American Communications’ Security System Test and Repair Lab in Irving, Texas. The lab repairs a wide variety of security products at a small percentage of replacement cost. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN COMMUNICATIONS

In the past, being environmentally responsible could mean spending more money, but with a unique program from American Communications, Irving, Texas, that is not the case. American Communications offers progressive companies new, easy ways to both save money and allow for a sustainable future — getting the best of both worlds.

Integrators can’t always take care of the recycling old legacy equipment torn out during an installation, but with a relationship with American Communications, that is taken care of, becoming as simple as filling a box. Here’s how it works: American Communications pays for a container box to be dropped off at a participating company’s location. The company fills it with surplus and decommissioned security equipment. The company calls when the container is full for a free pick-up. American Communications then sends another box. 

Convergint Technologies, Schaumburg, Ill., has done recycling with American Communications in addition to recycling internally through its own corporate Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Policy. Convergint is currently working on developing a national program with American Communications that is currently being piloted out of Convergint’s Dallas office. 

“This developing relationship with American Communications is a complimentary component to our own corporate green initiative,” said Matt Barkley, productmanager, Convergint. “During large installs, we saw a lot of equipment going into dumpsters and knew there had to be a better way to make sure we are all good stewards as part of this transactional process. The program opens up conversations with large strategic accounts that are interested in what helps them be better stewards as well. The details this program provides for reusing, recycling, and refurbishing make it easier for them to consider making an investment. The companies know they are getting maximum value out of a system, and they are also doing the right thing when the equipment is pulled out. There is a unique value-add the program brings us,” said Barkley.

In budget-constrained markets, American Communication’s program has strong appeal economically as well as environmentally from end users and integrators alike.

“We always focus on minimizing the overall cost of ownership and extending the life cycle of assets — keeping products usable for as long as is practical. Even when a product loses its value for one company, that doesn’t mean it can’t fill a need and be perfectly suited for another company. The customer has lower cost of ownership over the life of product through our repair program, companies aren’t putting anything in a landfill, and those individuals can sleep better at night knowing they are doing the right thing,” explained Gordon Smith, chief operating officer, American Communications.

American Communications provides multiple ways to participate.

• Trade-in: Integrators can include an offer in new equipment bids to buy back old equipment. American Communications provides cash or credit for any unwanted equipment.

• New surplus equipment: Integrators can purchase new in-the-box equipment at a fraction of the cost with a one-year warranty.

• Refurbished equipment: Integrators can often cut maintenance contract costs in half by replacing inoperable equipment with refurbished equipment. Products are tested in American Communications’ modern repair lab and come with a one-year warranty.

• Repair of current equipment: Integrators can offer customers the option to repair broken equipment. American Communications’ technicians service more than 25,000 SKUs from 100 manufacturers with a 96 percent yield rate. Plus, integrators save an average of 50 percent off traditional manufacturer services and get equipment back fast.

“We work to help companies find creative approaches to being good stewards of natural resources, while preserving budgets. There’s no better way to conserve resources than to repair products or let someone else use what you would otherwise toss. If it can’t be used, we’ll recycle the product for raw materials,” Gordon said.

The company follows a zero-landfill mandate. That means any equipment that cannot be reused is recycled for raw materials or environmentally scrapped. Period. Either way, companies have the opportunity to be environmentally conscious and help tackle some very real problems. Total e-waste generated in the world is estimated between 20-50 million tons, with the United States accounting for more than 3 million tons. E-waste shows a higher growth rate than any other category of municipal waste, making enough waste to occupy more than 60 landfills in the United States alone. And the problem is mounting.

American Communications is offering fresh options for sustainable growth in the security equipment arena. What will be your company’s legacy? Be an agent for change.  Please join the companies of the future in responsible consumerism. 

Founded in 2001, American Communications is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif., with sales and technical operations in Dallas. It also has a Latin American headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan. During the past decade American Communications has been an innovator in providing cost-effective equipment solutions to the telecom industry. Now its security division leads the way in offering the same equipment expertise to this market segment.

For information, visit http://www.go-ac.com/ .