Looking for specific product training or general business training nearby? Look no further than your local distributor. Distributors across the country — small and large — hold events ranging from product-specific counter days to large Expos with a tradeshow and extensive class lineups.
Here’s a look at a few of the training opportunities from larger distributors of which dealers and integrators can take immediate advantage. Of course, there are many more opportunities available —check in with your distributor(s) to see what they offer as well.
TRI-ED
Technology in the security industry continues to evolve rapidly, and the need for dealer training has become more critical than ever. Security dealers turn to their distributor for education needed to stay competitive. By leveraging their distribution partnerships, today’s installers can equip themselves with the technological know how they need to keep up in the quickly-evolving marketplace.
“Technologies and applications are becoming increasingly more complex. As a result, the role of today’s distributor involves providing more education and training than ever before,” explains TRI-ED’s Senior Vice President of Global Security Marketing James Rothstein. “We take this responsibility very seriously, and are proud to provide complete security solutions when, where and how dealers need them.”
Knowledge is power, and effective training can take the fear factor out of embracing new technologies. From its Technology Roadshows to its branch training across North America, TRI-ED has educated thousands of dealers. “TRI-ED is the conduit for its customers to connect not only with the products and services they need, but also with the technological training so critical to staying competitive in today’s changing marketplace,” says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED’s President of Global Security Solutions.
This summer, TRI-ED will unveil its newest Training/Expo/Customer Appreciation program, its U.S. Stadium Tour. At these special training events, TRI-ED and its valued supplier partners welcome customers to take part in a day of networking, demonstrations, training, an expo and a night out at the ballgame.
The sessions will run from July through October and include stops in Arlington, Texas (Diamondbacks vs. Rangers on July 8); Anaheim, Calif. (Indians vs. Angels on Aug. 4); Philadelphia (Blue Jays vs. Phillies on Aug. 19); Seattle (Rangers vs. Mariners on Sept. 9); Chicago (Brewers vs. Cubs on Sept. 23); and Denver (stadium tour of Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Oct. 20). To register or learn more about these events, please visit www.tri-ed.com/events/special-training-events.
ADI
A North American wholesale distributor of security and low voltage products, ADI —the distribution branch of Honeywell — has a vast distribution network, branches throughout North America. “At ADI, we believe it is our responsibility to provide dealers with the training they need to be successful in today’s market,” says Rob Aarnes, President of ADI North America. "We are proud to offer more than 1,500 educational opportunities per year. With training facilities in all of our 103 branches and locations, we are able to provide valuable learning experiences to our dealers.”
The ADI Blog, http://blog.adiglobal.us, is another outlet for dealer/integrators to learn about the latest technology. The blog is focused on knowledge sharing, installation tips and best practices.
“We try to drive our training course content and presentations beyond features and benefits and really dig deep into the technology so dealers get the most out of each opportunity,” Aarnes explains. “We focus on helping security professionals learn how to sell the benefits of the technology to their customers, along with providing the technical expertise so they will feel confident installing the technology.”
Aarnes adds that ADI is continuously examining course offerings and adding new training opportunities. Its ADI Academy consists of monthly online training modules that will provide an overview and general product knowledge of the all the major categories. It is an excellent training opportunity for sales, operations and corporate staff.
ADI also offers in-house call-in tech support for help with product selection and system design. These industry experts are proficient in all product areas, and field more than 1,000 calls per day to provide the technical knowledge and customer care dealers need to win new business.
ADI participates in all the national tradeshows, and its two-story booth features interactive product displays where attendees can see and test some of the newest products. Additionally, ADI Expos provide security professionals with exposure to a broad array of manufacturers. The events offer training seminars, hands-on learning, exclusive on-site show specials and more (info available at http://adiglobal.com/usExpos).
CLARK Security Products
CLARK Security Products — like TRI-ED, a division on Anixter — is a wholesale distributor of security products, including door hardware, key systems, video surveillance and electronic access control. “Product education is a core part of our service offering,” says Korey Sarokin, the company’s director of marketing. “Our mission as a security product distributor is to be much more than a fulfillment house. We strive to be a reliable partner by providing our dealer partners the right products, tools, resources, services and training they need to be successful. We meet with our suppliers regularly and plan initiatives at a national level to give customers the right kind of product education and training that will support their security and business needs,”
“The object of our training presentations is to enhance our customers’ knowledge of security and technology so they can have the confidence, knowledge, qualifications, and certifications needed to expand their business offerings,” Sarokin adds.
CLARK offers a broad range of classes, from basic to advanced locksmithing, door hardware and access control, automotive, safes, certifications and more. The classes are available across the country, from local trainings to regional expos and educational seminars; and most offer hands-on training for participants to practice and improve their skills in an interactive environment.”
Classes include: Certification training, new product releases, fire & life safety codes, electronic security, servicing and troubleshooting, and advanced hands-on skills. Each year, the distributor hosts regional expos/educational seminars. In partnership with suppliers and industry-leading educators, each event includes security and business building classes tailored for business owners and security integrators.
“We introduce customers to the products and services we provide, from product trends to value added services that make it easier for them to do business, like ecommerce tools, leasing/finance programs, account managers in the field and technical expertise,” Sarokin says.
Local vendor days at individual CLARK branches give attendees a chance to learn about new products and to network directly with the distributor’s vendor partners. CLARK also offers factory training and certification at branch locations, hosts webinars and exhibits at regional trade shows. Check out all of the company’s upcoming events at http://clarksecurity.wpengine.com/calendars/month.
For in-house technical support, electronic security specialists are available at each CLARK location. “We have trained Electronic Security Specialists (ESS) to help customers navigate advanced electronic security. They can design, configure, supply, network and support IP-addressable electronic access control solutions,” Sarokin explains. “In many cases, our ESS specialists are certified by the factory. They can provide level 1 and some level 2 support for PC-based, Server-based, Wireless (802.11) and Ethernet (802.3) access control systems, as well as various additional Electronic Security Solutions, from stand-alone to large networked electronic access control systems and analog and IP Surveillance/CCTV systems.”
Paul Rothman is Editor In Chief of Security Dealer & Integrator (SD&I) magazine (www.secdealer.com). Tim O’Leary is a regular contributor to SD&I sister publication Locksmith Ledger (www.locksmithledger.com).
