I have finally started my first week of the phase 2 placement scheme, which is pre-sales! As I mentioned earlier in the other articles, pre-sales is a department that oversees the early stage design before the project has been sold. The first job that I have come across was reviewing a tender project for Netflix, which is currently under the process of competing other AV companies. In this particular project, we have received a very detailed floor plan, elevation and schematic for most of the room types. What we have to do is double check the kit lists or as called BoQ (Bills of Quantity) with the current schematic to ensure the system has been designed to work functionally with the appropriate equipment. At the same time, we have to price up the cost for the tender projects including all the equipment that will be used and any labour consideration within the whole process. I will say the biggest decision that pre-sales department has to made was balanced between the quality of the system and services provided to the clients and the certain amount of budget that has to be maintained under. 

Aside from pricing up and matching the equipment with the schematics, creating a clear, detailed proposal is also very important. In that case, some site-survey must be taken to ensure that what we have offered is match to the proposal that we have agreed with the clients. Taking a site-survey is basically getting information of either the current equipment such as display etc. the dimension of the space or testing out the existing cables and networking connection. By doing this, we can ensure what is working and what is not before starting the design. Since if we then found out any cables that is not working on-site which are supplied by the clients, we can ask the client to pay for the replacement since the site-survey has been done and any assumption has been made and stated in the proposal that the client has signed off.

Another thing that pre-sales department need to keep up with the latest technology that has been introduced to the industry. In that case, site training or demo by different manufacturer is very common in this department. While using the knowledge that you have obtained throughout these events, you will always have different suggestions to the coming up designs which is essential during the early design stage.

After spending my first week in pre-sales, I was quite surprised with all the workload they have had. You could be jump into several technical check meetings with the minimum amount of time to finish it. At the same time, you will also be pushed by the sales team to ask you to finish a design as soon as possible under a situation when you don’t have enough information to set up a design. Seems like there are always some different challenges coming along everyday. Being able to keep up with new technology all the time is a must, since you will always get different queries from the clients and the sales team. Another point that I found interesting is that the members in the team are always brainstorming and learning new things from each other while they are putting up a design. Which I think it is a very good skills for me to improve as one of my personal development throughout the placement year. Having an ability to give out personal opinions and discuss with others do bring up some completely new ideas and solutions. 

Although I was just began my new position in pre-sales department for a week and haven’t actually got responsibility in any projects. By jumping into calls and keep absorbing the understanding in different products and general setups, I believed that I am always prepared for any new tasks and challenges. The fascinating part of working in pre-sales is the opportunities of approaching new stuff, which I will be pretty much going into those demos and trainings. 

First week in pre-sales, getting some experience of a bit of this and that, can’t wait for my second week for more exciting work coming along! Stay tuned for my placement updates and I will see you next week!

Mandy xx