prior to the installation of HVAC, security, PC network etc.
4. EQUIPMENT
A short list of equipment, meeting or exceeding spec, is created, prior to finalizing the decision, on which components are most suitable. We enjoy excellent relationships with our 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.
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
After final trim out and testing, on site training is arranged for those who will be using the system.
8. LONG TERM SERVICE ORIENTATION
Thor Atreides Inc. 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, Thor Atreides Inc. holds devices used for critical areas ) in backup for emergencies, either on-site or off.
After commissioning the completed installation, we provide technical updates as the technology evolves. Our staff, working on line, can usually fix any programming errors, or requests for changes. We also offer 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
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