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Functional SpecificationsFunctional specifications describe what your system should do and how it should perform for you, without specifying brand names or product names. It lists the most important features and describes how you want to use them. It's not like writing a complete user manual for the system—because you only include the features that are important for your requriements. Consultants write these kind of specifications knowing what features are commonly found in systems. Thus, for example, they don't have to write "shall generate reports on a laser printer." Any security system will be able to do that. One advantage of functional specifications is that they focus on your specific requirements, and thus give the vendors a much more clear idea of what you are trying to accomplish. This lets vendors make better decisions about which product to suggest to you, because they know how the various products work. Functional specifications don't tie you down to a specific brand or product. Functional specs also guide the vendor in how to set up your system, because they specify what you want to use the system for and how you expect it to perform. Engineering SpecificationsEngineering specifications are much more detailed and describe the system in its entirety. Often (but not always) they include the brand and product model for the system components. They can even include details about how the installation work should be done. Vendors provide engineering specifications called "A&E Specs", which is short for Architect and Engineer Specifications. That's because in the early days of security systems, for new buildings security systems were included in the architect's or electrical engineer's electrical specifications for the building. These are "boiler-plate" specifications that consultants or end users can issue directly with little or no modification. To use this kind of specification, you have to select the brand and model of security system ahead of time, so you can determine which vendor's specifications to use. Why We Recommend Functional SpecificationsFor most situations, any one of the top security access control or CCTV systems will provide what you need. What is usually most important is which vendor local to you is able to provide you with the best service. Choosing a system can be more a function of choosing the best vendor, and then prurchasing one of the top systems offered by that vendor. Functional specifications let you do that. If you are a national or organization you will need a national vendor or a national network of independent vendors who can provide what you need. Global corporations need service on an international scale. Again it makes sense to select your vendor first and your system second. Sometimes you make the final system selection based upon the strength of a manufacturer's national or international system integrator network, or an alliance with a global system integrator. Another strong advantage is that functional specifications help to develop a relevant system test plan, because the specifications reflect your most important needs. A relevant test plan is critical because it's the only means you have of assuring that you are actually getting what you intend to get (including that the system is set up the way you need it to be set up). One reason some people prefer engineering specifications is that you can generate an equipment list and estimate the cost of the system very closely. An experienced consultant can do the same thing with functional specifications. Specifications ReviewIf you have specifications but are not not sure if they are complete enough or correct enougn, we can review then and tell you what we think based upon our experience. Getting off to a Good StartHaving complete specifications that clearly spell out what you intend to get will get your project off to a good start quickly, and allow it to proceed at a fast pace.
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