As we have been already using the EDWARDS fire detection systems since I started working at Akiş Boya, I actually do not know whether we had any hesitations before purchasing them. When we compare them with the systems that we have seen before in terms of product quality and service, I do not think we had any hesitations. If I start working at a different company than Akiş Boya, I would always prefer the products of EEC.
Certification is the most useful property of EDWARDS and this increases its reliability. When we think of installing new systems, we always seek approval because Carboline, on behalf of which we distribute and manufacture products with a patent, comes to inspect us during the year. As we explain these systems to them and show the certifications (certifications are global), they do not ask for more approvals. If a company is UL or FM or other firm-approved, they view it as sufficient. It provides assurance, and also insurance companies find such certifications sufficient.
The system is addressable and upgradable, which are the other properties that I like. We are obliged to continuously add something to the factory, bring new systems, create a new warehouse or install the fire detection system at a new location. When we are continuously growing and introducing different systems, the ability to connect them directly to the fire detection system is a huge benefit for us. I never think "we are building this new location, but our fire detection system will not be sufficient and we will have to install a new system here ". We directly connect it to the system of EEC and continue in this way. From time to time, we receive new quotations for new systems from EEC. In fact, we have recently worked on gas detection, and we have connected it to our fire detection system. Even if the gas detection system is a different brand, it can be monitored by our fire detection system.
We generally recommend EEC. When another company requests a reference, we recommend EEC. I would recommend EEC personally, but the only disadvantage is that the prices are slightly high, and the USD- Euro exchange rates are going up. As you know, total costs in TRY are important for us, and the fact that the maintenance and material prices are increasing suddenly affects us negatively. I think this is the biggest problem for the companies doing business in Turkey.
In industrial paint production, the amount of solvents and dust in the environment are quite high. When we remove our fire detectors for cleaning purposes, we see that too much dust has accumulated inside. Still, we are happy to see that the systems are operating. We say: "It still works anyway". As we manufacture products, even if our ventilation systems and fire explosion covers are open, too much dust, smoke and fog may occur in the environment. The fact that the fire detection system works even in this environment is a big benefit for both us and for our products. We are not like a shopping or business center, we have to work under tough conditions.
Frankly, as a customer, I always want the products to be of high quality and cheap in terms of price /quality performance. The products of EEC are definitely high quality, but in terms of price, I think they should be slightly cheaper. Of course, this is my opinion as a customer, and you have to take it from your own point of view.
In general, we do not have any problems reaching the technical service in case of emergencies. Phones must be left or turned off at the entrance of chemical facilities, but Mr. Hasan, who is responsible for Bursa and the surrounding cities, always gets back to us. As Mr. Hasan is responsible for multiple cities, I think he is obliged to deal with all service and commissioning burdens, which slows down the operations. EEC is truly expanding. As the systems installed by it are continuously increasing, I think that the number of technical service staff should be increased in Bursa and other surrounding cities.
We are generally aware of the other systems installed by EEC, and we even have product catalogues. We look at the systems in this way: a card access system or a fire detection system. We consider which one of them is more important for us. Fire detection system is much more important for a chemical facility than a card access system. At this point, we look at the price-quality balance. We choose to obtain the card access system from another company in Bursa offering this service cheaper for us. This is our opinion, and that is why we have not asked assistance from you regarding the other systems.
As the fire detection systems at Oyak Renault were installed by EEC in 1995, I was not involved in the initial purchasing stage, but I was involved in the purchasing of additional products.
The most useful property of the system for me is my peace of mind. I know that when a fire breaks out, the detector will identify it. I am sure the system is working because regular checks are done. When I receive a question such as “Is the system working?”, I can answer: Yes, "our system is working.". It is regularly checked and works excellently even in case of the slightest incident. It has certifications.
Other useful properties are agility, effectiveness and reliability. For example, there was a fire that broke out in the kitchen the other day. At first, an alarm was triggered by a smoke detector. We thought “Maybe the system detected steam.” Then the detectors 1. 2. 3 and 4 were also activated, confirming the situation within 1 to 2 seconds. We concluded in a very short time without any hesitation that there was a real fire there.
We are and will be always recommending both the services and the products of EEC. We receive negative feedback from the companies to which we recommend you, such as "the prices are high." I recommend EEC because this system stands out with its reliability for me.
We are very pleased to be able to reach EEC easily. Whenever we call you, we receive an instant response. It is an advantage for us that you have staff close to us in Bursa and he can come whenever we need him.
The properties of the products are sufficient to meet our expectations and needs. In terms of detection, we select products depending upon the area, such as a beam detector if we cannot do it with a smoke detector, and VESDA if it is not possible with the smoke detector. EEC is supporting us on this matter. For example, we needed a solvent detector for the dyeing plant. There was too much density in one section of the room, less density in the other section. Finally, we decided to use VESDA. VESDA can be divided into two sections. One section is more sensitive, while the other section is less sensitive. EEC provides us with support and guidance on this matter.
We did not have any problems with EEC in terms of lead time or the approach and communication of the sales staff. Our sales manager visits us continuously. We are able to reach the technical service staff whenever we need them. When we call them day or night, they always get back to us. Whenever I called the technical service staff, they responded to me immediately.
