Security Sales & Integration July 2023 - 39

thought and attention to detail. Integrating
security systems together to create a tool that
enhances a client's workfl ow and security
posture adds another level of complexity.
Due to the diligent planning on the front
end of the project, installation and implementation
were effi cient. Not only is the system robust
and customizable, but it can be replicated
across all the facilities to create consistency in
the user experience.
No installation is completely without hiccups,
though. As mentioned, the contracted
All the systems and data needed
to be on a single-screen
view for the safety and security
teams. This challenge was
welcomed by the integrator.
timetable in particular posed several issues.
" Texas is seeing unprecedented growth and
so speed is needed to solve the education issues
in a relatively newly developed area adjacent
to the Houston area, " states Reeves. " Th is was
to serve as the template for all K-8 projects
for the foreseeable future, and the fi rst step
implementing a 360° enterprise-level system.
It required rigorous coordination and communication
for us to arrive at four months,
about half our usual, to meet the milestone so
teachers could begin training. "
Another challenge was nuisance alarms. Th e
initial architecture of the intrusion detection
system and the arming/disarming process integrated
with Genetec Security Center did not
conform well with the operational workfl ow
of the customer.
With some trial and error, the integrator
reworked the architecture and adjusted the
security system processes to conform with
the customer's operations. Th e revised solution
took time to discover and implement,
but Pref-Tech found the optimal solution
and even reduced the cost of future implementations
because the revised solution reduced
hardware and cabling requirements.
INSIDE THE INTEGRATOR
▶ Pref-Tech's roots span back
to 1999, when Charlie and
Trisha Castillo merged ITI
with several other companies
to form Netversant Solutions,
a technology company that
spanned the United States.
After fi ve years with Netversant,
they were ready to get
back into small business and
approached their son, Shaun,
with the idea of starting a
new company.
After serving fi ve years
in the U.S. Army, in 2005,
Shaun made a commitment
to start the new company
with his parents. In May of
that year, Trisha established
Preferred Technologies as a
Texas corporation. Her son
joined the company in August
and started by rebuilding
an old, worn-out trailer
to use as an offi ce.
During the day, Shaun
worked on that trailer. At
night, his father taught
him how to design cabling
systems, estimate them, sell
them and install them. He
also gave Shaun direction
and resources to develop his
understanding of the physical
security market. His father
offi cially joined the company
on Sept. 1, 2005. Pref-Tech
generated income for the fi rst
time by installing a data and
voice cabling system on two
fl oors of an offi ce building.
From its beginnings to
today, Pref-Tech has successfully
executed projects that
extend from small data cabling
jobs to large, complex,
integrated security systems in
environments ranging from
portable classroom buildings
to international airports. In
all cases, the company has
not wavered in its mission to
diff erentiate itself from the
competition by following its
core business principles. The
company operates out of offi
ces in Houston and Austin.
" Pref-Tech delivers
integrated security systems
tailored to the needs of each
client, " says Shaun Castillo.
" We design, build, maintain
and service superior security
systems, wired and wireless
networks, and low-voltage
systems to protect
our clients' interests and
enhance their operations.
Pref-Tech integrates custom
security solutions for a wide
range of industries including
government, education,
critical infrastructure, commercial
facilities, healthcare,
airports, seaports, oil, gas
and energy. "
securitysales.com
JULY 2023 Security Sales & Integration 39
http://www.securitysales.com
Security Sales & Integration July 2023

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