Southwest Microwave’s Technical Trio Delivers Superior Customer Service
Applications Group Solves Problems, Designs Systems, Provides Field Training

Southwest Microwave does so much more than sell security equipment and systems for military, government and industrial applications. Rather, the company provides comprehensive solutions to address clients’ complex security needs—offering everything from small-scale systems integration to complete system design.

Instrumental to Southwest Microwave’s success in offering unsurpassed technical expertise is its 3-person Applications Group, made up of Technical Sales Representatives Tom Gibbons, Gary Martin and Ramon Barajas. Together, they have nearly 50 years’ combined experience in designing and integrating microwave and perimeter security solutions.

“These guys represent the first and last line of customer support in many cases,” says Bob Kirkaldie, Director of Sales and Marketing for Southwest Microwave.  “As incredible problem-solvers, they are invaluable to Southwest Microwave. Every day, Tom, Gary and Ramon are on the front lines working to make our customer’s facilities more secure, and serving as a tremendous technical resource for our internal personnel.”

From Simple Questions to Full-Scale System Design
The Applications Group’s role is wide-ranging. Gibbons, Martin and Barajas are heavily involved in system planning, a project management function which involves designing complete turn-key security systems for broad-ranging applications. The group also works closely with end-users looking to fortify their facility’s systems by integrating Southwest Microwave products into existing security packages.

“We wear many different hats,” Martin says. “We spend a lot of time answering inquiries, handling requests and problem-solving. On any given day, we explain the capabilities of our equipment, provide quotations, and help customers overcome challenging, site-specific design constraints.”

Luckily, Gibbons, Martin and Barajas enjoy the work, especially when it involves developing security systems from the ground up.  They begin this complex process by conducting a site assessment, either by visiting the facility or reviewing drawings, blueprints or CAD files. This lets them determine the security products most appropriate for the customer’s unique application.

Once the review is complete, the team undertakes the design of the system. This involves recommending the appropriate perimeter intrusion detection technology and in many instances, integrating it with a broad range of peripheral devices such as access control equipment, CCTV surveillance systems and lighting.

“We maintain close communication with the customer throughout this process,” says Gibbons. “It’s critical that we ensure up front that the design being implemented is one that effectively meets their needs.”

Field Training Across the Globe
The technical trio is also part of a team at Southwest Microwave that offers field certification on Southwest Microwave products to integrators, installers and end-users. “Training sessions are very popular because they provide hands-on, interactive instruction to the people who will be installing or using our perimeter security products and management services,” Gibbons says.

For those unable to attend the monthly technical training classes at Southwest Microwave’s headquarters in Tempe, Arizona or the quarterly sessions at their UK-based European offices, Gibbons, Martin and Barajas work with other SMI trainers to conduct technical classes at integrator or end-user facilities worldwide. “On many occasions, we have customers ask us to come to them,” Martin says. “In these cases, we’ll pack up our materials and take our training sessions on the road – could be anywhere from New Mexico to Chile to Russia.”

Barajas is one of the Microwave Sensors class instructors, while Gibbons and Martin are part of the INTREPID™ / MICRONET™ MicroPoint™ Cable training team.

From designing integrated security systems, to solving problems and providing field training worldwide, the Applications Group’s days are never dull. Gibbons, Martin and Barajas love the work they do, saying that it keeps them engaged and challenged. “Developing the systems that secure many of the world’s highest security sites and the range of unusual applications we deal with is what keeps our jobs interesting,” Barajas says.