SIA New Member Profile: fireNspec

fireNspec

fireNspec, a new SIA member company, is an app and mobile, cost-effective and efficient inspection software solution whose dynamic template architecture allows for inspections and reports to be created to meet companies’ requirements while monitoring progress in real time. fireNspec is headquartered in Cypress, Texas, with an additional office in San Rafael, California.

SIA spoke with Mark Popkowski, CEO of Pnewsoft LLC and creator of the fireNspec app, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

SIA: How did you get into the security industry?

Mark Popkowski

Mark Popkowski: I briefly worked for my father, who was the installation manager for Sonitrol Security, during my junior year of high school before going off to the military.

SIA: Tell us the story of your company.

MP: As an integrator, I desired a solution for doing fire alarm inspections efficiently, effectively and affordably. In my search, I discovered that the available products were either very expensive or did not achieve the full solution I sought. It was at that time I decided to look at developing our own, and after much development we introduced our own mobile software solution. Since that time, we rebuilt the application using the latest technologies available, connecting the dots from one point to the next as a full solution. Like many integrators, I started my small business out of my garage hoping someday to grow my company into something great. It’s now been 21 years, and while we are still relatively small, we are a multimillion-dollar company. My philosophy and personal commitment in the development of fireNspec was that everyone should be able to afford the tools in which to grow their company.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

fireNspec app

MP: We provide a real-time, mobile software inspection application managed and monitored by a web panel interface. Using customizable templates, companies can meet any requirement of documentation. Inspectors can follow these templates and provide real-time feedback as the inspection progresses.

Our solution allows information to be entered one time. Information can then push back and forth with the use of an API into customer relationship management software programs. The philosophy is to only do things once! Created by an integrator for the integrator.

What’s something we might not know about your company – or something new you’re doing in security?

MP: Don’t let fireNspec fool you. Originally the software application was meant to meet fire inspection requirements, including emergency lighting, fire alarm, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Because of fireNspec’s flexible architecture, inspections and installations of any kind can be documented and stored electronically. Systems of any type, access control, CCTV surveillance and security systems can be recorded with increased ease, accountability and efficiency.

SIA: What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

MP: Using the same philosophy when I began in this industry: taking care of the customer, which is now my fellow integrators. I want to grow with each company and help solve those problems we all come against. Make our technicians accountable. Make our companies succeed! Your feedback, negative or positive, helps to create the best mobile application available. I plan on remaining proactive and innovative as fireNspec continues to grow and integrator needs change and grow. As a company, our goal is to create tools that make everyone better!

SIA: What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

MP: As technology continues to grow, software integration is an integral part. Processors are becoming smaller and smaller. Analytics and predictive behavior algorithms will create for smarter security.  

SIA: What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long terms?

MP: The electronics will continue to become smaller, cheaper and more powerful. The software that drives these technologies will continue to advance exponentially. Devices in the security industry will continue to become smarter.

SIA: What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

MP: Continue to be proactive. If you don’t keep up with the technology, someone else will. Stay innovative and keep an open mind. Embrace current and future technologies.

SIA: What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

MP: I think I have a unique perspective regarding the industry. I can look at the industry from both the integrator and manufacturer sides.

SIA: What do you enjoy most about your role?

MP: I like being able to solve problems and create innovative ways to address these issues. I’m looking not to Band-Aid an issue but to resolve it now and tomorrow.

Learn more about fireNspec.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).