When workplace tech is mission-critical, choosing the right partner is more than a procurement process. It’s a business strategy.
That’s why the questions you ask up front matter. They set the tone for whether you’re working with a vendor who wants to check the boxes or a partner who’s in it with you every day...for the long haul.
Here are 10 questions designed to help you identify a workplace technology partner you can trust.
Every organization has its quirks, whether it’s regulatory requirements, culture, pace of change, or something else. A partner who has been in the trenches with companies like yours will grasp those nuances more quickly and save you time.
Pro tip: Listen for stories that sound like your world. The best examples will feel familiar and like they could have come from your own environment.
Related Reading: Check out our case studies to find examples of our work
You’ve already made big investments in platforms like Microsoft, Webex or Zoom. So, the last thing you need is a “new system” that doesn’t fit in. A good partner should start by meeting you where you are.
What to listen for: Do they talk APIs, workflows, and security? Or do they gloss over integration details with “we’ll make it work”?
Quick example: If you’re a Microsoft shop, look for how they’ve made Teams Rooms work seamlessly with existing systems.
Sometimes you don’t have six months to roll out a solution. A strong partner has a playbook for moving quickly without cutting corners.
“Why do we all return to our favorite coffee shop every morning? Because we know the coffee we get is reliable. It's predictable. It's exactly what we expect every single time. Now imagine if AV could feel the same way. Predictable. Reliable. Clear. Even fast! That's exactly what FORTÉ is providing with our Velocity meeting room solutions.” - Zach Valigura, VP, Integration & Delivery
If you have more than one office (and especially if you have dozens or hundreds), consistency is crucial. You need to know that a partner can scale with you and maintain a uniform experience.
What to listen for: Real examples of coordinating across regions, managing local partners, or keeping standards intact.
Related reading: Global Retailer Invites FORTÉ to Scale Upgrades
Speed is exciting, but predictability is what lets you sleep at night. The best partners don’t just promise quick wins; they deliver reliable outcomes. Again and again.
Pro tip: Ask how they define and measure success across projects. Consistency is only possible when standards are in place.
Related reading: Predictability Over Perfection: Why IT Leaders Are Rethinking What “Good” Looks Like
Launch day isn’t the finish line. The right partner should explain how they’ll keep your workplace tech reliable over time, from monitoring and maintenance to refresh planning and user support.
What to listen for: Coverage that goes beyond break/fix to include proactive monitoring, clear service levels, lifecycle planning, and more.
Related reading: Your AV Tools are Modern – Your Support Model Should Be, Too
Nobody wants to be the IT leader whose AV rollout created a security gap. The right partner will treat your network with the same care you do.
What to listen for: Alignment with your IT security policies, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Workplace tech doesn’t live in a silo. HR cares about experience, facilities care about space, real estate cares about long-term planning. A great partner brings those groups to the table.
“Transforming the modern workplace requires more than just great technology; it requires partnership. At FORTE, we believe true collaboration happens when IT leaders join forces with HR, facilities, and corporate communications to design solutions that fit the way people actually work. By bringing all stakeholders to the table, we create robust, scalable plans and tech solutions that don’t just connect devices but connect people. That’s how we build workplace experiences that are intuitive, inclusive, and built to last.” — Keith Yandell, SVP of Innovation, FORTÉ
It feels like AI is everywhere right now, but IT leaders know shiny objects can quickly become headaches. A strategic partner will help you prepare for the future while protecting what’s working today.
As Jason Roberts, FORTÉ’s Vice President of Workplace Strategy, put it: “AI is going to be embedded across the workplace… but organizations that succeed won’t chase every trend. They’ll align technology with a purpose.”
What to listen for: Roadmaps that emphasize readiness, not hype.
Buying AV or workplace tech isn’t about checking a box. It’s about finding a vendor that can adapt with you, anticipate change, and support your strategy over time. A true partner grows with your organization, rather than walking away after installation.
What to listen for: Evidence of multi-year relationships, stories of evolving alongside clients’ needs, and examples where the partner acted as a strategic advisor rather than a vendor.
Related reading: Strand Associates Replaced Aging AV with Crystal LED Wall and Ongoing Service Partnership
At FORTÉ, we believe in building partnerships that last. That means delivering speed when you need it, predictability when it matters most, and support that helps you stay ready for whatever comes next.
If that’s the kind of partnership you’re looking for, let’s start a conversation.