FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Homepage: www.artzat.com

What are your areas of expertise?

Our professional experience includes several overlapping fields: industrial equipment & controls, computerized devices & equipment, and related manufacturing & construction. This expertise includes the commercial wrappers that transform technology into business.

What is the best way to contact Artzat Consulting?

A brief email or phone call describing your situation is the smoothest way to get a prompt response. Be sure to include your contact information. Check the Contacts page for email and phone info.

How can you consult in such diverse situations?

Engineering and operations consulting often focuses on specific details common to widely varying circumstances. Therefore, a consultant with diverse experience can accommodate many situations that include fields in which he practices. A fictitious example might involve an industrial automation system within a printing press. Although the consultant isn't expert in printing equipment, he can be useful in regard to the computer control system that is independent of the actual printing technology.

What distinguishes Artzat Consulting from similar firms?

Artzat Consulting works closely with a small client base, providing fast and personal service when it's most needed. Clients are often pleasantly surprised by our performance, especially after disappointments from less reliable consultants. For Intellectual Property, we're already familiar with Daubert, Graham, and Markman. We focus on completing a project rather than simply "working on it."  Our references are solid, and our reputation is untarnished. And we're always anxious to discuss your needs, even if our only service is to recommend a more appropriate consultant. 

What is your consulting experience?

My consulting career began with the founding of Dataran in 1980, and continued after Dataran was acquired in 1988. My subsequent executive career enhanced my consulting capability, while my ongoing consulting work strengthened my value to the public company. This dual career was further enriched by teaching at university, resulting in a unique mix of industry, consulting, and academic experience that reflects 30+ years of diverse professional performance.

How do we get started?

Following initial contact, we'll review your situation to 1) make certain there's a good fit, 2) estimate anticipated time and costs (if possible) and 3) prepare an engagement contract and retainer invoice. Work will commence immediately after the contract and retainer are in place.

What is a "P.E."?

A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) (also referred to as a "Registered Engineer") is someone having the education and experience required to legally offer engineering services to the public. Legal requirements vary slightly among the states, although most offer reciprocity or comity. Most states also require annual continuing education. Arthur Zatarain is registered as an Electrical Engineer in Louisiana, Alabama, California, and Alaska, and also as a Control Systems Engineer in Louisiana. Artzat Consulting is a licensed engineering firm in Louisiana. Note that registration in any particular state is not usually required when providing expert consulting services unless the matter pertains specifically to aspects of that state's professional registration. 

Can you be retained on contingency?

No. All consulting services are provided by the hour, with a pre-paid retainer to cover anticipated charges. This is done for the usual commercial concerns as well as to protect the validity and sincerity of the consultant's opinions which are never tied to the outcome of any reports or proceedings.

Is an engagement contract required?

Yes. It is not complicated, but the contract does outline the specific commercial and technical responsibilities of both the client and the consultant. Also, some work in California requires an additional disclosure document to outline the technical and commercial responsibilities for each specific project.

Can you prepare patents and/or represent me at the Patent Office?

No. Artzat Consulting's role is to support patent attorneys and agents in regard to a patent's underlying technology. In patent parlance, I am "skilled in the art" of industrial controls, computers, automation, and electrical/electronic engineering. If required, I can refer potential clients to a suitable professional for patent preparation, prosecution, and defense. 

Is expert witness work privileged?

The work performed  by a testifying expert witness is usually subject to discovery during litigation. Therefore, all communication with a client (that is not otherwise protected) can be seen by any authorized party. However, such disclosure applies only to consulting provided as a testifying expert witness. Any work performed outside of a legal setting, or as an investigative expert, can usually remain confidential.

Are your services limited to engineering technology?

Although technology is usually involved, we can assist clients with commercial and management aspects of a product or business. We can help an investor evaluate a company's technology in terms of engineering, operations, manufacturing, marketing, and migration to newer technologies and processes. And we can help negotiate those contracts that are waiting on the table as well as those which have fallen apart. We are fluent in the language of Industry. And, more importantly, we speak it in plain English.

What is Computer Forensics?

Computer Forensics is the art and science of retrieving, validating, and analyzing information related to a computerized device. Artzat Consulting has certified training, software, and equipment to properly handle electronic data according to accepted forensic practices. These resources are important for situations involving computer damage, fraud, misuse, and data recovery, and are also useful for any matter involving computerized information. However, Artzat Consulting does not offer "first responder" or "data mining" services which are more efficiently provided by firms with specialized equipment. 

 

 

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  October 02, 2009