So you want to buy new radios for use on your TETRA network. You’ll probably have read lots of good advice already, telling you to do this and that if you want to get the ones that are right for you.
But, what about the things you shouldn’t do? When buying new radios, which five things should you stop asking in your Request for Proposals (RFP)?
You’ll no doubt be writing an RFP (or a Request for Quotation, RFQ), describing what you need. And this is where the first don’t comes in.
1. Do not get too techy
Do not get too techy by listing a load of technical details. For one thing, it may not be one of your organisation’s strengths.
2. Do not repeat interoperability requirements
Don’t simply repeat the TETRA interoperability requirements in your RFP. Why not just say the radios should operate with your existing network?
3. Don't list every feature
If you are not sure what requirements you have, don’t overload the RFQ by simply putting in everything you can think of. You don’t need to list every possible feature and few vendors will be able to match this level of functionality anyway.
4. Don't define how the radio should achieve the end result
Simply define what the end result should be. For example, some of your key staff members may need to communicate in two groups. They may need to give instructions to people they are responsible for and report up the line to their own superiors.
So you just need to state that this is the result you want to achieve. You don’t need to say how it will or should be achieved.
5. Do not try to write a radio specification
The bottom line is, don’t try to specify it all – let vendors show you how they will meet your needs and make your choice based on that.
So, now you know what you should stop doing when writing your radio RFQ/RFP. One thing you should do is to read this new eBook "How to be smarter about buying TETRA radios".
