Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our process, engagements, and technical support.
Getting Started
Do you sign NDAs before proposals? ▾
Absolutely. We sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with clients before any technical design discussions, site audits, or detailed proposals are shared.
How long does an initial consultation take? ▾
An initial consultation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. We discuss your current infrastructure, operational goals, budget boundaries, and timeline expectations.
How do we start an engagement with DCS? ▾
It starts with a free initial discovery call. After defining the project scope, we perform a site survey or data review, deliver a detailed engineering proposal, and begin work once approved.
Pricing & Quotes
What is your typical engagement size? ▾
We support projects ranging from small-scale office network setups to large commercial building automation systems. Our engagements typically range from a few thousand dollars to multi-phase industrial deployments.
Do you bill hourly or project-based? ▾
We offer both models depending on project clarity. Well-defined deployments are billed as fixed-price milestones. Ongoing support, consulting, or exploratory audits are billed at a competitive hourly rate.
Are there extra costs for site visits outside Montreal? ▾
We service the greater Montreal area with zero travel fees. For remote locations or other regions, standard travel expenses are calculated transparently and approved beforehand as a line item.
Process & Timelines
How do you manage project timelines and updates? ▾
Every project is assigned an engineering lead. We provide weekly status reports, manage deadlines using clear milestones, and host progress reviews at critical integration checkpoints.
Can you work with our existing software and hardware? ▾
Yes. We specialize in open protocols and standard integration interfaces. We perform a thorough audit of your current assets to salvage and integrate them where technically feasible.
Do you supply the hardware or should we buy it? ▾
We can procure and configure hardware directly through our distributor relationships. Alternatively, if you have preferred suppliers or corporate purchase channels, we can provide precise hardware specifications for you to buy.
Support & Aftercare
What response times do you guarantee for support? ▾
Our standard business support covers email and remote assistance within 24 hours. For critical infrastructure contracts, we offer dedicated Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with 4-hour or 8-hour on-site response options.
Do you offer training or ongoing support after handoff? ▾
Yes. Every project includes operational training for your team and complete build documentation. We also offer monthly support packages to cover updates, patches, and minor adjustments.
How are hardware warranties and failures handled? ▾
All hardware components carry their respective manufacturer warranties. In the event of a failure, we manage the diagnostic and Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process on your behalf to minimize downtime.