CITS - What's Included

We did a first look of the Custom Install Tech System (CITS) back in October of 2007 and found it to be an extremely useful product with tons of potential to revolutionize the way many custom installers handled their inventories. This time around we were fortunate enough to be able to give the system a full test-run with a complete Standard system which featured two weatherproof mil-spec roller cases, the Custom Order Application (COA) software, and over $2500 in resalable parts. To say we were a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement.

The reason the CITS system is so intriguing is due to the ease with which custom installers and system integrators lose track of inventory expended to a particular jobsite. The CITS software and barcode scanning system eliminates the problem by assigning "kits" to each installer and allowing them to bill materials to a job - tracking the parts in real time as they leave the kit. The downside is that this requires a complete retraining of how your installers handle parts and inventory replenishment, but it seems to be well worth it. As many in the business know, "the most expensive part is the one you don’t' have when you need it." No one likes to return to a jobsite simply because they didn't have what they needed.

What's Included

The CITS Standard system included thousands of parts - around $1500 in terms of its retail value. Aside from the dual cases (which initially hold 16 organizers) and barcode scanning system, the CITS comes with a whole host of inventory-ready parts.

• Cables: Audio, Video, Network, Computer, & More
• Cable Adaptors: HDMI, Optical, VGA, Mod-Taps, & More
• Cable Termination: "F", BNC, RCA, Data, & More
• Connectors: Wirenuts, Crimps, Spades, Bell Caps, & More
• Electrical: Cords, Adaptors, Low Volt, Fuses, Tape, & More
• Hardware: Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Anchors, & More
• Infrared: Emitters, Power Supplies, Blocks, Receivers, & More
• Inserts: Data, CATV, RCA, Speaker, & More
• Labels: Labelers, Zip Labels, Tape, Markers, & More
• Miscellaneous: Glue, Tape, Batteries, Install Parts & More
• Retro-fit: Tools, Boxes, Enclosures, & More
• Rough-In: Conduit, Boxes, Enclosures, Hangers, & More
• Satellite Radio: Antennas, Adaptors, Amps, Tester, & More
• Signal Distribution: Satellite Parts, Splitters, Amps, & More
• Telecomm: Terminations, Blocks, Distribution, Patch Panels, & More
• Test & Repair: Meters, Wall Patch, Glue, & More
• Tools: Pre-wire, Termination, Retro-fit, & More
• TV Mounts: Fixed, Tilt, Pull-Out, & More
• VC's / Selectors: Volume Controls, Speaker Selectors
• Wallplates: Port Plates, Decora, Hole, Weather, & More
• Wire: Component, Digital, Analog, & More
• Wire Management: Velcro, Zip Ties, Cable Supports, Shrink Tube, & More

The items that aren’t included include most cables and large quantities of any types of items which take up space (wall-plates and larger inserts are limited for example). You can customize the CITS system in any way that you like, but the initial cases contain a bit of a smorgasbord, rather than a robust kit with enough parts to do a large AV installation. After seeing and using the kit, I'd recommend stocking up your utility van with the parts which you use most often and replace the supply contained within the cases as needed.