[4 Minute Read]
It’s known that ASD® works nationwide, but what about internationally? Our network of over 12,000 AASDIs allows us to work from coast to coast, and when our clients need us to, beyond. We are a full-service technology provider with no limits and no borders, and we’re ready to go where you need us too. Today we’ll walk you through some of ASD’s international projects and share some of what we’ve learned over the years.
Our international experience dates back many years ago with one of our clients, K&L Gates. After a successful 50 site wireless rollout across the US, they asked if we could work globally.
Since ASD® prides itself on being the go-to technology resource for our customers, and we didn’t want borders to stop us from helping. We took to expanding our AASDI network and getting the correct policies and procedures in place to handle their international work.
Workplace technology projects run a similar course of action regardless of where you are in the world, be it Curacao or Kalamazoo. But certain nuances require extra attention to detail. Some of the factors that complicate things include:
Exchange Rates
The strength of the US dollar dramatically impacts how much you’ll spend on labor and materials in different countries.
VAT
The value-added tax is a consumption tax added at each stage of the supply chain. It isn’t something that we deal with in the United States, but it can be as high as 25% in the 160+ countries around the world that utilize it. A 25% tax can drastically alter a budget, so it’s something you must plan for and be aware of during international projects.
Click here for VAT rates by country.
Time Zones
Communication is key to the success of any project, especially when you start dealing with multiple vendors, technicians, site-contacts, etc. International work can get tricky when there’s an 8+ hour time difference between a project manager and the project site. Planning and accounting for this difference can ensure quick and fluid communication.
Cable Type
UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) cable is generally the standard in the US and Canada, whereas most countries in Europe and overseas use STP (shielded twisted pair) cable. STP cable has a foil or mesh shield that guards it against electromagnetic interference. This makes the cable heavier, more expensive, and more difficult to install. You must factor additional material costs and time for installation into the budget and timeline of the project.
Learn more about UTP, STP, and other cabling terminology in our blog, Low Voltage Terms for Dummies.
Misc. Factors
There are a variety of other aspects that vary from country to country. Project managers must be familiar with building codes, seismic bracing standards, and local regulations to ensure a smooth project completion.
Exchange rates, VAT, cable types, time zones, and building codes are elements every company must juggle when doing work across the globe. So what makes ASD® uniquely qualified to handle international projects? What sets us apart from everyone else?
Our biggest differentiator is the AASDI network (Authorized ASD Installers, pronounced “as-dee”). These 12,000 technicians located across the globe allow us to source local talent wherever the project site may be. All AASDI’s are vetted, insured, rated, and licensed, so you know that you’re getting reliable technicians.
There are many advantages to using local techs:
1. Avoid additional costs and complications that would otherwise come from sending an American technician to work on the site. There are no exorbitant travel costs, border issues, or fixed timelines. If a tech has to go back and revisit a site, it’s no big deal. If weather or other factors delay a project, you don’t worry about plane tickets or scheduling nightmares.
2. They handle all labor and materials; this way clients don’t have to worry about paying duties or products getting hung up in customs.
3. There won’t be a language barrier with the onsite contacts. When it’s time to get someone out to the project location, communication is easy.
4. Familiar with local regulations. Our project managers plan and account for varying international codes and regulations, but having a technician who is accustomed to working under those rules helps expedite the process and minimize errors.
Click here to learn more about Cloud Labor.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of using ASD® on all of your workplace technology projects is that you get the same experience across the globe. Our processes are so refined that the same steps apply regardless of location. You get the same red carpet service you're accustomed to even if the project is in the land down under or on an island in the middle of the Pacific.
We’ve currently completed work in over 25 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, and all over Europe. All of the countries ASD® has completed international projects in are colored green on the map below.
Are you a US-based company looking for help with your projects abroad? Whether it’s structured cabling, access control, audio visual, LED, sound masking, paging, or wireless networks, ASD® can help.
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