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Custom Install Tech System Review

by August 07, 2008
Custom Install Tech System (C.I.T.S.)

Custom Install Tech System (C.I.T.S.)

  • Product Name: Standard Custom Install Tech System (C.I.T.S)
  • Manufacturer: Custom Install Supply (CIS)
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: August 07, 2008 08:10
  • MSRP: $ 3295
  • Buy Now

 

  • CITS System includes (2) cases (16) organizers
  • Barcode scanner and COA software included!
  • Streamline your company's installations
  • Track parts used by project, technician, and date
  • Bill for all the parts you use - have the parts you need
  • Automate your reordering process, eliminate data entry, eliminate ordering from multiple vendors
  • Prevent impulse buying and overnight shipping
  • Eliminate costly return trips and client frustration
  • Fully customizable part selection, organization method and layout
  • Includes Over $1500 of Resalable Parts

Pros

  • Incredibly convenient
  • Durable, weatherproof
  • Great organization
  • Infinitely customizable
  • Excellent customer and product support
  • New products can be added as needed

Cons

  • Best practices involve using CIS for majority of inventory
  • Customization needed for optimal use
  • Requires disciplined re-training on inventory use procedures
  • Lack of documentation online (support is mainly via phone or email)

 

Custom Install Tech System Introduction

CITS-kit-spread.jpgWe 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.

About the author:
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Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.

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