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Vanguard Products Group solved power-alarm security and fixture problems for displaying smart phones at Verizon Wireless stores in record time.

When fixture manufacturer Frank Mayer & Associates informed Verizon of problems with the security feature in fixtures for its electronic displays, the retailer brought in Vanguard. The original security vendor’s device had sent higher-than-needed voltages to the smart phone the fixture was displaying, forcing the batteries in the smart phone to expand and the unit to overheat. Vanguard remedied the problem by replacing the security device with its G-3 system.

Vanguard worked closely with Verizon’s merchandising manager and the representative from Frank Mayer to develop a work-around solution to the fixtures that were already in stores. Vanguard developed a new bracketing system, including a cord reel bracket, card slot bracket, and phone stabilizer bracket.

With experience in power-alarming more than 100 types of cell phones and more than 350 cameras and MP3 devices, Vanguard designed and produced a prototype in less than a week. The solution worked immediately, consistently sending the precise power needed to each device in every fixture and compensating for any voltage loss over the distance from the wire to the unit.

Midway through the development phase, Verizon changed the brand of smart phone it was offering, deciding to display the Motorola Q. The change required installation of a Microsoft operating system card, adaptation of Motorola power couplers (proprietary devices that enable a CE device to remain powered on Vanguard’s G-3 system), retrofit of Frank Mayer’s fixtures, and retailer approval on the new installation guide, design changes, and custom pieces. Despite the setback, more than 2,200 kits were shipped directly to stores after just six weeks.